A Vision for Tourism: An Interview with Industry Leader Mohamed Khater

Mohamed Khater possesses an unrivaled passion for tourism, standing as one of the Middle East’s greatest advocates for its development. Having dedicated his entire career to the sector, he is widely recognized for his expertise, professionalism, and cordial demeanor. Currently the Regional General Manager at Destination Touristik Services, Mohamed has honed his skills in destination promotion, marketing, and negotiation through years of collaboration with government administrations and international organizations. His notable achievements even include being part of the team that launched the world’s longest zipline. A genuine supporter of Ras Al Khaimah, where he has been based since 2009, his previous role saw him serve for over seven years as Director of Destination Tourism Development with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

We sat down with him to learn more about his journey and the company’s vision.

1. Could you explain your background and the company’s profile in detail?

Destination Touristik Services is a global B2B incoming agency owned by the DER Touristik Group. We provide comprehensive services to in-house tour operators and third-party clients across the world. With years of experience, we specialize in accommodation, transfers, local tours, and special event organization. Our company is deeply committed to innovation and dynamism in the tourism industry. We are supported by a network of local destination managers throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, with our headquarters located in Palma de Mallorca.

In the UAE, operating as Miracle Tourism, we offer a wide range of high-quality services to tour operators from various markets. Our traditional services include accommodation, excursions, and transfers. We further enrich our offerings with representative services, airport assistance, dedicated groups and incentives programs, and a specialized sports division.

2. What are your primary goals?

My main objective as a business leader is to maintain and develop our existing business. Beyond that, I have five major goals:

1. Diversifying our business segments and source markets.
2. Setting a strategic plan for expansion in terms of services, locations, and product offerings.
3. Capturing a larger market share.
4. Growing our profit margin by increasing operational efficiency.
5. Attracting new partners and businesses locally, regionally, and internationally.

3. What is the biggest strength of yourself or your company right now?

Our most significant strength is our proven expertise in developing new destinations across several countries.

4. What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?

We have navigated several substantial challenges, including human capital management, climate change, political tensions, and economic instability.

5. Give us one word that describes you the best.

Optimistic.

6. What makes you excited about Mondays?

I choose not to let popular culture dictate how I feel about Monday. I focus on being clear about what the week ahead holds. I maintain similar sleep patterns on the weekend as during the work week and make sure to schedule something I genuinely look forward to. Most importantly, I put the previous week to bed, preferably on Friday, to start fresh.

7. Is your company successfully adapting to digitalization?

Digitalization plays a major role in business development, and I believe it is crucial for our evolution. We are working extensively to align our company policies and strategies with digitally accepted platforms across different segments. This requires significant training and understanding from our partners and clients. Our pathway toward digitalization is indeed a key to our continued growth and improvement.

8. What are your company’s core strategies, and what makes them unique?

Our approach combines several aspects, planning activities with short, medium, and long-term strategies. Our philosophy centers on turning our core company commercials into diverse segments. This is what sets us apart. Our two core segments are diversity planning and strategy, backed by a set capacity integrated into our operational basket.

9. What key values helped you overcome challenges in your career? Could you share a memorable leadership incident?

First and foremost, optimism has been a major player. You need to hold onto optimism and rely on teamwork to overcome hurdles. Being supportive of the team, our business, partners, and clients is also crucial. We must cultivate resilience in the face of current situations while maintaining a sharp focus on achieving our targets.

10. How do you see the company changing in two years, and what is your role in that change?

We will be adapting a more dynamic approach within the next two years. We plan to diversify our business base and expand into new regions, countries, and destinations. Furthermore, we will continue to evolve our work culture to support gender equality, team improvement, and skills development. I see myself creating this change by bringing innovative strategies and new clients to the table.

11. Where is your leadership focused? What benefits do your clients get in this competitive world?

My leadership is centered on IIP – Investing in People. I believe it is essential to encourage the team, look after their interests and needs, inspire them, and expect the best from everyone. This approach stimulates work and productivity, which directly benefits our clients.

12. How do your clients benefit from your company in line with current industry standards?

A simple but powerful principle guides us: “Client satisfaction comes from employee satisfaction.” When you make your team feel valued and content, they become more productive. A productive team delivers better service, which in turn makes our clients feel happier. Employee contentment is, therefore, the foundation of a happy client base.

Connect with Mohamed Khater on LinkedIn.

Find Destination Touristik Services on LinkedIn.