Gulf Air’s day packages for the eagerly-awaited Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007 are selling out faster than previous years as regional enthusiasts brace themselves for the Middle East’s only Formula One race.
“With just days to go before the race, we can delightfully say that our day packages are a hit with hundreds of F1 fans across the region, who have no doubt become a part of the international community celebrating Formula One,” says Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave.
“We sold several hundred packages last year and this year the packages are selling very fast all across the region and we have put additional capacity from here especially for the main race day.”
He says 70 percent of the passengers arriving for Sunday’s race are availing the day packages.
The day packages, available from across the region, includes an entrance ticket to watch the race, return economy class airfares from the destinations to Bahrain, meet and greet service at the Bahrain International Airport, coach transfers from airport to Bahrain International Circuit and back, a goodie bag containing cap, ear plugs and a water bottle cooler.
Other packages for the Grand Prix, on April 13, 14 and 15, are also available for travel in business class and watch the race from other vantage points at the circuit. These are exclusive to Gulf Air and it's the only way a person can purchase an all-inclusive package that takes care of everything.
Gulf Air along with Bahrain International Circuit kicked-off a regional road show in January to promote the day packages, which for the first time included Lebanon and Cairo, Egypt.
The tour, the fourth campaign conducted jointly by Gulf Air and BIC since the first Formula 1 in 2004, began in the home of the region’s motor sport, Bahrain and went on to Muscat, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Cairo, Kuwait, Lebanon and Dubai.
“With millions of followers across the globe, Formula 1 is no doubt the most prestigious and sought after motor sport event,” adds Mr Shave.
Gulf Air has extended its title sponsorship for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix until 2010.
As a global event the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix has paid rich dividends in terms of establishing the Kingdom firmly in the sports atlas. And, being the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the title sponsor of the prestigious event, Gulf Air is reiterating its commitment to promote Bahrain as an important tourism and business hub in the region.
Last year's event drew several international race champions, celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and nearly 80,000 spectators from around the world to Bahrain. Gulf Air and BIC are closely working together to ensure that this year’s event, on April 13, 14 and 15, surpasses the success of all previous ones.
The plaudits from the FIA, the teams - especially the drivers - and visiting fans alike is that Bahrain is now a race that ranks high on the list of the F1 calendar.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
