Samir Hamadeh, general manager, Alpha Destination Management, elaborated, “We expect to see an increase this year from the recent business deals including the Expedia Local Expert agreement.”

The UK, Russia, Germany and GCC countries remain a key focus for Alpha, Hamadeh said, adding that the company anticipated continuous growth in tourism numbers from these leading markets.

Hamadeh also noted Dubai was becoming a major hub with the recent addition of 17 new leisure attractions, strong year-round calendar of events and entertainment, world-class infrastructure and superb global connectivity.

Hamadeh further noted that Alpha was eager to capitalise on this, in line with its current business strategy to boost its share of tourism attractions and excursions, also noting the success of the company’s helicopter services had led to the addition of more helipad locations.

Alpha had also developed an enhanced online portal for the B2B segment.