substantial 30 per cent of the region's GDP, but following a Dh454 billion investment
this statistic is set to rise exponentially: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed himself has stated
that by 2015 Dubai should be attracting upwards of 15 million visitors which is a
target that the Emirate is well on track to achieving. One of the oldest and most
reliable travel and tourism organization, not only cresting the wave of this success
but also helping to facilitate it, is the Orient Group, viz. Orient Travel and Orient
Tours. Just as the region has grown into a travel and tourist hub, so have they
expanded all over the country, and their dedication to publicizing and promoting
Dubai cannot be underestimated.
"The authentic Arabian experience belongs to us, so its up to us to be creative at all times and thus ensure sustainable product that has a global appeal". HE Sheikh Faisal Al Qasimi
T
his is no surprise when you consider its pristine white beaches, balmy climate and striking skyline. Dubai and the UAE overall is increasingly being viewed as a top holiday and business destination for millions around the globe. However the thriving travel and tourism trade is now poised to explode into a whole new league and operators such as Orient Travel are ready to participate in this growth. Established in 1963 by the Late Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a man with a vision of how integral the travel sector could prove to the continuing prosperity of Dubai, Orient Travel has since grown from strength to strength. Maintaining the standards of service that the company is renowned for is pivotal to their success; "Our business philosophy is to be a one-stop shop for all travel requirements with special emphasis on providing impeccable service to our clients". Sheikh Faisal quotes. Whether it is inbound or outbound destinations, city breaks or languorous beach vacations, Scandinavia or the Caribbean, Orient travel can cater to your requirements to provide a truly memorable holiday. They have also introduced a series of industry-shaping innovations, including tailor-made alternative vacation destinations. Their evolution, they elaborate, "is been born from creativity, in tandem with high- end service-oriented delivery and, especially today, innovative and authentic product development". Because of the size of the company and its breadth across the UAE, Orient travel attracts every type of customer, both local Emirates and the expat community. Their wide corporate network brings in business as well as company incentive groups, enabling them to cater to every type of leisure customer. One of the most critical factors in Orient travel rise has been their professionalism coupled with consistently competitive prices, and to ensure the smooth running and premier service of the company staff remain key. Highly well trained and empowered with the latest technology, such as 'FareStar' which allows representatives to search a vast global fare database with fares from any country, it is evident that Orient travel considers its employees to be extremelyvalued assets who help to provide that ever important "personal touch".
Further expansion is, unsurprisingly, on the cards. The number of Orient offices is increasing at a rapid pace, with an Abu Dhabi branch which just opened as well as more offices in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Orient Travel has also been appointed GSAs for a number of prestigious airlines recently, whilst sponsorships like the monthly medals at the Sharjah Golf Club and Els Club together with regular participation in trade fairs helps to ensure that they stay a notch above the competitors in the region.
Orient Tours is a sister company of Orient Travel, established 1982 as the first inbound tour company by Sheikh Faisal to present UAE destination to the west. And due to the amount of business focused on the lucrative inbound sector, however, the fate of Dubai's tourism initiatives is vital to Orient Tours and the Government's promotion of the Emirate as a premier holiday vacation has resulted in a steady increase in the company's growth.
Orient Tours is one of the longest established inbound agents in the UAE and was a dedicated pioneer of in-bound tourism into the region, aiming to showcase this amazing place and offer a genuine Arabian experience: "The aim of Orient Tours is to enlighten our visitors about the culture and heritage of the destination, always respecting the local traditions and customs. The concept of "cultural exchange" between people in the UAE and from abroad was and has always been the driving force behind our products and our dreams."
Dubai's aspirations for the future are mirrored in the ambitions of orient travel and Orient tours, and both seem to be grasping with both hands the chance for the region to become an even greater figure in the international tourist industry.
Orient Travels
-Tel: +9716 568 7096
www.orienttravels.com
Orient Tours
- Tel: 800-6789
www.orienttours.ae
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Dubai's department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is constantly active in promoting the emirate as a tourism destination of worldwide significance. It mounts regular media and advertising campaigns and is a major presence at regional and international travel markets and fairs. Sheikh Faisal Al Qassemi, Chairman, Orient Travel & Orient Tours