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3.

Ethiopian Tourism-Development
Travel as old as human being; Tourism is a component of travel All travels are not identical to tourism The tourist industry constantly reinvents itself in the world Debate on the origin of tourism in the world Group 1: Tourism as a modern phenomena- by product of industrializn. Group 2. Tourism came into existence since ancient times Group 3. compromising position on the advent of tourism

-Pre-tourism Travels(tourism-like activities); but tourism as modern(19thc). Pre-tourism period: travels in Europe lasted mid-19th century In other parts of the globe, it varies, lingered upto 20th century Implications to Ethiopian Context: Concept of Pre-Tourism travels

Tourism travels
Basic Factors Characteristic of tourism: Motivations or agitiating factors: Free time,money, popn growth,
Urbanization, Industrialization & Irrational factors

Impacts of supply factors:Attractions,communications Intermediating factors: tour operations, travel agencies, other facilities to entertain tourists Taking these basic criterias, travels by Ethiopians and foreigners from antiquity to the mid 20th c. envisaged as pre-tourism travels

Evolution of Tourism
Pre-tourism travels: Travels analogous to tourism 1.Ancient travels: pilgrims, traders and missionaries 2. Medieval Travles: pilgrims, explorers, delegates, military travels, 3. Modern Travels and Devt of Tourism

Pre-tourism Travels to 12th c


Ethiopia: Cradle of human being, likely centre of earliest human travels Population movts, Pastoralism and settlement process-earliest form of travels State formation: took place through out Ethiopia simultaneously 5000 B.P. Egyptian Pharaohs organized peaceful trading expeditions to the land of Punt, includes Ethiopia. Queen Hatshepshet & her sucessors

Views of tourist Scholars


Tourist scholars regard these travels as the first pre-tourist travels. A. Group travels=Caravans, Sabean Immigration, 1000B.c -400Bc, Their settlements & interactions: the devt of ancient states, tourist heritages and places of worship: Hawelti, Yeha, Azbi-Dera, B. Elite travels of Queen Sheba,(1stc BC) Vs Solomon: Menelik, Judaism vs Ark of Covenant: Sheba & her entourage as Pioneers of outbound travels (bussiness & pleasure toursim) C. Sporadic travels: The Eunuch of Candace d. Apostles(34AD) Vs Philip deacon -Regular travels of Ethiopian merchants & Pilgrims to Israel: via Red Sea & land routes(via Nubia-Egypt) Basic Characteristics: Ethiopians: for trade, pilgrimage & diplomacy Destinations: Egypt, Arabia, & Greeco-Roman World (incl. Middle East)

i. Aksumite period, 1st c -10thc AD


Evolution of Aksumite civilization & heritages: Raw materials of historical T. Ethiopia was a target of travel during Ancient world for three reasons: 1. mystery of tide of the Nile 2.precious trading products 3.elephant hunting Regular travels: Ethiopia, Egypt & South Arabia: trade, military & pilgrimage Ethiopias cultural, political and economic links with the Greco-Roman World Hellenistic world: sustained Ethio-Egyptian ties: Ptolemies replaced Pharaohs Greek literature,Epics of Homer depict: Eth. Land of rest for Greek gods Philosphers, Explorers, geographers curiosity on Ethiopia, mystery of the tide of the Nile Mostly composed their accounts from Egypt: without traveling to Eth. Series of unsuccessful attempts of Greco-Roman expeditions to explore sources of Blue Nile Replicated the myth of Ethiopia-all lands south of Egypt 3rd C.AD Ethiopias expansion to South Arabia; monopoly of Eastern Trade 4thc AD-Advent of Christianity- est. of Church of Axum, domestic pilgrimage Frumentius- the first bishop- originally traveler intercepted at Adulis enroute to Far East Assignment: Evolution of heritage sites in southern Ethiopia

Cases of Ancient Foreign travelers


Immigrants than travelers, guests than tourists -a. Nine Saints,exiled missionaries, helped cultivation of religious literature, expansion of Christianity and foundations of churches -b. Quraysh Muslims=107 exiles ( 7th century): By-products of trade ties b/n Mecca & Aksum: Ahmad Najashi shrine ( Tigray): pilgrimage & cultural toursit centre -c. Alexandrian bishops(4th c to 20th century), periodic suspensions -d. Byzantine imperial delegation: Ezana(4thc) & Kaleb ( 6th C.) -e. merchants: Greeks, Egyptians, Arabs (esp.Yemenites), Indians Greek language: lang.of diplomacy & commerce: 1-4thc AD - Ancient travelers never fulfilled pre-requistes of tourism: from points of supply of money, free time, duration of stay and destination - Their singificance to history of Eth.travels: wrote books, reports, articles: inspired successive generations interests on Ethiopia

Major features of Ancient Eth.travels


Similar to the trends of ancient world travels People travelled for trade, commerce, religious purposes, festivals, medical treatment, or education Judaic and later Orthodox Christian Ethiopians travelled to visit the sites of Holy land, Egypt and other places for trade and pilgrimage. After 7th C.Muslims did similar business and religious trips to Mecca Most of the travelers travelled by land & water: seaports prospered. The lands of the Mediterranean Sea produced a remarkable evolution in travel with their services extended to Ethiopian travelers. Foreigners were trickling into some parts of ancient Ethiopia Greek poets and Alexandrian merchants wrote Guidebooks on Eth & Africa: such as The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea available as early as the first century AD covering a vast area of ports, from Red Sea upto Ports of Sofala, port of Mozambique Cosmas,The Christian Topography (6th C.AD): military expedition to S.Arabia

The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea & The Christian


Topography
Two famous ancient guide books The Periplus: explains ports, travels, items and trading orientations -Ethiopians traded with Rome, Greece, Persia, Syria & India via Egypt -Merchants had been travelling to and fro Ethiopia for bussiness - Frequency of Greek merchant community, Greek gods, and Roman coins - Ancient trade rules, place & roles of Greek language in Eth.courts The Christian Topography : -Authentic product of a tourist- like traveler : cultural tourist in present sense of his trip -wider account of socio-economic and cultural diamensions -Eye witness of King Kalebs military expedition to South Arabia -organization of huge sea fleets, maritime trade ships and commands over the Red Sea trade

Travels of late Antiquity, 1150-1270


D.the Prophet, Ethiopian Christians made routine trading travels to Mecca Expansion of Muslim Arabs in S.Arabia, Egypt and Dahlac IslandsBurnt Adulis:controlling Red Sea Trade traffic affected travels to and fro Eth. Blocked Ethiopians from external world,esp. Europeans; Largely suspended travels for centuries (trade, pilgrimage, diplomatic) Encompassed by the enemies of their religion on all sides, the Ethiopians slept nearly thousand years, forgetful of the world by whom they were forgotten Edward Gibbon (Persians, Muslim Arabs, Ottoman Turks) Refering to lose Ethio-European contacts d. Late Antiquity & Middle ages Some historians referred to the period as Dark age of Ethiopia Internal Devts : Tumultous power transitions: Aksumite-Zagwe-Solomonids Extensive domestic travels and mass movts of ethnic groups: Eg.Beja, Bilen Seat of Zagwe state: Roha or Lalibela, rock hewn churches as attractive tourist destinations, wonders of the world ( heritage) Great architectural devts occured, albiet unknown to External world

Zagwe Dynasty
11th-13th c: Sporadic Arab travelers: traders, explorers and ulamasArab geographers and historians left impressions of Ethiopia under powerful kings controlling Red Sea Coast; links to Yemen.
Eg. Abu Salih described Lalibelas Christian Kingdom

Zagwes: Era of Crusades; had amicable relations with the Muslim world, esp.Egypt & Yemen: helped them secure Ethiopian monasteries in Holyland Three major travels: Pilgrims; diplomatic envoys and business travels Business Travels: Ethiopian traders exported and imported goods to and from Alexandria; conducted to the rest of the world via Egyptians Camels employed as best means of transport by Ethiopian traders to Egypt Coptic Christians, often suppressed, were allowed to travel into Ethiopia Cases of foreigners travels by Coptic artisans, merchants and metropolitans visited Ethiopia; work related trips. Still cant be regarded as tourism Ethiopian diplomatic representatives traveling to Egypt to solicit for bishops Frequency of Alexandrian bishops for Eth.Orthodox Churches Rohas bid at replacing Jerusalem, as an Ethiopian Holyland: to ease problems of Ethiopian pilgrims crossing Muslim territories and the hardships

ii. Medieval Travels:1270-1632


13th -14thc a double process: Revival of the Christian kingdom and rise of Muslim states: Ifat, Dawro, Hadiya and Adal Their respective communities made extensive bussiness, religious and military travels within the nation and outside, esp. Commercial contacts Extensive interactions b/n Muslims, Christians and of traditional faith Territorial expansion of the Christian kingdom to southern, eastern and western Ethiopian directions Europeans knew little about Ethiopia until 15th century The extensive conflicts partly impeded foreigners travels to Ethiopia Ethiopian traders or pilgrims and Egyptians dominated Eths travel history. Eg. 1441 Ethiopian pilgrims Jerusalem to Italy= informed Europeans on Eth A dozen of Italians visited Ethiopia; lived permanently, not tourist travelers Arabs made sporadic travels to different Muslim states They disseminated reports on hostilities: Solomonic vs Muslim States Peak of hostilities b/ n Muslim states and Christian Kingdom 16thc. shifts in domestic power balance favouring Muslim states

15th and 16th Century


15th& 16thC. Ethiopian context: Pastoralist movts quest for resources, mobilizations by radicals excerbating rivalries b/n Muslim-Christian states Quest for external allies: Ottoman Turkish (Yemenite Arabs) Vs Portuguese 15th c. sporadic travels by European envoys (Italians, Spaniards), to Eth. Ethio-pilgrims or envoys to Europe: quest for technical or miltary aid 15-18thc. European context: era of humanism,renaissance,Grand tourstravels of romanticism: elitespeaceful travels in Europe for cultural, scientific, religious education European travels: Explorers, merchants, missionaries and armies to Africa: Vasco da Gamas travels in Africa,via Cape of Good hope 16thc Portugese era-sought to dominate intrernational trade led to firece war of hegemony with Ottoman Turks Portuguese sent envoys, armies and missionaries in proper order to Eth. In 1520-26 Portuguese diplomatic mission travelled through Eth. Compiled detailed accounts, eg. F.Alvarezs The Prester John of the Indies 1527-1543: Wars,defeats of Christian kingdom,Adals Victory & rule of Ahmad al-Ghazi ( Gragn); domestic movts: shaping Ethiopias ethnic map 1541-43:Portugese miltary assistance: Christopher da Gamas expedition 1540s: Arrival of Jesuits to Ethiopia and Congo

Jesuit Travels and Cultural Encounters


F.Alvarezs The Prester John of the Indies (comprehnsive account on Eth) Pedro Paez: Historia da Ethiopia: history, laws, customs and religion Both travelled widley, esp. Paezs Lake Tana; claimed to have discovered source of Blue Nile Manoel de Almeida(1624): 1st European to explore Lake Zuway and S.Eth Anotnio Fernandez: traveled to remotest areas of Southern Ethiopia Manoel Brada(Tegray) & Jerome Lobo: many places of Ethiopia Discussion: Their impacts to travel history? Europe Vs Ethiopia Jesuits: Extensive travels in Ethiopia and won some elite class Studied languages, cultures and histories of Ethiopia Described socio-economic and cultural devts of Medieval Ethiopia Launched Ethiopian version of cultural renaissance Generated religious and political movts Some Impacts on Ethiopian arhcitecture: eg. the Castles of Gonder Inspired Ethiopian scholars into questioning previous values and even wrote philosophical inquiries; eg. Zera Yaeqob; Ethiopian Philosophy Jesuits incited religious war, by promoting Catholicism into state religion

Gonderine Era, 1632-1855


1607-1632: Jesuit encounters: Catholicsim and religious wars. Expulsion of Jesuits: Fasiladas (1632-1655) Diplomatic Revolution: Ethiopia largely closed to foreigners / Europeams) Legacy: Jesuits incited theological and sectarian conflicts: EOC Exceptions: Poncet and another Jesuit traveler: King Eyasus physician Ethiopans travelers: Traders and pilgrims frequented Yemen and Jerusalem 1769: Arrival of Jemes Bruce: prominent Scotish Industrialist: travel for leisure(?): claims to discover source of the Blue Nile; Paez certainly did it. Orthodox theologians suspected his mission was rather to trace and possibly take away the Ark of the Covenant Wrote 4 volume Books: Travels to Discover The Source of the Blue Nile Probably the most detailed and massive account by a European traveler on Ethiopia: widely travel in Tegray, Gonder and Lake Tana region 19th C: Fresh Revival of Ethio-European diplomatic relations,post-Jesuits Diplomatic envoys and Travelers frequented Tegray, Gonder and Shawa Euorpeans launched Diplomatic, Missionary, and scientific Travels Ethiopians reponded positively but with caution: due to Jesuit encounters and its impacts on Eth. political and religious stability

Travels in Northern Ethiopia&Shawa,1800-55


1805-1850s: British, French, Italian and German explorers, missionaries,merchants i. British Explorations of Ethiopia Lord Valentinas mission (Voyages and Travels); Henry Salt; Voyage to Abyssinia; Salt made two business travels twice(1805, 1809) Ras Walde-Selassie of Tegray Nathaniel Pearce (lived in N.Ethiopia,1805-1818): The Life &Times of N. Pearce 1830: Samuel Gobat & his CMS: Journal of Three Years Residence in Abyssinia W.C. Harris Mission: Treaty of Friendship & Commerce: King Sahle Selassie Its member:C.T. Beke, Accounts of Geography of Blue Nile & S.Ethiopia 1854: Sir Richard Burton= first European to visit the mysterious city of Harar

ii.French Explorers
Rochet d Harricourts dip.mission: Shawa; topography and geology of S.Ethiopia 1841: Ferret & Galiners Scientific mission: Adwa & Gonder - 1839-1843: Theodre Lefebvre: historical, archaelogical & ethnological obervations. - Antoine dAbaddie and Arnauld dAbaddie Bothers-spent many years, visited most important histrorical and cultural sites and ancient cities: language, history & peoples - Other adventurers: W.Munzinger; Lazarist & Capuccin missionaries - Assignment: Discuss Ethiopians (diplomatic, trading and pilgrimage) travels to Europe & Midleast ; - Characteristics of Domestic travels in Ethiopia, 1800-1855 - Compare & Contrast in relation to devt of toruism in Europe, first half of 19thc
-

iii. Modern travels, 1855-1896


modern period- 1855 to the present Second half of 19th c: less eventful in terms of strict tourism devt Yet, growing domestic and international travels Foreign: Commercial and/or colonial agents : Esp British, French & Italians Diplomats, explorers, Missionaries: travels for quasi-political missions; agents of their nations quest for colonies European-Ethiopian encounters: Tewodros impatience for modernization and Europes cool response: ended up in taking European Hostages British Expeditionary force(1868): military travels, end of Tewodros Ethiopian captives and some guides went to Europe Tewodros incidence didnot led to the end of European travels in Ethiopia Arrival of pre-tourist British, French and Italians: quest for colonies Eg. Italian Priest Sapeto purchased Assab; British Naval officer,Hewet 1855-96:Various European explorers, diplomats, historians, geographers Means of travels: foot & Pack animals

Modern Tourism devt, 20th century


Four Phases of modern travels: First Phase, 1896- 1941: Battle of Adwa- Italian Occupation Period Second Phase, 1941-1960 Third Phase, 1960-1991: Institutionlization of tourism,1960-74; 1974-91 Fourth Phase, 1991-2012, Revival and Boom of tourism First Phase: Adwas International implications: generated world interest in Eth: flow of Europeans and Ethiopians international tourism 1910s-1930s:Modernization; Franco-Ethiopian Railway, Hotels & State visits: Pre-WWI- Growing foreign travelers, esp. Europeans: natural, cultural & historical tourism Ethiopian Reformist movts: Princes and intellectuals also visted Euorope: Japanizers: saw first seeds of for modern tourism Ethiopias entry into League of Nations( pre-cursor of UN, which defined tourism) Problems: institutionalization and neglect or inadequacy of infrustructure Impacts on tourism: curiosity,commercial, political Ethiopians: First generation of intellectuals travelled to Europe Assgn.: Socio-economic & political impacts of First gen. intellectuals?

Evolution of Accomodation and Hotels


Ethiopians used to free hospitality for centuries 1907: Taitu Hotel in AA: Empress Taitu 1917 : Hotel de France, M.Terras, catered to foreigners Both hotels organized sight seeing, hunting, dancing, and billiards Railway and concomitant changes in catering industry: Retaurants in Diredawa, Harar, Mojjo & AA 1909: First Ethiopian Restaurant: Ato Ayele 1913-1920 Greek Coffee houses and Restaurants(eg. Bar dEurope, Splendind Bar) Same period, about 50 drinking houses developed

Tourism Devt,1941-2008
Tourism as a modern concept and practice:post-Italian phenomenon Even in the wider globe, the popularization of travel came with industrialization and the growth of increasingly leisured middle classes

Three phases of Modern mass tourism in Ethiopia: First phase, 1941-1960: Sporadic flow of foreigners Second Phase: 1960-1991 Third Phase, 1991-2012 Tourism sector launched in 1960, the establishment and institutionalization of Ethiopian Tourism organization 1962-Modern organized tourist industry became operational First Ethiopian Tourist office inagurated in Addis Ababa Neglected during the first phases of Five year Devt Plans

Tourism devt:1960-1991
First five year devt plan, 1957-1962 In principle, foundation of tourism organization is the major event Yet, in practice, tourism is scarcely cited in the devt plan as an economic sector Little real attention given to tourism Second Five Year Det plan( 1962-1967): tourism had a very promising start Govt participation: in hotel bussiness and by borrowing to PVt sector Govt agencies bought shares in Hotel Devt: eg. Devt Bank, Investment Co.; Natural Resources Devt Share Co.; Ethiopian Airlines under Ethiopian Hotels and Tourism Investment Corporation (ETHIC) Three major Hotels developed By ETHIC: Hilton, Ras & Ethiopia Place of tourism: fourth as currency earner 1969: foundation of 1st Catering & Tourism Institute (to train professionals) Trained 83 graduates from 1969-1973 Darg Era:Mass Domestic tourism: Agerhen Eweq

Table 1:International Tourist Arrivals, 1961-67 Ayalew Sisay (2009) 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967
Europe
America Africa Others Total

11000

17374

7346 4426 3953 3490 19215

9537
4371 2856 2722 19836

11482 8209 2643 3278 25412

13564 8872 4653 6607 33696

10666 5222 1517 3116 20521*


(8months)

Table 2: Ethiopias Revenue from Tourism


Taye Berihun(1967), Economic Journal, 1(3):30

Year 1962 1963 1964 1965

Receipts (in Birr) 6,680,640 12, 386, 640 14, 474, 418 18, 479,110

International Tourist Arrivals and Receipts 1974-1991; ETC Statistics


Year 1974 1975 Arrivals 50,220 30.640 Receipts in Birr(millions) 22.2 15.1

1976
1977 1978 1979

36,927
28,984 30,817 36,400

11.1
4.3 3.3 11.2

1980
1981 1982 1983

39,500
45,930 60,629 64,240

14.7
21.8 14.8 17.1

International Tourist Arrivals and Receipts 1974-1991, Contd.


1984 1985 59,552 61,459 13.1 18.1

1986
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

58,529
73,144 76,450 76,844 79,346 81,581

10.4
29.6 39.6 42.9 52.3 39.0

Trends
International Arrivals after the revolution 1973 : Western European tourists= 32,000
Northern American t.= > 18,000; diminsihed to 9,000 and 3000 respectively Ethiopian Tourism badly affected during the years 1977-1981 It was worsely affected in 1984 Why such declining trends?

1983: 35, 000 Arrivals (from Africa- 33%; Europe >32%) 1974-1984: Annual decline of 2.1% Tourism contributed 5.3% of foregn exchange rate earnings 1974-1991= about US $380 million From 1985 Inbound Tourists grew speedily Stronger emphasis on domestic Tourism( long neglected) Domestic Tourism dept setup and played leading promotional role

Assignment
Compare tourist earnings trends with other chief export item commodites, 1960-1974
1974-1991 1991-1998 1998-2011 Anlayse its implications to domestic economy Its Social impacts Impacts 0n Employment Devt of Accomodation Facilities

Tourism Devt, 1991-2008


As 2005, the Ethgovt attention to the sector and aims to put the country among the top 10 African tourist destinations by the year 2020 Ethiopia's main tourist destination: historic route,esp. Lalibela and Axum. Addis Ababa, the chief gateway to the country, also a major destination and a leading conference venue in sub-Saharan Africa. Several emerging destinations in southern, western and eastern Ethiopia offer a wide range of historic, cultural and natural attractions. Rising trends of International tourist arrivals to Ethiopia, from 148,000 in 2001 to around 303,000 in 2007. This figure by no means commensurate with the potential of the country's attractions. Ethiopian tourism sector, accounts for about 15 percent of foreign currency earnings World bank, stresses.Tourism represents the third largest export earner to Ethiopia and has significant growth potentials

Ethiopian Tourism Devt: opportunities & challenges


Ethiopias travel and tourism market has enormous potential. Tourist numbers are rising, growth in arrivals and tourism expenditure Yet, Ethiopia still remains a difficult destination for travellers The country not only offers the usual African game and cultural experiences to visitors, but also a rich array of historical and ecological sites that set it apart from most of its neighbours. The travel and tourism market has yet to develop to a point where it can make a significant contribution to Ethiopias economic development. Despite the rising tourist flows, growth in arrivals and tourism expenditure are by no means commensurate with the potential of the countrys attractions. A major constraint to the development of travel and tourism is the continuing negative perception of Ethiopia in the global community. Limited promotion and inadequate tourism infrastructure also present major challenges to development. However, the Ethiopian government is becoming increasingly active in its efforts to develop the untapped resource of travel and tourism in the country

Gvt Policy on Tourism Devt


Gvt prioritized the sector on its dvt agenda. Vision: Making Ethiopia one of Africas top ten international tourist destination by 2020. Focus: countrys image, marketing cultural & environ opportunities. Creation of Tourism Beneficial Industrial Structure(linkages btwn tourism and local econ & broad based participation) Step-change in the PASDEP-commitment to integrate tourism into other national policies-thru the National Tourism Council Focus: eliminating Supply side barriers in tourism support services.

Strategies of Ethiopian Tourism Devt


The strategies are: (a) To create employment and stimulate foreign investment; (b) To develop culture-based products; (c) To achieve sustainable tourism development; (d) To strengthen partnerships between the public and pvt sectors. (e) Building of strong supply-production-distribution value chains; (f )Acquisition, updating and dissemination of knowledge and technology; g) Internal cooperation and coordination; h) Vertical & horizontal linkages with training institutions (demand-driven curriculum & skills development).

Government priorities
The Govt governments aims to establish annual and long-term plans for tourism promotion, including: (a) The attraction of foreign visitors; (b) The improvement of tourist infrsuctructure and facilities; (c) Mapping and preservation of tourism resources; (d) The direction and supervision of tourism industry businesses; (e) Capacity building of tourism professionals; (f) Designation, development and promotion of tourist sites

Current Trends
Tourists are drawn to Ethiopias rich cultural and historical heritage Tourist arrivals to Ethiopia grew by a total of 50% over 2003-2008. This impressive increase can be attributed to the socio-economic development and relative stability of the country over the past decade or so. The most important reason cited by tourists for visiting the country is still its rich cultural and historical heritage. Ethiopia has a long and proud history that extends back to the known beginnings of humankind. For leisure tourists, the main attractions are Ethiopias unique culture and history, its magnificent scenery and archaeological sites, and the countrys diverse and exotic flora and fauna. Growing appreciation for these attributes continued to fuel demand for the Ethiopian experience among overseas visitors in 2008. The government has officially recognised the value of these national resources and taken steps to preserve them, such as with the setting up of the Ethiopian Cultural Heritage Project Infrustructure: Luxury Hotels, travel agencies and tour operators, car rentals suvenir shops are booming in Addis Ababa and capitals of historical routes Local Awareness about domestic toruism is growing

Current Trends, contd

Tourism-one of fastest growing sectors in the 21st Century (over 2000% btwn 1960s and 2020). Role in poverty alleviation and economic development. Tourism-an underexploited market niche (2% of GDP). Comprise of two broad segments: Local segment:
Ethiopian nationals and institutions (locally resident or diasporans)-majority of tourist arrivals over 70%;

International segment: non Ethiopian persons and institutions-vacations, conferences etc)-currently very limited <30%.

Tourist Segments Modal Share

Tourist Segments Modal Share(contd.)


Skewed distribution due to: Negative international image (wars, drought, etc);
Limited number & capacity of tourist support facilities (hotels, transport, etc); High cost of destination facilities (air fares, car hire costs, entrance fees, etc);

Eco-Tourism scenario
Eco-tourism holds massive development potential in Ethiopia Ecotourism is still in its infancy in Ethiopia, but it holds significant potential for growth. The countrys biodiversity is quite unique compared to neighbouring countries, some of which are famous safari destinations. Ethiopias Protected Area (PA), which includes national parks, game reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and controlled hunting grounds, covers about 14% of the country. The protected areas offer eco-tourism and leisure activities such as wildlife viewing, trekking, mountaineering and bird watching. Ethiopias rich biodiversity is however under threat from communities who have access to these protected areas and who, through settlement, agriculture or livestock grazing, have damaged the natural habitats. In recognition of the deteriorating state of the PAs and the consequences of this trend, the government formed new policies and introduced legislation that is more supportive to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of Ethiopias natural resources.

Transport and tourism


Air travel continues to dominate the transportation sector Tourism requires massive investment in affordable, comfortable and well integrated multi-modal transport systems to promote mobility and accessiblity. Transportation remained the largest sector in Ethiopias travel and tourism market in current value sales terms throughout the review period. Transportation current value sales continued to grow strongly in 2008 thanks to the positive performance of air travel, which dominates the sector and is the means by which the vast majority of tourists arrive in Ethiopia. Among the major airlines which serve the country are Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates Airline, South African Airways and Kenya Airways. Ethiopian Airlines is the national flag carrier and also market leader in value terms. In 2005, the Ethiopian airline initiated its Vision 2020 programme, aims to increase annual passenger traffic to 3million and annual revenues to US$1 billion by 2010. Ethiopian Airlines appears to be within reach of this goal, having transported 2.5 million passengers and generated revenues of US$900 million with a net profit of US$56 million for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

Accomodations
Ethiopia has a big, under-utilized tourist potential, formed by a mix of historic, cultural, archaeological, anthropological and natural attractions. It creates possibilities for cultural and educational tourism, bird and wildlife watching, water sports and recreation and trekking. Since 1999 tourism is growing at an average rate of 15 percent per year, reaching 227,000 foreign tourists in 2005. One of the problems that become visible as a result of the increasing tourism arrivals is the shortage of quality tourist accommodations. Ethiopian tour operators face big difficulties in getting accommodation for their clients, let alone modern accommodation. The so-called Historic Route between the ancient cities of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum comprises the most important tourists' sites in the country, attracting 45,000 international and 120,000 local tourists in 2005. It is important that the growth of tourism will happen on a sustainable way, based on the protection of the natural, socio-economic and cultural environment.
Discuss: the state of Tourism devt in Axum, Lalibella, Gonder, Bahir Dar, Awassa, The Rift Valley, Northern Afarland, Western Ethiopia

The Future
Future looks bright for Cultural, historical and religious tourism in Ethiopia Cultural or heritage tourism looks set to become an increasingly important revenue generator in Ethiopia over the forecast period. Since end of 2008, the devt of cultural tourism products and attractions was ongoing in several destinations across the country. Cultural tourism:becoming increasingly diverse, with the devt of niche areas such as religious tourism, architecture tourism, literary tourism and creative tourism. Though not a new concept, religious tourism is now being recognised as having a major overlaps with cultural tourism. This is particularly pertinent to Ethiopia, where people travelling for religious motives, including pilgrims, also have a strong interest in the countrys culture and heritage. While Ethiopia will always have a strong religious appeal, new products such as spiritual & retreat holidays should help to strengthen & accelerate the devt of cultural tourism towards 2015

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