Langley, UK: June, 3, 2008:  Travelport GDS one of the world's leading global distribution system (GDS) providers operating both the Galileo and Worldspan brands, has today announced a multi-million dollar investment in the Middle East, one of the world's fastest growing travel regions.  In a clear demonstration of its commitment to the region, over the coming months the company will refine its distributor relationships in select markets, including Yemen, as well as establishing a new, highly-efficient direct support network in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Over the past 17 years, Galileo has established itself as the leading GDS provider in Yemen with a market share of 53 per cent (MIDT data, April, 2008).  Galileo's contract with Yemen Airways, its current distributor in the country, will expire at the end of 2008 and Travelport has taken the opportunity to refine its local distribution arrangement. 

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 in Yemen will be better served by a new distributor relationship," commented Rabih Saab, Vice President for Travelport GDS' Middle East and Africa region. "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 a well-established and successful 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.   

"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 by building more substantial, wholly-owned operations across the region, coupled with enhancing our relationships with effective distributors in select markets such as Yemen, we will be well positioned to serve our customers more effectively and 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 largest global distribution system (GDS) providers operating both the Galileo and the Worldspan brands, providing real-time travel information and booking capabilities to online and offline travel agencies in over 145 countries. It also operates Business Intelligence which provides marketing and other critical data to the industry, and includes its Shepherd Systems subsidiary; 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 travelers on a global platform. Travelport GDS is a division of Travelport, one of the world's largest service providers to the travel industry. More information is available at travelportgds.com

For media enquiries or to set up an interview with Rabih Saab, please contact:
Kate Aldridge              
Director of Corporate Communications, EMEA, Travelport GDS
tel  +44 (0) 1753 288720
mob: + 44 (0) 7921 698757
e-mail: kate.aldridge@travelport.com

© Press Release 2008