What to Visit in Crete: Top 5 Beach Escapes

When it comes to beaches in Greece, Crete is the undefeated contender. From stunning white-sand beaches to picturesque green hillsides and ancient ruins, there’s plenty to explore and experience in this dazzling Mediterranean destination. In this blog we take a look at five of the must-see Greek beaches that must make it to your “what to visit in Crete” checklist.

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Crete, boasting stunning white-sand and azure waters. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing. And once you tire of that you can always explore the natural surroundings or head out to the small island just off the coast – which becomes accessible during low tide. With its lush pink-hued sands, swaying palm trees and cluster of soft dunes, Elafonisi is a scene straight out of paradise! It is for this reason this should be the first item on your “what to visit on crete” list.

Vai Beach 

Venture to Vai Beach and you’ll uncover pristine, untouched natural elements waiting to be explored.  Made up of a large expanse of soft white sand beach sheltered by massive palm trees, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation – or a little adventure! You can admire the colorful flora on display, explore the nearby mountain trails and take in the stunning views of clear blue waters as you go. Don’t forget to look out for turtles too – it’s renowned as one of the main turtle nesting grounds in Europe!

Preveli Beach 

If you’re looking for a beach on the tropical side of things, don’t miss a trip to Preveli Beach. Tucked away behind some imposing hills and blessed with enchanting palm trees reaching the shoreline, it’s one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. Enjoy a day relaxing under the shade of a palm tree on a hammock or take a dip in the Melolimni Lake; its crystal-clear waters act as the perfect antidote to the Greek sun!

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island 

Another beautiful beach in the Lassithi region is Balos. Located next to the island of Gramvousa, it’s not exactly easy to get to but will be worth the effort! Take a boat from Kissamos and you’ll find yourself on an exclusive beach made up of two lagoons connected by a narrow strip and surrounded by pink sand. Once there, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters or explore the nearby Venetian castle and its Byzantine church, built in the 15th century.

Agiofarago Beach

Last but not least, this great beach should make a great addition to your “what to visit in Crete list.” If you’re looking for serenity and head-turning rock formations, Agiofarago Beach is the perfect spot. This beach is one of Crete’s best-kept secrets and features a long stretch of soft white sand lined with towering castle-like limestone cliffs. Its location off the beaten path adds to its charm – it’s considered one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches! After a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters, take some time to explore the bay and find remnants of old Venetian walls, next to wooden fishing boats lying against the rocks.

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

Top 5 Offbeat Places To Visit in Bali

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, it’s time to head to Bali! From vibrant waterfalls and picturesque temples to breathtaking beaches and lush forests, this island paradise has something for everyone. Here are five must-see places to visit in Bali.

Seminyak – Venture off the beaten path to discover local gems

A must-see on any Bali itinerary, Seminyak is the perfect place to experience authentic Balinese culture and hospitality. Explore the winding streets and vibrant markets to find hidden gems such as colorful homeware stores brimming with handmade crafts, and locally owned cafés serving up delicious fresh dishes. Don’t forget to try some Bebek Betutu duck in the  famous “eat street” otherwise known as Jalan Laksman!

Lombok – Home to some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches and islands

Just a short boat ride away from Bali, Lombok is a breathtaking paradise made up of stunning coastline and ancient volcanoes. The beaches here are particularly spectacular; Tanjung Aan is a local favorite  and boasts picturesque white sand shores towered by high mountains, and surrounded by a dense tropical jungle. Head to Gili Air or Gili Meno – two small islands encircled by coral reefs – for some unforgettable snorkeling and diving experiences.

Menjangan Island – An untouched paradise for divers and nature lovers alike

Menjangan Island, located on the western tip of Bali, is a unique destination that offers an untouched paradise for divers and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, mangroves and hidden bays, it also boasts some of the best diving spots in the region. Here, visitors can trek through the jungle and spot many animal species such as wild deer, wild pigs and even peacocks!

Ubud – Immerse yourself in the spiritual culture of this traditional Balinese village

Nestled in the lush jungles of central Bali is Ubud, a charming traditional village where you can immerse yourself in the spiritual culture. While here, make sure to explore their ancient royal palace and catch the ancient dances and puppet shows performed by local Balinese people. Spend time visiting one of the vibrant temples or swim in the Tampaksiring Water Temple; here you’ll truly feel connected to nature.

Sekumpul Waterfalls – Escape the tourist crowds to marvel at majestic natural beauty

Head to Sekumpul Waterfall, located in the scenic village of Sekumpul. This is a must-see attraction, full of pristine mountain waters tumbling down into crystal blue waterfalls. Admire the local species and vegetation that are only found on this site. Keep an eye out for exotic wildlife and take plenty of photos – you won’t want to forget this truly magical experience! Out of our list of the best places to visit in Bali, this is our favourite and it is also renowned for being the best waterfall in all of Bali.

Is 3 days in Bali Enough?

Three days in Bali are not enough and you won’t be able to visit all the mainstream attractions –let alone the offbeat ones. Three days will be enough to give you a touch of Bali and we are sure you will plan another visit to this tropical heaven soon after.

What is the most popular place in Bali?

Out of the places to visit in Bali, the island of Nusa Penida is the number one destination on visitors’ Bali itinerary. The island is an unofficial bird sanctuary and is home to the famous Kelingking Beach – one of the main beaches of this region known for its jagged edge cliff mountains and its sapphire blue waters.

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 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 

The Most Lavish Luxury Destinations this Year

Whether you want to soak up the tropical sun and sunbathe on pristine blue beaches or enjoy a snow fight with your family and kids, there’s a holiday destination that caters to even the most unimaginable needs nowadays. In this blog, we cover only the destinations and resorts that care for their guest in the most extravagant ways possible. So here are our picks for the poshest luxury destinations this year.

Our Selection of the Best Luxury Destinations in Ascending Order of Price

Outrigger Beach Resort, Fiji – The Best Value for Money in our Luxury Destinations List

With hammocks overlooking the ocean, bungalows and suites enveloped in heavenly green gardens, and the immaculate blue beach at your doorstep, the Outrigger Beach Resort in Fiji is a tropical dream. This destination is an action-filled adventure and is ideal for families and couples. 

The resort is located in the middle of a jungle-like environment that looks like a scene straight from the Lost series, only more lavish and the polar opposite of threatening. The concierges and staff of the resort are all professional, warm, and welcoming, as the Fijian culture dictates. 

The staff can be seen energetically welcoming new visitors at the resort entrance or engaging in theatrical, cultural performances such as firewalking.

The resort hosts a kids club that boasts a range of activities for the young ones. The activities cover different age groups and include but are not limited to spear-making, hill hikes, and even an exchange program with one of the local high schools for older kids.

Babysitting options are also available for couples who want to enjoy some time alone away from the kids. Adults are not forgotten in the resort’s adventurous mix of activities with fishing and canoeing activities (amongst other activities) available for adults.

Two minutes away from the resort lies Kula Wild Adventure Park (and an even shorter trip places you at Bebe’s Spa), where kids and adults alike can enjoy interacting with endangered local animal species. The park also has a variety of action activities such as canopy fliers, water slides, and an immersive walking path through Fiji’s wild side.

Starting from $1,990 for eight nights, Outrigger Fiji gives you the best value for money on our luxury destinations list.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles

Hollywood star’s preferred hideaway, the Beverly Hills Hotel, gives its guests the Hollywood royalty treatment from the second they walk through its red carpets.

Also known as “The Pink Palace,” Beverly Hills was built around this iconic hotel. 

Located in 12 acres of tropical greenery, palm trees, and exotic flowers, the air is electric in this fast-moving but heavenly part of LA. An abundance of sky-scraping palm trees, banana trees, and tropical greenery form this hotel’s environment and envelops most of its architecture. 

The hotel resorts’ outdoor spaces and poolsides carry an aura so unique that it almost seems like a planet of its own. 

Its interiors are lit with a golden glow that illuminates the lavish designs plastered on its walls that surround the best furnishings money can buy.

The hotel dining areas have been a Hollywood elite favorite for generations and are known to serve some of the best dishes in the country.
Starting from around $1,350 per night, the Superior King Room comes with a balcony and can host two adults with an extra-large double bed.

Aman’s Amanjena Resort, Morocco

Located in the tourist hotspot of Marrakech, this resort marries extreme luxury with rich Morrocan culture, architecture, and interior design. Strolling through the resort’s premises is comparable to walking into a palace of a Turkish Sultan. The royal atmosphere is completed by the court musicians playing Rababs (lute-like instruments) and singing in Morrocan fashion throughout the lounges and dining areas of the resort. 

Amanjena is located only 15 minutes away from the city center. But due to its sheer mass (there are over 900 villas in the resort), all that can be seen across the horizon are date palms sprung about and the clear blue sky. Ultimately, a feeling of quietude and calmness prevails. And at the evenings are serenaded by chirping birds perched upon the resort’s lush trees.

Water holes and fountains are found across villa floors. Moroccan-styled lowered and cushion-filled furniture are everywhere. The villa’s bathrooms are spacious, and at the edge of the bathtub lies a glass wall that onlooks a private garden, as is standard in most villas.

The massive resort, a delicate mix of clay-colored floors, date palms, olive trees, and water holes and pools spread throughout, makes the place akin to an oasis. A piece of heaven (as the Arabic phrase “jena” in the resort’s name implies) in the middle of the Moroccan desert. The consistent color palette of clay, green, and pale blue summon a feeling of wellness and tranquility.

The resort also hosts an abundance of wellness programs, with some of the world’s best wellness experts visiting throughout the year and leading a range of healing activities for guests. Otherwise, guests can enjoy many spa and wellness treatments such as the Holistic Immune Support Retreat, including purification rituals, marble-clad hammams, and foot reflexology treatments.

Amenjan also has a spacious 18-hole golf course within its vicinity. The course embodies a unique Moroccan terrain with date palms and an almost desert-like atmosphere, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

For those wanting to host an event or a celebration, a celebratory tent can be erected in classical Moroccan fashion in the lush gardens of Amanjena.
Starting from around $4,220 per night, Amanjenas spacious standalone Al Hamra Maison comes with a vast private garden, indoor and outdoor (two gazebos) dining areas, a heated pool, and zelji tiled floors. This villa can cater to four individuals abundantly.

Mardan Palace, Turkey

Deemed the most expensive resort in all of the Mediterranean, the Mardan Palace has a 12,000 square foot spa and its own manmade beach, which was formed by importing 9,000 tonnes of Egyptian sand. 

The palace boasts the best interior furnishings imaginable, including marble bathrooms, velvet-lined furniture, and wooden floors. 

The finest accommodation in the palace is its King Suite which costs $5,000 per night. The suite includes a spacious private sauna, a stocked kitchen, and a private cinema room.

Four Seasons, New York City 

Constantly serenaded on lists of the most luxurious destinations globally, the Four Seasons in New York will clear the reason.

Once ranked the 3rd most expensive hotel globally, the Ty “Warner Penthouse Suite” at the top of the Four Seasons tower costs an impressive $60,000 per night. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, with suite walls almost entirely made out of glass. In addition, the suite has a private elevator that takes guests directly to the parking lot where a chauffeur is waiting in a Rolls Royce. Guests can also enjoy the New York City skyline while getting a massage at their private spa from one of the hotel masseuses. 

The Most Expensive of All Luxury Destinations: Lovers Deep

We’ve not included a location on this destination’s title because it does not have one. It keeps changing every time. 

Lovers Deep is a submarine run by three crew members: the captain, the butler, and the chef who occupy soundproof quarters in the sub. Guests can choose the submarine’s path, whether that be to visit the remains of an underwater shipwreck or a coral reef off the coast of your favorite beach. 

Guests can be picked up wherever they want, but this destination’s main pick-up area is St. Lucia in the Caribbean. 

The submarine’s interior is incomparable to anything we’ve seen. With top-tier interior furnishing, stunning naval architectural design, large spacious sea viewing platforms, and exquisite seafood and gourmet dishes cooked to guests’ desires, the Lovers Deep experience is unmatched. 

Guests can enjoy this experience for $175,000 per night, making this the most expensive luxury destination in the world.

Gulf Reps and Luxury Destinations

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 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

Adapting for the Muslim Arab Traveler

As hospitality marketing becomes more data-driven, and destinations and hospitality providers become more aware of the Arab traveler as the optimal customer segment, it’s only natural that they start to find ways to better accommodate and retain this high spending tourist type. Adapting for the Muslim and Arab traveler is a rewarding transition that will yield high returns. In this blog, we outline the Muslim Arab traveler’s psychology and consumer behavior so you can view things as they do. Although a large majority of Arabs adhere to Islamic religious obligations, there are still those that don’t. This blog covers the needs of those Arab travelers looking to have a “halal” vacation.

What Does the Arab Traveler Look For When Traveling?

Note that we use Arab traveler and Muslim traveler interchangeably in this blog. Although not all Arabs are Muslim, a large majority of them are. For a while, Malaysia, Turkey, and UAE were the most visited countries by Arab travelers for the widespread availability of all of the below-mentioned features. Without further ado, here they are:

Halal Food

Food constitutes a large part of any trip, especially when it comes to sampling local delicacies. Most Arab travelers can’t simply eat any food, and that’s because they’re of the Muslim faith. If you’ve had Muslim friends, then you are most likely aware that ham and pork are off the menu since Muslims can’t eat pig meat. But the truth of the matter is a bit more complicated. Even the meat of animals usually consumed by Arabs is prohibited in certain circumstances. Furthermore, the list of forbidden foods extends well beyond pigs. 

What can Muslims Eat?

There’s a simple rule one can use to identify what Muslims can eat. Here it is: The animals that Muslims are forbidden to consume are wild animals with fangs, and birds with talons that use them to catch prey and eat carcasses (therefore making birds such as chickens and ducks acceptable to the Muslim). Everything else is permissible.

The topic can be convoluted as there are types of crows that eat only carcasses and other farm crows that don’t. In that case, the farm crow is edible while its larger scavenger counterpart is not. Furthermore, off-putting animals such as bats are prohibited, but all animals that live in the sea (this excludes crocodiles since they live on land) are permissible.

Secondly, the way the animal has been slaughtered also plays a role. Even an animal that is permissible can be made impermissible if it is not slaughtered correctly. How must animals be slaughtered for a Muslim to consider them safe to eat? A ritual slaughter must be conducted by a Muslim person who faces the animal in the right direction before saying an Arabic invocation and slaughtering the animal quickly and painlessly. Sea creatures need not be slaughtered, and they are the only food category that is permissible to consume when found already dead. Moreover, animals slaughtered by Christians or by Jews (a.k.a Kosher food) are also permissible for the Muslim.

Prayer Facilities

Muslims pray five times a day, and although the obligation to pray while travelling is made more flexible and shortened, the need to find a quiet and suitable place away from prying eyes is still very present. But before the actual performance of an obligatory prayer, ablution or a ritual wash is customary for Muslims. Special ablution taps in the washrooms will make the Muslim traveller feel at home. Further to this point, Muslims wash themselves after going to the loo, so the availability of water in the toilet, and a mechanism to utilize that water is another great addition. A small showerhead toilet spray will do this well.

Although a travel prayer mat can suffice when a need to pray arises for this traveler type as Muslims can pray anywhere. Having a suitable place to pray at their convenience will greatly affect this customer segments satisfaction rates as they feel more welcome. This can come in the form of simply allotting a room with a large enough carpet to carry many people, and a sticker on the roof or wall to show travelers where to pray towards, this direction is known as the Qibla. There will be a need to have separate rooms for each gender, which leads us to our next point.

Different Gender Recreation Facilities

Muslim men and women don’t mix if they aren’t family or married. Their houses are designed in a way where there is an area allotted for female guests, and another for male guests. In some cases houses are designed with two separate entrances – one for each gender. The same concept extends to recreational activities. Spas for example must have separate quarters for each gender, especially as seeing that both genders will be mildly dressed on these occasions.

Some locations have allotted an “only-female” beach to cater for the Arab traveler, and travel platforms like the Halal Travel Guide have a whole trip category that is female-only. Having shared facilities for things that are less sensitive such as a tour on a bus, isn’t that big a deal, although some families will insist that non-family member males cannot be seated next to their female family members. It’s important to be cognizant of this especially when planning seating arrangements.

No Alcohol Near the Muslim Arab Traveler

It is a given that Muslims do not drink. But it’s also a fact that they don’t like to be surrounded by people who drink. This is especially true for family travelers as parents try to prevent their children from even witnessing drunk behavior and all that entails it. This does not necessarily mean that accommodation and event managers need to drop alcohol from the menu altogether (it can however be explored as an option if they decide to target exclusively Muslim Arab travelers), but simply outlining an “alcohol free zone” will suffice. Interestingly enough, sites like Halal Bookings, offer an option for Muslim travelers to place their bookings in Hotels that are alcohol free. 

Modestly Dressed Caterers and Waiters

The same way Muslims like to dress moderately, they also like to be surrounded by those who do the same. Having a dress code for your employees that covers the chest and thigh areas well will aid greatly with that.

Gulf Reps and the Arab Traveler

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 Destination Representation?

Destination representation. The phrase may seem odd to you, and previous attempts to understand the concept may have gone awry. But in actuality, the idea is quite simple and rather fascinating. Read on as we discuss destination representation (or travel representation) and specifically what we do here at Gulf Reps.

What is Destination Representation?

Destination representation is the activity of stimulating the demand for bookings to a certain destination. An organization that is well connected in the travel industry – the travel representative, will offer this service to ideally, a country’s or a city’s tourism board. The travel organization agrees to direct a certain traveler segment to that region or destination. In that sense, the organization becomes the representative of that area.

A real-life example is Gulf Reps (a Middle-East based organization) forming a partnership with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board and embarking on campaigns that aim to direct Arab travelers (one of the highest spending tourist types) to book their next vacation in Azerbaijan. How is it done you ask? Here are several ways:

Influencer Marketing 

We work with the best handpicked Arab travel influencers who masterfully sway their followers to engage with our clients’ services and offers. The travel influencer will travel to our clients’ destination and review it for their followers through pictures, videos, and writing. The number of visits generated from these influencers’ activities can be tracked by the way of the customer discount codes our clients advertise through the influencers channels.

This technique is especially useful as the benefits of a travel influencer can be felt long after the review. Moreover, if the influencer’s experience with a destination was highly favourable they are known to voluntarily spread good word of mouth about the service. Travel influencers are trusted subject matter experts and are usually approached for advice by travelers. So it’s a great idea to be in their good books.

Sales Calls, Familiarization Trips, and Roadshows

The phrase “sales-calls” may be a little misleading because in actuality we conduct actual visits as opposed to simple phone calls. At Gulf Reps, we pitch our clients to travel agencies in the Middle East. These agents then sell trips to their Arab customer base directing them to our clients’ destinations. At times it’s possible for us to arrange for the agents in the Middle East to engage in a familiarization trip in our clients’ destination, while other times client representatives visit us in the Middle East. When that happens, we arrange special networking events and meetings for them with local agents. The bilateral trade relationships that emerge out of these meetings are a force to be reckoned with.

Digital Media and Destination Representation

Even though in the Middle East, travel research and buying phases occur primarily through physical means such as travel agencies, there is still a good fight to be fought online. Social media, websites, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and e-letters can all be used as a means to build awareness of your brand, generate leads, and drive conversions. 

Social Media

Well connected destination representation companies usually have travel company affiliates who enjoy large followerships. A well-placed post — or many, on these companies social media accounts can help in shaping trends and even influencing travel zeitgeists. Furthermore, as the average consumer whether (Arab or non-Arab) is glued to their device’s screen for a large portion of the day, online platforms never seem to miss. We all know how quickly things can catch on online, and it would be sorrowful if such an opportunity is not captured.

Websites and SEO

Once again, with affiliate travel company websites, the traffic generated by these websites can be translated to attention guided towards content about our clients’ destination. This is critical in building awareness for your destination among travellers, and informing and educating them about your destination at the travelers research stage of the buyer’s journey. Further to that, websites are also a great avenue for answering frequently asked questions.

E-Letters

Email campaigns and e-letters are best used to target a certain segment that may be harder to reach through both of the aforementioned channels. Here, a specific communication style can be employed to build rapport with the target audience more appropriately.

Destination Representation at Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is a leading and highly regarded travel representation company with far-reaching and extensive experience in the Gulf region and the middle east. Gulf Reps provides a state of the art portfolio of PR and consultancy services as well as strategic and result-driven marketing solutions tailored to deliver individual targets, exceptional outcomes that boost and enhance your presence in the region. Contact us on Tel: +971 (0)4 703 6333, F:+971 (0)4 316 6565, E: sammy@gulfreps.com for any inquiries.  

In Focus: 5 business rules to live by from our CEO Sammy Musa

For this month’s “In Focus” interview, we spoke to our very own CEO and Managing Partner of Gulf Reps, Sammy Musa. Sammy has a diverse background in management and leadership in both Europe and the Middle East. He was fundamental in the construction and delivery of one of Africa’s most innovative dairy collection systems creating an entire value chain that was mutually beneficial for all partners, as well as building several businesses in the UK. In 2015 he took over as managing partner for Gulf Reps and the company has seen unprecedented growth ever since. We asked Sammy to outline the 5 business rules he lives by, and we believe there’s something for everyone to learn here:

1. Honesty and Integrity

I grew up in a small village in the north of England. There was no hiding from the truth there, your every move was captured by the 1980’s equivalent of the CCTV camera: The nosey neighbour. To be ‘absolutely, brutally honest’ was something that was instilled in us as children. We are all human, we make mistakes, but in business, I’ve found that anything other than total honesty has far too many negative impacts. To the same extent, I always work with integrity. I believe that people are inherently good, and I work with everyone I meet on face value. Of course, at times you get burned by people who don’t live by the same values, but nonetheless, I won’t ever stop living by these two values. They are part of my makeup and I strongly believe that failure to work honestly and with integrity with my clients, partners and team will result in failure in the long term. 

2. Reliability

Many years ago I worked on a huge project in Africa. Now, whilst not all of Africa has issues with timekeeping, this particular enclave did. It drove me crazy. In the UK if you arrive at a 3 pm meeting at 3:02 you’re late! This is how I’ve always operated. If I  make a promise I always keep it barring force majeure. Equally, I’m comfortable saying “no” to people. It’s not because I don’t want to help, it’s because I don’t believe I can achieve what is required in the timescale needed. I’d rather be honest and reliable than overly optimistic and flakey. 

3. Be Inspiring

Every business book in the world will talk about inspiring leadership and every leader has his own style. I personally try to lead by example. Whilst I work extremely hard to achieve success, I am fortunate enough to have an amazing team around me. You have to trust your team to deliver to the level and standard that you set. I ensure that my teams are clear in their direction, where we are heading, what we are trying to achieve and I try to make sure they believe that it is only possible if we all do it together. This culture of togetherness allows me to be with the team even when I am not physically there. They know what it means to be part of Gulf Reps, they know what standards we set for our client’s and for our partners, they know what is an acceptable level of delivery and what is not. 

4. Keep Innovating

Like it or not our industry is going through a radical change. All change represents opportunity, and it is in innovations, particularly innovations from other industries that we can exploit those changes. I encourage everyone around me to keep up to date with the latest in our industry, but also from around other industries, it’s surprising how many innovations can be gleaned from what is happening in totally different industries. I remember at the heart of the pandemic and lockdowns reading an article in New Scientist magazine about advances in remote surgery through virtual reality. This led to a proposal of VR familiarization trips for one of our clients that could allow for prospective travellers to experience destinations before they travel. 

5. Know Your Strengths, Know Your Weaknesses, Fill the Gaps

I have fastidious attention to detail. I know it and I allow my teams to use it regularly. Whenever there’s a new press release, or a white paper, or even this blog post, I run my eye through it as I have an innate ability to spot errors. However, whilst I’m a competent presenter and public speaker, I hate it. That’s why I ensure that the people around me fill the gaps that I leave behind. In the end, the art of building a company is building teams that are greater than the sum of their parts. And that starts with me.  

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. Gulf Reps has 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 eclectic mix of marketing channels makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

Arab Travellers: Who really makes the travel decisions in Arab households?

Arab travellers are a sought after demographic. Collecting data from the Insight Out Consumer Travel Report 2018, UNWTO 2019 Travel Report, The State of Social Media MENA 2019 and countless interviews and questionnaires we have conducted over the years, we ask the simple question: who really makes the travel decisions in Arab households?

Who Cares?

The question is an important one and goes to the crux of what it means to be a great representation company. Knowing your customers, their habits, their decision-making processes, and how they finally make purchases, allows you to influence the various stages of the buyer’s journey. This is done by using the correct channels and the most appropriate content for each target customer. Stereotypes are real. They exist, whether we like it or not. Lazy marketing employees use these stereotypes to have us believe that Arab men make all major financial decisions and that their iron will and meek wives make the question asked above a redundant one. Sadly, stereotypes haven’t followed the data whatsoever in this case.

Why Arab Travellers?

Arab GCC travellers are the holy grail of international travellers for those in the know. They spend on average 2 times longer on their holiday, spend approximately 6 times more than the average traveller and have a tendency to repeat visits. To acquire a single Arab family to your destination is equivalent to 6 families from other regions. Acquiring the Arabian traveller is a mission worth undertaking and it starts with the biggest question of them all: Who really makes the travel decisions in Arab households?

So who makes the decisions?

The data is clear, Arab women are the PRIMARY decision-makers when it comes to destinations for GCC Arab households. They obtain information from a range of sources, including online reviews, social media, friends feedback and personal experiences. They collate these views and then use their internal filter to decipher whether the destination is right for them. One of the critical filters includes whether the location is child-friendly, Muslim friendly and whether it has the expected level of service. 

So, now you know. So what?

Armed with this information, as a destination you should ask yourself: Are you putting enough resources and budget into attracting Arab travellers? Are you creating campaigns and delivering content that meets the actual decision-makers need at the time of making her decision? Does your representation company have solutions to help you do this? At Gulf Reps we truly understand the Arabian traveller, we have built direct to consumer channels with over 60,000 Arab international travellers for the exclusive use of our clients to promote their destinations. We not only build campaigns to bring Arab travellers to you, but we also have case study after case study that proves the efficacy of our work. 

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. Gulf Reps has 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 eclectic mix of marketing channels makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

5 Reasons travel marketing campaigns fail

Once upon a time, firearms just weren’t that reliable. You’d load your gun, pull the trigger and be summarily shot in the face. The term used to describe this undesirable, albeit accidental, phenomenon is called “backfire”. It happens in marketing too, where groupthink, overzealous leadership, an over-ambitious agency or just plain ignorance produces marketing campaigns that have the world making this emoji face: 🤔. In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 reasons travel marketing campaigns fail and how to avoid them. 

1. Honesty

“Aleppo is a lively bustling city, with beautiful scenic walks, exquisite architecture and a history to die for.” Well, this is technically true, but it is also war-torn, militia filled and frankly the worlds most dangerous city. All marketing is based on relative truth. Not to say that marketers lie, but the truth can often not be explained in 5 words. For example, “Head and Shoulders will clear your dandruff in 7 days”. This is a relative truth. It’s not an absolute truth. The absolute truth is “If you use head and shoulders every day for at least 7 days, but more likely 10 days, then there is a high probability that your dandruff will disappear, but if you stop using head and shoulders after this time, it is almost guaranteed that your dandruff will re-appear”. Doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? Absolutely truth, or relative truth, it doesn’t matter, just don’t LIE. The tiny country of Lithuania learned this lesson the hard way, when they launched their $150,000 “Real is Beautiful” campaign, only to use stock imagery of other Nordic and eastern European countries in the campaign. There’s no relativity there – that’s just a lie. 

2. Travel marketing campaigns fail: Inappropriate Targetting

One of the main reasons travel marketing campaigns fail is inappropriate targeting. Who do you actually want to visit your destination? Often the response will be “everyone”. But that’s not actually true, “everyone” is a pretty massive concept in marketing, because it includes all the good people, and frankly all the bad people too. If you’re marketing a quaint scenic village in the Swiss Alps, you don’t want stag parties from the UK arriving at your destination. Taking the time to appropriately target your prospective visitor is critical to ensuring the results you’re looking for from your destination marketing campaign. But equally important is to look at all the different segments that you’ll be targetting and ask the question: “Do these individual segments work well together?” 

3. Bad Timing

Much like comedy, marketing is all about timing. However, we’re not after hilarious results. The timing of campaigns can be extremely difficult to judge. There are standard awareness days, cultural holidays, religious holidays, political and sporting events that marketers can navigate around, but what about the one-off sudden events? Every campaign should have a contingency plan, bracing themselves for the “what-if” scenarios. Whilst it’s easy enough to pause digital campaigns, outdoor, events and other campaigns can be more challenging, which is why it’s critical to have these “what-if” plans in place. 

4. Bad Taste

Some campaigns are just…. Bad. The challenge that faces travel marketing is a unique one. A destination may be being promoted by an agency in their own country around the globe. The problem with this is that what is seen as funny in some countries is seen as downright distasteful in others. 

5. Cultural Insensitivity

Finally, cultural sensitivity. Much like ads that are in bad taste, cultural sensitivity is critical when trying to attract visitors from certain regions. The long white vales worn by Arab men may seem amusing to you, but in this region, they have both culturally and practical applications. Even small details such as the destain shown by some in this region when the soles of the feet are shown in an advert are something you couldn’t possibly be expected to know unless you’re a regional expert. That’s why we pride ourselves in our 60 years of regional expertise and know that when we deliver campaigns for our clients we are hitting all the right buttons and none of the wrong ones.

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. Gulf Reps has 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 eclectic mix of marketing channels makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.