Damascus, Syria: 14 January, 2008 -- Travelport GDS, one of the world's leading global distribution system (GDS) providers operating both the Galileo and Worldspan brands, announced today that it has signed an agreement with local company Adhal and Khazem & Co, to distribute the Galileo GDS in Syria as of January 2009. The partnership follows Travelport's announcement last year of a multi-million dollar (US) investment in the Middle East to set up its own direct operations to support travel agents in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt and to create new relationships with selected distributors in other countries, including Syria.
Over the past 17 years, Galileo has established itself as the leading GDS provider in the Middle East. The new direct partnership with Adhal and Khazem & Co began when Galileo's contract with its current distributor expired at the end of 2008. Adhal & Khazem & Co has now engaged Nebal Esmaeil, who previously held senior management positions in Syrian Arab Airlines, as General Manager to ensure the success of the distribution agreement.
"The partnership forged today marks an important milestone for Travelport as we put the final touches to our new operations in the region which went live on 1 January, 2009. With their extensive knowledge of the Syrian marketplace, Adhal and Khazem & Co will be ideally placed to help us serve our customers in this market, "said Rabih Saab, Travelport GDS' Vice President for the Middle East.
"Galileo is the leading GDS system in the region and I am excited to be able to continue my relationship with Travelport and cement a solid partnership with Adhal and Khazem & Co," stated Nebal Esmaeil on behalf of Adhal and Khazem & Co. "The Partners of Adhal and Khazem & Co and I were also impressed by Travelport's commitment to Syria and its plans to continue to roll out new and innovative products in the region - Adhal and Khazem & Co looks forward to a long and successful partnership and to serving travel agents and suppliers who rely on the efficiency of Galileo."
Over the past year, Travelport GDS has increased its presence in the Middle East with the acquisition of Worldspan, which has a well-established and successful business in several key markets and a wholly-owned operation in Egypt. Travelport GDS has also opened new offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt and strengthened its management team across the region.
"The Middle East is a dynamic region for travel and one which will continue to grow considerably over the coming years. We firmly believe that our relationship with Adhal & Khazem & Co will allow us to continue to augment our business in this important region," continued Saab.
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About Travelport GDS
Travelport GDS is one of the world's leading global distribution system (GDS) providers, operating both the Galileo and Worldspan platforms, providing real-time travel information and booking capabilities to online and offline travel agencies in over 145 countries. It also operates Travelport Business Intelligence which provides marketing and other critical data to the industry; and IT Services & Software, which offers mission critical reservations, related software and services management to the world's leading airlines. Travelport GDS is a convergence of traditional and online travel distribution services that empower airlines, travel suppliers, travel agencies, Web sites and corporations to provide informed choice to travellers on a global platform. Travelport GDS is a division of Travelport, one of the world's largest travel conglomerates offering broad based business services to companies operating in the global travel industry.
More information about Travelport GDS is available at www.travelport.com
About Adhal and Khazem & Co
Adhal and Khazem & Co is a Syrian company established in 2003 to deal with scientific and computer solutions Having led and executed numerous projects in Syria, they have a strong track record in the IT sector. Eng. Nibal Ismail was appointed General Manager of the company on January 1st 2009. His previous experience included time spent as a senior manager in Syrian Airlines and has also spent time working in in UAE. The new location for the company is in the heart of Damascus, giving easy access to all travel agencies. The company address is:
29 May Street
Next to Golf Bank
Damascus Syria
For media enquiries or to set up an interview with Rabih Saab, please contact:
Kate Aldridge, Travelport GDS corporate communications
Tel: +44 1753 288720
mob: +44 7921 798757
e-mail: kate.aldridge@travelport.com
Robyn Mallalieu
Hill & Knowlton, Dubai
tel +971 (4) 4055 626
mob: + 971 (0) 50 712 3942
e-mail: robyn.mallalieu@hillandknowlton.com
© Press Release 2009
