Emirates’ dnata acquires stake in Destination Asia

Dubai-based dnata has signed an agreement to acquire a stake in Asian destination management company Destination Asia Group.

The size of the stake and the value of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition marks Emirates Group-owned dnata’s first foray into Asia’s inbound travel market.

Established in 1996, Destination Asia operates 33 offices in 11 countries including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos.

It provides services for the leisure, cruise, conference and events market segments.

“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,” said divisional senior vice president of dnata’s travel business Iain Andrew.

Dnata’s travel businesses include Stella Travel Services, Gold Medal Travel Group, Travel Republic and additional investments in Hogg Robinson Group.

Last year, the company also acquired a majority stake in UK-based Imaging Cruising, a cruise and stay holiday distributor that works with all major international cruise lines.

Read more here: Dubai’s dnata Buys Majority Stake In UK-Based Holiday Firm

The Dubai-based company has been rapidly expanding its international presence in the last few years.

In the past five years, dnata has made multi-million investments at over 40 airports in Italy, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic – spanning passenger and ground handling, cargo facilities and catering operations.