Al Futtaim Travel signs exclusive agreement with Travelport GDS

By joining forces with Travelport GDS, Al Futtaim Travel will be subscribing to a world-class IT platform that will enhance the efficiency of the agency's operations as it prepares for fast-track growth.

According to Al Futtaim, Travelport's global reputation and service capabilities, coupled with its demonstrated local market leadership, were key factors in selecting the company as its GDS partner.

"We are at an important stage in our growth and need a GDS provider that understands our business and can provide hands-on support," said Bill Horsley, General Manager, Al Futtaim Travel. "Travelport GDS will essentially act as an extension of our agency, providing us with customized solutions that will help us streamline our operations and get us to where we want to be."

Since the launch of its direct Galileo operations for travel agents at the beginning of this year in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Travelport GDS has been steadily reinforcing its position as the preferred GDS provider in the Middle East, building its local customer support and investing in its long-term presence in the region.

With new infrastructure firmly in place and unmatched local experience under its belt, Travelport GDS is ideally positioned to help Al Futtaim Travel grow the agency's burgeoning business and compete more effectively.

"Al Futtaim Travel is a key win for Travelport GDS in the UAE as it demonstrates our capabilities as a direct operation for travel agents and reinforces the appeal of our advanced technology and customer-centric approach in this exciting new phase of our development," said Faris Azzee, UAE Country Manager, Travelport GDS.

One of the most well respected travel agencies in the UAE, Al Futtaim Travel operates three strategically located branches in Dubai, including Mall of the Emirates, Jebel Ali Free Zone and Festival City, with plans to significantly extend its reach over the next several years.

Al Futtaim Travel is owned and operated by Al Futtaim Group, one of the largest business groups in the UAE. The group's activities range from construction to retailing, representing leading global brands such as Toyota, Honda, Volvo, Chrysler, Jeep, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sanyo, IKEA, and Marks & Spencer.