10-year marketing distribution agreement will see Emirates’ travel distribution division EmQuest distribute Sabre products in the UAE and five markets in Africa
DUBAI, UAE, 9 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 was signed today by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Sam Gilliland, CEO of Sabre Holdings. It 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.
About Sabre Holdings
Sabre Holdings connects people with the world’s greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. Sabre Holdings supports travelers, travel agents, corporations, government agencies and travel suppliers through its companies: Travelocity, Sabre Travel Network and Sabre Airline Solutions. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, the company has approximately 9,000 employees in 59 countries and is owned by private equity firms Silver Lake Partners and TPG. More information is available at http://www.sabre-holdings.com.
About EmQuest
EmQuest is a travel distribution company that distributes and develops innovative technologies and services. Its core business is providing electronic global and regional distribution services for the travel industry through its computerised reservation systems, leading-edge products and Internet-based solutions. A division of Emirates, EmQuest manages a large network of brands, content, and service offerings that are designed to meet the unique and specific needs of the travel industry, especially those based in the Middle East region. EmQuest can connect travel agents, tour operators, car rental companies, hotels and airlines with millions of travellers around the world – easily, effortlessly, and efficiently. EmQuest’s current relationship promoting Galileo International LLC’s services across the Middle East will continue until 31 December 2008.
Media contacts:
Pam Wong, Sabre Holdings
Tel +44 (0) 208 538 8653; Mob: +44 (0)7 968 902 626
Email: Pam.wong@sabre-holdings.com
Valerie Tan, Emirates Group
Tel: +9714-7082142; mobile: +971505526231
Email: valerie.tan@emirates.com
