Addis Ababa, September 20, 2024 (FBC) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched today Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for the next 10 years.

The IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2024-2034 aims at promoting regional integration and sustainable development in the tourism sector across IGAD member states.

It also aspires to develop a unified tourism space, strengthen cross-border collaboration, drive investment in infrastructure and innovation, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

Speaking at the event, representing Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary and United Nations Under Secretary General, Andrew Mall, emphasized the importance of tourism as a key driver of social-economic change and job creation.

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2024 (FBC) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today announced that it has selected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia as the new IGAD Tourism Champion for a period of 3 years.

His visionary leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable tourism across the region, driving economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship for the benefit of all IGAD Member States, the bloc said in an official statement issued this afternoon.

Recall that IGAD has launched its 10 year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034 earlier today in a bid to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for tourism in the IGAD region.

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2024 (FBC) – Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today rolled out the region’s 10-year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP 2024-2034) which aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for the tourism sector in the region.

IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, together with IGAD Ministers responsible for Tourism and key leaders from the tourism sector, gathered at the iconic Adwa Victory Memorial Museum Hall to officially launch the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2024-2034.

This significant milestone marks the beginning of a transformative decade focused on advancing sustainable tourism development across the region, fostering collaboration, innovation, and resilience in the industry, it was indicated.

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Addis Ababa, September 18, 2024 (FBC) – The launch of Tourism Satellite Account will help strengthen the sector for meaningful contribution to Ethiopia’s economy, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Note that the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and ECA launched the Ethiopia Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) on Tuesday, a tool for use in strengthening tourism for effective contribution to the country’s economy.

“The launch of the TSA provides us with the data, but it is up to us to interpret and use it effectively to understand the true magnitude of the tourism industry,” said Geoffrey Manyara, on behalf of Mama Keita, ECA Eastern Africa Office Director during the launch in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2024 (FBC) – Ministers of Tourism from IGAD member countries highlighted the impressive infrastructure developments in Ethiopia, particularly in the tourism sector.

Ministers of Tourism from IGAD member countries, along with other guests, visited Entoto Park, Science Museum  and the Adwa Victory Memorial Musium, which are becoming popular tourist attractions in Addis Ababa.

Speaking to ENA, Bahinduka Martin Mugarra, State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities of Uganda, commended Ethiopia for its resilience and cultural significance.

“I think all of us in Africa know the Ethiopian story of resistance, and it was a great story, inspiration and African story. It’s good to be here and have it first class and listen and see what was used and the feel of the story,” he said further mentioning that Africans can maintain their narrative and cultures in this way in the future.

Addis Ababa, September 17, 2024 (FBC) – In ceremony held today, Ethiopia unveiled its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (ET-TSA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s tourism sector. The launch of the ET-TSA, which was prepared in collaboration with the UN Tourism Statistics Department, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and partner institutions, which took more than one year and six months to complete.

By documenting and preserving the data of the satellite account, Ethiopia aims to effectively harness and utilize the economic potential of its tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) asserted.

Addis Ababa, September 17, 2024 (FBC) – Tourists who have recently made a visit in Ethiopia, described the ongoing infrastructural development activities in Addis Ababa and beyond as ‘overwhelming’ that would be vital to lure more visitors.

The visitors also expressed their impression to local media ENA that the hospitality of the people, natural and historical tourist destinations are incredible besides the infrastructure development in the capital.

Among the tourists Dr. Narasimha Murty from India said Addis Ababa is transforming itself with respect to infrastructure development.

Murty hoped that the city would become one of the best cities in the world in a few years.

‘’Even if like other cities, Addis Ababa has traffic issues; the city is transforming itself. In a few years hopefully, Addis Ababa will be one of the best cities in the world.’’

Addis Ababa, September 11, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopians are celebrating the first day of the Ethiopian New Year 2017 today with renewed hope and dedication for their future.

The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is different from the rest of the world as it falls on September 11 or 12 during a leap year.

The word Enkutatash means the ‘gift of jewels’ that also represents the end of the rainy season, the time of year during which the Ethiopian landscape is covered with bright yellow daisies called Adey Abeba.

On Tuesday, Ethiopians bade farewell to 2016 E.C and received the New Year 2017 E.C this morning.

Religious fathers in their New Year best wish message highlighted the need for Ethiopians to reach new heights by resolving conflicts through dialogue, differences with unity, and disagreements with reconciliation.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2024 (FBC) – Lodges and resorts constructed as part of the “Dine for Ethiopia” initiative to commence operation in the upcoming weeks, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew announced.

Recall the Ethiopian Airlines had signed agreements with regional states to undertake the management and operation of lodges and resorts of the Dine for Ethiopia projects.

Halala Kela Resort, Chebera Elephant Paw Lodge, Wonchi Eco Tourism, and Gorgora have been built in South West Ethiopia, Oromia and Amhara regions as part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s “Dine for Ethiopia” initiative with a view to unlocking the country’s tourism potential for economic development.

As per the agreements, these lodges and resorts will be managed by the Skylight Hotel of the Ethiopian Airlines Group.

The deal aims to elevate the tourism experience in Ethiopia through utilizing Ethiopian Airlines Group’s extensive expertise in the hospitality industry and  ensuring the provision of unparalleled services to visitors.