Technology firm Travelport is to launch operations in the east African country of Somalia.
Travelport has entered Somalia through a deal with local travel operator Euro Africa Services which has been given exclusive rights to distribute the Galileo GDS technology and services in the country.
Mark Meehan (pictured), managing director for Travelport Africa, said: “The new operations in Somalia form a key part of our continuing Africa expansion strategy.
“Somalia has a major growth potential and we feel that this is the right time to make a significant investment in this region.”
Travelport is the first of the major three GDS operators to make a move into Somalia. Although Sabre Travel Network is targeting the east African travel market with the launch of its Sabre Red Total Travel tool for corporate and leisure travel agencies in the region last week.
The move into the troubled country will take Travelport’s presence in Africa up to 48 countries.
Liban Warsame, managing director of Euro Africa Services, added: “As a new GDS provider, we will create a competitive advantage that will benefit the travel agents who are looking for choice.
“We are passionate about our business and look forward to bringing the industry-leading Travelport offering to the travel industry in Somalia.”