Despite the increasing rents and cost of living, more and more residents living in the UAE will be travelling in record numbers this summer, with Far Eastern destinations rising in popularity among UAE nationals.
On the other hand, the United Kingdom and the Indian Subcontinent continue to top the list of preferred summer getaways for expatriates in the region.
Forecasting a boom in individual air travel in the UAE, a top official of Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency (SNTTA), one of the leading travel companies in the region and a member of the Dubai-based Liberty Investment Company, said that the trends were based on SNTTA achieving a strong 18 percent increase in outbound air-travel reservations for the first quarter of this year, over the corresponding period last year.
“It is going to be a record-breaking summer season for us this year and almost all airlines are nearing full capacity,” explained Zafar Imam, general manager of SNTTA. “After years of slow growth, this is the time of recovery that the regional travel industry has been waiting for. This year, the upswing in the economy, combined with innovative promotions and incentives have jointly contributed towards a healthy growth for the air travel industry.”
At the same time, SNTTA announced the launch of its latest summer campaign, this year offering an innovative “Fly Free Anywhere” promotion that allows travelers the opportunity to win back the entire amount of the ticket they purchase at any of the eight participating SNTTA outlets in Sharjah, including those in Dhaid, Khorfakkan and Kalba.
Running till July 29 the travel compnay is giving its retail customers the opportunity to win 75 air tickets, along with the chance to enter into a grand draw, where one lucky customer stands to win a 2005 Chevrolet Epica. To be eligible for the promotion, customers must purchase their tickets from any of the participating SNTTA outlets, with each ticket accompanied by a raffle coupon, regardless of the amount spent on the ticket.
Each week, the names of seven lucky customers will be picked out in a raffle in the presence of senior officials of Sharjah Municipality and top SNTTA management. The winners then obtain a full redemption on their ticket purchase amount and their names are also prominently displayed at all the participating outlets as well as on the SNTTA website (www.sntta.com).
Additionally, all raffle coupons will be entered into a grand raffle draw, to be held on July 30, to pick the lucky winner of the 2005 Chevrolet Epica.
“SNTTA has always been at the forefront in presenting innovative promotions that will help in luring travelers back to the skies and encouraging their participation in our events,” explained Imam. “Our latest summer promotion aims to reward customers for their loyalty that has, over the years, built SNTT A into a reputed and trusted travel company in the region.”