Thursday, 25 September 2008: The world’s leading provider of travel technology solutions Sabre Holdings has signed a 10-year agreement with EmQuest, the travel distribution division of Dubai-based Emirates.
The agreement is the first of several collaborative initiatives planned between Sabre and Emirates.
As part of the agreement, EmQuest and Sabre will launch distribution services in five new African markets including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia; providing Sabre solutions, sales, service and support.
From 1 January 2009, EmQuest will also distribute Sabre products to travel agencies in the United Arab Emirates.
Gary Chapman, President, Emirates Group Services said: “Sabre is a global provider of travel solutions and travel content with a focus on service and quality - two traits which resonate with EmQuest’s own. We are pleased to have them as partners, and through EmQuest, we look forward to taking the benefits of Sabre’s products and services to our travel agency partners across Africa and, starting January 2009, across the United Arab Emirates.”
Tom Klein, President, Sabre Travel Network and Airline Solutions said: “EmQuest has a proven track record and in-depth knowledge of the travel business in the Middle East region. They also share our desire to invest and grow our business in new markets like Africa. It’s an exciting venture between two companies that share many synergies, and we look forward to growing our business with them and furthering our relationship with the Emirates Group’s various business divisions.
“Today’s agreement will significantly expand our footprint in the Middle East where we have successfully operated for almost 20 years, experiencing most recently, three consecutive years of double-digit growth through our Sabre Travel Network joint venture,” said Klein.
EmQuest’s existing agreement with Galileo International LLC for distribution of Galileo and EmQuest travel services solutions to travel agents across United Arab Emirates will continue until it comes to an end on 31 December 2008.
