Category Archives: Agents

dnata has been announced as exclusive representation partner for Sun Resorts Mauritius hotel group to cater for increased demand from GCC travellers. Adding to its extensive hotel representation portfolio, dnata Representation Services will now act as sales and marketing partner for Sun Resorts properties across the GCC countries, offering travellers local expertise and a personalised service, as they return to the beautiful island since its full reopening for tourism. With a spread across the island, Sun Resorts’ Mauritius footprint includes four resorts, La Pirogue, Sugar Beach, Ambre, and Long Beach, whilst the group also owns iconic leisure island, Ile aux Cerfs, featuring the world-famous championship golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. Popular with golf enthusiasts from the region, guests with Sun Resorts are offered complimentary green fees at three signature golf courses during their stay: Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, Anahita Golf Club, and Tamarina Golf Club. Sébastien Doussin, DVP – Global Ground Services & Destination Management at dnata Travel Group, commented: “The Indian Ocean islands have always proved popular with GCC travellers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, offering luxurious and secluded island retreats. With Mauritius fully reopening for tourism we have certainly seen an increased demand for travel there. “With our local expertise, we are delighted to represent Sun Resorts Mauritius across the GCC, particularly as a brand which attracts various demographics of travellers across the leisure, corporate, and MICE segments. This also includes travellers with a keen interest in sport due to the quality of the golf courses in Mauritius. With the GCC region producing a number of golf enthusiasts due to the abundance of world-class courses in destinations such as Dubai, we can certainly see …

As the Tourism and hospitality industry recovers, Namibia is looking to showcase the country’s unique attractions and heritage with a high-level government and tourism delegation visiting the UAE to communicate and engage with partners, media and agents about the travel opportunities offered by Namibia as well as strengthen crucial relationships. Led by Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Mr. Digu Naobeb, CEO of Namibia Tourism Board, the delegation reinforces the country’s alluring attractions as a must-see tourist destination nestled along the southwestern coast of the African continent with a large land surface, known for clear blue skies and sunshine, unpolluted air, memorable wildlife encounters and the best destination for star gazing. A land of remarkable contrasts, with breathtaking views, desert landscapes, woodlands and waterways, the delegation will highlight the best places to visit and the destination’s positive, social, economic and environmental approach for the tourism industry that meets the needs of travellers from different backgrounds. Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said, “We are delighted to share our new developments for tourism and efforts to help rebuild trust in travel and showcase our country’s appeal to potential visitors around the globe. We are in the UAE to highlight our country’s strengths and offer a short glimpse into our culture and our common interests, as we have a lot to offer in terms of exceptional service and experiences” Digu Naobeb, CEO of Namibia Tourism Board, said, “The pandemic put a reset on where people go and what they do, focusing on wellbeing, seeking space and opportunities to reconnect with nature. We offer the perfect fit for the kind of traveller seeking these experiences and …

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has honoured members of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme – including healthcare professionals, scientists, industry experts, academics, business leaders and government officials – who have spearheaded successful bids to bring global business events to Dubai. Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and a division of DET, presented awards to 20 member organisations at the Programme’s annual appreciation ceremony, held on 3 March at Dubai Exhibition Centre, within the Expo 2020 Dubai site. With Dubai continuing to lead the global recovery of the business events sector, the bid wins driven by the Ambassadors are contributing to the growth of the pipeline of conferences, congresses and meetings which will take place in the city over the coming years and provide platforms for the sharing of knowledge, professional development and networking. As the city continued to present a compelling proposition for international associations, societies and other entities for their major events, the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme last year supported in securing 26 conferences and congresses to be hosted in Dubai over the coming years, set to attract over 35,000 industry-specific professionals and experts from around the world. Among the events won in 2021 thanks to the contributions of Ambassadors were: 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (2025), IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (2024), World Science and Technology Education Conference (2023) and Congress of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (2024). Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “In recognition of their commitment and vital contributions towards Dubai’s growing status as an international business events hub, we congratulate and express gratitude …

Global Village, the UAE and wider region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment has announced the launch of a fully digitized, one-stop portal for its travel trade partners through an exciting photography competition with prizes worth AED 40,000 up for grabs. From tickets to world-class attractions like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!®, Carnaval fun fair and Harbour Force Stunt Show to dining and shopping opportunities, the new travel trade portal has everything needed to tailor the perfect package. With the latest and most up to date information available, it is easy to enhance an exisiting tour or simply introduce the multi-cultural destination to a new itinerary. Jaki Ellenby, Executive Director, Marketing & Events, Global Village, said: “We, at Global Village, are committed to providing enhanced services to our travel trade partners and keeping them up to date on the latest happenings. Our easy-to-navigate, user-friendly portal acts as an enhanced informational hub with customised resources and essential tools where partners can easily book tickets and avail exclusive offers to simplify the travel planning and promotion process. We very much look forward to welcoming all of our partners on board and to working together to make this a great success.” With a click of a button, the easy-to-use platform allows partners to download materials, including images, videos, brochures and offers. It is anticipated that portal will play a pivotal role in building relationships with tour operators, travel agents, and companies thereby allowing them to deliver a more superior, personalized services to their clients whilst raising awareness of Global Village as a top family destination. Register for a chance to win big! To celebrate the launch of the dedicated portal …

The fourth edition of the most popular virtual trade show the Gulf Travel Show aims to kick off on 22nd and 23rdMarch 2022 at 10am UAE time until 3pm. It will be an opportunity to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Middle East. Travel products from across the world have signed up to participate. Focused on business meetings, the digital event will host buyers from across the region. After the success of the first three editions in November 2020, March 2021 and October 2021, Gulf Travel Show is back on popular demand in 2022. Like last time, all exhibitors and buyers will log-in to the GTS platform from either their office or the comfort of their home. Each exhibitor will be given their own private virtual booth with branding, videos and document broadcast facilities. These can be customized as per the individual requirements. Buyers can visit the virtual exhibition and individual stalls of all exhibitors and have personalised undisturbed meetings. For more information, contact crisna@ddppl.com

The ninth edition of the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS), the region’s leading aviation and tourism industry event, has announced the participation of a top-notch panel of global experts, which will take place from February 28 to March 2nd at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah. Following the overwhelming success of the eighth edition, which was also the first in-person aviation industry event held after the pandemic in the region, this year’s summit focuses on the theme, ‘The Roadmap to Recovery.’ With the global aviation and tourism sector gaining traction, the high-level event will underline the opportunities and challenges in ramping up the sector’s growth, with a particular focus on the Middle East region. Ahead of the Summit on March 1, extensive workshops will be held to discuss the regional trends in aviation and tourism. Referred to as the ‘voice of the industry’, this initiative will also bring the largest assembly of Arab media together and top executives from the aviation and tourism sector. The Summit will also reiterate the strong linkages between tourism, aviation and hospitality, three core growth sectors, which have a dominant role in post-pandemic recovery for local economies. Experts will discuss global best practices, and measures taken to build the resilience of the aviation and the tourism sector. A white paper, based on deliberations of participants, will be created post the Summit as a data bank on the insights shared during the event. The keynote speakers, with several more coming on board, include CEOs, Presidents, global aviation & tourism experts, distinguished airline officials, policy makers and representatives. They include: Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers Organisation; Kamil Al-Awadhi, Regional Vice …

Dubai Travel & Tour Agents Group – DTTAG announced the appointment of Mohamed Al Rais, as its Honorary Chairman effective February 2022. Mohamed Al Rais, is the Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group) with extensive experience in the travel & tourism industry. Mohamed Jassim Al Rais is a young dynamic Emirati, who completed his graduation from American University, Sharjah in 2006. His initial introduction to the Al Rais Group of Companies was made in 2002 through a Management Development Program and thereafter in 2008 was given a Leadership role in Al Rais Holidays, Al Rais Online Services and Al Rais Rent – A – Car Company. Mr. Mohamed Jassim Al Rais is now the Deputy Managing director of Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group) and spearheads the Strategic Direction and Growth Plan of the Organization. Asim Arshad, President of DTTAG, added: That on behalf of the Executive Committee members, it is our sincere pleasure to welcome Mohamed Al Rais as our Chairman. Mohamed is a highly respected individual and is very actively involved in managing and running Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group). His experience and network will be an asset to DTTAG and we look forward to working with him in the near future.

Dubai-based Luxury Explorers’ Collection, a leading player in the premium holiday home market, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia.  The firm’s first foray into investing outside the UAE will see Luxury Explorers’ Collection launching five new premium rentals in Mecca beginning next month. “Governments in the region have put a lot of efforts in diversifying the economy away from oil and a vital sector that has consistently been mapped in strategies for transformative development, particularly in the GCC, has been tourism,” said Mohammed Sultan, CEO for Luxury Explorers’ Collection.  “Taking our brand to Saudi Arabia is not only an important part of our strategic vision, but it is a testament as well to our commitment to support tourism and hospitality’s path to recovery, and ultimately, long-term growth.” Sultan revealed that introducing Luxury Explorers’ Collection to Mecca market will give them the right exposure in Saudi Arabia. “Our Mecca properties will have spacious apartments and penthouses accessible to Haram and with an uninterrupted Kaaba view. We will also offer full concierge services, including in-house chef, delivery attendants, butlers, and housekeeping staff,” he added. “On top of this, we are already developing a more forward-looking strategy for future investments in the Kingdom, in which we plan to expand in Riyadh to serve the corporate markets and families for holidays and weekends in the capital.  This is also in the hope of supporting the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which has set an ambitious target of 100 million tourists by 2030,” Sultan continued. Tourism and hospitality were among the sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, however, Sultan revealed that it was during these most challenging times that Luxury Explorers’ Collection …

Sabre Corporation and Eihab Travels, Oman’s leading IATA accredited travel agency, have announced a new multiyear technology agreement to help transform the travel experience in Oman. While travel is showing signs of recovery in Oman, this new long-term agreement will see Eihab Travels deploy Sabre’s latest technology and best solutions to drive growth, boost revenue and transform its business. The agency will now use Sabre’s next-generation travel agency desktop, Sabre Red 360, to deliver an intelligent and consultative service to travellers, create compelling shopping experiences for customers and provide an enhanced level of expertise to respond to evolving travellers demands. “The travel landscape has evolved dramatically following the pandemic, and that required a fresh outlook at our digital transformation and technology investments,” said Dinesh Poojary, General Manager, Eihab Travels.  “Sabre has the technology and innovation strategy to support our goals, advance our technology and operations and enable our digital transformation to compete on a global level.” As part of its strategic plans to transform the future of travel, Sabre recently announced multiple intelligent solutions, such as Sabre Travel AI and its intelligent retailing engine, which will be infused across its technology platform to power the future of personalized travel. “We have been working to empower our customers to be ready for recovery,” said John Mathew, Oman County Manager, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “We are excited to partner with such a committed, forward-thinking partner like Eihab Travels that clearly understands the role technology plays in travel’s recovery – and we remain committed to equipping the agency with the most innovative solutions to achieve its goals” Sabre has been working with many leading travel companies in The Sultanate of Oman to …

Sabre Corporation and Fahad Express Travel & Tourism L.L.C, one of the leading travel companies in the Sultanate of Oman, have announced a new multiyear preferred GDS agreement to help elevate the traveller experience in Oman. Fahad Express Travel & Tourism has been working with Sabre for more than a decade, delivering on its vision “to offer the best and most satisfying services to holiday seekers and our corporate travellers”. Under the new agreement, Fahad Express will be exclusively using Sabre Red 360 to deliver highly personalised offers for its customers, by deploying intelligent and consultative services and features. Furthermore, it will continue to benefit from Sabre’s automated exchanges and refunds to drive operational efficiency and excellence. “We are excited to extend our longstanding relationship with Fahad Express as its preferred GDS partner,” said John Matthew, Oman Country Manager, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “Online travel is playing a significant role in the industry’s recovery, and we will provide the technology and tools to allow Fahad Express leverage this growth and excel in both online and offline travel.”   Fahad Express Travel and Tourism will use Sabre’s marketplace of more than 400 airlines, 750,000 hotel properties, and hundreds of tour operators, rail, car and cruise providers, to sell customized travel packages from suppliers around the world. “We have been successful in building a brand that delivers the perfect balance of quality, reliability and service in the offline space,” said Ms. Juliet Irwin, General Manager, Fahad Express of Travel & Tourism. “Our partnership with Sabre will see us work together to empower the travel industry in Oman and transfer our expertise to excel in the online space. We will leverage Sabre’s …