TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Middle East clientele craves for new experiences and exciting getaways with their vacations every year. Middle East tourism boards, in partnership with local biz, cultural institutions, and global travel partners, are leading charge in promoting this new wave of tourism. These collaborations aim to preserve cultural heritage, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
Mohamed Al Rais, Managing Director, Al Rais Travel
We have developed targeted marketing campaigns through established travel agents specialising in Middle Eastern markets. Initiatives include culturally tailored training for agents, exclusive promotions, and collaborative FAM trips that showcase the destination’s attractions and luxurious hospitality offerings, ensuring representation.
Dinkar Dasaur, General Manager, UAE, Satguru Travel
To attract Middle East travellers, we collaborate with travel agents through exclusive packages, halal friendly experiences, Arabic-speaking guides, and tailored marketing campaigns. We introduce experiences such as luxury desert safaris, cultural heritage tours, and exclusive shopping getaways by partnering with agents.
Jyoti Panchmatia, General Manager, Gulf Region, Travco LLC
We work closely with travel agents and tour operators to create customised travel packages that cater to the preferences of luxury-seeking travellers. We host FAM trips for agents and participate in regional trade events to showcase our destination’s appeal. We stay relevant by adapting to the preferences of Middle Eastern travellers.
Yamina Sofo, Director, Marketing & Sales Office GNTO GCC
German National Tourist Office (GNTO) engages with travel agents through trade fairs such as ATM and its own initiatives, such as Discover Europe Travel Summit and annual roadshows. GNTO conducts special training sessions, co-marketing campaigns, and FAM trips to equip agents with the tools to promote Germany to GCC travellers.
Divya Nanda, Travel Counsellor, Travel Counsellors
Many destinations collaborate with travel agents through FAM trips, roadshows, and incentive programmes to promote experiences tailored to the travellers. Destinations attract Middle East tourists by offering immersive experiences such as private luxury tours, adventure activities, and authentic culinary experiences, catering to their preferences.
Dominique Maulin Diabira, RD, UAE, ME, Turquia, Israel and South Africa, Atout France
Atout France is promoting its destinations to Middle Eastern travellers through digital marketing, B2B strategies, and partnerships with travel agencies. To attract ME tourists, France is offering tailored experiences, promoting winter destinations, such as Courchevel, and highlighting Nantes, Bordeaux, and Marseille regions and Lyons.
Livio Goetz, Director GCC, Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland Tourism hosts engaging roadshows and events in Switzerland and the GCC region, providing travel agents with in-depth training and insights to enhance their knowledge and promote Switzerland as a top travel destination. We remain active through marketing efforts, social media, B2C marketing etc.
Ayman Al Qudwa, General Manager, Falcon Travel
In 2025, Qatari travellers are embracing outbound experiential tourism and seeking culturally-rich adventures. With rising disposable incomes and an appetite for unique experiences, destinations offering adventure sports, eco-tourism, and cultural exchanges are in demand. Popular are Japan, South Korea, Russia and Europe.
Aga Pytlik Elkhatib, Founder, Aga Khatib, Marketing Services
As a travel agency, we promote the destination by partnering with tourism boards and local suppliers to create packages for ME travellers. We run campaigns, and provide tailored experiences through local agents. We stay relevant by updating our offerings, partnering with influencers, and training our team.
Elmira Heshmati, Founder and CEO, Elaxiom Travel and Tourism Agency
To promote the destination among Middle East travellers, ties with regional tour operators in each destination and organising FAM trips for agents or top clients and conducting marketing campaigns would play role in familiarisation with cultural experiences and highlighting attractions of the target destinations.
Sanaf Rahman, Travel Consultant, Aldar Travel and Tours, Bahrain
We collaborate with regional travel agents through FAM trips, Arabic-language brochures, cultural training, and JMPs. Participation in ME travel fairs and offering commission-based parks fortify destination visibility. We curate halal-friendly packages, desert adventures and als Arabic-speaking guides.
Sapna Aidasani, Director, PR and Marketing, Pluto Travel
Dubai’s initiatives such as visa on arrival, seamless flight connectivity, halal-friendly services, and introduction of the 10-year influencer visa make it a standout destination. We have a product called ‘7 gems of Emirates’, serving as a key tour for ME tourists. It has positioned itself as a hub for business
and leisure.
