Travelport and Al Tayyar Travel group – one of the largest travel companies in Saudi Arabia – have strengthened their partnership with the signing of a new multi-year agreement, which will see Travelport expand its current business and enter into new ventures with the Saudi travel giant.

As part of the new agreement, Travelport will also provide Al Tayyar Travel Group with its top of the range travel technology products including Travelport Smartpoint – the next generation booking solution.

“At Travelport we strive to build partnerships with travel companies who share our goals and ambitions,” said Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director, Travelport, Middle East and Africa.

“Al Tayyar Travel Group provides a distinguished service to its customers through nearly 300 offices in Saudi Arabia and worldwide and share our passion and commitment to building and strengthening the Middle East travel industry.

“We are therefore thrilled to have reached a mutually beneficial agreement and look forward to helping Al Tayyar Travel Group grow their business in the region and beyond, and collaborate on projects that will significantly benefit the travel industry.”

Remarking on this partnership, Dr. Nasser Al Tayyar, Vice President and Managing Director of Al Tayyar Travel Group said: “The Group is always keen to develop travel and tourism in KSA, through this important and essential sector that is well-staffed with many qualified Saudi people as part of the ongoing policy of Saudization.

“Additionally, they are working towards creating new tourism products to serve the travel and tourism market in the Kingdom and the market globally,” added Dr Nasser.

The renewed three-year partnership deal was inked during a special visit to Dubai by Dr. Nasser bin Aqeel Al-Tayyar, President of Al Tayyar Travel Group, during which the two companies committed to a number of projects – all aiming to develop the travel and tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.

These include providing skills training and developing the expertise of travel professionals in the Kingdom, driving the recruitment of young Saudis in the field of travel and tourism, and promoting tourism initiatives in the Kingdom on a global level.