Studio 1888EC, a creative startup company, has launched 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, this week.
According to the company, Triopia is expected to harness the impact that digital tools have had on tourism. While globally, many travelers 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.
“Ethiopia finally has its own tourism digital platform, which opens the door to promoting and distributing tourism products to the modern-day tourists and reaching wider tourist segments. Triopia will help to ensure that the country is now part of the world map as a possible destination,” said Solomon Kassa, Founder of 1888EC.
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, reads the press release from the 1888EC.
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.
In addition, 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 is exciting to see this platform launched. It has the potential to significantly advance tourism and create work opportunities for young people in Ethiopia. As the global economy emerges from the pandemic, this platform could be especially catalytic and we are excited to see the impact it will create,” said Alemayehu Konde Koira, Country Head, Ethiopia, at the Mastercard Foundation.
The launch event, held at 1888EC’s new headquarters, included a range of stakeholders and contributors to the country’s tourism sector, including ministers, well-known personalities, singers, and other government officials, who were introduced to Triopia’s unique products and features.
