Ethiopia launches $63 million tourism development project
APA
March 6, 2009
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopia launched on Friday a $63 million sustainable tourism development project aimed at boosting the country’s tourism.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mohammed Dirir said the project is aimed at turning tourist attraction sites into community-based, sustainable tourism development centers.
According to Ethiopian Radio, the five-year project is expected to make tourists stay longer in the country.
The project will also conserve the historical and cultural heritages of the nation.
The World Bank will contribute $23 million in the form of a loan for the cost of the project while the balance is expected to be secured from other stakeholders, said Dirir.
Nine potential sites have already been identified for the project. These include Axum, Lalibela-Rock-hewn churches, Addis Ababa, East Afar, Dire Dawa, South Konso and Bale.
Despite its many tourist attraction sites, Ethiopia attracts about 200,000 tourists annually.
6 Comments
It is good start; but all concerned higher learning institutions should also be given the opportunity to contribute their part.
Absolutely it is a fantastic opportunity to our mother land for the purpose of developing its intact tourism resources provided that the fund is properly used for its own purpose only.
Thank you!
It is interesting to see that tourism is given due attention ; hope it contributes a lot for economic development.
No question! Ethiopia will be one of the top ten destiantions in Africa with in a reasonable span of time to come. But, this can come true if projects of this kind are of help. This project triggers parties of this concern to capitalise on their effort in making a difference in this regard. lending hands for the conservation of Ethiopia`s Cultural and historical icons is all about showing a sense of citizenship to Ethiopia.
Yes we the current generation should live and work in our motherland.No more immigration for bread. There is bread in our country. And we wish our motherland is the place where job opportunity, employment and education is available. For this case Tourism is a magic and fast industry to make sure the above things available with in short period of time. we prefer to live and work in our lovely motherland ,Darling Ethiopia ,Mis Ethiopia. Now is the time to see young lady Ethiopia. LIVE LONG with Her ……
TOURISM IS ONE OF THE WELL KNOW SECTOR WHICH GENARATE FORIENGN CURRENCY FOR OUR COUNTRY SO WE THE ETHIOPANS MUST CONSERVE AND PRESEVE OUR HERITAGES WHETHER IT IS HISTORICAL OR NATURAL HERITAGES.THE CULTURE AND TOURISM BUREAU ALSO MUST WORK HARD IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL FOR ALL OF ETHIOPIAN SOCIETS.MOST OF THE TIME THESE SECTORY WAS NOT DOMINATED BY THE PROFFESSIONALS RATHER BY INTERSTS OF THE INDIVIDUALS.FROM EXAMPE I WAS GRADUATED FROM HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY BY HISTORY AND HERITAGE BUT STILL I AM GOT A JOB.THE REASONS IS THE BUREAU WAS DOMINATED BY THE UN PROFFESSIONALED INDIVIDUAL.THESE SECTORE ACHEIVE MORE THE GOAL IF THE PROFFESSIONAL WERE OWNED THE SECTOR. SO WORK HARD TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY IN GOOD STANDARD.THANK VERY. I WISH AGOOD DREAM FOR ALL OF THE STAFF OF TOURISM SECTORY IN OUR COUNTRY.