Expo 2020 Dubai, FIFA World Cup and relaxing of regulations driving tourism back to pre-pandemic levels.
Travelex, a market leading foreign exchange brand, has launched its 29th location at the world’s busiest international airport, Dubai International (DXB) in the latest indication of the UAE’s tourism industry’s strong post-pandemic rebound. Travelex is also announcing plans to open its 30th store at the airport by April 2022.
The new location – conveniently located for passengers in DXB’s Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall – is equipped with ATMs and trades in over 60 currencies.
The launch of the new flagship store – and Travelex’s 46th in the UAE – comes as regional passenger volumes continue to climb, with 29.1 million passengers passing though DXB in 2021, a 12.7% increase on 2020.
Earlier this month, the World Travel and Tourism Council announced that the Middle East’s travel tourism sector is likely to reach $246 billion this year – just 8.9% below pre-pandemic levels – with a return of global air travel, a relaxing of Covid-19 regulations, and major events, such as Expo 2020 Dubai and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, being major drivers of the market’s recovery.
Travelex now offers customers foreign exchange services from 22 conventional stores and 7 mobile kiosks across Dubai International – all operated by over 240 employees.
In addition to 29 locations at DXB, Travelex also operates a range of stores, OTMs (mobile kiosks) and ATMs across the wider UAE. These include Port Rashid, as well as a combined 15 locations across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Travelex has plans to develop further locations across both Dubai International and Sharjah in 2022, creating more jobs in the process for both Emiratis and expats.
Batu Dolay, Commercial Director, Travelex Middle East & Turkey said: “We are delighted and proud to both open our 29th location and announce plans for our 30th location at Dubai International Airport, an iconic airport and the world’s busiest by passenger traffic for the 8th year in a row.
“With the regional tourism industry rebounding, we know these new stores will be exactly what customers need as they step foot into this astounding city, and we look forward to serving them as the world returns to Dubai.”
Eugene Barry, EVP Commercial at Dubai Airports, said: “The launch of the new service in Terminal 1 Arrivals showcases the strength of the partnership between Dubai Airports and Travelex and is another tangible step in the recovery of the travel industry.
“Our focus at Dubai Airports is on enhancing guest experience as traffic volumes continue to grow, by working closely with world-class commercial and service partners.”
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.