UK-based B2B wholesaler JACTravel has signalled expansion in the Gulf region.
An official local operators license has been obtained in the UAE, where the company will trade as JacTravel Tourism LLC from a new office in Dubai.
This will replace a local representative office which has been in place since December 2012.
The investment in the Middle East sees a number of new contracting and sales staff taken on.
The most senior new recruit is Dan Cross, who joins as regional head of sales, Middle East and North Africa. He has more than six years experience working in online travel.
Head of contracting Malcolm Lindop said: “With our new local operator status, global distribution, a track record of consistent strong growth over the past few years and local staff who are interested in building strong relationships with hotels, we are well placed to grow the quality and quantity of JacTravel’s inventory in the region.
“That, in turn, will make JacTravel a more compelling supplier to trade clients.”
Taoufiq Abouchadi, contracts manager for the Middle East/North Africa, will be supported by Christina Macdonald who joins the Dubai-based team.
Cross said: “My target is to expand JacTravel’s business in terms of revenue and brand recognition. This is a good moment to be doing so, taking advantage of the build up to Expo 2020, which will attract huge numbers of new visitors to Dubai.”
Company president and chief operating officer Mario Bodini said: “The Middle Eastern market is booming, fuelled particularly by increasing numbers of people travelling within the region.
“Our strategy is to build a very strong local team in order to offer a service that is highly knowledgeable, imaginative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of both clients and suppliers.”