Kanoo announces M.E. travel franchise with American Express

The signing ceremony took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai on Monday 23rd at 6 PM and followed by a press conference.

Under the arrangement, Kanoo Travel will work to grow the American Express Travel Service Network throughout the Middle East by identifying and acquiring like-minded member agencies into the Kanoo Travel/American Express Middle East Franchise program.

Kanoo Travel will deliver valuable resources to help travel agencies further grow their businesses. In addition to the marketing advantages of affiliation with the Franchise program, member agencies will have access to enhanced products, training, quality programmes, and business best practices. This Franchise opportunity will have significant impact on the travel business, and help the partners develop and gain vastly improved benefits.

"This is another important milestone in our long-standing relationship with American Express. We are very proud to be working with such a recognised service brand," said Mr. Fawzi Kanoo, Managing Director, Yusuf Bin Ahmerd Kanoo group of companies. "Our partnership with American Express gives us a competitive edge throughout the Middle East region. Through our agreement, we can bring even more locations into this travel agency network, increasing brand presence and creating more benefits for our mutual customers." He added.

The partnership with Kanoo reinforces American Express' confidence in the future of the travel market and its commitment to developing its business in the Middle East. This lead franchise strategy places both companies in a strong position to expand service capability in the region and provide other Middle East travel agencies an opportunity to build their businesses with one of the world's most respected service brands.

"Our franchise programme benefits are designed to help our network of agencies to improve profitability through both revenue growth and operational efficiencies," said Max Grosse, American Express Director of Franchise, Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. "With the added regional advantages delivered by Kanoo Travel, our existing and new network members will enjoy a premium level of benefits in the marketplace."