Category Archives: Agents

The fourth edition of  Cruise Travel Mart 2025, Middle East’s premier cruise trade event concluded with over 200 travel agents from across the UAE. Ashok Kumar, Convener of Cruise Travel Mart shared that this has become one of the main B2B events which provide an opportunity for travel agents to connect with partners on one on one basis. Established in 2022 by leading GSA heads of the region’s top cruise lines, the event has grown into a vital platform for fostering industry collaboration, raising awareness, and equipping travel agents with the insights needed to drive cruise sales. With an exclusive focus on cruise travel, Cruise Travel Mart 2025 will gather over 100 top-tier travel agents from the UAE and neighbouring GCC markets, alongside senior representatives from the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Participating CTM member cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises.

GlobalStar Travel Management has expanded its network across the Middle East region with longstanding Partner Dadabhai Travel adding additional businesses to the GlobalStar network. James Stevenson, CEO at GlobalStar comments: “It is a real pleasure to strengthen our longstanding Partnership with Dadabhai Travel as together we extend our footprint to other key countries in the region, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. We are seeing a surge in demand on travel requirements throughout the region from corporates focused on finance, property management, energy and marine travel.”  “In welcoming these Dadabhai Travel markets to the GlobalStar network, we add not only additional likeminded and ambitious travel businesses but also the very best regional knowledge, significant manpower and wealth of experience.” Nitin Menon, Executive Director of Dadabhai Travel UAE, Oman, and Iraq, commented: “Expanding our partnership with GlobalStar beyond Bahrain to include KSA, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Iraq is a significant milestone for Dadabhai Travel. This partnership enhances our global connectivity, enabling us to provide even greater value to our clients through improved supplier relationships, advanced technology, and access to a worldwide network of travel expertise. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring for our clients and our business.”

Trippido has officially launched its online platform, offering a streamlined approach to travel bookings for travel professionals and individual travellers. The platform provides comprehensive services, including activity and event tickets, visa processing, accommodations, transportation, and vacation rentals—making trip planning more accessible and efficient.  Established in 2021 as an offline service provider in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, Trippido has since expanded its operations globally. It now serves Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, and other destinations. “Trippido was born out of a need to simplify a fragmented industry,” said Tushar Kharbanda, Founder and CEO of Trippido. “As a traveler myself, I noticed how scattered travel services were—multiple platforms, inconsistent pricing, and complicated processes. We built Trippido to address these inefficiencies, offering a unified platform where travelers and agents can access everything seamlessly. Our goal is to simplify travel and give our partners better margins and control over their bookings.” For individual travelers, Trippido simplifies the process of booking experiences and essential travel services in one place. With its user-friendly interface, travelers can easily access a variety of curated experiences, from adventure activities to cultural tours, while enjoying transparent pricing and reliable customer support. As Trippido transitions online, it continues to uphold the same level of service that has earned the trust of its customers.

The Middle East’s premier cruise trade event, Cruise Travel Mart 2025, returns for its fourth edition on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, at the Al Bader Ballroom, Shangri-La Dubai. Established in 2022 by leading GSA heads of the region’s top cruise lines, the event has grown into a vital platform for fostering industry collaboration, raising awareness, and equipping travel agents with the insights needed to drive cruise sales. With an exclusive focus on cruise travel, Cruise Travel Mart 2025 will gather over 100 top-tier travel agents from the UAE and neighbouring GCC markets, alongside senior representatives from the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Participating CTM member cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises. Cruise Travel Mart is the Must-Attend Cruise Trade Event Dedicated Cruise Focus – Unlike broader travel trade shows, Cruise Travel Mart is solely dedicated to cruise tourism, ensuring tailored discussions and strategic collaborations. High-Quality Networking – The event attracts key decision-makers from leading travel agencies, providing exhibitors with an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen industry relationships. Strategic Brand Exposure – Cruise lines will showcase their unique offerings through interactive exhibits, presentations, and direct engagement with stakeholders. Exclusive Industry Insights – Participants will gain valuable perspectives on market trends, customer preferences, and sales strategies shaping the cruise sector. Market Expansion & Growth – Cruise Travel Mart serves as a gateway for cruise brands looking to enhance their presence and operations in the Middle East. Extensive Media Exposure – Through partnerships with leading travel trade media, the event will feature press releases, media interviews, and comprehensive coverage before, during, and after …

Emirates has revealed that for the first time ever My Emirates Pass will be available all year round with seasonal summer and winter offers; giving customers access to over 600 exclusive offers across Dubai – an opportunity to make the most out of their visit. Customers flying from, through or to Dubai can now unlock discounts on top culinary experiences, world-class shopping experiences, unmissable leisure attractions, and tranquil luxury spas any time of the year. Whether it’s an unforgettable family trip, a relaxing couples retreat, or a solo adventure, My Emirates Pass will offer those visiting Dubai unforgettable experiences no matter the season. Using My Emirates Pass will remain as easy as ever, passengers will simply need to show their physical or digital boarding pass along with a valid ID at participating venues to enjoy the benefits. Passengers who checked in online and downloaded their boarding pass to the Emirates App or Wallet should remember to screenshot it before landing, as it will no longer be accessible afterward. Emirates will roll out exclusive seasonal summer offers, running from 1st April through to 30th September, making it easier than ever to experience the best of Dubai, including the return of the much-anticipated Dubai Summer Surprises. Dubai Summer Surprises From 27th June to 31st August 2025, visitors can take advantage of Dubai Summer Surprises, a deal-packed season filled with exciting offers and unforgettable experiences. Emirates passengers flying to Dubai can look forward to luxurious shopping, spectacular entertainment, and exceptional dining. With countless offers and surprises in store, summer in Dubai is the perfect time to enjoy incredible value and create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. An unforgettable summer of memories Whether passengers are …

With three weeks remaining until Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the event is on course to attract a record number of high value visitors, with registrations up 104% compared to the same time last year, reinforcing its position as an essential platform for travel trade professionals around the world. International markets account for a substantial 52% of total visitor registrations, highlighting the event’s global appeal and underscoring the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations. Meanwhile, visitors from the UAE and GCC contribute significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48% of registrations. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Increased international attendance strengthens the global profile of ATM, providing a vital boost to the local economy and driving revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and travel, thereby demonstrating the impact and strength of business events. This year’s edition is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, reflecting demand from across the global tourism industry.” The top five registered countries for ATM 2025 to date include the UAE, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UK. India, with its thriving outbound travel market and expanding aviation sector, remains a significant source of demand for the travel industry. Egypt’s tourism revenues reached US$15.3 billion in 2024, representing a more than 100% increase over the last decade, with the government setting a target of 30 million tourists by 2032. Major tourism investments in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, have positioned the Kingdom as a strong player in the global travel market. The UK remains a crucial hub for both inbound and outbound tourism, with a significant presence in business travel and among tour operators. Last year, ATM …

Utravel announced the launch of Jovial Travels, a dedicated B2C subsidiary focused on crafting bespoke luxury holidays. This strategic expansion into the leisure travel market addresses the growing demand for personalized, high-end experiences among discerning travelers in the GCC. Built on the foundation of Utravel’s 20+ years of GCC expertise, Jovial Travels offers a seamless blend of innovation, exclusivity, and cultural insight. The brand’s user-friendly platform simplifies the planning of luxury vacations, providing access to exclusive resort stays, private villa retreats, and meticulously curated itineraries. With an initial focus on destinations like the Maldives, Jovial Travels aims to transform ordinary holidays into extraordinary experiences tailored to the unique preferences of each traveler. Vinoli Obeysekara, Head of Sales, commented: “The modern traveler is increasingly seeking experiences that reflect their individuality. Jovial Travels is our response to this shift, blending Utravel’s decades of GCC expertise with a fresh, client-focused approach. We are excited to bring this vision to life and set a new benchmark for luxury travel in the GCC and beyond.” To ensure every journey is as unique as the traveler, Jovial Travels has established exclusive partnerships with world-class resorts and hotels, granting clients access to unique packages and unparalleled luxury. Additionally, the brand offers 24/7 personalized support, with a dedicated team of travel designers ensuring seamless experiences from the first inquiry to the final farewell. Whether it’s a private island escape or a culturally immersive retreat, Jovial Travels goes above and beyond to deliver unforgettable moments. The launch of Jovial Travels underscores Utravel’s commitment to innovation and excellence, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine high-end travel. By combining personalized luxury with regional insights, Jovial Travels is poised to …

EaseMyTrip.ae has announced significant expansions that further solidify its presence in the Middle East. The company has launched Easy Trip Planners Limited in Saudi Arabia, establishing it as a fully owned subsidiary and marking its official entry into this pivotal market. This new venture enhances EaseMyTrip’s global footprint, underscoring its strategic commitment to growth in key international regions. As part of its expansion, EaseMyTrip’s UAE subsidiary is also poised to strengthen its Middle East presence through a strategic investment in two new Dubai-based entities: Ease My Trip Tours L.L.C. (EMT Tours) and Ease My Trip Holiday Homes L.L.C. (EMT Holiday). EMT Tours will focus on both inbound and outbound tour operations, while EMT Holiday will cater to the growing vacation home rental market. These new initiatives not only broaden EaseMyTrip’s service offerings but also enhance its regional diversification, positioning the company for continued success and growth in the Middle East. Mr. Nishant Pitti, Chairman and Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “This is a significant milestone in our growth story as we expand our global presence and diversify our services. Our entry into Saudi Arabia and expansion in the Middle East, reflects our commitment to offering seamless travel experiences across the globe. We are confident that our technological expertise and customer-centric approach will help us grow rapidly in these regions and contribute to the growth of the global travel and aviation sectors.” He further added, “As we continue to scale, our focus remains on leveraging innovation to create unmatched value for our customers and stakeholders. We are determined to strengthen our position in the global travel ecosystem, foster economic growth, and enhance connectivity in both emerging and developed markets.” EaseMyTrip is set …

Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises, as part of its winter sun season in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and four maiden calls: Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Sharm El Shiekh in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break. A new 14-night ‘Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi’ itinerary will be available across the two-ship fleet. Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on 22 November 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving back into Abu Dhabi on 6 December 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her ‘Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ sailing on 07 December, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the first ‘Desert Days’ itinerary of the season. Celestyal Discovery will depart Athens on 28 November 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on 13 December 2025, ahead of its inaugural winter season sailing the new-to-2025 three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries and homeporting in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years. The two returning 14-night ‘Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens’ cruises will also feature across both ships. Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on 6 March 2026, charting the same return course and arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on 21 March 2026. All four cruises …

India’s tourism industry is experiencing notable growth, fuelled by rising disposable incomes, a widening middle class and improved global connectivity. Reflecting the country’s growing influence in international travel and hospitality, India’s inbound and outbound offerings will be in focus during the forthcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. According to Future Market Insights, India’s outbound tourism market is projected to reach USD55 billion by 2034, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.4% over the next decade. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for international travel, particularly among millennials seeking diverse experiences abroad. Furthermore, research from STR suggests that India has increasingly become one of the most targeted source markets globally, with many destinations intensifying their efforts to attract Indian travellers. In 2024, Dubai welcomed 3.14 million overnight visitors from South Asia, with India factoring predominantly, significantly contributing to the overall 18.72 million international visitors who made a trip to the city, representing a nine per cent year-on-year increase. STR’s findings also reveal that hotel supply in India has increased by a CAGR of just over 3% in the past decade, with 114,000 new rooms added since 2014. Developer interest remains high, with hotel occupancy rates increasing in eight of the last ten years, reflecting sustained demand. This will be underscored by the country’s participation at ATM this year, which is expected to grow 41% year on year, driven by a strong presence from exhibitors such as the India Ministry of Tourism, airline carriers Air India and Air India Express, and an expanding representation from the regional tourism boards of Goa, Karnataka, …