Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) – the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure, host country planning and operations, and legacy projects for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – has signed an agreement with Accor, a leading hospitality group, to manage operations and deliver services to the host country's real estate portfolio through the end of 2022. 

 

The agreement was signed in Doha by Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office, and Vice Chairman, Technical Delivery Office, alongside Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, and Katara Hospitality’s acting CEO Andrew Humphries, in the presence of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Ali Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance and Chairman, Katara Hospitality, and Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General.

 

The agreement will see Accor provide personnel to operate what will be the largest serviced real estate operation in the world, and include front office (check-in/check-out), operational supplies and equipment as well as housekeeping services among others. It will make use of the country’s full real estate portfolio. 

 

Al Thawadi said: “This agreement is another example of how Qatar’s approach is historic – not only in terms of setting the highest delivery standards, but also for legacy planning. By making use of existing residential apartments and villas in Qatar, we can offer visitors affordable and comfortable options; while also ensuring we have a sustainable hotel market that does not leave Qatar with excess hotel rooms post-2022.”

 

Al Jamal added: “Today’s signing represents a significant step in our promise to deliver a range of affordable options to visitors travelling to Qatar.”

 

On the big contract win, Bazin said: “The Accor team is thrilled to have been selected to manage and provide services to Qatar’s real estate portfolio. We share the region’s excitement for the coming year and look forward to welcoming visitors, and ensuring they have a comfortable and memorable stay in the country.”-TradeArabia News Service