Middle East remains prime growth market for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group

DTG, one of the fastest growing car rental companies in the region, has enjoyed a landmark year since ATM 2004 and saw a 42 percent increase in rental transactions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2004.

The car rental giant will use next month's event to highlight some of its key successes in this time including a broader franchise program, a significant expansion and enhancement of its regional fleet, new customer service initiatives and the phenomenal growth of the Dollar Rent a Car brand, launched at last year's event.

"The flourishing Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) market, the real estate boom and the region's growing reputation as a tourist paradise have all contributed to a rapid increase in the number of visitors to the region," said Yves Boyer, executive vice president international, DTG, who is scheduled to attend ATM this year.

"While DTG remains committed to ensuring that it has the resources, vehicles, and presence available to accommodate this rise in demand, it is also aware that participation in major trade exhibitions like ATM is vital to our campaign to strengthen foothold in the region's increasingly competitive car rental market."

"DTG is no stranger to the ATM event, which has provided our corporate representatives an ideal platform to reinforce and establish links with travel industry partners since 1995," he added.

Thrifty Car Rental UAE recently announced the addition of a range of luxury cars to its existing inventory of more than 7000 quality vehicles. Furthermore, 800-THRIFTY (800-847-4389), a toll free number that customers can call to access their nearest Thrifty outlet in the UAE was launched, offering services telephonically 24 hours a day.

Across the region, Thrifty continues to win strong market share through its network of franchises in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Since its launch at ATM 2004, Dollar Rent A Car has opened outlets in strategic locations in Dubai including on Sheikh Zayed Road and at the Dubai International Airport Terminal 2. Dollar's fleet of cars in the UAE has already reached 600 and is poised to grow significantly in 2005.

Dollar's plans to open 20 new franchise outlets throughout the MENA region are also well underway and representatives of the brand are scheduled to use ATM 2005 as an opportunity to announce the appointment of franchisees in key markets across the GCC.

"This year marks DTG's largest presence at ATM, an event that has continually afforded us the opportunity to showcase our offering to suppliers, customers and fellow industry professionals. We are confident that our participation in this year's ATM will ensure our continued success," concluded Sam Eltibi, regional director, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, MENA.