Dnata unifies cruise leadership across Middle East and Asia

Dnata Travel Group has expanded its cruise leadership structure across the Middle East and Asia.

The move sees Alvin Materi take on commercial responsibility for Arabian Adventures’ cruise operations alongside his existing role with Destination Asia.

Dnata Travel Group has appointed Alvin Materi to oversee commercial cruise operations across both the Middle East and Asia, bringing its regional destination management businesses under a unified commercial strategy.

Materi, who already serves as Commercial Director, Cruise, for Destination Asia, has assumed responsibility for the cruise business of Arabian Adventures in the Middle East, creating a single commercial leadership structure spanning both regions.

The company said the move is intended to provide cruise lines with more coordinated support across multiple ports, while simplifying communication and delivering greater consistency across its destination management network.

In his expanded role, Materi will work with cruise operators and regional authorities to support the restoration of cruise itineraries in the Middle East while continuing to develop dnata’s wider cruise business.

“Cruise tourism is entering an extraordinary phase of growth, even as parts of the industry continue to adapt to evolving global conditions,” said Sebastien Doussin, Senior Vice President – Global Travel Services & Destination Management, dnata Travel Group.

“Cruise lines are increasingly looking for partners who can deliver consistency, scale and exceptional service across multiple ports,” he added.

“By bringing our regional cruise teams under one commercial strategy, we’re strengthening our ability to support our partners end-to-end – from shore excursions to ground handling – and ensuring travellers enjoy a seamless experience at every destination,” he said.

Materi brings more than three decades of experience in the cruise sector and has worked with a number of international cruise lines throughout his career.

At Destination Asia, he has supported the expansion of cruise operations across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, while also leading the launch of Expeditions by Destination Asia, a product developed in response to growing demand for expedition and small-ship cruising.

The appointment comes as cruise operators continue to evaluate the return of services to the Middle East following disruption to regional itineraries in recent seasons. Dnata said Materi will work with cruise lines and government stakeholders to support the restoration of cruise programmes where conditions allow.

The company has also continued to expand its destination management footprint in Asia. Destination Asia recently opened an office in South Korea to support growth in both the cruise and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sectors.

Meanwhile, Dubai has continued to strengthen its position as a regional cruise hub, with Arabian Adventures providing shore excursions for thousands of passengers arriving through Dubai Harbour each season.

The restructuring affects commercial leadership only, with existing operational management remaining unchanged.

In Dubai, Sebastien Garcia, Vice President of Arabian Adventures, and Ben Smith, Head of Operations, will continue to oversee cruise and ground operations.

Across Asia, Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Destination Asia, will continue working with Materi and regional cruise managers to support operational delivery across the company’s network.