24.com launches GoTravel24.com
2008-03-27 08:30
"Go travel, 24/7"
That's the message from the recently launched www.gotravel24.com, part of the 24.com network. Touting itself as "the virtual travel agent for South African travellers" the site offers all-day access to a mix of travel information and packages, all bookable online.
According to Nielsen/NetRatings, travel sites are the fourth most popular destination online for South Africans, accounting for 11% of all time spent online. For example, among South Africa's more than five million online users, over 557 000 hours were spent visiting travel sites during the month of August last year.
"Online ticketing of air travel continues to be the dominant e-commerce sector in South Africa and presents a case study to organisations in other industry sectors on how to offer a simple, secure and efficient experience for consumers," comments Arther Goldstuck of World Wide Worx, South Africa's leading independent technology research and strategy organisation.
"As an indication of the size of the online travel market in South Africa, from 2005 to 2007, the country's four airlines almost doubled their online ticket sales, jumping from R1.7 billion to R3.2 billion in revenue."
"GoTravel24 puts the power in the hands of consumers to search and purchase a variety of travel-related products, any time of day or night," says Bryan Porter, Product Manager for GoTravel24.
"Whether at lunch or the end of the day, one can easily book a trip from start to finish, all in a matter of minutes."
Visitors to GoTravel24 can search for accommodation, kulula flights and car rental options among six domestic destinations (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and the Garden Route), as well as the island of Mauritius. Users may also search according to seven holiday package themes:
Adventure
Beach Holidays
City Breaks
Families
Golf & Spa
Romance
Bush
"Splitting search options into destinations and themes makes for a richer user experience. For example, if one wants to search for a family trip to Cape Town, a destination search is advised. If one wants to compare romantic getaways for two among the various provinces, a theme search will provide a good list of research options," adds Porter.
Other features of the site include weather reports, travel guides, regular competitions and polls, thorough reviews of the some of the top tourist spots in Southern Africa and a gallery with photos and stories about interesting local personalities, unique destinations and exciting activities.
Edited by Selene Brophy, who has been an online journalist for five years, GoTravel24 helps South African consumers to make informed travel decisions, as well as allowing them to contribute their own opinions and experiences about places they have visited. Users have the opportunity to share their knowledge, photos and experiences with others through travel blogs and Wiki Travel Guides. Visitors to GoTravel24 may also subscribe to a weekly newsletter to keep them informed of new holiday specials and relevant travel information.
"Going forward, additional airline partners will be brought on board to expand the available route options, but for now, we want visitors to know Gotravel24.com as the site to visit to browse for holidays, pick up useful tips and book all their travel arrangements - all in one location," concludes Porter.
For more information and to view the site, visit www.gotravel24.com