Ethiopia receives WTTC’s Save Travel Stamp

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2021 (FBC) – This decision reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to maintaining the standard save travel protocols and procedures as we reopen our doors to tourism and international visitors, Hailemariam Desalegn, Chairman of Ethiopian Tourism Board.

Ethiopia has become the latest destination to be awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp – the world’s first-ever global safety and hygiene stamp.

The grant has come following major steps implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism last year to ensure safety for residents, travellers, and workers and businesses in the tourism value chain, as Ethiopia reopened its borders to international visitors, it is indicated.

Hailemariam Desalegn, the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia an Chairman of the Ethiopian Tourism Board, said: “We are extremely honoured to be issued the Safe Travels stamp by the WTTC and commend them for this important initiative.”

“This decision reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to maintaining the standard safe travel protocols and procedures as we reopen our doors to tourism and international visitors. With the aim of ensuring the safety of workers and visitors, we will continue to work closely with tour operators, hotels, and regional destination marketing organisations to maintain these standards.”, he added.

Dr. Hirut Kassaw, Minister of Culture Tourism, and Sport said: “Tourism is a Strategic priority for the government and significantly contributes to the development of our national economy. We have created a partnership with the private sector and responded quickly on COVID-19 safety measures.”

The Minister added saying: “With the current success in obtaining the safe travel stamp, I am confident that appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of tourists and destinations nationwide. We are now ready to welcome tourists to visit Ethiopia.”

Sileshi Girma, the CEO of Tourism Ethiopia, to his part, said health and safety issues are at the forefront of the travel and tourism sector, adding that destinations and industry operators are now well prepared to implement safety protocols.

WTTC, which represents the global Travel and Tourism private sector, created the Safe Travels Stamp in May 2020, to restore traveller confidence by allowing travelers to identify destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the global standardized health and hygiene protocols.

The globally recognized Stamp has also helped revive the global travel and tourism sector, which has been left devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible businesses in Ethiopia such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, tour operators, restaurants, outdoor shopping, transportation, and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented, it is learned.