JEDDAH, 2 November 2004 — The Philippine’s most popular jeepney, a rugged-looking but an economical means of public transport, is now on display at the Jeddah’s Corniche Commercial Center in Balad.
The Filipino workers and their family will now have the chance for a glimpse of this trendy looking passenger jeepney, popularly known among Filipinos as Manila’s ‘king of the road’.
Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla was invited to cut the ceremonial ribbon, in a simple ceremony attended by sport’s organizer Mohammad Bayoumi and Qatar Airways executives headed by their area manager Ahmed Al Idrissi.
“This is the great way to promote Philippine tourism by showing our popular and decorated public transport jeepney,” said Guinomla.
“Since 9/11, tourists from the Middle East are shifting their travel destinations to the Far East, including Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. That is why this effort of Qatar Airways is of great help to generate more revenues for tourism in our country,” he added.
Guinomla is looking forward to the possibility of exporting these jeepneys in the Middle East as it has already been exported to South African countries, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea.
“Qatar Airways has been transporting Filipinos and tourists to the Philippines and having said that, we are sincere and committed to give what the Filipino needs. We want the passengers complete travel satisfaction, especially this Christmas,” said the area manager Ahmed Al Idrissi.
After a month’s the display in Balad, the jeepney will be transferred and be displayed at Sarawat International Market and Hera Mall where large concentration of OFWs are known to converge.
The jeepney’s next destination will be Kuwait and Lebanon.
Qatar Airways has been instrumental in transporting the jeepney to the Kingdom, as part of their promotional campaign to attract the traveling Filipino customers.
The airline executives are happy to announce that Qatar Airways now fly direct either to Manila or Cebu.
Aside from competitive rates, passengers are also given SR900 in savings by joining their frequent flyer club. For reservations, call 667-9911 ext. 121 or fax 667-5916.
