Emirates Holidays, the tour operator arm of Emirates Airline, has launched operations in the U.S., having entered into a five-year franchise agreement with Tucson, Ariz.-based Destination Southern Africa (DSA).
Under the brand name Emirates Vacations, DSA will initially offer vacation packages to Dubai, Italy, Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles. India, Sri Lanka and Thailand will follow.
Emirates Holidays was established in 1992. The move to partner with DSA in the U.S. is part of a franchising strategy, with Emirates Vacations becoming the first franchise.
The product will include a wide selection of hotels and tours, including budget options, the company stated.
There is a new website devoted to the brand, EmiratesVacations.com, and the call center in Tucson can be reached at (855) 358-1505.
Travel agents can sell packages at “very attractive” commission levels, the release stated.
Emirates has 56 weekly flights from seven U.S. gateways: Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington.
On Oct. 1, Emirates will launch a New York-Milan flight.