Across Borders bridges the gap for DMCs locally
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The objective for newly set up Across Borders Travel LLC by Fabian Fernandes and Sharmili Khiani is to bring international DMCs closer to agents across the UAE and GCC in general. The fairly new set up has very clear strategies about expansion and market penetration.
As Fabian Fernandes, partner, Across Borders Travel LLC explains to Travel Daily Middle East, “We represent DMCs worldwide – the aim is simple – we put the agent in touch with the DMC by marketing, selling and promoting the products on offer locally. This works well from a DMC’s point of view as it is more economical option rather than setting up a full-fleged office in the region.”
Having set the concept in place, the USP of the company is simply making communication easier between the DMC and an agent. There other benefits are easy and faster facilitation of payments which are made locally, thereby bringing on fewer hassles.
Sharmili Khiani, partner, Across Borders Travel LLC delves into the product profiles managed by the company and market segmentation. She says: “We target the GCC market with our products but with a keen focus on the UAE. The DMCs handled by us are Mazda Travel Inc in USA and Canada; Al Thuraya Travel & Tours in Jordan; Saltours in UK and Europe; MG Holidays in Indonesia and Indian Routes in India.”
According to both partners, the DMC handled by the company have their own relationships with hotels and local partners. However, Across Borders keeps agents updated with latest promotions, encourage agents to promote these DMCs and finally, get them better rates. “Our future goal is clear, we will tie-up with just one supplier per region,” says Fernandes.
With a clear forward path, Fernandes discloses future plans saying: “We are looking at DMCs in new regions such as Srilanka and Maldives. We are also looking at Spain, South America and eventually looking at setting up a separate cruise division too. Cruise is a niche product and we have seen huge demand from this market in the last two years.”
In addition to new markets, future plans also include working with tourism boards and expanding into the Saudi Arabia market. “If we do intend to commence operations in KSA, we would open an office in the region. The market is too huge and unique to be handled from the UAE,” concludes Fernandes.
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