Companies

Jumia expands wings into travel agency with eyes on corporate clients

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A screenshot of the Jumia Travel homepage. PHOTO | COURTESY

Online shopping portal Jumia, has ventured into travel agency business for corporate clients as the firm broadens its portfolio to boost revenues.

Jumia Travel, more commonly known for its online hotel booking portal, has so far signed deals with more than 100 companies in Kenya.

The firm has established two customer service outlets in Westlands and Nairobi’s Central Business Districts (CBD). 

Jumia corporate customers will get transport and accommodation bookings and any other business travel arrangements.

The e-commerce firm has signed partnerships with various firms in the hospitality industry including hotels and major airlines, from which they earn a commission.

“We are tapping into MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition) business because Kenya happens to be a business hub for major international firms setting base in Africa,” Jumia Travel Eastern and Southern Africa managing director Estelle Verdier told the Business Daily on Thursday during the launch of this year’s hospitality report in Nairobi.

“A lot of meetings happen in major cities in Kenya and East Africa and we are here to take the headache away from companies by making the necessary travel arrangements on their behalf.”

Jumia Travel started testing the product last year.