BY TEWODROS KASSA
The Halala Kela Resort, adorned with natural beauty and man-made state of the art touristic service providing centers is now open for international and local tourists. The destination proved a potential avenue towards stimulating the country’s tourism sector. Tourism experts lauded Halala Kela for its significant touristic values and a new option for the urban residents to enjoy fresh air with diversified biodiversity. They also expressed their happiness to see the rapid completion of the resort and eagerness to visit the area very soon.
The Ministry of Tourism indicated that the place is one of the exciting resort destinations in the south western corner of Ethiopia. “A Dine for Ethiopia tourism destination project that was initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed lights up the Halala Kela and its surroundings. The Resort inauguration will bring a new insight to the country’s tourism sector. This place is tucked away in the middle of the Chebera Churchura National Park, with King Halala’s Stone Wall and Koysha Lake as the main attractions,” it indicated.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Resort, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said that the Halala Kela Resort, which is part of Dine for Ethiopia (Gebeta Le Hager) Koysha Project showcases the government’s priority to develop and harness the tourism sector.
The Premier stated that the resort, which is located on the shore of the man-made lake created by the Gibe Three Power Plant, is an ideal destination for tourists. Apart from being a recreational area, the Halala Kela Resort also includes historical and cultural museums and research centers. The Dawuro Zone of the South West Ethiopia Peoples State has eye-catching landscapes, historical and cultural attractions. The Premier also made the call to Ethiopians to come to the Dawuro Zone which is the ever green area throughout the year; and to visit the Halalal Kela Resort, to generate new ideas and find inner peace. “Ethiopia is a nation of many cultures and languages, and it is necessary accepting this diversity as one’s own.” It is necessary to understand that Ethiopia is a united country not only because of its culture and language, but also because it is a very attractive country with its national colors. One area has its own natural features that are different from the other, so it should be properly developed and used.
Accordingly, the construction of the resort, completed in less than two years, has exhibited both indigenous and modern architecture designs. The Resort contains presidential and modern bedrooms, where the Gibe III Hydropower’s manmade lake, lying in front of it, will be of captivating sight. The realization of the resort is expected to play a significant role in creating jobs to the community in the area.
According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia is home to diverse nations, nationalities and peoples and embraces multinational cultural and language assets. In addition, the country is also endowed with diversified natural attractions. Thus, it is important to develop all corners of the country since they have their own breathtaking natural attractions and unique features to attract numerous international and local tourists.
The Premier also urged the Dawuro community to protect and preserve the heritage of the Halala Kela Resort and to pass on to the future generation through cultivating the well-recognized Dawuro’s forefathers and foremother’s experience of heritage conservations and ensure its economic benefits.
Different states’ chief administrators, who attended the inauguration ceremony of the Halala Kela Resort also expressed that the Resort has been constructed with state of the art touristic services and in a manner meeting international tourist destinations standards.
According to them, the construction activities of the Resort project, which is in the cluster of the larger Koysha Project, carried out in line with keeping the natural endowments of the area, which makes it the destination more engaging and attractive.
Recalling that the area was under the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples State (SNNPS) when the foundation stone for the resort was laid and now becoming part of the South West Ethiopia’s People State, State’s Chief Administrator Restu Yirdaw said that attending the inauguration ceremony of the Resort has created special feeling on him.
Oromia State Chief Administrator Shimeles Abdissa on his part said that in addition to the historical attraction of the Halala Kela, the Dawuro Zone of the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ State is also endowed with impressive attractions in the area of cultural attraction.
“I do not think that many people outside the local community to have any information and know about this place some three years back. However, the resort which is inaugurated now is a project where an immense tourism potential has been created as a country,” he added.
For his part, Somali State Chief Administrator Mustafa Muhumed also indicated that lack of peace is one of the challenges that are holding back sectors such as tourism from generating the desired national importance. “This project showcases tourism as the main source of income for Ethiopia.” Sharing the above, Head of the Tigray State Interim Government Getachew Reda mentioned the historic day when he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to review the peace agreement for the first time. Getachew expressed his delight to see the completion of the resort.
In view of the multifaceted benefits of expanding tourism projects, the state administrators called on citizens to promote Ethiopia’s tourism potential and play their role in galvanizing the sector’s economic role.
The Ethiopian herald May 5/2023
