Dubai-based dnata Travel, the UAE’s original travel agency, and VisitBritain, Britain’s national tourism agency, have partnered to promote new destination packages with exciting experiences and extended itineraries to attract travelers across GCC to discover more of Britain in 2024 and beyond.
With a growing presence across the GCC, dnata Travel has consistently reported the UK as one of the top ten international travel destinations for its travelers since its inception 65 years ago. As part of its new campaign with VisitBritain, dnata Travel is launching bespoke packages and rates focused on the themes of its research, including cities, coast and countryside, and multi-destination travel itineraries, ahead of the peak summer travel period.
Based on VisitBritain research conducted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Britain was perceived as the top mid to long-haul destination for travelers, leading the USA, France, Italy, and Switzerland.
VisitBritain’s research also shows that visitors from the GCC market rate Britain highly for having ‘beautiful coasts and countryside to explore,’ ‘a thriving arts and contemporary culture scene’, ‘a place where one can explore history and heritage’, and as ‘good for seeing famous sites and places’.
Meerah Ketait Head – Retail & Leisure, dnata Travel
“The UK has always represented one of our most popular international destinations for GCC travelers, including across the summer months of 2023. London has typically been the destination of choice, so we are excited to bring a different side of the UK closer to our travelers this year based on VisitBritain’s research findings. The launch of the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme is also a huge benefit for GCC nationals, making travel to the UK more accessible than ever before.”
Carol Maddison, Deputy Director Middle East and Asia at VisitBritain, said that, “The GCC is a very important visitor source market for the UK with visitors forecast to spend $3.7 billion this year. With the launch of the ETA and strong airline capacity, travel to the UK is more affordable, accessible, and seamless for visitors from the Gulf. Working with dnata Travel, we are highlighting the breadth of exciting experiences and destinations waiting for GCC visitors here in Britain, not just in London but across the nations and regions. From surfing along our wild coastlines to experiencing our breathtaking landscapes or our bustling, vibrant cities, we’re showing that there is always more to explore in Britain.”
Taking on board the findings from VisitBritain’s extensive GCC-based research over recent years, dnata Travel’s new UK travel itineraries focus on:
Wild coastlines and charming countryside, including the Lake District, Northumberland, and the Cotswolds in England, as well as highlights of the Scottish Highlands.
Arts and culture, from Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon to a tour of Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music and home of The Beatles.
History and heritage, deep-rooted in the history of their namesake capital cities, this includes the iconic Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle.
Famous sites and places, including Manchester’s impressive football stadiums and trip to Scotland’s scenic Cairngorms National Park, a setting for blockbuster movies.
