AMN Plus-August 24, 2026
Ethiopia is calling for stronger BRICS cooperation in tourism, positioning the sector as a driver of economic growth, sustainable development and closer people-to-people ties among member and partner countries.
The Ethiopian delegation to the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, India, highlighted the Horn of Africa country’s unique cultural heritage and natural attractions, while promoting cooperation in sustainable tourism, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and skills development.
The Ethiopian delegation proposed the creation of a BRICS Travel Mart and a Tourism Centre of Excellence to develop joint tourism products, attract investment, support research and strengthen skills and capacity across the bloc.
The delegation also promoted Ethiopian Airlines as a key link between Africa and BRICS countries, while presenting Addis Ababa as a potential international hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
The country expressed readiness to turn BRICS tourism cooperation into concrete projects, investment opportunities and joint ventures, linking tourism promotion with wider economic diplomacy.
The meeting, held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, adopted by consensus the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Communiqué 2026, known as the Jaipur Declaration.
The declaration prioritizes artificial intelligence and tourism, sustainable and responsible tourism, skills development, tourism exchanges and easier travel, while encouraging cooperation on investment, infrastructure, destination management, data sharing and the exchange of best practices.
For Ethiopia, the initiative comes as the country seeks to expand its international tourism profile and use its cultural heritage, natural attractions and connectivity to attract visitors, investment and new partnerships through BRICS cooperation, according to Pulse of Africa.
