Tourism and Technology by Clara Chinwe Okoro

This is your last article/video this month!

Please log in or sign up to unlock 3 more articles/videos this month and explore our expert resources.

Automatic Summary

Technology as the Future of Tourism in Africa: A Chat with Clara Chimo Koro

Hello tech enthusiasts! Our feature today is the lively and passionate Clara Chimo Koro, the pioneering chief operating officer at My Beautiful Africa, a trailblazing Travel Technology Company based in Lagos, Nigeria. Clara's engaging discussion focuses on the role technology is playing in shaping the new narratives of the African tourism industry.

Using Technology to Improve Tourism Industry in Africa

Clara's area of expertise lies in building websites and running her start-up that is dedicated to revamping the tourism industry in Africa. They are devoted to using advanced technology tools to enhance processes for companies operating in this sector. One of their notable endeavors is organizing the Tourism and Technology Summit Africa series where they gather individuals from the technology and hospitality sector to deliberate on the significant role technology plays in improving businesses in this sector. This summit has played an essential role in promoting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), proving to be more profitable and efficient for hotels to track, update, and personalize their guests' experience.

The Correlation between Tourism and Technology

The notion of the synergy between tourism and technology may still seem a little alien to some individuals. However, the truth of the matter is there's a vast connection. For instance, a first-time traveler to any African country would instinctively seek information over the internet. If a country or city lacks a proper digital footprint, navigation and getting relevant information can be a daunting task. This undermines the potential tourism that country could have had, given proper online presence and connectivity.

Conversely, if a company establishes its services online, allowing bookings and transactions through various technological tools at their disposal, capital inflow improves. An excellent example would be the gradual deployment of fintech in the tourism industry. As Clara's anecdote about the Gambian delegation goes, this can make a significant difference, especially with cross-country transactions.

The Future of Tourism in Africa

At the end of the day, the focus is to build momentum for companies to embrace technology in their day-to-day operations and tourist activities. The more travelers gain access to necessary services and information, the more development we can expect in Africa's tourism industry. With 75% of daily travelers in airports either staying in hotels, utilizing taxi services or utilizing navigation tools such as map apps, there's undeniably a vast connection between technology and tourism.

Reaching Out Globally Through the Tourism and Technology Summit

To conclude, Clara shared some exciting news about their upcoming Tourism and Technology Summit on September 30th, which is set to be a global event. The summit will be featuring speakers from different parts of the world. Their presentations will be streamed globally for everyone to learn about the technological advancements benefiting the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.

Endlessly passionate about the potential of technology in tourism, Clara invites questions, suggestions, and more information from anyone interested in contributing to this transforming discussion.


Video Transcription

Read More