Manama, Bahrain 18 January 2007: Thirteen Bahrain-based Gulf Air travel agents were honoured with awards in recognition of their sales performance for the year 2005 in a ceremony held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Held annually by Gulf Air, the event, which recognises the outstanding business performances of its Bahrain-based travel agents and their continuous support and cooperation, was attended by senior executives from the travel trade, members of Gulf Air sales team and media representatives.

The awards are given out in three categories with the top performing agent receiving the Gold award, and the second best travel agent, the Silver, while eight agents receive the Bronze awards. In addition three agents who give maximum business to Gulf Air Holidays - the Holiday division of Gulf Air- are also recognised and awarded for their sales performance.

This year, Kanoo Travel Agency was the proud winner of the Gold award for its top performance for 2005, while World Travel Service received the Silver award. Dadabhai Travel and Tours Co, Al Gosaibi Travel, Al Safeer Travel Agency, Cleopatra Travel International, House of Travel, Albader Travel and Tourism, Bahrain International Travel and Concord Travel and Tourism took the Bronze.

Kanoo Travel Agency was also named top performing agent for Gulf Air Holidays with Dadabhai Travel and Tours Co and Al Fanar Travel as second and third best performing agents respectively.

"Gulf Air works closely with its travels agents and recognises the important role they play in our business," says Gulf Air General Manager Bahrain Sheikh Bader bin Salman Al Khalifa.

"Travel agents are our biggest strength and we have excellent relationship with all of ours. Therefore, we feel it is equally important to acknowledge their performances.

"Being the airline with the biggest network in the Middle East with excellent connections to Europe, Africa, Australia, Far East and the Indian subcontinent, Gulf Air offers tremendous business opportunities to our travel agents for inbound and outbound travel."  

At the end of the award ceremony, a lucky draw was held and three prizes - a return ticket from Bahrain to Dublin, a return ticket from Bahrain to Johannesburg and a three night holiday package in Bangkok including flights- were given away to lucky ones among those present.

-Ends-

About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.

The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.

Today the airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.

A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air's 'smart airline, successful business' vision.

International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline's innovative and high quality products and services: These include:

  • Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)

  • Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)

  • Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)

  • World's Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)

  • Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004

  • Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)

  • Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)

  • Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)

  • Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)

  • Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)

  • Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)

Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007

© Press Release 2007