As tourism stakeholders in the South-South part of Nigeria gathered in Calabar on 26th August 2021, for their regional conference, they came with high hopes that their discussions on the theme “The use of digital technologies to revamp the tourism and hospital industry amid Covid-19 and security challenges Nigeria,” would lead to solutions that will support the growth of the industry and help diversify the Nigerian economy. Thankfully, most of the questions posed early at the conference were answered by Ifeoma Okafor-Obi, the Business Development Director for Aura by Transcorp Hotels, who introduced Aura. Aura by Transcorp Hotels is a digital platform that helps people book accommodation, staycations, order great food and everything needed for memorable lifestyle experiences.
From Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers and host Cross River States, the stakeholders came, listening with rapt attention as Okafor-Obi told them all about Aura. The benefits for guests were clear, the app empowers them to easily access three major things on their mind when they travel; where they will stay, the food they will eat and the activities to keep their stay memorable — these can be gotten with just a few taps on the Aura by Transcorp Hotels app. However, hosts — hotel operators, homeowners, restauranteurs, tour operators and experience providers were wondering how much benefit Aura offers to them.
Apart from the fact that hosts have nothing to lose by listing on the platform which currently makes listing free of charge, there is also the benefit of increased awareness of their brand on a platform that has enjoyed international media coverage and is constantly pushing the brands listed on it to millions of audience who are looking for accommodation, food and experiences. Okafor-Obi also spoke to the tourism stakeholders about the increased revenue potential of their businesses once they list on Aura.
As Okafor-Obi descended the stage after speaking passionately about Aura, stakeholders beamed with smiles, as Aura signifies hope and offers more opportunities for improved visibility, expansion and growth, especially for hospitality brands in the South-South, who can now work with tour operators to give people more reasons to visit the region and patronise their businesses through Aura by Transcorp Hotels.
