In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Daniel Ponzo, the Managing Director of GOZahid, a leading player in Saudi Arabia’s high-end tourism industry. Under Daniel’s visionary leadership, GOZahid has become synonymous with luxury travel, offering bespoke experiences that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, GOZahid is at the forefront of transforming the kingdom into a premier destination for discerning travellers worldwide. We began by asking Daniel to briefly introduce the group, and its commitment to the high-end tourism industry.
At GOZahid, we are deeply committed to elevating the tourism industry through our innovative approach to travel and destination management. As a leading player in the sector, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional services that cater to the extremely diverse needs of our clients. Our recent strategic transformation, aligned with Vision 2030, has positioned us at the forefront of the industry, enabling us to offer unparalleled experiences and seamless operations. We leverage technology and collaborate with selected high-quality vendors, dedicated to setting new standards of excellence and making a significant impact on the tourism landscape.
What unique services and experiences does GOZahid offer that specifically appeal to luxury travellers?
GOZahid offers a range of unique services designed to meet the needs of luxury travellers. Our 24/7 personalised service ensures that luxury travellers receive dedicated team assistance around the clock, promptly and effectively meeting their needs. Each traveller receives a custom-tailored itinerary crafted to his or her preferences, ensuring a seamless and exclusive travel experience. From airport transfers to reservations at top-rated restaurants, we ensure luxury travellers are treated with absolute VIP care at every step of their journey.
Our team of travel experts possesses in-depth knowledge of various destinations, providing valuable insights and recommendations tailored to luxury travellers’ preferences. This expertise grants luxury travellers access to off-the-beaten-path experiences, private tours, and exclusive accommodations that are not widely known. Based on their preferences and interests, travellers receive curated recommendations on activities and attractions that align with their luxury travel expectations.
We offer handpicked luxury properties, including a curated selection of luxury hotels, resorts, and villas known for their exceptional service and amenities. Additionally, we arrange private excursions and experiences, such as private yacht cruises, helicopter tours, and other bespoke experiences that cater to luxury travellers’ discerning tastes. We also provide access to exclusive dining experiences at renowned restaurants, private chef services, and culinary tours showcasing the finest cuisine a destination has to offer.
How does GOZahid ensure the authenticity and quality of the experiences it offers to discerning travellers?
At GOZahid, ensuring the authenticity and quality of experiences for discerning travellers is a top priority. We meticulously curate our collection of experiences, accommodations, and activities, ensuring that each offering meets our stringent criteria for quality, authenticity, and uniqueness. We collaborate with reputable and trusted partners, including local tour operators, activity providers, and accommodations, who share our commitment to excellence and authenticity.
Before offering any experience to our travellers, we conduct thorough inspections and evaluations to assess the quality, safety, and authenticity of the experience. Our team of destination experts possesses in-depth knowledge of the locales we operate in, enabling us to handpick authentic and immersive experiences that showcase the culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the destination. We maintain strong relationships with local guides, experts, and suppliers who provide insider insights and ensure that travellers have access to unique and authentic experiences.
Discerning travellers seek personalised and exclusive experiences. Working closely with them to understand their preferences and interests, GOZahid creates bespoke itineraries that cater to their individual tastes, ensuring an authentic and meaningful travel experience.
We continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of our experiences, reassessing their authenticity, quality, and alignment with travellers’ expectations. To this end, we actively gather post-experience feedback from travellers to monitor and evaluate the quality of each offering, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring customer satisfaction. Based on this feedback, along with market trends and destination developments, we constantly adapt our offerings to ensure they remain authentic, of the highest quality, and reflective of the evolving needs and preferences of discerning travellers.
What kind of support and resources does GOZahid provide to luxury travel advisors to help them sell Saudi Arabia as a premier destination?
At GOZahid, we are dedicated to equipping luxury travel advisors with the support and resources they need to effectively promote Saudi Arabia as a premier destination. We offer in-depth destination training programmes that provide luxury travel advisors with a thorough understanding of Saudi Arabia’s attractions, culture, history, and unique selling points. We assist luxury travel advisors in creating bespoke itineraries that highlight Saudi Arabia’s luxury offerings, including exclusive accommodations, private tours, and unique experiences tailored to their clients’ preferences.
We facilitate access to exclusive venues, luxury accommodations, and VIP experiences that showcase the best of what Saudi Arabia has to offer, ensuring clients receive a truly upscale and elite experience. We also share insider knowledge, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path recommendations that provide a deeper insight into the destination and allow luxury travel advisors to offer unique and authentic experiences to their clients.
The familiarisation trips that we organise for luxury travel advisors enable them to experience Saudi Arabia first-hand, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the destination and its luxury offerings. Additionally, we arrange site inspections of luxury accommodations, venues, and attractions to ensure that advisors have first-hand knowledge of the high-end amenities and services available to their clients.
How does GOZahid maintain its high standards and ensure satisfaction among luxury travellers who expect personalised and top-tier services?
At GOZahid, maintaining high standards and ensuring satisfaction among luxury travellers who expect personalised and top-tier services is ingrained in our service ethos. We assign each luxury traveller a dedicated travel advisor who understands their preferences, anticipates their needs, and tailors experiences to their individual tastes. All itineraries are bespoke, catering to the unique desires and preferences of each luxury traveller, ensuring a personalised and unforgettable journey.
We are committed to innovation and continuous improvement thanks to our investment in technology, service enhancements, and new experiential offerings to stay ahead of evolving traveller preferences and industry trends. Our flexibility and adaptability enable us to accommodate last-minute requests, changes and special arrangements, showing a commitment to meeting the evolving needs and preferences of luxury travellers. We maintain open and responsive communication channels to address traveller inquiries, concerns, and requests promptly, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
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