Travelport GDS eyes expansion in the Middle East
Published: 04 Jun 2008
Travelport GDS has decided to investment in the Middle East region, focusing on refining its distributor relationships in select markets.
It will also establish a direct support network for travel agents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Galileo is currently distributed in the region by the national airlines of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen. Galileo's contract with the Arabi Group will expire at the end of 2008 and Travelport has taken the opportunity to review its existing distribution arrangements across the region.
The GDS provider also plans to step up its activity and invest in greater direct distribution through the development of its own direct operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and an expanded direct presence in Egypt.
"We feel the interests of the travel agents across the region will be better served by new distributor relationships in certain markets," said Rabih Saab, Vice President for Travelport GDS' Middle East and Africa region.
Saab said, "In other markets, we intend to work with some of our current distributors as well as other new partners who bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience to help grow our overall presence in the region. We will also invest in new direct operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and expand our presence in Egypt".
Over the past year, Travelport GDS has increased its presence in the Middle East with the acquisition of Worldspan, which has an established business in several key markets and a wholly-owned operation in Egypt. Travelport GDS has also opened a new, state-of-the-art office in Dubai and made several key management appointments across the region.
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