Ethiopia launches its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account

Addis Ababa, September 17, 2024 (FBC) – In ceremony held today, Ethiopia unveiled its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (ET-TSA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s tourism sector. The launch of the ET-TSA, which was prepared in collaboration with the UN Tourism Statistics Department, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and partner institutions, which took more than one year and six months to complete.

By documenting and preserving the data of the satellite account, Ethiopia aims to effectively harness and utilize the economic potential of its tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) asserted.

On the same event being held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034, designed to foster sustainable development in tourism across the Horn of Africa region, is also expected to be officially launched.

The launch of the ET-TSA was attended by Minister of Tourism Ambassador Nasise Chali and Minister of Education Prof. Birhanu Nega, as well as other invited guests including tourism ministers from IGAD member countries and sector stakeholders.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), organized an IGAD Member States Tourism Exhibition at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum. This event aimed to showcase the diverse tourism offerings of IGAD member states and promote cross-border tourism in the region.

Various sideline activities, including a meeting of tourism ministers from IGAD member countries, where they will strategies for promoting tourism in the region, are also scheduled to be held. Additionally, a series of events which will also take place from September 17-19 at Adwa Victory Memorial include the Origins Travel Market featuring the best of IGAD member states’ tourism attractions and B2B opportunities.