Kampala, Uganda - Pesapal Uganda, a leading payment service provider, has signed a partnership with the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) to provide payment solutions to its members, in a bid to promote digital adoption in the industry.
UHOA plays a critical role in bringing together players within the travel, entertainment, and hospitality industry, as well as players from all other complementary and support industries. The facilitation of payments in an efficient and cost-effective manner is paramount. With the advent of digital payments as a mode of facilitating payments, Pesapal provides the opportunity to facilitate this with a one-stop-shop solution that will take care of members' payment needs.
In the Memorandum of Understanding, Pesapal will provide various products and services customized to specific customer needs, provide members with necessary tools and enhance capabilities to accept payments efficiently, seamlessly and safely in their various companies.
Speaking at the Breakfast event held to unveil the partnership, Maureen Njoroge, Pesapal Country Director said: "We are excited to sign this partnership as it aligns with our strategy to expand our digital solutions across the country. As the industry continues to grow, the need for secure, efficient, and cost-effective payment solutions is more critical than ever before. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, Pesapal Uganda has a proven track record of providing reliable and secure payment solutions that meet the needs of businesses across the region.”
The statistics show that there is a significant demand for digital payment solutions in the travel and hospitality industry. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the sector contributed 7.7% to the country's GDP in 2019, and the number of tourist arrivals increased by 7.4% between 2018 and 2019. With this growth, the need for efficient payment solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses within the industry is more crucial than ever before.
"Partnering with Pesapal Uganda, a leading payment service provider, is an excellent step for the Uganda Hotel Owners Association to take. By doing so, UHOA members can benefit from a wide range of customized payment solutions that cater specifically to their needs, while also enjoying access to multiple payment channels and dedicated customer support. We are also a certified Oracle partner,” she reiterated.
The partnership comes at a time when the travel and hospitality industry is recovering from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital adoption has become a necessity for businesses to remain competitive and to provide convenience to customers.
According to statistics from the Uganda Tourism Board, tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner for Uganda, contributing up to 10% of the country's GDP. Furthermore, the country's hotel industry has been on the rise, with occupancy rates averaging at 57% in 2019, up from 51% in 2018, and hotel room occupancy has increased by 6% from 2017 to 2018.
The partnership between Pesapal and UHOA is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the industry's growth, by providing seamless payment solutions to businesses.
“As the hospitality industry continues to recover from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial for businesses to embrace digital solutions to stay competitive and meet the needs of their customers. Digital payment solutions are an essential part of this, as they provide convenience, security, and efficiency in transactions,” said Jean Byamigish, Executive Director, UHOA.
She add that: “The partnership with Pesapal is timely, given the significant role that the travel and hospitality industry plays in Uganda's economy. It is also aligned with the UHOA's goal to promote efficiency and growth in the industry. I am confident that this partnership will provide a much-needed boost to the industry, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have on UHOA members and the hospitality industry as a whole,” She concluded.
About Pesapal
Thousands of businesses and customers trust us to simplify and secure their payments. Founded in 2009, we're the leading payment services company with local know-how in building payment and business tools for Africa. Pesapal has 300+ people in 7 African countries – and we're adding more. We're on track to connect a million African entrepreneurs and customers to e-commerce, digital payments and the global financial system by 2030. Pesapal is regulated by The Central Bank of Kenya, Bank of Uganda and Bank of Tanzania. For more information, visit www.pesapal.com/uganda
