Web suitability Even within the direct-sell category there are distinctions between companies selling straightforward products, such as flights, and more complex packages, such as cruise holidays. The evidence suggests that relatively simple products such as airline tickets and car hire are far better suited to the web. Locally, many agents worry that the web will hit their airline ticket commissions hard, as more customers book online. But Emirates' Al Gaith is at great pains to point out that the service is not out to bypass travel agents who are major players in the regional travel market. But, in the future, if the customer wants to go with the global trend and bypass the travel agent and book directly with us, we have to be ready.
Nothing is clear-cut, however.
Regionally, as well as internationally, travel operators are learning through trial and error what works best on the web. The most comprehensive survey of executive salaries in the region. The latest ranking of the Gulf's best business cities, based on their economic weight and their importance as centres of international business.