Invest in trustworthy travel experts

Embark on a journey with Novo Elite Holidays for an unforgettable and secure experience

According to a study by Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study 2018, residents in the UAE are likely to jet off on a trip abroad at least five times within two years, thus demonstrating a fondness for travel. This is especially true when extended holidays or long weekends set in.

During this time, the country’s travel market is abuzz with exciting deals from companies that promise fun getaways and holiday packages via phone calls and e-mail notifications. However, unbelievable offers do come at a dire price, and often these organisations are unaccountable when it comes to false promises, poor quality of trips, and actual value for money — because of which travellers suffer from loss of trust and money. It’s far worse when one makes investments in long-term holiday programmes.

With the market saturated with bad experiences, residents are expected to be left uncertain and confused about holiday programme and their authenticity. Syed Javeed Hussain, Partner and Managing Director, Novo Elite Holidays, says that it is important to understand the organisation’s background and inquire about their legal standing, so that they could be held responsible for any issues involved with a planned itinerary.

Protect yourself from holiday shams

Residents in the UAE are prone to being bitten by the travel bug, and once an opportunity for a trip arises, they’re likely to nab it so they don’t miss it. Last minute escapes are, of course, exciting but sometimes we’re caught up in the festive frenzy that we forget to look at the important points before pooling in our hard-earned money.

Recently, a holiday club was exposed as a fraud, after customers were misled to believe that they were signing up for luxurious vacation deals. The scheme cheated members of almost Dh40,000 per person. While complaints against the company arose, its branch manager shunned accusations by highlighting its non-refundable policy, adding that “people should have read their contracts carefully”.

It comes as no surprise that residents in the UAE would be apprehensive of investing in travel schemes, notably when organisations refuse to take responsibility and hide behind legal loopholes. TiPs To avoid Travel scams Here are few questions we must seek answers for in order to make sure your travel plans go smoothly:

are you dealing with the right people?

One of the key factors when picking a vacation deal or investing in a travel programme is to check the status of the organisation. Do a bit of research, such as a quick background check to help you identify how authentic the organisation is. Make sure that the firm is a legally registered travel management company or tour operator. Also look out for the other ventures and activities — whether they have dealt with government and private firms, hosted any citywide events and activations.

How well-established is the organisation?

In the UAE, there are a handful of organisations that offer security in travel investments. The best way to note of this is by checking if the company has bank guarantees at the Department of Economic Development (DED), Government of Dubai. This ensures that the business is stable, can operate smoothly, and that every customer’s investment towards its portfolio of holiday packages is secure. Also note the number of offices it has established in the UAE and its location. Many operate from free zone areas, but these small start-ups cannot guarantee cash returns when things go wrong.

is it officially qualified to host leisure activities?

A quick google search will show you tonnes of results bearing names of tour operators across the UAE, but just how many of them are actually licensed to operate leisure activities? An ideal organisation would be registered in the UAE and possess all essential licences to carry out inbound tourism to cater to visitors coming into the UAE; outbound tourism to serve needs of people travelling abroad from the UAE; be IATA-certified to offer discounts and book air tickets in the UAE; and have official permit to sell holiday packages across the world as Timeshare.

are you getting value for money?

The truth behind most holiday and tour operators is that customers pay more than the value of the trip. While the package may seem appealing, especially bundled with airport transfers and dinners, you may be spending more but receiving something less in value. Be wary of hidden charges disguised as facility fees. The travel operator you deal with should not ask for more than the package you’ve signed up for.

How much control do you have as a client?

Just as above, you may be shelling out more for a low-class suite or holiday without knowing it. Look up the organisation’s deals and get in touch with the accommodation and activity hosts directly to find out their rates and policies. With technology at our fingertips, we enjoy being in control of the planning process, so why not demand that from the organisers? Look for a travel management firm that allows clients to choose and build their own itineraries as they desire.

does it offer flexibility in itineraries?

Let’s get tech-savvy. Opt for a holiday operator that gives you the freedom to modify, mix and match accommodation and activities at anytime from anywhere with access to online resources. The more flexibility you have to make changes, the more reliable the organisation is. “Look out for those that offer an exclusive membership card along with a login ID and password to various services on a personalised online portal, along with a dedicated relationship manager to cater to all their travel needs,” Syed Javeed adds.

What about payment options?

If only we got a dirham for the number of times we’ve come across a travel agent that pestered us for an immediate down payment. Be wary of organisations that pressure you to pay the full amount immediately. A trustworthy firm would be considerate and give clients the option to pay in instalments at zero interest via major banks across a convenient time period, thus ensure a longlasting bond.

“Look for a secured portal that gives exclusive access to the member only. The online payment system should be automated and secure, ensuring a memorable trip with a few clicks. This concept should give clients one-stop travel and leisure solutions, with custom-designed holidays that one can choose, mix and match,” Syed Javeed says.

How legit is the venue marketing?

Venue marketing is a strategy that could make or break a travel organisation. It is an essential aspect of a successful marketing campaign. Of course, the company is further expected to deliver experiences as promised. When attending an invitation to a venue marketing programme, prepare yourself to ask the right questions in person after listening to the plan in detail. Go beyond the organisers and speak to attendees that are already enrolled in the scheme and seek out their experiences. Find out whether they’d travelled solo or with a family, what their budgets were, etc. With these tips, we hope you can protect yourself from scams and create lasting memories with family, friends and loved ones.

If you’re looking for a one-stop organisation that meets all the above expectations, then Novo Elite Holidays is the ideal solution that is ready to assist you with exciting packages. As a legal, ethical organisation, Novo Elite Holidays has a trustworthy reputation with a record of successful itineraries as well as a satisfied, loyal clientele.