Tourism Breaking News
Second edition of the virtual trade event, the Gulf Travel Show 2021 connecting Middle East with the world will kick off at 10 am today until 6 pm. The two-day event will include networking sessions between Middle East and the globe along with 50 experts from the travel, tourism and hospitality sector as they discuss the current status of the industry. Successfully concluded in 2020 with 40 plus exhibitors, 6000 one-to-one meetings, and 2,500 visitors from 59 countries which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies and international agencies encouraged the emergence of a second edition.
Some of the exhibitors shared their views before the event. Olivier Ponti, VP of Insights, Forward Keys, “The Gulf Travel Show presents a great opportunity for ForwardKeys to assist the many businesses in the Gulf region to get back up on their feet. Already our travel data is showing improvement in future air bookings to Egypt, Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and even the Maldives. Now is the time to seize new business opportunities by making smart business decisions driven by real time data. At the GTS 2021, ForwardKeys will show off for the very first time its latest addition to Traveller Statistics, a dataset designed for the travel industry to monitor traveller departures at airports around the world. We now can show you short-term and long-term forecasts, 10 years into the future.”
Shady Dawad – General Manager – Copthorne Hotel, “Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, it is important to maintain strategic partnerships with Travel Trade in order for any hotel business to thrive amidst pandemic. Sharing of best practices, strategies, and lessons learnt is vital for maintaining the business health of any hotel that competes for survival through these trying times. Hence, adaptability and trend awareness is the key to go through the new normal. This can only be achieved by having a relevant business connection with Travel Trade partners who could provide support to the hotel in practical and sustainable manner. It has been a while getting connected with travel trade partners due to the pandemic. We expect the show to bring us closer to a platform wherein we can interact and work closely towards bringing the business back. We are expecting to get as much exposure as we can in order for us to remain relevant in the industry. We are also expecting to get insights on how different markets will behave post-pandemic and be ready for creating the demand and handling the same effect.”
Daniel Hwang – Managing Director – Hakeem Tours Korea, “It’s been a long winding road for all travel agencies since the pandemic. Hakeem Travel Korea would like to introduce our upcoming tour packages for post corona era.”
Nour Aridi – Representative GCC of Crossroads Maldives/Tiri Consultancy Managing Director, “Maldives first world-class, multi-island leisure destination of resorts and dining to leisure, fashion, and entertainment. Set amongst the breathtakingly exotic South Malé Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, perfectly located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. A transformational and enigmatic hub at the heart of the Indian Ocean, CROSSROADS redefines the spirit of the dream holiday, an experiential destination designed to embody the extraordinary. This ambitious nine island project is set amongst the breathtakingly exotic South Malé Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, perfectly located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. Embracing a fresh and innovative approach, where stylish Riviera chic meets idyllic tropical paradise, here every aspect of CROSSROADS Maldives, from resorts and dining to leisure, fashion and entertainment, is seamlessly blended into one incredible destination. Crafted from tales of the past and designed to inspire the present, CROSSROADS Maldives is the next chapter in the story of one of the world’s most amazing destinations.”
Thomas Wieser – Director of Sales & Marketing – 7132 Hotel Switzerland, “7132 Hotel in Vals – Switzerland’s most beautiful alpine hideaway. It’s a unique experience for the mind, body, and senses wherever you are: relaxing in the award-winning thermal baths, dining in the two-Michelin-starred restaurant 7132 Silver, or sipping a cocktail surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The 7132 Hotel: a homage to all that is real and true. Just now, it is more important than ever. It’s our job to pave the way for international tourism. More than any other form of consumption, travel connects people from different countries and cultures. Meeting innovative buyers and showcasing a raw diamond of Swiss luxury hospitality.”
Agnest Tay – Acting Hotel Manager -Casa del Rio Melaka, “We will be showcasing the Hotel’s luxury and personalized boutique experience by focusing on how we ensure guest’s expectations are constantly met when they visit us. In addition, we would also like to add onto how we are the most preferable accommodation option in Melaka from the choice of our Family Suite Rooms (2-bedroom Suite), location, food and historical aspects. Also touching on the new norm, given our open-air, intimate and spacious concept, it represents the ultimate holiday destination for tourists once it is safe to travel again. We believe it represents an opportunity to tap into a new market and make connections with new partners. It is also important for us to build new relationships through the Gulf Travel Show, so we can venture into many business opportunities according to market’s needs and social trends. Besides that, this travel trade show is also a lead for us to showcase and up-sell our products and services to potential buyers that we will be meeting at the Gulf Travel Show. We hope to create collaboration opportunities for future travel plans, not only for bed and breakfast but also an opportunity to tap into family getaways, incentive trips, MICE and team-building programs so there is a chance for all to visit Casa del Rio Melaka.”
