We sit down with AFT’s general manager Bill Horsley to find out more about the Abu Dhabi expansion

Why have you decided to open a shop in Abu Dhabi?
Al Futtaim Travel (AFT) has been considering expansion through not only the Emirates but regionally for some time – now that time is right for us as a business. Abu Dhabi is the first expansion for us outside Dubai and we will also be moving into KSA, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Cairo over the next 18 months. We see great potential for AFT in Abu Dhabi both from a corporate and leisure perspective and we want to be integral to the capital’s flourishing development and growth.

What differentiates AFT from other Abu Dhabi travel agents?
AFT may operate locally but we have a global perspective. We have some very exciting brands, which we will be launching in 2012 that will make a huge impact on the market. We are never static as a business and are always ahead of the market both in terms of service, product and pricing. We are the World Travel Award winner for ‘Leading travel Management Company Middle East’ 2011.

How did you choose the location for the shop?
The location of the shop, just off Khalifa Street, near the entrance to the Central Market, allows us to be in the heart of the city and gives our customers access to parking in the Central Market’s underground parking.

Why has AFT only now decided to move into Abu Dhabi, especially when many travel businesses are moving online?
AFT considers the traditional travel agency shop still to be an integral way in which to service its customers – personal customer service should never be underestimated. Whilst many people like to research online they do not always like to book and pay online, especially when bookings become more complicated or when there are changes and amendments to be made. The UAE is still a developing market when it comes to online bookings, so traditional booking methods still apply.

Having said that, we are proud to be launching both our B2B and B2C online booking engines this year, which will complement our offline services. Both of our booking engines will be very different from anything currently available in the market.

What are the development plans?
There are many plans in the pipeline. We will be launching our bespoke B2B booking engine in March which will allow our corporate customers to make their own bookings, generate reporting and ensure corporate travel policy compliance and lastly the launch of our B2C website later in the year.

Do you have any special promotions for the launch?
We will be running a series of promotions and offers in addition to our monthly tactical offers on flights and packages. Anyone who quotes ‘Abu Dhabi Week’ when they come to make a booking at our shop will receive a substantial discount; this is valid until 31st March. Our prices will more often than not beat online pricing!

For more information contact Al Futtaim Travel on 02 491 0484 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it