EMIRATES Holidays World event, saw the launch of the World of Choice 2010-2011 brochure, with 6,000 consumers and 400 industry professionals in attendance.
John Felix, senior vice president for Emirates Holidays said: “The positive response is an indication that people are keen to take their holidays again. It has been doom and gloom for far too long.
“At this year’s event, travellers had the opportunity to speak to the destination representatives directly as opposed to intermediaries which they do through the rest of the year. Countries are becoming more and more creative in how they present their destination and how they engage the trade making it very interactive.
“We get fantastic feedback from everyone who comes and this is reflected in the increasing number of people who return every year.”
Emirates Holidays booked 165,000 total room nights during 2009, a decrease on the previous year’s numbers, as customers opted for shorter breaks.
But looking ahead, Felix is upbeat about the summer months. “People are optimistic this year and I don’t think they will cut back on their holiday.
“Last year was a year of uncertainty with Ramadan coming in early, followed by the H1N1 virus and then the financial crisis, which slowed travel plans more than cutting them back,” he said.
With the World of Choice, the focus is on destination. “What is important for us is to present these options to the customers, the decision as to what they want to use and how much they want to pay for that is entirely up to them. When they make a decision it has to be an informed decision,” he added.
The brochure offers 30 countries showcasing a range of holidays that suit all requirements and budgets including beach holidays, city breaks, tours, safaris, cruises, adventure holidays, theme parks, spas and relaxation breaks.
Felix believes that traditional markets like the UK, France, Germany, Turkey and Austria will continue to be preferred destinations this year, as well as Egypt and Lebanon in the region.
“The Indian Ocean remains popular, but these markets also get short-term holidays. In Africa, destinations like Kenya are now extremely aggressive in marketing their destination,” said Felix.