Addis Ababa, October 9, 2024 (FBC) – Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Arga underscored that his ministry is devoted to unlock and harness the tourism potential of Ethiopia.
Speaking to local news agency ENA, Foreign Affairs State Minister, Mesganu Arega highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand and enhance tourist destinations, citing notable destinations build over the past six years as key initiatives to promote the country’s tourism industry.
He added that the ongoing development activities aimed at enhancing the tourism infrastructures of the country are creating a welcoming environment for visitors, fostering growth in the industry.
These newly built tourism destinations are instrumental to further enhance the country’s economy diplomacy, he added.
Noting that the government has prioritized tourism development as a key component of its homegrown economic strategy, the state minister said that Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working to unlock and harness Ethiopia’s tourism potential.
“The ministry’s economic diplomacy focuses on tourism and trade, emphasizing on familiarization trips, participation in international exhibitions, and collaboration with foreign tour operators to showcase Ethiopia’s attractions” he stated.
These initiatives involve partnerships with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the country’s tourism sector, the state minister noted, underscoring that Ethiopia is endowed with immense natural and cultural heritage wealth, offering both tangible and intangible tourist attractions.
“We are promoting our tourism potential through our embassies and diplomats,” the state minister said; highlighting that “upgrading the country’s tourist reception capacity is crucial to fully realize its potential as a competitive tourism destination in the region.”
Moreover, efforts are being strengthened to attract tourists from emerging markets of Middle East and Far East countries, Mesganu remarked.
Traditionally, the USA and various Western countries have been primary sources of tourists for Ethiopia. However, there is a growing interest from countries like Turkey and those in the Far East, including Japan and China, Mesganu stated.
The state minister underlined that Ethiopia’s strong position in tourism development is bolstered by the prestigious Ethiopian Airlines which facilitates both transit and destination for tourists and travelers.