Online hotel booking platform Jovago has announced it is now accepting Tigo–Pesa as payment option following a partnership with Tigo, Tanzania’s leading Telecommunication Company.
In a statement, the company said Tigo Pesa customers will now be able to pay for their accommodation booked on Jovago with their Tigo Pesa account.
“This comes at a time when integration of m-payments on online booking websites is seen as a crucial aspect in bolstering in the e-tourism industry. This is the 2nd integration of a mobile payment service provider on the booking platform. The partnership allows guests more online convenience and speed in the booking process,” Jovago stated.
“Africa is definitely moving on to the digital world, as part of this move we want to take in consideration the local market demands and habits, thus structure our strategies in response to the needs” , said Estelle Verdier, Managing Director of Jovago Kenya.
Tigo Pesa is East Africa’s first cross-border money transfer with currency conversion and an app for the same. It’s evident that most interesting developments are taking place in mobile technology.
Commenting on the integration of Tigo Pesa with Jovago, Tigo Head of Mobile Financial Services Ruan Swanepoel said: “We are delighted to join hands with Jovago to give the customers of our two companies the convenience of paying for their hotel accommodation from the convenience of their mobile phones. This partnership is in line with our strategy to promote digital lifestyle among our customers.”
Verdier also explained that, in addition to the convenient payment methods Jovago currently offers the largest inventory of hotels in Africa and negotiates hotel rates on behalf of the customer to ensure customers find their ideal accommodation at the Best Price.
