AMN PLUS-September 25, 2026
Ethiopia is taking decisive steps to position tourism as key economic pillars by leveraging its historical heritages, untapped natural resources, and rich cultural assets alongside modern infrastructures.
The mega projects undertaken under the initiatives of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), particularly under the Dine for the Nation and Dine for the Generation national flagship programs, are transforming Ethiopia’s tourism sector and reshaping its development landscape.
With major tourism infrastructure projects receiving special attention from the government in recent years, including completed projects and those still under construction, Ethiopia is making significant progress toward its goal of becoming a leading destination for African and international tourists.
These outstanding tourism destinations are expected to enhance Ethiopia’s profile and competitiveness as a global tourism destination.
To this end, efforts have been undertaken to make major cities, including Addis Ababa, highly attractive tourist destinations. In Addis Ababa, for instance, the development of Sheger, Entoto, and Friendship parks, along with the Science Museum and the Adwa Victory Memorial projects, has helped transform the city into not only a center for conference tourism but also an attractive destination for both international and domestic tourists seeking places for leisure and recreation.
At the regional level, under the frameworks of “Dine for the Nation” and “Dine for the Generation,” historical and natural destinations such as Koysha and Halala Kella in the south, Gorgora in the Amhara Region, and Wenchi in the Oromia Region were developed with modern infrastructure.
Comfortable and scenic lodges designed to extend visitors’ stays, recreational facilities including swimming areas, and parks that provide habitats for rare wildlife are increasingly becoming important sources of economic activity.
Beyond combining natural resources and historical heritage with modern hospitality, these projects have also been designed to stimulate local economies and provide young people with training and expanded employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
The tourism destinations developed and under development within these strategic frameworks are being designed to preserve their natural beauty while promoting sustainable development. This has created employment opportunities for local communities and contributed to the growth of the hotel, transportation, aviation, and broader service sectors.
These projects are also playing a significant role in revitalizing the tourism value chain, from cultural handicrafts and the marketing of locally produced goods to conference tourism.
From the perspective of strengthening tourism diplomacy and increasing foreign-exchange earnings, the ongoing and planned initiatives demonstrate Ethiopia’s efforts to move beyond the cycle of poverty and enter a broader era of prosperity.
Tourism-sector experts and international reports indicate that the country is transforming the challenges of the past through contemporary knowledge, strategic planning, and stronger institutional practices, laying the foundation for future economic growth.
The growing integration of the aviation industry with the tourism sector has provided an additional boost to these efforts. Ethiopian Airlines, by expanding its international flight network and linking the new Bishoftu International Airport currently under construction with major tourism destinations, is creating the capacity to attract millions of travelers to the country.
Overall, the profound transformation taking place in Ethiopia’s tourism sector demonstrates the country’s growing ability to harness its previously underutilized potential.
The large-scale development projects that have been realized after overcoming the challenges of the past represent notable achievements that are laying a strong foundation for Ethiopia’s broader development journey in the years ahead.
By Leta Teresa