Dnata enters travel sector
DNATA has agreed to purchase a stake in Destination Asia Group, an integrated destination-management company in Asia.
“Our stake in Destination Asia opens the door to business opportunities in new markets, and will strengthen dnata’s position as a global player in travel,” Iain Andrew, senior vice president of the travel business, said yesterday.
This acquisition marks dnata’s first foray into Asia’s inbound travel market.
Destination Asia was formed in October 1996 in Thailand and Vietnam and has expanded to cover nine other major markets in Asia – mainland China, Japan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos.
Destination Asia will become part of dnata’s family of travel businesses, which includes Stella Travel Services, Gold Medal Travel Group, Travel Republic and additional investments in Hogg Robinson Group.
The stake in Destination Asia follows other recent high-profile transactions by dnata in travel, including taking a majority stake in Imagine Cruising last year.
James Reed, chief executive of Destination Asia Group, said the company’s 11-market network with 33 operating offices perfectly complemented 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.”
