Following the great Ethiopians homecoming challenge, hotels and other tourist service providers in the capital, Addis Ababa and across the country are finalizing preparations to cordially welcome Ethiopian Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia. Preparations are made to provide quality service.
The government announced the homecoming challenge to stimulate the tourism sector and dismantle the Western media and some governments’ conspiracy against the country.
The Ethiopian Diaspora and friends of Ethiopia from every corner of the world have responded positively to the Great Ethiopian Homecoming challenge that was introduced last week by the Office of the Prime Minister (PMO).
The challenge has inspired more Ethiopian Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia to come home and celebrate the Ethiopian Christmas (Genna, The day of Jesus’ birth) in Lalibela, as well as Ethiopian Timket (Epiphany) in Gondar,
Work has begun to ensure that Ethiopian Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia arriving Ethiopia to celebrate Christmas in Lalibela and Timket (Epiphany) in Gondar peacefully.
Currently, different hotel service providers including Ethiopian have announced big discount to the visitors coming home. These tourist service providers are 24/7 ready to serve their customers. Hospitality, peace, excellent service, unique destination, and availability of transport as well as financial affordability are the priorities of tourists while thinking any travel.
The Ethiopian Airlines has announced a reduction of airfare by 30-percent on bookings made till December 20 and there are many other service providers that are engaged in making the great Ethiopian homecoming challenge reality.
Moreover, star rated hotels in Addis Ababa are preparing to serve their customers with competitive and discount price as part of accepting the great Ethiopians homecoming challenge.
Recently, Haile Hotels and Resorts announced preparations to offer accommodation services to its customers with great discount at its hotel and resorts located in all branches.
Tourism Minister Ambassador Nasise Chali said that national great homecoming call for more than one million Ethiopian Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia during the eve of Ethiopian Christmas helps to motivate the country’s tourism sector. “Preparations are underway to welcome Ethiopians Diasporas and friends of Ethiopian,” she added.
According to her, numerous Ethiopian Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia are expected to arrive before the Ethiopian Christmas.
The Ministry of Tourism held various consultations with sector actors and pertinent stakeholders to welcome the guests cordially. So far, agreement has been reached with the Ethiopian Airlines, hotels in Addis Ababa and the states, tour guide organizations and other tourist service providers to offer discount up to 30 percent.
Accordingly, the tourist service providers expressed their determination to do so. The on-going home coming challenge gives impetus to the tourism sector that has been highly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and some sort of instability in the northern part of the country.
More importantly, realizing one million Ethiopian Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia homecoming challenge contributes a lot towards curbing the continuous disinformation campaign by some international media aimed at tarnishing the image of Ethiopia. “Different actors are struggling to blemish the country’s good image following the current situation in our country. The on-going disinformation campaign might affect not only the nation’s image; but also its economy,” she said.
She further said that the Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia stand by Ethiopia’s side and amplify the need to support and understand the Ethiopian government’s law enforcement measures against the terrorist TPLF group. Thus, the Ethiopian Diasporas and friends of Ethiopia are serving as the real Ethiopia’s ambassador worldwide.
In connection with this, she said that a tour package has been prepared to visit different parts of the country. A list of packages will be posted on the Ministry’s website and other platforms to facilitate the tourists’ activities while coming home. The package will encourage the Diasporas to come home and celebrate the holidays with their families, friends, and relatives. Further, it will help facilitate the engagement of the diaspora in development and investment, among others.
The Minister urged all Ethiopians to play their part in welcoming the guests and nurture Ethiopian culture of hospitality. She also call upon all Ethiopian Diasporas to come back and prove solidarity with the vast sections of the society that have been at the brunt of these challenges and atrocities committed by terrorist TPLF.
Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia need to show the world that what is being reported through international media outlets and airwaves never portray the reality on the ground.
Do not worry. Despite the disinformation campaign by the western and some international media, Ethiopia is now peaceful. The government’s law enforcement measures against the terrorist TPLF remnant have now reached the final step. Ethiopia is one of the preferable destination and home to hospitable people on the planet. Therefore, it is the best destination to refresh your mind and realize your journey’s plan. Come to Ethiopia. #NoMore!
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD DECEMBER 17/2021
