Travelport expands its horizons in Abu Dhabi
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Strengthening its presence across the UAE, Travelport has recently inked a multi-year global distribution system (GDS) deal with three major travel agencies in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain – Irena Travel, Skyline Travels and Al Jaraf Travel and Tourism.
The new contracts include an exclusive agreement with Al Jaraf Travel and Tourism that will see a full migration to Travelport’s Galileo platform across its agency network in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, Al Ain-based Skyline Travels has signed an exclusive agreement to establish Galileo as i
ts exclusive GDS, while Irena Travel has inked a deal that will integrate the GDS for the first time into the agency’s Abu Dhabi operations.
All the travel and tourism companies have multiple retail outlets and plans to support their growth efforts by leveraging the GDS provider’s offering, which includes a local office that provides Abu Dhabi and Al Ain travel agency customers with fully-equipped sales, training and helpdesk support. A comprehensive training programme has already been launched to bring each agency’s employees up to speed on the latest Galileo products and functionalities.
The partnership agreements were signed by Rabih Saab, Travelport’s president and managing director for the Middle East and Africa along with Ghulam Balooshi, Travelport director for the Lower GCC; Amir Thayyil, general manager of Irena Travel; Mahmood Butt, general manager of Al Jaraf Travel and Tourism; and Hamsa K.M, general manager of Skyline Travels.
“Travelport has been able to build great momentum in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain,” said Ghulam Al Balooshi, Travelport’s Director for the Lower Gulf Region. “We look forward to supporting their businesses with our innovative GDS offering in the UAE.”
