ADISS ABABA- The nation has been doing its level best to receive 1.5 million tourists from abroad this fiscal year and also given emphasis to spread local tourism, disclosed Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
With the planned international tourist’s influx, the country is expecting to earn 5.1 billion dollar in the ensued fiscal year.
Tariku Negash, Acting Communications Director within The Ministry told to The Ethiopian Herald that naturally Ethiopia is replete with touristic attractions. There are lots of heritages which can lure tourists. But to enhance the attraction of these natural gifts, the ministry has been working a lot.
“We need to promote the destinations. We are doing so.” The country is becoming a hub for lots of conferences, conventions, exhibitions and other businesses. Therefore, the number of tourists coming to the country is mounting,” he stated.
Tariku added, now there are big projects like beatifying Addis, it will attract tourists to have a long stay in Addis. Renewing the former emperor’s palace also will be the other opportunity for developing the tourism sector.
Towards accomplishing the plan, lots of tasks are being undertaking. Market development, destinations development and local tourist’s development are afoot, he said.
Strongly interconnection with International Tour Associations has proceeded apace. The country also participates on international trades and bazars.
Furthermore, there is a plan to develop a system which steps up tourists’ security around all tourism destinations. And also a strategy to overcome natural and human made disasters will be put in place, he stated.
As to Tariku, the country has placed higher emphasis on domestic tourism with working vast promotion, gives incentives, preparing bazars and giving brand for tourism destinations and fixing picnics with some trip clubs.
He added said, there is a plan to increase the local tourists’ number from about 23 million, registered during the past fiscal year, to 25 million.
Taking elders to different religious tourism destinations will be made a point. Also children will be made to know their country— different cultures and heritages, he said.
Tariku stressed, the main thing is security of tourists, and thus the ministry works strongly with stockholders and also with the people.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 11 AUGUST 2019
BY GENET FEKADE
