Sabre celebrates strategic growth in Yemen market

Sabre chose to celebrate this achievement with its Sana'a based travel agency partners during a gala awards dinner at the Sheraton Sana'a Hotel on Monday 18 June, 2007, and at a subsequent presentation to Aden's travel trade at the Aden Sheraton Hotel on the imminent opening of Sabre's second Yemeni branch to be located in Aden on Tuesday 19 June, 2007.

Sabre's market share in Yemen rocketed from 36% to 50% in 2006, a reflection of the company's position as the worlds' leading global distribution solutions provider. The increase was made possible by the signing of Sabre's largest ever deal in the country, a full exclusive agreement with Universal Travel and Tourism (UTT). The agreement has recently been renewed, an acknowledgement of UTT's satisfaction with the quality of Sabre's products and customer service.

Another significant milestone for Sabre was the implementation of a DCA (direct connect availability) agreement for Yemenia, Yemen's national air carrier. The DCA gives Yemenia the highest level of connectivity resulting in "real time" information exchange from Sabre's network to the airline's systems. Yemenia's implementation of Sabre's e-Ticketing system is currently in progress and on plan.

Daniel Naoumovitch, Sabre Travel Network Middle East's Chief Executive Officer, said

"Yemen has become an important market for Sabre due to its rapidly expanding travel sector resulting from increases in both inbound and outbound travel. It is gratifying to experience first hand the high regard that Yemen's travel operators have for Sabre's systems, service and - of course - its employees. The Top 10 Travel Agency awards are our way of recognizing the strong partnerships we have forged in Yemen."

"Our new Aden office will further boost our capacity and service levels using an improved infrastructure to provide higher levels of customer support to existing and new partners in the travel sector. Our Yemen-based staff have recently undergone intensive help desk and technical support training at our regional head office in Bahrain. Sabre's ongoing operation in Sana'a continues to underpin our strategic presence in Yemen, and both offices reflect Sabre's commitment to maintaining a local presence in key markets."

The Sabre Travel Network Middle East Top Ten Travel Agency awards were divided by market segment. The winners were Universal Travel, Yemen Intercontinental Travel, Al Mokarram Travel, Sky Travel and Tours, Arabian Horizon Travel, Yemen Travel Agency, Apollo Travel and Tours, Oranos Travel, Orbit Travel, Falcon Travel Services.

With further potential for growth in Yemen's travel industry, Sabre's sophisticated systems guarantee on-demand support and assistance for its network of partners to ensure the provision of the best service and travel experiences for both business and leisure end customers.