What To Do in Seychelles – Top 3

Famous for its pristine white beaches, visitors will be doing themselves an injustice if they spend their entire time sampling the archipelago’s many beaches. From protected forests, unique geological formations, world-class snorkelling & scuba diving, heavenly hiking trails, some mouth-watering local cuisine, and much more, there is an endless list of reasons you should visit Seychelles. So please read on as we outline our top 3 list of what to do in Seychelles.

What is Seychelles Known For?

Seychelles is a collection of small islands famous for being the ideal honeymoon destination, especially among celebrities. The tropical island, filled with deep blue waters and clean white sandy beaches, is also home to many of the world’s rarest creatures. The island is also one of the least populated African countries, and is also home to one of the world’s largest fruit, the Coco de Mer, which takes a stunning ten years to ripen!

The capital of Seychelles, Victoria, is the world’s smallest capital. Conversely, the nation is known to be home to the world’s most gigantic tortoise: Esmeralda.

Where is Seychelles Located?

The African nation of Seychelles is located east of the African continent on the Indian Ocean. It is found northeast of Madagascar and South East of Somalia. The country consists of 115 islands and is one of the most scenic countries in Africa.

Do You Need a Visa to go to Seychelles?

Visitors do not require a visa to travel to Seychelles since it is a visa-free country. Visitor permits are issued to visitors with valid passports upon their arrival at the airport.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Seychelles?

The most concurrent opinion is that visitors should spend at least ten days on the islands due to the sheer number of islands to visit and explore. Of course, 14 days are more than sufficient, but some prefer to explore as many islands as possible at their own pace, which usually takes up to three weeks.

What To Do in Seychelles

When someone is considering a vacation to Seychelles, they are usually spoiled for choice and are hit with analysis paralysis due to the sheer number of attractions this country offers. In our list, we attempted to select some of the country’s most unique attractions and activities. Here is our answer to the question of “What To Do in Seychelles?”

Observe Rare Animals in the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé Island

The Morne Seychellois National Park is a wildlife reserve, but it also occupies an area rich in history and stories of slavery, plantations, and education camps. With over 15km of trail in this wildlife park, it is easy to get lost in it. Luckily there are many trails and paths to choose from to make the journey simpler.

In this park, you will find over 12 bird species that are exclusive to Seychelles and can’t be found anywhere else. These birds, amongst other mammals and creatures, are abundantly found confidently strolling through the wilderness of this park. Furthermore, the expansive lush, uncorrupted and mountainous realms of this park give visitors the feeling that they are on an expedition in one of the world’s less explored territories. Block out a whole day of your time in Seychelles to explore this gem of a park.

Island Hopping

Visitors can choose from 20 seater planes, ferries, boats, or helicopters when choosing to island hop in Seychelles. Among visitor favourites is the island of Praslin, known for its laid-back environment and nature reserves, and La Digue, best known for its vibrant culture and people. With the latter, you can fully immerse yourself in everyday life of a Seychellian by enjoying your tour on a traditional ox cart.

Sample Famous Streed foods

Once again, when it comes to choice in Seychelles, we are at a loss for words, but alas, here are the top three foods you must try.

  1. Shark Chutney: We hate to begin with a side dish, but this delicacy is simply too brilliant not to be at the beginning of our list. Made from a mash of shark meat, fruits, garlic, and lime, this side dish goes well with anything in the local Seychellian menu.
  2. Coconut Curry: A creamy curry served with masala, chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, and saffron, the memory of its taste will linger with you for hours after you’ve left the dinner table.
  3. Bat Curry: Not for the faint of heart, this unusual dish is a local favourite and is made from the wings of fruit bats. Anyone who is squirming at the thought of eating a bat should know that this dish is served en masse in some of the country’s most popular restaurant chains. 

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com 

What is the Best Time to Visit Seychelles?

When considering arranging a trip to Seychelles, a few factors must be kept in mind. One is the ease of access to some of the nation’s most prominent attractions during your visit. Secondly, the crowds you’ll meet there. Will it be bustling with tourists or not? And three, the relative cost of the vacation during your intended time of visit. In this blog, we answer the question, “what is the best time to visit Seychelles?” and provide a general overview of timings and seasons in the tropical paradise.

What is the Best Time to Visit Seychelles?

It is a generally agreed-upon consensus that there are two main times to visit Seychelles, and they are both times when the hard trade winds are blowing the least. They are between April and May and between October and November. 

Avoiding heavy trade winds is especially important for those who want to sample the outspoken Seychellian beaches that many celebrities have raved about. This is because during heavy trade wind season, seaweed and other debris are blown all across beach shores, making it very undesirable to visit the beaches during that time.

Is that all?

Of course not. From April to May, visitors can expect plenty of sunshine as this is usually the warmest time of the year in Seychelles. Furthermore, and unlike in other seasons, the rains during these months are controlled and well-timed (usually during the peak of heat hours during the noon). Ultimately this means that visitors won’t be stranded in places or be forced to change their plans due to heavy rain.

Furthermore, visiting Seychelles between April and May and between October and November means you are avoiding the heavy traffic tourist season, which not only means you won’t have to worry about finding bookings and waiting in queues, but ultimately the average cost of practically everything will be lower during these times.

Are there Mosquitoes in Seychelles?

It is recommended that you bring mosquito repellent with you to Seychelles as there are occurrences of mosquitoes. Visitors need not worry, however, since malaria is non-existent in Seychelles, and sleeping nets are everywhere. 

How is the Weather in Seychelles in December

The weather during December in Seychelles is extremely windy and rainy. Temperatures usually stay around 30 degrees Celsius, and most parts of the country get about 12 hours of sunlight. 

Although December is usually known for travel and tourism, there are better holiday candidates than Seychelles for this time of the year.

But if you insist on visiting at this time of the year, here’s what you should do.

Where to Stay in Seychelles in December?

Praslin is an excellent place to stay in when visiting Seychelles in December. This is because the island’s beaches are clear of seaweeds (at least the south and southwestern parts), with the added bonus that this city’s biodiversity is enhanced during this season.

When is the Rainy Season in Seychelles?

Although it rains almost constantly throughout the year in Seychelles, December to February are the wettest months of the year and are generally an unorthodox time to visit the tourist paradise.

In Summary: When is the best time to visit Seychelles?

The ideal time to visit Seychelles is between April and May. The second best time to visit the country is between October and November. This is to avoid the strong trade winds that start in November and cause some chaos in Seychelles.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com 

Reunion Island What to Do – Top 4

Reunion Island is a tropical island southeast of the African continent. With diverse races comprising the local people, many attractive geological and historical sites, and a moderate climate throughout the year, it is never a wrong decision to visit Reunion Island. Here are Reunion Island What to Do: Top 4 Attractions:

Reunion Island: What to Do

Visit the World’s Most Active Volcano

Piton de la Fournaise reaches a height of about 2,700 meters and is one of the worlds most closely monitored volcanoes as it is known to erupt every nine months. The last recorded eruption since the writing of this blog was between the 28th of September and the 4th of October 2022. In this last eruption, the lava flowed at a speed of 8 meters per second and reached as far as 3 km from its origin.

This attraction is great for hikers, thrill seekers, and those who like to observe strange mineral formations. The attraction is surrounded by a semi-arid shrubland and savannah that is a site to behold and appreciate the solemness of from the heights of the hilly and volcanic peaks that overlook the valleys.

Visit the Slave Monument of “Place of Memory” known as the Géréon and Jasmin monument

Reunion Island has a deep history of slavery. It is due to this reason it has such a rich diversity of races and nationalities encompassing everything from nordic heritage, Indians, Africans and even Arabs. Located in Saint-Denis,Barachois, the monument of “Place of Memory” depicts a man holding his decapitated head above his shoulders. The story behind the monument speaks of a slave uprising of which 145 slaves were arrested and 25 of were executed. This monument is a tribute to those who were executed.

Holding his decapitated head as if rejoicing in victory, that his slain brother’s efforts were not in vain, the statue’s subject sends chills down onlookers’ spines. There are flowers and two chameleons at the feet of the statue, which according to some, symbolise innocence and a connection to nature, while others can speculate a darker meaning. The base of the monument is shaped conically, and it represents the mountains to which the slaves fled when there was no where else to go.

Explore the enchanting “Lava Tunnels”

An absolute must-do when visiting Reunion Island, this underground tunnel is found daringly close to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (it was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption) and is a great chance to learn about geology and explore an extraordinary natural attraction. Visitors usually spend a stunning three hours exploring these tunnels and that is for a good reason; there isn’t a place quite like this anywhere else on the planet, especially one where people can view underflowing lava from an opening in the ground from a safe distance.

Spend a day at Rando Aqua Reunion

Rando Aqua is a natural water based attraction where visitors can engage in various rafting, canoeing, or kayaking activities in an expansive rainforest area. The area also boasts ziplining activities where visitors can zipline from alarming heights all the while enjoying the area’s rainforest features and mountainous peaks. The guides and instructors of this attraction are well-praised for their professionalism, gripping storytelling, and strong knowledge of the areas history and ecological features. After a long day of activities, visitors would be well advised to come prepared to enjoy a picnic in the natural elements.

Here’s a Reunion Island FAQ if you’re interested to find out more about the enchanting little island.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com 

Now Open: The Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate

If you’re visiting Australia and are gearing up for the crem de la creme of the trip, this blog about the most frequented attraction that is the Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate, will provide you with everything you need to know about the UNESCO World Heritage site.

What is the Sydney Opera House?

Home to popular music performances, orchestras, and choirs, this is Sydney’s most popular landmark and that is for a good reason. Standing at 600 ft tall, 380 ft wide, and about 82 ft below sea level, this opera house has seven venues and boasts a stunning exterior that has become all but Australia’s most-seen poster child. The Sydney Opera House is also home to the world’s largest pillar-free chamber and a stunning waterfront view of the nearby harbor. 

The site is located next to a ferry terminal making it easily accessible and takes all visitor’s breath away come nighttime.

Sidenote: The Sydney Opera House is not wheelchair accessible.

What is the Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate

The Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate is a one-hour tour in and around the famous Australian opera house. The tour is completed (or can be started) with two tasting boxes in a refreshing outdoor diner beside the waters. The food generally includes mini burgers, seafood, and salads and serves two people (but is enough for three, according to some people). It is also worth nothing that foods for special dietary needs are also available as the Opera Kitchen caters to as big an audience as possible.

Tour Time: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Tasting Plate Time: 11:30 AM to 6 PM.

Price: Around $83 per person

Attendants of the tour can expect an enchanting history of the opera house accompanied by and an array of interesting and lesser-known facts and stories about the historic landmark, all presented by courteous and highly praised tour guides.

Although the tour is only one hour, attendants should come prepared with comfortable walking shoes as the walk is long, according to some reviewers.

Attending as family? Then consider the Kids Tour!

Kids Tour of the Sydney Opera House

Packed with fun games and activities, this one-hour tour will make your little one a Sydney Opera House expert! Activities start from 10:45 AM during the school holiday days, and cost $21 per child and $29 for an adult.

A more comprehensive full-day program is available for more engaged young visitors. The “Junior Day Pack” which runs from 8:45 AM to 12:15 PM, lasts around 3 hours, and costs $62 per child and $84 for an adult. Live famous book performances with music, games and an intriguing tour is tailor-made for your little ones.

If you opt for this option then its important to note that this rendition of the tour will only be available from January of 2023.

Is it better to sit in the stalls or the circle at the Opera House?

Rows D to H are the best seats which are located in the stalls. The first two seats at the front are also highly sought after due to their unobstructed view of the stage. But in either case, attendants will have an excellent view of the stage. The balcony seats closest to the edge are the best option for those wanting budget seats but also a great view.

Is the Sydney Opera House tour worth it?

Definitely. People who aren’t into musical performances or cant afford the pricey performance tickets, will be blown away by the tour. With the tours resuimg this year on the 5th of November, new visitors will get to experience backstage and off access not seen by even attendants of the actual performances.

Is there a dress code for the Sydney Opera House?

There is no real dress code in the Sydney Opera House. Wear anything tidy and comfortable. Although some people do attend wearing formal attire, there is no rule that dictates such a dress code.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com 

Where is Reunion Island Located? FAQ

Reunion Island is an undiscovered tourist paradise located southeast of the African content. With a rich history, an enchanting landscape, and a unique people, here’s everything you need to know about Reunion Island.

Where is Reunion Island located?

Reunion Island is located in the Indian Ocean, east of the southern part of the African continent, and between the islands of Madagascar and Mauritius. It is around 110 miles (180 km) southwest of Mauritius and 420 miles (680 km) east of Madagascar. It is, therefore, technically considered a part of Africa.

What is Reunion Island known for?

Reunion Island is one of the smallest countries in Africa, with only about 2,512 km² (970 mi²) of space. It is known for having one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Piton de la Fournaise) and for its rich history of being a slave colony where not only Africans but a mix of Asians and other races were enslaved. This is one of the reasons the Island has a diverse mixture of local races, among which 30% are caucasian. Reunion also happens to be the place where the debris of the infamous MH370 plane was discovered.

 Reunion Island experiences an almost uniform climate throughout the year with very little changes in climate between the seasons. The climate is tropical and ranges between 18 degrees Celsius to around 31 degrees Celsius.

Is Reunion Island rich or poor?

Reunion Island is considered a developing nation. Over 80% of its economic output is dependent on agriculture (majorly sugarcane exports), and tourism is also a major contributor to its economy. Wealth distribution is an issue in the country, but with all that being said, the Island remains to be a massively unique experience for tourists due to its oddities and unique culture, and hence its rising star in the world of tourism.

Which country is Reunion Island in?

Although Reunion Island is its own country, it is also formally a French territory and an integral overseas department of France. In spite of the fact that it is located in Africa, its currency is the Euro, and its main language is French. The Island is one of only two eurozones located in the southern hemisphere.

Reunion is technically ruled by France, and its people hold French citizenships.

Is it worth visiting Reunion Island?

Reunion Island is a one-of-a-kind destination with a rich culture, interesting and diverse people, and a bewitching landscape to explore. The tropical fruits (unheard of varieties and over a dozen kinds of mangoes) and local cuisine found in the Island are reason enough to visit it. But more importantly, visitors will be rewarded with a daring living volcano hiking experience along with over 600 miles of hikeable trails, as well as many remote and undiscovered rural villages and hidden landscapes.

What is there to do in Reunion Island?

Asides from visiting the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (which translates to “Peak of the Furnace,” visitors are spoiled with many natural wonders to explore such as tropical volcanic tunnels, mountain ranges, endless options of waterfalls, pristine beaches, and cultural and historical attractions such as Musee de Villele (a living slave plantation landmark) and the neverending festivals and performances found on every corner of this country.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com 

All You Need to Know About Western Australia Tourism

Australia is one of the most unique places on the planet, and Western Australia is quickly rising as one of the most amusing tourist destinations on the continent. Before discussing Western Australia tourism, here’s a brief summary of the other regions on the continent.

The Five Regions of Australia and Western Australia Tourism

Australia is divided into five parts. Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Southern Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. 

The Northern Territory is mostly uninhabited, but it boasts enchanting landscapes and is also considered to be the home of aboriginal culture. 

The driest of the five states, Southern Australia, has some brilliant beaches and is known for its great food and many kinds of cheese and honey varieties. 

Queensland, on the other hand, is known for having many islands, mountainous rainforests, and pristine beaches. 

Home to the capital (Sydney), New South Wales is known for vibrant city life, endless expanses of beaches and sophisticated dining.

The much less crowded Western Australia is an extensive area of unexplored land. People looking for a laid-back time away from prying eyes will thoroughly enjoy the great outbacks found in Western Australia. Its historic prowess made it a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is also home to some of the oldest cultures known to man. Read on as we explore the hidden gems in the world of Western Australia tourism.

What is unique to Western Australia Tourism, and is it worth visiting?

Not usually the first travel destination on visitors’ minds, Western Australia is a trove of gems waiting to be explored. Its unusual and quirky attractions are quickly becoming mainstream, and it’s only a matter of time before large crowds start to flood its territories. Below are some of our favourite attractions and quirks of the region when it comes to Western Australia tourism.

Camels Galore

Since their introduction to the country in the 1840s, camel populations have skyrocketed in Western Australia due to there being no natural predators for the animal. Populations are so high, in fact, that Western Australia exports camels to the region most known for this animal: the Middle East. As a result, camel rides in the natural elements are commonplace in Western Australia. 

Home to the happiest wild animal on Earth

The quokka is a marsupial no larger than a small cat with a cosy kangaroo-like pouch where it keeps its young. The creature that is special to Western Australia resembles what a teddy bear would be if it could move. This is another animal with no natural predators in Western Australia, and we’re glad for that. No one can handle the thought of these cheerful creatures being harmed. These creatures can be found in abundance in Rottnest Island.

Visitors can visit the green island Rottnest by ferry and then engage in a guided bus tour around the island. Afterwards, they can explore the island on foot and stop at famous attractions like West End (the vibrant inner-city suburb) and the Wadjemup Lighthouse (a still functioning archaic landmark).

The City of Perth can be seen from space

Perth, also known as the City of Lights, can be seen from space due to the endless lights that brighten up its night sky.

Perth is also home to Wheat Belt, a place where visitors can explore strange natural landscapes such as Wave Rock which is a long expanse of hilly rocks that are shaped like crashing waves. This area is also known for its rich aboriginal culture, such as Mulka’s Cave (a place of great importance for the aboriginal religion), and the beautiful stretches of wildflowers that cover the area.

It’s the place emus won a war against humanity

This is the last mention of an Australian animal (we promise). After World War I, the Australian government sought to reward returning war veterans with prize money and plots of land. Western Australia was chosen as the area for these land plots. Save for the fact that the region was inhabited by large hordes of emus who would feed on local farmers’ crops. 

The Australian government engaged in an emu extermination effort to clear the area of the then harmful emus. Subsequently, emus were chased down by cars and then shot using guns. The effort all but failed as the Australian authorities were only able to hunt one emu at a time, hence making the entire process a time-consuming and cumbersome ordeal.

Explore the largest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere

Wooden jetties are wooden platforms that are erected over seas, oceans, lake shores, or large bodies of water. Jetties serve many purposes, such as serving as a water break, protecting coastlines from tides and currents, as well as providing a platform for fishers. 

Over 2km long, the Busselton Jetty was built in 1865 and was built to this monstrous size to be able to service many ships. Today, visitors can enjoy the calm tranquil ocean air and sounds as they walk up and down the jetty. Visitors can strike up a conversation with one of the few fishermen there or explore the bewitching nearby Underwater Observatory to watch the local marine life through glass platforms.

If you’re considering visiting Western Australia, we recommend you go ahead and do it. It is an absolutely unique and unusual part of the world where everything dances to its own rhythm. If you haven’t been to the continent before, then Western Australia will serve as the best possible introduction to all things Australia. You will not regret it.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com 

Selecting Tourism Marketing Experts

Tourism marketing experts are everywhere, supposedly. It is easy to talk and theorise about how a travel brand can do things differently, but come execution time; many fall short of their grandiose plans. Selecting a travel marketing expert to take your travel and tourism brand to the next level can be daunting. In this blog, we highlight what tourism marketing is and what it isn’t, how to select a travel marketing expert, and most importantly, we provide you with a list of the leading travel marketing experts in both, the UAE and on an international level.

The first section discusses tourism marketing and how you can select a tourism marketing expert. The second section highlights our picks of the leading tourism marketing experts.

What is Tourism Marketing?

Tourism marketing is the use of marketing tactics and strategies to promote travel and tourism products or services that range from holiday packages, accommodations, or custom tour services, among other things. Although tourism marketing is often used to describe digital marketing used for travel and hospitality, there are many non-digital components of tourism marketing that include events, influencer marketing and plenty of market research.

What Are the Types of Tourism Marketing?

  • Digital Marketing
  • Influencer Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Sales Calls
  • Familiarisation Trips
  • Research and Development

What Are the Four Basic Pillars of Tourism Marketing?

  • The product
  • The place
  • The price
  • The promotion

Some may confuse the four pillars of tourism marketing with the four p’s marketing. They are the same in many ways, but there are slight differences.

The product in tourism marketing is concerned with how the tourism offering can be compared to its rivals and competitors. A lot can be arived at in this regard by asking the question, “what value does it offer?” Most people think of destinations or accommodations when it comes to travel and tourism products. However, services are also included in this category; therefore, offerings like custom tours or air travel are also products of travel and tourism.

The place refers to the geographic location or the physical address from which the tourism offering can be accessed. In some cases the place may be virtual, like an online channel that is used for providing custom iteniraries for example.

Price refers to the monetary value of the tourism offering that the customer will have to forgo to patronise the tourism offering. Gone are the days when a tourism offerings price is the last thing a patron will find out. Prices are now widely available online, and travel brands not using this channel to provide their prices are wasting their time and customers.

Promotion is how a travel business reaches its customers or convinces them to patronise its offerings. This includes special offers, discounts, and all kinds of advertising efforts.

What Should You Look for in A Tourism Marketing Expert?

  • A well travelled individual.
  • An expert that sets clear and measurable goals.
  • An expert with a solid portfolio of known brands.
  • A well-connected travel expert.
  • A preference for an individual with experience working in your niche.

The Leading Tourism Marketing Experts in the UAE

Leo Fewtrell

Leo boasts a lifetime of experience in the Middle East’s travel, shipping, and airline industries. He has strong relationships with chief travel industry personnel and a robust network of leading hotel chains and airlines. Leo is a managing partner in the leading travel representation company in the Middle East and also currently manages the Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group ( DTTAG). Leo was also the manager of Emirates Airline’s Dnatat World Travel, which was the leading travel management company in the region.

Sammy Musa

Sammy is a managing partner at Gulf Reps, the Middle East’s leading travel destination marketing company. Gulf Reps has seen unprecedented growth ever since Sammy took reign in 2015. His focus on ensuring that clients’ budgets are utilised to deliver the maximum impact through their translation into the best strategies sets Sammy apart from other tourism marketing experts. Sammy specialises in the Arab traveller niche and has been quoted saying, “the Middle Eastern traveller is one of the most sought after traveller types in the world because of their disproportionately higher than average spend. At Gulf Reps, we have dedicated our careers to being able to capture those travellers for our clients.”

Nazar Musa

Nazar Musa is a serial entrepreneur with businesses extending well over the tourism industry and into things like wellness and even martial arts. Nazar started his career with one of the biggest names in European tourism (Airtours PLC), where he operated in both Spain and Jamaica. He was also instrumental in developing and growing the UK-based Holiday Autos brand (the holiday car rental service) across the globe. Nazar entered into a partnership with Lastminute.com (the online travel and leisure retailer mega site) and launched Holiday Autos in Dubai. 

Nour Aridi

A trailblazer and one of the leading entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism space of the UAE, Nour is the CEO of Gulf Reps, and the founder of Tiri Consultancy, the tourism, hospitality and marketing intelligence specialist company. With over 13 years of tourism and hospitality experience in the Gulf, Nour has an envious international client roster with little to no churn due to her crafty and impactful destination marketing strategies that truly move the needle. She covers every element of travel marketing, from events, intelligence and outreach. Nour is an exemplary Middle Eastern tourism marketing expert.

ITCN

Aside from the abovementioned tourism marketing experts, the International Tourism Consultancy Network (ITCN) is home to more high calibre, of which Leo, Sammy, Nazar, and Nour all belong to. The ITCN is a unique alliance of the worlds leading travel marketing, PR, and travel representation companies who share the single goal of delivering stellar cross-border travel marketing campaigns. The collective is currently spread over 19 countries and can reach over 3 billion people worldwide. Working with an ITCN partner is a sure fire way to drive tourism marketing success.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is also a key member of the ITCN network. It specialises in directing the highly sought-after Arab traveller segment to your destination.

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com

5 Offseason Marketing Strategies for Travel Brands

If you work in the realm of tourism and hospitality, you are probably aware that most attractions are seasonal. Peak season is when there are the most visitors, and your attraction’s usually congested. There is typically another season that follows closely in visitor numbers that is considered to be the 2nd best time to visit said attraction, and lower prices than peak season usually characterize this period. Lastly, there are offseasons which are usually when the weather is either extreme or undesirable, and as a result, business is slow. In this blog, we discuss what offseason marketing strategies are available to business owners and tourism and hospitality managers to increase revenues during this time.

The Easiest of All Offseason Marketing Strategies: Slash Prices

When the weather is too extreme, rarely would anyone want to spend much money to come to your attraction. Your prospects already have one hurdle ahead of them (climate), and you should aim to remove as many obstacles from the way as possible to move them closer to making the purchase decision. A steep price is the biggest of those obstacles. 

It would be wise to clearly highlight on promotion materials any mechanisms your attraction may have to alleviate the harsh weather conditions, whether it be outdoor air conditioners for hot areas or warm lounges for cold ones.

Offer Early Payment Discounts

To generate revenue during a time you are sure very little traffic will be present, plan ahead and start selling peak season tickets at a discounted price. This promotion usually goes well once patrons are informed that they can have their cash back within a certain period of time should they change their mind. The bigger the discount, the smaller the refund window should be.

Hold Contests

Giveaways are hard to resist. Hold a competition where applicants must submit their contact details to apply. The prize can be free entry or free patronage of your service. A 50% discount for second place is also a good idea. After announcing the winners, you will have compiled a sizeable list of leads that you can use for future marketing campaigns.

Start a Referals Program

For this strategy to work, you will first need to have a robust customer relationship management (CRM) system in place. From this system, compile a list of previous customers that have been highly satisfied with your service and are close to becoming advocates of your brand. Then, offer them a discount or a special offer should they refer your services to a friend that eventually converts and buys from you. This way, you will have a team of remote salespeople pushing your service to people that trust them highly.

Focus on Brand Awareness Campaigns

When it comes down to it, expecting as much traffic as you receive in peak season during an offseason is unrealistic. While generating above-average sales during this season is an admirable goal to have, your efforts may be more worthwhile elsewhere. 

Generating good brand awareness and focusing on PR initiatives is a good idea during the offseason. Generally, your content generation should be sped up during this time. The goal should be for your brand to be firmly lodged at the back of your customer’s minds in preparation for peak season or other more desirable seasons. This can be done through a mix of educational or entertaining content mixed with clear messages about your brand, what sets you apart from the competition, and what services you provide. 

Generally speaking, the educational/entertaining content to branding content ratio should be about 3:1, respectively. Refer to Gary Vaynerchuks’s book Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook for more on this content strategy.

Your audience will tire from continuously hearing about your services, but when you approach them with content that they can benefit from or simply something they can watch when they are bored, you train their brain to associate your brand with a source of either value or entertainment, so that when it is time to showcase your services, you truly have their attention.

Offseason Marketing Strategies and Gulf Reps

At Gulf Reps we understand the importance of delivering marketing solutions to different traveller types. Starting with market research and ending with execution and reporting, we build campaigns that make an impact. 

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. We have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, and an eclectic mix of marketing channels makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com

What Should You Look for In a Travel Marketing Consultant

With the travel pauses caused by COVID coming to an end and people gearing up to let their pent-up wanderlust explode, you are thinking of new ways to secure some of that business and help your travel brand grow. One great avenue for doing that is hiring a travel marketing consultant, but since that isn’t something you’ve done before, you don’t know where to start. What are the indicators of a great travel marketing consultant? What can they do for you? How can you prepare yourself to deal with one? This blog will answer these questions and more. Here’s everything you need to know about working with a travel marketing consultant.

What Does a Travel Marketing Consultant Do?

Not to be confused with a travel consultant, a travel marketing consultant is a type of travel consultant that focuses on aiding travel companies with their marketing. Whereas some travel consultants concentrate on assisting consumers in making travel decisions, travel marketing consultants work on a business-to-business (B2B) basis and help travel companies acquire more customers, build their brand, and reach the right market segments.

What is Marketing in the Travel Industry

Travel marketing is a collection of strategies and tactics used by businesses in the travel industry. It encompasses any research, promotion, or communication efforts a hotel, resort, airline (or any travel-related entity) uses to achieve its business goals.

Whenever marketing is mentioned, what usually comes to mind is the end step of reaching and acquiring new customers. However, what’s seldom discussed is the branding and research elements that happen behind the scenes which are especially vital in the travel industry.

What Degree Do You Need To Be A Travel Marketing Consultant?

Not all travel consultants have a tourism-related degree, but ones that do would have usually studied things related to tourism and hospitality management, marketing, communications and media. But essentially, those with travel marketing experience become travel consultants; the degree they carry doesn’t carry that much weight in the world of travel.

What Should You Look For in A Travel Marketing Consultant?

  • A well travelled individual.
  • A consultant that sets clear and measurable goals.
  • A consultant with a solid portfolio of known brands.
  • A well-connected individual.
  • A preference for an individual with experience working in your niche.

Choose A Well Traveleld Consultant

A consultant that can back up their strategies with theories and academic grit is excellent, but nothing beats the cold hard experience and insight that a seasoned traveller provides. They are familiar with standard travel procedures and behaviours and see things from a customer’s point of view. Furthermore, it just happens to be a fact that travel marketing consultants usually began their journey into the world of consulting as travel bloggers. So by definition, they would have travelled a good amount before reaching the position they’re at now.

Choose A Consultant Who Will Provide Clear Measurable Targets

Once again, it’s one thing to theorize and have a plan on paper, and it’s absolutely another to execute those plans and manifest actual tangible results. Select a travel marketing consultant who will provide you with clear KPIs and a timeframe through which they aim to achieve those indicators.

Closely Examine the Consultants Portfolio

One way to ensure that you’re dealing with a travel marketing consultant who will produce actual results is by choosing someone who has worked with influential brands and ones that are similar to yours. Don’t be fooled by portfolios that simply display logos of famous brands without details of what was completed. It is possible that the consultant you are dealing with simply completed a minuscule task for that brand and nothing more. Make sure you always ask for details.

Choose A Well Connected Individual

More often than not, travel marketing is about relationships. The saying “your network is your net worth” is very much a reality in the travel industry. So make sure you contract someone who has a comprehensive network through which they can make the needle move for you through.

Make Sure Your Travel Consultant Has Experience in Your Niche

Some travel marketing consultants may be well versed in the wellness tourism world and know the wellness tourist like the back of their hand. But if your brand revolves around family trips, then that travel consultant may not be the best fit for you. It is also worth noting that most successful travel marketers focus on one niche.

Choose A Travel Marketing Consultancy Instead of an Individual

Instead of opting for a single individual who can only do so much, relying on an organization or consultancy will yield many benefits. Aside from having the cumulative experience of all the professionals in the consultancy and the many hands to produce way more impact for you, choosing a travel marketing consultancy with all of the above-mentioned characteristics is a guaranteed way of ensuring the marketing success of your travel brand. Furthermore, your continued success won’t depend on the flaws, fluctuations, and sometimes the unavailability of a single person.

With organizations come brand names, and often times a whole network or allegiance to back them. For example, Gulf Reps belongs to the International Tourism Consultancy Network (ITCN). This is a unique alliance of the worlds leading travel marketing, PR, and travel representation companies who share the single goal of delivering stellar cross-border travel marketing campaigns. The collective is currently spread over 19 countries and can reach over 3 billion people worldwide.

A famous African proverb states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” In the tourism industry, that couldn’t be more true.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specializing in directing the Arab traveler segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com

What is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?

Without a doubt, the best time to visit Hong Kong is during the autumn season or the early winter season. To understand why these are the best times to visit “the other side of China”, we must first come to grasp with how Hong Kong is on an average day outside these seasons. After that, we’ll delve into the attractions and events visitors can participate in during these two best seasons.

What is the Best Time To Visit Hong Kong?

Hong Kong in the Summer

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, which means it is hot and humid. On average, temperatures in summer can reach 30 degrees Celsius. Visitors will find themselves sweating when their out and about at noon. But luckily, all venues and modes of transport are fitted with ACs to keep the population cool. People may favour going outdoors after the hottest hour of noon because of how intense the heat can be. But then again, Hong Kong’s worst temperatures are far more forgiving than many of the world’s heat hotspots which are all but barren of people come noon. Hong Kong is different, however. The streets are still very much enveloped in life, and people are moving about during noon.

What is Hong Kongs Hottest Season?

Summer is the hottest season in Hong Kong, particularly the month of July when the temperature can reach 30 degrees celsius.

Hong Kong in the Spring

Temperatures in the spring can range from 17 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees. Those hoping to get a decent amount of warm sun will enjoy Hong Kong during this season. Spring in Hong Kong is not as humid as summer and, therefore, way more comfortable. It rains every now and then, and morning mist can be experienced as the weather oscillates between a summer and winter climate. Many events, festivals, and fairs take place during this season, and visitors will be rewarded with a long list of outdoor activities to choose from.

It is worth noting, however, that spring is the peak tourist season; therefore, price hikes are typical, and congestion could also be a concern.

The Best Time to Visit Hong Kong is in Autumn

From October to November, the temperatures in Hong Kong range from 19 to 28 degrees Celsius. The humidity subsides during this season, making it a highly favourable time to be out and about during the day. However, visitors can expect to wear a light hoody at night as things get a little chilly.

Things to Do in Hong Kong in the Autumn

Visit the Victoria Harbour: Originally a transport hub for citizens to escape the congestion of the city roads, the Victoria Harbour is now an illustrious tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy the Hong Kong skyline from ferries or more luxurious boat options. The view from the harbours waters at night is especially bewitching.

Visit the enchanting islands of Lantau, Lamma Cheung Chau: All a short ferry ride away from the Hong Kong Mainland, visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, delicious seaside restaurants, and hikes in the breathtaking greenery and natural beauty of these islands.

The Second Best Time To Visit Hong Kong is in the Winter

Hong Kong can become very cold from December to March, and sudden temperature drops are not unheard of. However, with temperatures that generally swivel between 14 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees, Hong Kong’s winter is very tolerable, with extremes only occurring at below 10 degrees.

<h4> Things to do in Hong Kong in Winter

As many sales and great shopping deals happen during winter, it is an excellent season for mall hopping and visiting the famous Hong Kong outdoor markets. A name that is seldom mentioned when it comes to East Asian outdoor markets is the Fuk Wah Market, where visitors will find everything from apparel and electronics. No price discrimination occurs in this particular market as everything has a price tag attached to it, and tourists can rest assured that they are being charged the same prices the locals are charged.

One of the most crucial tourist events of Hong Kong every year is the Chinese New Year celebrations that take the entire area by storm, with parades and fireworks that light up the Hong Kong night sky. 

The New Years celebration is a unique mix of ancient culture and modern influences. Its main course is the parade that serenades the streets of Sim Sha Tsui near Victoria Harbour. This famous event is an explosion of colour where onlookers will see Chinese-styled dragons dancing in the streets in unison with dancers and bands playing along to the same beat. The parade goes through famous landmarks across Hong Kong, including Kowloon Park, the Golden Mile of Nathan Road, and the Avenue of Stars.

One more place that doesn’t need much of an introduction or a description is Disney Land Hong Kong. Being an amusement park, the Winter time is the best time to enjoy this edition of Disney World in all its glory.

What is the Difference Between Beijing and Hong Kong?

Although they are one country, the two cities answer to different dictates of law, have different dialects, and even different currencies. 

Visitors to Hong Kong will find jaw-dropping currencies that can serve as a souvenir in of themselves and will make excellent editions to those with currency collections. Everything in Hong Kong is full of innovation, from colourful and see-through paper bills to extraordinarily thick coins and even flower-shaped ones. 

Furthermore, the slogan “One country, two systems” is often used to describe the difference between Hong Kong and the rest of China because of these stark differences. 

Lastly, it can be said that Hong Kong embodies a lot of Western influence while the rest of China is the opposite.

To find out more about the adventure that awaits you in Hong Kong, visit the Discover Hong Kong website.

Gulf Reps

At Gulf Reps we understand the importance of delivering marketing solutions to different traveller types. Starting with market research and ending with execution and reporting, we build campaigns that make an impact. Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. We have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, and an eclectic mix of marketing channels makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com