BALE ROBE – Bale Zone, home to the breathtaking Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), has generated more than 84 million Birr in tourism revenue over the past eight months.
It welcomed over 34,000 visitors during the period, according to the Zone’s Culture and Tourism Office.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, the Bale Zone Culture and Tourism Office Head Hindiya Hussein, revealed that the area’s stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural heritage have made it one of Ethiopia’s most compelling tourist destinations.
“Bale Zone is not only rich in natural beauty, but it also embodies unique cultural values that captivate both domestic and international tourists,” Hindiya stated.
The surge in tourism follows the inscription of Bale Mountains National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Since then, tourist numbers have doubled, with more than 31,000 domestic visitors and over 3,400 foreign tourists recorded in the last eight months alone. These visitors contributed 71 million Birr and 13.3 million Birr respectively to the local economy.
“Before the UNESCO designation, the park’s tourism activity was relatively low,” Hindiya noted. “Now, we are witnessing unprecedented growth—not just in visitor numbers but also in economic impact.”
With the increasing tourist flow, private investment in hospitality and recreation is also gaining momentum. New hotels, eco-lodges, guesthouses, and recreational centers are under construction in Bale Robe and within the national park itself. This expansion is being supported by both the Oromia Regional State and the federal government.
“We are working tirelessly to transform Bale into a premier tourist destination,” Hindiya said. “Tourism in Bale is not just about nature—it is about peace, development, and community empowerment.”
The Bale Mountains National Park Tourism Warden Geremew Mebratu echoed this optimism. He reported that the number of tourists has steadily increased since the park’s recognition by UNESCO in September 2023. Currently, the park receives an average of 37 tourists per day, with international visitors making up more than 45% of the total.
Looking ahead, Geremew said the park aims to increase daily tourist numbers to 181 within the next two years. To achieve this, authorities are undertaking extensive promotional campaigns, improving infrastructure, and introducing new attractions and recreational services.
“We are confident that with the right investments and strategic promotion, Bale can become a global eco-tourism hotspot,” he remarked.
Officials from the zone are inviting tourists from across the country and around the world to experience Bale’s pristine nature, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
“Bale Zone is a symbol of peace and progress,” Hindiya affirmed. “We welcome everyone to discover its wonders and be part of its growing success story.”
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 20 APRIL 2025
