ADDIS ABABA– September is the month of tourism and extensive promotion of street religious and cultural festivities would put Ethiopia as a preferred tourist destination and enhance the foreign currency earnings, a senior tourism expert said.
Speaking to local media, Tourism Expert and Lecturer Ayalew Sisay (PhD) stated that extensive promotion of street celebrations including Meskel and Irrecha are of great significance for the country’s tourism industry. “Holidays are instrumental to stimulate the tourism sector as they open the door to display Ethiopia’s much-cherished culture and values for tourists.”
The expert further noted that connecting such festivities with major events including the filling of Abbay Dam is something worth equal consideration by actors in the tourism industry. “Many global tourists are admirers of Ethiopia’s unique scenery and cultural makeup and the recently-built tourist attraction sites including Koysha, Entoto and other projects would bring substantial change in the country’s portfolio.
Sisay said; however, that the current instability in some parts of the country not only affects the tourism sector but it would also affect the national economy at large. It is a fact that the tourism industry is highly reliant on other sectors including service. “Hence, it is important to ensure peace so that the nation could get the necessary benefit from its tourism potential.”
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
The Ethiopian Herald September 27/2023
