ADDIS ABABA – African Youth visitors have appreciated the ongoing construction of the metropolitan’s tourism destinations and various development activities apart from sharing their first hand experiences.
The youth people who came from various African countries aiming at participating in the 1st thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agro-ecology 2024 here also visited tourism destinations and other related development activities as well.
France -Kenyan Visitor, Nastasia Thebaud- Njenga told The Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that Addis is rich in diverse culture. A lot of progressing have been showcasing during the past few years. Besides, the cultural and historical heritages are so wonderful aside from promoting tourism industry alongside a warm-welcomed people.
“Particularly I am interested by Ethiopia’s historical aspect that has never been colonized, the place of the headquarters of the African Union (AU), attractive food culture, ethnic diversity, and the likes, which is I defiantly impressive,” she added.
She further stated that the spirit of the Ethiopian people, culture, and the altitude of Addis is a state of living and Africa’s destination. It is also a symbol of peace at all.
From Kenya, Nairobi, Vinceni Oileno on his part said that a lot of tourism destinations have been constructing in Addis like Friendship Squire whilst such kind of places needs to depict Africa’s potential. “Yes each African country has its own special feel but when we talk about Ethiopia what comes immediately in our mind is that it is a place of African origin,”
He further stated that cities and leaders of African countries should encourage tourism destination development and ecological perspective to promote holistic prosperity.
He advised that accelerating multinational development, working with various sectors tourism packaging, effective market promotion, bridging infrastructural gaps and the likes would play a decisive role in tourism industry, across African continent.
Nyijmah Opoakpajor, from Ghana who is trainer in Agro-ecology there on his part said “This is my first time to be here-Addis. I wish visit Addis again when I have an opportunity because I love the city. I see the indigenous trees, which is showcasing that they need to give value for our resource.”
“As Ethiopia is the land of coffee, it needs coffee plantation in tourism destination areas because, it is another system of promoting coffee product for tourists,” he added.
He recommended that concerned bodies’ across the African continent should work strongly on reducing bureaucratic red tape and establishing enabled environment for tourists. For instance, traveling in Africa and traveling in Europe varying due to their systems.
The youth people have been visiting Friendship Square, Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, African Union, and Meskel Square.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024
