In the vibrant tapestry of the United Arab Emirates’ entrepreneurial landscape, tales of resilience and determination often come to light, showcasing the relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds. Among these narratives, one stands out—a testament to the unwavering spirit of an individual determined to carve her path in the travel industry.
Meet Marifel Comia Manimtim, the driving force behind Stop International Travel LLC, a travel agency nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Her journey, though fraught with challenges, illuminates the transformative power of perseverance and the unwavering commitment to a vision.
In 2015, amidst uncertainty, she embarked on her entrepreneurial odyssey, armed with nothing but a hundred dirhams and a burning desire to provide for her family. Initially, she treaded the path of a nanny, but soon realized it wasn’t her destined course. Fate intervened through the kindness of a fellow compatriot, leading her to a role as an HR assistant—a stepping stone to discovering her calling in the world of travel agencies.
However, just as she was finding her stride, the relentless onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic halted her momentum. Undeterred, she returned home, fueled by a vision shared with her husband—to establish their own travel agency. With a meager capital of 3,000 AED, sourced from their savings, and boundless faith in her abilities, she embarked on this ambitious endeavor.
The road ahead was fraught with challenges—moments where scams threatened to derail their dreams, jeopardizing not only personal finances but the very existence of the company. Yet, in the face of adversity, she refused to succumb. It wasn’t just about her and her husband anymore; it was about the team that had rallied behind her.
“My primary source of strength during those challenging times was my team,” she reflects. “Despite experiencing multiple scams, I persevered. I held onto my belief in my team, and their support became instrumental in overcoming the struggles we faced.”
This unwavering belief in her team, coupled with her resilience, paved the way for success. As the business flourished, so did her family—what began with just two staff burgeoned into a team of over twenty, a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. “Before, I didn’t invest in marketing,” she admits. “Now I realize that to grow, you need to sway and flow with the trends, giving priority to marketing and focusing on brand recognition for more customers.”
Indeed, innovation lies at the heart of Stop International Travel’s approach. Embracing creativity, they launched their own game show, “Stop, Drop, and Win,” a pioneering marketing strategy that not only educates but engages their audience, reinforcing their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Yet, amidst the business strategies and triumphs, her ethos remains rooted in people—both her team
and her clients. “I am passionate about providing a safe space and a welcoming, loving work
environment,” she asserts. “It makes me happy to know that my staff is working with their hearts because they are happy and not feeling pressured.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, she offers sage advice: “Two heads are better than one. Always be receptive to the opinions and advice of others; there’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained from diverse perspectives.”
