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The ONE creating waves: Fabian Fernandes, Byond Borders

October 8, 2024 | By Anita Jain Shah

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector has been one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing industries in the travel market. With the world rebounding post-pandemic, this segment is not just reviving but evolving, and one of the most exciting developments is the shift towards cruising as a preferred platform for hosting corporate events and group travel. For businesses looking to combine work with leisure, cruising offers an unparalleled setting, blending seamless logistics with top-tier hospitality. And now, Resorts World Cruises is leading the charge in this transformation with their Gulf sailings onboard Resorts World ONE.

Fabian Fernandes Byond Borders Resorts World ONE

One company that has capitalised on this growing trend is Byond Borders, a key player in the B2B travel market. According to their CEO, Fabian Fernandes, the response to the Gulf sailings of Resorts World ONE has been nothing short of extraordinary. The company secured six MICE group bookings immediately after the announcement of RW1’s deployment in May 2024, cementing their status as the first PSA (Preferred Sales Agent) to lock in corporate clients for this route.

Fernandes shared, “We’ve concentrated exclusively on the B2B segment, which has allowed us to build a robust network with our agents. The result? We secured over six corporate group bookings as soon as RW1’s Gulf sailings were announced (back in May 2024). We’ve even booked a special trip for a group of senior citizen ladies, showing the diverse appeal of this offering.”

This response is reflective of the broader excitement in the region. The late-booking nature of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) market means that the peak season is just around the corner, with bookings expected to surge as the ship’s deployment approaches. “We’re seeing a sharp uptick in interest from the corporate and MICE segments,” Fernandes continued. “RW1’s value proposition—eliminating costs like visas and air travel for UAE residents—makes it a highly attractive option for businesses planning incentive trips and corporate events.”

But what makes Resorts World ONE stand out in a competitive market? According to Fernandes, it’s the tailored offerings for the Gulf region, including Halal-certified cuisine and experiences curated specifically for this audience. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “This is the first time a new cruise line has entered the Gulf, and the excitement is palpable.”

With Resorts World ONE leading the charge, it’s clear that cruising is fast becoming a powerhouse in the MICE sector, offering a unique blend of value, experience, and convenience. As the industry continues to grow, there’s no doubt that cruises will play an even more significant role in shaping the future of corporate travel and group events.

Resorts World ONE will be starting its inaugural sailing from Dubai starting November 1, 2024 and will offer 2 and 3 night sailings to Sir Baniyas Island, Khasab, Muscat and Doha till April 11, 2025.

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