Exploring Ethiopia
Yibeltal Aemero Alemu, Consul General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, shares some of the strategies to promote this destination.
QWhat role does the Consulate play in promoting the destination?
One of the main tasks of the Consulate is to promote Ethiopia as a tourist destination. It requires closer working relationships with tour operators, travel agents, Ethiopian Airlines Dubai office and relevant government institutions of both Ethiopia and the host country. Ethiopia is endowed with numerous historical and natural tourist attraction sites. However, the number of UAE tourists going to Ethiopia is insignificant due to lack of information. Therefore, from the consulate we have undertaken to promote the destination in cooperation with the aforementioned institutions.
QWhy should UAE and GCC residents visit Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is the Land of Origins. It is the source of Blue Nile, the great river whose power and fertility nurtured the origin of civilisation and the origin of coffee as well. Ethiopia is a land of natural and historic attractions. The people of Ethiopia and the Arab world are tied by geography and common history. It is only the Red Sea that divides us. It takes only three hours and 30 minutes by air from Dubai to Addis Ababa. Historically, Ethiopia is the first place where Islam was preached, spread and accepted peacefully throughout the whole territory. Islam always co-existed in peace with other religions. In Islamic history and tradition, Ethiopia is known as the ‘Haven of the First Migration or Hijra’ of the Companions and relatives of the Prophet Muhammad. For Muslims, Ethiopia is synonymous with freedom from persecution and emancipation from fear. It is therefore imperative for the people of this region to visit this historic country.
QWhat is unique about Ethiopia? When it comes to tourism, one can find both history and nature in Ethiopia which made the country one of the best tourist destinations. It is a home for both historic and natural attractions. Its excellent network of national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other tourist attractions can be explored along several well-established routes. National parks include the scenic Simien and Bale Mountains, with their wealth of endemic wildlife, while historical sites range from the atmospheric
The Consulate provides all the necessary support to tour operators. It provides information about destinations and hotels, facilitate links with Ethiopian tour operators, and issues visa in less than 48 hours
rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the towering stelae of Aksum and castles in Gondar. An array of five well-established routes can be followed to explore Ethiopia’s best-known destinations, along with some more off-the-beaten-track gems. Ethiopia is safe and stable for tourists while its people are friendly and welcoming.
QWhat incentives would travel trade receive to promote this destination?
The Consulate provides all the necessary support to tour operators. It provides the necessary information about destinations, hotels and other facilities, facilitate the link with Ethiopian tour operators, issues visa in less than 48 hours. There is good connectivity between the two destinations. Four to five flights connect Dubai and Addis Ababa; Ethiopian Airlines flies three times a day, Emirates fly daily while fly Dubai has three flights per week