JEDDAH, 26 June — Saudi Arabia’s travel market, which is becoming highly competitive, was on focus at two events held in the city recently. Two airlines, both of whose general sales agent is Alzouman Travel, held their meetings to honor their best supporting agents.
Jean Noel Rault, general manager of Air France for Saudi Arabia & Bahrain, who addressed the agents at Alhamra Sofitel Hotel last week about the new enhancements and the future strategy of the airline, said the prospects looked bright for the travel industry despite the growing competition in the context of the emerging Umrah policy. “Our airline has been transporting 2,000 Umrah pilgrims every year, and we hope to improve this figure this year,” Rault said speaking to reporters. “We’re the industry’s second alliance in the world, our partners being Delta, Korean, Aeromexico, Czech, plus an Asiatic and a South American airlines,” he said. Air France had been voted the “strongest and biggest in Europe” with over 8,000 connections with its fleet of more than 200 aircraft, he added. The airline operates weekly four flights from Jeddah, three from Riyadh and two from Dhahran. These include a cargo flight each from Jeddah and Dhahran. Asked about the future plans, Rault remarked: “We dream of a daily flight from Riyadh to France.”
The airline awarded six travel agents the golden certificate for their outstanding sales during the IATA year 2000-2001. The recipients were Alzouman Travel, Saddik & Muhammad Attar Co., Saudi Tourist & Travel Bureau Ltd., Mirage Travel & Tours, Tamara Travel & Services Co. and Caravan Travel Agency. Five other travel agents were awarded the silver certificate for their outstanding sales during the year. They were Travel & Transport Services Ltd., Portfolio Travel Ltd., Alhani Travel, Kanoo Travel Agency and Zahid Travel Agencies. Additionally, a special trophy was presented to each of four travel agents — Saddik & Muhammad Attar, Caravan, Portfolio and Mirage.
Representatives of Air France’s alliance — Delta Airlines, MEA and CSA Czech Airlines participated in the event along with managers and staff of major travel agents.
Abdo Abi Allam, the airline’s manager for the Western Province, announced the top 10 agents of the year and conducted a raffle in which Muhammad Wasseem, general manager of Hatim Travel Agency, won a roundtrip ticket and three days accommodation in Le Meridien Etoile, Paris.
At Swissair’s event held at Leylaty Ballroom on Saturday, 176 staff and management of 11 agents were awarded the Millennium trophy for outstanding sales in 2000. Swissair Area Manager for Western Province Zakir H. Siddik said: “This is a celebration to congratulate you on your hard work, support and loyalty to Swissair.” The recipients of the Millennium award were: Alzouman Travel, Attar Travel, ACE/Caravan Travel, Kanoo Travel, Mirage Travel Tours, Portfolio Travel, Samara/Tamara Travel, Saudi Travel Co./STTB, Travel & Transport Services, and Zahid Travel for outstanding sales in 2000. Intercontinental Travel Co. received the award for best single outlet sales for the year.
