Geoffrey Salatan is the owner of Geoffrey Travel in Dubai JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Filipino launches Dubai travel agency that never sleeps

A Filipino travel agency veteran in Dubai has launched a one-stop travel agency that never sleeps. “We want to better serve travellers with flexible office hours,” Geoffrey Salatan tells Expatmedia.net. His travel agency in Deira, Geoffrey Travel, is open daily from 9am to 6pm, and from 9pm until 6am the next day. “Our distinctiveness lies in 24/7 support by our team of experts, exclusive offers, quick turnaround, personalized service, extensive network, easy payments, and all-around accessibility,” Geoffrey says. Geoffrey Travel offers a range of services to both retail and corporate clients: flights, visa assistance, accommodations, holiday packages, insurance, Marhaba services, event arrangements, and seamless transfers. The agency offers flexible payment terms, including a four-month instalment plan. Geoffey considers it his mission to make travel affordable for everyone. Being an expat for nearly two decades, he is banking on his experience and network to succeed in his venture. His flagship office is located in Deira’s Port Saeed.

His story

A Tarlac native and tourism degree holder, Geoffrey moved to the UAE in 2006 and worked as a ticketing clerk for Airlink, one of the biggest travel agencies in the emirate. He served corporate clients. In 2013, Geoffrey was credited for establishing the company’s Philippine corridor for Filipinos in the UAE, a sales success that helped propel his numerous promotions to managerial levels in retail sales as well as sales and client relations. “I held managerial roles from 2013 to 2021, including Philippine Support Desk Manager, Retail Sales Manager and Sales and Client Relations Manager,” he says. Earlier this year, Geoffrey took the leap to set up a travel agency as co-partner and managing director. “I had the privilege in crafting the entire business plan and concept, from its day-to-day operations and sales strategies to marketing initiatives, business expansion efforts, staff training, trade collaborations, and the formation of strategic alliances,” he says. “In this relatively short span of time, I gained valuable insights that every event in life has a purpose, and that if you do what is right then you will never go wrong,” he muses. Then, the opportunity to set up his own solo business came up. “It was unexpected yet inevitable. All the pieces fell into place, and it turned my dream into a reality. That’s how Geoffrey Travel started,” he says.

Rapid fire questions

Your dream destination Norway, to witness aurora borealis. Backpack travel or travel in style? Backpack travel. Top 3 must-visit places in UAE So many, but first stop should be in Port Saeed, Geoffrey Travel office! Visit Geoffrey Travel in Office 58, 9th floor, Dubai National Insurance Building, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai. This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition Magazine
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