The Dubai-based owner of UK travel brands such as Travel 2, Gold Medal and Travel Republic is expanding into Asia.
Dnata has agreed to take a undisclosed stake in destination management company Destination Asia Group, its first entry into Asia’s inbound travel sector.
Destination Asia was formed in 1996 in Thailand and Vietnam, and now covers 11 major countries – Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos.
The company has more than 700 staff and 33 operating offices.
Dnata divisional senior vice president, Iain Andrew, said: “With a strong focus on innovation, a strong management team plus a broad portfolio of products across Asia this acquisition signals our commitment to the region and further strengthens our expertise in destination management.
“I’m confident that this will be a very successful relationship that will benefit all of our partners moving forward.”
Destination Asia Group chief executive, James Reed, said: “We are very honoured to be joining the dnata family. Our 11 country network with 33 operating offices perfectly complements dnata’s expansion plans.
“Our 700 plus award-winning staff are highly regarded in the industry and deliver the same high standards of service as dnata, every day of the year.
“Our diverse, multi-market segment expertise, and our international market distribution systems will enable Destination Asia to continue to deliver creative and cutting edge travel experiences in Asia.
“With dnata as our partner, we are confident that the Destination Asia Group will achieve even greater success in the future.”