Planet Group launched at the Arabian Travel Market 2007

The group has been formed to cover variance of established and leading companies in various fields, to provide support to the existing overseas offices and add more offices and markets. The group with 11 companies under its umbrella is well-known for its expertise in the travel industry.

George M. Moussa, Chairman of Planet Group, said:

"Dubai's tourism success stems from its unique and plentiful attributes as a destination, the professionalism and dedication of operators and the tourism workforce, and the strong marketing efforts of the Government of Dubai. The Planet Group strives to assist the city's tourism industry and further augment its important economic and social contribution."

He revealed that the company intends to build a 5-star hotel, furnished apartment and convention centre complex at the total cost of Dh600 million ($164 million) in the Danat area of Abu Dhabi. The hotel will have 440 rooms along with a 190-unit apartment complex. The property will be operational in mid-2009. The design of these properties can be witnessed at the Planet Group Stand. The group successfully operates and manages the award winning Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, the unique Orient Guest House, Galaxy Plaza Hotel and Show Biz Pizza Place.

The Planet Group has already established a real estate arm under the name of Dynamic Real Estate Company. It has begun its first project in Ajman and will be developing other large scale projects.

This multimillion dollar turnover conglomerate is also introducing an online reservation system.

Moussa said: "As part of the updating and development of the technology infrastructure of Planet Travel and Tours, the company has introduced its online booking system which provides, at their partners' finger tips, real time availability and confirmation, access to all possible reports such as sales, room night, invoices and allotments are immediately reported to manage.

"The Planet Online System (POS) will allow hotels to expose their very last minute deal and special promotion for the agent and user to view and book. The system is based on the latest database and design technology and developed in-house to cater for the partners' requirements and easy customization."

Planet Group's policy is based on the highest level of integrity and professionalism while identifying and exceeding the needs of its customers. It believes in a single purpose: Create customer delight in every interaction. Through its flexible strategies, the group has achieved excellent results and it continues to aim for greater growth and success.

Moussa added the tourism industry also generates significant revenues for the city. "The Planet Group has played a significant role in this growing and sustainable industry and its inbound division handled 127,000 tourists in to the UAE in 2006."

"The Group owns and manages two exclusive camps in Dubai Desert which served 33,000 tourists in 2006. It also maintains has a fleet of 66 cars and buses. Last year the group's flight handling division sold jet fuel worth $22 million and its cargo division handled approximately 30,000 tons of cargo worldwide. Meanwhile, Planet Travel served 25,000 passengers to fly out of UAE last year and the Road Assistance Centre reached 55,000 members in the same year," he adds.

A total of 11 companies work under the Hospitality, Services, and Trading and Contracting Divisions of Planet Group.

Under the Hospitality Division, Planet Group owns, manages and operates prime hospitality establishments that cater to travelers in Arabia and the rest of the world such as The Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa, Galaxy Plaza Hotel, Orient Guest House and the Showbiz Pizza Place.

Under the Services Division, Planet Travel, Tours and Cargo provides premium travel management and cargo services; Planet Fairs and Exhibitions organizes world-class exhibitions and conferences; Roadside Assistance Centre and Roadside Assistance Car Rental and Lease for road assistance and vehicle rental service, respectively.

Under the Trading and Contracting Division, Planet Group has diversified its operation by investing in Handasat al Masharee for execution of massive power projects and GESCO for the import and export of goods.

Planet Travel, Tours & Cargo is a leading 'One Stop' agency providing a wide range of travel services including travel and ticketing, cargo and freight services, airport handling, inbound and outbound tourism, and leisure activities (excursions, tours and safaris).

The Arabian Courtyard Hotel, set in the heart of the charming Bastakiya district, offers 173 rooms including 23 suites equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for comfort and convenience, and blends Old World hospitality and modern amenities.

The Orient Guest House, located within walking distance to Dubai Museum, Dubai Creek, art galleries and other cultural landmarks, has an Old World ambience reminiscent of a bygone era. It features traditionally furnished and decorated rooms, a majlis (lounge) and a courtyard.

The Galaxy Plaza Hotel, an elegant business hotel centrally located in the buzzing Gold Souk, has 69 elegantly furnished single, double and triple rooms, and equipped with all the latest amenities.

The Showbiz Pizza Place focuses on innovative entertainment and caters to private parties in fun environment and in the presence of mechanical animated characters, various personalities, and lively music.

The Planet Group has a total-solutions approach to international exhibition and conference logistics through its Planet Fair & Exhibitions. It also has under its wing the Roadside Auto Assistance Centre, a 24-hour road assistance service with a member-base of over 75,000 automobile owners and the Roadside Assistance Car Rental & Lease, offering car rental and lease of vehicles.

One of the region's leading electro mechanical companies, the Handasat Al Masharee firm involved in mechanical and electrical works, air-conditioning of pipelines and other highly specialized services, is also part of the Planet Group.

The Group has also established GESCO, an import and export company, licensed to deal in import and export of beverages and other goods, from all over the world.