AGENTS

UAE will be focusing on new markets in 2020, starting off with the Nordic travel fair—MATKA—to be held from January 17-20 in Helsinki, Finland. The two other important exhibitions to kick off in the upcoming year are Vakantiebeurs in Netherlands and FESPO in Switzerland. HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, …

Paula de Keijzer, Senior Director-Market Management, Africa, Indian Ocean, Middle East and Turkey, Expedia Group, talks about growth in the Middle East market and how Expedia creates a level-playing field for small players by bridging the tech gap. Peden Doma Bhutia from Las Vegas Expedia in Saudi Arabia has witnessed …

As the year 2019 comes to an end, achievements in every sector related to the travel, tourism, hospitality and other supported fields enjoyed a year of growth. TTME spoke to some of the leaders who share insights on their journey in 2019 and talk about what they intend to do …

Arshard Munir, General Manager, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), shares that at WTM this year in London, SATA will be showcasing a multitude of offerings, from flight bookings to accommodation and visa. TT Bureau For Sharjah Airport Travel Agency, an agency owned and operated by Sharjah Airport Authority, Eastern Europe …

The Department of Tourism Philippines recently organised a familiarisation trip for leading travel agents in the UAE. They share their views with TravTalk on the archipelago and the six-day tour, which included some of the most beautiful and luxurious areas of its islands. Nasir Jamal Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Al …

Even as millennials prefer working online and booking their packages through phones or laptops, travel agents are also innovating. Agents are now more aggressively looking at sectors like corporate travel, luxury travel and cruises, shares Arshad Munir, General Manager, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA). TT Bureau Tell us in brief …

Global DMC Network, owned by JTB Group, with their representative in Dubai Venture Planet organised a special roadshow for B2B agents in the UAE recently. Industry experts share with us the trends they foresee in the Middle Eastern market and how they can leverage it to their advantage. Abrar Uppal, …

Come summer and the Middle Eastern traveller explores various ways to unwind, be it in the form of staycations or travelling for retail tourism. Other destinations stand to gain a lot through these visits. Industry spokespersons share this season’s inbound and outbound trends. Shehara Rizly Sigrid de Mazieres, Director, German …

The Khareef season is a busy time in Salalah as it is one of the most visited destinations by GCC travellers who like to soak in the lush greenery. SalamAir recently flew down agents from Abu Dhabi along with hotel partner, Millennium Salalah. Here’s what the agents had to say …

Summer brings the scope of travelling to new outbound destinations for the Middle Eastern travellers. We speak to some tourism boards and agents to know more. Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of Tourism Authority Thailand (TAT), Dubai and Middle East office We welcomed over 38.2 million visitors last year, bringing in 63 …