Ethiopia and Tourism III

By G. E. Gorfu

Before one can market Ethiopian tourism one needs to ask a few questions: what is the product or products that can be marketed to the international tourist? The major ones are:

1. Ancient historical sites, which have triggered the world’s imagination and can be successfully marketed to tourists, are Axum, (Arc of Covenant and the obelisks) the rock-hewn churches of Lalibella, and the castles of Gonder. There already is some tourism in all these sites but as we said earlier, the present situation leaves much to be desired.

2. Equally important though in need of development, are the sites where Lucy and other prehistoric human bones were excavated. These have great tourism potential.

Developing tourism here means taking these prehistoric bones out of university museums and relocating them to the excavation site and building museums there, so tourists can pay their homage with a pilgrimage to the actual site and contribute to the local economy. Far more dollars can be extracted from tourists if they spend time at the site, say two or three days, looking at the dugouts, absorbing the surrounding terrain & scenery, riding on mules and horseback, than by just sending dry bones to museums in Europe or America. That means building hotels, restaurants, and full fledged modern resort centers there.

3. Another important commodity besides historic sites and prehistoric bones is mineral hot water springs. These are found in Addis Ababa Ghion Hotel, Ambo (Hagere Hiwot), Wondo-Genet, Sodore, and in various other places. With the exception of Ghion Hotel and to a lesser extent perhaps Wondo-Genet, all the rest remain in primitive conditions, and are not ready to receive international tourists. Again, let us ask what is the Ministry of Tourism and Culture doing to develop these hot water mineral springs and get them ready and marketable for international tourists? We hope someone would respond.

The basic infrastructure may already be in place in terms of roads and electricity in most of these sites. Ethiopia, however, has more pressing needs and may not develop them. It therefore, makes sense to invite the Diaspora and international investors to develop these commodities by offering them low, or tax free incentives and/or other fringe benefits.

4. Wild animals are another important asset that can be successfully marketed. Over the last few years several reports have come of wild animals, (especially lions and elephants) waging war with local people and competing for habitat. That is a sign that this area of tourism too, is non-existent, and needs development before these animals are wiped out.

Our national parks would need careful studying on optimum numbers of sustainable wild animals and on ways to keep them within enclosures, minimizing interaction with human farms and livestock. When their numbers become excessive, trophy hunters from the US would pay premium dollars to solve it. Ethiopia can learn from Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana on how to develop wild animal safari parks and game reserves.

5. Adwa is a widely known name in Europe, among African Americans in the US, and in the Caribbean, due the battle with Italy and a first ever victory of an African nation over a European power.  Adwa, however, still remains a totally neglected dark spot in spite of its great tourist potential. (A separate article on Adwa is coming soon!) Stay tuned…