Explore the leading tourism companies in Dubai

1st August, 2024

Known for its breathtaking skyline, luxurious lifestyle and lively culture, Dubai has become one of the world’s top travel destinations. Each year, millions of international visitors flock to this Middle Eastern gem to experience its unique blend of modern and traditional.. Central to these unforgettable experiences are the city’s leading tourism companies. These businesses provide essential services and curate exceptional experiences that capture the essence of Dubai.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the top tourism companies in the area,what its like to work in this exciting industry and also discuss how you can prepare for your own career in the Middle East.

Dubai tourism companies

Many companies are trying to make a name for themselves in this exciting destination. Below, we will look at some top tourism businesses that help make Dubai a sought-after location.

DNATA Travels

One of the largest travel service providers in the Middle East, they offer a comprehensive range of international services. Established in 1959, DNATA (Dubai National Air Travel Agency) is renowned for its reliability and extensive network, which includes flight bookings, holiday packages, hotel reservations, car rentals and travel insurance. DNATA’s global reach and local expertise make it a preferred choice for both leisure and corporate travelers.

Musafir.com

This prominent online agency in the UAE is known for its user-friendly platform, which allows customers to book flights, hotels and holiday packages effortlessly. Founded in 2007, Musafir.com prioritizes personalized service, offering travel solutions to meet its clients’ varied needs. The company also provides visa services, insurance and corporate travel management, making it a one-stop shop for trip planning. Visa assistance is particularly important for companies in the Middle East, where international travelers might need help with visa applications.

Rayna Tours & Travels

A leading destination management company based in Dubai, specializing in a wide array of travel experiences. Since its inception in 2006, Rayna Tours has built a reputation for offering unique and tailor-made tour packages, including desert safaris, city tours, cruises and adventure activities. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and in-depth local knowledge creates memorable visits for tourists.

Green Apple Travel & Tourism

This Dubai-based agency offers a range of services, including holiday packages, hotel reservations, flight bookings and visa assistance. Known for its personalized approach, Green Apple focuses on crafting bespoke experiences that cater to individual preferences and budgets. Their extensive network and attention to detail make them a reliable choice for travelers seeking a seamless travel experience.

Al Tayer Travel Agency

Part of the prestigious Al Tayer group, it has been providing premium services since its launch in 1979. The agency offers a wide range of solutions, including luxury holiday packages, corporate travel management, cultural tours and exclusive concierge services. Al Tayer Travel is known for its high standards of service and strong relationships with global partners, ensuring top-tier experiences for its clients.

Sharaf Travel

This group was founded in 1991 and is a prominent agency in Dubai, offering a comprehensive suite of services. With expertise in both leisure and business travel, Sharaf provides flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages and cruise vacations. The company is also known for its specialized services, such as destination weddings, pilgrimage tours and bespoke itineraries, catering to a wide range of clientele and making it a popular option for people who need something specific.

City One Tourism & Travel

This tourism company is known for its innovative and customer-centric approach. Offering a variety of services such as city tours, desert safaris and cultural excursions, City One aims to provide immersive travel experiences to guests. They also offer flight bookings, hotel accommodations and visa assistance, ensuring a hassle-free experience for their clients. Providing such a wide range of services helps attract customers.

Regal Tours

A reputable agency in Dubai specializing in visa services and travel arrangements. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Regal Tours provides a range of services, including holiday packages, hotel bookings, flight tickets and corporate travel solutions at an affordable price. Their expertise in handling visa processes for various countries makes them a go-to company for travelers needing efficient and reliable assistance entering the country legally.

Utravel

As a small agency, Utravel focus on offering personalized solutions for both individual and corporate clients and are well known for their knowledgeable staff. Their services include flight bookings, hotel reservations, customized holiday packages and event management. Utravel is known for its innovative approach and commitment to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring each travel experience is unique and memorable.

What it's like to work for a tourism company

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What it’s like to work for a tourism company

Roles in the travel industry can be exciting and rewarding, offering plenty of jobs that appeal to people with different interests and skill sets. Employees can enjoy varied work environments, opportunities for travel and the satisfaction of creating memorable experiences for clients. Some positions you could consider are:

  • Travel consultants: these frontline staff interact directly with clients, to understand their preferences, suggest suitable destinations and packages, book flights and accommodations and provide advice. Travel consultants need strong communication skills, extensive knowledge of locations and the ability to handle customer queries efficiently
  • Tour guides: provide insightful information about destinations, historical sites and cultural attractions. They lead groups, ensuring their safety and that the tour is informative and enjoyable. Tour guides require excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of the locale and the ability to manage large groups effectively
  • Destination managers: responsible for developing and managing tourism products and experiences at specific destinations. They collaborate with local vendors, hotels and attractions to create appealing travel packages. This involves market research, product development and ensuring high-quality standards. Strong organizational and negotiation skills are essential for this position
  • Sales and marketing specialists: promote travel packages, destinations and services to potential clients. These experts develop promotional campaigns, manage social media platforms and engage with customers through various channels. Creativity, marketing knowledge and strong communication skills are vital for success in this role
  • Operations managers: oversee the day-to-day activities of the tourism company. They ensure that all processes run smoothly, from booking services to coordinating with suppliers and handling logistics. This role involves strategic planning, resource management and problem-solving skills
  • Event coordinators: organize and manage conferences and other travel-related activities. This includes everything from planning and budgeting to execution and post-event evaluation. To succeed, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure are essential
  • Human resources specialists: manage recruitment, training, employee relations and other HR functions. This ensures that the company attracts and retains skilled staff and that employees are motivated and well-supported. Strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities and a thorough understanding of HR practices are key to this role

Working environment and benefits

Employees in tourism companies enjoy exciting and busy careers. The nature of the industry allows for interaction with people from various cultures and backgrounds, making the workday interesting and unique. Additionally, many roles offer opportunities for travel and on-site visits to destinations, providing first-hand experiences that can be both professionally and personally enriching.

Career growth and opportunities

The tourism industry is known for offering plenty of options to grow and improve. Employees can progress from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often gaining a broad range of skills and experiences along the way. Many companies also invest in employee development through training programs and certifications, helping staff to advance their careers.

How to prepare for tourism jobs

Starting a career in this sector involves a combination of formal education, practical experience and the development of specific skills. Below, we will explore some key steps to help you get ready for a rewarding career in the sector.

Pursue relevant education

Obtaining a degree in a related discipline can provide a solid foundation for a career in tourism. Some of the most relevant degrees include:

  • Hospitality management: this degree covers various aspects of the industry, including hotel management, food and beverage operations and customer service. It provides essential knowledge and skills for leading tourism-related businesses
  • Tourism management: focuses specifically on the this area of the industry, covering topics such as destination marketing, travel agency management and sustainable practices
  • Business administration: these types of program with a focus on tourism or hospitality can also be beneficial, providing a broader understanding of principles that apply to the tourism sector

Many universities and colleges offer specialized programs in hospitality and tourism management, often including internships or practical training components that give students hands-on experience.

Become an expert in Dubai tourism

Our campus in Abu Dhabi helps you learn more about the UAE while getting the qualifications and skills needed for Dubai tourism roles

Gain practical experience

Many hospitality and tourism programs include internship opportunities, allowing students to work with established companies and gain real-world experience. Alternatively, you could look at working in entry-level roles such as hotel staff, tour guide or travel agent. This can provide valuable insights into the industry and help build practical skills. Volunteering for events, festivals or cultural organizations can also offer relevant experience and networking prospects within the tourism sector.

Build essential skills

Success in tourism jobs requires a broad set of abilities. Most of these are soft skills that apply to any role in the industry. The most important ones to focus on are:

  • Customer service: vital for interacting with clients and ensuring they have a positive experience. This includes communication, patience and problem-solving abilities
  • Language skills: being multilingual is a significant advantage in the tourism industry, as it allows you to communicate with a broader range of clients and colleagues
  • Sales and marketing: understanding marketing principles can help in promoting destinations, packages and services effectively
  • Organizational skills: essential for managing bookings, coordinating tours and handling logistics, especially in managerial roles
  • Cultural awareness: a deep understanding of different cultures and customs is important for creating respectful and enjoyable experiences for international travelers
  • Technology proficiency: familiarity with travel booking systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software and other industry-specific technologies is increasingly important

Conclusion

The tourism industry is thriving in Dubai, bolstered by companies that cater to the varied needs of travelers. From DNATA Travels’ extensive global network to Rayna Tours & Travels’ unique local experiences, each of these travel firms brings its own strengths and specialties to the table. As Dubai continues to grow as a premier global destination, these leading companies play a key role in shaping memorable travel experiences for millions of visitors.

Whether you are an aspiring professional looking to enter the industry or want to move your career to somewhere new and exotic, Dubai’s tourism sector offers endless possibilities. Take the opportunity to explore and engage with the best that these companies have to offer and see how tourism can lead to a range of exciting careers. If you want to get started, a degree from a school like Les Roches Abu Dhabi puts you right at the heart of this hotspot.

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