SAFE senior editorial staff met at ILTM Cannes with Mohamed Ismail, the General Manager of Abercrombie and Kent Arabia Limited, based in Riyadh. We asked how long the renowned luxury firm has been operating in Saudi Arabia…
Abercrombie and Kent launched in Saudi Arabia on October 1st of last year. Our official name is Abercrombie and Kent Arabia Limited in Saudi. We’re part of a global network, being the 57th DMC within it.
And you’re also the official Virtuoso representative in Saudi?
Indeed. We are the first and one of the only three Virtuoso representatives in Saudi Arabia.
What differentiates Abercrombie and Kent in the market?
Our key differentiators are trust, outstanding service, and a deep understanding of the destination and our clients’ needs. We guarantee the quality of our products and offer 24/7 support, and we don’t offer anything unless we are 100% sure about the quality of the product. Our heritage informs our approach, and we focus on the niche market, providing not just services, but exceptional experiences.
Could you tell us about your background?
I’m originally from Egypt but have lived in Italy, America, and of course, Egypt.
Since your launch last year, how has business been progressing?
Business has been very good, surpassing our expectations and budget. We even started getting business before our official launch. Despite a brief slowdown due to regional conflicts, it’s picking up again. For our first operational year, we’re performing exceptionally, thanks to my skilled and logical team of 15, which we expect to expand shortly.
How is the ILTM show going for you, considering it targets high-end travel advisors?
ILTM is crucial for us, focusing on luxury travel. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with accounts from Latin America, the USA, and Europe. It’s among the best for networking in the luxury travel sector.
…
Photo: Mohamed Ismail – General Manager A&K Arabia Ltd with Amina Farooq, Senior Tour Consultant A&K
…
This interview can also be found in the ILTM special edition:
