Tips to Ensure Smooth Travel for Business Purposes

While traveling itself can be an eye-opening experience, it can get hectic if one is traveling for business purposes. This is because the business trip usually revolves around falling asleep on planes and traveling back and forth for meetings which can result in disturbing one’s routine and making them grumpy.

If you are someone who has to face these issues while traveling for business purposes, then this article by Jovago Pakistan will help you out as it provides tips to smoothen your travel.

●     Carry limited luggage

If you are traveling for a short trip, then carrying several bags would rather be inconvenient and give you stress in case any of your luggage gets lost or if you get late for a meeting. To avoid this, it is better if you carry your stuff in a carry-on bag as this will help you to save time. Moreover, you won't have to worry about waiting in a line when you land to collect your belongings as you only have a carry-on.

●     Dress smartly

Dressing up smartly will help you in getting much better services because let’s face this: the first impression is the last impression. Wearing an outfit that can pass on as a formal one on a flight can help you in case your baggage is lost or if you are running late.

●     Keep a tennis ball

If you are thinking that by making you carry a tennis ball we are urging you to play tennis with your business partners, you are wrong. A tennis ball can come in handy when your muscles get stiff/sore. Small in size, a tennis ball can help you to relax as you can use it for rolling under your feet.

●     Use smartphone applications

Use your technology friend to help you out for your business purposes. By downloading apps that cater to different business needs, you can smoothen your travel. For instance, by downloading Jovago’s smartphone application, you can easily book hotels, from an inventory of more than 2000 hotels, through a customized search engine that too at a discounted rates.

●     Cure jet lag

Traveling to different time zones can cause jet lag. Therefore, you need to figure out what are your body requirements in order to avoid jet lag. By taking flights at night, you can sleep overnight and stay hydrated.

If you have any other tips through which you smoothen out your business trip, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

Reasons as to How Hotel Industry Is Changing in Pakistan

It is often heard that change is inevitable. When one looks at the different facets of history, they find that civilizations who did not accept change were swept away by the developments taking place around them. This is one reason why organizations in the modern era are trying to devise different strategies through which they can incorporate change.

The reason behind why organizations are so persistent about adapting to change is because they want to move forward. Among the various industries of the world which are trying to cope with change, the hotel industry is one industry which is getting transformed.

As the hotel industry is a service industry, where the quality of experience is one of the dominant factors, it is important that it adapts to the various developments taking place. If you are fascinated by the changes that are being incorporated in the hotel industry, then this article by Jovago Pakistan will further satiate your quest for a different yet better experience.

The best hotel booking website believes that the following are the reasons because of which the hotel industry is changing:

     1) Growing population

Currently, Pakistan’s population stands at 196 million. This figure is projected to rapidly increase in the coming years. A major chunk of this population comprises of youth who are more prone to accepting change. As the customer base of the hotel industry widens, with more youth traveling to explore the beauty that Pakistan offers, the hotel industry has started offering services which will suit the modern tastes of the youth.

      2)   Increase in internet penetration

With various telecommunication companies offering 3G and 4G service, more people are able to have access to the internet which helps them to stay connected with the world. The response from the Pakistani people has been so phenomenal that 5G services will be launched soon in the country. As more people are able to access the internet, hotel businesses have started offering services online. This includes the introduction of smartphone apps to increase convenience for the hotel’s customers.

     3)  Rising E-commerce industry

The concept of businesses availing the online platform, provided by the internet, has enabled them to increase their target audience. As the benefits of going online are far greater than the cost involved, a lot of startups have been launched in the country over the past few years. The hotel industry has also had its fair share of startups including Jovago Pakistan, which is offering customers the ease of booking a hotel online. People no longer have to wander about the desired destination in search of a hotel. By just clicking on the website and using the customized search engine, people are now able to book their hotel rooms prior to traveling- a convenience which was not offered earlier.

If you have information on any other reason because of which the hotel industry is changing in Pakistan, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

4 Buddhist Monasteries in Pakistan That Are a Must Visit

One of the facets of culture is religion as it depicts a beautiful side of the society. When one talks about Pakistan’s rich culture, they get to know that the country is home to people belonging to different faiths.

One of the religions practiced in the country is Buddhism whose origin can be traced back to several thousand years. At various times, the religion had been a strong force whose impact can still be seen in the rich heritage of the country. This includes the famous Gandhara civilization which gave birth to Gandhara art- an important turn in the cultural history of Pakistan.

Keeping in mind the contributions that Buddhism has made to the Pakistani society, Jovago Pakistan brings to you an article on the 4 Buddhist monasteries in Pakistan that are a must visit.

1) Takht-i-Bhai

Dating back to 1st century AD, Takht-i-Bhai is one of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the Gandhara district. When Takht-i-Bhai is translated into English it means Throne of Origins. Situated at a height of 500 feet, Takht-i-Bhai is one of the nine wonders in Pakistan that are listed on the World Heritage List.

2) Giri Fort

Built in the 5th century by the Buddhist monks, this fort is located at a distance of 8 km from Taxila, at the foot of the Margalla hills. The Giri fort is situated on a hilltop and has spring water falling within it. The remains of two monasteries and stupas can be found at this fort.

3) Lotus throne

As the beautiful valley of Swat was one of the main centers of Buddhism, several monasteries, and other sites were found here.  It is also home to a statue of Buddha who is sitting on a throne made out of lotus flower. Swat is also home to the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which is considered to be an expression of Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition.

4) DharmaRajika Stupa

The city of Taxila is considered to be the main center of the Gandhara civilization, which depicts an important facet of Buddhism. Commonly known as the Chir Tope, the Dharmarajika stupa is in a circular shape and is surrounded by a number of small chapels. The circular structure is surrounded by a raised terrace. There are several statues of the Buddha at this site.

If you have information on any other Buddhist monastery in Pakistan, then do share it with us in the comment section below.

State of Pakistan’s Travel and Hospitality Industry in the Past Year

As the law and order situation in the country improves and the ongoing threat of terrorism reduces, it can be said that Pakistan is on its road to development. This is because of a number of reasons which include the growing culture of startups in the country and the huge influx of tourists that are coming to explore the beauty of Pakistan.

As facts and figures are an integral part of proving anything, Jovago Pakistan brings you an article on the state of Pakistan’s travel and hospitality industry in the past year. Read along so that the next time someone asks you what Pakistan has to offer, you can confidently tell them, by backing with facts, that it is a beautiful country which has a lot to offer, in terms of sheer beauty, rich culture and heritage.

• Real GDP growth

Despite the slowdown in the global economy due to a number of reasons, Pakistan’s GDP growth reached 4.7% with respect to inflation in 2016. Several factors including the following contributed to uplifting this South Asian economy.

• Supportive economic policies including low-interest rates and stable exchange rate which has increased confidence of investors.
• Macroeconomic stability because of the substantially lower inflation, increase in foreign exchange reserves due to rise in foreign direct investment.
• Better law and order situation because of the operation Zarb e Azab that the Pakistani army carried out in the Northern areas of the country.

• Upsurge in the influx of tourists

The Pakistani economy was able to generate approximately $1 billion in revenue because of the 1,040,000 international tourists who arrived in 2015. This tourist figure is projected to reach 1.7 million by the year 2025.  This will, in turn, help Pakistan to be the world’s fastest-growing Muslim economy ahead of Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and Egypt by 2017.

• Improvement in employment rate

In the midst of an increase in tourism and better security conditions of the country, the number of people employed directly by the hospitality industry reached 1,429,500 in 2015. The employment rate is projected to increase by 2.1% per annum over the next 10 years.

• Increase in Investment

Due to the sheer beauty which Pakistan possesses, the investment which this particular sector received in the year 2015 was USD 3272 million which made up 9.3% of the total investment done in the country. Over the next ten years, this investment rate is forecasted to rise by 7.6% pa over the next ten years. Due to the ongoing CPEC mega project whose main highlight is the Gawadar city, a huge chunk of this investment is allocated to the construction of ten hotels in this city which can in turn boost tourism in the area.

Festivals in Pakistan That Are a Must Visit to Welcome the Spring Seasons

Pakistan is famous for not only its scenic beauty but also for its rich culture and heritage. A large number of tourists who visit this South Asian country are attracted to the traditions and the hospitable nature of Pakistanis.

One of the facets of Pakistani culture that attracts people towards the country are the festivals that are celebrated and cherished for different reasons. While some festivals are celebrated for religious reasons such as Eid-ul-Fitr, others are observed to welcome the four different seasons that Mother Nature has blessed the country with.

To help people know about these festivals so that they can visit these in order to get a closer and deeper look at the country, Jovago Pakistan brings you an article on the festivals in Pakistan that are celebrated to welcome the spring season.

• Navroz Festival

Celebrated by the Ismaili and Parsi communities, the Navroz marks the beginning of the Shahenshahi calendar which is followed by the western neighbors of Pakistan. It also commemorates the beginning of the spring season. Associated with the concepts of rebirth and rejuvenation, the Navroz is observed as a gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon the people. An event for family bonding, it is filled with delicious, mouthwatering traditional dishes.

• Jashan e Shikarpur

Held in the months of February and March each year, this festival is one of the main highlights of the city of Shikarpur. Marked with traditional sports competition, handicraft exhibition, dances and folk music, the Jashan e Shikarpur is a mesmerizing way to get a taste of what the Sindhi culture is all about.

• Chilim Joshi Festival

One of the main highlights of the rich Kalashi culture, Chilim Joshi is also known by the name of Joshi and Chilim Jusht. It is a religious festival of the pagans of Kalash who welcome the spring season through it. Joshi is celebrated in May as a way to thank their gods for their countless blessings. The beautiful Kalashi girls, attired in their colorful embroidered dresses, perform the traditional dance of the area during this event to showcase their Northlander culture.

• Basant

If you are a fan of the colorful kites then this event is a must visit for you. Basant is celebrated over the various parts of the country, particularly in the city considered to be the heart of Pakistan. An event filled with a variety of dishes and musical concert, you will see the colorful kites of various shapes filling the sky.

All things you need to know about the upcoming Chilam Joshi Festival

An unspoiled paradise of lush green valleys, snowy peaks and glacial rivers, Chitral is the largest district in the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The word Chitral means field when translated in the local language Khowar. Surrounded by the Chitral river, Chitral is made up of a number of valleys which attracts a large number of tourists towards itself because of its diverse yet rich culture.

One of the valleys that is a part of Chitral is the Kalash valley which is home to one of the oldest tribes of South Asia. The Kalash valley is well known throughout the world for its unique culture, religion, language, festivals and the way of living.

This is one reason because of which Kalash Valley is one of the most visited valleys in the Chitral district. One of the facets that attract people towards this mesmerizing valley are the festivals that are celebrated for various purposes. This includes the Chilam Joshi festival which is one of the main highlights of the local culture.

If you are someone who plans to visit Chitral anytime soon, then this article by Jovago Pakistan is a must read for you as it will serve as your complete guide for the Chilam Joshi festival.

Location

The Chilam Joshi festival is celebrated in the stunning valley of Kalash which is famous for its backward lifestyle. The Kalash valley is surrounded by the famous Karakoram range which is one of the highest ranges in the world. On the Northern and Western side of its border, lies Afghanistan and Central Asian states including Tajikistan.

Description

The festival is celebrated by the pagans of Kalash as part of their religious practices. Celebrated in the month of May, Chilam Joshi festival marks the start of the spring in the region. The Kalashi people celebrate it to thank their gods for the numerous blessings bestowed upon them during the year. The event serves as the perfect occasion to showcase the original way of the Kalashi people who still remain to live their lives according to their more than thousand-year-old traditional practices.

Popular names

The Chilam Joshi festival is also known by the names of Joshi and Chilim Jusht.

Main Highlights of the festival

• Attire

Famous for continuing their traditional way of life, the pagans of Kalash dress up for this festival. The women are dressed up in their black, floor length dresses which have colorful embroideries and the local headwear called Copesi which is made from colorful beads, stones and threads. One the other hand, men also wear their traditional dress and cap on this festival.

• Dance

To cherish the bounties that their various gods have blessed them with, the people of Kalash gather around on the Chilam Jusht festival, dressed in their thousand-year-old dress code and dance to the traditional, local songs. The Kalasha are famous for their dance which they perform in a group.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set on an eye-opening journey to visit Chitral that will certainly leave you mesmerized. You can book hotel in Chitral though Jovago to make your trip much comfortable.

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.