Fahad Al Amoudi, Founder & Managing Director, Dunya Travel talks about the growing appeal of Central Asia among India travellers and why travel agents must choose this expert for a personalised itinerary and service for their clients.
TT Bureau
For the discerning Indian traveller, the map is being redrawn. Moving beyond the well-trodden lanes of Europe and Southeast Asia, a new region is capturing imaginations and itineraries: Central Asia. From the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan to the majestic Caucasus peaks of Azerbaijan and Georgia, this vast corridor is shedding its “emerging” tag to become a high-potential, high-demand market.
At the heart of this shift are specialised partners who bridge continents with understanding. Dunya Travel, a DMC with deep on-ground operations across Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, is built on a unique fusion of local expertise and an Indian market mindset.
“Agents choose us because we act as a long-term partner, not just a supplier,” says Fahad Al Amoudi, Founder & Managing Director of Dunya Travel. This philosophy translates into a focus on reliability, transparency, and personalised support. In a market moving away from one-size-fits-all packages, Dunya specialises in customised itineraries, backed by strong local partnerships for hotels, transport, and guides.
The commercial proposition is equally tailored. “We offer very competitive B2B rates across segments,” Al Amoudi notes. “For high-volume agents, MICE groups, or luxury clients, we provide special net rates, flexible margins, and added-value inclusions like upgrades or exclusive experiences. Our goal is to ensure agents remain competitive while maintaining healthy margins.”
Novelty meets accessibility
So, what’s fuelling the surge in interest? Travellers are actively seeking unique culture, history, and landscapes beyond conventional destinations. Central Asia delivers this with a blend of ancient heritage, stunning nature, modern infrastructure, and a reputation for being safe, clean, and affordable. A major catalyst has been visa facilitation. “Many Central Asian countries now offer simple e-visa or visa-on-arrival options for Indian passport holders,” Al Amoudi explains. “We fully assist with the process, and when documentation is correct, the approval rate is extremely high. Rejections are very rare when documentation is complete and correct.”
The region’s practical appeal is undeniable. Short flight durations, good connectivity, and excellent value-for-money in the luxury segment make it logistically attractive. Culturally, the fit is natural. “Central Asia offers halal and vegetarian-friendly food options, and a familiar cultural warmth and hospitality,” says Al Amoudi. “It’s an ideal blend suitable for all age groups.”
Perfect for large groups
Dunya’s capability extends seamlessly to large-scale operations. The company regularly handles groups from 20 to 500+ pax, managing everything from conferences and gala dinners to full event logistics. Understanding Indian preferences is key at this scale.
“Most 4 and 5-star hotels we work with are well-experienced with Indian guests,” Al Amoudi comments. “We routinely arrange for vegetarian and Jain meals, Indian set menus, and, for large groups, can even bring in Indian chefs on request. Client comfort and dietary preferences are always a priority.”
The travel calendar here is diverse. The sweet spots are April to June for pleasant, green landscapes ideal for sightseeing, and September to October for clear skies and festive atmospheres. For a different allure, December to February opens up pristine snow experiences and winter tourism, proving Central Asia’s year-round potential.
To ensure smooth partnerships, Dunya keeps its financial operations simple and transparent. Payments are accepted via international bank transfer, with options for USD or local currency accounts and structured payment schedules. “We do not encourage credit-based operations,” Al Amoudi states. “This ensures smooth cash flow and clear agreements for all parties involved.”
For Indian travel agents looking beyond the ordinary, Central Asia presents a compelling, profitable, and sustainable growth avenue. With the region’s rising appeal and partners like Dunya Travel providing reliable, culturally attuned ground support, the path to exploring this new frontier has never been clearer or more promising.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
