Easy access: Pakistan sees launch of online hotel-booking portal

Jovago.com aims to cater to people travelling within country.

KARACHI: Unveiling its latest business venture in Pakistan, Rocket Internet AG announced the official launch of jovago.com, an online hotel-booking platform.

The portal, operational in Pakistan since May2014, aims to cater to the tourism industry – long suffering at the hands of law and order – and serves as a reminder that companies still look to Pakistan as an investment opportunity.

Jovago Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Midy, via a recorded message, said Pakistan is home to several vacationers and business travelers who seek convenient travel arrangements. “For the first time in Pakistan, an online booking company is going to guarantee the cheapest hotel price.”



He said the company sees vast potential in South Asia, especially Pakistan, citing internet access through smartphones and cost-effective packages as the reasons.

“In various parts of the country, a lot of guesthouses provide accommodation. But, very few people are aware of these.”

While the company maintains a strong online presence, Midy added that it is working towards marketing through other mediums as well. “Soon, you will hear about us on the radio or see us on billboards.” Jovago Managing Director Nadine Malik reiterated the company’s mission to provide the ideal accommodation at the best prices. “We have signed up to 1,000 hotels all over Pakistan.

Malik added that pictures of hotels are taken by the website staff, in a bid to present a fairer view of accommodation and details on security measures.

“The website is constantly being modified and upgraded to ensure it remains user-friendly, in addition we take customer feedback very important and build on any suggestions.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March  18^th,  2015.

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