• ETO calls on people to promote nation’s socio-economic, cultural values
ADDIS ABABA — Following UNESCO’s inscription of Timiket, the number of tourists coming here to take part in the festivity is expected to rise to two fold this year, according to the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO).
Organization’s Public Relation Head Fitsum Kasahun told The Ethiopian Herald that UNESCO’s inscription of Timket festivity enables the number of tourist flows will rise up from the previous 843,000 to 1.2 million this year.
Since Timiket has recently been registered under Ethiopia’s world intangible cultural heritages following the inscription of Meskel, the Geda System, Fichee-chambalaalla, the New Year festival of the Sidama people, it would play significant contribution to attract many tourists from around the world, he said.
Registration of Timket will increase its international acceptance and status to attract more tourists to the country.
In addition, the major socio-political occurrences happened in the country over the previous two years; particularly the receiving of Nobel Peace Prize, and the smooth interaction with competing political parties will contribute more for the increasing of tourist flows in the country this year, Fitsum explained.
Since Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) is celebrated right after the harvest (sunny) season, on 20th day of January every year, a large number of people can participate on the occasion and be able to reflect diverse ceremonial traditions such as dressing styles, songs, dances, games, and competition among others, he added.
Hence, the celebration of Timket has crucial importance in promoting the country’s diversified cultural assets and preserving the peaceful interaction of people of different background, Fitum highlighted.
Fitsum called on the people to be engaged in fulfilling their responsibility through active engagements in supporting and facilitating the Festival’s ceremonial occasions so as to promote the country’s immense social, economic and cultural values to the world.
The Ethiopian Herald January 18/2020
BY ZELALEM GIRMA
