DOHA, Qatar – In the spirit of celebrating the Qatar-China Cultural Year 2016, China’s Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Li Chen, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, commemorated one of China’s most important festivals, Chinese New Year, with a visit to Qatar Duty Free’s traditional Chinese pavilion on 10 February 2016.

Mr. Hany Al Deeb, UnionPay Regional Country Manager, joined H.E. Mr. Li Chen and H.E. Mr. Al Baker on a tour of the ornate Chinese pagoda located in Hamad International Airport (HIA). The pavilion is offering passengers discounts of up to 20 per cent, spending rewards and an array of enticing promotions to mark China’s Year of the Monkey. UnionPay and Qatar Duty Free have also collaborated to offer passengers traditional red envelope retail vouchers worth QR100 for customers who purchase items valued at QR1000 (US $274) and above using a UnionPay payment card.

H.E. Mr. Al Baker, said: “I am honoured to visit Qatar Duty Free’s Chinese Pavilion with His Excellency Mr. Li Chen. Chinese New Year is an important time for families to gather together and enjoy each other’s company. For many families, this means travelling to see their loved ones, to enjoy the traditional New Year’s feasts and special holiday markets. For those travelling, we wanted to bring a taste of this tradition to their actual travel experience, by again building our version of the holiday market, with special products and promotions.”

The traditional red and gold pavilion is a striking centrepiece in HIA, positioned directly behind the famed Lamp Bear, serving as a festive attraction as well as a starting point for bespoke shopping tours designed specifically for Chinese passengers. Chinese language-dedicated Qatar Duty Free staff, fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and other Chinese dialects, are available upon request to lead passengers around HIA showcasing their favourite brands and products.

Passengers will discover an array of specially curated products inside the elaborate Chinese pagoda, which will remain in HIA until mid-March in recognition of the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture. Savings of up to 20 per cent are being offered on Qatar Duty Free fragrances, cosmetics, skincare, confectionery, luxury watches, fine jewellery, and other gift items in the Chinese pavilion. Additional Chinese New Year discounts of up to 10 per cent are also available on brands in selected boutiques in HIA. Passengers can choose from a wide variety of duty free products at amazing prices, including promotions from Tiffany, TAG Heuer, Chopard, and Bulgari. Popular products available within the Chinese pavilion include Godiva chocolates, Prada perfume, La Prairie skin care, Swarovski jewellery, Harrods bags and Marmalade Market gift items.