TRAVELPORT GDS, providers operating the Galileo and Worldspan brands, early this year signed an agreement with  a local company Adhal and Khazem & Co, to distribute the Galileo GDS


in Syria.


The partnership follows Travelport’s announcement last year of a multi-million US dollar investment in the Middle East to set up its own direct operations to support travel agents in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt and to create new relationships with selected distributors in other countries, including Syria.


Over the past 17 years, Galileo has established itself as the leading GDS provider in the Middle East. The new direct partnership with Adhal and Khazem & Co began when Galileo’s contract with its current distributor expired at the end of 2008. Adhal & Khazem & Co has now taken on Nebal Esmaeil as general manager.


“The partnership forged today marks an important milestone for Travelport as we put the final touches to our new operations in the region,” said Rabih Saab, Travelport GDS’ vice president for the Middle East.


 “With their extensive knowledge of the Syrian marketplace, Adhal and Khazem & Co will be ideally placed to help us serve our customers in this market.”


“Galileo is the leading GDS system in the region and I am excited to be able to continue my relationship with Travelport and cement a solid partnership with Adhal and Khazem & Co,” stated Esmaeil on behalf of Adhal and Khazem & Co.


  “The Partners of Adhal and Khazem & Co and I were also impressed by Travelport’s commitment to Syria and its plans to continue to roll out new and innovative products in the region - Adhal and Khazem & Co looks forward to a long and successful partnership and to serving travel agents and suppliers who rely on the efficiency of Galileo.”