New emerging OTA Roaming witnessing significant growth
Dhaka : Roaming, one of the newest entrants in the country's online travel agency industry, has been enjoying significant business growth, 20-25 per cent a month, since its inception a year ago.
Nure Alam, Managing Director of Roaming said this while talking to The Bangladesh Monitor at his office in the capital.
Currently, Roaming offers air ticketing, hotel booking, umrah and tourist visa services.
The OTA is recording over BDT 2 crore ticket sales a month.
It is also processing 50 visa applications a day, claimed the Managing Director.
Most of the flight tickets are for various international destinations like the UAE, Malaysia and China, among others.
With their self-made software, the OTA is offering both B2C and B2B services.
Over 370 B2B agents countrywide are getting support from Roaming.
The travel industry is huge with plenty of potential, said Nure Alam, adding, it is ever-increasing.
Currently, Roaming is using Sabre and Travelport's APIs.
Soon, they will pair up with Amadeus too, claimed the Managing Director.
Moreover, Roaming is also partnering with several LCC airlines like AirAsia, IndiGo, SalamAir and Spicejet, among others.
Roaming also has Sabre's hotel inventory in its site for customers to book.
Not only that, the OTA will also be taking API support from an Indian company with an inventory of 750 LCC airlines and 4500 hotels worldwide soon, claimed Nure Alam.
About the OTA market, Nure Alam stressed, no unhealthy competition should be promoted that harms the industry.
There are a handful of OTAs offering more discount than the commission they get from airlines.
There should be strict monitoring in this regard.
Also, willingness to practise ethical business is key here, urged Nure Alam.
Nure Alam, Managing Director, Roaming
"We aim to stand out from the others with extraordinary customer service,” said Nure Alam.
“We prioritise after sales support because return customers are our greatest asset," remarked Nure Alam.
As part of further plans, Roaming aims to launch holiday packages soon.
Moreover, they are currently in the process of launching two new outlets in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.
Also, the Roaming Managing Director stressed, they aim to have representatives at the country's airports to better facilitate their customers.
Currently, the online travel agency is not offering 24/7 customer service, however, it does intend to do so in the near future.
Lastly, the Managing Director expressed his plan to open a franchise in the United States as well.
The expert team of Roaming consists of SM Moniruzzaman, CEO and Imran Hossen, Head of Business.
The growth and huge potential of the country’s travel industry has influenced Nure Alam to get into this sector.
Hailing from the RMG sector, Nure Alam undertook proper training and conducted essential research to tap the travel market.
