Their News [Archives:2009/1222/Local News]
Galileo GDS in Yemen
Travelport GDS, one of the world's leading global distribution system (GDS) providers operating both the Galileo and Worldspan brands, announced that it has signed an agreement with Universal Travel, to distribute the Galileo GDS in Yemen from January, 2009. The partnership follows Travelport's recent announcement of a multi-million dollar (US) investment in the Middle East, to set up a new, highly efficient direct support network for travel agents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt and redefine distributor relationship in selected countries, including Yemen.
Galileo has established itself as the leading GDS provider in Yemen over the past 17 years, with a market share of 54 per cent (MIDT data, July, 2008). The partnership with Universal Travel, part of the Universal Group, will begin when Galileo's contract with Yemen Airways, its current distributor in the country, expires at the end of 2008.
“The partnership forged today marks an important milestone for Travelport as we set up our new operations in the region,” Rabih Saab, Travelport GDS' Vice President of the Middle East and Africa. “With a 25 year track record and unrivalled knowledge of the Yemeni travel market, Universal Travel is uniquely qualified to help us to serve our customers in this market more efficiently.
“Galileo is the leading GDS system in the market, and we are very much looking forward to partnering with Travelport to serve travel agents and suppliers who rely on the efficiency of Galileo,” stated Omar Mohammed, Vice Chairman and Group Managing Director for Universal Travel. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership and to rolling out new and innovative products in the region.”
Over the past year, Travelport GDS has increased its presence in the Middle East with the acquisition of Worldspan, which has a well-established and successful business in several key markets and a wholly-owned operation in Egypt. Travelport GDS has also opened a new, state-of-the-art office in Dubai and has made several key management appointments across the region.
“The Middle East is a dynamic region for travel and one which will continue to grow considerably over the coming years. We firmly believe that by enhancing our relationships with effective distributors in select markets such as Yemen coupled with building more substantial, wholly-owned operations across the region, we will be well positioned to augment our business in this important region,” continued Saab.
21 December, 2008: Official launching ceremoney was conducted in the Movenpick Ball Room, in the presence of Jennifer D'souza, Travel Port Regional commercial Director, who summarized the introduction of Travel Port and new commercial strategies. Ending a clever speech, Hari Kumar, the Regional Product Manager, concluded the new services offered in the rennovated GDS systems provided for Travel Agencies in Yemen. Halim Amman, Universal Travel General Manager wrapped the presentation by a raffle draw, distributing valuable prizes among the invitees from major travel agencies, media and many delegates, then invited everyone to enjoy a lovely lunch and socialize.
Social Marketing Initiative in Yemen
Social Marketing Project for Reproductive Health Services is one of the Ministry of Public Health Projects funded by the German Development Bank (KfW) started in the last Saturday mobile cinema shows for youth in boys and girls secondary schools in the governorates of Lahj and Abyan. This activity is part of the family planning awareness campaign launched by the project in 2007 in 7 governorates and expanded to 14 governorates in 2008 based on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Study(KAP) undertaken in 2006 in Six Governorates. The aim of the behavior change campaign in family planning is to improve knowledge, attitude and practices of population regarding family planning issues. The Social marketing Project and in cooperation with many local partners and implementing agencies conducted this campaign through various types of activities like producing and broadcasting TV and Radio spots, distribution of IEC materials, theater shows, health education session for women and men in the rural areas, and mobile cinema shows. We have to notice her that the project will run another round of the KAP Study in the third quarter of 2009 to measure and asses the impact of the Behavior Change Campaign in Yemen.
Doha center launches pitition for Al-Zaidi
The Doha Centre for Media Freedom is launching a petition on behalf of Muntazer Al-Zaidi of Al-Baghdadiya. “The Iraqi courts have the duty to ensure that Al-Zaidi has a fair trial and that his physical safety is guaranteed: revenge has no part to play in his treatment. The shoe incident should be regarded as what it was: an insult without consequence””
