LAUNCHED last month, Oway.com.mm has broken new ground for Myanmar’s tourism industry, touting itself as the first major website allowing secure online credit card purchases in the otherwise cash-only economy.
Riding on the double-digit growths of tourists to Myanmar, Oway offers accommodation options for more than 40 per cent of hotels in Myanmar, as well as travel products such as airfares, car rentals and dining options.
Traditionally, travel to Myanmar had to be booked through travel consultants on the ground.
Oway is also looking for business partners in other Asian countries, such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal and Indonesia, who can supply products including hotels, serviced apartments and car rentals.
Currently, more than 1,500 merchants in Myanmar and around the world are represented.
Myanmar consumers who do not have credit cards can purchase holidays online through prepaid Oway cards sold by retailers across the country. There are no additional surcharges or commission fees.
Said Oway’s founder, Nay Aung: “I always believe in the power of technology to break barriers and provide a level playing field, so that end users get access to better pricing and small businesses can directly participate in the marketplace.”
