Artist Meskerem Abera engagement proposal for wedding

Artist Meskerem Abera engagement proposal for wedding.

It has been reported that a new draft tourism policy aims to make Ethiopia one of Africa's top tourism destinations within the next 10 years.

The draft tourism policy is said to have been prepared to align with current global changes in the sector.

The Ministry of Tourism is holding discussions with stakeholders regarding the draft policy.

The previous tourism development policy is deemed inadequate to remain competitive with current tourism activities.

Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa stated that the draft policy supports the government’s ongoing efforts in the sector.

Tourism has been designated as the country’s fifth economic pillar, and the policy governing the sector is being revised to align with this status.

Currently, the Development Bank is the primary financial option for the tourism sector, but the draft policy focuses on exploring other financial alternatives and promoting tourism effectively.

It has been noted that establishing a Tourism Development Fund is one of the planned initiatives.

The draft policy emphasizes promoting the sector to ensure year-round tourist flow, rather than seasonal tourism, and organizing various tourism-related events.

It has been stated that operating and growing tourism requires regional integration, and the draft policy is designed to address this effectively.

Gaps have been identified in the tourism sector’s use of technology and proper data organization and management.

The new policy is said to include measures to address these gaps.

According to 2012 data, the tourism sector contributes 2.7% annually to national GDP growth, and it has been stated that this needs to be increased.

Improving visa issuance services, boosting tourism investment, and enabling service providers to be competitive are among the prioritized issues.

The policy includes measures to facilitate the repatriation of looted Ethiopian artifacts held in other countries through Ethiopian embassies and consulates.

By Bereket Akalu