Manu Mehrota, the general manager of Al-Tayer Holidays, a division of Al-Tayer Travel Agency in Dubai, discusses with ATN the agency’s big brand partnerships and current market trends.
ATN: What’s the latest news at Al-Tayer Holidays?
We have signed a wholesale contract for Rail Europe, so we will be launching that soon.
It gives us the opportunity to book online all travel for the entire Eurail network across Europe. This increases the possibility to promote European travel and these products
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ATN: Is there a demand for rail travel in this region?
We will stimulate that demand. There is a little bit of unfamiliarity in this market, but I think that’s going to change. It is a very nice way to travel, without the hassle.
You are travelling in comfort in about the same time frames as you would travel by air if you look at the check-in times and waiting times.
ATN: What’s the split between your leisure and corporate clientele?
Our corporate clients account for around 70% of our business, but in terms of value, that percentage shifts dramatically. Outbound travel has always been a fundamental part of the business.
ATN: What products or destinations are driving sales at present?
We have to make sure that we talk to people to tell them that there are some really good deals going around.
What might have previously cost AED 15,000 (US $4084) as a package is now being sold for AED 8000 ($2178).
There are some very good value-for-money options at the moment.
We currently have a ‘kids free’ offer with Disney and one of the good things about that is that it’s offered over a long period of time, so you have more opportunity to sell.
ATN: You obviously have a good partnership with Disneyland Paris — what other relationships do you have with suppliers?
Emirates Airline, being the carrier of Dubai, obviously gets the largest share of business.We are keen to promote and stimulate the number of people travelling and will partner with the airline on all the routes across the world that they fly to. We are not restricted by any one particular destination; we can sell any part of the world.
It is a very seasonal market here; you just have a few windows of opportunity when people will be travelling. It’s very clearly defined.
ATN: Is there strength in the short-break market at the moment?
It is quieter now. People are being a little bit cautious — they are being sensible and careful. I think people are just waiting and watching right now.
ATN: How strong is the inbound market by comparison to the outbound market?
I think every market has shrunk — there is no doubt about that.
We do have an inbound division, but we might not be affected so much because we did not have those huge volumes of distribution; we always had groups and individuals and that part is still there. But if you look in Dubai at hotels and occupancies, they will all give you a fair indication of how the market is.
ATN: What are your thoughts on the upcoming year?
I think we need to work harder to create more demand. We are not going to stop advertising; we are actually going to advertise more.
We will take part in the Arabian Travel Market with our own booth and we will create brochures and do many things.
We will create a little bit more of a noise. The point to tell people is that it’s a good deal. We want to look beyond the traditional destinations and tell people that there are so many more destinations. For example, France is not only Paris.
ATN: Are you looking to align yourself with more big brands?
We are always on the lookout to add value for our customers.
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Mar 26, 2009 , United Arab Emirates
Rail Europe has been in the UAE market for the last 10 years. Al Rostamani Travel have been their partners ever since and have been doing well with the product. Recently they organised a workshop highlighting their variety of products. I also believe they used to do seminars every year and moved ...