DOHA: Qatar Tourism expressed its appreciation for Qatar Airways and Katara Hospitality initiatives offering packages of exclusive discounts to Qatari retirees who hold retirement cards, in appreciation of their dedication and service to the nation for many years.
This initiative falls within the framework of the country's ongoing efforts to care for retirees and improve the services provided to them across all sectors of the country, to secure them a decent life, it said in a statement.
Commenting on the initiatives, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, said, "We are pleased to see that Qatar Airways and Katara Hospitality have already begun launching specialized packages suitable for retirees, as of the beginning of 2024. Qatar Airways created special discounts and packages tailored specifically for retirees, whereas Katara Hospitality included discounts at Katara hotels in Qatar and abroad."
"There is no doubt that these initiatives will contribute to reviving domestic tourism and giving Qatari families the opportunity to benefit from the esteemed services provided by hotels and restaurants owned by Qatari companies, resulting in a positive impact in enhancing the status of the private sector and its role in community participation within the society," he noted.
He added, "We will continue to work with the private sector operating in the hospitality sector to encourage them to provide exclusive benefits and create programs for retirees who have given a lot to our nation in appreciation of their efforts in serving our country for many years."
Director General of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority, Ahmed Ali Al Hammadi, expressed his thanks to Qatar Airways and Katara Hospitality for these valuable initiatives providing exclusive benefits and prices to the Qatari retirees.
He said, "I call on the private sector to contribute to these ongoing efforts to provide the best for retirees."
He added, "Our efforts at the General Retirement and Social Security Authority continue to ensure that Qatari retirees receive benefits and services that ensure the improvement of all aspects of life for them, through cooperation with all institutions operating in Qatar, the most recent of which is Qatar Airways, which recently announced the launch of an exclusive package specifically for retirees."
In 2016, the General Retirement and Social Security Authority launched a programme for exclusive discounts for retirees, which included 70 companies at the time and received a special welcome from the community as it was the first of its kind to provide special benefits and offers for retirees. The program now includes companies from various fields, such as communications, restaurants, hotels, medical services, and various sectors, surmounting more than 400 companies.
The beneficiary of the programme can obtain a discount card by visiting the authority's customer service, through the government services centres in the Al-Wakra or Al-Rayyan branches for elderly services, or the self-service devices where the card is issued immediately.