The verdict in three sentences
A travel agency loses half its sales between "I'm interested" and "I confirm", for lack of a simple way to book and pay a deposit remotely. A catalogue + booking + mobile money deposit app captures the client at the exact moment they decide, diaspora included. Budget 1,000,000 to 3,500,000 FCFA depending on modules.
What a travel agency app costs in 2026
2026 order of magnitude for a Senegalese agency serving domestic tourism and diaspora clients.
| Module | What it does | Indicative cost (FCFA) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tours & stays catalogue | Records, photos, dates, prices, availability | 300,000 – 700,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| Booking engine | Date, seat and option selection | 400,000 – 900,000 | 2 weeks |
| Wave/OM deposit | Partial online payment, balance at agency | 400,000 – 1,000,000 | 2–3 weeks |
| Client file | Passport, documents, history, due dates | 300,000 – 600,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| Tickets & vouchers | PDF generation, automatic delivery | 200,000 – 500,000 | 1 week |
| Sales dashboard | Tours, occupancy, collections | 200,000 – 500,000 | 1 week |
An essential app (catalogue + booking + deposit) starts around 1,000,000 FCFA. A complete app with client files and vouchers reaches 3,000,000–3,500,000 FCFA.
Why the online deposit changes everything
| Module | Indicative cost (FCFA) | Effect on online conversion | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalogue only | 300,000 – 700,000 | Showcase, little direct conversion | 1–2 weeks |
| + Booking | +400,000 – 900,000 | Demand captured, to be confirmed | 2 weeks |
| + Wave/OM deposit | +400,000 – 1,000,000 | Online conversion ×2 to ×3 | 2–3 weeks |
| + File & vouchers | +500,000 – 1,100,000 | Fewer no-shows, clean files | 2–3 weeks |
The deposit is the tipping point: a client who has paid 20 % almost never backs out. It also lets the diaspora book from Paris or New York without travelling.
Mini case study
Aïda runs an agency selling 40 tours a month at an average basket of 250,000 FCFA, i.e. 10,000,000 FCFA in revenue. Before, 1 booking in 3 fell through for lack of confirmation. With a 2,500,000 FCFA app requiring a 20 % Wave/OM deposit, she secures files and adds 8 confirmed sales a month (+2,000,000 FCFA). The app pays for itself in 6 weeks, then durably boosts tour occupancy.
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FAQ
Can I collect a deposit and the balance separately?
Yes. We configure an online deposit (say 20–30 %) via Wave or Orange Money, with the balance payable at the agency or online later. Each payment updates the file automatically.
Does the app serve diaspora clients?
Exactly. A diaspora member books a tour for their family and pays the deposit from abroad. Card payment can be added alongside Wave/OM to cover every case.
Does it generate tickets and vouchers?
Yes: a PDF ticket or voucher with reference, dates and details, sent automatically by email or WhatsApp as soon as the deposit clears. It makes the agency look professional.
How long to go live?
An essential version is ready in 3 to 4 weeks. The full version with client files and vouchers takes 5 to 7 weeks.
Let's talk about your project. We'll size your catalogue, your current conversion rate and the online deposit that will secure your bookings from month one. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
