ETHIOPIA – The Ethiopian government has announced significant developments to tourism infrastructure and cultural attractions in Addis Ababa to strengthen the city’s position as Africa’s leading conference tourism destination.
During a parliamentary address on October 31, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed outlined a series of transformative government initiatives aimed at enhancing Ethiopia’s tourism sector.
These projects, including the tourism development initiative and strategic corridor expansions, are creating a favorable environment for the growth of tourism, with a particular emphasis on conference tourism.
The Prime Minister’s vision for tourism in Ethiopia is reflected in landmark projects such as Sheger Park, Friendship Park, Unity Park, and Alala Kella.
Each project highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, with a focus on creating vibrant, accessible spaces for both locals and visitors.
Sheger Park and Friendship Park integrate modern infrastructure with traditional Ethiopian elements, providing peaceful urban retreats within Addis Ababa.
Unity Park, located at the Grand Palace, stands as a monument to Ethiopia’s history and unity, while the growing number of natural lodges across the country inspires a sense of pride and resilience.
Through these initiatives, Prime Minister Abiy aims to create a sustainable tourism model that celebrates Ethiopia’s past while driving economic growth.
The government has also introduced several key attractions that enhance Addis Ababa’s appeal to international visitors.
The new Addis Ababa Science Museum, with its interactive exhibits and contemporary design, is a center for innovation and education, drawing a broad range of visitors from scientists to students. This addition further enriches the city’s cultural offerings, making it an important stop for those attending conferences.
Another notable addition is the Adwa Victory Museum, which commemorates Ethiopia’s historic victory in the Battle of Adwa.
Prime Minister Abiy also highlighted Ethiopia’s success in hosting international events, citing that 20 major conferences have been held in the past three months, a significant increase compared to previous years.
This rise in conferences underscores the effectiveness of the ongoing tourism development projects and enhances Addis Ababa’s status as a key destination for global and continental gatherings.
To further strengthen Ethiopia’s connectivity, the Prime Minister announced plans to expand Ethiopian Airlines’ services, including the construction of a new mega airport and the purchase of 124 new aircraft, which will improve the country’s capacity to host large-scale international events.
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