BY TEWODROS KASSA
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with domestic tourism set to return faster than international travel, this represents an opportunity for both developed and developing countries to recover from the social and economic impacts during the post COVID-19 pandemic period. The UNWTO data shows that in 2018, around 9 billion domestic tourism trips were made worldwide – six times the number of international tourist arrivals (1.4 billion in 2018).
This shows that the contribution of domestic tourism is still significant while compared to the international travel. Thus, it is advisable to take bold steps to revitalize the domestic tourism sector. Accordingly, destinations around the world should take proactive steps to grow domestic tourism, from offering bonus holidays for workers to providing vouchers and other incentives to people travelling in their own countries.
It is expected that domestic tourism will return faster and stronger than international travel. Given the size of domestic tourism, this will help many destinations recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, while at the same time safeguarding jobs, protecting livelihoods and allowing the social benefits tourism offers to also return.
The domestic tourism and hospitality industry is genuinely recognized as a core pillar of development and employment opportunities. Moreover, thanks to the unique breadth of the sector, touching on almost every part of our societies, it has the power to drive recovery and get the tourism community back on track.
It is also witnessed that in most destinations, domestic tourism generates higher revenues than international tourism.Globally, the largest domestic tourism markets in terms of expenditure are the United States with nearly USD 1 trillion, Germany with USD 249 billion, Japan USD 201 billion, the United Kingdom with USD 154 billion and Mexico with USD 139 billion.
Given the value of domestic tourism and current trends, increasing numbers of countries are taking steps to grow their markets. Thus, countries are expected to design new approaches towards effectively utilizing the untapped potentials of domestic tourism. Initiatives designed to stimulate domestic demand include initiatives focused on marketing and promotion as well as financial incentives.
In this regard, the Ethiopian government has been taking various measures to stimulate the domestic tourism and boost the sector income. The government has been undertaking numerous new tourist destinations development across the country. As Ethiopia is home to diversified cultural celebrations and every nation, nationalities and peoples embrace rich cultural and religious festivals. The festivals celebrations with huge gatherings could be a great asset
to attract numerous domestic tourists from one corner to the other. The movement of peoples from one place to the other creates a sustainable market opportunities for those who are engaged in providing services. Domestic tourism strengthens hotel service providers, tour guiding and car rental service providers, and even the community located at the grass root level of the tourist destination through creating sustainable linkage. The growing Ethiopia population is also the other potential of the country to prosper with domestic tourism like China.
Ministry of Tourism State Minister SelamawitDawit told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the country has given due priority to properly harness the tourism potentials of cultural celebrations that are celebrated with a huge get together of people.
In Ethiopia, Meskel (the Founding of the True Cross) andTimket (the Baptism of Jesus Christ) are the leading religious festivals that are commemorated annually with a huge gathering in Addis Ababa Meskel Square and Gondar, respectively. In recent years, the Sidama New Year celebration known as FicheeChembelala is annually celebrated colorfully at HawassaCity. Therefore, members of the Sidama community and others attend the celebration annually in the beautiful city of Hawasssa.
The State Minister also underscored the preparations made to utilize the annual celebration of Fichee Chembelala for tourism. As to her, this unique festival will have immense contributions to widely exploit the tourism sector’s potentials and attract tourists into the area.
According to her, both spiritual and cultural ceremonial occasions will have undeniable contributions towards expediting the country’s endeavors of generating a tangible income from the tourism sector. “Availing access to local products trading, tour package to Hawassa and its environs, providing hotel service and accommodation services with affordable prices, among others are the incentive packages to the visitors,” she noted.
In sum, as the tourism sector is a leading employer and provider of opportunities, most notably for women, youth, and rural communities, it is inevitable that improving the sector will hugely contribute towards ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of the country. In addition, it boosts the country’scapacity of embracing the ever growing population with sufficient job opportunities.
The tourism sector helps safeguard habitat and species as it was witnessed how the sudden halt in tourist arrivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past has led to an increase in habitat destruction and wildlife poaching in many parts of the world. Tourism has also been leading by example in facing up to its climate responsibilities. The innovation driving the sector forward can help every country and the world in general to build a more sustainable future for all.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2023
