Etihad Airways has recognised some of its leading travel trade partners in Bangladesh by hosting them on a familiarisation trip to England.

The four-day visit to Manchester provided the nine owners and bosses of local travel agencies with an opportunity to experience the airline’s award-winning service and hospitality from Dhaka to Abu Dhabi and onwards to northwest England.

The group took in the sights of Manchester and the surrounding area. They also enjoyed a trip to the Etihad Stadium to watch home team Manchester City, sponsored by Etihad Airways, play a crucial Premier League football match against London rivals Arsenal.

Hanif Zakaria, General Manager of Etihad Airways in Bangladesh, said Manchester was one of the airline’s best-selling destinations from his market.

“The trip was a big ‘thank you’ gesture to our most loyal travel trade partners for their ongoing support and commitment to selling Etihad Airways’ diverse global network,” he said, adding: “We have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with our agents over the years that has gone from strength to strength. The trip was a fitting reward for their significant contribution.”

The travel agents who took part in the fam trip were: Mohammed Kausar Hossain Afrad, Managing Director and CEO of Horizon Express Ltd; Mohammed Jalaluddin, Managing Director of Talon Corporation Ltd; HBM Shoave Rahman, Managing Director of Air Concern International; Mahmudul Hassan, Managing Director of East West Travels Tours (Pvt.) Ltd; Nirmal Chandra Bairagi, Managing Director of Hajee Air Travels; Mohammed Faizul Islam, Managing Director of Heritage Air Express; Mutaher Hussain, Proprietor of Suma International Services; Mohammed Billal Hussain, Managing Partner of Dynamic Travels; and Mohammed Faruq Rabiul Karim, Proprietor of Valencia Travels.

Etihad Airways currently operates a daily flight from Dhaka to Abu Dhabi with onward connections to cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa and The Americas.