Addis Ababa becomes leading African tourism destination with record growth in international conferences

Addis Ababa is rapidly establishing itself as one of Africa's fastest-growing tourism destinations, with large-scale urban regeneration projects and a sharp increase in international conferences boosting the Ethiopian capital's global profile, as reported by ENA, a TV BRICS partner.

According to the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission, the city hosted more than 221 international conferences during the latest fiscal year, a significant increase from over 150 events recorded in the previous year.

The shift has been driven by the ongoing Corridor Development Project, which has modernised key urban areas and significantly enhanced the visitor experience. The tourism commission noted that sustained investment in visitor infrastructure and public amenities has strengthened Addis Ababa's competitiveness in the international tourism market while improving its capacity to host major global conferences.

Tourism has also become a strategic pillar of Ethiopia's broader economic reform programme, with authorities increasingly viewing the sector as a driver of investment and employment.

The rise in conference tourism has further reinforced Addis Ababa's position as one of Africa's leading meeting destinations, attracting international delegates while generating additional demand for hospitality, transport and cultural services.

With improved public spaces, modern transport corridors and a growing calendar of international events, Addis Ababa is increasingly emerging as a destination in its own right, attracting a rising number of visitors seeking both business opportunities and cultural experiences.