Jovago highlights common anxieties that a first time traveler faces

Like any first time experience, it is pretty usual to be a bit nervous before your first travel! However, as the common saying goes, there is always a first time for everything! If you are planning for your first real time travel, the chances are that you will think and rethink about it weeks or sometimes months in advance. Being the largest online hotel booking website in Pakistan, Jovago has highlighted all the common fears that a first time traveler faces:

1.Will my travelling be safe?

The rising security concerns are hard to ignore especially when you are planning to travel alone for the very first time in your life. It is pretty understandable if before your first travel, you are given all sorts of safety travel tips by your friends and family. This may sometimes make you feel a bit more nervous before your travel. However, the best way to cope up with this sort of an anxiety is to read about the experiences of people who have travelled before you to the same place. Many websites offers an exclusive reviews and blogs section on their websites to provide the travelers enough information to prepare for their travel in advance.

2.What if I miss my flight?

To miss a scheduled flight is a nightmare for every traveler not just a first time traveler. After all who wants to spend some extra hours alone at an unknown airport? It is therefore, always advisable to leave for airport well ahead in time and avoid connecting flights whenever possible.

3.How will I be treated in the land of foreigners?

Networking is a must for every traveler especially if you are travelling alone. Rest assured that usually the locals are very considerate and helpful towards the foreigners. It’s ok to ask for help around and show your gratitude on getting helped by others.

4.What if I feel home sick?

It is hard to give away the comfort of living near your loved ones. To miss your homemade food, your cozy bed, your friends’ night out is inevitable when you are miles away from your homeland. But to learn how to live outside your comfort zone is the biggest lesson any travel could ever teach.

The best way to overcome all these anxieties is to do your complete research before travelling. Acquaint yourself with the new place even before you land there by thoroughly reading and reviewing the travel tips and advices provided by the travel related websites like Jovago Pakistan.

Warid Launches New “Smart SMS” Bundle for both Postpaid & Prepaid Users

Lahore, May 2016: Warid Telecom, has launched a brand new, affordable bundle for subscribers who are looking for ease and convenience in texting.  This new “Smart SMS” bundle will allow both postpaid and prepaid users to avail service by sending SUB to 6601 or add 66 before the mobile number every time you need to send Smart SMS. For prepaid customers the charges are Rs.0.5+tax per day and postpaid charges are Rs. 15+tax per month.

“Smart SMS” is a new initiative that makes sure when their valued customer sends an SMS it gets delivered to the receiver even when their phone is switched off for a month. The moment the receiver switches their phone back on they can retrieve each and every SMS without a hitch. This offer, unmatched by any other network, will give all Warid message delivered on time through Smart SMS reliable texting.

Warid has long been a pioneer in customer service in Pakistan. The new bundle follows in the footsteps on many accessible and affordable plans that have been offered in the past by the company. With the latest technology and best offers, it is no surprise Warid has topped in customer satisfaction in the country.

Warid Launches New “Smart SMS” Bundle for both Postpaid & Prepaid Users

Lahore, May 2016: Warid Telecom, has launched a brand new, affordable bundle for subscribers who are looking for ease and convenience in texting.  This new “Smart SMS” bundle will allow both postpaid and prepaid users to avail service by sending SUB to 6601 or add 66 before the mobile number every time you need to send Smart SMS. For prepaid customers the charges are Rs.0.5+tax per day and postpaid charges are Rs. 15+tax per month.

“Smart SMS” is a new initiative that makes sure when their valued customer sends an SMS it gets delivered to the receiver even when their phone is switched off for a month. The moment the receiver switches their phone back on they can retrieve each and every SMS without a hitch. This offer, unmatched by any other network, will give all Warid message delivered on time through Smart SMS reliable texting.

Warid has long been a pioneer in customer service in Pakistan. The new bundle follows in the footsteps on many accessible and affordable plans that have been offered in the past by the company. With the latest technology and best offers, it is no surprise Warid has topped in customer satisfaction in the country.

Safety Travel Tips for Women

Being a Pakistani girl, you must have experienced times when you had to shun down your travel plans just because your parents think ‘it is unsafe for females’ to travel alone! Be assured, you are not the only one who have been talked down on how dangerous it is for girls to travel alone, especially in a country like Pakistan! However, gone are the days when females gave up their opportunities for unseen dilemmas! Thanks to the advent of e-commerce and wireless technologies, things are now more transparent and manageable than were ever before. All you need to do is act smart and plan ahead to overcome any unforeseen events during your travel! Have a look at the checklist that Jovago Pakistan has compiled to ensure your safe and secure travel!

1. Do a thorough research on your destination!

Remember, most of the times girls fail to get permission for their travel not because it is unsafe but because they fail to provide specificities of their plan. Just having a destination in mind without any complementarities planned is simply not enough! Think of it as your college research project, you might have to start researching for it weeks or probably months in advance.

2. Make your travel insurance handy!

It is always a better idea to be safe than to be sorry! It is ok to spend some extra bucks on your safety  and that of your belongings to avoid any mishaps during your travel. Having an assurance that your belongings are secure gives you a sense of confidence which makes your travel smooth, swift and hassle free.

3. Meet a lot of people but trust just a few!

The old saying that you recognize your friends and foes during travel holds as true today as it did years ago. Travel is indeed the best time to judge a person but don’t forget that even you are under watch by people around you. Never accept any eatery or drinks by people you don’t know or you don’t trust. It is always a better idea to shed some extra bucks to purchase your own food no matter how pocket friendly it might seem to share your food!

4. Never put all your cash in one place!

The golden rule of ‘never put all your eggs in one basket’ is most applicable during your travel! Spreading out your cash is like spreading out your risk. It is always a good idea to put some of your cash in different pockets of every bag that you are carrying so that losing any of your bag doesn’t mean that your left penny less. In addition to this, further secure your travel by carrying some plastic money. Call your hotels and trip planners in advance to ensure that they do accept the cards that you are carrying.

It is better to book your travel essentials earlier. For example book hotels online before you start your trip. Such proactive measures will enable you to carry/spend less cash than usual and most importantly, enjoy a safe and successful trip.

See How Tourism Industry Support the Small and Medium Enterprises

Globalization has opened rooms of opportunities for even the most neglected sectors of the country. Pakistan is gifted with perfecttourist attractions, favorable weather conditions and an ideal strategic location for traveling. However, despite all these conducive factors, we still haven’t exploited the potential of our domestic and international tourism industry.

The beauty of this industry is such that it works in conjunction with other industries in the country. For example, an increase in the tourist footfall in the country also leads to an increase in the hospitality and local travel industries. This greatly increases the business opportunities for all the young and passionate entrepreneurs who are constantly on the lookout for emerging and lucrative markets.

Consider the example of Pakistan’s leading online hotel booking service Jovago here. Starting off its operations in March 2015 with just 30 bookings, it has now shown phenomenal growth by securing more than 30,000 bookings in just a year’s time. Such is the promising nature of this industry! The stats show there is huge potential in travel and tourism industry of Pakistan.

Expansion of tourism in any country opens markets for its small and medium enterprises by exposing its domestic products to the national, as well as the international travelers. This plays a vital role in exposing national products to international markets. A strong country brand then leads to the strengthening of small national brands striving hard to get relevant exposure in national and international markets.

With the advent of wireless technologies in the country, like most other industries, even the tourism industry is undergoing some significant structural changes. Adaptation to change and responsiveness to market insights have become the key factors to survive and thrive in this industry. This particularly increases the importance of SMEs in the sector. Due to their size, these enterprises can quickly embrace and respond to market changes in a much more economical and faster manner. Hence, the existence of SMEs in the industry ensures the long-term relevance of the sector, making it one of most dynamic and fast paced industries.

As Pakistanis, we should take the responsibility individually to support and promote domestic tourism as well as highlight the positive image of our country.

Top 5 Tourist Places to Visit in Summer 2016

It was just a few months ago we were relishing the chilly weather heading to some of the spectacular places in Pakistan that are only enjoyable in winters. We are now already halfway down 2016 and summer is approaching, which means now is the best time to plan for your vacations.

Speaking of summers, it is hard to get our minds off planning for summer vacations. Of course, what more fun can be done in more than two months long vacation than to travel! Before you start making plans of which country to travel to this summer, have a look at the list of top tourist places in our very own country, Pakistan.

Rama Meadows

Rama meadow is a peaceful plain found near the Rama village in Gilgit. Green fields, snow-capped mountains, white water lakes and streams and nibbling cattle are what collectively define Rama Meadows. The best part about visiting these plains is the view of Nanga Parbat from the Rama Lake that purely embellishes your vacation.

Deosai Plains

Located between Skardu and Gilgit, on the boundary of Karakoram and The Himalayas, Deosai Plains lie 4000 meters above sea level and covered in snow for 8 months. Thus, summer season is the best time to visit these beautiful plains that host various types of flowers that give color to it. One of the highest lakes in the world, Sheosar Lake flows along them with mountains and greenery in the background, making a perfect scenery.

White Palace Swat

Swat valley always tops the list of the most beautiful valleys with breathtaking sites. The historic White Palace Marghazar was built in 1941 when the Swat state was founded. It is the top tourist attraction in the Valley that becomes even more enchanting in winters with snow covering it.

Ganche District, Gilgit

The Ganche District in Gilgit-Baltistan is home to captivating valleys, river irrigated lands and some of the most welcoming residents. Going a little ahead from Khaplu, the curvy road takes one to the delta of River Shyok, where it splits up, flowing through the gravel filled river plain.

Ayun and Bamburet Valley

The Ayun Valley is situated in Chitral and converges with the Bamburet River. This valley is surrounded by mountains and villages, a scenery that any tourist would want to visit. Beyond Ayun Valley lies the Bamburet Valley that is a picturesque valley with lush greenery and mountains that give you a sense of calm and solitude.

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Lahore, 25th May 2016: the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) presented a pre-budget proposal to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The pre-budget proposal was initially presented to Head of ACCA Pakistan, Mr. Sajeed Aslam and Head of Members Affairs’ Haroon Jan by Chairman of ACCA Taxation Committee, Mr. Omar Zaheer.

The Pre-Budget Proposal focuses on the Broadening of Tax Base, Structural Reforms, Direct Taxes, and Indirect Taxes. In line with the overall impact on economy, treasury, and the principles of Fairness and Justice, the measures targeted a reduction in reliance on indirect taxes, utilization of NADRA and Withholding Tax databases, declaration of formalized asset valuations with fair market values, and lowering Corporate Tax Rate.

Amendment of Section 111 (4) foreign exchange remitted from outside Pakistan should be amended to any amount of foreign exchange remitted from outside Pakistan through normal banking channels that is cashed into rupees by a scheduled bank and a certificate bank should be produced with a declaration and evidence of the source of funds. This will continue to promote the inflow of foreign exchange remittances towards the country while stopping the misuse of the provision to whiten/launder black monies and de-incentivizing genuine taxpaying businesses.

Section 153(4) empowers the Commissioner Inland Revenue for issuing Exemption Certificates in cases where the underlying payment is not chargeable to tax due to various reasons, however, This provision should also be inserted in Section 152 to facilitate the business with non-residents companies/businesses where the underlying payments are not chargeable to taxes as the current backlog of refunds creates undue stresses on businesses.

The current rate of Minimum Tax in Section 113 of 1% should be brought down to 0.4%. The minimum tax is irrespective of the net profit or loss with the exception of gross loss. This affects businesses adversely as they end up paying double taxes on their revenues and businesses that are in loss face additional pressure in their cash-flow.

While in Sales Tax and Federal Tax, the existing rate of Sales Tax at 17% which is one of the highest in the region with 12.36% in India, and 10% in Indonesia should be brought down to single digit. Sales Tax should be used to broaden the tax base and to avoid the net negative costs for economy.

For cottage industry, existing defined limits of turnover (Rs. 5 million) and utility consumption (Rs. 0.8 million) were said to be outdated and should be revised to Rs. 10 million and Rs. 1.5 million respectively. A 0% rate on 5 export oriented sectors (SRO 1125/2011) was proposed to avoid refund issues along with a 2-3 % rate for non- filers.

Amendments in several other reforms from sections 170,177,214A etc were also proposed. Synchronizing different tax and identity databases in conjunction with Integration of Federal and Provincial Revenue Authorities’ systems will make an immense difference in broadening the tax base and efficiently collecting tax revenues. The reforms were suggested keeping in mind the low current tax to GDP Ratio (9%) and increased inflation in the economy. The main aim is to boost Real GDP growth which in turn will increase Foreign Investment and make our local businesses globally competitive.