Category Archives: Agents

Tourism Malaysia Dubai & Jeddah is launching  Malaysia Specialist Certified Programme (MSCP) to educate travel professionals on destination information to become certified Malaysia travel experts. Conducted by Malaysian destination experts from the state tourism boards of Penang, Melaka, Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak, and Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), the programme comprises a series of six webinars, spanning one hour per session from March 9 to 25, 2021, designed specifically for travel agents. The travel agents will go into deep dives on major attractions, local events, and tourist accommodation premises in Malaysia during webinars. Besides that, the MSCP will also be used to promote Sabah and Sarawak as the new destinations for Middle East travellers. Shahrin Mokhtar, Director of Tourism Malaysia – Dubai, stated, “The MSCP is expected to make a significant headway which will enable us to reach a higher number of travel agents in the Middle East.” Putra Hilmy Elias, Director of Tourism Malaysia – Jeddah, added, “This programme ensures that the travel agents have knowledge of Malaysia and also allows them to grow their businesses by leveraging on Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings.” The MSCP is a part of Tourism Malaysia Dubai’s initiative born out of the COVID-19 pandemic besides the ‘#WeMissYou’ hashtag strategy to spur the readiness of travel professionals in the Middle East once Malaysia is reopened for business. The participants will be awarded certificates and entitled to enter a lucky draw for the chance to win hotels stay in Malaysia with a validity period until 2022.

Over the past year TravTalk has been instrumental in keeping the industry positive with their signature Digital conclaves. As we embark on a new year with a novel line of thought consisting a set of brand new trends, vaccinations and digital passports spreading its hope once again in the industry, we will have a tête-à-tête with stalwarts in the industry about an exclusive update. The first TravTalk digital conclave for 2021 kicks off on 23rd February 2021 with 6 key industry leaders in two sessions back to back. The first session will focus on Vaccination and the second wave of covid; where is travel headed? From 11.30 am to 12.30pm (UAE time) with Mamoun Hmedan – Managing Director  EMEA- Wego, Arijit Munshi- General Manager EMEAI -Tune Protect and Ramsumesh Menon – Chief Executive Officer -Go Gosaibi Travel  – Bahrain. Wellness tourism is an integral part in the Middle East the second session will focus on finding happiness through wellness tourism. The session starts by 1pm (UAE time) until 2pm with Laszlo Puczko -CEO & Co-founder – Health Tourism Worldwide, Linda Abdulla – CEO and Founder – Oryx Healthcare Consultancy and Kathryn Moore – Founder and Managing Director Spa Connectors, Global

Natalia Bayona, Director Innovation, Digital Transformation and Investments- UNWTO said, “Looking at World tourism day this year there are two areas they are focusing on in terms of rural development. First is development of rural areas is part of teaching opportunities to the community and secondly to identity and heritage of the destination bringing rural experiences as a way to preserve heritage and added value. She also reiterated that at this point of time social distance is important hence nature, adventure and cultural tourism are other ways to diversify. She further stated that in creating innovation in tourism sector with technologies they signed an agreement with google arts and culture where you can multiply rural territories to spread the voice and promote as emerging destinations.”

Travel Nevada is hosting an exclusive webinar for the Middle Eastern Trade on March 24, 2020 at 3 pm (UAE time). It is the best time to hone your skills and learn about new destinations. Nevada, is a diverse destination which will attract the Middle East clientele whether locals or expats hence at this time, in the comfort of your own abode you can learn more about the destination and its many offerings so don’t forget to register ASAP !! Time is running out.

Seven Chief Executives Officers from the leading travel agencies in the UAE were hosted by the Department of Tourism Philippines for a week long familiarisation tour of three of the most picturesque destinations — Manila, Boracay and Palawan. Philippine Airlines was the official airline to host exclusive personnel who are the key players in the UAE. The executive delegation experienced one of the most exclusive islands in the world at the Banwa Resort apart from the other five-star properties in the Philippines. The team shared their thoughts on the whole trip. Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO – Al Naboodah Travel and Tourism Agencies LLC, stated, “Philippines is emerging as a very attractive and cost-effective tourism destination.” Jamal Abdulnasser – CEO – Cozmo Travel, said, “The vibrant city of Manila is an excellent destination for MiCE and corporate events. Boracay , Palawan & Banwa islands offer you sandy beaches, rainforest and mountains.” V. Jeyaram – Managing Director – Sharaf Travel, said, “The destination offers great beaches with turquoise crystal clear waters, beautiful islands with breath-taking views and super hotels catering to all pockets.” Suresh Ahuja  – Managing Director – Trans Arabian Air Travel, responded, “I liked the whole itinerary especially our luxurious stay at Banwa.” Mohammed Haneefa – Managing Director – Deira Travel and Tourism, said, “We could see from day one that the services at Maxims Hotel, Crimson Resort, Sheridan Beach Resort and Banwa Private Island Resort were of high quality.” Sumit Acharya – Managing Director – BCD Travel, said, “We packed in a lot in six nights but had the opportunity to experience the variety that the Philippines has to offer, both for MiCE and the leisure traveller.” Manu Mehrotra – …

Experience Hub, the trade and promotion arm of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has revealed ‘Yas Expert,’ a new destination training and certification programme for travel agents.  In the first three weeks of the programme’s launch, more than 1,000 agents registered to undertake the online programme, which includes modules on the destination’s award-winning attractions, leisure experiences, on-island stays and itinerary planning. Additional modules in development include seasonal experiences that will cater to holidaymakers from key feeder markets, such as upcoming Diwali celebrations. Travel agents who complete all modules are certified as ‘Yas Experts,’ and also qualify to enjoy a number of incentives as well as join exclusive familiarisation trips, during which the agents complete their educational journey by experiencing the destination first-hand. Programme completion incentives include experience vouchers, the opportunity to win instant and mega prizes, including all-expenses paid trip to Yas Island for two. The first mega-prize draw in each key market will take place at the end of September. Speaking about the programme, Bruno Wiley, Vice President of Sales, Experience Hub, said, “Initiatives such as the Yas Expert programme highlight Experience Hub’s evergreen approach to continuously enhancing our relationships with travel agents to help them get acquainted with Yas Island, which continues to grow and evolve.” The programme is currently available to travel agents in the GCC, India and the UK and will soon be available to agents in Russia and China.

Travel from the UAE to the island of Ireland has seen strong growth from January 1st until June 30th, according to travel statistics released by dnata Travel. Compared to the same period (H1) in 2018, UAE locals and residents have been visiting Ireland in greater numbers, drawn to its diverse landscape full of lush greenery and vast natural beauty.  Over the first two quarters of the year, 58 per cent more bookings to Ireland were made through dnata Travel’s platforms, and room nights booked have also increased by 72 per cent. Antonio Fellino, Vice President of Retail and eCommerce for dnata Travel UAE, commented: “Trips to Ireland with dnata Travel offer UAE travellers unique opportunities including the chance to stay in a grand castle, or a small cottage at the heart of a colourful local village, or to explore rugged, scenic landscapes that follow in the footsteps of their favourite Game of Thrones characters.” Additional data indicates that sales of trips and accommodation to Ireland increased nearly two-fold during Eid Al Fitr alone, as compared to last year. This correlated to the travel provider noting that online searches for holidays to Ireland have seen a 675% augmentation in the first six months of this year. The most preferred destination for travellers from the UAE market was to Dublin, with 95 per cent of hotel bookings made through the dnata Travel platform favouring the capital city, followed by the cosmopolitan city of Cork. Visitors from the region have been found to reinforce their preference for luxury accommodation whilst abroad, as 47 per cent of hotels booked were for 5-star properties, followed by 4-star and 3-star hotels respectively. The ever-strengthening relationship between …

Dubai-based AA Al Moosa Enterprises has announced the rebranding of one of its four-star hotel properties located in a strategic area in Sharjah. Previously managed by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts under Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah, the property’s rebranding comes in line with AA Al Moosa Enterprises’ new strategy to strengthen its own local brand Golden Sands, which has been successfully present in the market for 30 years. Entering into force on July 1, 2019, the property’s new contract was signed during the opening of the Arabian Travel Market exhibition by Nayef Al Moosa, Director, ARENCO Real Estate, representing the owning company; and Mohammad Khoori, General Manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments. HE Khalid Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, was present at the signing ceremony. He commented, “We are grateful to AA Al MOOSA for believing in Sharjah as an attractive tourism destination, and we are looking forward to support Golden Sands throughout its new venture.” “There is no doubt that the UAE hospitality industry is constantly evolving, therefore we must be flexible and adapt our strategies to meet the ever growing market needs,” Nayef Al Moosa said. “We maintain a friendly relationship with Wyndham, and are confident that Golden Sands management will achieve our aspirations for this property.” For his part, Khoori noted, “The emirate of Sharjah has recently witnessed a vast transformation in its tourism sector, and we are delighted to be here to support the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s vision for the emirate with a renowned local brand that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.” He concluded, “We are extremely pleased to be selected by the owners to manage this fine …

Kanoo Travel has signed an agreement with Cvent, a market leader in meetings, events and hospitality technology, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to utilise the latter’s complete suite of event management solutions. Cvent’s event technology solutions will offer ATM attendees enhanced engagement and networking opportunities and will allow Kanoo Travel to manage and deliver a more impactful and memorable overall event experience. The partnership is a first-of-its-kind collaboration for Kanoo Travel as it becomes one of the first corporate travel management companies in the region to benefit from Cvent’s integrated technology solutions which include online registration, onsite badging and check-in, mobile event apps and feedback and reporting solutions. In addition to using Cvent’s onsite event technology, the company will also utilise Cvent’s venue sourcing platform – the Cvent Supplier Network (CSN) which will help to simplify and automate the event venue selection process. Featuring more than 260,000 hotels, resorts and special event venues, the CSN is one of the world’s largest databases of detailed venue information. “Kanoo Travel is embracing the digital transformation in the travel and hospitality industry and it’s serious about adapting the latest technology solutions which add value to its customers,” said Nabeel Kanoo, President, Kanoo Travel. “By partnering with Cvent we will be providing our customers with a comprehensive event management platform which will handle the entire event lifecycle and we will be able to offer them venues and hotels with competitive prices,” he said. Speaking on the partnership, Gokul Bajaj, Head of Sales & Partnerships and General Manager, Cvent Dubai,“We are excited to be working with Kanoo Travel, a market-leading organisation that recognises the importance of digital transformation and automation and we’re proud to partner with …

Emirates Holidays, part of travel services provider dnata, is set to establish a local presence in Denmark and Sweden in Spring 2019. The new branch in Scandinavia will cater to Danish and Swedish travellers, offering them unique travel experiences. The operations will be based in Copenhagen and supported by a team of local travel experts. “We are pleased to be expanding the Emirates Holidays footprint to Denmark and Sweden. Both markets are very valuable to us and we look forward to giving travellers more options for a bespoke premium travel experience to Dubai,” said Kenneth Andersen, General Manager, Emirates Holidays Scandinavia. Emirates Holidays, which has been in operation for over 20 years and operates in 38 source markets globally, exclusively supports the Emirates Airline and offers fully inclusive premium leisure packages to Dubai and beyond. The core Emirates Holidays proposition is based around providing exceptional value premium holidays, through close relationships with key supplier partners, as well as delivering a clearly differentiated quality of service and expertise. Emirates Holidays Scandinavia are already established members of the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund and will apply to be part of the Swedish Travel Association and Danish Travel Association. The expansion of its network into Scandinavia will help to support further growth for its flagship destination, Dubai, which expects to receive over 20 million international visitors by 2020 when it hosting Expo 2020.