KSA: 20 April, 2013:Amadeus, a leading transaction processor and technology partner to the global travel and tourism industry, today announced it has renewed its agreement with the Al Tayyar Travel Group to serve as its primary global distribution system (GDS) in Saudi Arabia.
Under the partnership, Al Tayyar will continue to have access to Amadeus’ comprehensive content, including more than 400 bookable airlines, over 250,000 hotel properties and 36,000 car rental locations, enabling Al Tayyar to offer the best options to customers. Amadeus will also provide its expertise and solutions to enhance the growth of Al Tayyar’s online business.
Using the Amadeus system, Al Tayyar will also benefit from Amadeus’ 10-year distribution agreement with 13 airlines from the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO), and with Saudi Airlines in particular. The agreement with AACO provides the highest level of connectivity and full parity with direct distribution channels to Amadeus GDS users in the home market of partner airlines.
Further, in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision of Saudisation, Amadeus and Al Tayyar will strengthen ties to provide advanced training and development services to nationals in the travel and tourism sector.
Naser Bin Aqeel Al Tayyar, Group President and Managing Director, Al Tayyar Travel Group, said: “Fuelled by the fast-growing economy, the government of Saudi Arabia has placed top priority on mobilizing a solid Saudi workforce. The figures also indicate the need to develop robust skill sets that will serve the booming travel and tourism industry. Through our partnership with Amadeus, we aim to educate the Saudi youth and drive nationals to seek employment in the travel industry. We acknowledge the importance of partnering with market leaders to serve the Saudi community and the initiative is a clear reflection of our commitment to the industry.”
A 2012 study released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) cited that investment in Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry will rise by 3.3 per cent yearly over the next 10 years to touch SR29.5 billion in 2022, representing 4.5 percent of the country’s total investment.
Antoine Medawar, Vice-President, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus, said: “Amadeus’ appointment as Al Tayyar’s primary GDS not only highlights our strengthening partnership but also our shared vision to contribute to shaping the regional travel and tourism industry. As a leading content aggregator in the industry, we are confident that the strength of our GDS, our advanced solutions and our expertise will enable the Group to expand operations and optimize business potential.”
The partnership comes on the back of Saudi Arabia’s growing online travel market. According to projections of the global travel market research firm PhoCusWright,online sales are expected to double in the next two years owing to increasing e-commerce penetration across the region.
Nashat Bukhari, General Manager, Amadeus Saudi Arabia, said: “The Saudi Arabian travel and tourism industry continues to evolve at a fast pace, evident in the increasing number of online bookings. Our aim is to support Al Tayyar in its mission to improve its portfolio of services through offering cutting-edge technology solutions that meet and exceed evolving customer expectations. This will result in higher customer retention and increased online bookings and revenue as well as strengthen Al Tayyar’s position as a prominent travel management company in the region.”
Al Tayyar Group is one of the leading travel agencies in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The organization enjoys a strong presence in the region with over 300 branches worldwide. The first travel and tourism company in the GCC to be listed in Saudi Stock Market, the Group is also ranked as the number one travel company across the Middle East and Africa. Al Tayyar is the member of International Air Transport Organization (IATA), World Tourist Organization (WTO), The Federation of Freight Forwarders (FIATA), ICCA International Meting Association Global Group, The WACO systems, United Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA for Cargo).