Qatar works with Accor to provide accommodation for World Cup fans

Qatar has signed an agreement with hospitality group Accor to manage existing residential apartments and villas to house football fans from around the world to visit next year's World Cup. 

The Western Asian country's supreme committee for delivery and legacy said it had signed an agreement with Accor to provide personnel to operate and provide services, including the front office for check-in and check-out, operational supplies and equipment as well as housekeeping services. 

In a Reuters report, Accor will provide staff to manage and operate more than 60,000 rooms in apartments and villas scattered across the country. 

The World Cup hosting country also said the agreement will make use of its full real estate portfolio, illustrating Qatar’s commitment to sustainability. "By making full use of existing residential apartments and villas in Qatar, we can offer visitors a range of affordable and comfortable options; while also ensuring we have a sustainable hotel market that does not leave Qatar with excess permanent hotel rooms post-2022," said Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of supreme committee for delivery and legacy. 

“The signing represents a significant step in our promise to deliver a wide range of affordable and exciting options to visitors traveling to Qatar. This agreement will enhance the overall experience for every visitor staying in the country and ensure that everyone receives the memorable, hospitable welcome for which Qatar and the Arab world is renowned," said Yasir Al Jamal, chairman of the supreme committee for delivery and legacy's operations office. 

According to the same report, next year's world cup is expected to attract 1.2 million visitors to Qatar during the 28-day starting in November 2022. However, data published in August by the Qatar National Tourism Authority unveiled that Qatar has about 29,700 hotel rooms in operation, although the number of hotel rooms is increasing driven by the upcoming World Cup. 

Meanwhile, former footballer David Beckham will reportedly sign a deal to be the face of the Qatar World Cup in 2022. He flew to the country for a US$277 million ten-year deal despite the fact that Qatar has been widely criticised for its human rights record, with discrimination against women and homosexuals frequently reported.

Beckham consulted with his wife before agreeing the deal. He was assured that fans would be allowed to display rainbow flags in stadiums during next year's world cup. 

(Photo Courtesy: 123rf)

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