Abacus International has announced its entry into the Afghanistan market through a partnership with Kabul Star Technologies to create a local presence through its Abacus Afghanistan representative office.

Afghanistan, the 31st market for Abacus, is part of the rapid growth Abacus has been experiencing throughout Asia Pacific, especially in key growth regions such as Central Asia.

Afghanistan has seen a great deal of travel growth and potential, with both outbound international departures and tourism expenditure expected to rise 150 per cent from 2011 to 2014.

Inbound arrivals, which experienced a 17 per cent increase from 2008 to 2009, are also expected to rise 155 per cent from 2011 to 2014.

Airlines can look forward to a 43 per cent sales escalation during the same period.

With Abacus’ presence in the country, travel agents will now be able to purchase airline tickets and book travel directly unlike previously, where it had to be done through external markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan and India.

Robert Bailey, president and chief executive, Abacus International, said: “Abacus International recognises the vast growth potential of the Afghan travel industry and is delighted to be part of this market to help improve the travel services for local residents as well as visitors to the country.

“Through our presence in Afghanistan, we hope to not only help to develop the country’s travel industry but also to help achieve its potential in the global travel marketplace.”

Abacus Afghanistan increases Abacus’ extensive distribution network with more than 100 travel agencies in Afghanistan as well as demonstrating its commitment to marketing, sales and distribution support to the Afghan travel market.

Its establishment in Afghanistan will allow Abacus to have consistent feedback and insights into the market, establish a commercial presence and build key relations with the government to help in its travel and tourism growth objectives.