Jetwing launches smartphone apps

Instant access, anytime – the smartphone has opened a world of innovation and easy access to products and services all around the world, and is definitely here to stay. Today, almost everyone uses their smartphone as a mobile alternative to computers, with many similar features available to them including others such as mobile payments, gift shopping, for hotel information and reservations thanks to internet ready smartphones.

Jetwing, Sri Lanka’s largest owned family company in the hospitality industry launches two of the first ever mobile apps of their kind today for the popular Android operating system; with the iOS version to be released in January. The first app – Jetwing Hotels – has been built to provide functionality and the best user experience at each step, and be a convenient method of accessing information on Jetwing Hotels via your phone.

Essentially, the app will be a catalogue of all of Jetwing’s properties, including details, accommodation types, special offers, and an image gallery for easy viewing.

The app will also seamlessly enable customers to book their favourite Jetwing hotel right from the palm of their hand and effect payments and obtain secure reservations in real time. In addition, a QR (quick response) code reader will be incorporated which will enable guests to unlock special offers, and access exclusive content during their stay at the hotel.

The second app, Jetwing Travels (www.jetwingtravels.com) was developed in-house, and thus fully customised to display content about Sri Lanka, tailor-made tour programs, special offers, and other information on your smartphone.

Through the app itself, users are able to select itineraries, unlock seasonal gifts and establish contact with the company efficiently. At present, the Android version is released and will be available for other platforms such as iOS, Windows, and Blackberry.

The Jetwing Travels app will provide international visitors to Sri Lanka a good overview of the island and what it offers before travelling to the country and whilst in Sri Lanka. Detailed information on travel programs, sights, attractions and other valuable travel tips and advice are provided in a concise and user friendly interface.

Both apps have many other value added services built in such as special offers and last minute deals which will be pushed to the individual phones all designed to ensure the user experience is simply the best, be it at any stage of the consumer purchase cycle. The apps will cater to those seeking information for research well in advance by providing detailed information, assists in the evaluation stage by providing pricing details and a multitude of value additions.

Speaking about the launch of the apps, Ishanth Gunewardene – the Head of Sales and Marketing for Jetwing, emphasized on the importance of creating new avenues for attracting visitors, especially through the use of mobile phones.

“The advent of mobile and the implications it has for the future are tremendous. There is an app for everything, all designed to make your life easier in almost every way. Customers are now impatient and demand information at their fingertips when they want it. The companies that can provide and facilitate this simply will be at an advantage. We are very proud to say that  Jetwing Hotels and Jetwing Travels are the first hotel and travel company in Sri Lanka to introduce apps through which anyone (with a compatible phone) can find information regarding the country, select travel itineraries, select hotels and make a reservation, securely. True to our brand and pioneering spirit, we will continue to harness the technologies of the day and drive the future of tourism in Sri Lanka.”

The Android version of both apps are now on Google Play, and can be accessed via the QR image accompanying this article. Apple users will be able to download the apps in January, through the Apple Store. The apps are free to download, and users can rest assured that any payments made through it are routed through the secure online booking engine, thus safe.

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 39 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme; with energy efficiency, community upliftment, and education of earth saving measures to schoolchildren being a few tenets of the Programme.