As much as the perks the information technology era, we are in, has brought in its wake, it has its own shortcomings. Spiritually estranged from their environment and from close people, many wander in the digital world to get lost like a ship surfing the ocean without a rudder. To a certain degree this change of habit has mitigated people’s mobility and casted a shadow on their bent of visiting different places.
Sitting at a spot spending much time glued to a smartphone has turned a fad these days. Given the high frequency such people resort to their phones and the length of time they spend in scouring the internet, no doubt, the passion, in the passage of time, turns prosaic and boring. Therefore, it is natural that subjects under discussion scout for other opportunities.
People want to retreat from the aforementioned artificial digital world by way of a break. Greenery, and scenery as well as historic touristic spots boasting heritages magnetize them thereby sparing the worn-out the hustles and bustles of ordinary life too. This way they could marshal their disarrayed attention needed for deep thinking or contemplation. They as well stand a chance to click with nature. That is why tourism comes atop the entertainment industry.
Nation’s income from tourism is comprised of the fees from the transport services offered for tourists, guest houses, food & drinks as well as artifacts. Hence, to augment income from the smokeless industry catering to such demands meeting the quality and quantity standards is mandatory. There has to be quality air, land and water transport services, qualified curators and active tour operators, standard hotel services, fast communication networks, apt medical services and fascinating entertainment shows. If these basic facilities are fulfilled, tourists stay in the country could be prolonged.
However, in the absence of these facilities, attracting tourists could be hardly possible numerous advertisements notwithstanding. Observably, satisfied tourists are sure to come back with friends and relatives. Also they as well might do promotion works.
In the sphere of economy tourism plays quite a role as one salient pillar. It has been more than half a century since Ethiopia is introduced to tourism. Ethiopia, which embarked on the avenue of tourism five decades back with the brand “13 months of sunshine”, currently, it is striving to popularize itself as “Land of origins.”
Outstandingly, Ethiopia is owner of a multitude of religious and architectural heritages that have won the fame of professionals in the field. Here it suffices to mention the magnificence of the rock-hewn church of Lalibela, Axum Obelisk, Harar wall, churches and mosques, among others. Experts in the tourism sector indicate a big chasm in paying homage to such touristic sites. Some voice complaint that followers of different faiths, as local tourists, fail to visit one another’s religious institutions. As the heritages are our common wealth we must develop the habit of going to the spots in person and visiting all of them thereby deepening our knowledge about them as the adage goes “know your country”.
According to experts in the tourism sector, Ethiopia abounds in natural and manmade historic heritages. That could bring tourists across the globe here. But the documentation and information presentation task has to be conducted in a strengthened manner. Otherwise the benefits to be derived from the promising sector could be elusive.
Entertainment is one characteristic feature of tours that entail desires to know more about historic spots and natural wonders. Traveling a bit afar from one’s domicile and visiting tourist destinations create a sense of ecstasy. A feeling of contentment could wash over one doing the visit. That is why tourism is taken a way of entertainment seen from various perspectives.
Assessing tourists’ inclinations, it is possible to figure out the desire of people to head to public parks, museums and galleries planning or on the spur of the moment. That is why tourism is seen from the stand point of entertainment. In cognizance of this fact, there is a need to carry out activities to bolster the attractions of such spots. There is a call for taking local tourists too aboard the tour programs. Especially on weekends family members or close friends must develop the habit of heading to the aforementioned spots as part of their entertainment plan. Our culture in this regard is underwhelming.
Ensuring the spots are cozy or do not have eyesores is necessary. The Awash National Park, Wenche lake, Holeta livestock preservation quarter are but to mention some of the spots not far off from the capital Addis. But promotion works are needed to draw the attention of people to such spots. As much as possible making costs affordable and services satisfactory is necessary. The trend schools started taking their students to nearby spots must be strengthened.
Different governmental and non-organizations must emulate this trend and at least once in a year take their employees to such spots to buttress the mental health and working spirits of their employees and promote the income the country generates from the tourism sector. They must learn to prepare tour packages to this effect.
Supplying timely and ample information as per the move from analogue to the digital technology has to be made a point. This shift is not only affecting the lives of people and organizations in information acquisition, but also wielding a positive influence on the smokeless industry. Disseminating information using technology-based communication is underway at the Addis and federal level. Specially zeroing in on the social media to underpin the sector pays off.
At the Addis Ababa level new projects are making a confluence with the federal thrust. Entoto Park, friendship square, Unity Park and the science museum are top among the jewels on the crown of Addis Ababa’s tourism. They have incalculable role in augmenting the income from the sector making tourists want stay longer in pursuit of attention. Preserving and developing its touristic wealth as well popularizing it Addis must lend power to the magnetic pulls of its smokeless industry.
Currently, Ethiopia is competitive when it comes to the tourism sector. So far, all together, it has managed to get 23 tangible and intangible heritages registered under UNESCO’S heritage list. Information delivery about the heritages buttressed by the entertainment service improvement must enjoy focal attention.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18 AUGUST 2023
