Emirates-owned dnata is expanding its travel interests by introducing a global leisure bedbank called Yalago.
The new offshoot will service third party customers with accommodation supply, providing dynamic inventory through leading technology solutions.
Details are due to be announced today, at the opening day of the annual trade show World Travel Market in London.
Yalago’s leisure focus is a nod to the tour operation heritage of the various brands that make up the dnata Travel portfolio, including Emirates Holidays, Travel 2, Gold Medal, Travel Republic and Travelbag.
With a room night production of more than seven million a year already coming from in-house brands, Yalago claims to be different from a standard ‘start-up’, having the benefit of significant volumes to deliver competitive rates and a flexible approach from day one.
The new brand’s managing director Sébastien Doussin said: “We are thrilled to bring Yalago to the global market with a unique and industry-leading approach.
“This new venture also enables us to garner distribution where dnata doesn’t have businesses operating. This is a common sense and exciting next step to really make the most of the talent and expertise of our people, as well as our strong and deep relationships.”
He added: “We will be focusing on quality rather than quantity, and one of our commitments is to retain a low hotel to contractor ratio – with our contractors based in-market – in order to continue to manage our contracts and relationships effectively.
“We have also invested significantly in a health and safety programme, partnering with an independent provider to continuously audit all of our hotel suppliers.
“Combine these factors with our flexibility, competitiveness and scalability, we are the perfect partner for travel businesses with growth plans.”