Name: Raghda Omar
Position: General Manager
Company: Micco Travel, Abu Dhabi
Time in the travel industry: 24 years
What’s the biggest booking you have ever made?
A combination of air, train and land transportation in Switzerland for a family of seven. It was a big challenge at very short notice. I left the office very late at night visiting the family to explain it all to them.
What is your ambition?
To keep our reputation as glowing as it is, to go on steadily, not greedily, and to increase our market share through our stunning service.
Where’s your favourite place to travel to and why?
Malaysia in 2000. I loved it because of the amazing nature and most importantly, the beautiful company.
Have you ever gone ‘above and beyond’ for a client?
I remember the 2006 Lebanon War, when families approached our office crying, wanting us to bring back their stranded son, daughter, wife, husband, mother or father. I considered myself a war volunteer. I used to leave my office with a long list of names that had to leave Beirut and I didn’t leave Etihad Airways office without securing each member on the list. We managed to bring back about 500 clients in less than a week.
What are the biggest challenges facing the travel trade today?
Many! Online booking; airlines becoming travel agents, unethical competition between travel agencies.
What do you love most about your job?
Challenges, competition, and the ongoing developments.
What’s the worst thing about being a travel agent?
The traveller’s unawareness of the travel agent role.
How do you feel about being nominated ATN’s travel agent of the month?
I agree with Albert Einstein: “We have to learn the rules of the game. And then we have to play better than anyone else.” It’s an honour for us, we thank you ATN .
“I have worked with her for 12 years. In this time she has been very instrumental in Micco’s growth as one of the premium agencies in Abu Dhabi. She is passionate and enthusiastic about her work and moreover a gem of a human being. I feel proud to be associated with her.”
Raghda was nominated for Travel Agent of the Month by Roland Lobo, business development manager, Micco Travel
