Download pdf
As corporate travel continues to experience significant growth and development across the Middle East, some 150 guests, including corporate clients, business leaders and government dignitaries, are joining senior executives from Dnata Travel and Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) at a special event in Abu Dhabi this evening (Wednesday, 22 October). Held at the Emirates Ballroom within the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the event is being held to officially celebrate the branding of Dnata’s corporate travel operations to HRG Abu Dhabi.
George Ambooken, General Manager, commented: “Dnata has worked closely with HRG for many years. Since that time our business has gone from strength to strength and our significant client list now encompasses large, well-known multinational organisations as well as local UAE-based companies. Our commitment to HRG is emphasised by our decision to adopt the HRG branding in Abu Dhabi for our corporate travel division. I am delighted, therefore, that so many of our business partners are able to celebrate this occasion with us.”
David Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Hogg Robinson Group, added: “The corporate travel industry in the Middle East continues to expand and this is particularly prevalent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where there is a new perspective on international business and standard operating practices: companies now expect to receive consistent levels of service no matter where they are in the world.
“As the market matures, and having Dnata as such a strong partner in Abu Dhabi, HRG is very well-placed to help clients with their corporate travel management objectives”
Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, Dnata Travel Services, said: “The re-branding of our corporate travel division in Abu Dhabi, which coincides with the first anniversary of our operation in Abu Dhabi, is a mark of our continuing commitment to our relationship with HRG”.
He continued: “The HRG/Dnata partnership has been very successful and I am confident that corporate travel market in Abu Dhabi will welcome the increased services and levels of excellence this relationship will bring to the market.”
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently forecast continued growth for the UAE over the next seven years (averaging 3.2% growth per annum). In the last year passenger numbers passing through Abu Dhabi international airport have increased by over 34% resulting in the opening of a new runway earlier this month and a new terminal, doubling airport capacity, scheduled to open in 2009. HRG has also noted significant development within the corporate hotel industry. In addition to a number of hotels experiencing upgrades and expansion plans, according to HRG’s latest hotel survey average room rates in Abu Dhabi increased by 23% in the first six months of 2008 (compared to the same period in 2007), placing the country in the top ten most expensive cities worldwide for corporate travellers.
In addition to HRG Abu Dhabi, Hogg Robinson Group has a presence in some 20 countries across its MEWA (Middle East West Asia) region with its global network extending to over 100 countries.
- Ends -
For further information:
HRG Abu Dhabi/Dnata
Heather Redpath
Corporate Communications, Dnata
Tel: + 9714 7081709
Email: heather.redpath@dnata.com
Hogg Robinson Group
Laurie Waugh/Katy Carmen
Hogg Robinson Group
Tel: +44 (0) 1256 312623
Email: laurie.waugh@hrgworldwide.com
Notes to Editors:
Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) is the award-winning international corporate travel services company. Founded in 1845, HRG has over 60 years specific corporate travel expertise. Its corporate services interests include owned or controlled corporate travel operations in 25 of the key driver and growth markets throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Supported by contracted partners, the HRG worldwide network extends to over 100 countries.
Totally committed to a value offering for clients, HRG offers a comprehensive range of corporate services which includes Corporate Travel Management, Consulting, Events & Meetings Management, Sports and Expense Management, through its investment in Spendvision.
Dubai-based Dnata Travel Services is the Middle East’s leading travel management company, encompassing divisions that address every aspect of the travel industry. Wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai and headquartered in the Dnata Travel Centre on the city's Sheikh Zayed Road, Dnata Travel Services meets the current and future travel demands of the travel trade and travellers alike. The company’s mission is to offer total travel solutions and world-class products and services to its customers.