Emirates Holidays, which holds a nine per cent share in the Emirates Group`s revenue, has registered a…
Emirates Holidays, which holds a nine per cent share in the Emirates Group`s revenue, has registered a 15 per cent increase in passengers and a 33 per cent increase in profit for the fiscal year 2002. This was announced by Hans Hansel, Director, Emirates` Destination and Leisure Management, at a Press conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel yesterday, according to reports in the UAE`s dailies.
Other officials who attended the event included John Felix, General Manager and Abdul Noor Hassan, Tactical Manager, Gulf and Middle East, at Emirates Holidays. The 30 per cent projected increase in the capacity by Emirates airline is expected to boost the profitability of Emirates Holidays. Emirates flies to over 60 destinations worldwide, with new routes having been planned for this year.
Haensel said that Emirates Holidays had achieved a capacity of over 70,000 passengers. The UAE holds a 43 per cent share with over 502 tour operators promoting Dubai all over the world. Asia has a 23.5 per cent share, followed by Europe with 14.6 per cent, non-GCC countries (such as Syria, Egypt, Lebanon) with 11.7 per cent and Africa with 6.6 per cent. While other destinations had registered a single digit growth, Malaysia recorded a 50 per cent growth, South Africa 34 per cent, Egypt 29 per cent and Thailand 27 per cent. In view of the war in Iraq and the overall uncertainty in the region, Haensel said that although there had currently been more inter-regional travel, holiday options would be available in June, July and August.
If we talk about destination Dubai, we haven`t revised our target. Emirates hasn`t reduced its frequency to its destinations worldwide. We are confident that come June, July and August the business will be as good as it has been last year, he said.
John Felix, General Manager at Emirates Holidays, said that certain changes had been made to the 2003-2004 brochure in terms of pictures and the type of information it contains. New destinations, such as Japan, Shanghai, Austria, Belgium, Seychelles, Luxor, Malta and the Philippines have been included in the 556-page brochure which also features new sections on honeymoon and safari holidays.
The brochure launch is set to take place at the Baniyas Ballroom of Grand Hyatt Hotel. Public sessions during the travel fair will be held from 6pm to 8pm on April 30 and May 1, and from 3pm to 8pm on May 2. Participants include tourism experts from 30 countries and exhibitors from Emirates` Skywards loyalty scheme, Al Maha Desert Resort, Le Meridien Al Aqqa Beach Resort Fujairah, several destination management companies, car rental companies and the travel insurance partner Ketteridge Group.
Felix added that top destinations for 2002 included Malaysia, UK, Egypt, Maldives, Mauritius, South Africa, France, Turkey and Jordan. He said that it was the result of its joint work with tourism offices and the wider selection and information about different destinations being offered by Emirates Holidays.
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