Daniel Ponzo

With more than three decades of international experience in general management, Daniel Ponzo currently leads Zahid Travel Group, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading travel companies, spanning Business Travel, MICE, Luxury Travel and Destination Management. Before joining the region in 2012, he held senior leadership roles in Europe, including Managing Director at Kuoni Group, the well-known European-based travel group. As Managing Director of Zahid Travel Group, he guides the company’s overall strategic direction, drives operational excellence, and oversees growth initiatives across the group. Under his leadership, he set up the company’s Destination Management (DMC) business in Saudi Arabia from scratch, growing it into one of the Kingdom’s leading DMC operations today, while also strengthening the group’s global reach as a distinguished partner of Reed & Mackay, a prominent global travel network. Adept at orchestrating Digital Transformation (DX) projects, Daniel Ponzo is at the forefront of developing innovative digital solutions tailored to different business models across the group, drawing on the general management expertise he built over three decades, including his time leading Kuoni Group’s operations in Southern Europe.

Beyond his role at Zahid Travel Group, he extends his influence as an Advisory Board Member for MALT – Meetings Arabia Luxury Travel Congress, as well as the Accor Luxury Collective. In these capacities, he shares insights, expertise, and a visionary perspective on the latest trends, innovations, and challenges within the travel sector, including the growth of destination management in the Kingdom. Committed to fostering the growth of the regional travel community, he actively contributes to the development and enhancement of the industry. Daniel Ponzo is passionate about creating enduring value, elevating customer experience, and catalysing transformation within the travel sector across every segment he leads. In 2025 Daniel Ponzo entered the Gallery of Legend at the first Edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia.