World’s top travel apps

World’s top travel apps:

People tend to feel anxious when making travel plans, because traveling requires a lot of planning. From affordable accommodation to flight schedules and planning the itinerary on your vacation – everything needs to be tackled before boarding the plane. We at Jovago, have come up with what we think are the best travel apps, some of them are not free to use though, but still are really good!

•              Localeur:

Localeuris more than just a guidebook. This app is designed to focus on the local experiences, adventures and travel recommendations by those who have visited the areas. People may share their information by creating a profile and then posting their pictures and interests.

•            TouristEye:

If you have to quickly plan your trip TouristEye is the right app for you. TouristEye was released in 2010, by a group of entrepreneurs in Spain. The app aggregated data from multiple sources to build profiles of landmarks and things to see in locations around the world.

•            Flight Track:

Flight track allows you to follow the path of different flights. The tracking happens to be at a zoomable map, with detailed information of arrival and departure and you can even receive insights about flight cancellations and delays.

•            Packing Pro:

Packing is not about just dumping your clothes and shoes into a suitcase. Thanks to the innovativePacking pro, now we have the perfect packing guide. All you have to do is type in your destination and stay specifications and the app will give you a suggestion list about things to pack. Packing pro will make you learn and takes care from you most important essentials to your expensive gadgets.

•   Waze:

Getting lost in a big city is another thing to worry about when traveling. At Waze GPS navigation you just have to tap in your destination and leave the rest to the app. It comes up with traffic reports to make sure you’re offered the quickest route for the current road conditions.

Download these amazing apps and make your life easier. With these innovative and quirky apps, you’ll find world a totally different place! So browse, chose your pick and get the globe-trotting! With these apps one can always find quick answers to queries like what are the options for accommodationnear Karachi airport?

HOTEL BOOKING PLATFORM JOVAGO EXPANDS FROM PAKISTAN TO MYANMAR AND BANGLADESH

Market potential in tourism field sparks the launch in two new countries

Online hotel booking website Jovago - www.jovago.com - has announced the launch of its services in Myanmar and Bangladesh. This expansion builds on the company’s success in fast-growing markets, where there is a high unsatisfied demand for new online solutions. Jovago has already become the leading hotel booking platform in Africa. In Asia, Jovago launched in 2014 in Pakistan.

Jovago’s expansion is a direct response to the growing demand of tourism and need for online hotel bookings. Paul Midy, CEO of Jovago.com adds, “Our experience in Pakistan taught us that despite numerous challenges, now is a good time to set foot in these markets, since the tourism sector is determined to evolve.”

In both Myanmar and Bangladesh, the tourism industry has stagnated in recent years. However, this does not dampen Jovago’s ambitions for the two countries.

“Myanmar and Bangladesh have shown great potential in the tourism sector. We are very confident that our presence can give the industry an added boost in each of these markets,” explains Midy. “Locals, tourists and expats will also profit from the new service, as it simplifies the hotel searching and booking process. Jovago can be a key player for the travellers who want to visit the country.”

Jovago will establish their local presence in July 2015 with a full customer service team in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. The company will also be joining parent company Asia Pacific Internet Group, who operates several other companies in these two countries.The expansion is at a time of record growth, well reflected through the corporate partnership with Ooredoo and Rocket Internet, as well as with numerous hotel partners in emerging market in Africa and Pakistan.

ACCA, CTMM HOST CORPORATE DINNER

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Colony Textile Mills based in Multan (CTMM) co-hosted a corporate dinner based on the theme ‘Accountant for Business’. The corporate dinner was aimed to enlighten the prestigious employers and educational institutes about the development plan of ACCA for the students and members through capacity building and its efforts in developing the finance profession in Pakistan by nurturing the best talent.

The dinner was attended by President MCCI, Mian Iqbal Hassan, the executive committee of MCCI, CEOs/CFOs from the corporate sector organisations of Multan as well as employer partners, prominent representatives from the academia and the British Council. President MCCI, Mian Iqbal Hassan commented at the dinner, “ It is a matter of great honor for me and my team to be here today with you at this outstanding event and on behalf of Multan Chamber I would like to thank ACCA and Colony Textile Mills for arranging this great event and bringing together leaders from educational and employment sector.”

ACCA-WWF Green Economy Forum Pakistan 2015 - Honda Atlas and ICI wins

The annual ACCA – WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards were held on the world environment day i.e. June 5, 2015 to recognise innovative and transparent corporate reporting. The event attracted representatives from various organisations including  CEOs, CFOs, ACCA members and other professionals from corporate, public sector and practice, NGOs and media.

The discussion forum was moderated by Arif Masud Mirza, regional head of policy MENASA, ACCA and the panelists included Professor Imran Ali, rector and dean, Karachi School for Business & Leadership, Nasim Beg, executive vice chairman, Arif Habib Group, Parvez Ghias, chief executive officer, Indus Motor Company Limited and Hammad Naqi Khan, director general, WWF-Pakistan.

The ACCA-WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards 2015 ceremony also held on the same day recognised and awarded companies that report on corporate environmental, social and sustainability performance to a broad range of stakeholders.  The joint winners for 2015, ‘Best Sustainability Report’ were Atlas Honda Limited and ICI Pakistan Limited. The award for ‘Best Environmental Report’ was received by Hinopak Motors Limited and the runner up was awarded to K-Electric. ‘Citation for the first Integrated Report’ in Pakistan was awarded to Engro Corporation Limited and lastly the ‘Commendation Award for the Environmental Report (unlisted)’ was presented to Qarshi Industries Pvt Limited.

Speaking on the ACCA WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards 2015, Stuart Dunlop, Regional Director-MENASA, ACCA stated, “ACCA’s view, as long time advocates and promoters of sustainability reporting, is that sustainability reporting can and does instill good corporate behaviour. But this can only be done with consistent standards.”

Arif Masud Mirza, head of ACCA Pakistan said that businesses in the country are now making a conscious effort to report on the transparency of their businesses. He further added, “These awards are not about sustainable or environment performance rather they are about those enterprises that are bold enough to report honestly and imaginatively.”

The joint winners for 2015, ‘Best Sustainability Report’ were Atlas Honda Limited and ICI Pakistan Limited. Hinopak Motors Limited received the award for ‘Best Environmental Report’ and runner up was Karachi Electric. Citation for first Integrated Report in Pakistan was awarded to Engro Corporation Limited and lastly Commendation Award for Environmental Report (unlisted) was presented to Qarshi Industries Pvt Limited. 

Cricket comes home...six years later!

 

2009, was an unfortunate year for our main sport, cricket. Sri Lanka’s cricket team was visiting Lahore, to play a few matches and during their visit there was a terrorist attack targeting them. This shocking event resulted in terminating the visits of any international team to Pakistan, as it endangered their lives. The news of the attack was heart-breaking and quite embarrassing. It left the diehard Cricket fans helpless as they were unable to contribute to the revival of international cricket in the country.

6 years later, on May 22^nd, the Zimbabwe cricket team decided to put the past aside and come to Pakistan to play the T20 innings. This was a great opportunity for Pakistani cricket fans as they finally had a chance to live the game moments with great zeal at the Lahore Gaddafi stadium. As it was the first home series being hosted by Pakistan after 6 years, the Government of Pakistan and PCB were extremely concerned about the security. Security was on high alert and other necessary safety measures were taken. For the security reasons the accommodation of the Zimbabwe team was done in one of the top 10 hotels of Pakistan. The tour consisted of a total of 5 matches; two 20 Matches and three of the One-Day International matches. All the matches were hosted by Lahore.

On May 22^nd, Gaddafi Stadium echoed with our national anthem, where we witnessed some great, historical moments.  The stadium was a full house for all the matches played, be it youngsters, kids, adults, or oldies, everyone was there encouraging both teams. In fact, the people of Lahore were hospitable and supportive to both the teams. There was huge round of applause at every single shot played by Zimbabweans. One of the best moments during the match was when the crowd chanted “Selfie! Selfie!” to Ahmed Shehzad and he posed for the crowd. The match was full of excitement with people cheering, dancing, chanting, and delivering a strong message of resilience, peace, and love across the globe.

The matches were played on May 22^nd (1^st T20), May 24^th (2^nd T20), May 26^th (1^st ODI), May 29^th (2^nd ODI) and May 31^st (3^rd ODI). All were won by Pakistan, except for the last ODI which was a draw. The Pakistani team performed very well, and records were made.  Players who grasped the limelight were Ahmed Shehzad and ShahidAfridi.

The series was also supported by the presence of numerous celebrities and political figures. People flew in from various parts of Pakistan, such as Karachi and Islamabad just to attend the matches. Those who couldn’t get tickets to the stadium, supported their team from the roofs of their homes or guest houses in Lahore. The way cricket fans came out to support the two teams and the game of cricket, sends a message that we are united, we have not forgotten how to laugh, and we are brave enough to defeat terrorists. With all our high spirits and enthusiasm, we are thankful to team Zimbabwe for coming and showing us that cricket can come home.

 

Top 5 honeymoon destinations in Pakistan

Muree is a perfect spot to visit for your honeymoon. It is located in Punjab district, about 8000 feet above sea level. There are gorgeous hill spots, waterfalls and lush green fields and top hotels to stay in Muree, as well as a plethora of things to do. The beautiful mall road has many different shops and restaurants, and is just nice enough for a couple to stroll and enjoy each other’s company. Close to Muree, one could find Patriata, NathiaGali, Ayubia and other touristy destinations where couples can take day trips to keep themselves busy. All these locations are breathtaking, and surrounded by mountains making them romantic destinations – perfect for a honeymoon.
Naran and Kaghan are both beautiful valleys, full of picturesque views. These valleys are famous tourist attractions because of their calm and serenity, which makes them popular honeymoon destinations as well. There are a lot of things to do around the areas as well, such as visit to Lake SaifulMalook, Lalazar, Shogran, Kunhar River and of course a famous trout meal. Couples who come here usually take tours around the area, so they can visit all the scenic destinations at once, while enjoying their romantic honeymoon.

Hunza is possibly one of the most relaxing and attractive places of Pakistan. Hunza is located near Rakaposhi Mountains, 2400 meters above the sea level. Although there is not much to do, the breathtaking views are just so engrossing that it is impossible to get bored. People in this area are very hospitable, and the culture is slightly different from the mainstream culture, which makes it a very interesting place to visit. Additionally, there are also lots of festivals that take place here so if honeymooners go at the right time, they can witness these festivals.

Skardu is located in Gilgit, another awe-striking destination. This gorgeous land is encircled with grey mountains, and a trio of beautiful lakes (upper Kachura Lake, lower Kachura Lake and Sadpara Lake). For couples who enjoy trekking this is an ideal place to visit as Skardu is popular for high altitude trekking, to   Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia.

The amazing and lovely Chitral is located in KyberPhaktunkhwa. Chitral is famous for Kalash Valley and Shandoor. The people of Kalash Valley are very hospitable, but due to the weather it is advisable to visit during the summer time. At Shandoor couples can watch a game of Pakistan’s famous sport, Polo. Chitral have many top and best hotels with really affordable rates for honeymoon couples. Chitral is home to the places such as Chitral fort, palace of Mehtar, Jami mosque which is famous for its architecture.
We hope you plan on visiting one of these places for your honeymoon. Jovago.com is constantly running different promotions and deals, which will also make your honeymoon affordable but alsomemorable

Ericsson congratulates Warid Telecom on 10th Anniversary

 

Seen in the picture, Victoria Strand, President Ericsson AB UAE and Vice President Customer Unit Gulf Countries and Pakistan while cutting the 10^th anniversary cake with Mr. Muneer Farooqui, CEO Warid Telecom. Victoria while commenting on Warid Telecom’s 10^th anniversary said“I congratulate Warid Telecom for completing its 10 years of service excellence in Pakistan. Not only Warid has thrived in all these years, it has also become the largest 4G LTE network in the countrywhich is another milestone company has achieved.

Being Warid’s business partner and technology provider we strongly believe in enabling change and change makers around the world and it’s connectivity  which is the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing and eventually  enhancing the lives in networked societies. We wish Warid Telecom great progress in years to come.”