AMN Plus-August 14, 2026
Under the leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), tourism has become one of Ethiopia’s key economic pillars. The country is transforming its tourism sector through strategic reforms, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable development initiatives, positioning tourism as an important driver of economic growth.
Speaking exclusively to Addis Media Network’s Diplomatic Corner, Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin said tourism cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia is currently experiencing a period of active development and growth.
The ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s strong logistical advantage, noting that Ethiopian Airlines operates six regular direct flights each week between Addis Ababa and Moscow. This connectivity, he said, makes Ethiopia not only an attractive destination for Russian tourists but also an important transit hub for Russian travellers heading to other parts of Africa.
Ethiopia is also actively promoting its diverse tourism potential at major tourism exhibitions in Russia, including the Travel Forum and the Otdykh Exhibition, which are held annually. According to Ambassador Terekhin, Russian travellers are being offered a wide range of tourism experiences in Ethiopia, from traditional coffee ceremonies and cultural tours to visits to the country’s unique religious and historical sites, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. “We are observing significant interest in these destinations,” the ambassador said.
He also identified spiritual tourism as one of the most promising areas of cooperation between the two countries. Ethiopia and Russia share a historic connection through their Orthodox Christian traditions, and the ambassador noted that many Russian Orthodox believers are interested in visiting Ethiopia’s sacred Christian sites.
“Our Orthodox churches are sisterly churches, and many of our believers would like to visit sacred Christian places in Ethiopia. The same, I hope, refers to Ethiopian Christians,” he said.
Ambassador Terekhin further pointed to Ethiopia’s introduction of free transit visas as an important step in attracting more Russian travelers. The policy, he said, creates additional opportunities for visitors to explore Addis Ababa and its surrounding attractions during transit.
He emphasized that tourism cooperation should not be a one-way relationship, but rather a two-way exchange that benefits both countries. “I believe that tourist flows must not be a one-way road; it must be a two-way road,” the ambassador said, noting that while the number of Russian tourists travelling to Ethiopia is growing, there is also significant potential to increase tourism from Ethiopia to Russia.
By Birhanu Workneh
