Ethiopia has launched a national tourism strategy aimed at positioning the country as one of Africa’s leading emerging destinations, pairing the plan with a project to build what would be the continent’s largest international airport, Gulf Tourism News reported on April 15.
Dr Jemal Beker Abdullah, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, said the strategy forms part of a broad national reform agenda led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, designed to transform the tourism sector and strengthen its global competitiveness. Urban rehabilitation efforts centred on Addis Ababa have been extended to more than 70 cities across the country. Africabusiness
Prime Minister Ahmed has been designated Tourism Champion of IGAD, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a regional endorsement reflecting Ethiopia’s growing influence in shaping travel development across East and Horn of Africa.
Ecotourism has been identified as a priority growth area, with flagship sites in the Simien Mountains, the Omo Valley and the Great Rift Valley lake system earmarked for development, supported by updated environmental legislation and strengthened wildlife conservation programmes. Travel And Tour World
Among the new projects is Beynouna, a community-led eco-destination developed in partnership between the governments of Ethiopia and the UAE along with the private sector, which is being promoted as a model for responsible tourism development.
The construction of Africa’s largest international airport is among the most ambitious elements of the strategy, and is expected to increase the country’s capacity to receive visitors while supporting both business and leisure travel.
The announcement comes as Gulf carriers deepen connectivity to the continent. Etihad Airways last week revealed six new African routes from Abu Dhabi, including a service to Addis Ababa’s partner carrier Ethiopian Airlines, which recently marked 80 years of operations.
In an interview with Gulf Tourism News, Ambassador Dr Jemal said: “Our aim is not just to attract more visitors but to build a tourism ecosystem that is deeply rooted in sustainability, local empowerment, and responsible travel.”