Gold Medal has introduced its latest Dubai and Arabia brochure, expanding travel options to the Middle East. The launch coincides with a unique opportunity for agents to join a familiarisation trip, enriching their knowledge of the region.
The new brochure is part of the 2024-25 portfolio, featuring sought-after destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and emerging locations like Oman and Qatar. The initiative aims to equip travel agents with comprehensive insights to better serve their clients, supported by direct training sessions with leading suppliers.
Brochure Highlights Diverse Destinations
The newly launched Dubai and Arabia brochure by Gold Medal showcases a diverse array of destinations within the Middle East. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain top attractions, the brochure also highlights Oman, Qatar, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Fujairah. These locations offer travellers a variety of experiences, from luxurious urban retreats to serene coastal escapes.
The focus of the brochure is to introduce travel agents to lesser-known gems in the region. By providing detailed insights into these destinations, agents can offer clients unique itineraries that combine established favourites with intriguing alternatives. This comprehensive approach ensures that travellers have access to a wider array of options, enhancing their overall experience.
Training and Development for Travel Agents
At the brochure’s launch, over 30 travel agents participated in specialised training sessions held at Gold Medal’s headquarters in Leyland, Lancashire. These sessions were designed to deepen agents’ understanding of the Middle Eastern market and the unique offerings available within the new brochure.
Twelve prominent suppliers, including Jumeirah and Dubai Tourism, provided face-to-face training to ensure agents received first-hand knowledge. This initiative underscores Gold Medal’s commitment to equipping agents with the tools necessary to deliver exceptional service to their clients.
The training focused on the nuances of multi-centre holidays, encouraging agents to consider pairings like Dubai with Mauritius or Oman with the Maldives. Such combinations are designed to cater to diverse client interests, offering a balance between relaxation and adventure.
Incentives and Opportunities for Agents
In addition to the brochure launch, Gold Medal has announced a familiarisation trip to Abu Dhabi, offering a coveted learning experience for participating agents. Agents can earn places on this trip by registering bookings for Dubai or Arabia packages through Gold Medal.
Three places on the fam trip will be awarded through a prize draw, with an additional wild card place available. This initiative is not only an incentive but also a strategic move to provide agents with deeper insights into the destinations they promote. By experiencing these locations firsthand, agents can better advise their clients and create more personalised travel packages.
Deborah Wadhams, Head of Long-Haul Product at Gold Medal, emphasised the importance of showcasing both popular and lesser-known destinations. Her goal is to inspire agents to explore new possibilities when crafting itineraries, thereby expanding their clients’ horizons.
Strategic Vision of Gold Medal
The new brochure represents a strategic push by Gold Medal to strengthen its position within the highly competitive travel market. By providing extensive training and familiarisation opportunities, Gold Medal is empowering agents with the knowledge to offer better recommendations and create bespoke travel experiences.
The focus on expanding destination offerings comes as demand for Middle Eastern travel increases. Gold Medal aims to harness this trend by highlighting the rich cultural and natural attractions that the region offers, ensuring that both agents and their clients benefit from the latest travel insights.
Through these efforts, Gold Medal seeks to position itself as a leader in B2B travel services that are specifically tailored to the dynamic interests and preferences of today’s travellers.
Supplier Collaboration and Industry Impact
Collaboration with key suppliers such as Arabian Adventures and One&Only Resorts plays a critical role in the successful implementation of the new brochure. By fostering strong partnerships, Gold Medal enhances its ability to deliver high-quality travel experiences.
These collaborations ensure that travel agents have access to exclusive deals and insider knowledge, which can significantly benefit their clients. By keeping agents informed of the latest trends and offerings, Gold Medal supports the creation of compelling travel packages that can tap into an increasingly discerning market.
The industry response to the new brochure has been overwhelmingly positive. Both suppliers and agents recognise the potential for growth, attributing it to Gold Medal’s proactive approach in targeting untapped markets within the Middle East.
Optimising Travel through Multi-Centre Holidays
Gold Medal’s brochure encourages multi-centre holidays, allowing travellers to combine several destinations in one trip. This approach not only multiplies the experiences for travellers but also maximises value for their money, offering a taste of various cultures and landscapes within a single journey.
According to Wadhams, multi-centre itineraries such as those combining Dubai with Mauritius, or Oman with the Maldives, have gained traction. Clients increasingly seek diverse experiences, and these unique combinations provide a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. Agents are trained to craft these itineraries to match clients’ individual preferences.
This strategic focus on multi-centre holidays enhances Gold Medal’s offering, catering to evolving consumer demands and positioning the company as a forward-thinking leader in the travel industry.
Emphasis on Long-term Relationships with Agents
The launch of the Dubai and Arabia brochure is part of Gold Medal’s broader strategy to fortify its relationships with travel agents. By offering valuable training and incentives, Gold Medal is cultivating a network of knowledgeable and motivated partners.
The continued support and development opportunities provided by Gold Medal are designed to foster loyalty and encourage agents to recommend the brand’s packages. This collaborative approach aims to establish long-standing partnerships that benefit all parties involved.
As agents deepen their understanding of Gold Medal’s offerings, they become better equipped to service their clients effectively, ensuring mutual growth and success.
The launch of Gold Medal’s Dubai and Arabia brochure marks a significant step forward in expanding travel possibilities to the Middle East. By investing in agent training and fostering strong supplier relationships, Gold Medal is poised to deliver exceptional travel experiences, meeting the needs of a rapidly growing market.
