Above: Aldwyn Wayne. Photo by Mark Lyndersay.

WiPay, the Caribbean’s leading fintech company, today announced its acquisition of Travelele.com, an innovative Miami-based online travel company that directly rivalled Expedia’s offerings. This strategic move will enable WiPay to expand the capabilities of its COLOUR App Marketplace, bringing significant benefits to Caribbean travellers and positioning it as a major competitor to established travel booking platforms like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Trivago.

The acquisition will allow WiPay to integrate a robust online travel booking engine directly into the COLOUR App. This new functionality will provide Caribbean nationals with the ability to book worldwide travel accommodations in their local currencies, offering competitive rates and unparalleled convenience compared to other booking platforms.

“Focusing on an improved experience for our customers, this acquisition would enable your WiPay balance in local currency to purchase airline tickets and hotels anywhere in the world at competitive prices,” said Aldwyn Wayne, CEO and Founder of WiPay Group and COLOUR Bank. “By bringing travel booking capabilities into the COLOUR App, we are taking another step towards enhancing financial inclusion and providing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Caribbean consumers.”

Kibwe McGann, Chief Marketing Officer for WiPay Group, emphasized the broader impact of this development. “This is a game-changer for Caribbean travelers. We’re not just adding another feature to the COLOUR App; we’re addressing key pain points like foreign exchange restrictions and high booking fees often associated with platforms like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Trivago. This acquisition will make travel more accessible and affordable for everyone in the region.”

WiPay recognizes the challenges many Caribbean countries face with foreign exchange (FX) restrictions. The upcoming travel booking integration will allow users to bypass these restrictions by paying for travel in their local currencies directly from their COLOUR Accounts. This feature will be especially beneficial for countries like Trinidad and Barbados, where USD restrictions often create barriers to travel.

The integrated travel booking engine will allow users to book flights, hotels, and rental cars seamlessly within the COLOUR App, using local currency from their COLOUR Accounts. This level of convenience and flexibility, combined with competitive rates, sets WiPay apart from traditional travel booking platforms.