Category Archives: Agents

Witnessing a 15% rise in visitors as compared to last year, and the thoughtful theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, Regency Holidays had the opportunity to engage a larger audience of tech-driven tour operators from across the world to present existing products on offer and to tailor them per needs and requirements of the audiences. Representing Qatar and its wide range of tourism-driven products exuding luxurious experiences all around, Regency Holidays, Qatar’s foremost destination management company (DMC) participated in the recently concluded Arabian Travel Mart 2024 held in Dubai World Trade Centre. Given the scale of the event, Regency Holidays through its standalone stall, had the opportunity to showcase its comprehensive collection of luxury travel services through Qatar. During the 4 days, Regency showcased its large network of partner luxury hotels & resorts; breathtaking excursions, attractions like – Inland Sea, Katara Cultural Village, Lusail, etc.; shopping trails and city tours; premium ground transport fleet; and much more that one can experience in Qatar. With a profound design and displaying vibrant immersive experiences across Qatar, Regency Holidays attracted many eyeballs which led to rising footfall to its stall. The company is confident about massive conversions of its thoughtfully tailored travel products into realization on the back of a large number of visitors, meaningful networking, and discussions on upcoming travel trends that were witnessed at the event. Speaking about the participation in ATM 2024, Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Holidays, said, “The ATM 2024 saw a spectacular success this year with the highest-ever recorded footfall of around 46,000 travel sector professionals from across the world. We are delighted to have showcased our existing and upcoming signature products in Qatar to …

Travelers from the GCC can easily reach Jamaica through convenient flight connections via major airlines linking through the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada. This connectivity provides seamless travel options for citizens and residents of the GCC looking to experience the beauty and culture of Jamaica. The residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are renowned as some of the most well-traveled individuals globally, constantly seeking new destinations and experiences fueled by their healthy disposable income. Their adventurous spirit and eagerness to explore make them ideal candidates to appreciate Jamaica’s allure. Passengers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have several airline choices for flights to its main airports in Montego Bay and Kingston. Emirates, Etihad Airways, British Airways, and Air Canada offer routes with convenient connections. Qatar Airways also provides suitable connections to major US airports such as New York, Miami, and Chicago, offering additional options for travelers from the GCC region. Other GCC countries can access Jamaica via connections through the UAE, enhancing accessibility to the island. The Jamaica Tourist Board has ambitious tourism plans, focused on expanding its reach in the GCC market. Recognizing the growing interest in Caribbean travel among GCC residents, the JTB is actively investing in targeted developing and growing the market to increase visitation figures. “As part of our strategic vision, the Jamaica Tourist Board is committed to investing in the GCC market and enhancing awareness of Jamaica’s attractions among travelers in this region,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica. “We believe there is immense potential for increased visitation from the GCC.” “Jamaica is an ideal destination for citizens and residents of the GCC countries seeking a …

Air Cairo announced Almosafer as their exclusive general sales agent (GSA) in Saudi Arabia. This highlights the importance of KSA as a primary market for Air Cairo, as both parties will work together to meet the needs of travellers from the Kingdom. Air Cairo selected Almosafer for its strong market presence and esteemed reputation in Saudi Arabia. Almosafer will play a key role in boosting Air Cairo’s sales across the Kingdom, by leveraging its extensive customer base to offer promotional deals and on-ground activities, while utilizing the strength of Almosafer’s businesses, such as “Discover Saudi,” its destination management company, and “Mawasim,” its Hajj & Umrah tour operator. Air Cairo offers greater connectivity and convenience through its fleet of well-maintained aircrafts. The airline has been expanding its network since its inception in 2003. With the recent addition of a more modern Airbus fleet, the airline reinforces its dedication to providing world-class comfort and convenience. As a leading airline in the region, it is focused on offering safe travel and ensuring greater connectivity and accessibility to its valued passengers. Pilot Ahmed Shannan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Air Cairo Airlines, said about the partnership “We are delighted to collaborate with Almosafer to offer our services to a broad spectrum of travelers from Saudi Arabia and beyond. We are confident that Almosafer’s expertise and credibility in the region will enable us to broaden our reach and offer cost-effective travel options to all.” Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We are excited to welcome Air Cairo among our esteemed partners. We are confident that this collaboration will enhance the travel sector in the region and offer greater …

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and dnata Travel Group signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the aim of enhancing tourism to Thailand. The partnership seeks to leverage dnata’s extensive global network, particularly in the GCC region, to drive increased tourist arrivals from the Middle East to Thailand. By focusing on key niche markets and promoting quality leisure destinations within the kingdom, both TAT and dnata aim to enhance Thailand’s appeal and attract discerning travelers. Under the Strategic Partnership Agreement, TAT and dnata will collaborate on a series of joint promotions tailored to elevate Thailand’s tourism profile across the GCC countries, including the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. These promotions will target niche tourism segments such as sports, luxury, honeymoon, and wellness, offering tailored experiences to travelers seeking unique and memorable vacations. The agreement was signed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Mr. John Bevan, CEO of the dnata Travel Group, at a ceremony held at the Thailand Pavilion, ATM 2024. Also present were Mr. Rashid Al Awadhi, Senior Vice President – Middle East and India at the dnata Travel Group, Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, and Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, along with other officials from both organizations. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, stated, “The Tourism Authority of Thailand is pleased to collaborate with the dnata Travel Group. Through this agreement, our goal is to collectively implement the most effective strategies and practices to expand Thailand’s marketing presence and establish it as a ‘Quality Leisure Destination.’ This initiative emphasizes enhancing Thailand’s reputation as a unique leisure destination that offers unparalleled quality and value. We …

More than 46,000 industry professionals from over 160 countries – including 33,500 visitors – attended the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concluded on 9th May 2024. This represents a 15% year-on-year increase in attendees compared to ATM’s landmark 30th edition, setting a new record for the show and demonstrating the strength, resilience and momentum of the global travel and tourism sector. In line with ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, over 2,600 exhibitors gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to explore the drivers behind industry growth and identify future opportunities within the global tourism sector. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted that so many industry professionals from around the world were able to join us in Dubai to explore how innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping a more efficient, profitable and sustainable tourism sector for future generations. We are thrilled to have set a new show record, underscoring our position as the travel and tourism exhibition of choice as we continue to drive global growth within the industry.” ATM 2024 welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, who chaired a meeting of The Executive Council during the show. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of major transport and tourism-related projects in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This year’s opening session saw policymakers from across the region explain how Gulf nations are working together to streamline the GCC’s tourism offering. The panel …

Mohamed Al Rais Executive Director Al Rais Travel Group speaking with Travel TV Middle East shared that this year with summer and Eid holidays setting in, Al Rais will be promoting Latin America for the travellers from the UAE. Key outbound destinations booked by travelers from the UAE this summer will reflect a blend of cultural exploration, iconic landmarks, and diverse experiences. Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome, and Istanbul consistently rank among favorites, additionally, destinations like Japan and South Korea attract UAE travelers with their unique blend of traditional heritage and modern innovations. Australia and New Zealand emerge as sought-after destinations for UAE travelers seeking outdoor adventures and natural wonders. At this year’s ATM, we’re excited to spotlight the cutting-edge features and capabilities of our travel technology solutions, including booking platforms, mobile apps, analytics tools, and more. By demonstrating how our technology streamlines processes, enhances customer experiences, and fuels business growth, we aim to capture the attention of tech-savvy attendees and decision-makers seeking innovative solutions. In addition, we’ll emphasize the value of our GSA representation services for airlines, highlighting our market expertise, extensive distribution network, sales optimization strategies, and cost efficiencies.

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO), along with 15 co-exhibitors representing cities, airports, and hotels, have successfully concluded another year at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), underscoring Germany’s commitment to the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition. The annual gathering has proven crucial in reinforcing Germany’s ties with the GCC region, showcasing its diverse tourism offerings and sustainable travel initiatives. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) serves as a cornerstone for the GNTO’s strategic outreach within the GCC region, connecting with travel professionals and decision-makers across the UAE and broader GCC. It provides a platform to foster valuable partnerships and allowing for engagement with potential Gulf visitors. Additionally, ATM offers invaluable insights into the region’s latest travel trends and preferences, enabling GNTO to tailor its marketing strategies effectively. During the four-day event, the GNTO showcased innovative marketing strategies focused on sustainability in the tourism sector. The GNTO’s engagement with partners and stakeholders underscored its commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with Germany’s rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes to position the country as a prime destination for eco-conscious travellers seeking meaningful experiences. The significance of the GCC market to the German tourism sector was emphasised at the ATM, highlighting its role as one of the top three overseas source markets and its rapid recovery post-pandemic. Early 2024 statistics demonstrate the market’s resilience, with GCC travellers recording 128,745 overnight stays in Germany during the first two months alone. The robust growth trajectory underscores Germany’s enduring appeal as a preferred destination for GCC tourists. Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the Sustainable Tourism Journalist Award, recognising journalists whose work highlights the crucial connections between tourism and sustainability. A panel of …

Minor Hotels announced an enhanced strategic partnership with dnata Travel Group to elevate the booking and in-destination experience for global travellers. The long-term agreement is aimed at advancing the travel experience through flexibility, exclusive packages, and savings for leisure and corporate customers, whilst driving the mutual global growth plans for both companies. Minor Hotels is expanding rapidly, aiming to add more than 200 hotels to its global portfolio by the end of 2026. In partnership, dnata will support Minor Hotels in the launch of new hotel and resort openings, through dual-branded business opportunities. The strategic partnership will cover dynamic distribution for leisure and corporate travellers, wholesale distribution for the travel trade, destination management company (DMC) integration to elevate the travel and in-resort experience, and an aligned sustainability programme and initiatives. Leisure travel Minor Hotels is offering dynamic rates to dnata Travel Group brands in all markets in which the Emirates Group operates. Leisure travellers will have access to all direct rate types from every brand under the Minor Hotels portfolio including Anantara Hotels & Resorts; Tivoli Hotels & Resorts; Avani Hotels & Resorts; NH Hotels & Resorts; NH Collection Hotels & Resorts; nhow Hotels; Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites; and the Elewana Collection. Travel agencies under the dnata portfolio will create preferred travel packages inclusive of Minor Hotels stays for select destinations. Minor Hotels is also integrating with dnata Travel Group DMC businesses – Arabian Adventures and Destination Asia – and its leisure, MICE, cruise, and ancillary sectors. This will increase traveller flexibility in booking dynamic packages, and in-destination experiences, with plans to improve direct access to booking an enhanced range of world-class activities and travel extras in resort. Corporate …

Expedia launched a web experience to the United Arab Emirates market, with a Gen-AI enabled app coming later this month. Expedia Group made the announcement from the Arabian Travel Market while celebrating a booming $25B+* travel and tourism industry in the region. The UAE is leading in travel and tourism sector growth, with Dubai becoming one of the top global destinations for travelers in recent years**. The global travel brand Expedia, which currently operates in over 30 markets, will offer worldwide flights and access to hundreds and thousands of lodging options globally so citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates can book the best staycations in the country and most memorable vacations globally. “Visionary leadership, a strategic long-term plan, a business-friendly environment and a vibrant multicultural society are driving the remarkable growth in the UAE, across multiple industries including travel and tourism. Expedia Group is an innovative technology company as much as it is a travel company, and we want to grow with the UAE and with the region. We want to grow together,” explains Rehan A. Asad, vice president of global markets at Expedia Group. “We’re excited and committed to serving UAE citizens and residents and offer them the comfort, convenience and confidence that they have a trusted partner for their family and friends to travel together. We want to provide the best product, all in one place.” Expedia is at the forefront of technology innovation in the global travel industry, and its UAE app-offering, coming later this month, will host features that help travelers overcome barriers to travel. Expedia was the first travel company to integrate ChatGPT into its app, offering a convenient source of travel inspiration. …

Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism shared that the team is here at the Arabian Travel Market to showcase their many offerings to the travel fraternity in the Middle East and the increase the numbers from the region by creating awareness among the travel trade. She reiterated that the Arabian Travel Market is the stepping stone for them to reach out to the GCC and Middle East as currently they do receive some good numbers from the United Arab Emirates as they have the connections to reach the destination but they are looking at increasing connectivity in the region to attract the numbers from the region as they have witnessed growth from the region over the past few years. She conducted a very comprehensive virtual tour of the destination within 30 minutes which made the media stay back and request for information on the beautiful nation in Africa.