Qatar follows Emirates by offering big fare discounts

The air ticket bargain season from Gulf carriers is in full swing with Qatar Airways’ new heavily discounted fare campaign.

The Doha-based full-service carrier has launched “no ordinary sale”, which its Bangkok office said offers discounts of up to 45% on its normal fares and access to rebates on car rental, hotels and others.

Qatar’s “Travel Festival” promotion emerged soon after Emirates Thailand embarked on a major sales campaign last week that undercuts ticket prices offered by any full-service airlines and lowcost carriers.

Qatar officials insisted its campaign did not follow Emirates’ move and the similar timing of the launch to the rival airline was coincidental.

The size of Qatar’s discounts are similar to those offered by Emirates, which offers a maximum reduction of 47% on normal fares, but Qatar claims its promotion offers more comprehensive perks.

Qatar’s offering is also highlighted by a daily lucky draw, with 150 prizes being given out each day for the length of the campaign.

Prizes i nclude 7 million “Qmiles” over the period, complimentary flights, upgrades to business class, hotel packages, discount shopping vouchers to spend across all Qatar duty-free boutiques, and car rental discounts.

The promotion is available until Sunday at Qatarairways.com/travelfestival or through the airline’s sales agents.

Thousands of people have already taken advantage of the offer to go places in 2016 and 450 people have won prizes to date, Qatar officials said.

Offers are applicable to economy and business class return fares to more than 150 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Americas.

Tickets bought under the campaign are valid for travel between next Tuesday and Dec 15.