Category Archives: Agents

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.

Department of Tourism Philippines shared that United Arab Emirates was the top source market in 2023 with an increase of 419.8% followed by Saudi Arabia with 48.9%, Kuwait and Qatar. A special meeting was held with the DOT Philippines and travel trade industry partners on the sidelines of the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2024. Christina Garcia Frasco – Secretary of Tourism – Department of Tourism Philippines shared that they are looking forward to receiving more tourists this year from the region with all their offerings.

The 31st edition of ATM 2024 kicks off in Dubai featuring over 2,300 exhibitors from more than 165 countries, new destinations, including China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia and expects over 41,000 visitors. Held under the theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting a pivotal area for the travel and tourism industry. From startups to established brands, ATM 2024 will highlight how innovators are enhancing customer experiences, driving efficiencies and accelerating progress towards a net-zero future for the industry. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market added: “ATM 2024 is gearing up for an exciting lineup spread across two stages, with the Global Stage returning alongside the new Future Stage. The conference agenda will feature key industry speakers from around the world and address the emerging trends that are fueling the travel and tourism sector’s growth.” Curtis added: “An eagerly awaited addition to ATM 2024 is the new Entrepreneurship-focused summit, which will delve into the role of travel start-ups in the Middle East economy, spotlighting their pioneering approaches. As entrepreneurship and innovation take centre stage, the exciting ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle, in partnership with Emirates Group’s Intelak provides the perfect platform to celebrate the immense potential for innovators in the region and for brands to present their industry solutions.” The number of participating hotel brands for ATM 2024 has increased by 21% year-on-year, with a 58% rise in new Travel Technology products showcased. Several new destinations will be introduced at ATM 2024, including China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia, while returning countries include Spain and France, among many others. Upticks across all key verticals with year-on-year growth across all regions participation including ME 28%, Asia and Europe 34%, and …

Traveazy Group is set to revolutionize the landscape of business-to-business (B2B) travel solutions with an exclusive unveiling at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, held from May 6th to 9th in Dubai. Attendees of this prestigious event are cordially invited to visit Traveazy Group’s stand to witness firsthand the future of B2B travel technology. As a leading online travel company, Traveazy Group is proud to announce the strategic relaunch of its subsidiary, Holidayme, as a premier provider of comprehensive travel solutions for travel providers globally. This transformative pivot marks a significant milestone in Holidayme’s journey, positioning the brand as a game-changer in the B2B travel sphere. Through cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Holidayme is set to redefine industry standards, empowering travel agents and service providers to unlock new opportunities and drive growth in the competitive travel market. At ATM 2024, Traveazy Group will unveil a suite of innovative products designed to elevate the capabilities of travel businesses. Geet Bhalla, Founder & CEO of Traveazy Group, expresses his excitement about the upcoming unveiling, stating, “We are thrilled to showcase the future of B2B travel solutions at ATM 2024. This event represents a unique opportunity for travel businesses to discover how our innovative products can drive their success in the global marketplace. We look forward to welcoming attendees to our stand and demonstrating the transformative power of Holidayme’s B2B offering.” Traveazy Group invites all attendees of ATM 2024 to visit their stand and explore the possibilities of partnering with a visionary leader in the travel industry. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to be a part of the future of travel solutions. For more information, visit www.holidayme.com or …