The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) 2019 annual report indicates that in 2018 Ethiopia’s travel and tourism sector grew by 48 percent, which is the largest figure portrayed by any country in the world. It exceeds the global average growth rate of 3.9 percent and the African average of 5.6 percent. The smokeless industry had created job opportunities for 2.2 million citizens and contributed USD 7.4 billion to the Ethiopian economy in the aforementioned fiscal year.
Ethiopia is endowed with numerous tangible and intangible heritages. It is the cradle of humanity and remarkable ancient civilization. Thus, some of its natural and manmade heritages have been inscribed in UNESCO heritage list, while others are in the pipeline. Historical and natural heritages like pre-Aksumite kingdom of D’amat, Aksumite kingdom, Fasil Ghebi, Harar Jogol, Konso cultural landscape, lower valley of Awash, rock hewn churches of Lalibela, Semien National Park, Bale Mountains National Park, the Danakil Depression, Sof Omar cave and many others are among the incredible tourist attractions.
However, due to many factors, the nation has not yet benefited from its abundant potential. Hence, the government and pertinent stakeholders have placed focus on expanding and developing tourism destinations. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has planned to fully utilize the huge tourism potential and to expand destination so as to play massive role in economic growth, says Tewodros Habtamu, Domestic Tourism Expansion Coordinator at the Ministry.
He adds that structural reform is set to be implemented to modernize the sector through identifying challenges and their possible solutions.
‘‘Tourism sector wasn’t seen as means of income generating mechanism in the past years. There were problems that could harm the sector. But, now the government has given due attention to transforming it,’’ Tewodros notes. Adding: ‘‘During the past fiscal year, Ethiopia maintained 3.1 billion USD from 850,000 tourists. We are working to maximize foreign currency earning through increasing the number of tourist to 1.5 million this year.”
It is impossible to enhance tourism without infrastructure and accommodation. Having realized this, infrastructural endeavors such as roads and airports have been constructed by the government. Besides, brand hotels, lounges and restaurants were built by the government and private investors.
‘‘Lack of basic infrastructural facilities or accommodation constraints has been affecting Ethiopian tourism for decades. But, currently, the problem is being addressed. Not only that, there are initiations to realize modern and effective service provision system. There are activities to give service via internet. These should be taken as encouraging accomplishments,’’ as to him.
Moreover, conference tourism should be given attention as the nation’s capital hosts several regional and global organizations. As a result, conferences and workshops are being undertaken frequently.
Worku Mengesha, Communication Directorate Director at Addis Ababa Culture and Tourism Bureau says that the city administration is tirelessly working to enhance conference tourism.
“Our city hosts many conferences. We should change this blessing into benefits. We have to exploit this opportunities through launching modern facilities and expanding destinations,’’ he insisted.
The director adds that Addis Ababa City administration is endeavoring to create ample opportunities for tourists to visit remarkable natural and manmade attractions which are found in the capital and other areas of the nation.
‘‘Every tourist starts his/her journey from Addis. As a political and economic capital of Ethiopia and the seat of the African Union (AU) and other regional and international organization, what Addis needs is equipping itself with all the necessary facilities like brand hotels, accommodations and new tourist destination. This would be important to the whole country as tourists who come for conference will get a chance of visiting other tourist destinations,’’ he pointed out.
Though there are positive results, the tourism sector is still in its embryonic stage. There are still constraints regarding infrastructural facilities and accommodation, which are key for the development of the smokeless industry. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental organizations should work towards redressing such problems. If this ball gets rolling, Ethiopia will be one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday February 2/2020
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
