Transcorp Hotels Unveils AURA

King Akan in Abuja

Nigeria’s leading hospitality brand, Transcorp Hotels Plc, officially launched its app, Aura; a digital application platform for accommodation, food and experiences, recently, at a colourful ceremony which was held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

The application which was launched softly in February, connects people and travelers with quality accommodation and exciting local experiences. It also allows experienced curators earn extra income by listing their properties or services.

Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo; Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation Tony Elumelu; President/GCEO Transcorp, Owen Omogiafo, were among the dignitaries at the event.

The app was unveiled by Osinbajo, who endorsed it after accessing it to acquaint himself with its offerings. He described it as an “excellent innovation” that would boost the nation’s hospitality industry.

“I think this is great and it will help revive the hospitality industry especially after the downturn in the aftermath of COVID-19,” he said.

He also commended the Transcorp team, especially the Chairman; Tony Elumelu, who he called “the man of many ideas.”

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Dupe Olusola, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, stated that Aura represents a unique opportunity, following a year where the hospitality sector was severely affected by the pandemic.

“The pandemic affected our hospitality business in 2020, with occupancy dropping to an all-time low of 5% during the year. But our innovation and resilience positioned us for work on different initiatives, improving our leisure offerings, and activating our asset-light strategy.

“As we continue on our path to recovery and future growth, the launch of Aura puts us in a great position to benefit from a travel rebound, which we expect as economies continue to open up and access to vaccines makes people feel safer to travel again.”

Olusola also stated that the launch of Aura is strategic for Transcorp’s hospitality business “with the goal to continuously expand and position across the Group to deliver on its promise and vision of improving lives and transforming Nigeria.

“It is an important part of our strategy to grow domestic tourism and travel as well as differentiating our offerings to capture returning travel demand, as access to COVID-19 vaccine continues to improve,” she said.

She explained that with Aura, people could book exciting accommodations, restaurants, spas and other hospitality derivatives at all locations in Nigeria at the touch of their fingertips.

Adding that, “Aura will be helpful to many people who have invested in real estate and have left it fallow and are not actually making money from it. It provides an opportunity for you to list your property and be able to make money from it.”

The event was hosted by actress and TV personality, Nancy Isime. Timini Egbuson, Neo of Big Brother Naija, Denola Grey were among the entertainment personalities at the event. There was also a special performance from Africa’s leading female artist, Tiwa Savage, adding more spice to the event.