Avis is on course to having 20,000 cars on the Middle East’s roads by 2010. The company, which returned to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in 2006, is using the 2007 event as a platform to launch its recently signed partnership with Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, to become a car rental partner in its exclusive Skywards membership programme for frequent flyers.

To celebrate the three-year agreement, Avis is launching a Double Miles promotion, which runs until the end of June. Skywards members will earn 1,000 miles each time they rent from Avis and also be entered into a draw when 10 lucky winners will each receive 15,000 free air miles. The draw will take place on July 18.

Avis is increasing its stand size at this year’s exhibition, reflecting important recent developments within the industry and of the company in particular, which during 2006 increased its fleet size by 30 percent. Representatives from Avis’ regional operations along with outbound sales managers from several European countries will be using the umbrella of this year’s event to meet with key travel trade partners from the Middle East and surrounding regions.

This summer, the car rental company is expanding its regional operations into Yemen while its development strategy includes opening additional offices throughout the GCC, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
                                       
“As the region benefits from high development levels, this opens the door for growth opportunity and attracts competition,” said Thierry Domballe, Avis’ Regional Director for the Middle East and Mediterranean region since 2003.           

“By focusing on high quality standard and a well-positioned pricing strategy, we wish to offer customers the best renting experience through superior service and have them choose Avis wherever their need for car hire arises.”

Established for more than 30 years in the region, Avis is ambitious about the future: “We are confident that this year, we will continue to show strong development by being focused on the strength of the Avis brand and its core values,” said Domballe. “Our relationship with general motors enables us to offer customers the latest models in all countries,” Domballe explained. Underlining this strategic partnership, Avis will be running a raffle on its stand -CR38- for visitors to win a General Motors’ Spark.

Avis, which was founded over 60 years ago in the United States, has spread its wings to encompass a network of nearly 3,000 locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia as well as over 2,000 locations in the Americas and Australasia.