Jovago and Tourism in Pakistan: EXCLUSIVE interview with Nadine Malik

LAHORE – Jovago, the leading online hotel booking website, has been working with the hotel industry in Pakistan to strengthen tourism by offering the economical rates and packages without compromising on quality and services.

It recently had 2147 hotels listed from all over Pakistan that can be booked from anywhere in the world using the Jovago mobile app and website.

Jovago crosses 2000th mark in Pakistan hotel listing

Here is an exclusive interview of Nadine Malik, Country Manger of Jovago.

1. How would you define Jovago.com in three words?

• Innovation
• Convenience
• Best prices

2. How is Jovago.com different than other online hotel booking platforms in Pakistan?

We are different in many aspects. With 2000+ hotels on board, we provide post payment option with 24/7 customer support. We provide discounts from our own end (discount codes) and have the most competitive prices for 98% of our hotels.

We are different in many aspects. With 2000+ hotels on board, we provide post payment option with 24/7 customer support. We provide discounts from our own end (discount codes) and have the most competitive prices for 98% of our hotels.

3. What is the feedback of your extranet mobile application?

Overall response is very positive for 2-3 star hotels and guest houses that are our prime focus.It’s a life changing tool for them and according to the hotel owners, it is the biggest achievement for Jovago so far. The top 5 star hotels also have given a constructive feedback.

4. What are the highest pressure situations in dealing with the clients?

The main issue is with payments or post payment doesn’t work well. Sometimes customers have complains with the hotels but Jovago is blamed by them.

5. In your view, what are the five characteristics of a good hotel?

• Service (Amenities)
• Price (value for money)
• Locality (accessibility)
• Restaurant
• Cleanliness, Staff and Comfort

6. Do you think people are concerned about hospital and police station nearby when booking a hotel?

People are little concerned about Hospital but don’t really care about having a police station nearby.

7. What are the main achievements of Jovago.com since 2014?

Jovago has come a long way since 2014 with about 2000 hotels located in 150 cities around Pakistan and our inventory is constantly growing.We have 1.5 million views on our website and x number of bookings every month. Jovago’s mobile application has scored 10,000 downloads on android. We have partnered with many renowned organizations like SCB and Daewoo to bring the best for our customers.

8. What is the role of tourism in the growth of cultural experience of Pakistan?

Tourism promotes the overall image of a country. Apart from that, it creates employment for people, helps local businesses grow and also helps to preserve local culture and traditions. The income generated through tourism can be invested in infrastructure and other supporting services.

9. How is terrorism affecting your business in Pakistan?

We can see a decline in terrorism activities in the country. Nevertheless, our business has not been negatively affected. People travel within Pakistan and local tourism is expanding. It is all about the negative perception attached with the security situation in Pakistan, and I think the government can do a lot to change it.

10. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see Jovago.com as the largest online hotel booking portal in Pakistan with best prices and superior customer service.