Take a tour of the operators...

At last more competition is entering the UAE's tour operator game, signalling a healthy future for both new and existing players.

The travel retail chain Thomas Cook Al Rostamani is set to evolve into an entirely new entity following news that Dubai Holdings had gained the rights to the Thomas Cook name in the Middle East.

The company will drop the Thomas Cook name and evolve as Al Rostamani Travel. The roll out of the new branding is underway and most shop fronts should be overhauled in the next few weeks.

With a new name comes a new mission: to expand the company’s tour operations, and GM Heinz Gabel says a glossy Al Rostamani brochure is on its way. I am sure the venture will succeed – not only does the Al Rostamani name have clout, thanks to its previous association with the Thomas Cook brand, but Mr Gabel boasts solid travel trade experience in Europe and Africa.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa is talking to Dnata about establishing its own UAE-based tour operation.

Many believe there is a huge gap in the market for mainstream operators that can compete against the likes of Emirates Holidays and Dnata Holidays.

Etihad Holidays thinks so too and is forging ahead with new destination launches, including the much-anticipated Australia programme.

Although the Abu Dhabi-based carrier will be hard-pushed to supersede rival Emirates Airlines’ 49 flights to Australia weekly, its service to Sydney and the holiday packages to destinations across the vast country will give customers more choice and no doubt grow the market to locations Down Under.

Not to be outdone, Qatar Airways Holidays (QAH) has decided to emulate Emirates and grow its leisure division, with plans to franchise more QAH shops across the UAE in particular.

The operator has also overhauled its marketing tactics, presenting its holiday options in terms of themes – such as family, spa, romantic or city breaks – rather than defining its offer by destination only.

This month we are also hoping to get our hands on the Dnata Holidays brochure, which promises 25 destinations catering to the needs of the top-end traveller.

There’s no more Axis Holidays for the trade, but we have been assured that Dnata will under no circumstances undercut the travel agent. A revamped trade web site is also under construction to assist the booking process and offer useful product knowledge and selling tips.

Agents catering to the more discerning traveller should also remember that the Middle East office of Australian wholesaler, Tempo Holidays, is up-and-running.

Unusual packages include cooking or painting holidays and hot destinations comprise South America – one soon to be hotly contested by Emirates – as well as high-end tailor made packages to France and Italy.

It’s assuring to see more choice and more competition enter the market – a trend I am sure will continue.

However, this month’s award for innovation goes to... Dubai-based Prime Travel.

The agency has not only seized the opportunity to sell holidays to in-demand destinations, but has taken a one big step further by actually selling the accommodation in which its guests will stay.

Some time soon, Prime Travel’s three offices will feature an extra desk dedicated to selling top-end real estate in Thailand – a destination the luxury traveller can’t get enough of. Ten out of 10 for enterprise I say!

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AQABA-PETRA-WADI RUM , Destination
Posted by Faisal A. Abu Nuwar, Amman, Jordan on Wednesday 7 March 2007 at 13:17 UAE time


Now ........ 
The most popular tourism spots in the world for Sun & Fun +++ 
Aqaba Beached in the Red Sea. 
Petra the most magnefisent spot. 
Wadi Rum Camel Riding ..... etc

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