Ethiopia Prioritizes Tourism Boost to Accelerate Economic Growth

By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter

Ethiopia, 15 December 2026 Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, said the government has placed tourism at the heart of its strategic priorities, describing it as a main pillar of the national economy and a vital engine for growth and development.

In a post published on his Facebook account, Tiruneh said Ethiopia has witnessed a qualitative shift in its tourism sector in recent years, noting that the country is entering what he described as “the beginning of the tourism era,” supported by pro-sector government policies.

He explained that Ethiopia possesses unique tourism assets, including diverse landscapes, an ancient history, and a rich cultural heritage. However, these resources remained underutilized for long periods before recent reforms triggered a tangible transformation.

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Tiruneh added that changes in the tourism sector have helped address longstanding challenges and laid the groundwork for a new approach based on strategic planning and sustainable development, strengthening tourism’s contribution to the national economy.

He stressed that the government has given tourism special attention by integrating it into core economic policies, noting that the results of this approach are now beginning to materialize on the ground.

The deputy prime minister also pointed out that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has championed a comprehensive vision to redefine tourism in Ethiopia, guided by national interest and future-focused investment, leading to concrete achievements in this vital sector.

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