Startup studio 1888EC has unveiled Triopia, the country’s first travel and leisure platform aimed at creating digital solutions and job opportunities within Ethiopia’s tourism sector.
Developed in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the platform was launched at the opening of 1888EC’s headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Triopia harnesses the impact that digital tools have had on tourism. While globally, many travellers plan their trips using online travel agencies (OTAs), digitally user‐generated content (UGC) and other digital tools, Ethiopia’s tourism digital services have remained in an infancy stage.
Countries that have not taken advantage of digital tourism services are lagging both in attracting visitors and generating increased revenue from tourism.
In Ethiopia, a few attempts have been made by the private sector, particularly in the hotel industry, to utilize digital platforms for bookings and sales.
Additionally, before the advent of Triopia, the only platforms available in the country were owned by foreign companies resulting in high service fees paid in foreign currencies.
Triopia is an innovative and user-friendly platform that allows visitors to access more tourist destinations.
Its goal is to encourage travel throughout Ethiopia to stimulate economic growth.
Tourists can easily find lodgings and promotional packages are offered to stimulate travel in the country.
Its features and services include a trusted app with information tracking, access to verified tour guides, accommodation bookings, a best local attraction locator, local experience offerings, and many other options.
The platform will showcase a diverse pool of vendors, including travel and tour service providers, vetted and trained drivers, tour guides, translators, and even local experience buddies.
It will curate from existing service providers as well as onboard and train new providers. It will also recruit freelancers and train them to provide quality customer service.
