Online travel agency Travelstart shares its growth strategy in new markets

Travelstart aims to help customers with travel research and has made some impressive inroads into emerging markets. Online travel solutions now include six African countries as well as Turkey. Recently the company has shared what it’s claiming to be its “winning growth formula” in emerging markets.

Founded in Sweden, Travelstart has since moved ever more into emerging markets and has successfully launched its headquarters in South Africa where it has been since 2006. Today, the company has about 150 employees worldwide and 1-million monthly visits.

Some points of interest that the company recently “divulged” include taking presenting opportunities with unique payment options, technology and distribution and social media.

In reference to making payments directly via Travelstart, customers can do an EFT use their credit cards or even opt for Cash on Delivery where “airline tickets are delivered to the customers’ doorstep in exchange for payment.” We have seen that when it comes to online spending, most customers in Africa prefer Cash on Delivery as their payment option.

Travelstart prides itself on the range of information it delivers. The company also notes that the variety of flight options and information it provides is due to both the great airline inventory– the Amadeus Global Distribution System and direct connects with airlines. Travelstart also uses an affiliate network that makes third party websites available for commission in turn.

In terms of social media, the company boasts Facebook as being its most significant and boasts a massive 900 000 members across eight different markets.

In reference to Africa and the Middle-East, Travelstart notes that the regions are still in their infancy when it comes to current internet infrastructure, but says that the early adoption of emerging markets in Africa and further afield will allow it to capitalize on the growth potential in those regions. CEO and founder Stephan Ekbergh notes:

“Africa’s savvy online travel audience is thriving and they expect a system that can help make their lives easier, not more complicated. A growing number of travelers have been attracted to the Travelstart websites by their ease of use, as well as the comprehensive customer service support we offer during and after the online booking process.”