With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Ethiopia is a hidden gem in Africa waiting to be discovered by tourists from around the world. In recent years, the Ethiopian government has been making significant efforts to beautify its capital city, Addis Ababa, and other tourist destinations across the country in order to attract more visitors.
For instance, the recent initiatives of beautifying Addis Ababa sought the creation of more green spaces and parks across the city. These areas not only provide residents with a place to relax and unwind, but also serve as attractive destinations for tourists. The lush greenery and well-maintained gardens in these parks offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
No doubt, Addis Ababa is home to a wealth of cultural heritage sites, including the Ethiopian National Museum, the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, various monuments, among others. The government has been working to preserve and restore these historical landmarks as well as ensure that they remain a vital part of the city’s identity. By showcasing its rich cultural heritage, Addis Ababa is able to offer visitors a glimpse into Ethiopia’s vibrant past.
In addition, in an effort to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city, Addis Ababa has seen a rise in public art installations in recent years. From colorful murals to striking sculptures, these art pieces add a creative touch to the urban landscape. Tourists are often drawn to these artistic displays, which not only beautify the city but also serve as a reflection of Ethiopia’s vibrant arts scene.
Tourism experts underscored that the national “Clean Street-Healthy Life” campaign boosts tourism beyond creating beautiful and healthy cities for residents.
Approached by the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Senior Tourism Researcher Ayalew Sisay (PhD) stated that studies conducted during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie and the Derg regimes identified poor sanitation among the major hurdles that affect Ethiopia’s tourism development.
Many of the tourists that come to Ethiopia are from the developed world so that strict protocol and cleanliness is crucial to keep the health and frame of mind of the visitors, he stressed.
According to the scholar, the “Clean Street- Healthy Life” campaign is important to attract more visitors and lengthen the time tourists stay here. “It is not only the hotels and destinations of tourists that should be kept clean, but also all the streets and other places and cities that the visitors might see en route.”
Noting Ethiopia’s immense tourism potentials, Ayalew (PhD) however, stressed the need to develop and renovate these resources to get the desired outcome in the tourism industry. According to him, mobilizing the public in cleaning activities is crucial to attract visitors.
“For instance, Jewish people have developed a sense of responsibility to keep the cleanliness of their country; even some of them might travel a long distance in search of dustbins having a waste in hand.”
In this regard, the government is advised to raise public awareness besides to engage in infrastructural development to bring about tangible outcomes in creating a clean environment.
Debre Berhan University Tourism and Hotel Management Lecturer Wubshet Kassa for his part said that all cities need to strive to excel in cleanliness. By drawing the cleanliness experience of different African countries including Rwanda, South Africa, and Seychelles, Ethiopia could attract a large number of visitors.
The Lecturer also noted that the clean Ethiopia campaign, therefore, is important to build Ethiopia’s good image by keeping its sanitation. “The tourists’ stay in a given city mainly relies on the cleanliness next to the security and living conditions.”
Likewise, lengthening tourists’ stay in cities increases the tourism income and ushers a healthy competition among different cities to become attractive in the eyes of residents and visitors.
Wubshet mentioned that cities’ cleanliness is also crucial to boost conference tourism earnings stressing the need to establish clean public convention centers in addition to hotels.
Ethiopia’s city cleaning campaign and fund raising was recently launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). In addition to ongoing cleaning activities, the fundraising enabled the government to mobilize 154.5 million Birr in a single day from participants, it was learned.
Beyond Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian government has also been focusing on beautifying other tourist destinations across the country. Various historic sites and new tourist destinations are being meticulously restored to their glory. These sites offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s storied past, showcasing the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
In addition to preserving historical sites, Ethiopia is also investing in infrastructure development to improve the overall tourism experience. New roads, airports, and hotels are being constructed to make it easier for tourists to explore the country’s diverse attractions. These improvements not only enhance visitors’ experience but also stimulate economic growth in local communities.
As part of its beautification efforts, Ethiopia is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. Eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management programs and conservation projects help to preserve the country’s natural beauty for future generations. By adopting environmentally conscious practices, Ethiopia is able to attract tourists who are seeking responsible travel options.
In sum, the beautification efforts in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia as a whole are playing a crucial role in boosting tourists’ inflow to the country. By preserving cultural heritage, enhancing public spaces, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, Ethiopia is able to offer visitors a unique and memorable travel experience. As the country continues to invest in beautifying its cities and tourist destinations, we can expect to see a significant increase in tourists flocking to Ethiopia in the years to come.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 7 JUNE 2024
