Speaking at the closing session of a training program for senior Prosperity Party leaders, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) emphasized that Ethiopia possesses vast, untapped tourism potential awaiting exploration by both domestic and international travelers.
In his address, the Prime Minister noted that the mere existence of unique and mesmerizing attractions is not enough to draw large numbers of tourists. Visitors, he stressed, do not come solely to see Ethiopia’s natural wonders they expect high-quality services in hotels, lodges, and areas surrounding major attraction sites.
Prime Minister Abiy urged Prosperity Party officials to play a key role in creating an enabling environment for tourists who wish to experience Ethiopia’s natural, historical, and cultural treasures. He highlighted the remarkable growth seen at Wanchi Dandi Eco Lodge, where 10,000 tourists, primarily from Saudi Arabia visited in the past three months alone. The development of tourist destinations around the lodge, he said, has significantly boosted foreign tourist arrivals to the area.
The Prime Minister called on party leaders to focus on enhancing both attractions and destinations to increase the flow of local and international visitors.
The Prime Minister also underscored Ethiopia’s rich gastronomic heritage, describing gastronomy as one of the country’s unique tourism assets. Around the world, he noted, culinary tourism is becoming a major draw and Ethiopia is well positioned to harness this growing trend.
By Birhanu Workneh
