Incentive Holidays launches travel app

KATHMANDU, July 2: Incentive Holidays launched mobile application named 'Gonepalholiday' and online travel magazine 'Gonepal E-magazine' to relay travel information about Nepal after the earthquake.

The company claims that the app is the first of its kind in Nepal. It provides information about the Nepal's popular destinations, itineraries, hotels, trekking, and maps, among others.

"The app is a personal guide for travel experience in Nepal. We have launched this app to fulfill the need of travelers visiting Nepal," Hari Man Lama, executive chairman of Incentive Holidays, said.

Currently there are more than 40 hotels associated with Incentive holidays and are included in the app. "we will be gradually incorporating information of hotels, homestays and other tourism services that are not currently included on it. We believe the app will be a key communications tool for encouraging travelers to make smart choices during their trips and also help to promote Nepal at this crucial period," Lama said.The app has travel itineraries, including airlines, hotel and ground transportation, maps and directions to hotels and airport, tour packages, trekking packages, e-magazine and travel tips among others.

Ichhya Lamichhane, research and business manager of the company, said they developed the app to encourage more people to come to Nepal and to provide easy solution to those who want to come here. "As per the survey, 87 percent of global travelers use smartphone and half of them install mobile travel app on their phones. Hence, we believe that this app will help travelers plan their trip, get information about the destination, and help to find the best deals in Nepal," she added.

People can book their trips online through the app. "For online payment, we have tied up with Himalayan Bank. We have also developed online payment system," Lama said, adding that they will join hands with other banks soon.

The company has also announced a photo competition to highlight Nepal's increasing progress in reviving tourism. The photographs should be posted in four categories: adventure, landscape, culture and heritage and wildlife.

"To take part in the photo competition, travelers should download the app on their smartphone and submit their photos through the app," Lamichhane said, adding that the best 100 photos will be posted on Facebook and the photo getting maximum 'Likes' will win special tour package and other 25 will get consolation prizes.

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