Ethiopia is endowed with myriads of tourist attractions that include outdoor festivals; unique cultural heritage, rich history and remarkable biodiversity which are reflected in a tally of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites more than any other country in Africa to mention a few. The fastest-growing global airline brand and the continent’s leading airline is at the center of the country’s tourism industry of course.
From bracing multi-day high-altitude treks through the Simien and Bale Mountains to moderately demanding day hikes amidst the remote rock-hewn churches of Gheralta, Ethiopia offers practically limitless opportunities for keen walkers.
Ethiopia’s colorful outdoor festivals add a unique feature to its tourist attractions. The Festivals are majorly religious and cultural events which attract tourists to tourism destination of Ethiopia. Events and celebrations are varied from religion to religion, and culture to culture. However, the most known events of Ethiopia are both cultural and religious attractions.
Ethiopia is a unique country with 13 months’ calendar and celebrates festivals throughout the year. The celebration includes arts and sports.
Thousands of Ethiopians and international tourists celebrate the eve of Meskel at Meskel Square of Addis Ababa. So, the colorful occasions of Ethiopia’s Meskel Festival are held annually in September. After a week, following the Meskel Festival, there is another colorful gathering of people from all corners of the country to celebrate Irreecha Festival–a thanksgiving festival of Oromo people.
This festival is attended by many tourists from around the world for its feature of accommodating all kinds of people; the younger and the elder and peoples from all walks of life. The Oromo people celebrate the festivals by dancing, singing, and gathering with relatives.
Likewise, the Fiche Chembelala Festival shows the unification of the Sidama people among the clans and other Ethiopian nations. The festival carries out communal events and traditional songs and dances. Therefore, Fichee Chembelala Festival enhances esteem, good governance, social union, tranquil conjunction, and cohesion among the Sidama tribes and other Ethiopian diverse people.
In addition to the outdoor cultural and religious festivals, the Great Ethiopian Run has become one of the tourist attractions.
The Great Ethiopian Run is a ten-kilometer street running occasion that happens every year of November in Addis Ababa. The day’s occasions incorporate a 10 km race and a 5 km women’s race. It attracts several prominent international and domestic famous runners. The Festival has many entertainments on the major streets of Addis Ababa. During the training session, international guests will have time to explore historical, cultural, and natural tourism destinations.
When talking about Ethiopia’s tourist attractions, we cannot put aside contribution of the Ethiopian Airlines. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others.
The relevance of air- transport goes far beyond the tourism sector. It is a catalyst for sociology-economic development; it serves for the integration of host communities within the world community; and it enhances the development of a strong Travel and Tourism sector in supporting the hospitality job creation, and also it raises national income.
The government of Ethiopia has capitalized on the tourism sector via carrying out various activities aiming to gain the best benefit of it. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is responsible for developing and promoting tourism in Ethiopia, and to boost sustainable socio-economic and political values with popular and stakeholder’s participation.
As the country is beginning its new year 2016, it is inviting tourists to come and be part of its festivals and visit the attractions.
The Ethiopian Herald September 16/2023
