By Silvia Nyambura
Online hotel-booking website Jovago has initiated a partnership with the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA). This is aimed at widening the scope of operation for the company while also bringing smaller and more remote hotels the opportunity to sign up to the site and market themselves.
Speaking at a press event on 28th October, 2015 at the AIG offices on Mawanda Road in Kampala, Jovago Country Manager Louis Badea said, “We are delighted to introduce Jovago to UHOA member hotels. We offer them the possibility to have a higher visibility and increase their traffic. Together with UHOA, we will conduct trainings with hotels on how to improve their standards so they could be stronger actors for the Ugandan tourism industry.”
The periodical trainings will begin with hotels in the central region and eventually expand into the rest of Uganda. They will focus on raising standards of service, using the online platform and positive practices for success in the hotel industry. Jovago aims to increase visibility of local hotels online, opening them up to a global client-base.
“Our main priority is to improve and expand the tourism and hotel industry in Uganda. We understand that for the tourism sector to be profitable, the industry as a whole must grow and we are intent on making that happen. Jovago is excited to welcome aboard our new partners and we look forward to the road ahead,” he said.
Jean Byamugisha the Executive Director UHOA said, “As an association we have over 450 members across different classifications. We are glad to partner with Jovago because its business model is adapted to the African market. The company’s uniqueness is that it is the first online hotel booking site to set up office in Uganda. This gives it a clear feel of the needs of the local industry player and how to handle the challenges involved.”
She explained the partnership will allow UHOA member hotels offer their services across the East African region. It will also ensure potential hotel visitors access round the clock customer service as the Jovago site is available 24/7.
“Joining the site is currently free for all UHOA members. The free online marketing is especially timely given the approaching festive season which is a high season for tourists. We expect our members to capitalize on this to drive occupancy in their premises,” she noted.