AMADEUS Saudi Arabia has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Attar Travel, a leading travel agency in Saudi Arabia serving the region's fast-growing corporate travel sector. Access to Amadeus' vast portfolio of technology products and solutions as well as industry expertise will enable the travel agency to scale up its technology and expand its presence in the region. The partnership agreement was signed by Nashat Bukhari, General Manager of Amadeus Saudi Arabia and Ghassan Omar Attar, CEO at Attar Travel. As part of the alliance Attar Travel will benefit from Amadeus' 10-year distribution agreement with 13 airlines from the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), in particular with Saudi Arabian Airlines. The association between Amadeus and AACO will provide Attar the highest level of connectivity and airline content. In addition, Attar Travel will also gain access to Amadeus' comprehensive travel content including over 250,000 hotel properties and 36,000 car rental locations, enabling the agency to offer its clients the best-in-class travel options. Nashat Bukhari said: “According to Business Monitor International, inbound tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia are estimated to reach 16.7 million in 2014. The government has been investing heavily in infrastructure to boost the economy and business sector in Saudi Arabia and the region's corporate travel sector is set to soar over the next few years. As a technology partner to the travel industry, it is our priority to equip industry stakeholders with the right tools to support this growth. “Amadeus' agreement with Attar Travel underscores our shared vision to contribute to the development of the region's corporate travel sector. With our strong existing local presence, backed by our industry expertise, products and solutions, I am confident that the organization is well-poised to excel in its offerings to its customers, while it boosts bookings and develops its business in the region.” Ghassan Omar Attar, said: “With a regional presence of over 60 years, Attar Travel has had the opportunity to witness first-hand the development of the travel and tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.” - SG
