BY TEWODROS KASSA
The Ethiopian government has been undertaking various initiatives to tap the untapped tourism potentials of the country. The Addis Ababa mega tourism projects are among the leading plans that are designed to stimulate the country’s tourism sector. The other initiatives of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in the tourism sector were Dine for Nation.
These initiatives enable the construction of the Gorgora, Koysha, and Wonchi tourism development projects in Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples, and Oromia states respectively. Recently, while presenting the government’s six month performance report to the House of Peoples Representatives at the 11th Ordinary Session, Prime Minister Abiy said that the government has given due attention to the tourism sector.
Following this, numerous tourism development projects are underway in different parts of the country. From now on, the development of eight tourism sites will be launched under the ‘Dine for Generation’ initiative; and these projects sought to stimulate the tourism sector very well.
Responding to questions raised by a member of parliament, Prime Minister Abiy recalled that the government of Ethiopia has made tremendous achievements on the former initiatives, ‘Dine for Sheger’ and ‘Dine for Nation.’ He recalled that the constructions of three projects being underway at Wonchi, Gorgora and Koysha, under ‘Dine for Nation’ initiative are reaching completion.
Recently, the Premier visited the on-going Gorgora tourism development project and expressed its diversified benefits to expedite the country’s tourism sector development. Accordingly, owing to its gorgeous scenery and unique features, the Gorgora project when become fully operational, will be among Ethiopia’s world-famous tourist attraction sites and take the country’s tourism industry a step forward.
After visiting the area, the Prime Minister stated that the Gorgora project is the collection and truss of many things and comprises Ethiopia’s dream, opportunity, and history. “The project is located in areas where Emperor Susenyos II lived 500 years ago. Emperor Susenyos built his palace, locally known as Susenyos Gimb, on the Gorgora peninsula and it is a historical place,” he remarked.
The construction of the Gorgora project, which is anticipated to expedite Ethiopia’s tourism potential, is nearing completion and the final phase of the construction is going well. The project is expected to be open to the public after three months.
Due to a lack of attention in the past years, the area kept on dwindling and losing its values; and the Gorgora project is aimed at rebirthing the historical beauty of the area and stimulating Ethiopia’s tourism industry. According to Abiy, Gorgora is a demonstration of generational linkage that connects yesterday and today with tomorrow. The geographical location of the project is also highly striking and is going to be one of the most eye-catching tourist sites in Africa.
Gorgora is one of the most attractive tourist sceneries with quality infrastructure and truly showcases Ethiopia’s untapped tourism potential. “I am very happy to see the paper plan translated into this massive project and urged all Ethiopians to come and visit Gorgora which is expected to be open after three months.” Gorgora along with Wenchi and Koysha is part of the national projects initiated by Prime Minister Abiy in 2020 to exploit Ethiopia’s natural resources and unleash its tourism potential.
Moreover, Gorgora is located in a strategic area that embraces both water-based and hiking recreation for local and international tourists. Manager of Gorgora Project Fiseha Assefa told local media that the construction of the project is well underway in a way maintaining quality and rapidity. As a result, the project is nearing completion.
According to the manager, the constructions of amphitheater that has been built on Lake Tana as well as the port and other service provider facilities have been completed. Noting the completion of road construction, which is part of the project; he said other construction activities also reached to the final stage.
Activities are well underway to complete the final phase of the construction within three months with full dedication, as to the manager. Activities are well underway to complete the final phase of the construction within three months with full dedication, as to the manager. Once the construction of the project gets completed, Gorgora will be one of the glorious sites of Ethiopia with its gorgeous scenery, he said.
In sum, Gorgora is one of the ancient towns of Ethiopia that served as a center of business in the northern western part of the country. Following this, the town becomes home to numerous historical and religious centers. Oldest churches, monasteries, palace, Portuguese cathedrals, among others are the leading man made tourist attractions of Gorgora.
In addition, the superb location of the area gives a chance to discover Lake Tanna and the surrounding’s biodiversity closely. Therefore, Gorgora embraces immense tourism potentials and expected to become one of the top preferable tourist destinations in the country when the construction activity is fully completed becomes operational.
It is also a fishing town and transit route for consumer goods. Its historic relevance and lakeshore scenic beauty is a tourism magnet that can be maximized, thereby creating more jobs and developing the hospitality sector. Gorgora is located in the Amhara State at Bahir Dar. The distance from Gorgora to Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa (Addis Ababa) is 764 Km.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2023
