Currently, Ethiopia is undertaking enormous investments in the tourism sector. The country has seen a significant rise in tourist arrivals following the opening of new tourist destinations around numerous lakes and highlands. As a result, the country’s tourism sector earnings are showing remarkable progress and have seen a surge in tourists’ inflow year after year.
No doubt, Ethiopia is a country blessed with natural beauty, from the breathtaking Simien Mountains to the ancient Rock-Hewn churches of Lalibela, and the lowest point on earth, the Dallol Depression as well as other natural and historical wonders. The country is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with over 80 different Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples, each with its own distinctive traditions and customs. Owing to this, the tourism sector has a crucial capacity to play in the Ethiopian economy, contributing to job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and overall economic development.
Notably, the country is home to more than ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Rock-Hewn churches of Lalibela, the ancient city of Axum, and the walled city of Harar. This makes it a must-visit destination in the world. These sites attract thousands of visitors each year and are crucial to Ethiopia’s tourism sector.
Following this, the government has recognized the potential of the tourism sector and has recently introduced a new tourism policy aimed at harnessing the country’s tourism sector potentials, protecting these ancient sites from damage and promoting them as key tourist destinations. The new tourism policy is also expected to bring about a tangible impact to the country’s tourism industry.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Tourism had organized a consultation day with state and city administration tourism experts to gather input on the draft amendment of the tourism policy thereby to enhance Ethiopia’s position in the global tourism market.
Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma stated that the country is actively developing its tourism destinations. The current global socio-economic trends together with technological advancements are rapidly transforming tourism activities, making it essential to revise the policy. The goal is to modernize the sector and improve the quality of tourism services.
“The current policy, which has been in effect since 2001, is out-of-date and lacks inclusiveness. No longer has it met the needs of the evolving tourism landscape,” Sileshi explained. “Due to both external and internal factors, and as part of the government’s changing view of tourism as a priority sector, it has become necessary to create a new policy that supports a more inclusive and forward-looking approach.”
He also highlighted that the development of a new policy was in response to both global and national shifts, including the recent inauguration of Ethiopia’s tourism satellite account and the launch of the IGAD sustainable tourism master plan in Addis Ababa. Other factors driving the change include the changing economic structures within the country, the rise of private hotel investments, and the development of new tourism destinations across Ethiopia.
The State Minister stressed that tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, driven by advancements in technology. As a result, Ethiopia needs to position itself effectively to capture a larger share of the global tourism market.
The new policy is based on principles of inclusivity, competitiveness, sustainability, and community involvement, with a strong focus on the current global tourism landscape. Key pillars of the updated policy include marketing and promotion, capacity building for the sector, tourism product development, destination management, and stronger collaboration with IGAD’s Blue Economy initiatives.
Meanwhile, measures are being undertaken by the government to improve the expansion of hotels and service sectors in various parts of the country.
Seleshi told local media that the government is providing land, technical support for both local and international investors that are engaged in the hotel and tourism sector.
It has also made available various incentives such as a five year income tax exemption for investors engaged in the aforementioned sector, he added.
Following the action, the nation has seen various constructions of hotel and resorts in various parts of the country; mainly in main cities.
He further noted that local investors that are said to be competitive at the international level have built a hotel business chain which is promising to enhance the sector’s potential.
Nonetheless, poor infrastructure in tourist destinations remained a challenge he said adding that private sectors are being shy to engage in areas with low infrastructure development. The private sector is expected to invest in rural areas that are enriched in tourism potentials, he stressed.
As to the State Minister, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced new hotel star rating legal framework and service quality assurance to allow newly built hotel and service sector to be graded while enabling the existing hotels update their rates.
President of Ethiopian Hotel and Tourism Association Getahun Alemu on his part highlighted that several tourism destinations are under construction in different parts of the country.
He also mentioned the emerging smart hotels in the city; which are believed to be one of tourist attraction in the nation.
Accordingly, another important aspect of the newly introduced tourism policy is the development of infrastructure to support the tourism sector. This includes improving road networks, upgrading airports, and building new hotels and accommodations. By investing in infrastructure, the government hopes to attract more tourists to Ethiopia and provide them with a comfortable and enjoyable experience during their stay.
In sum, the new tourism policy towards harnessing Ethiopia’s tourism sector potentials is a step in the right direction towards promoting sustainable tourism through preserving historical sites, and empowering local communities. By investing in infrastructure, supporting community-based tourism initiatives, and promoting sustainable practices, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and stunning natural landscapes. With the government’s commitment to the development of the tourism sector, Ethiopia
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024
