I’m looking forward to a racing holiday this summer — that’s the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 6.
When Gulf Air’s country manager Bobby Hukom, whom I haven’t seen for quite a while, called for the invite, the F-1 fan in me got really excited. I haven’t seen one up close and personal in, maybe five years or so, though I’ve had my share of it a few times in the past and seldom missed any of its races on TV. Like everyone else, I’ve been overrun by events, work loads, etc., and this is one luxury I would love to give myself, given the work I have immersed myself in these past years. Just hearing the news, and knowing that I am finding the time for it, allows for a beautiful adrenalin rush.
Gulf Air has, in fact, been an important part of the Bahrain Grand Prix in the past. Knowing how formula racing puts any country in the cosmopolitan map, Bahrain knows the immeasurable value this move has on its country. Already, tourism has been boosted tremendously for this small gulf state, and many have discovered the essence of this truly cosmopolitan country.
Bahrain is home to many expats. In fact, if I am not mistaken, they have more expats than locals. In my past trips to Bahrain, I’ve had occasion to interview and casually chat with a cross section of its small populace — from Sheiks to government officials, to taxi drivers and shop keepers. What struck me most was their facility of the English language and how all the taxi drivers and men on the street I have struck a friendly conversation with were very well educated and could discuss everything under the sun, including world politics with foreigners. It was amazing, and actually phenomenal, because this is not a familiar occurrence in most of the Asian countries I have visited.
Gulf Air’s main headquarters is in Bahrain and understandably, if you want to fly to that Gulf State, Gulf Air is the most logical way to fly. But they must have other reasons why the company has been the airline of choice especially when it comes to these parts. They have remained dynamic over the years, never giving way to slack even as they have gained much headway.
In the recent 15th Travel Tour Expo held at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia, all the major suppliers in the travel and tour industry were there as exhibitors - hotels, airlines, resorts, travel agencies and tour operators. (Incidentally, congratulations to PTAA and its president Jojo Clemente for another successful expo.) Gulf Air was there headed by Mr. Richard Hirsch, regional general manager, Asia, and Bobby Hukom, Gulf Air Philippines’ head honcho. Mr. Hirsch informed us that Gulf Air has always been part of the Philippine travel industry since the 80’s and has been quite impressed by the country’s growing economy. He realizes, and gives credit to, the importance of the Filipino overseas worker and how this has substantially contributed to our GDP. The Philippine market, as far as the travel industry is concerned, is a fast growing market. Where before they had daily flights out, they now have a frequency of ten flights a week, testimony to the now very strong Mediterranean network, and most of these travelers are from the Philippines. Gulf Air has been matching the growing demand, not only in increased flight frequency but in innovative approaches to ultimate flying satisfaction as well. Remember their Sky Nannies (a first in flying and a very invaluable service to mothers traveling with babies and toddlers) and their Star Chefs (5-star cuisine and service on board their planes)? Both novel and radical ideas have earned them invaluable points for the travelers and, many suspect, have helped the airline dig in their niches deeper.
According to Gulf Air, ticket sales here have doubled since last year. Unlike before when most of the ticket sales were ex-Philippines, meaning the tickets were bought and paid for outside the country, more of the bookings and actual sales are now done in the Philippines. This of course is preferential for us because the strong demand is for two ends of the route, and it is good for the local economy. Incidentally, Mr. Hirsch tells us that they are likewise looking at the possibility of flights from Clark in the future and are closely coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority in their plans to expand their network.
Business has been good that they have had to deal with some radical rationalization recently. Gulf Air has been traveling regularly in these parts of Asia. Just recently, they realized the need to focus on the markets where they are strongest, which in these parts is actually the Philippines. As a consequence, their regular flights to Malaysia and Thailand have had to give way. Anyway, the Philippine market must really be good because Gulf Air now employs a good number of Filipino flight personnel, to accommodate the growing Filipino market? As they like to say, they are always willing to go the extra mile to be of service.
We were, in fact, curious if the stronger peso and the weaker dollar have not affected the travel industry. Bobby Hukom was quick to point out that the industry has not really been affected by the currency fluctuation. Locally, in fact, more Filipinos can now afford the luxury of travel, given the longer stretch of the Peso. Apparently, the weakening dollar has not discouraged much of the American market either, while the Euro is strong as ever.
Incidentally, another big market of Gulf Air is the Filipino seamen. Actually, the world recognizes the Filipino sea farer as among the best globally. Because of Gulf Air’s connectivity, it can fly the seamen from the Philippines to most other parts of the world, to the Mediterranean, Europe, South Africa, etc.
Anyway, back to the Bahrain Grand Prix. Gulf Air calls this the Safari Grand Prix. As I write this, the top executives of Gulf Air in Bahrain are in the thick of negotiations for the airline to be a part of this prestigious event. They are negotiating to have the Bahrain Grand Prix as a Gulf Air event for the next five years with no less than Bernie Ecclestone, guru of Formula One, in Geneva, Switzerland!
Filipino F-1 fans have a treat in store for them with the coming of the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 6, 2008. Gulf Air has come up with attractive packages for the Safari Grand Prix. My good friend, Bobby says they can arrange for airline tickets, hotel accommodation, transfers, etc. through their travel representatives here. It certainly promises to be a grand and spectacular weekend, on the occasion of the Bahrain Grand Prix come April of this year, and the country shall be at its most festive when the F-1 star drivers rev up their engines at the starting line.
See you there.
Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino.
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