Dubai: The Good Living vouchers that were distributed until last December with the newspaper's subscription package have been integrated into the life of Gulf News subscriber Chander Shekar Bhalla.
Bhalla, a subscriber for the last three years, said that by using the vouchers he has already recovered the cost of subscribing and is now wholeheartedly enjoying the vouchers' benefits.
"Apart from saving money, we were able to entertain our guests more comfortably in an economical manner and most importantly, making a remarkable memory for all of us," said the 41-year-old father of two.
"Thanks to Gulf News and the team for coming up with something remarkable and different that proves a worthy deal, especially during the challenging [global] economic conditions."
The "Good Living" offer includes a set of five books with savings of around Dh150,000 through 3,000 vouchers from over 1,000 associates partnering in this scheme.
However, Bhalla was not initially convinced about the benefits on offer. He thought they might not have been of any value. But once he was presented with the Gulf News Good Living vouchers, his perception completely changed.
Renewal
"The dedicated delivery man Mudasar Ali finally convinced me to renew my subscription, and I am so glad that I listened to him. Now I keep the vouchers in my car so that they are with me wherever I go. I used them within a week as we had guests from India on a visit to UAE."
Bhalla and his family, who live in Abu Dhabi, have used the vouchers when visiting restaurants, spas and also for shopping.
"The best recovery was from a Desert Safari trip through Emirates Adventure where the vouchers offered a buy-one-safari and get the second free. So we bought three and got three more for free, giving me a recovery of Dh540."
He also expressed an interest in the Gulf News Good Living Facebook page, and is recruiting other subscribers to go out for a meal in celebration of the vouchers.
"My wife and I love shopping and we thoroughly enjoy it now because it doesn't have an impact on my wallet. The next step is to arrange spa treatments for my wife and treat her."
He said he has also promised his children a treat for shopping and fun at the theme park if they worked hard in school.
