Manama: dnata, a Dubai-based travel management company, has entered into a partnership with German cruise company AIDA Cruises to provide shore excursions to their guests in Bahrain.

dnata expects to serve approximately 25,000 to 30,000 tourists to Bahrain over the next year as it services AIDAstella, one the ships in AIDA Cruises’ fleet which cruises the Gulf waters and has a capacity of 2,300 passengers.

“The partnership with AIDA Cruises fits in with our strategic focus to provide premium holiday products and services in Bahrain and further cement our position as a leader in cruise handling in the region,” said dnata Bahrain general manager Ashley Correa.

“As a destination management company (DMC) with specialised areas of operation, dnata has the flexibility to tailor its products to meet the unique requirements of our clients.”

dnata is the largest cruise passenger handling DMC in the Middle East.

Since 2012, the company has provided more than 660,000 guest transfers and over 300,000 shore excursions.

“With Dubai targeting one million cruise guests by 2020, the company expects its partnership with AIDA Cruises and other leading cruise companies to further position the wider region as a sought-after cruise destination,” said dnata cruise manager Jasem Zaiton.