Creative Media Works, a standalone consumer-focused social networking business operating as BBM, has teamed up with HotelsCombined to offer accommodation bookings within the BBM Messenger app.
The HotelsCombined icon will be available within the BBM Discover menu, where there is other content and services. It is similar to how social media platform Snapchat's Discover feature works.
Earlier this year, the messaging service launched a football updates channel and Stage360, another channel which features user-generated music that talent scouters can scour through.
Matthew Talbot, CEO of Creative Media Works, says there are 2.1 million users of the BBM messaging app in SA, with a strong presence in the MEA region in countries like Nigeria and Singapore.
Users will now be able to search and book their next vacation or business accommodation without leaving the BBM environment. They will also be able to share their favourite hotel selection preferences with other BBM contacts. This is meant to make co-planning travel easier.
"HotelsCombined is a fantastic addition to our Discover menu," says Talbot. "With the percentage of mobile travel bookings steadily rising, BBM Messenger is ready to offer those services where people are spending their time ? in mobile messaging."
He says HotelsCombined joins the other travel services from around the world launched in BBM Messenger, including BBM Travel for the Indonesian market, and the Sa2eh travel and tourism content channel for the Middle Eastern market.
BBM Messenger does not require a BlackBerry smartphone to work. The app can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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