In recent years, Ethiopia has seen a surge in tourism following the government’s grand new and exciting tourist destination developments. From luxury resorts to eco-friendly lodges, new corridor developments are attracting travelers from around the world and keeping Ethiopia on the map as a must-visit destination. No doubt, the innovative tourism projects in different parts of the country are expected to drive a tangible transformation and put Ethiopia at the forefront of the global tourism industry.
Currently, numerous luxurious and grand hotels, resorts, and lodges have been opening across the country. Thus, the country’s tourism sector is transforming with a growing number of high-end resorts opening their doors to visitors.
These lodges and resorts offer a range of amenities, from spa treatments to gourmet dining, providing travelers with a truly luxurious experience of more than 80 Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities, and People’s hospitable cultural miracles.
The country’s major and popular tourist destinations, such as Axum, Lalibela, and Gondar, among others, are also undertaking huge restorations aimed at improving their standards and conserving their heritage.
Recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the remarkable growth of the tourism sector which is attributed to the conducive environment fostered by various government initiatives.
Addressing members of the parliament during the recent session of the House of People’s Representatives, Premier Abiy said that key projects such as Dine for Ethiopia, corridor development projects, and other government initiatives are transforming the country’s tourism ecosystem.
These enabling environments have created a thriving atmosphere for tourism sector development, the Prime Minister elaborated.
Moreover, he emphasized the significance of cultivating those ongoing initiatives of the nation to promote the tourism industry.
“It is time that we reap the benefits of activities previously undertaken,” he stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustaining this momentum.
Notably, over the past three months, the country has hosted 20 international conferences—an impressive increase compared to the previous year.
This surge in conference tourism is seen as a vital component of the overall tourism strategy, with plans to continue this trend moving forward, he pointed out.
For PM, this demonstrated that tourism development activities including corridor developments and similar initiatives have been bearing fruits by attracting continental and international events.
In addition to promoting tourism, the Prime Minister announced ambitious plans to expand Ethiopian Airlines’ services.
A mega airport is set to be constructed, which will enhance the airline’s capacity and connectivity.
Furthermore, the government has ordered 124 new airplanes for Ethiopian Airlines, positioning it for greater operational efficiency and service expansion.
With these initiatives in place, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in achieving a projected 7.1 percent growth in the service sector.
The strategic focus on tourism and aviation is expected to play a pivotal role in reaching this target, reinforcing the government’s dedication to economic development and international engagement, the Prime Minister underscored.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted Addis Ababa’s immense potential as a premier destination is being steadily realized where the city continues to host a wide array of national and international activities.
“As Addis Ababa continues to host a wide array of national and international activities, its immense potential as a premier destination is being steadily realized—not only in its journey toward becoming a livable city for residents but also as a city that excels in hospitality,” the Premier posted on X.
Concerted efforts among all relevant stakeholders remain essential to ensure high-quality service delivery, security, and the development of tourism offerings that honor the rich history of our capital, he noted.
Moreover, the new destinations such as the Gorgora Eko Resort, Wonchi, and Halala-projects offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as guided tours of the area’s spectacular nature and man-made attractions, giving guests a unique insight into Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
Therefore, Ethiopia is embarking upon mega tourism investments aimed at embracing eco-friendly tourism, with a number of new lodges and camps that are committed to sustainability and responsible travel. These lodges are often located in remote and pristine natural settings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s stunning landscapes while minimizing their impact on the environment.
Many of these eco-friendly lodges offer guided nature walks, bird-watching tours, and other activities that showcase Ethiopia’s incredible biodiversity. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, these lodges are helping to protect Ethiopia’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.
The newly developed destinations also witness the rise of community-based tourism initiatives where the communities directly participate in service provisions for tourists including horse riding, and supply cultural attires as well as cultural food and beverages.
In doing so, these projects aim to empower local communities by providing them with the tools and resources they need to benefit from tourism in a sustainable way. From homestays with local families to guided tours led by community members, these initiatives offer travelers a unique opportunity to engage with Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions.
What is more, one of the biggest challenges facing Ethiopia’s tourism industry in the past has been a lack of infrastructure and accessibility. However, the government has been investing heavily in improving roads, airports, and other essential services to make it easier for travelers to explore the country. New international airports are being built, major highways are being upgraded, and public transportation services are being expanded to connect popular tourist destinations. These infrastructure developments are not only making it more convenient for visitors to travel around Ethiopia, but they are also creating new economic opportunities for local communities and the country as well.
In sum, nowadays, Ethiopia’s tourism industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. Having standardized and luxurious resorts and lodges are ranking Ethiopia as one of the top travel destinations. Ethiopia is setting a new standard for tourism development in Africa by giving more priority to the sector. As more travelers discover the incredible beauty and cultural richness of Ethiopia, the country’s tourism industry is poised for even greater growth in the years to come.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2024
