Sharaf Travel is set for a major expansion in the UAE and across the GCC, according to the the Sharaf Group’s vice-chairman Sharafuddin Sharaf.
Sharaf has just announced its formal representation of Virgin Nigeria, which commences flights to Dubai on May 2.
At next month’s Arabian Travel Market, the group will formally announce a new general sales agreement with Thai boutique carrier Bangkok Airways as well as unveil a state-of-the art online booking portal for end consumers, the company’s Salah Sharaf told TTN.
“Dubai is expanding year by year and the opportunities in the market are tremendous,” he said.
Already running 12 stores around the UAE, the company is planning to add another eight to its network by the end of 2007, as well as making an initial foray into Oman and exploring new markets such as Qatar.
Only 15 years old, the company already represents 10 carriers as well as cruise companies Costa and Viking Line. “Cruises are a very new market for the region, The general perception is that the region doesn’t like cruises, but with the right marketing, we expect a quick pick-up,” says Salah Sharaf.
Pg 8: Costa sails into Dubai
Pg 18: Virgin Nigeria flies high