Sabre launches online booking engine for agencies

Sabre Travel Network Middle East (Sabre), a global technology company serving travel suppliers and agencies, headquartered in Bahrain has announced the launch of an online booking engine for travel agencies to establish and grow their online business. The Sabre Web Booking Engine, which was developed in conjunction with UK-based Billian IT Solutions, will provide agencies in Middle East and Africa (MEA), with advanced online website capabilities such as quick search, calendar shopping, branding options, and access to Sabre’s popular low-fare search Bargain Finder Max. The result is a modern look and feel website that will help agents be competitive in the online marketplace. Darren Wickham, Managing Director at Sabre said: “Many years ago the Internet was considered a threat to the survival of the travel industry. Today, online travel accounts for around one fifth of all travel bookings in EMEA, and is forecast to grow to a quarter of all bookings in the next four years.” “With over 77 million Internet users in the Middle East, the growth potential for this new business segment is exponential. Travel agencies who want to increase revenue need to have a clear online strategy and the technology to convert online shoppers into bookers. We’ve done the hard work and developed the Sabre Web Booking Engine with Arabic language support specifically for Middle East agencies, highlighting the commitment we have to serve this region,” said Wickham. The engine gives consumers access to real-time fares, allowing them to book air (including low-cost carriers), hotel and car hire. The technology can sit behind an agency’s branded website, providing new functionality such as access to airline seat maps, fare rules and transaction reporting. Sabre Travel Network Middle East operates from 21 offices across 11 countries in the Mena region. Sabre Travel Network provides technology to the travel industry. It operates the world’s largest travel marketplace, connecting travel buyers and sellers through the Sabre global distribution system (GDS). Its innovative technology connects 350,000 travel agents. More than $100 billion of travel is purchased through this channel annually. Sabre Travel Network is part of Sabre Holdings, a global travel technology company serving the world’s largest industry- travel and tourism.