BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
Tourism plays a very important role in the social, cultural, economic, political and environmental development of countries. To mention few, it has a great role as a foreign exchange earner; employment generator, developer of infrastructures, promoter of industries, businesses, tax revenues and redistributor of domestic wealth. At the local level, it also helps to diversify the local economy and reduce dependence on trade and the like. It also has a multiplier effect on all local businesses and attracts new money from both local and external sources. It enhances community aesthetics.
With the target to promote the untapped investment opportunities available in the country, garner the blessings of its tourism potential and ensure the prosperity of Ethiopia, the country is revamping up efforts to develop tourist destinations and increase the flow of visitors in tourist destinations
As part of this effort, at an event, “Invest Ethiopia 2023” forum that was organized to promote the nation’s attractive investment opportunities; and bringing together global investors from around the world- policymakers, entrepreneurs, business leaders among others- Minister of Tourism, Amb. Nasise Chali revealed the country’s tourism sector potential and the available conducive environment. She also expressed
the government’s trust on the private sector to play a crucial role in stimulating economic growth and urged investors to engage in the tourism sector. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that it is high time to come to the “Land of Origins” and the diplomatic capital of Africa because Ethiopia is ready to welcome everyone.
Presenting the opportunities, resources, and support of the government to global investors gathered at the forum, Nasise invited international investors to engage in Ethiopia’s tourism sector, the land endowed with plenty of unique tourism attractions. “We call investors to the ‘Land of Origins,’ because it is the cradle of humanity where humankind first walked on two legs,” the Minister added.
Saying that Ethiopia is also a nation that is a source of the Abbay River, she said that Ethiopia is one of the ancient civilizations, and coffee is Ethiopia’s greatest gift to the world. For the Minister, such resources make Ethiopia a unique place to explore more in the tourism sector. Understanding the government’s due attention to the sector, Nasise reiterated the untapped, ample resources that Ethiopia has in the sector.
Accordingly, the government believes that the sector is one of the pillars of the economy for the country. So, she further elaborated it is given due attention under the 10-year development plan. She stressed: “We are counting on the private sector as key players to invest in the sector and contribute share. When we plan, we make sure the required interventions- the necessary policy support, legal framework and all the needed things are in place.”
Ethiopia is the diplomatic capital of Africa and also the seat of many international organizations which makes it also a favorable place for tourism. The flag carrier, the Ethiopian Airlines, is also a good opportunity in terms of transporting a lot of passengers with more than 10 million a year which gives the country a lot of advantages to tap on to that.
In Ethiopia, there is no lack of tourist attractions as it is an ancient country with lots of historical resources. Ethiopia can be named as one of the naturally diverse countries in the world, she said adding: “We have lots of ethnic groups with their own language, unique cultural identity which can make Ethiopia one of the cultural mosaics.”
There are lots of cultural heritages, ethnographic attractions, traditional crafts, and natural resources of the country. The natural beauty, the scenery, the landscapes, and the favorable all year round weather can create unforgettable impressions on visitors. In addition, the wild life of the flora and fauna, the protected areas, and the parks are all waiting for meaningful investment and those are all opportunities for investment among others.
Regarding the favorable conditions, the Minister also noted that there is a political will from the government that is demonstrated by prioritizing tourism as one of the pillars of the development of the economy and the incentives arranged to investors, and aside from the favorable business climate.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 29 APRIL 2023
