Maple Travels, in partnership with Zitra Investment Limited, a microfinance bank, has introduced a flexible travel financing scheme to ease the financial burden of flight bookings for travellers.
At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Head of Business Development at Zitra Investment Limited, Kolawole Dahunsi, noted that the collaboration was designed to help travellers easily secure flight tickets, according to a statement from the firm.
“The idea is simple: Maple Travels brings the travel expertise, and we at Zitra provide the financial support. This collaboration ensures that travellers can lock in ticket prices and access flexible payment options, making the entire journey from planning to execution smooth and stress-free,” Dahunsi said.
Under the agreement, Zitra will provide loans for purchasing tickets upfront, with disbursements made directly to Maple Travels to ensure transparency.
The firm added that customers introduced by either Maple Travels or Zitra will be eligible for the financing, which features a seamless application process.
Dahunsi explained that the financing package includes advance ticket purchase loans, direct disbursement to Maple Travels, flexible repayment plans, a savings component, and the advantage of securing early bird prices.
He further disclosed that Maple Travels will forward a customer’s details to Zitra for verification once they express interest.
“The bank will verify the applicant’s identity and conduct due diligence within minutes. A relationship manager will then reach out to finalise the account opening, documentation, and loan processing,” Dahunsi explained. “To ensure a smooth transaction, the client will make an initial equity contribution of 20 per cent of the ticket price into their Zitra account, from which the loan will be disbursed.”
He noted that Zitra would not debit customers’ salary accounts, making the financial arrangement independent of other obligations. After internal reviews and risk assessments, an offer letter will be sent electronically to the client. Once signed, the loan will be finalised, and funds will be sent directly to Maple Travels for ticket processing.
Dahunsi assured customers that the loan application process would be completed within a few hours.
“With this partnership, we are eliminating financial barriers to travel, making it easier for individuals and businesses to plan trips without undue financial stress,” he stated.
The Chief Executive Officer of Maple Travels, Adefolarin Olaitan, lauded the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for travellers.
“Zitra has taken away a major burden by making it possible for travellers to book their flights conveniently and pay later,” Olaitan affirmed.
The partnership is expected to enhance customer satisfaction, promote financial discipline, and expand access to travel for Nigerians.
