The tourist industry in Ethiopia has seen a growth of 111% to earn 253 million dollars in the first two of the current fiscal year according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The number of tourists visiting the country has increased by 44% with 321,000 visitors during the last six months.
The average length of stay for tourists to Ethiopia has also shown an increase from 4 days to 6 days.
The increase in the flow of tourists is primarily due to enhanced security and peace despite of the recent accident in Afar which was detrimental to the national image explained Sisay Teklu, Coordinator of Tourism Services Competence Accreditation Directorate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.This is especially true as well known tourist destinations in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia have recently suffered from conflict and instability leading to an increase of tourists to Ethiopia according to Sisay.
Increasing efforts to promote Ethiopia as a notable tourist destination are underway said Sisay.
In related news the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has recently adopted a new guideline for tour operators, communities around tourist destinations and tourists.
The new guideline establishes the protection of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage by tourists and communities around tourist destinations while tour operators are expected to publish the guild line and implement it.
Tourists visiting Ethiopia can obtain information on the new guideline from Ethiopian Embassies or consulates in their countries of origin or from tour operators here in Ethiopia.
Source: The Reporter
