Qatar is swiftly becoming one of the fastest-growing destinations in tourism. In recent years, the country has made significant strides in the hospitality sector, notably by hosting major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022.

In terms of housekeeping trends, Qatar has seen considerable improvements in standards, largely due to the implementation of the Qatar Clean program. This initiative, introduced by Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Public Health, establishes rigorous protocols for hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring strict sterilisation and disinfection practices in hotels nationwide.

This year, it has become evident that travellers are prioritising cleanliness and hygiene over decorative elements like floral arrangements or towel art. Guests now favour accommodations that uphold high hygienic standards.

In Qatar, housekeeping teams are increasingly dedicated to meeting guest expectations by ensuring rooms and public areas are clinically clean. The trend in cleaning products is moving towards the use of clinically approved or organic, non-toxic agents. Overall, housekeeping standards in Qatar have significantly improved.

Another key trend in Qatar is a focus on housekeeping sustainability, with many hotels actively engaging in initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental outcomes. Numerous programs have been initiated in Qatar to encourage hotels to adopt sustainable practices, certified by the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC).

The Green Key award stands as a premier standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism sector. It promotes the adoption of sustainable practices by granting Green Key certifications after individual assessments.

Housekeeping software solutions represent one of the most significant trends in housekeeping within Qatar, as many properties are adopting these systems. They enhance guest services and improve overall efficiency, prioritising safety. The software not only saves time but also provides clear instructions to team members for prompt guest service. In today's fast-paced environment, timely responses to customer requests are crucial, and this technology minimises waiting times. Additionally, it allows for monitoring how long it takes for team members to fulfil requests.

Typical features of housekeeping software include the ability to check the status of any room in the hotel and assign tasks, such as cleaning a room, to specific team members. 

This innovation is helping housekeeping to reach new standards of excellence.

In conclusion, the evolving trends in housekeeping in Qatar highlight the importance of maintaining clinically clean environments and prioritising sustainability. Numerous individuals and organisations are adapting to these changes, setting measurable cleaning standards and protecting the environment from the negative impacts of harsh chemicals. Additionally, there is a shift towards high-tech housekeeping through the use of software and digitalization.

All these advancements have positively influenced the hospitality industry in Qatar, making it a notable business destination for suppliers and service facilitators.

About the author 

Nidhi Raj is the Executive Housekeeper at Shaza Doha.