I am...
Name: Sam Eltibi
Age: 46
Nationality: Lebanese/French
Job: Executive Director, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group
With summer travel upon us, what car rental packages are you offering customers? We have offers at all of our destinations in the Middle East and North Africa to encourage people to get mobile this summer and enjoy it by car. And of course all of our fleet has air-conditioning as a standard feature.
Has the recession been good to you, considering many people now prefer renting to buying? This has affected us in two ways: A drop in tourism business, but an increase in local business, especially with the banks not lending at present. We still anticipate an eight to nine per cent growth in the region.
How do you think the upcoming Metro will affect business? The metros in Washington DC, London and Paris don't affect the car rental industry and we don't anticipate any negative affects here either.
What are the company's expansion plans in the region? We are working vigilantly to initiate operations in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and we have also been very busy in strengthening our infrastructure in other key regional markets, which has been a challenge in the current economic environment.
Which is your dream car? In my industry, cars are a means of safe transport. My dream car is one that never breaks down and gets me where I need to go on time and in one piece.
I'm driving…
Mercedes E240 The car is six years old but is still in pristine condition. I also have a Toyota Prado, which is more of a family car.
I'm holidaying in…
Nice-Côte D'azur I lived in France for nine years and really appreciate the lifestyle that it offers. Any Mediterranean or southern European destination is ideal for me and my family.
I'm reading…
Renegade: The making of Barack Obama by Richard Wolffe: I've just started reading this book and it's absolutely amazing. That said, I enjoy the extremes of either political books or thrillers.
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