• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
Dnata Travel Group expanded Alvin Materi's commercial cruise responsibilities to include Arabian Adventures operations in the Middle East alongside his existing Destination Asia role across Asia.
The destination management company aims to provide cruise lines with coordinated support across multiple ports, simplified communication, greater consistency in delivery and enhanced commercial value across its network through unified commercial cruise leadership.
In his expanded role as commercial director, cruise, Materi will work with cruise operators and relevant authorities to help restore cruise itineraries in the Middle East while optimising dnata's cruise business worldwide.
Sebastien Doussin, SVP – global travel services & destination management at dnata Travel Group, said: "Cruise tourism is entering an extraordinary phase of growth, even as parts of the industry continue to adapt to evolving global conditions.
"Cruise lines are increasingly looking for partners who can deliver consistency, scale and exceptional service across multiple ports.
"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," Doussin added.
Materi brings more than 30 years of experience in the global cruise sector, with extensive operational expertise and relationships with major cruise lines. He has supported cruise operations expansion across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea at Destination Asia and led the launch of Expeditions by Destination Asia.
Dubai has experienced strong growth in cruise arrivals through Dubai Harbour, where Arabian Adventures delivers shore excursions for thousands of passengers each season. Destination Asia recently expanded into South Korea with a new office supporting cruise and MICE growth and launched Expeditions by Destination Asia in 2025 responding to demand for small‑ship and expedition cruising.
In Dubai, Sebastien Garcia, VP of Arabian Adventures and Ben Smith, head of operations, will continue overseeing cruise and ground operations.
In Asia, Smith, CEO of Destination Asia, will work with Materi and established cruise managers to ensure operational delivery across destinations.
