Indian travel tech company ZoTrav has officially launched its operations in the UAE and wider Middle East, introducing a B2B travel marketplace designed to support regional travel agents with curated, experience-driven packages.
Headquartered in Dubai with back-office operations in Delhi, ZoTrav aims to connect travel professionals with emerging destinations across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Russia.
Focus on niche destinations
ZoTrav’s platform focuses on less conventional travel markets such as Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Russia.
The company positions itself as more than a booking engine, offering travel advisors access to dynamic packaging, real-time inventory, and local expertise via a network of verified destination management companies (DMCs).
“The UAE is a powerhouse in outbound travel, and agents here are increasingly seeking differentiated products beyond conventional destinations. ZoTrav brings those connections and the tools to craft immersive, memorable itineraries. Within the first month of our launch, we registered 300 travel agents in India, and this number continues to grow daily. We hold high expectations for the Middle East market, especially Dubai, which offers immense potential,” said Sandeep Khetarpal, Founder & CEO of The Global Rep, the parent company of ZoTrav.
High-value traveller base
The UAE travel market continues to demonstrate strong outbound potential. According to recent reports, UAE travellers spend an average of USD 3,280 per trip — around 42% more than the global average. Outbound travel spending is projected to reach USD 38.3 billion in 2024, with Dubai accounting for a major share.
“As per the reports, UAE travellers are highly connected and digitally savvy. Nearly 99% are online, social media penetration stands at 95%, and travelers spend on average USD 3,280 per trip, 42% above the global average, which is definitely one more reason for us to open our office in this burgeoning market,” Khetarpal added.
Expansion goals in GCC
With plans to onboard over 200 travel agents across the Middle East within its first year — including 100 from the UAE — ZoTrav is targeting USD 5 million in outbound bookings from the region. The platform is tailored to B2B needs, offering features for FIT, group, incentive, and special-interest travel.
ZoTrav is actively seeking partnerships with agencies and tour operators across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. The company emphasizes its goal to support rather than replace travel advisors.
“We’re not here to replace the travel advisor, we’re here to empower them with the right content, flexibility, and destination edge,” Khetarpal added.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
