Various reports confirm that the Ethiopian Diasporas returning to their ancestral homeland is gaining momentum and yielding significant impacts on the tourism industry year after year. Courageous citizens motivated by a desire to explore their roots, contribute to the development of their home country, and promote its rich cultural heritage, have been playing a vital role in attracting tourists and boosting the tourism industry. It is to be recalled that the previous year, the first Great Ethiopian Diasporas Homecoming challenge was able to attract millions of Ethiopian origins and foreign tourists to the homeland.
In an effort to maximize the influx of tourists and garner more benefits out of it recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on the second-generation Ethiopian origins to come home and visit Ethiopia as well as experience the culture, history and be part of the ongoing development endeavors .
It is believed this year numerous Ethiopian born tourists and foreigners are expected to visit the country in connection with the Prime Minister’s call. The call was heralded on an event of Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge inaugurating.
On the occasion the premier invited the second generation of Ethiopian Diaspora to come and visit their beloved country in three-rounds from 30th December 2023 to the end of September 2024.
As per the set schedule, the first-round homecoming will be materialized under the motto “Connect to Your Culture” begins from 30 December 2023 to 29 January 2024. The Diaspora members who come home during that period will celebrate various festivals, including Christmas. And the second round homecoming dubbed “Connect to Your History” will be during the African Union annual summit in Addis Ababa, the premier said.
As to him, the third round will be from the upcoming rainy season to 30 September 2024 under the motto “Leave Your Legacy.” Members of the Diaspora who come during this period will participate in planting seedlings and other activities, he stated.
Moreover, the premier underscored that members of the Diaspora who come to their country will get special discounts by the Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian hotels.
So far, the second generations Ethiopian Diasporas are playing a crucial role in the efforts to promote homecoming and encourage tourism to Ethiopia. Their unique position as descendants of Ethiopian immigrants gives them a deep connection to the country, making them passionate advocates for showcasing its beauty and rich cultural heritage. Their influence and understanding of both Ethiopian and foreign cultures can bridge gaps and facilitate meaningful exchanges between tourists and locals.
The call made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the second generation of Ethiopian Diaspora for homecoming provides benefits for the Diaspora and the country as well, Foreign Affairs Standing Committee Member of the House of People’s Representatives, Ambassador Dina Mufti remarked.
The second-generation of Ethiopian Diaspora, who are born outside their country of origin, and still reside there, are believed to be a large number.
The objective of the invitation is to reconnect this part of the Diaspora with their ancestral root, help them acquaint with the unique culture, values and history as well as the ongoing overall transformation efforts in Ethiopia.
According to him, the Diaspora will also be able to see physically the internationally acclaimed historical, religious and cultural heritages of Ethiopia that they may only know from afar, he added.
Moreover, Tourism Minister Nasise Challi said the call by the Premier is crucial to mend the gap between generations of Ethiopians and collectively contribute to their country of origin.
As to her, the call has taken into consideration seasonal breaks and holidays to create favorable conditions and encourage the second generation Ethiopians to come to their homeland.
Accordingly, Ethiopians living abroad contribute significantly to promoting tourism by organizing cultural events and festivals that showcase the vibrant traditions and customs of Ethiopia. These events provide a platform for tourists to experience Ethiopian music, dance, art, and other cultural expressions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich heritage.
Currently, Ethiopian embassies in various countries have commenced preparations to facilitate the visit.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Italy, Demitu Hambisa said the embassy has conducted discussions with Ethiopians and foreigners of Ethiopian origin residing in Italy, Greece and Malta with a view to creating awareness.
According to her, the second generation Diaspora in the countries are expressing huge desire to visit their country of origin.
On his part, Diaspora Sector Coordinator at the Ethiopian Embassy in Germany, Aschalew Kebede said the response of the Diaspora in Germany to the homecoming call of the premier has stirred huge enthusiasm among the Diaspora community.
The embassy is currently engaged in creating awareness about the objective and content of the initiative through establishing coordinating committee.
As to him, the visit is pivotal for the second generation Ethiopian Diaspora as it creates great opportunity to familiarize themselves with their origin, history, and culture.
So far, the Ethiopian Airlines, following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s invitation, has issued discounts on flights and hotel accommodation for those second generation Diaspora coming home.
In sum, the second generation Ethiopian Diasporas sought to offer fresh perspectives and creative ideas in enhancing marketing and promotion strategies for Ethiopian tourism. Their deep understanding of the target audience, combined with their knowledge of digital platforms and social media, is expected to enable visitors to effectively communicate the unique experiences that Ethiopia has to offer. By leveraging their skills, they contribute to attracting a wider audience and increasing tourist inflow.
More importantly, such initiatives also significantly contribute to the country’s tourism sector that has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the northern part conflict. It stimulates the hotels, lodges, tour and travel agents, as well as other tourist service providers’ to operate with maximum efforts.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 31 MAY 2024
