Travelport GDS has announced a multi-million dollar investment in the Middle East as it looks to refine its distributor relationships and establish a new direct support network for travel agents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

It will review distribution deals Galileo established with the national airlines of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen – which expire at the end of the year – while developing direct operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and expanding in Egypt.

“We feel the interests of the travel agents across the region will be better served by new distributor relationships in certain markets,” said Travelport GDS Middle East and Africa region vice president Rabih Saab.

“In other markets, we intend to work with some of our current distributors as well as other new partners who bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience to help grow our overall presence in the region.”

Travelport recently increased its presence in the Middle East by acquiring Worldspan – which has a well-established and successful business in several key markets, including a wholly-owned operation in Egypt. In addition, it has also opened a new office in Dubai and made several management appointments across the region.

Saab added: “The Middle East is a dynamic region for travel and one which will continue to grow considerably over the coming years. We believe that by building more substantial, wholly-owned operations across the region, coupled with enhancing our relationships with effective distributors in some markets, we will be well positioned to serve our customers more effectively and to augment our business in this important region.”