With this, Travelstart customers can use their credit cards to pay online for flights, hotels, car rentals and complete journeys.
MUNICH – Travelstart is the largest African online travel agent offering real-time access to thousands of flights in the emerging markets Wirecard, the international provider of digital financial technology, is facilitating credit card acceptance for Africa's largest online travel agent Travelstart. With this, Travelstart customers can use their credit cards to pay online for flights, hotels, car rentals and complete journeys.
Founded in Sweden in 1999, Travelstart has focused on emerging markets mainly in Africa and Middle East from its headquarters in South Africa since 2006. The portal offers users real-time access to thousands of flights. Two millions users from 16 countries take advantage of the reservation portal's offers every month.
Current tourism trends are showing that Africa is increasingly becoming an attractive tourism destination. Growing at a rate of 6.5% per year, the total number of international tourist arrivals to Africa reached 18.6 million during the first half of 2017. Moreover, Africa is attracting young net-savvy target groups interested in adventure travelling and eco-tourism. The millennials – used to research, book and pay their trips online – are building an important part of Travelstart's customer base. Due to the collaboration with Wirecard, Travelstart is strengthening their connection to this target group with state-of-the-art digital credit card payments.
Jan Rubel, Head of Sales Travel and Transport at Wirecard: "Through this partnership with Travelstart, we are providing customers with flexible, fast and secure solutions for holiday payments. We are delighted to offer decisive added value to all tourists in a dynamic market such as Africa within the scope of this collaboration."
Lasse Vinther, Corporate Development at Travelstart, adds: "As a One Travel Agency in Africa and Middle East, we face increasing complexity and fragmentation in connection with payment processes. These must be quick and uncomplicated while complying with the highest possible encryption standards to ensure data security. We are therefore particularly pleased to have found a partner in Wirecard who meets these demands in full."
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
