Ciaran Kelly, MD Flight Centre UAE.
Ciarán Kelly appointed Managing Director UAE.
FCM Travel Solutions is continuing to expand its footprint in the Middle East and Africa region after signing partnership agreements with GoFly in Algeria and Travel Club Travel & Tourism in Kuwait. The addition of these two countries to FCM’s network, means the travel management company has a presence in 22 markets in the Middle East & Africa region.
In addition, Ciarán Kelly has been promoted to Managing Director UAE of FCM’s parent company, Flight Centre Travel Group. He first joined FCM Travel Solutions in 2002 and his 16-year career with the company has included key business development and management roles. Since 2012, Ciarán has held the post of FCM General Manager Middle East & Africa, spearheading the travel management company’s aggressive growth in the region. He will continue to lead FCM’s presence in MEA within his new Flight Centre role. Ciarán takes over the Flight Centre position from Andrew Boxall, who has been appointed European Managing Director for FCM Travel Solutions, based in London.
Established in 2009, GoFly in Algeria has a strong reputation for delivering high level service and support to its business travel clients, including comprehensive full travel management services such as flight, hotel and car hire booking options, account management, online booking tool technology, traveller safety services, VIP executive services, leisure travel services and more. Headquartered in Algiers, GoFly manages business travel for national and multi-national clients including KIA, Global Group, Hyundai and Shell.
In Kuwait, Travel Club Travel & Tourism is a full-service agency established in 2007 by Mr Tareq Al-Rashdan, founder and CEO of Mawared House Trading & Contracting Co offering a wide range of travel products and services including corporate, groups, MICE, leisure and educational. Travel Club is also the general sales agent for Makemytrip.com, India’s leading online travel business especially for hotels and group tours, as well as Visit Britain. The agency also works closely with VFS Global, the largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, Travel Club manages visa and passport issuance-related administrative and non-discretionary tasks for VFS Global’s governmental clients.
Ciarán Kelly commented: “I am extremely delighted to welcome Kuwait and Algeria to FCM’s network in the MEA region. Their addition to our region allows FCM to service new clients we have won in these countries and to extend our services to current clients looking for a local service in these growing key markets for us.”
“I am also pleased to announce that, having worked closely alongside the current Flight Centre team for the last six years, I am assuming the role of Flight Centre’s MD in the UAE,” he added. “However, I will still be responsible for FCM’s network in the MEA region ensuring continuity and growth in this key market for FCM. I am looking forward to forging closer links with our fellow MEA FCM colleagues, suppliers and clients both regionally and globally to ensure we continue to be recognised as a leading player in the travel management arena in the region.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
