Businesswoman and podcaster, Chantal Napa launched Chantal’s Digital Card earlier this month with the aim to help people save money on Rarotonga when shopping, dining and enjoying activities.

“We can tell you exactly where restaurants, places and activities are located on the island and what specials are on offer – all from one platform,” said Napa.

The digital card features a QR code which takes users directly to services, including website, directions and it enables them to call the service provider, saving people having to jump platforms. It also gives live Google map directions and audio podcast content is connected.

“It’s way more efficient,” said Napa, adding people can find everything on the website.

“It’s so user friendly focused, everything is there, you don’t need to jump platforms - everything under one roof for our users.”

Napa, with the help of her United States based business partner Haydn Adams, set about building the platform for the discount card last November.

Adams teamed up with Napa in May 2020 taking the Cook Islands to the world through the Kia Orana Podcast which has built an international audience.

Working at this end on her while Adams is based in the United States, Napa said: “I wanted something for locals to use too, because before the service was really focused for visitors, so I wanted to do something all of us could use to save money.”

For the past couple of years, she had tried things others were doing through trial and error and realised “stuff” didn’t work.

“We were coming up with ideas that businesses weren’t taking to, but, in a good way they were telling us it wasn’t right.”

Now, more and more businesses are coming on board to register on her digital discount card because it’s free to be listed.

“I know that the businesses are happy because they’re saying yes,” she said.

All she kindly asks from businesses is, “to just honour the discount”, adding owners and operators of services and establishments can change their discount and specials at any time.

The digital card can only be purchased online and costs $20 for 30 days, $50 for three months and $100 for six months.

In the past Chantal’s Concierge had incentives for users who had a sticker or paper to show places and services that offered special discounts.

“So, instead of a paper version we thought what about a digital version,” said Napa, “this is what Chantal’s Concierge is now.”

The card is only purchased online and its instant, the digital card is sent straight to your smart phone.

“I’m already saving money using my own digital discount card for services I use,” said Napa.

“And it’s something for locals too, there needs to be something for locals, locals are our bread and butter… tourists are the cream.

“It’s a win, win for everyone,” Napa said.