Helloworld boss Chris Hunter says Middle East hubs are enhancing their reputation for hospitality amid conflict in the region.
While there are now some limited flights out, scheduled services remain fluid based on safe air corridors, meaning thousands of people, including Kiwis are stranded.
Hunter says while places such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar are still in the ‘critical stage’ of the crisis, intercepting retaliatory missiles and drones from Iran, those governments are providing emergency support by way of hotel accommodation and meals which is a significant reputational commitment for a major disruption. “I think the UAE and Qatari authorities are doing an incredible job in terms of the speed with which they’re responding to the crisis, and the clarity of the communications.”
. . . Triggering Times
As a travel industry veteran, Hunter has experienced fallout from previous wars, terror attacks, volcanoes and pandemics.
He says uncertainty from the current crisis can be triggering for agents but he advises them to absorb the barrage of information and prioritise it. ‘‘You’ve got to focus on bite-sized pieces and decide what have I got in the next day, the next three days, the next seven days.”
Agents could be dealing with inquiries from others worried about a trip later in the year and while it is important to satisfy them, it needs to be slotted in around the urgent needs of others who needed to be repatriated, he adds.
Hunter warns it’s not only airfares that will increase if energy prices soar and remain high. Fuel for ships and coaches will cost more, pushing up the total price of some holidays.
From New Zealand, long-haul air capacity hasn’t yet reached pre-C-19 levels and suspension of services through the Middle East is a blow.
He says while only about 8% of outbound travel goes through the Middle East, it represents more than twice that in revenue due to clients travelling on long, high value land or cruise UK/Europe holidays and in premium cabins.
. . . Agents In Mind
Hunter also highlights the immense effort the trade has made this week, following the Iran fallout. “This is where our value as travel professionals truly shines,” he says. “The significant effort and guidance being shown across the industry right now is admirable and we are acting as the primary advocate for the Kiwi traveller, during one of the most complex disruptions in recent memory.”
