BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
ADDIS ABABA –Due attention should be attached to exploit the opportunity the African Union 35th Summit brings to Ethiopia’s tourism sector and its positive role in reviving the conference tourism business, an expert in the field said.
Tourism Minister Advisor Getnet Yigzaw told local media that both the government and private sector work in unison to tap the benefits the conference tourism could bring to the overall economy and employ a sizable number of citizens.
As to him, creating conducive environment for AU Summit participants and other conference tourists could encourage them to extend their stay in Ethiopia thereby enabling the country to generate more forex. Meticulous preparation is required to provide the tourists a seamless service and make their stay in Ethiopia memorable. Ensuring the safety and security of tourists remains a priority.
“In Addis Ababa, several tourist attraction sites have been developed by the government. Various parks and other amusement centers have been built in the capital and this plays an immense role in increasing the tourists stay. Also, #GreatEthiopianHomeComing challengehas brought about a remarkable result in the tourism sector.”
Noting a safe and secure travel environment will enable tourists to extend their stay in the country, the expert highlighted that the situation needs the active collaboration of all stakeholders. Previously, African leaders immediately returned home after completing the meeting, now, the situation has been improved and auxiliary activities including development of parks, museums, and other recreational centers give impetus to the situation.
“Sustaining peace and security is the main factor of tourist attraction,” Getnet noted, adding that as state governments are the owners of tourist destinations, they should develop tourism brands. Due attention should also be given to promote the tourism potentials among participants of the AU Summit and others coming to conferences.
There are improvements in tourism facilities in Ethiopia and there are over one thousand star-designated hotels and five hundred tour guide organizations. Ethiopia should develop diversified products to generate more income from the conference tourism and properly executing the four tourism market mixes such product, pricing, promotion and place are alsocrucial, he recommended.
The February 3/2022
