DRITL World, the travel management company which is a part of the Saudi-headquartered billion dollar diversified conglomerate Eram Group, had a spectacular 2018. The company successfully caters to the realms of Corporate, Leisure, MICE, Adventure, Health & Wellness, Edutrips and DMC services.
Within the ITL World portfolio are five niche sub-brands: ‘MICEminds’ (catering to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events/Exhibitions), ‘ITL World Elite’ (focussed on bespoke travel, luxury travel, VVIP travel), ‘Arabian Experience’ (a full-fledged Destination Management Company – inbound travel), ‘Tripmakers’ (a state-of-the-art B2B travel portal) and ‘Eduvoyage’ (enriching Education with Travel). ITL World was rated as Fifth Most Powerful Travel Company in the Middle East in 2014 and 2015 by Arabian Travel News. Destination Reporter caught up with Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman & Managing Director, ITL World for a quick tete-a-tete.
Tell us about ITL World’s overall performance in 2018.
We’ve had another great year, maintaining the regional industry’s most consistent client retention rate (95 per cent over the past 10 years being in operation in the GCC alone and 30-plus years in India).
What are your major priorities in 2019?
To keep up with our corporate clientele, ITL World has created a roadmap for inclusion of NDC, a travel industry-supported program by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard. With this, the company is aiming to address the industry’s current distribution limitations. We are working with partners to leverage our integrated technology stack and deliver a smarter working environment through cloud-based online solutions. We have already deployed these products and will continue with enhancements in 2019.
How have sub-brands performed? What are the highlights?
In 2018, revenues have been modest but significant achievements have been made across all our sub-brands including confirmed and imminent projects, impeccable products and enhanced consumer support.
Do you plan to enter a new segment?
We are always open to new ideas taking in the best interest of our customers within the realms of the businesses we operate in.
How many offices do you operate and what is the total team size?
ITL World operates in 10 countries within the Middle East, Asia & Europe, with a team size of 500-plus employees across our network.
What are the expansion / investment plans in the pipeline?
By 2020, ITL World is aiming to extend its offerings to North Africa and South East Asia.
Could you share outbound trends in MICE, Edutravel and Corporate travel spaces?
Outbound travel is growing at 15-18 per cent annually. Indians are travelling more to international destinations. The preferred choice of accommodation remains budget hotels but they want to spend more on experiences and exploring destinations, shopping, food and drink. People from the middle class are opting to travel internationally. Domestic travel is more expensive – a trip to Dubai from Mumbai can be worked out cheaper than a trip to Kerala. For example, Europe commands an estimated market share of about 20 per cent of all Indian outbound departures.
There are several factors that are promoting the growth of the India outbound (MICE) market. For example, in Europe, the enhanced business ambience between the fastest growing regions of the world and revamped market policies are helping Indian business houses establish their footprint there. A new breed of deep-pocketed travellers are cementing the growth of the India outbound MICE tourism market to Europe.
India is growing at a double-digit rate driven by the approximately 7 per cent GDP growth over the past few years, increasing middle-class incomes, changing attitudes towards spending, low airfares, group package tours and the easy availability of EMI options on travel bookings.
Currency fluctuation is an issue. The steady fall in the value of the Indian rupee this year against major currencies has sent fuel prices soaring and cast a shadow on international travel plans. Outbound travellers now have to shell out more if packages or tickets haven’t already been booked, and for miscellaneous expenses.
Business travel, as well as outbound tourism, have been steadily increasing, but the value of rupee is threatening to slow them down.
How can India-based travel trade leverage ITL World to ensure great customer experiences? What are ITL’s unique strengths?
ITL World also offers Destination Management Services via a qualified team across the GCC region, UK, Europe, Malaysia and Thailand. Our expert services include a range of accommodations, sightseeing, coach and cruising options offering the opportunity for the travel trade to tailor-make unique holiday experiences.
While the average consumer might find it hard to differentiate between DMCs in the region, the astute corporate client values our strong network, impressive credentials and wealth of experience. Strategic partnerships enable us to provide the most innovative and cost-effective travel management solutions to the Corporate market with our expertise which also includes MICE and Edutravel.
