Category Archives: Agents

Concierge ONE Tourism was recognised as the ‘Fastest Growing Luxury Tour Operator’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025.”Winning at the Arabian Travel Awards is a defining moment for Concierge ONE Tourism, validating our rapid journey from ‘Best Debut’ to ‘Fastest Growing DMC’. This honour highlights our team’s unwavering dedication to curating exceptional, bespoke experiences. The way forward is clear: we will continue to elevate industry standards, expanding our exclusive portfolio.” Ivan Mavrov, Business Development Manager; Concierge ONE Tourism

In a special interview with TravTalk ME, Abdulla Yousuf, Director – International Markets at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), highlighted Spain as one of the emirate’s key source markets under its long-term Vision 2030 tourism strategy. Yousuf explained that Spain has been identified as a high-potential European market, prompting DCT Abu Dhabi to roll out targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening trade engagement and destination awareness. These include hosting familiarisation trips for Spanish travel partners, launching dedicated e-learning programmes, and maintaining regular communication through market-specific newsletters. “Being present at FITUR brings us closer to achieving our vision,” Yousuf said, emphasising the importance of direct engagement with partners. During the event, DCT Abu Dhabi conducted multiple training sessions for Spanish tour operators to enhance product knowledge and improve destination sellability. Further reinforcing these efforts, DCT Abu Dhabi was invited by the Confederation of Spanish Travel Agencies to participate in a special networking event with Spanish agents, offering an additional platform to showcase Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offering. Supporting this market development is strong air connectivity growth. Yousuf noted that year-on-year capacity between Abu Dhabi and Spain has increased by over 29% through the emirate’s national carriers, significantly improving access and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position in the Spanish outbound travel market.

FITUR 2026 has opened on a record-breaking note, with the Middle East emerging as one of the strongest and most visible regions at the global travel trade show. In a special interview with TravTalkME, José Sánchez Rodríguez, International Manager at FITUR for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, confirmed that the 2026 edition has exceeded expectations, recording 10 per cent growth compared to last year. “This year has been really great, especially with the growth of FITUR. FITUR 2026 has hit records,” Rodríguez said, highlighting the event’s expanding global footprint. A major milestone for this edition is the first-time participation of Abu Dhabi, a development Rodríguez described as highly significant for FITUR’s future. He also noted the strategic importance of the newly appointed UN Secretary-General, who is based in Madrid and hails from Abu Dhabi, calling it the start of a promising long-term partnership. “The UN Secretary-General made her first public appearance in her new role here at FITUR during last week’s press conference,” he added. Middle East participation has seen a strong resurgence, with Dubai returning to FITUR after the COVID period, alongside the comeback of Algeria. The regional presence also includes Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Egypt, with Egypt drawing attention through a large-scale stand featuring replicas from the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum. Morocco showcased one of the show’s largest booths, spanning nearly 1,000 square metres, underlining its aggressive tourism promotion strategy. FITUR officially opened its doors yesterday with a powerful Middle East turnout. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman led the regional participation, supported by Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Syria, all presenting sizeable delegations and destination-focused showcases. Their collective presence reinforced the Middle East’s growing influence in global tourism, reflecting …

ATS Travel was recognised as the ‘Best Travel Management Company in the UAE’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning the Best Travel Management Company in the UAE award is not just a recognition — it is a reminder of the responsibility we carry to shape the future of travel. At ATS Travel, we envision a world where intelligent technology, human expertise, and sustainability converge to redefine corporate mobility.” Saleem Sharif, Dy. Managing Director ATS Travel

Wego teamed up with Visit Qatar to inspire regional travellers by showcasing Qatar’s cultural richness, striking landscapes, and contemporary experiences. This partnership introduces a dynamic campaign that encourages travelers from across the region to discover the many layers of Qatar, beyond the expected. From lively neighborhoods and creative art districts to scenic coastal walks and majestic desert landscapes, the campaign highlights Qatar as a destination where tradition meets modernity. As MENA travellers increasingly seek meaningful, authentic, and comfortable experiences, Qatar emerges as a standout choice, offering a unique fusion of culture, nature, and contemporary leisure. From the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif and the architectural brilliance of the Museum of Islamic Art to the evolving skyline of Lusail and the tranquil waterfront of the Corniche, Qatar offers a journey rich in discovery. Visitors can unwind at Katara’s beaches, savor traditional dishes such as machboos and fresh seafood, explore the creative spaces of Msheireb Downtown, or venture out to the Inland Sea where sweeping dunes meet crystal waters in one of the country’s most breathtaking natural settings. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “This partnership with Visit Qatar allows us to spotlight the country’s remarkable evolution as a travel destination. Our campaign is designed to engage travelers at every stage from inspiration to planning and booking through rich content and seamless tools. Qatar offers something for everyone: thriving cultural quarters, pristine beaches, exceptional cuisine, and a calendar full of world-class events. We’re excited to connect our users to the experiences that make Qatar both distinctive and unforgettable.” Saleh Al-Nisf, MEA & Africa Senior Manager at Visit Qatar said: “Our collaboration with Wego is a key step in amplifying Qatar’s …

With overseas travel spend by Middle East residents expected to grow by 6% per year until the end of the decade, where it will top US$60 billion according to the latest ATM Travel Trends Report, exhibition space is in high demand among international participants at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May. Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the 33rd edition of ATM will enable visitors from around the world to chart the evolution of global tourism by exploring market trends such as travel-tech innovation and adoption, sustainable offerings and ultra-luxury experiences. ATM 2026 is generating significant interest among international exhibitors, with projected year-on-year growth in exhibition space of 10% and increased demand across all core markets. During the period 2024 to 2026, the event has recorded pronounced compound annual growth rate (CAGR) upticks from participants in Africa (31.99%), Asia (13.95%), Europe (8.75%), the Americas (8.25%) and the Middle East (8.04%). Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “International participation at ATM continues to grow in step with the remarkable shifts taking place across the worldwide tourism landscape. From Africa’s wide-ranging investment in infrastructure and sustainable luxury to Asia’s rapid expansion in air connectivity and travel technology, we are seeing unprecedented engagement with the Middle East market in ways that would have been unimaginable even a decade ago.” Egypt’s appeal among regional travellers is clear, with the volume of outbound leisure nights from the Middle East to the North African country set to increase by 21% by 2030. Home to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza as well as a multibillion-dollar pipeline …

The special offer allows guests to pre-book 5 kg/10 kg extra baggage at attractive rates for travel from the Middle East to India. Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, announces a special limited-period offer for guests travelling from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to India, allowing them to pre-book 5 kg or 10 kg additional baggage at attractive discounts. This offer is open for bookings made till 31st January 2026 for travel between 16th January and 10th March 2026, and can be made on the airline’s award- winning website, www.airindiaexpress.com, mobile app and on all major booking channels and is subject to availability. Guests travelling from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to India can purchase additional check-in baggage for only BHD 0.2, KWD 0.2, OMR 0.2, QAR 2, SAR 2, and AED 2 respectively in lots of 5kg and 10kg. The offer is available across all fares including Xpress Value, Xpress Lite, Xpress Flex, and Xpress Biz. The offer is only valid during booking flow. The airline already offers a minimum 30 kg baggage allowance on these sectors across fare types except on Xpress Lite, the airline’s exclusive zero check-in baggage fare. With the option to purchase an additional 10 kg through this offer, guests can now travel with up to 40 kg check-in baggage, making it easier to carry gifts, essentials, and personal belongings when visiting family and friends.

Sharaf Travel recognised as ‘Outstanding Travel Trade Partner for Malaysia’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel awards 2025. Established in 1968 as a shipping agency, Sharaf Group was founded with a vision to become a leading international organization. The Group has grown steadily over the decades, building strong, trust-based partnerships. Driven by the enterprising spirit and strategic leadership of its founders, Sharaf Group diversified into multiple sectors. Today, its portfolio spans Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain, Retail, Travel and Tourism, Information Technology, Financial Services, Hospitality, and Real Estate.

Odyssey DMC Qatar clenched the title of ‘Emerging DMC – Qatar’ at the 8th edition Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “It feels great to receive this award, and it is not the first time for us. We have been in the business for 43 years and are proud to be the first DMC established in the UAE. With over 90 products and a strong focus on cultural, historical, and interactive experiences, we continue to innovate. Going forward, we are expanding globally, with seven DMCs already established and many more developments ahead.” Mahareef Mohamed – Manager – Business Development & Signature Experiences – Odyssey DMC Qatar

Book your voyage secured its title as the ‘Fastest growing B2B travel portal’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards.  “Thanks a ton for keeping motivation high with such events. Being in second consecutive year, it is important we need to keep going and achieve third one also. This is now a vision to move forward with more responsibilities and full trust in those who believe Book Your Voyage.”Ajaysinh Atalia, CCO, Book Your Voyage.