Jamaican-owned conglomerate, First Union Financial Group, has announced the official launch of its own online global travel booking engine, otuesday.com.

This makes First Union, the first Caribbean company of its kind intending to take on global players in the market, such as Booking.com and Expedia. Otuesday International Ltd is poised for major expansion throughout the Caribbean and North America.

Through its innovative online marketing efforts, Otuesday is the buzzword on the lips of many people across Jamaica and the Caribbean and, as a result, is already surpassing expectations. Similarities exist among travel companies within the industry. However, Otuesday’s name and the uniqueness of its services definitely set it apart.

Jamaica’s hip and most exciting travel agency provides a comprehensive portfolio of travel-related services including airline ticketing, hotel and cruise booking, car rental services, Jamaican passport renewal, visa applications, travel insurance and ground transportation services.

The flagship website, www.otuesday.com allows customers to book their flights, accommodation or transportation online, and the company has designed its VIP travel club which will make business, family, church or group travel even more affordable with the introduction of the Travel Expense Deferral (TED) programme, which empowers prospective travellers to “travel now and pay later”.

The Group’s CEO, Lloyd Campbell, notes that exceptional service and affordability will be Otuesday’s way forward.

He added that he intends to revolutionise the travel industry with style, affordability and service like none other. His vision is to make Otuesday an international player in the industry and he has backed it up by investing millions of dollars in the company, with even greater plans for expansion over the next two years.

Registered both in Florida and Jamaica, Otuesday operates from the First Union Financial Group headquarters on the busy Eastwood Park Road strip in Half-Way-Tree.

The Group’s CEO further indicated that although most of its business operations will take place online, agents will always be available to cater to those clients who prefer to book their travel via an Otuesday travel agent, regardless of their geographical location.

Otuesday International is globally recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). With this seal of approval and accreditation, clients and partners can be comfortable conducting business with the entity that is certified locally and internationally.

Government ministries and departments are next on the agenda for Campbell, as he intends to offer expense-saving fares and accommodation to Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Otuesday guarantees to save taxpayers 15-25 per cent off government travel, through cost-effective fares, minimal fees, and an in-depth knowledge of the modern international travel industry.

The company’s drive for a world-class operation has highlighted the need to build a diverse clientele, all of whom will receive the best Otuesday experience, even if it means charging no fees at times.

When asked if he could compete against the experienced agencies in the business, locally and internationally, Campbell asserted that “people were eating chicken long before KFC arrived”.

“And look what happened, KFC is full every single day and is the first choice for lovers of chicken,” he noted.

He says that the first choice for lovers of travel will be Otuesday, hence the motto of the company, ‘You are travel-naked without Otuesday.’

Bookings can be made from anywhere in the world at otuesday.com. For additional information, and in-house bookings, clients can contact Otuesday at info@otuesday.com.

First Union Financial Company Limited operates mainly in the micro-financing sector with two distinct portfolio streams: Small Business Loans; and, loans to individuals, mainly employees of stable companies which facilitate repayments through salary deductions.

It was incorporated in Jamaica in 1999 as a private limited liability company that provides financial assistance to employees and entrepreneurs.