Dollar Thrifty Qatar prepares for boom
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group of Qatar announced that it is preparing itself for a 2012 tourism boom. The group is expecting to close 2011 with a 20 per cent increase in profit compared to 2010, and has upgraded its fleet to 2012 models, increasing the fleet size by 25 per cent. Ibrahim Al-Muftah, managing director, Dollar Rent a Car & Thrifty Car Rental Qatar says, “Travel agents, tour operators and airlines need to prepare for this tourism boom in Qatar. We are already seeing major airlines increasing flights to Qatar. Ultimately, the travel industry will need to upgrade their offerings to stay in competition, as more and more travel companies enter the market.”
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Yas Links reaffirms its No 1 position
Yas Links Abu Dhabi ends 2011 on a high after being crowned the ‘Best Golf Course in the Middle East’ by Golf Digest Magazine, one of the world’s largest and most influential golf media brands. Since opening to the public in 2010, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the only true links golf course in the Middle East, has received rave reviews from influential global media, visitors and the travel trade, quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s must-play golf courses. Its latest award follows a string of important accolades that have acknowledged the quality and challenge of the 7,414-yard golf course, designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips. Yas Links has also been recognised for its exceptional food and beverage operation, along with its ambiance and friendliness as one of the Middle East’s most welcoming sporting clubs.
The golf course is supported by the recently opened state-of-the-art Yas Links Golf Academy which boasts the UAE’s largest number of fully certified Trackman professionals.
ITTFA adds new membership benefits
The International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA) recently held its Annual General Meeting at The Travel Club in London where it agreed on a new set of all inclusive benefits for 2012 set to greatly enhance value for its members. Currently members benefit from representation of their fairs at all member events, media support via a structured media partnership programme, quality accreditation associated with the ITTFA brand, inclusion in marketing materials and exhibition catalogues and the support of a secretariat to oversee general administration, as well as extensive PR and marketing support across relevant industry channels.
As of January 2012 membership fees will now also include an annual membership per member for The Travel Club, London as well as three one day workshops throughout the year with guest speakers from across the industry. It is hoped that in the future these workshops can be extended to offer members key exhibitors and potential client’s advice and inspiration.
MMI Travel sells Olympic packages
MMI Travel has been officially appointed by the UAE National Olympic Committee to sell tickets and packages in the UAE for the Olympic Games 2012. MMI travel, one of the Middle East’s leading sports travel management companies will enable sporting enthusiasts from our region to be part of this unforgettable experience. From those simply wanting to purchase a ticket, to customers who would like to have a complete tailor-made travel package, MMI Travel can help as they have been selected to be the region’s Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR) in UAE. Complete packages include flights, hotel accommodation and game tickets, with the added convenience of transfers too.
As Authorised Marketing Agent of Prestige Ticketing in UAE for sale of Official Hospitality packages, they also offer travellers a top notch experience with hospitality access at the venue. For more information visit www.mmitravel.com