Tag Archives: Travtalk ME

The second session of the TravTalk ME virtual conclave had three speakers in 3 different areas in the hospitality industry. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer Shurooq; Alexander Suski, Associate Vice President Sales & Marketing Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East, Africa; and Turkeyand Philip Wooller – Area Director-Middle East & Africa, STR. In his opening remarks Al Qaseer stated that Sharjah Collection hotels saw an increase of customers once the ban was eased and they were enjoying a very good occupancy level. Suski and Philip stated that they have seen an increase in terms of numbers of residents making use of their staycation opportunities that provided them with good deals. The speakers stated that they have been closely working with the tourism boards Dubai and Sharjah and compliant with all their requests so that they can ensure the guests of their confidence. Al Qaseer opined that since Sharjah collection has more boutique properties that ensure social distancing and more outdoor spaces, this helped them to gain the trust of the visitors. Suski stated that MICE and weddings will be the ones that may take a little longer to start. Philip stated that UK is an important source market for the UAE and likewise UK travellers enjoy the summer in the UAE and this year too once restrictions are lifted they will see a growth of these travellers. The speakers concluded the session stating that hotels should start selling now or even yesterday the ones that stayed operational even during the time of the pandemic, it will be easier for them to get on track. It was their opinion that price wise there will not much as to changes …

The first TravTalk ME digital conclave themed ‘Reselling Tourism’ concluded yesterday with a record number of viewers from the Middle East and Asia. The first session included three personalities in the travel trade Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO, Al Naboodah Travel; Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO, Cozmo Travel; and Tarique Khatri, EVP Center of Excellence, Seera Group. They mentioned the importance of the industry to stay positive during these trying and challenging times as there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. The middle seat in the flight was one area that the viewers were interested in and Jamal Abdulnazar stated that now they have found a special ultraviolet beam that can destroy all viruses and all airports will have relevant methods to ensure a safe journey for the passengers. Tarique Khatri stated that they have seen a growth in domestic tourism in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia after they started the domestic flights and they have seen travellers requesting for lesser known cities which they have now included in their plans. Nasir Jamal khan added that the travel agents were kept busy when the travellers needed cancellations and refunds. They further stated that the travel agents were here to stay but the role will have to be more defined. They further reiterated that Travel insurance will now play a bigger role as destinations will make it mandatory to have one with certain clauses. The industry needs to stay positive during this pandemic times and when the travel will start flowing in as there will be a lot more in business. All three speakers requested the industry professionals to start selling now to see the industry grow.

In just a few hours the first digital conclave – ‘Reselling Tourism’ with experts from the travel trade and hospitality sector will begin, organised by TravTalk ME today from 10am to 12.15pm (UAE time). For any query please contact Crisna de Guzman at crisna.deguzman@ddppl.com or call +971505074618, +971554704200. The event will be moderated by San Jeet, Managing Director-DDP Group. This will be a perfect opportunity to learn about the middle east, the current situation, what is expected, how to recover, what will be the new trends to look out for etc. So pose all your questions and make the most of this platform to learn more about the sectors. Complimentary Registration for both sessions Tourism 2.0 the restart strategy and the new league of hotels. *Session one: 10am to 11am* *Tourism 2.0 – The new restart strategy* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/139/wy0z2blm *Session two: 11:15am to 12:15pm.* *The New league of Hotels* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/140/rymlob90 The perfect platform to engage with experts from the Middle East about the travel and hospitality industry with the new offerings post COVID era, how to cope with the pandemic and be safe whilst opening the UAE. The first session titled Tourism 2.0 restart strategy will focus on the key elements necessary to get back on track and the second will be focusing on the hospitality sector and its challenges and way forward. You can pose your questions as you enter to the expert panelists Jamal Abdulnazar CEO Cozmo Travel, Nasir Jamal Khan CEO Al Naboodah Travel, Tarique Khatri EVP Centre of Excellence, Seera Group for the first session and Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer Chief Operating Officer Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Alexander Suski Associate Vice President Sales & Marketing …