Harari region unveils new tourism brand

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2023 (FBC) – Harari Regional State’s newly introduced tourism brand entitled “Harar: the Eternal Museum” will contribute to further promote the region and its ample tourism sector, Harari region chief administrator Ordin Bedri said.

In a message posted on his social media page, the regional chief administrator said, “Harar: Eternal Museum” will be the brand and logo of Harari region tourism.

He said that this new Harari Regional Tourism Brand will have a significant contribution towards promoting the region itself and the tourism sector in the area.

Owing to tourism development activities in and around the UNESCO-inscribed Hara Jugol World Heritage, the region has become a source of pride for its residents by attracting the attention of visitors from across the world, he noted.

Ordin assured that the activities embarked in developing the region’s tourism sector and to make Harar city a tourism hub will continue to be intensified.

Recall that Harar city has become the first sub-Saharan Africa city to be registered as a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) in July 2023.

On July 10, 2023, the chief administrator of Harari region, Ordin Bedri, signed the registration of Harar city as the member of OWHC in the city of Quebec, Canada.

It was stated that the registration of Harar city as one of the heritage cities will greatly contribute to the development of cultural and historical heritage in the city and the development of the tourism sector.

It is vital for heritage cities to consult on their common issues and set direction to overcome challenges and expand opportunities, it was indicated.

Harar city is known to be the home of international heritage sites registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), including the Jugal World Heritage Site. Located in eastern Ethiopia, the City is surrounded by a centuries-old defensive wall that has several large gates, including Duke’s Gate. The city is known for its mazelike alleys and traditional houses decorated inside with flat hanging baskets. A replica house features at the Harar Community Centre Museum.

In addition, it is to be remembered that the city has been recognized by UNESCO as a city where citizens live in peace and harmony.

The OWHC said that it is happy and proud to count HARAR JUGOL among its members in good standing. “Harar Jugol has duly fulfilled its obligations and has been registered as a member in good standing of the Organization of World Heritage Cities for 2023,” the official membership certificate reads.

The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization of 250 cities in which sites of the UNESCO World Heritage list are located. It was founded in 1993 in Fez, Morocco, during the second International Symposium of World Heritage Cities.