17 February 2004
Doha: Qatar Airways yesterday unveiled a novel way to promote its latest destination, Cebu, by bringing to Doha the famous Jeepney, one of the best known features in the Philippines.
Qatar Airways added Cebu as its second destination in the Philippines after Manila from December 11, making it the 48th destination to be served by the national carrier.
"The famous Jeepney will become an eye-catching attraction on the roads of Doha during the next few weeks as Qatar Airways uses the colourful taxi to promote Cebu throughout the Gulf", said Russell J Pinto, Qatar Airways Senior Sales Executive at a ceremony that was held at the Philippine Embassy to unveil the unique car.
Also present at the function were D Ibrahim Tanandato, Responsible for Administration and Attache at the Embassy and Antoun Abou Jaoude, Marketing Manager of KFC and Hardee's and Salam Al Shawa, Qatar Airways Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications.
He said the jeepney will tour Qatar and will also be used in various promotions, school visits and hospitals, before touring the rest of the Gulf for the next ten months having already toured the UAE as part of the Gulf road show.
"Bringing the Jeepney all the way from the Philippines and customising it for a ten-month long road show is our way of acknowledging the contribution of the region's Filipino community to Qatar's and Gulf's economy and lifestyle", he said.
"Qatar Airways began flying to Cebu in December last year attracted both by the business and tourism potential of the region. Now, we want the whole world to know how beautiful Cebu really is and how they can visit it in comfort with us". He hoped that the constant reminder of Cebu and the Philippines on Qatar roads would help promote the Far East nation to potential Gulf travellers.
Qatar Airways has purchased and customised the Jeepney, a traditional taxi and mass transportation vehicle on the streets of the Philippines, which was painted in the carrier's colours.
Pinto also said that as part of the Jeepney promotion campaign, which will also be used by KFC and Hardee's outlets in town, a series of prizes will be offered, where participants will have the chance to win a ticket to Cebu in a series of five weekly draws.
Antoun Abou Jaoude, KFC and Hardee's Marketing Manager noted that every customer at one of their outlets will have a chance to take a ride on the Jeepney by buying any of the super meals either at KFC or Hardee's outlets.
Doha: Qatar Airways yesterday unveiled a novel way to promote its latest destination, Cebu, by bringing to Doha the famous Jeepney, one of the best known features in the Philippines.
Qatar Airways added Cebu as its second destination in the Philippines after Manila from December 11, making it the 48th destination to be served by the national carrier.
"The famous Jeepney will become an eye-catching attraction on the roads of Doha during the next few weeks as Qatar Airways uses the colourful taxi to promote Cebu throughout the Gulf", said Russell J Pinto, Qatar Airways Senior Sales Executive at a ceremony that was held at the Philippine Embassy to unveil the unique car.
Also present at the function were D Ibrahim Tanandato, Responsible for Administration and Attache at the Embassy and Antoun Abou Jaoude, Marketing Manager of KFC and Hardee's and Salam Al Shawa, Qatar Airways Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications.
He said the jeepney will tour Qatar and will also be used in various promotions, school visits and hospitals, before touring the rest of the Gulf for the next ten months having already toured the UAE as part of the Gulf road show.
"Bringing the Jeepney all the way from the Philippines and customising it for a ten-month long road show is our way of acknowledging the contribution of the region's Filipino community to Qatar's and Gulf's economy and lifestyle", he said.
"Qatar Airways began flying to Cebu in December last year attracted both by the business and tourism potential of the region. Now, we want the whole world to know how beautiful Cebu really is and how they can visit it in comfort with us". He hoped that the constant reminder of Cebu and the Philippines on Qatar roads would help promote the Far East nation to potential Gulf travellers.
Qatar Airways has purchased and customised the Jeepney, a traditional taxi and mass transportation vehicle on the streets of the Philippines, which was painted in the carrier's colours.
Pinto also said that as part of the Jeepney promotion campaign, which will also be used by KFC and Hardee's outlets in town, a series of prizes will be offered, where participants will have the chance to win a ticket to Cebu in a series of five weekly draws.
Antoun Abou Jaoude, KFC and Hardee's Marketing Manager noted that every customer at one of their outlets will have a chance to take a ride on the Jeepney by buying any of the super meals either at KFC or Hardee's outlets.
© The Peninsula 2004
