Sabre is launching its global distribution system (GDS) in Kuwait.  Sabre Travel Network Middle East has signed a marketing, distribution and licence agreement with SWITCH, a Kuwait-based technology solutions business, giving travel agents in Kuwait access to the world’s largest GDS.
Kuwait is the third-largest travel and tourism market in the Middle East and is estimated to grow by 10 percent in the next year.  The market recently opened up for competition as a result of the Kuwaiti government awarding two new GDS licenses.

Tim Waddell, SWITCH’s general manager, said: “We’re confident the Sabre GDS will score highly with agents who want to compete more effectively in the face of sweeping industry changes such as the elimination of commissions, and the growing demand from travellers for access to the lowest rates.”

Daniel Naoumovitch, head of Sabre Travel Network Middle East said: “We are focused on delivering the tools and services to help agencies succeed.  Our partnership with SWITCH enables us to provide Kuwait-based agencies with more content, new revenue options, intelligent systems and pricing alternatives to help solidify their role as travel experts.”

This new agreement comes only eight months after Sabre Travel Network announced the creation of its Bahrain-based joint venture with carrier Gulf Air, designed to offer world-class products and services to the travel industry operating in the Middle East region.
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