Following the restrictions of movement due to Corona (Covid-19), the tourism sector has significantly been influenced. In this regard, the outbreak of the pandemic has caused havoc across the tourism activities globally. It impacted national and international tourism policies, inflow, outflow, and tourism sector as a whole.
Being one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world, tourism is well-positioned to foster economic growth and development at all levels and provide income through job creation. Sustainable tourism development, and its impact at community level, can be linked with national poverty reduction goals, those related to promoting entrepreneurship and small businesses, and empowering less favored groups, particularly youth and women.
The impact of COVID-19 has been particularly catastrophic for the travel and tourism sector. The statistics on international air travel show the industry coming to an abrupt halt. The cruise industry has been upended with media sources characterizing ships as “ocean-going petri dishes” while showing the trauma and human tragedy of the cruise ships Ruby Princess, Zaandam and the Rotterdam. And for many countries, travel and tourism play a large and critical role in their economy, reported International Air Transport Association (IATA).Although COVID-19 is probably the worst threat T&T has ever faced, there is some room for optimism. International tourism is resilient and new alternatives such as the satiation tourist, and the digital and virtual tourist, will assuage the concerns of investors in the T&T industry and of governments around the world.
Fitsum Kassahun, Tourism Ethiopia Communication Director, said Tourism Ethiopia has been holding consultations with stakeholders and the private sector on the draft Tourism Fund proclamation it prepared.
He explained that the organization has finalized a tourism fund draft proclamation aimed at revitalizing the country’s tourism sector by making the industry generate finance from non-governmental sources.
Tourism Ethiopia is mandated through a proclamation issued last year to administer
its own finance by collecting funds from the private sector and stakeholders. The draft is prepared to augment the last proclamation by establishing a tourism fund that facilitates resource mobilizations effectively, the Director said.
Currently, the draft has been finalized and discussions were held with stakeholders about it, so stakeholders and the private sector are very interested to support the establishment of the tourism fund, he said.
According to him, the fund will be used to develop tourist destinations, infrastructure at the sites, and promote Ethiopian tourism at international level. Tourism Ethiopia will also establish a directorate that will lead the tasks related to collecting and administrating the funds to be raised upon the approval of the draft proclamation, it was learnt.
The director elaborated that the tourism sector in Ethiopia is dependent on the government. Involving the private sector to develop the industry along with the government has become successful in many countries.
Fistum demonstrated that South Africa, Kenya and Singapore have been effectively using tourism funds to modernize, develop and promote the sector. The fund is believed to be effective in Ethiopia as studies and best experiences from several countries have been taken during the preparation. Financing tourism development is one of the pillars included in the 10-year Tourism Master Plan of Ethiopia which will be implemented up to 2025.
Due to a lack of adequate infrastructure notwithstanding government revenues, the travel and tourism sector may be labeled as an undesirable economic player and, in some cases, may kill a major contributor to economic growth. As COVID-19 runs its course, attacking health and economies, there is now an opportunity for potential hosts and guests to better prepare for a richer and more rewarding tourism experience, mentioned IATA.
A successful tourism and travel future will see new types of traveler. However, a more proactive partnership between the government and the private sector will be indispensable. Over tourism may not be caused by unsuspecting tourists landing at airports and train stations too small to accommodate traveler volume, learnt from the Association.
The Ethiopian Herald April 28/2020
BY GETAHUN LEGESSE
