UAE travel trade gain global perspective thanks to Gulf Air

The Gulf Air sales team was out in full force to promote not only its popular destinations, but also new routes being added this month, including daily, direct service from Dubai to London and flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi.

As part of its sales blitz, Gulf Air gave front-line travel agency staff the opportunity to enter and win Gulf Air Familiarisation Trips to popular and exotic destinations in the Gulf Air network that stretches from Europe to Australasia and covers more than 45 cities in 34 countries.

"In an increasingly competitive marketplace, Gulf Air recognises the value of strong and sustainable partnerships with its trade partners, who are a vital link to our customers," said James Harrison, Area Manager of Gulf Air, Dubai and Northern Emirates. "This sales drive and promotion has given us an ideal opportunity to thank them for their continued support, as well as reaffirm our ongoing partnership."

In total, 50 travel agents will participate in the familiarisation trips scheduled from now until September. Gulf Air has scheduled 5 familiarisation trips to Kuala Lumpur, London, Sydney, Bangalore and Bangkok. All trips are arranged in conjunction with local tourism authority boards that are supporting Gulf Air by providing tour and travel arrangements at the respective destinations.

The latest familiarisation trip for the local tour operators was to London via Abu Dhabi. Tour operators learned first-hand, just how hassle-free travelling from the UAE to London can be by experiencing first-hand the multitude of services Gulf Air has to offer: the chauffer-driven limousines from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport; meet and greet and Fast Track Check-in for Business Plus passengers; and access to the Gulf Air Lounge for Business and First Class passengers.

"London is a key destination that Gulf Air wants to promote amongst the trade, especially since we operate the greatest frequency of flights to the region out of Heathrow than any other Middle Eastern carrier," added Mr. Harrison. "This familiarisation trip is particularly significant because it comes just ahead of Gulf Air launching its new daily Dubai to London route from 21 June. This will give our growing customer base the choice of either Abu Dhabi or Dubai when travelling to London, or onwards to UK or European destinations."