New Galileo rewards scheme rolled out to travel agents across the Middle East

Dubai, UAE 14 February 2011: Travel agents in selected countries across the Middle East are benefiting from an innovative reward scheme being piloted by Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry and operator of the Galileo and Worldspan global distribution systems (GDS).

Once a travel agency has officially enrolled in the 'Travelport Rewards Middle East' programme, Galileo-connected travel agents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain can conveniently register online for the loyalty scheme - earning points every time they make a booking through the Galileo GDS.

Under the terms of the programme, the points a travel agent has earned through bookings are automatically converted each month into a credit balance that is added to a Travelport VISA loyalty card. Participants are then able to use their loyalty card to make purchases at any online or offline retail outlet accepting VISA.

"We consulted closely with the industry in developing this initiative and received feedback from agents that it would be highly motivating to be able to personally earn points while carrying out their day-to-day work. The result is a programme that can help our travel agency customers boost productivity by empowering their front-line staff," explained Asma Nayeem, Travelport's marketing manager for the Middle East.

Nayeem added, "It is a very straightforward concept that gives agents the freedom to spend as they chose. The interest level has been high and the number of reservation agents that have already registered to participate in the programme is encouraging."  

The Travelport Middle East rewards scheme is open to all travel agencies who subscribe to the Galileo GDS platform. Once a travel agency has officially registered itself for the programme, individual booking staff can sign-up directly at www.travelportrewardsme.com

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About Travelport
(www.travelport.com)
Travelport is a broad-based business services company and a leading provider of critical transaction processing solutions to companies operating in the global travel industry. 

With a presence in 160 countries, approximately 5,400 employees and reported 2009 revenues of $2.2 billion, Travelport is comprised of the global distribution system (GDS) business that includes the Galileo and Worldspan brands; GTA, a leading global, multi-channel provider of hotel and ground services; and Airline IT Solutions, which hosts mission critical applications and provides business and data analysis solutions for major airlines.

Travelport also owns approximately 48% of Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW), a leading global online travel company. Travelport is a private company owned by The Blackstone Group, One Equity Partners, Technology Crossover Ventures, and Travelport management.

Follow Travelport on Twitter at www.twitter.com/travelport .

For media enquiries, please contact:
Alana Ngoh                  
PR Manager, Travelport GDS Middle East
Tel  +971 4 607 0548
Mob: + 971 50 810 0972
E-mail: alana.ngoh@travelport.com

© Press Release 2011