Galileo Asia & University of Santo Tomas establish strategic partnership

10 Nov 2006

Bangkok--10 Nov--Incentive Dynamics

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, November 10 2006 --- Galileo Asia, the leading global distribution system (GDS) provider and subsidiary of Travelport has today announced its strategic partnership with the University of Santo Tomas - Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (ITHM), in Manila, Philippines.

Under the terms of the partnership, Galileo will provide junior students who are learning computer reservation systems skills in their tourism computer classes with direct access to the Galileo global distribution system (GDS). Galileo will also provide training for the university professors and together jointly develop the training manual for the students based on past teaching experiences of the course.

Andrew Ling, General Manager, Galileo Philippines, said the reason behind the partnership between Galileo and University of Santo Tomas is Galileo’s interest in partnering with a well-established and reputable college in the Philippines that can train and produce future professionals for the dynamic travel industry. Students equipped with the Galileo System skills can readily apply it in over 52,000 Galileo Travel Agency worldwide.

“We believe these new ITHM graduates who are training on the Galileo system will be the travel agents of the future in the Philippines and elsewhere,” said Ling. “We would like Galileo to be their preferred GDS and be a point of comparison if ever they use other GDSs. These students may also be future Galileo sales agents and by learning Galileo’s key features and functionalities now, they can further educate and convince future users.“

Ling went on to say that “Approximately 250 students per year are expected to train on the Galileo system, with the intent of becoming Galileo-connected agents after graduation. We are pleased to be part of this exciting training programme in an effort to produce more future industry professionals in the Philippines.”

Asst. Prof. Ma. Cecilia A. Tio Cuison, Director of the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Santo Tomas , said the partnership with Galileo is another innovative step by the Institute to ensure graduates obtain the required skill set to excel in the highly competitive and dynamic travel industry.

“Our partnership with Galileo is an evidence of our commitment towards achieving this end, as students have the opportunity to utilize a sophisticated GDS system during their practical classes in travel and tourism. Furthermore, Galileo’s integrated and comprehensive training will go far in ensuring graduates are up to date with the latest global technological and reservation trends,” she concluded.

For more information, please access www.galileo.com .

Notes to Editors: About University of Santo Tomas

Known as the Catholic University of the Philippines, the almost four-century old University of Santo Tomas draws inspiration from the teachings and philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic doctor and patron saint of Catholic schools. The almost 400-year old university is the oldest in Asia and in student population, the largest Catholic University in the world located on one campus. The University commits itself to the pursuit of truth and to the preservation, advancement and transmission of knowledge in the arts and sciences, both sacred and civil, through the use of reason illumined by faith. he university also affirms its role in the formation of men and women to become competent and compassionate professionals committed to the service of the Church, the nation and the global community. By the year 2011, the University of Santo Tomas envisions itself as a center of excellence in various programs of teaching, an acknowledged expert in key areas of research in the pure and applied sciences, a leader in community/extension services, and as the Center of Contextualized Theology in Asia. It also envisions for itself an extended physical presence beyond Manila, and a more functional networking mechanism with other universities/institutions. Visit www.ust.edu.ph

About Galileo

Galileo is a global technology leader. Its core business is providing electronic global distribution services for the travel industry through its computerized reservation systems, leading-edge products and innovative, Internet-based solutions. Galileo is a value-added distributor of travel inventory dedicated to supporting its travel supplier, agency and corporate customers and, through them, expanding traveler choice. Galileo, a Travelport brand, is headquartered in Langley, UK and has offices worldwide. Visit www.galileo.com .

About Travelport

Travelport is one of the world’s largest travel conglomerates. It operates 20 leading brands including Galileo, a global distribution system (GDS); Orbitz, an online travel agent; and Gulliver’s Travel Associates, a wholesaler of travel content. With 2005 revenues of $2.4 billion, the Company has 8,000 employees and operates in 130 countries. Travelport is a private company owned by The Blackstone Group of New York and Technology Crossover Ventures of Palo Alto, California.

For media enquiries:

Bessie Tam (Asia)

Galileo by Travelport

+852 2821 2388

[email protected]

Steve Lovato/G.E. Mead

Incentive Dynamics (S) Pte. Ltd.

+6596253104/+66818507979

[email protected]

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