Theresa Emerick is a pioneering entrepreneur and a driving force behind the digital transformation of Africa’s independent accommodation sector. As the CEO and Co-founder of NightsBridge, Theresa has spent over 20 years bridging the gap between small-scale hospitality providers and the global travel market. Drawing on her background in education and entrepreneurship, she has helped scale a “back-room” startup into a world-class technology partner that empowers over 10,000 guesthouses, B&Bs, and boutique hotels across 40 countries to thrive in the online economy.

A leader who champions the marriage of high-tech efficiency with a “human-first” approach, Theresa is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of distribution and fintech for local hosts. Under her leadership, NightsBridge has achieved prestigious milestones, including becoming the only African-grown company awarded Premium Partner status by Booking.com. Her work reflects a deep-seated commitment to the success of small businesses, ensuring that every technological innovation—from real-time channel management to integrated payment solutions—serves to reduce admin and allow hosts to focus on what matters most: the guest experience.