Bahrain-based Sabre Travel Network Middle East (Sabre), a global technology company serving travel suppliers and agencies, today launched an online booking engine for travel agencies.

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, said Darren Wickham, managing director at Sabre.

“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,” said Wickham.  

“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 airline tickets (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, he said. 

The company hopes that about 2,000 travel agencies in the region will implement the solution to provide a better service to their customers.

The solution offers users a dynamic online experience and at the same time it also gives them the added benefit of support service from local travel agencies.

The booking engine is capable of providing results from more than 400 airlines worldwide, said Wickham. “It gives the local agencies an opportunity to reach the global market,” he added. 

Sabre Travel Network Middle East operates from 21 offices across 11 countries in the Mena region. There are plans to open more offices in the region, said Wickham. – TradeArabia News Service