Ethiopia launches new tourism initiatives to boost national economy

New tourist destination development projects are proving instrumental in revitalising Ethiopia's tourism sector and strengthening its national economy, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Government reforms have prioritised tourism as one of five key sectors earmarked for accelerating Ethiopia's economic transformation, as reported by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The ministry now concentrates on identifying and enhancing existing attractions while ensuring that new destinations meet stringent quality and service standards. Currently, the government is creating a favourable investment climate to encourage private sector participation in the industry. Inclusive tourism development remains a high priority.

Technology-driven systems have also been introduced to empower human resources and improve service delivery. These innovations aim to position tourism as a cornerstone of national development.

A major milestone on the horizon is the planned revision of Ethiopia's tourism policy, which has remained unchanged for 16 years. The updated policy seeks to enhance the sector's competitiveness and operational efficiency.

Visa procedures have also been simplified through a new system, leading to a notable increase in tourist arrivals. According to official figures, Ethiopia hosted more than 1.2 million tourists last fiscal year, generating US$4.3 billion in revenue.

Photo: iStock / Serhej Calka