ADDIS ABABA– Projects incorporated under the ‘Dine for Ethiopia’ initiative namely Gorgora, Wenchi and Koysha are instrumental to build the country’s image and promote its tourism potential to global visitors, Ethiopian Tour Operators Association said.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Association President Fitsum Gezahegn stated that the iconic projects, whose construction is in the final stages, would contribute greatly to enhance tourist inflow and forex earnings.
Mentioning the immense contribution of the projects to the overall economic progress of the nation, Fitsum indicated the projects are helpful in lengthening the tourists’ stay and generating additional revenue. The projects also have a significant role in job creation for local youth.
Earlier, those who went to Gorgora were expected to spend the nights in Gondar, but now they could stay in Gorgora as long as they wish since the place is well equipped with the necessary facilities and amenities.
He further noted that the destinations would avail greater opportunity to members of the local community who are engaged in the hotel, transport and tour guide activities and flourish business in nearby areas.
“We aim to capitalize on the operation of these projects as a good opportunity to introduce the association and its members for local and foreign tourists.”
Despite such successes, there is a lot to be done to enhance infrastructural setbacks including roads, electricity, and communication networks and fill the skill gap witnessed in the hospitality industry. Effective and consolidated promotion of attraction sites would also help Ethiopia to tap the sector’s untapped economic potential.
Ethiopia has abundant potential for commercial and conference tourism and provides various incentives including tax holidays, access to land at competitive lease price and custom free imports of capital goods for investors in the sector.
BY MENGESHA AMARE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 12 NOVEMBER 2023
