Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) carried out two inspection campaigns at the motorcycle and four-wheel drive bike rental offices in Sealine. These inspections were carried out to ensure the properties are licensed and committed to applying the provisions of Circular No. (5)/2018, which specifies operating guidelines associated with tourism transport activities, as well as the terms and standards of four-wheel drive bikes, designated for tourists for desert trips.
QNTC launched the inspection campaigns in the beginning of 2021. During the first campaign, 26 rental offices were notified about existing violations, with final warnings issued during the second campaign. Rental offices that continue to violate license and safety conditions will be shut during the third campaign, which started in February.
QNTC is carrying out these inspections in collaboration with the South Security Department, the General Directorate of Traffic, and The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Department of Protection and Wildlife, to improve security and safety during the winter camping season in the Sealine.
Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Berthold Trenkel, Chief Operation Officer at Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) said: “We work closely with all public and private institutions to improve security and safety during the camping season, and to enhance the visitor experience in Qatar. With a strong focus on Service Excellence, QNTC works with owners, helping them comply with requirements and obtain the necessary licenses. With safety and service key, we aim to help vendors protect their investments while preserving the safety of tenants and campers alike”.
Mr. Mohammad Al-Ansari, Director of Tourism Licensing at QNTC, elaborated: “The initiative follows Circular No. (5)/2018, which lays out conditions and regulations for vendors. The licensee must keep periodic maintenance records that include the maintenance history of brake pads, fuel and oil pumps, filters, batteries, and other technical matters related to the safety of passengers and bikes.”
Al-Ansari continued: “Requirements related to the storage of motorbikes and fuel are included in the circular, with motorcycle tracks and the maximum speed allowed clearly stated. Modifications to motorcycles that may affect safety are not allowed, neither are any modifications to the exhaust. These measures help prioritize the safety of renters and campers and prevent environmental pollution.”
The circular outlines further rules, including a stipulation that bike renters must be 16 years of age or older, with younger patrons only allowed to drive suitable bicycles under the supervision of their parents. The licensee must also oblige bikers to wear safety gear, and make sure that the right size of helmets, shoes, and gloves, and protective equipment are being used. Drivers must wear seatbelts in vehicles accommodating more than one passenger.
This inspection campaign focuses on addressing safety concerns regarding motorcycle and four-wheel bike rentals. As head of the tourism sector in the country, and a licensing authority, QNTC focuses on providing safe, secure experiences. With the popularity of camping and associated activities, enforcing regulations is of great importance, helping the sector build offerings and assuage concerns.
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For more information, please contact the QNTC press office:
+974 4499 7882 /+974 3392 4466
pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
About Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC)
Qatar National Tourism Council’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.
QNTC’s work is guided by the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase visitor spending.
Since launching QNTSS, Qatar has welcomed over 14 million visitors. The economic impact of the tourism sector in Qatar is becoming increasingly visible with the government designating tourism in 2017 a priority sector in pursuit of a more diverse economy and more active private sector. www.visitqatar.qa
© Press Release 2021
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