Airline awarded three honors including coveted "Reader's Choice".
NEW YORK – Qatar Airways, the world’s five-star airline, won three honors, including a top Readers’ Choice award in SAVEUR Magazine annual Culinary Travel Awards.
Winners of the Culinary Travel Awards, one of the industry’s premier recognition events, were announced on September 8th and represent “the world’s best cities, markets, restaurants, bars, hotels, airlines, and other experiences.“
Qatar Airways, the World’s 5-Star Airline, collected three honors in three categories:
– Readers’ Choice: Airport Lounge for Qatar Airways at London Heathrow Airport
– Notable Airport Lounge for Qatar Airways Premium Terminal, Doha International Airport
– Notable In-Flight Dining (First & Business Class)
“At Qatar Airways, we are always seeking new ways to exceed expectations and provide unforgettable passenger experiences, both onboard our aircraft, in our Premium Lounges around the world, and at our home base in the new state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “It is an honor to be recognized for the work we do, providing our customers with an unmatched level of luxury and comfort while they travel.“
Both of Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounges were recognized in the Best Airport Lounge category. The airline’s lounge at London Heathrow is one of the most highly regarded in the world. It appeals to SAVEUR readers with features like a gourmet restaurant with an open theater-style kitchen, a delicatessen with organic and international lighter fare, luxurious private showers, and a business center with WiFi, PCs, and printers.
The airline’s new ground-breaking premium traveler lounge was unveiled just last month at Hamad International Airport and is already garnering widespread praise. Named the Al Mourjan Business Lounge, it occupies a space the size of 10 Olympic-sized pools and can accommodate up to 1,000 people.
“We never compromise on quality and the new Al Mourjan Business Lounge is proof of this,” said Mr. Al Baker. “From the many dining options, the workstations, the family spaces, the games rooms, and the private quiet rooms, we have set a new standard for luxury and comfort in an airport lounge.“
Qatar Airways was also recognized for its service in the sky. Besides offering fully lie-flat seats with built in back massagers, and more than 1,000 forms of entertainment through the 17″ personal touch-screen TVs, the airline provides one of the best dining experiences available at 30,000 feet. The First and Business Class menus are designed by an all-star roster of celebrity chefs from around the world: Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Vineet Bhatia, and Ramzi Choueiri, who have a combined five Michelin Stars between them. And the airline works with a certified Master of Wine, James Cluer, who selects the vintages they serve onboard specifically to be tasted at altitude.
“Qatar Airways has always been committed to combining cutting edge aviation technology with services and amenities that harken back to the golden age of luxury travel,” said Mr. Al Baker. “We are grateful to the readers and editors of Saveur for recognizing all the work we do to make flying with us a five-star experience.“
Qatar Airways has won multiple awards for its superior service since launching in 1994. The airline was named World’s Best Business Class, Best Middle East Airline, and Best Business Class Lounge at the recent Skytrax Awards 2014. It also won Best Business Class and Best Airline for International Travel at the 2014 Business Travel Awards and has previously been named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, Air Transport News, and Business Aviation.
Qatar Duty Free launches Chocology – Unique Godiva chocolate counter at Hamad International Airport
Qatar Duty Free has opened a new chocolate concept, Chocology, featuring handmade luxury confectionary from premium Belgian chocolatier, Godiva, at Hamad International Airport.
This innovative new Chocology counter offers travellers a unique and memorable chocolate experience, raising the bar in confectionery retailing. Travellers discovering the exclusive premium chocolate area are invited by Godiva to engage all of their senses in a unique world of chocolate discovery.
Chocology combines the very best that Godiva has to offer worldwide. With exclusive products and an element of theatre, Chocology offers travellers an entirely new chocolate experience, with the guidance of its professional chocolatiers. Trained in Brussels before the opening of the counter by Godiva’s Chief Chocolatier, their 24/7 presence at the counter offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for passengers to purchase delectable treats, savoury biscuits and creative decorations, freshly made all day long.
With five sections, Chocology is sure to address the needs of every traveller looking for a special taste experience. The freshly made in-store section offers a selection of seasonal treats dipped in chocolate and uniquely decorated. Fine delicate Belgian biscuits are offered in exclusive tin boxes, ensuring that the freshest biscuits are available, making them an ideal gift for loved ones back at home.
Meanwhile, the main chocolate case hosts a wide range of exquisite chocolates and truffles, including three unique chocolate creations made exclusively for Chocology. For those looking for refreshment in the airport, the world-reputed Godiva Chocolixir drink is also available. Offered in hot and cold versions, there are six indulgent varieties to choose from, ensuring every taste is catered for.
Customers looking for a special gift to take home need look no further than the Chocology luxurious gifting section. Exclusive gift boxes, designed in an eye-catching peacock blue colour, offer the perfect Qatar Souvenir. And for those who cannot choose between the exquisite varieties of chocolates, they can choose from a selection that is presented in a stunning chocolate hamper.
“Qatar Duty Free is very pleased to introduce this new chocolate concept that we have created in conjunction with premium luxury chocolatier, Godiva,” said Senior Vice President of Qatar Duty Free, Keith Hunter. “We are delighted to offer travellers passing through Hamad International Airport the opportunity to indulge in one-off premium experiences such as Chocology, our chocolate concept that will engage their senses and provide them with a unique range of gift options.”
“We are very proud to be chosen as preferred partner by QDF to realise their new retail concept for HIA,” said Godiva General Manager Global Travel Retail, Christoph Neusser.
“Not only is it a great opportunity to introduce travellers to the entire world of Godiva, the close collaboration led to the development of several unique chocolate creations and exclusive gift boxes. A dedicated team of chefs, designers and marketers worked hard on bringing this extraordinary chocolate experience to life. It is very exciting to see that the first results are very positive and outperforming our expectations.”
Godiva is one of the more than 30 food and beverage outlets available from Qatar Duty Free at Hamad International Airport. Set over an area of 15,000 square metres and combined with a further 70 retail outlets over 25,000 square metres, the 100 plus outlets ensure that QDF provides something for everyone passing through HIA.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
