With the Lunar New Year fast approaching, Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has launched a new promotion for shoppers at Doha’s Hamad International Airport to celebrate the incoming Year of the Rooster.
From now until February 7, China Unionpay International cardholders (with a card number beginning with 62) who spend QAR1,500 (US$410) or more on QDF products will invited to enter into a lucky draw. Entrants will be rewarded with a traditional lai see/hong bao (red packet) containing a shopping voucher valued at either QAR100 (US$27.5), QAR150 (US$41) or QAR200 (US$55).
Purchases can be made on fragrances, cosmetics, skincare, confectionary and other gift items in order to qualify to receive the vouchers for QDF retail outlets, which are valid until February 9.
To assist with the promotion, QDF is deploying a team of Mandarin-speaking ambassadors – easily identifiable by their traditional Chinese clothing – who will provide assistance and highlight promotions on offer.
Hamad Airport itself is also being given a Lunar New Year makeover, with traditional adornments appearing throughout the airport. Art pieces inspired by Qatar Airways’ six destinations in China – Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Chongqing and Guangzhou – will appear in the main departures hall and the north and south terminals (the airline added its Airbus A380 to its Guangzhou service in July last year). A large installation comprising 450 lucky waving fortune cats will also be displayed in the main departure hall in front of The Airport Hotel.
“Chinese New Year remains one of the most important holidays in China and QDF recognises the significance of this holiday to its customers,” said QDF’s senior vice president, Luis Gasset.
“Our partnership with Unionpay International is a fantastic opportunity for us to reward our valued guests.”
The promotion with Unionpay follows national carrier Qatar Airways’ introduction last month of Unionpay credit and debit card payment options for tickets and other sales on its website.
Meanwhile back in September, Qatar began implementing a revised tourism visa scheme aimed at promoting the country as a stopover destination by doubling the length of time transit travellers could stay in the country without prior visa application.
