Travel trade never rests on its laurels
The Middle East tourism industry is on fast track in preparing the next generation of travellers and partners to understand the focal points that would ensure profit in the future, say Arabian Travel Award winners.
Face of the future – Kulwant Singh, Founder and Managing Director, Lama Tours
Dubai enroute to new market strategies
Kulwant Singh, Founder and MD, Lama Tours, says, “2017 was a year of sustainability with a reasonable growth due to our visa business, tie up with Iventure card and several big group movements from India. We have also finalised a couple of tie-ups with local business and international agents. Our Palm Cruises and Lama Beach Club in Jebel Ali have been major attractions. We are expanding our business with online tools and satellite offices.” Best Cruise Professional – Lakshmi Durai, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Matrix
Cruise tourism on the rise
Lakshmi Durai, CEO, Travel Matrix, says, “Late booking trend is continuing to be the challenge in this market. Booking early will help the guest to secure their preferred cabin category and sailing date especially while travelling in groups. A major portion of our business is generally for outbound cruises. The gulf cruise gives the Middle Eastern guests an opportunity to experience cruising at their backyard without having to take longer flights.” Best Global Distribution System – Matthew Powell, Managing Director—EMEA, Travelport
Personalisation is shaping the industry
Matthew Powell, Managing Director—EMEA, Travelport, says, “Investments made in areas such as intelligence, mobile, payments, merchandising and corporate travel continued to bear fruit. Personalisation, multi-source content and the continued pivot to mobile and voice commerce have continued to shape the industry. We are also using AI and Machine Learning to improve the speed and personalisation of our results.” Most Enterprising Sales & Marketing Hospitality Professional – Sona Rawal, Director of Sales, JW Marriott Hotel Dubai
Focus on increasing market share
Sona Rawal, Director of Sales, JW Marriott Hotel Dubai, says, “Currently, the major source markets for our hotel are USA, Saudi Arabia, India, Great Britain and Germany. We are exploring more of the Chinese and African markets. We are looking to make tailor-made conference packages, personalised wedding menus and enhancing our Marriott Rewards customer experience to an even higher level.”