Singapore and Hong Kong among six Fastest growing destinations for Emirates Holidays

Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates Airline and one of the largest wholesale tour operators in the Middle East, declared a revenue of Dhs 355 million (US$97 million) for the financial year ended 31st March 2004 - an increase of 23 per cent over the previous year.

Around 100,000 tourists travelled with Emirates Holidays over the past twelve months, with the top destinations proving to be the U.A.E, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mauritius, the Maldives, Singapore, Lebanon and India. The six destinations growing fastest in popularity were Singapore, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

The past year has seen Emirates Holidays expand its worldwide operations to commence sales in India and Russia. Over the same period, it launched "Tradenet" - a real time electronic information pricing, quotation and availability system - to close to 1,000 travel agents in the Middle East, South Europe, East Africa and the Indian sub-continent.

Emirates' Senior Vice President, Destination & Leisure Management, Hans Haensel said, "This has been yet another successful year for Emirates Holidays, which has been profitable ever since it launched in 1993. The dynamic growth of Emirates Holidays is the result of the fast-expanding Emirates network, and the continued support of its travel partners right around the globe."

He added, "Flexibility, affordability and quality - the hallmarks of Emirates Holidays products - have continued to prove popular with our customers. This year we have not only introduced more destinations and special theme holidays, but have also brought in a greater variety of hand-picked hotels, resorts, apartments and lodges."

The financial results were announced at a press conference which also marked the launch of Emirates Holidays World of Choice 2005 brochures. Offering the best of the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, Asia and Australia, Europe and North America, the brochures feature over 100 destinations in 36 countries and are the most comprehensive product offering of Emirates Holidays to date.

An Arabic language brochure is also produced for use throughout the Middle East, along with dedicated brochures for Saudi Arabia and Iran.

In all, over 500,000 brochures will be distributed through travel agents in the Middle East, Africa, Southern Europe and Asia, to thousands of potential travellers.

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