Out & About
WHEN LOOKING AT the country from a business travel perspective, Ethiopian Airlines’ significance shines through even more prominently.
While the country does inevitably have appeal as a tourist destination, the majority of visitors entering the country each year do so with tourist landmarks as a bonus in mind, rather than as the primary objective.
Instead, business is often the reason for travel in the first place, and the major cities have responded in kind by creating a concerted - albeit authentic - offering across areas of hospitality, cuisine, leisure and transport.
For those with plenty of time on their hands, the natural aspects are still the most spectacular feature of Ethiopia however. Its mountains, jungles, rivers, caves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites may be a far cry from the boardroom but are not as far geographically as you might think.
Addis Ababa itself is situated on the cusp of such natural settings while urbanisation to the north and south are similarly engulfed by pursuits that can quickly take you off the beaten track.
In the north, Axum, Lalibela, Bahir Da and Gondar edge you closer to the stunning Simien Mountains, while in the South, Shashemane, Wondo Genet, Awasa, Araba Minch and Jinka are just a stone’s throw from indigenous Ethiopian tribal villages.
Once again capitalising on its own make-up, some of Ethiopia’s leading businesses to keep in mind prior to your visit, include tour operators. Air Tour Kenya, FKLM Tours, Habesha Tours & Travel, Grand East Africa Eco Tour, Travel Ethiopia and Elmi Tours are just a select few - and the cream of the crop - on hand to guide you off the streets, and into the wilderness.
If a restaurant, bar and five-star accommodation are preferable to a barbecue, campfire and tent, then not to worry, there are plenty of those too.
Predominantly staying true to its local traditions once again, cuisine embraces a mixture of meat, vegetables and spices and the national dish, Injera, is a must try!
Peak city life is saved for the country’s urban accommodation though. As the aforementioned deluge of international visitors continue to grace the country’s shores, a host of market-leading hotel chains are responding with an offering up there with the best in Africa.
The Ramada Hotel, Luxury Collection Addis, Reliance Apartment, Zeist Lodge, Abay Minch Lodge and Sidama Lodge give just the briefest glimpse of the diversity that now exists from a hospitality point of view in the country; ensuring that luxury, comfort, leisure, pleasure and business are all embraced within a locally-sensitive setting.