Travelport Establishes Operation in Kenya

Travelport has launched a new direct commercial presence in Kenya. Travelport currently operates in 47 countries across the continent and East Africa is firmly in the group’s sights.

 No surprise, considering the healthy GDP growth in the region, which is expected to reach 5.6% in East Africa in 2013. Since 1997, Galileo, a Travelport global distribution system, has grown as the leading GDS in East Africa and was previously distributed in Kenya by Kenya Airways.

 With the new Travelport operation for travel agents now in place and an expanded Travelport team on the ground, the travel technology provider plans to introduce new customer support services and deploy a wide range of innovative products over the coming months, all aimed at helping Kenyan travel agents take advantage of the region’s growth and earn new revenues.

To head up the new Kenya team, Travelport has appointed Rajab Itambo as General Manager for Kenya. In addition, he will have responsibility for Travelport’s business in Tanzania. Over the past year, Travelport has been steadily growing its presence in Africa with the acquisition of its Galileo operation in Southern Africa last May, and the entry into 10 new African countries over the past 12 months.

 As well as investing in an expanded African network, Travelport has also deployed new travel agency solutions across the continent, including new mobile offerings, such as Travelport Mobile Agent, and new point of sale technology, such as Travelport Smartpoint. It has also secured numerous full content agreements with many of Africa’s fast-growing airlines and tripled the hotel content available in its system.  

New African Signing for Hilton

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a licensing agreement with long-standing franchisee, the Opulent Group, for the conversion of a hotel in the capital city of Bujumbura in Burundi, East Africa. The 130-room DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will open in early 2014.
 Formerly the Novotel, the hotel will undergo an extensive 18-month improvement and rebranding programme, before officially opening under the DoubleTree by Hilton banner. Renovation plans are already under way and will cover all key areas of the hotel, including full refurbishment of the hotel lobby and renovation of all guest and meeting rooms.
 A new business centre and fitness centre will also be introduced for the first time. DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will be located in the centre of the commercial district and close to businesses, embassies and government offices. Once open, the hotel will boast four conference rooms, a business centre, fitness centre and outdoor pool. Dining options will include two restaurants, including one speciality and one all-day dining, and a bar.
Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Bujumbura will benefit from the brand’s standout features, including the welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; and the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme. Hilton Worldwide currently operates 56 hotels in Middle East and Africa, totalling more than 17,000 rooms across 19 countries, and has a signed development pipeline of an additional 52 properties across Middle East and Africa in the U.A.E, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa and Cape Verde.