Interview with Mohamed Mohamed Mahmoud
Sama Travel
Mohamed Mohamed Mahmoud
CEO
Sama Travel - Tour Operator
What was your inspiration for founding Sama Travel and how has your vision for the company evolved over the years?
We are an Egyptian company based in Spain and Portugal to found a company dedicated to promote outbound tourism in Egypt in order to reach many people with the tourist benefits of our country. The vision has always been one of growth and evolution, to specifically create new ways to reach Egypt and from and to where the eye is not normally directed and that can offer more direct experiences.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as CEO of Sama Travel and how did you overcome it?
Always having resilience as a north, all companies to a greater or lesser extent, have critical moments, act constantly and quickly. Those critical moments are managed with a lot of open-mindedness to be able to establish clear strategies, look for collaborators if necessary, in short “the movement” and if it warrants change of direction without affecting our quality in the product or destinations we offer to travel agencies, who are our main customer.
How does Sama Travel position itself against the competition in the travel and tourism market? What distinguishes your company from others?
We are respectful of our competitors. More than competition, we have players we work with who use guaranteed seats on our charter flights to create their own product. At the end of the day, this helps us to make our operations profitable. We have many more partnerships than competitors. We respect our competitors. We are characterized by customization and an excellent product design team, suppliers with very competitive prices at destination that do not sacrifice quality, our sales team with great experience and who are close to their agencies, variety of destinations in addition to Egypt that are part of our portfolio of Great Travel destinations.
In an increasingly digital world, how have you integrated technology at Sama Travel to enhance the customer experience?
We are a traditional Tour Operator. We understand technology as an important foundation.
We use technology to the extent that we need it and according to which departments.
What measures has Sama Travel taken to promote sustainable and responsible tourism?
We have suppliers that have clear policies on sustainability and the environment. We activate Corporate Social Responsibility in conjunction with all those who represent the chain of our business object.
Do you have international expansion plans for Sama Travel? If so, which are the target markets?
Always. We have a subsidiary in Portugal, which in 2025 will have a specific offer according to the type of client and their needs. On the other hand, we are very connected with Latin America in the establishment of alliances, especially with Mexico and Colombia. Our International Department also works together with our Product Department to establish key strategies when designing trips to new destinations.
The pandemic has severely affected the tourism sector. How has Sama Travel handled this crisis and what strategies has it implemented to recover?
By implementing the measures that many Spanish companies in the sector had to take. It was a big impact, but we have come from other times such as the Arab Spring, now the Israeli War that has also affected us because of the proximity of the area. We have recovered because we do not stop looking for alternatives, and communicating security in our main destination Egypt.
On the other hand, we are entering new countries with our own product in order to have more and more options for the agencies.
What strategies does Sama Travel use to ensure that its clients have an exceptional travel experience?
We take care of the details giving all kinds of options and adapting to all types of customers, but with a minimum standard that ensures that the experience of customers who rely on travel agencies that buy product/tours from us will not be affected.
Can you tell us about any strategic collaboration or alliance that has been key to Sama Travel's growth?
Working with major market players in Spain. We work together with Governments, Tourism Offices, Airport Authorities to promote in the best way the destinations we have or are thinking about in the future.
What are the emerging trends in tourism that Sama Travel is taking advantage of or plans to take advantage of?
Creating products with direct flights, as in the case of Sharm El Sheikh, and we are already thinking of new destinations.
In addition to travel and tour packages, does Sama Travel offer any additional services that are relevant to your customers?
In conjunction with the International and New Developments Department, we have a new foray in the pipeline that we will unveil later this year 2024.
What marketing approach has been most effective in attracting and retaining customers at Sama Travel?
Being very present with travel agencies in destination presentations, as well as everything related to our social media. Our communication team is constantly creating content, collaborating with influencers, press trips, familiarization trips for agencies. A marketing mix adapted to each country or destination to be promoted.
What importance does Sama Travel give to customer service and how do you handle complaints or problems that may arise?
We have a 24-hour telephone number for emergencies, and we always try to act quickly in the event of any customer incident.
How would you describe Sama Travel's corporate culture and what do you do to keep your employees motivated?
We are very close to our employees. We are family.
Where do you see Sama Travel in the next 5 to 10 years and what steps are you taking to achieve that vision?
To continue to be the best Tourism issuer to Egypt, to reach more and more destinations at Tour Operation level. And enter into new businesses where we will grow e-commerce and international trade in the Middle East and Africa. Maintain a strong brand in Portugal and enter fully into South American markets.
Mr. Mohamed Mohamed Mahmoud, we thank you deeply for taking the time to share your valuable perspective and experiences as CEO of Sama Travel. Your knowledge of the travel industry, along with your vision and leadership, provide invaluable inspiration and learning for all of us. We look forward to seeing how Sama Travel will continue to grow and make a difference in the world of tourism. Thank you very much for your kindness and willingness for this interview.
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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