Philippines' Jeepney on Gulf roads to promote Qatar Airway's latest destination - CEBU

Dubai has been selected as the kick-off point for the region-wide road show.

Thanks to Doha's national flag carrier, Qatar Airways, the unique vehicle will remind Gulf residents of the many attractions of the Philippines - and particularly of Cebu, the airline's latest destination.

"Bringing the Jeepney all the way from the Philippines and customising it for a 10-month long road show is our way of acknowledging the contribution of the region's Filipino community towards Gulf economies and lifestyles," said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways.

"We went to the Philippines, attracted both by the business and tourism potential of the nation. Now, we want the whole world to know how beautiful Cebu and the rest of the Philippines really is and how they can visit it in comfort with us," Al Baker added.

He hoped that the constant reminder of Cebu and the Philippines on Gulf roads would help promote the Far East nation to potential Gulf travelers and bring a nostalgic whiff of home to the resident Filipino community.

Airline Colours
Qatar airways has purchased and customised one of the Jeepneys, which is a traditional taxi or mass transportation vehicle on the streets of the Philippines. The airline has shipped the vehicle all the way from the Philippines to Dubai, from where the Jeepney will embark on a 10-month long promotion around the GCC.

The vehicle has been branded with Qatar Airways colours and destinations painted all over it. However, the focus is, of course, Cebu and the Philippines.

The Gulf's fastest growing airline, Qatar Airways added Cebu as its second destination in the Philippines after Manila, from December 13 thus making it the 48th global destination to be served by the young airline.

Qatar Airways now provides three flights a week to Cebu in the southern Philippines. One of the airline's Airbus A300-600 leaves Doha on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays arriving in Cebu the following day after a stopover in Singapore. Return flights leave Cebu on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Roving Ambassador
The Jeepney - which can seat up to 12 passengers and is diesel-powered - will be visiting cultural centres and social clubs, community events and travel agents all around the region.

Its journey will begin in Dubai and move on to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi and also the northern emirates and cities of Fujairah, Khorfakkan, Ras Al Khaimah and others. The vehicle will be in the UAE for about a month, moving on to create a stir in the Qatari capital of Doha next.

The airline's promotion of the Philippines also includes an unbeatable offer from Qatar Airways Holidays for three-night package tours to Cebu. These start from QR3,425 per person staying at the four-star Cebu Beach Club and sharing a double-room. The price tag includes return economy flights, hotel accommodation, breakfast, taxes and transfers.