Galileo Becomes GBTA Partner

Galileo UK has formalised its long-term relationship with the Guild of Business Travel Agents by becoming a GBTA  partner.

The GDS has worked closely with the Guild for a number of years, more recently co-sponsoring the GBTA's Management  Level Certificate in Business Travel. Galileo is also due to provide the new IATA approved Virgin Atlantic/GBTA fares  and ticketing courses to agents via its distribution system from this summer.

Philip Carlisle, Chief Executive of the GBTA said:  “We are pleased to welcome Galileo as a partner and cement our relationship with the leading GDS provider in the UK. Guild members need to maintain working relationships with a wide range of travel suppliers, and suppliers in turn are keen to reach our members. The partnership status is therefore mutually beneficial to both of us.

“We are also grateful to Galileo for their ongoing support with our training programmes for the last two years,” adds Carlisle. “As travel management companies move increasingly towards charging fees for their services, clients will compare them with other fee based professions. The need for staff to have a recognised business travel qualification is therefore ever more vital. “

Alison Bell, Galileo's Regional Director – UK & Ireland commented: “We are delighted to formalise our partnership with the GBTA. As the leading GDS in this market place it is vital that we continue to support and consult key bodies such as the GBTA to meet the changing requirements of business travel agents. This long term partnership enables us to work closely together to find innovative new business solutions to the mutual benefit of all parties. The success of the recent Galileo British Airways ‘opt-in' programme clearly demonstrates the value of such a partnership.”

Benefits of being a GBTA partner include priority access to Guild working party meetings, involvement in a bi-monthly GBTA members session, listing on the GBTA website, attendance at the annual conference and consultation with Guild officers and staff.

For further information:

GBTA : Vanessa Aves/Alex Kindell, Brighter PR, tel: 020 7603 2168, email: Vanessa.aves@brighterpr.co.uk

Galileo : …Nikki Harrison, Galileo, Tel: 01753 288768, e-mail: nikki.harrison@galileo.com .

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