Ethiopia is prepared to welcome international tourists in the midst of new market opportunities brought about by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has a high commitment in maintaining the standards of safe travel protocols and procedures as it reopens its doors to tourism and international visitors. The country has received the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) “Safe Travels Stamp” following the significant steps implemented to ensure safety for its people as well as travelers, workers and businesses across the tourism value chain.
To highlight Ethiopia’s readiness to welcome international visitors, The FDRE Ministry of Tourism, Ethiopian Airlines, and 14 tour operators will participate in WTM London 2022. Minister of Tourism H.E. Ambassador Nasise Challi and State Minister of Tourism H.E. Mrs. Selamawit Dawit will lead the delegation amid great anticipation that the delegates will create fruitful relationships with suppliers from Europe, Asia, and Africa participating in the trade fare.
Ethiopia has a lot to offer to visitors: a wide range of tourism products suited to allocentric, mid-centric and psychocentric travellers. From rich ancient history and fascinating age-old traditions to diverse cultural experiences, from spectacular geographic formations to incredible geological resources, and from abundant paleo-anthropological sites, where the oldest hominid ancestor in the world named Lucy has been discovered, to immersive expeditions……. all combined to turn every incident into unforgettable memories.
Ethiopia is an ancient country whose unique cultural heritage, rich history, and remarkable biodiversity are reflected in a tally of nine tangible and four intangible UNESCO World Heritages – more than any other country in Africa.
Geographically, Ethiopia is blessed with one of the highest peaks in Africa, Ras Dejen (4,600m above sea level), and one of the lowest points on earth, the Danakil Depression where the mystery of nature leaves everyone at awe. Culturally, the country hosts more than 80 ethnic groups with their own unique traditions, customs and ways of life. In this sense, Ethiopia is particularly known as a melting pot of cultures, known for the peaceful coexistence of its diverse tribes for ages, highlighting that cultural diversity is a real blessing for humans, as biodiversity is for nature. Moreover, Ethiopia is old beyond imagination and as such, a huge number of cultural heritages are found in different parts of the country. In relation to this, a wealth of historical and cultural tourism resources are available in this ancient land.
Hence, it is widely acknowledged that Ethiopia possesses remarkable tourism potentials in its unique and largely unexplored cultural, historical, archaeological and natural resources. These resources are key to attract visitors and lay the foundation for building a robust tourism industry.
Ethiopia’s compelling antiquities include the medieval rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Gheralta, ruined palaces and temples dating back 3,000 years, the magnificent 17th-century castles of Gondar, and the oldest human fossils unearthed anywhere on the planet. Add to this the beautiful Simien and the Bale Mountains, the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression, and a wealth of mammals and birds found nowhere else in the world. In light of this, it is little wonder that Ethiopia has become the most attractive and popular emergent tourist destination in Africa.
Finally, we cordially invite you to come and meet us at our stand No. AF545.