The Hertz Corporation has appointed AiRep Aviation & Tourism, one of Turkey's largest travel management companies, as its outbound General Sales Agent (GSA) representative for the travel trade in Turkey.

The recently signed partnership will see AiRep Aviation & Tourism tasked with growing Hertz outbound car rentals from Turkey to more than 8,800 Hertz locations in 150 countries.

That growth will likely be aided by the increasing number of Turkish travelers in recent years to popular destinations such as the U.S. and Europe, according to Hertz. According to the Turkish Ministry of Tourism, more than 11 million Turkish passport holders travelled abroad in 2012, while experts in the country estimate that by 2015, the number could increase to 16 million.

"With a population of 73.6 million and an average GDP growth rate of 4.6 percent expected over the next five years, we see Turkey as a key source market for Hertz outbound car rentals and integral to our long-term growth strategy," said Michel Taride, group president of Hertz International. "Turkey generates millions of tourists every year, while Hertz outbound car rentals from the country between January and August 2013 increased by 27 per cent versus the same period last year. We are delighted to be aligned with AiRep Aviation & Tourism, whose extensive market knowledge and presence makes them an ideal partner to advance this growth."

Taride added that the U.S., Italy, Germany, France, and Greece are currently the top five destinations for Turkish travelers choosing to rent with Hertz, accounting for a combined 67 percent of the total mentioned growth so far this year. Other popular global destinations include Spain, the UAE, Benelux, Switzerland and Austria.

With more than 20 years' experience, AiRep Aviation & Tourism has established an independent sales team operating as a dedicated resource representing the Hertz brand in Turkey, providing instant accessibility to the global portfolio of Hertz outbound products.