Dakkak DMC: Regional Expertise for Tailor-Made Travel in the Middle East


© Dakkak

CroisiEurope


A story built around the destination

For more than seven decades, Dakkak has developed its expertise in travel to the Middle East. Born in Jordan in 1955, the group has gradually expanded in the region with a strategic presence in Amman, Dubai and Riyadh.

This local footprint today constitutes one of Dakkak DMC’s main strengths: offering tourism professionals a representative who truly understands the destinations, their specificities, their suppliers and their operational realities.

“Our goal is not merely to sell a destination, but to create an experience that truly matches the traveler’s profile and the expectations of the tour operator,” explain the Dakkak team.

This philosophy relies on close relationships with professional partners and on a willingness to build programs tailored to each market, each client and each budget.


Six destinations, one regional expertise

Dakkak currently supports its partners across six major destinations in the Middle East:

United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Egypt.

This coverage notably allows tour operators to build combined itineraries and offer richer trips by weaving together several cultures, landscapes and experiences within a single program.

In Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, Dakkak offers programs ranging from the destination’s must-sees to more intimate experiences: discovering old Dubai, heritage, gastronomy, the desert, private experiences, Abu Dhabi, luxury offerings, stopovers or MICE programs.

In Jordan, the group’s historical expertise enables circuits around Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Aqaba and the country’s various cultural and historical sites.

Saudi Arabia also represents a key development axis, with experiences around Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah and the Kingdom’s heritage.

Oman and Qatar complete this regional offering with programs blending culture, nature, adventure, relaxation and discovery.

Finally, Egypt strengthens this presence with offerings that notably cover Cairo, the pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor, Aswan, Nile cruises, private dahabiyas and tailor-made programs.


A tailored approach for tour operators

Dakkak DMC works with different market segments: FIT, groups, series, leisure, luxury and MICE.

The approach rests on creating customized programs, based on the budget, traveler profile and the partner’s commercial positioning.

Hotels, transportation, guides, excursions, restaurants, private experiences, cultural visits, desert activities or events: the Dakkak teams coordinate the various elements of the journey to offer a coherent and well-managed service.

The group also places emphasis on operational support. From the initial request to the traveler’s return, local teams remain involved in the handling of files and delivery of services.

This attention to detail is particularly important for European markets, where travelers increasingly seek authentic, personalized experiences that differ from standardized circuits.


Introducing another Middle East

Beyond the major must-sees, Dakkak also aims to highlight another way of traveling in the region.

In Dubai, this can mean discovering Emirati heritage and traditions before moving into the city’s modern neighborhoods; in Jordan, meeting locals and immersing in Bedouin culture. In Saudi Arabia, discovering heritage sites and new experiences in AlUla. In Egypt, sailing aboard a private dahabiyya rather than a classic cruise.

This pursuit of differentiating experiences forms a key pillar of Dakkak’s strategy.


A commitment to strengthening partnerships in France

After strengthening its presence with tourism professionals, Dakkak now aims to continue developing its relationships with French tour operators and travel agencies.

The group plans to focus more on FIT programs, groups, premium journeys, combined circuits, stopovers and MICE.

The objective is to build lasting collaborations with French professionals by offering them both local expertise, flexibility, responsiveness and personalized support.

“We want to be more than just a provider of land services. Our ambition is to become a true partner of tour operators, capable of understanding their markets, their clients and their constraints so that we can build competitive and differentiating products together,” notes Dakkak.



TED Advisory Services: Three Areas of Expertise for Tourism Stakeholders


Eric Didier, Laurence Deblonde-Buisson et Yannick De Maria ont lancé, début 2026, TED Advisory Services, un cabinet de conseil dédié au transport, au voyage, à l’hospitalité et à la mobilité - Photo : ED

Aer Lingus


After more than 30 years in air transport, Eric Didier is launching himself into a new entrepreneurial venture.
With Laurence Deblonde-Buisson and Yannick De Maria, he created TED Advisory Services, a consulting firm aimed at companies in transport, travel, hospitality and mobility.
The name TED refers to three words that summarize their approach: Transport, Efficiency and Disruption. « We want to have a 360° approach, explains Eric Didier. The idea is to be able to look at a company as a whole and not only at a single issue.”
The firm addresses issues such as market development, commercial performance, distribution, customer experience, organization, and transformation.
It can also support very concrete operations, such as opening a stopover, launching a route, setting up a charter flight or an operation in sensitive environments.
The philosophy can be summed up in a few words: challenge, structure and accelerate. “We are not a large firm; we are small and reactive,” insists Eric Didier.
A distinction that the three partners also want to emphasize in their way of working. “It’s nice to say ‘you just have to do it,’ that’s easy. We’re not taking that approach.” The firm aims to accompany its clients all the way to the implementation of the recommendations.


Eric Didier, aviation expert

The first pillar is air transport and commercial development.
An entrepreneur and sector specialist, Eric Didier began his career with British Airways, before taking part in the launch of the Oneworld alliance in France.
In 2001, he joined Qatar Airways to create and develop the company’s activity in France. He spent nearly 17 years there, building teams and supporting the development of several European markets. He later continued his career at Air Astana.
“I have always been involved in development, recruitment, distribution, alliances, opening and closing routes,” he summarizes.
At TED Advisory Services, he works on commercial strategy, market development, alliances and partnerships, distribution, and issues related to air transport.


Three complementary profiles

Laurence Deblonde-Buisson brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications and digital within major players of hospitality, tourism and leisure.
Her career has taken her to Choice Hotels Europe, Disneyland Paris and US Airways.
She now focuses on subjects such as marketing, communication, digital, positioning and commercial performance.
“The idea is really to cross our expertise, explains Eric Didier. Each has their own domain, but we can also work together on a global issue.”
Yannick De Maria brings 27 years of experience in aviation, airport assistance, hospitality and international customer relations.
His contribution rests on two axes. The first concerns customer experience and training of ground staff, notably on behaviors and handling difficult situations. The second is much more operational, with support for opening stopovers, charter flights, temporary operations or repatriations in sensitive areas.
“We can go very far in operations,” emphasizes Eric Didier. This approach should enable the firm to move from advisory work to execution, with direct knowledge of field constraints.


From air transport to tourism in the broad sense

Beyond their individual areas of expertise, the three partners share a common vision for the sector.
For Eric Didier, companies operate in an increasingly complex environment and must gain agility.
“We must be agile today. We must anticipate, be a little paranoid, have a plan B and a plan C”, he says.
In his view, three major factors will continue to transform tourism: demographics, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as geopolitics.
These developments can alter traveler behaviors, organizations and business models.
This need to anticipate is also tied to how businesses evolve. His experience in air transport has convinced him that the accumulation of procedures can slow down organizations.
“Too many processes, too many procedures, too many controls kill the company”, he states. He advocates instead for structures that grant more responsibilities to teams and shorten decision-making pathways.
This is precisely the terrain on which TED Advisory Services intends to position itself: between strategic vision and operational reality. “When you are inside a company, you often have your head down on the wheel. We can offer that helicopter view while staying very close to the ground,” sums up Eric Didier.
For the three partners, the challenge will now be to turn this complementarity into concrete assignments, while keeping a deliberately lean structure. “We first want to prove ourselves, be efficient and stay agile,” concludes Eric Didier.


Caroline Lelievre
Published by Caroline Lelievre Journalist – TourMaG.com
See all articles by Caroline Lelievre

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Subt’îles: Polynesian Travel Expertise Tailored to You

It all starts with a call, hard to explain any other way. After a BTS in tourism and an initial professional experience, Margot decides to leave everything behind overnight to settle in French Polynesia. She could not say precisely why this territory rather than another: she simply listened to that intuition and packed her suitcase.

When Polynesia Becomes an Obvious Choice

On site, integration happens naturally. She resumes studies at the University of Tahiti, works in a local hotel chain, and lives two rich years, split between everyday Polynesian life and exploration of the different archipelagos. This immersion leaves a lasting imprint, what the Polynesians call the fenua, the land of the people, rooted in the heart as much as in the guts.

Personal reasons bring her back to mainland France in 2012-2013, but the desire to teach continues to burn within her. She joins a specialized agency focusing on the destination for ten years, before launching her own operation in January 2024. Now supported by Vaihere, a native of Polynesia, she builds with her tailor-made journeys grounded in real lived experience of the territory.

Field Expertise in Service of Unique Journeys

Subt’îles is not a travel agency in the traditional sense. The structure is affiliated with the My Way collective, a network of independent travel consultants holding the licences and financial guarantees required to operate legally. This setup allows Margot and Vaihere to focus fully on their core trade: personalized support.

Their differentiator lies first in a complete specialization on French Polynesia. No other destination dilutes their expertise. It is complemented by concrete experience of the territory, maintained through regular stays on site, one or two times a year, for personal vacations as well as to reconnect with local partners.

This dual approach, professional and intimate, enables them to tailor to all profiles: honeymoon trips, cruises, family stays, long stays of one to two months to explore several archipelagos, luxurious getaways or more authentic experiences. No journey is alike; each client benefits from a single point of contact from the first exchange to the end of their stay, for a company deliberately kept to a human scale.

Off the Beaten Path Across the Five Polynesian Archipelagos

French Polynesia groups 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, a territory so vast that it deserves genuine guidance to unlock its richness. The essentials, Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, form an ideal discovery base for a ten- to twelve-day stay.

For travelers with more time, Margot and Vaihere gladly steer toward the Marquesas or the Austral Islands, less known but equally striking. Their deep knowledge of the five archipelagos allows them to craft a tailored itinerary that blends must-sees with hidden destinations.

This expertise rests on a network of carefully selected local partners, tested and approved on the ground. Guesthouses as well as upscale hotels are part of their selection, each chosen for reliability and environmental commitment. On site, a trusted partner offers a concierge service available throughout the stay, a real asset given the twelve-hour time difference with the mainland.

Planning a trip to Polynesia alone remains possible, but inter-island logistics require meticulous preparation. Expert guidance saves time, helps avoid planning mistakes, and optimizes both budget and time on the ground.

Remaining faithful to a human-sized structure and to an exclusive specialization in French Polynesia, Margot and Vaihere continue to grow their project, notably with upcoming themed small-group itineraries, including swimming in November 2026 and yoga in 2027. A simple promise: to offer every traveler the Polynesian stay that truly suits them.

Contact

https://subtiles-tahiti.com/

[email protected]

01 87 66 67 48

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UAE and Egypt: Two Exceptional Destinations with DAKKAK UAE’s Local Expertise


The United Arab Emirates: A Destination That Continues to Reinvent Itself

© Dakkak / Image générée par l'intelligence artificielle

CroisiEurope


For several years, the United Arab Emirates have been among the most sought-after destinations for international travelers. Their success rests on a unique combination: ultra-high-level infrastructure, safety, quality of service, a sunny climate for much of the year, and a wealth of experiences on offer.

Far more than a shopping or seaside destination, the UAE now invites visitors to discover a preserved cultural heritage, spectacular desert landscapes, cosmopolitan cuisine and a multitude of activities suited to couples, families, groups and business travelers.

Each emirate has its own identity and enables a different kind of stay.


Dubai, the City of Experiences

A city of records and innovation, Dubai impresses with its futuristic architecture and vibrancy. Dominated by the silhouette of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, it attracts luxury enthusiasts as well as curious travelers eager to explore a destination that is continually evolving.

 
Beyond its famous shopping malls and prestigious hotels, Dubai also reveals a more authentic side. The historic Al Fahidi district, the Dubai Creek crossing aboard traditional abras, and the gold and spice souks bear witness to the emirate’s history before its dramatic ascent.

 
The experiences are plentiful: desert safari, dinner under the stars, a dhow cruise in the marina, a helicopter over Palm Jumeirah, a visit to the Museum of the Future, or a relaxing day on the Gulf beaches. Dubai proves itself as a destination capable of satisfying every desire.


Abu Dhabi: Elegance Between Tradition and Modernity

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi offers a calmer atmosphere where the art of living, culture and architecture harmoniously converge.

 
The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks among the finest monuments in the Arab world and is a must-see stop. Art lovers will also appreciate the Louvre Abu Dhabi, while the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace unveils the country’s history and traditions.

 
Families will find delight on Yas Island, with its international theme parks, while nature lovers can set off to explore the mangroves, pristine beaches, or the vast desert dunes.

 
Abu Dhabi beautifully embodies the balance between cultural heritage and contemporary development.


Beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Emirates Still Lesser Known


© Ahmed Aldaie / Unsplash

The United Arab Emirates are far from limited to their two flagship cities. Ras Al Khaimah lures adventure enthusiasts with its mountains, hiking trails and the world’s longest zip line. Fujairah, bordered by the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its underwater life, beaches and wilder landscapes.

 
Sharjah, recognized as the cultural capital of the Emirates, offers immersion in history, museums and Arab traditions, while Ajman and Umm Al Quwain charm travelers seeking tranquility.

 
This diversity makes it possible to craft varied itineraries, tailored to all types of travelers.


Egypt: A Timeless Destination

Just a few hours by air from the Emirates, Egypt perfectly complements a trip to the Middle East.

 
For millennia, it has captivated the world with its exceptional heritage. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum are among the must-see sites for history enthusiasts.

 
Cairo also entices with its energy, historic districts, traditional markets and a booming culinary scene.

But Egypt is not limited to its capital.

 
A Nile cruise: an essential experience

 
Navigating between Luxor and Aswan remains one of the most beautiful ways to discover Egypt.

 
Along the Nile, travelers explore the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, guided by specialists who bring to life more than five thousand years of history.

 
Cruises combine comfort, cultural discovery and peaceful landscapes, offering an experience particularly appreciated by European travelers.

 
The Red Sea: relaxation and nature

 
To extend their stay, many travelers choose the Red Sea resort towns.

 
Hurghada, Marsa Alam and El Quseir offer an ideal setting for relaxation, water sports and scuba diving. The coral reefs are among the world’s finest and attract both beginners and experienced divers.

 
This blend of cultural heritage and seaside stays is one of the destination’s major strengths.


Dakkak UAE: your local partner for tailor-made journeys



Émirats arabes unis et Égypte : deux destinations d'exception, une expertise locale signée DAKKAK UAE
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Émirats arabes unis et Égypte : deux destinations d'exception, une expertise locale signée DAKKAK UAE
Mina MELAD

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Laith ALEMAM

Chief Executive Officer

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The Exchange Tower 1704 – Happiness St – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

 
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Audrey VIGUIER and Shannen LIU

Francophone Market Representation

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