Oct 18, 2012 03:46 UTC Travelstart reports 585% growth in bookings as more Kenyans purchase travel online

Nairobi, Oct 18, 2012 – Travelstart , based in Nairobi, has reported a 585% average increase in bookings since February 2012. The website is open for travel bookings 24 hours a day as well as a variety of payment channels including M-Pesa, Credit Card, Internet bank transfer or cash at any Barclays Bank or Kenya Commercial Bank branch.

In line with the company’s goal of being Africa’s premier provider of end-to- end online travel services, Travelstart is planning to release ‘Cash on Delivery’ in the coming weeks. The service will be made available to customers in Nairobi and enables online flight booking payments to be transacted at the address specified by the customer.

In addition to the growth in bookings, the www.travelstart.co.ke website also reports a positive growth in the number of website visitors with a 166% increase in traffic between February and August 2012. This growth suggests a trend indicative of satisfied customers and is further driven by a decline in the price of Internet access in Kenya.

Magdaline Wambua, Regional Manager of Travelstart in East Africa, commented on the growth: “It’s wonderful to see that repeat customers currently account for more than 25% of our business (since January 2012), it shows us that we are doing the right thing here. Clients are satisfied with our service and the local team is always eager to assist with bookings made over the Internet. In addition, secure online payment channels further ensure that customers feel confident booking and paying online.”

Travelstart’s ease of use, together with the convenience it provides to travellers looking for affordable, comprehensive travel solutions, has been a major contributing factor to the positive growth of the online travel trend in Kenya. Linda Hellqvist, International Head of Marketing at Travelstart says: “The Travelstart website fills an important gap for business and leisure travellers that don’t have time to search various websites, or take time out to visit traditional travel agents. Now Kenya’s travelling public can compare prices and book flights, hotels and car hire in one place from the comfort of their home or office!”

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About Travelstart Kenya

Travelstart is the largest and fastest growing online travel agency in Africa, providing independent flight comparisons between low fares airlines as well as all major international airlines. Travelstart's mission is to make travel easier for the customer in the aspects of searching, comparing and booking flights. In addition customers can also compare prices and book hotels, car rental and holiday packages. Travelstart is also available in , , , and .

Contacts

Russell Jarvis Press Contact Content Manager Media and Communications [email protected] +2721-468-4300