Facts About Pakistan’s E-Commerce Industry That Every Pakistani Should Know

As technology spreads its wings across different parts of the world, it has revolutionized how industries worked. With the advent of internet amongst other technological advancements, the world has become a global village whereby connections and integrations are stronger between people and businesses.

Amidst this revolution, the corporate world has found its new mantra – Partnerships and compliances within and between different industries. Industries are busy finding new yet better ways to cash on this mantra to engage customers and address their needs in more meaningful ways.

One of the ways through which industries are able to go ahead with their plans of partnership and compliance is with the emergence of the e-commerce industry which has provided a new formula to integrate and to carry out transactions pertaining to different nature and categories.

Black Friday sales, independence day sales, and new year deals are some examples of why the e-commerce industry has great potential in the developing countries including Pakistan. Within a few years of its existence, the industry is seen surging its way with its double-digit growth rate.

Keeping in mind the potential that this market possesses, Jovago Pakistan brings you an exclusive article on the facts about Pakistan’s e-commerce industry that every Pakistani should know.

Revenue generator
With the positive outlook of the e-commerce industry in the country, it is predicted that it will cross the threshold of US$600 million by the year 2017. Although it is still in its introductory stage, the industry is already showing a green flag to its various stakeholders. The South Asian country will be among the ten economies that will inject approximately $4.3 billion to the global GDP in the next ten years according to a recent survey.

Increasing smartphone penetration
With the total population of Pakistan expected to reach over 195 million, it is predicted that the smartphone penetration will cross the mark of 40 million users in 2017.

Increasing Internet penetration
The e-commerce industry has proved to be a major hit because of the ever-increasing internet penetration in the country; which is an important gateway for Pakistan to become more connected to the world. With the introduction of 3G and 4G internet connections and the possible launch of the 5G internet in the coming years, it is believed that 28 percent (56 million) of the country’s population will have access to internet access over the next five years.

Payment method
Unlike the rest of the world where credit card is used as the widely used payment medium, Pakistanis seem to be reluctant to share their credit card details with other people and businesses. Therefore, cash on delivery is the most commonly used payment method in Pakistan. It is estimated that more than 95% of e-commerce users in Pakistan prefer cash on delivery (COD) payment model.

Shift in the hospitality sector due to technology

As the hospitality industry is associated with the quality of service that it provides to its customers, it needs to find ways to sustain and improve this experience. One of the ways through which the hospitality sector is changing its business model is by using technology.

The use of technology in the hospitality sector is vital because of the convenience and increased choices that it provides to the users. By just making a few clicks here and there, customers are able to order food and book a hotel room among other things. From the perspective of the various hospitality businesses, the technological advancement is a means to attract more customers towards the various services that it offers including travel and tourism and recreation.

There are a number of reasons why Jovago Pakistan believes that there is a shift in the hospitality sector due to technology.

Online website
With the online platform providing the opportunity to launch their businesses through a different medium other than the conventional brick and mortar store, several startups have successfully emerged on the e-commerce market in Pakistan. These businesses offer customized search engine options on their website which can further enhance the quality of experience of customers. Moreover, blogs and advisors by these startups also prove to be of great help in educating the customers on various topics.

Smartphone application
Technology has eased the lives of people all over the world who are associated with the hospitality sector. Not only can people order food from their favorite restaurants but they are able to reserve hotel rooms by just tapping on their smartphones. Apart from the websites, businesses have launched their apps to further facilitate the customers. Jovago Pakistan has also launched its hotel booking app, for both iOS and Android users, which customers can use to book a hotel room from an inventory of over 2000 hotels.

Extranet app
The modern day strategy rule revolves around ensuring that all the stakeholders are on the same page. This is because it helps in increasing customer satisfaction and adds value to the whole process. Therefore, to ensure that all of its hotels’ partners are on the same page, Jovago Pakistan launched it extranet app. This is basically a mobile application through which hotels can confirm new reservations, see and search through all reservations, change rates for any time period and change room availability for any time period.

Female Leaders That Are Creating a History in Pakistan’s Corporate World

Over the years, women have been associated with words such as delicate and compassionate because of which they were confined to perform specific chores only within the four walls of their houses. But this no longer seems to be the situation.

With the power to not only bring life into this world after God but also to nurture and shape the future generation, women are capable of doing diverse things. With technology spreading its wings across various corners of the world, women are provided with a platform to learn, to speak up for themselves and even start their own business!

This has lead women to bring accolades in various different fields. They have definitely made Pakistan proud because working in a male dominant environment is tough and requires some serious guts. Keeping in mind the diverse contributions of Pakistani women, Jovago Pakistan has dedicated this article to all those corporate women out there.

Nadine Malik
According to a famous proverb, behind every successful man, there is a strong woman. In Jovago Pakistan’s case, there is a strong woman behind the success of the company. With an MBA degree from INSEAD and a passion for working in a challenging environment, which is a common element found in the e-commerce market, Nadine came back to Pakistan in order to launch the Rocket Internet’s online hotel booking venture in Pakistan. Over a journey of just more than two years, Jovago has emerged as the largest and the best hotel booking website in Pakistan with an inventory of more than 2000 hotels.

Sima Kamil
Appointed as the new CEO and President of UBL, Sima Kamil is the first female CEO of any major bank in Pakistan. With a banking career spanning over 25 years, Sima is an all rounded leader with positions including head of branch banking, director of asset management at HBL and Chair of the Board of Governors of Karachi Grammar School.

Maheen Rahman
Turning a loss —making asset management company into a profitable acquisition target, Maheen leads Alfalah GHP Investment Management Ltd as its CEO. A LUMS graduate, she is the only Pakistani woman to make it to the Fortune’s list of ‘40 under the 40s: top ten women CEOs’ and is also the youngest head of an asset management company.

Jehan Ara Pasha
With a 30-year-old career spanning in the fields of marketing, communications and interactive media, Jehan is many things combined. She is not only an entrepreneur but also a social activist and motivator. She is the President of Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES and the tech incubator NEST I/O and is an ardent supporter of legislation for cybercrime, and privacy and data protection.

Facts and Figures About Pakistan’s Hospitality Industry That Will Make You Awed

In the midst of the improved security conditions in the country and emergence of various travel websites that offer various hospitality related services, Pakistan is seeing an upsurge in the inbound tourism over the years.

More people are traveling to Pakistan to explore the various natural and man-made aspects of sheer beauty that this South Asian country possesses. Be it three of the world’s highest mountain ranges in the north or the widely stretched coastal belt in the south, one of the world’s largest necropolis at Makli to the stunning fresh water sources at various areas, Pakistan is home to many diverse tourist places that attract people from all walks of life.

To further allure tourists to visit the country, Jovago Pakistan is back with the second edition of Pakistan’s hospitality report for the year 2017. The best online hotel booking website brings you an exclusive article so that you can know and feel awed about various facts and figure from 2017’s hospitality industry report.

E-commerce industry
With a growing youth population that is tech savvy, cheap smartphones and 3G/ 4G services, the e-commerce industry in Pakistan has a huge potential to grow and become a major revenue injector to the GDP. This particular industry is expected to reach over US$600 million by 2017.

Internet projection
Amidst the better internet connection through the availability of 3G and 4G internet and affordable smartphones, there has been an increase in internet penetration which is currently over 30 million users today. It is projected that this increase in internet penetration will reach 56 million of Pakistan’s total population over the next five years.

Employment opportunity
The increasing inbound tourism has resulted in employment generation for the locals. From 1,429,500 jobs being created in the hospitality sector in 2015, it is projected that this figure will reach 1,760,000 jobs till 2025 i.e. an increase of 2.1% per annum over the next ten years.

Leading hotel chains
With the ongoing development in the country including the mega project of CPEC, the inbound tourism is projected to increase in Pakistan. Seeing the potential that Pakistan possesses in the hospitality sector, various hotel chains including Hashoo Group, Grand Hayatt, and Sheraton will be opening new hotels in various parts of the country over the next 5 years.

Exclusive Deals on Pakistan Day That You Should Not Miss Out

Amongst the various events that have shaped the history of Pakistan the Lahore resolution, which was later renamed as Pakistan resolution, is one event that laid the foundation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia. The event holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis because it marked the official start of the drive for a separate Muslim state.

Therefore, Pakistan resolution day is celebrated with utmost patriotism and fervor on 23rd March every year. As this date is just around the corner, there can be seen an upsurge in the patriotic feeling amongst Pakistanis.

To help all Pakistanis to make the most out of this special day, which molded the lives of millions of Muslims for the better, Jovago Pakistan has started a special campaign by the name of Safar e Pakistan that will highlight the various aspects of our beautiful motherland. As part of this campaign, this article is about the exclusive deals on Pakistan day that you should not miss out.

Daraz.pk
As part of its “Pakistan First” philosophy, Daraz.pk is all set to offer crazy discounts through its “Grand Green sale”. The sale will be live from 23rd March to 25th March 2017. With 23 mega sales and discounts up to 77 percent across various categories, Daraz is determined to help Pakistanis celebrate the 77th Pakistan day in style without straining their bank account.

Jovago.pk
With the mission to promote and increase tourism in Pakistan and to facilitate travelers though easy and best online hotel booking, Jovago Pakistan is ready to celebrate Pakistan day in style. With its Safar e Pakistan campaign, Jovago Pakistan will not only offer crazy discounts up to 60% on hotel booking but also provide special discounted tour packages for those who are planning to travel to different areas in the country. These deals are a perfect to enjoy your trip and make beautiful memories that you can later cherish upon without putting a dent in your bank account.

Foodpanda
Are you someone who believes that eating food is the best way to celebrate an event? If yes, then Foodpanda brings the perfect excuse to keep your tummy full and satiate your hunger cravings by offering discounts up to 60%. These crazy discounts will be live for the entire month of March.

Here’s How You Should Spend the Long Holiday Coming Up on 23rd March

As the month of March arrives, the feeling of patriotism surges to a new high among Pakistanis. Are you someone who is curious about this upsurge?

This feeling of freedom and patriotism is associated with the month of March for various reasons. Not only does it instill hope for a better future with the blooming flowers, which marks the arrival of the spring season, it is also cherished because of the historical significance that it has for Pakistan.

The most prominent day of the month is 23rd of March on which prominent leaders of the Muslim gathered in 1940, at the famous Minto Park in Lahore, to pass a resolution which revolved around the Muslims drive for a separate homeland within British India.

Therefore, the resolution is considered to be one of the major events that laid the foundation for Pakistan and is celebrated with utmost patriotism.

This article by Jovago Pakistan is a part of the online hotel booking website’s Safar e Pakistan campaign which is all about highlighting the beauty that Pakistan possesses. It includes the places that are a must-visit to celebrate 23rd March and remember the message that it brings about.

Minar e Pakistan
The celebration of this important milestone in Pakistan’s history will be incomplete without a visit to the Minar e Pakistan in Lahore, where the resolution for a separate Muslim homeland was passed. With an approximate height of 70 meters, this national monument was built to commemorate March 23, 1940. Situated in Iqbal park which is a major public attraction, the Minar e Pakistan is adjacent to the famous Badshahi masjid.

Pakistan Monument
The beautiful monument in constructed in the shape of a flower petal and is located on the Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad. With an area of 2.8 hectares, the monument symbolizes national unity. The adjoining museum is a major public attraction because it is home to wax monuments that depict important events that lead to Pakistan Movement.

Mazar e Quaid
This is the final resting place of the Father of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah who played a major role in the creation of a separate state for Muslims of South Asia. Situated in the largest city of Pakistan, the mausoleum is the largest of its kind in the country. It is built out of white marble and is a sight on its own. Important artifacts which are of historical significance are kept at the museum which is adjacent to the mausoleum.

Ziarat Residency
The beautiful valley of Ziarat in the province of Balochistan is famous for its serene environment which entranced the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah as he spent his final days there. The tourists are not only attracted by the historical significance of this place but the lush green lawns of the residency provide a spectacular view of the entire valley.

ACCA launches Research Report and Online certificates

20^th March 2017: ACCA Pakistan held an exclusive event to reveal the key findings of its latest research report, 50 drivers of change in the public sector, published in December 2016.

To help professional accountants and leaders in the public sector prepare for an uncertain tomorrow, ACCA undertook a global study to explore which emerging drivers of change could have the biggest impact and to highlight the skills that will be required over the period to 2026.

At the event, ACCA has also launched its online Certificate in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (Cet. IPSAS). This qualification will be delivered in Pakistan in partnership with ICMA Pakistan using a blended (online and face-to-face) model. The face-to-face content has been specifically developed by ICMA Pakistan to help meet the challenges of implementing IPSAS from a local perspective.

There is an increasing demand for greater transparency and accountability for public funds. The public sector is evolving to deliver services in the most effective way within the constraints of available public finances and therefore it is important that finance professionals working in the public sector are proficient in the international public sector accounting standards and IPSAS will help improve the reporting and financial management in public sector

The event was attended by senior public sector officials and dignitaries from key development agencies.  Important representatives included, Helen Brand, ACCA’s Chief Executive, Muhammad Kamran Jamil, Executive Director, ICMA Pakistan, ACCA Council Members, Phoebe Hao Yu and Ayla Majid, Imran Iqbal, Additional Auditor General of Pakistan, Ahmed Taimoor Nasir, DG HRM, Auditor General of Pakistan, Tafakhar Ali Asadi, Director General (Policy), Auditor General Pakistan and Akram El-Shorbagi, Senior FM Specialist, The World Bank.

Local Wonders of Pakistan That Are a Must Visit

A common item on most people’s bucket list is to explore the seven wonders of the world. For travelers, they are a source of experiencing a different culture while historians get a taste of the past by visiting these seven masterpieces of the world.

Whilst these wonders get thousands of visitors each year, the local beauty remains untapped. This is why this special edition by Jovago Pakistan is dedicated to the local wonders of Pakistan that should be on the bucket list of all the travelers out there.

Katas Raj Temples
In the village of Katas, which is located in the Chakwal district, lies the Hindu temples of Katas Raj. This sacred site for the believers of Hinduism is home to Satghara or seven temples and is surrounded by a crystal blue pond. Believed to possess the power to wash away all the sins of a person who bathes in it, the exotic blue pond along with the temples is definitely worth a visit.

Princess of Hope
Located near the largest national park of Pakistan and the famous exotic beach of Kund Malir lies the monument of Princess of Hope. Wearing a head wear that resembles a heavy crown, Princess of Hope is actually a rock statue. It was christened with this name by the famous Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie on her visit to the place.

Ruins of Sharda University
A Buddhist and Hindus center for imparting knowledge, the ruins of Sharda university are a sight on their own. They are a part of the Sharda Peeth temple and are located in the small town of Sharda in the beautiful Neelum Valley.

Karakoram Highway
Constructed on one of the highest mountain ranges in the world, the Karakoram Highway was named after the mountain range on which it is paved. It is the world’s highest international road border connecting Pakistan with China. As it passes through five of the highest mountains of the world, it is every cyclist’s dream to cycle along the famous KKH.

Shimshal Lake
Located in the beautiful district of Hunza, the Shimshal lake is a heart shaped lake. Due to its unique shape, it is considered to be the only lake in the world of its kind. The Shimshal lake is situated at an altitude of 13,000 meters and is fed by the glaciers of Gilgit-Baltistan.

JOVAGO LAUNCHES HOSPITALITY REPORT 2017

Pakistan, 15th March 2017: For the second time, the Pakistan’s Hospitality Report by Jovago Pakistan sheds light on major travel trends in the country, looking at how the local sector compares with counterparts on the global map; it’s rapid development, impending barriers and the impact of technology on the changing domestic travel landscape.

“The findings are compiled from data gathered from the 2000 plus Pakistani hotels partnering with Jovago, showing not only an increase in the absorption of technology in the sector but also remarkable growth in domestic travel spending’ Remarked CEO Nadine Malik, during the launch.

The research shows Pakistanis still prefer their mobile phones when it comes to hotel searches, accounting for 61% of traffic to the website as compared the 39% computer sourced traffic. The trajectory is almost duplicated when it comes to placing actual bookings; 63% of visitors book via computers while the remaining 37% click on their smartphones. In accordance to the conventional belief, there are more men visiting the website at 80% in comparison to women who take up 20%.

In what now seems like a trend and lifestyle devotion, Pakistanis still prefer staying in three-star hotels as compared to any other rating. As per the report, 36% of all bookings are made for 3-stars hotels, followed by 32% for 2-stars hotels, 20% for 4-stars hotels, 10% for 1-star hotel and 2% for 5-stars hotels.

Tina Wang, the Managing Director for Jovago Pakistan attributes this shift to the growing number of properties now enjoying online, thus global presence, “Through the last 2 years we have developed a unique solution for hotel managers to gain online visibility and have empowered them to manage all the bookings through the Extra-Net App. By virtue of joining our platform, this enables them to not just get the bookings but also headlined with automation in the industry.”

The fact that the platform has also adapted the use of local languages such as Burmese, as well as established local offices across the continent has also highly boosted their partner-customer-relations due to improved access and proximity.

About APACIG
The Asia Pacific Internet Group (www.apacig.com) is a joint venture of Rocket Internet and Ooredoo. The group’s network consists of 14 e-commerce and online marketplace companies, operating across 15 countries. Since it was founded in 2014, APACIG has become the leading online platform in Asia, building top internet companies in the region.

About Jovago Pakistan
Jovago.pk is an online hotel booking service with offices in Pakistan, Nairobi (Kenya) and 10 other offices across the continent. Jovago is founded by Africa Internet Group and has Rocket Internet, MTN, Millicom, AXA, Orange and Goldman Sachs as its investors. Jovago.pk, Pakistan’s No.1 booking portal, facilitates the booking process for its users to provide them with the best hotel booking experience with fast, transparent and easy-to-use services. Jovago.pk has over 2000 local hotel listings in Pakistan and over 200,000 hotels around the world.

Steak Houses Across Pakistan That Are a Must Try

The love of food is one reason because of which people travel to different places. It provides people a beautiful connection to establish an attachment with a tourist destination which can serve as a reminder of the great time one had.

This is something which is particularly true in the case of steaks, which are referred to as a heavenly food for meat lovers. The cuts and the cooking technique makes steaks a difficult dish. This results in few options being available to steak lovers to satiate their flesh cravings.

If you are a fan of the juicy piece of meaty goodness that comes in the form of steaks but don’t know where you could satiate your meat cravings in Pakistan then this guide by Jovago Pakistan is a must read for you.

KARACHI
Gun Smoke
The amazing ambiance along with the drool worthy steaks is something that you will find at Gun Smoke. It is located at Dolmen Mall Clifton. Although they offer other dishes as well, their specialty lies in their steaks. Their Original Gun Smoke Cowboy Steak, served with their signature mash potato, creamed spinach and dinner salad is a must try.

Jason’s Steak House
Located in Pearl Continental Hotel, the Chicago styled steakhouse is all set to allure you with its succulent beef steaks and 1940’s themed ambiance. Prepared from specially imported beef, their hearty meaty goodness will leave your flesh craving fully satiated.

ISLAMABAD
Texas Steak House
Inspired by the tender yet rich food that the city of Texas offers, this steakhouse is situated in E-7. Aiming to offer an unforgettable experience to their customers, the Texas Steak House is all set to woo you with their authentic American steaks.

Porterhouse
Located in Kohsar market, this steakhouse is renowned for its top notch steak cuts. Add a beautiful presentation and you will end up in a staring contest. Porterhouse has created a niche for itself amongst steak lovers in the capital city of Pakistan.

Must Have Apps for All Solo Females Traveling in Pakistan

As the hospitality industry goes online, it has lead to a change in the dynamics of the industry. Gone are the days when people had to wait in long lines to get a place in the restaurant or had to wander about the new destination in search of a hotel room that met their requirements.

Nowadays, everything is possible by just using your smartphone. This technological advancement has brought about convenience into the lives of human beings which has enabled them to take control of their lives.

One aspect of this empowerment can be seen among women who are no longer confined to household chores. They no longer feel the need to have the company of males whenever they are going on a trip. Rather, by easily planning and arranging for every aspect of their travel voyage prior to their traveling to the new destination, females are ready to embark on a solo journey which is full of eye- opening experiences.

To facilitate these women, Jovago brings a list of apps which every woman traveling solo in Pakistan should have.

Google Translate

As Pakistani is a home to various diverse ethnic groups, there are a number of languages spoken throughout the country. With the help of the tech maestro, all females can easily get to understand and communicate by typing in words and phrases used in the local language. Google translate is available in 103 languages, out of which 52 are available offline. By using this app, you will no longer stutter because you are at a loss for words.

Help Call

During traveling, if any emergency arises, one is not exactly sure whom to call for help. You can avoid such situation by using the Help Call app. With it’s easy to navigate button system, it brings all the essential international emergency information together. Do download the app in order to ensure that you are ready to face all the challenges that your solo journey brings about.

Jovago

Traveling to Pakistan but don’t know where to stay? Keep calm as Jovago Pakistan has come to your rescue. With an inventory of more than 2000 hotels, Pakistan’s best hotel booking website provides you the best price guarantee and most importantly, the ease of paying online as well as offline. Moreover, it also allows you to search for the best hotel room by using the customized search engine which is based on various criteria including destination, stars, price and popularity.

Instagram

Want to show off all your amazing travel pictures but think they are not good enough because you took them from your phone’s camera. Fret no more because by using the instagram app, you are able to convert your plain pictures into digital works of art. The app offers various themes along with different filters to show your colorful side.

List of 3 Famous Caves in Pakistan

Are you someone who is a fan of mystery and adventure? If yes, then you should try caving, which is a recreational pastime of exploring caves. Also known as spelunking and potholing, this sport requires climbing or crawling because caves are usually underground natural chamber on the side of a hill or cliff formed due to erosion and dissolution of rocks.

If caving is your thing, then you should consider exploring the mysterious aura of the caves found in Pakistan. Be it their historical significance or being used as a praying and meditation site that allures you, Jovago Pakistan brings a list of 3 famous caves in Pakistan that you should definitely explore.

• Buddhists cave at Shah Allah Ditta

The beautiful capital city of Pakistan is home to famous caves of Shah Allah Ditta that are approximately 4000 years old. While some archeologists believe that these caves date back to stone age, there are others who believe that these caves were formed in the Ghandara civilization. With murals on the walls denoting Buddhism and Hinduism, the caves of Shah Allah Ditta are an important archeological site.

• Pir Ghaib Cave

In the largest province of Pakistan, lies the famous cave of Pir Ghaib in the Bolan mountains. Considered to be the longest cave in Pakistan, this cave is 1270 metres long in length. It was named after a famous local saint who vanished within the cave when the soldiers of the Kings of Bolan were sent to murder him. The cave is surrounded by a stunning waterfall that is a sight on its own.

• Gondrani

Considered to be the cave city of pakistan, Gondrani is located near the Bela city in the province of Balochistan. Dating back to the 7th century A.D, these caves are an important archeological site. Believed to be carved by Buddhists, only 500 out of the 1500 caves exist at Gondrani. The cave city is also known as Shehr-e-Roghan, the cave city of Lasbella and the Cave Dwellings of Gondrani.

Jovago brings an exclusive article on the 5 must-have apps for Business Travelers

For some people traveling for business purpose brings about a load of perks while for others it is a chore. No matter which side of the coin you are, traveling is something which is essential for your job or business.

Therefore, it is important that your business trip is smoothened. For this, you should take the help of your smartphone which has brought about convenience into our lives. From hotel booking to finding routes, everything is just a touch away.

Keeping in mind the ease that smartphones brings about, Jovago Pakistan brings you an exclusive article on the must-have apps that will ensure that you have a smooth, hassle-free business travel.

1. Oanda Currency Converter

Don’t know how much Dollars you will get in exchange for Pakistani Rupees? If yes, then fret no more. This is because by using Oanda app you can easily convert between currencies using up-to-date rates. Available for both Android and iOS users, this app is a must-have for international traveling.

2. AwardWallet

Are you someone who frequently travels for business purposes? If yes, then you have the opportunity to cash on it. By using the AwardWallet app, you can keep track of your loyalty programs. Available for both Android and iOS users, it allows you to view your frequent flyer miles as well as keep your hotel and credit card points all in one place.

3. Google Maps

Want to reach your meeting on time but can’t figure out which is the best route for you?  Don’t worry because he who know-it-all is here to help you out. By using this app, navigation of different places will become easier for you like never before as it provides you with easy to understand travel routes but it also allows you to compare and decide which transportation mode will be better for you. It also notifies you about possible traffic jams.

4. FlightAware Flight Tracker

Think that your flight will get delayed? Here is the perfect app to get real-time status updates on any commercial flight worldwide. By using FlightAware app, you are able to track your flight and get to know if there are any delays or changes to arrival or departure. It is available for both Android and iOS users.

5. Evernote

Have a problem in keeping all your work in one place? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore because by using the Evernote app you can easily write up and organize notes while you’re away from your desk. With the option of easily syncing with all your devices, the app has both Android and iOS versions.

Must Have Apps for All Solo Females Traveling in Pakistan

As the hospitality industry goes online, it has lead to a change in the dynamics of the industry. Gone are the days when people had to wait in long lines to get a place in the restaurant or had to wander about the new destination in search of a hotel room that met their requirements.

Nowadays, everything is possible by just using your smartphone. This technological advancement has brought about convenience into the lives of human beings which has enabled them to take control of their lives.

One aspect of this empowerment can be seen among women who are no longer confined to household chores. They no longer feel the need to have the company of males whenever they are going on a trip. Rather, by easily planning and arranging for every aspect of their travel voyage prior to their traveling to the new destination, females are ready to embark on a solo journey which is full of eye- opening experiences.

To facilitate these women, Jovago brings a list of apps which every woman traveling solo in Pakistan should have.

Google Translate

As Pakistani is a home to various diverse ethnic groups, there are a number of languages spoken throughout the country. With the help of the tech maestro, all females can easily get to understand and communicate by typing in words and phrases used in the local language. Google translate is available in 103 languages, out of which 52 are available offline. By using this app, you will no longer stutter because you are at a loss for words.

Help Call

During traveling, if any emergency arises, one is not exactly sure whom to call for help. You can avoid such situation by using the Help Call app. With it’s easy to navigate button system, it brings all the essential international emergency information together. Do download the app in order to ensure that you are ready to face all the challenges that your solo journey brings about.

Jovago

Traveling to Pakistan but don’t know where to stay? Keep calm as Jovago Pakistan has come to your rescue. With an inventory of more than 2000 hotels, Pakistan’s best hotel booking website provides you the best price guarantee and most importantly, the ease of paying online as well as offline. Moreover, it also allows you to search for the best hotel room by using the customized search engine which is based on various criteria including destination, stars, price and popularity.

Instagram

Want to show off all your amazing travel pictures but think they are not good enough because you took them from your phone’s camera. Fret no more because by using the instagram app, you are able to convert your plain pictures into digital works of art. The app offers various themes along with different filters to show your colorful side.

ACCA celebrates International Women’s Day 2017

ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day today, an annual celebration on 8 March of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

ACCA’s Chief Executive, Ms Helen Brand OBE said, ‘Great progress has been made across the world to accelerate gender parity, but there is still work to be done to improve it. Women still only represent 22% of corporate leaders globally, with a further 33% of firms globally with no women in senior management at all*.’

ACCA uncovered inequality in the working trends of young women in finance careers in an 18,000-strong global survey, ‘Generation Next’, which found:

Women are more likely to pursue a long term career in finance and accounting (47% would like to stay in the career for more than 5 years compared to 40% of men)

Women are more likely to expect to stay with their current employer in their next role (42% expect an internal next move, compared to 37% men)

Women are less likely to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions (84% of men want to start their own business either as their next career move or later in their career, compared to 74% of women)

‘For the inequality these statistics show to become a thing of the past, organisations must build supportive environments and work to eliminate conscious and unconscious bias right across the corporate structure’ says Helen.

At present, ACCA has 480,000 students around the world studying hard to become professional accountants. 54% of them are female, a percentage that is growing year-on-year. With almost a quarter of a million women working towards a professional qualification, ACCA believes the pipeline of motivated, ambitious young women looking to embark on a career in business has never been healthier.

‘Closing the gender gaps are crucial to the global economy’s success’ continues Helen. ‘For female finance professionals that aspire to positions of leadership here are some tips to help you make the most of your current opportunities:

‘Find a role model – As you journey up the career ladder, having a role model can help you see where the breadth and depth of female talent is in the organisation and spur you on.

‘Explore leadership opportunities – Leadership roles don’t have to be strictly in the workplace. Seek an oversight role and use it to practice your leadership skills. You could start volunteering as a school governor. Once you become an experienced leader, you can apply to other positions such as a non-executive director for a company board. Boards are crying out for diversity, and you’ll be able to bring a different perspective and add value to the table of any organisation through your expertise.

‘Children aren’t the only reason for flexible working – Flexibility shouldn’t be a gendered policy. I encourage employees of both genders to request flexible hours to pursue commitments and interests outside of work, whether that be family life, volunteering or entrepreneurial pursuits. Dividing your time can allow you to pursue other areas of interest can make your work life balance more suited to your individual needs. Research shows employees stay with their organisations longer if they’re more satisfied in their roles – and a well-rounded individual who has a positive social impact is likely to be a more valuable employee too.

‘We have been talking about gender inequality in business for far too long, and it is time for change. It will not happen overnight, but we can all take action to accelerate the pace of change and work towards more diversity, and I’m sure 2018 will be another year of continued improvement. Happy International Women’s Day for 2017.’

Perfect Footwear for Traveling That You Can Not Afford to Miss Upon

Tired of walking around your travel destination in those uncomfortable shoes which end up ruining your travel plans? Did you get blisters all over your feet because you wore the wrong pair of shoes?

If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then this footwear edition by Jovago Pakistan is a must read for you. This is because it contains a list of foot wears that are not only perfect for your travel but are trendy as well. Hence, ensuring that you have a great trip, at least from the perspective of your shoes.

• Espadrille

Whether you are a fan of casual shoes or flat forms, there are different espadrilles available in the market. They make a perfect fit in the tropical and sub tropical climate because they are made of cotton or canvas fabric. A major trend in fashion, espadrilles is a perfect choice of footwear for a day long trip.

• Sliders

Sweeping away the 90’s fashion of flip flops, sliders are the new talk of the town. Not only do they look great with pants and shalwars but they also provide comfort to your feet. A must have if you are planning a trip to the beach.

• Converse

Despite being on the market for some years, the converse is great for short walks as it provides comfort to your feet. Pair it up with some skinny jeans or a even a jumpsuit and you are ready to rock your style and of course your travel.

• Sneakers

Not only do sneakers provide your feet with comfort but they also give you an athletic vibe, which is something that everyone in Pakistan is busy talking and working upon. They make up the perfect footwear if you are planning to go about exploring the Northern areas.

• Flat pumps

A perfect option if you are planning for a tour of the city as they are lightweight and comfortable. Pair it up with pair skinny jeans for a casual look. They also look great with shalwars and pants.