Global Journal of Management and Business Research: F

Real Estate, Event & Tourism Management

Volume 16 Issue 1 Version 1.0 Year 2016
Type: Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal
Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA)
Online ISSN: 2249-4588 & Print ISSN: 0975-5853

Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

By Yimer Ali
Wolaita Sodo university

Abstract- In Ethiopia nature, culture and history merge to form a timeless appeal. The countries
impressive tourism potential is truly a land of contrast and extremes, a land of remote and wild
place, and of spectacular alpine terrain-including the semien mountain national park with its high
4620 meters peak at Ras Dashen one of UNESCO registered heritage site; and at the other end
of spectrum, the Denakil depression 121 meters below sea level is among the lowest places on
earth. However from these abundant resources the country has not benefited yet. Therefore
questions about how tourism policies contribute to national development? What is wrong with the
existing system? Why should the present policy be discarded? How did it become successful?
These and similar other questions will have to be addressed first before proposing what
measures should be taken to ameliorate the situation. For this reason, a brief account of the
country’s tourism needs to be provided.
Keywords: tourism policy, attractions, challenge, prospect.
GJMBR-F Classification: JEL Code: L89

ChallengeandProspectofEthiopianToursmPolicy

Strictly as per the compliance and regulations of:

© 2016. Yimer Ali. This is a research/review paper, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-
Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), permitting all non-commercial use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism
Policy
Yimer Ali

Abstract- In Ethiopia nature, culture and history merge to form context, it is necessary for enhancement of tourism as
a timeless appeal. The countries impressive tourism potential well as generating additional funding, which circulates in
is truly a land of contrast and extremes, a land of remote and the local community/population, self-esteem is
wild place, and of spectacular alpine terrain-including the
enhanced for the community as control over the
semien mountain national park with its high 4620 meters peak

2016
development process is maintained locally. Developing
at Ras Dashen one of UNESCO registered heritage site; and
at the other end of spectrum, the Denakil depression 121 community-based tourism can be especially difficult in

Year
meters below sea level is among the lowest places on earth. developing countries in term of such issues as access
However from these abundant resources the country has not to information, lack of awareness and lack of access to
benefited yet. Therefore questions about how tourism policies finances and policy frame work. The peripheral nature of 19
contribute to national development? What is wrong with the many communities interested in community-based
existing system? Why should the present policy be discarded?

Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I
tourism development raises questions as to how they
How did it become successful? These and similar other will attract visitors.
questions will have to be addressed first before proposing
Much of the research on tourism employment is
what measures should be taken to ameliorate the situation.
For this reason, a brief account of the country’s tourism needs
based in a western-centric, developed country
to be provided. perspective where tourism positions are often
Keywords: tourism policy, attractions, challenge, considered as seasonal and low paying. There for
prospect. developing countries like Ethiopia has not earn sufficient
income from tourism sector. In a developing country
I. Introduction context, however, employment opportunities are more

A
limited but have higher relative rates of payment than in
s tourism continues to become more competitive,
other economic sectors. Even if positions are seasonal
governments having to adopt a more
they are highly sought after. When possible policy set
entrepreneurial role in attracting not only tourists
properly, tourism employment can create opportunities
but also investors to their region. For instance in
for the local population to increase their income and
Ethiopia with growing tourism the government expanded
improve their standard of living. It can also provide new
infrastructures like road, new air port destinations,
opportunities for youth and women. A model based on
vehicles and hotels (private and governmental) etc. The
service-centred tourism employment was presented as
questions raised surrounding tourism as a regional
much of the work in tourism employment research has
development tool deal with whether or not there can be
borrowed models from manufacturing and related
real regional economic dispersion of the benefits of
models of production. Here, the gap between the
tourism. Tourism development projects, which do not
concepts of socioeconomic development and socio
build strong linkages to the surrounding community, will
cultural impacts of tourism development was explored.
have little impact on the citizens who live nearby.
Many of the predominant theories of development have
Questions need to be asked about the most appropriate
emerged from western schools of thought without much
forms of tourism development growth poles so that the
consideration being given to more traditional methods of
trickle-down effect can be maximized. While tourism
development. Classifications of the major indices for
may help to modernize a region, it may also cause the
social and economic development including income,
region to become dependent on external organizations.
trade, resource and quality of life are based within a
It is argued that community-based, grassroots
western or modernisation framework. Within this
tourism is a more sustainable form of development than
framework, both economic development and the
conventional mass tourism as it allows communities to
modernisation of living standards are expected to go
break away from the hegemonic grasp of tour operators
hand in hand. However, indigenous lifestyles and the
and the oligopoly of local élites. It is argued that there
customs of some host communities, for example, are
needs to be a decentralization of tourism down to the
valuable commodities and movement to modernise
community level. When I take this one to Ethiopian
these societies is criticised by the tourism industry. As a
Author: Lecturer, Department of Department of Civic and Ethic studies
solution developing countries like Ethiopia should have
College of social science Wolaita Sodo university, Ethiopia po.box: 138. to prepare tourism policy in considering this and other
e-mail: yimer.ali9@gmail.com threats. By examining the complex nature of the

© 20 16 Global Journals Inc. (US)

 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

relationship between the positive and negative impacts on entry and free movement of tourists (World Bank,
of tourism the writers argued that the applicability of 2006). Though the sector is still at its infant stage, it has
measuring socioeconomic development based in a been keep growing since 2001. The total receipt from
western framework to understand tourism development the industry in 2008 was around 204.9 million USD. As
needs to be questioned(like Africa). of 2008, international tourists arrivals was reached to
To determine the policy impact on the host’s 383,399. However, the sector’s share to GDP is remains
society, it analyses differently in different place. After very small (0.77% in 2008).
tracing the evolution of sustainable development it was Successive Ethiopian governments have
then argued that sustainable tourism development has promoted tourism during their tenures. The monarchy
failed as a result of environmental managerialism that mediated politics, economics, culture, environment
inherent in sustainable development principles. and technology for most of the 20th century initiated the
Attempts at imposing a universal blueprint for tourism promotion, marketing and development of tourism as an
development, or the using of a set of ‘meta-principles’ integral part of the overall dynamics of national
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which are founded on mainstream planning and development. Ethiopia’s existence as an independent
designation processes, are inappropriate within the
Year

country for thousands of years and the diversity of its

complex developmental contexts and the needs of ecology and culture were images that captivated
tourism destinations particularly in developing countries. foreigners for a long time. The promotional logo of
20
A more relevant interpretation of tourism and ‘Thirteen months of Sunshine” was interjected by an
sustainability in terms of what it is and how it can be imaginary of a proud and cultured people professing the
Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I

achieved is necessary. It was argued that concepts be two major universal religions of the world-Christianity
utilized in non-western settings? Again, is there a and Islam and an ethnic religion of Felasha Jewry. The
successor to sustainable tourism development? magnificent material iconographies of Ethiopian culture
While tourism has potential to contribute to the were relayed to the visitor through the timeless
economic and social development of a destination, architectural wonders of Axum’s stele, Lalibela’s
there are characteristics of the industry, which limit its rockhewn churches, Gondar’s Castles, Harar’s medieval
potential as a development tool. The emerging global walled city and archeological sites that traced the origin
power structures of the tourism industry can take control of homo-sapiens to the Rift valley where the skeletal
out of the hands of the destination leaving only the local remains of Dinkinesh (Lucy) and Selam were
élites and multinational corporations to benefit. It was discovered.
also argued that tourists themselves are more generally Marketing and promoting have been, however,
interested in themselves and their needs as opposed to the weakest areas of tourism development. The negative
altering their form of consumption to maximize the imageries that framed the country following the famines
benefits of tourism for the destination. Though the and political strife of the 1970 -1990 period defined
Ethiopian government drafted the tourism development tourist perceptions of the country to a considerable
policy in order to maximize benefit and accelerate extent. Some tour promoters have even gone further by
Ethiopian tourism industry from its low stage. proposing that the tourist gaze in Ethiopia was a
moralistic experience. Such perspective was suggested
II. Objectives
by “Lonely Planet” in the following introduction of the
As Ethiopia is blessed with abundant natural tourist experience in Ethiopia as “testing, inspiring and
tourist attractions, the primary objective of the study was heartbreaking-a journey you will never forget. You do not
to clearly asses the challenge and prospect of explore Ethiopia for a relaxing getaway, you venture here
Ethiopian tourism policy. to be moved and moved you should be” (http://
www.lonelyplanet.com/Ethiopia) (Tadesse Kidane-
III. Literature Review Mariam, 2015).
Ethiopia’s possession of varied attractions
a) Historical Development of Tourism in Ethiopia
regarded as an opportunity for the tourism sector policy.
According to the ministry of tourism and culture,
However at present the Ministry identified the following
tourism as one of the economic sector came into being
major challenges also confronting the sector:
in Ethiopia very recently. It was around 1960, that the
potential of tourism drew the attention of the imperial  Heritages of the country has not been adequately
government authorities. The first tourism office was protected, developed and used as a tourist
established in 1962. However, a set back in international attraction.
tourism demand had been seen during the military  There is a serious shortage in number and type of
regime tourist facilities. Moreover, the quality of service is
From 1974 for two decades the industry was poor and unsatisfactory to tourists.
suffering from various adverse effects such as  Performing arts, entertainment services and other
prolonged civil war, recurrent drought and restrictions local creative products, which could have helped to

© 2016
1 Global Journals Inc. (US)
 Challenge and Prospect o

lengthen the stay of visitors, are not offered in Among these undone tasks, the followings are
sufficient variety. the major one under different stakeholders;
 There is a shortage of trained manpower that is A. Federal and regional governments
crucial to the development of the sector.
 Weak mutual support and coordination among  To expand and improve the development of
tourism stakeholders. infrastructural facilities
 Ethiopia’s image on the international scene is widely  To capably coordinate and lead vigorous marketing
associated with draught, famine and war. and promotion activities
 The horn of Africa is regarded as a region of  To ensure the psychological and physical well-being
instability and terrorism. of visitors
 Protection of heritages in collaboration with local
b) The roles of state level institutions and policy communities
measures B. Private sectors

2016
Currently there are eleven regional cultural and
 To participate in the provision of quality tourism
tourism bureaus in Ethiopia, which are accountable for

Year
services in types and capacities required
the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT). Apart from
 To involve in the expansion of infrastructure needed
the Ministry, these regional bureaus have also their own
in the localities of major destinations 21
five year strategic plan. However, their independent
 To participate in the protection of attractions
initiatives lacks coordination with other stakeholders
 To participate in associations for mutual support

Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I
including the Ministry.
C. Local communities at tourist destinations
Regarding policy issues since 2005, the
government’s initiation to promote tourism has been  To provide appropriate care to guests visiting the
increasing. Starting from public statements issued by local attractions
the Prime Minister supporting tourism there are  To protect cultural and social values from negative
indications that the government is opening a committed influence of tourism
dialogue on tourism  Conserving cultural resources with a sense of
“My government believes that an increased focus on ownership
tourism can play more significant role in the war on The ambitious Growth and transformation plan II
poverty, both in Ethiopia and across Africa as a whole” (GTPII) which has been implemented now expected to
PM Meles (2005) Adapted from World Bank (2006) fill the gaps. To this end Ministry of Culture and
The first tourism development policy of the Tourism of Ethiopia has targeted to earn six billion USD
country was enacted in August, 2010. Lessening the revenue from the tourism sector in its second Growth
aforementioned challenges was the origin for this policy and Transformation Plan II. The contribution of the
initiative. tourism sector to the country’s GTP so far is about 1.2
In line with the tourism development policy, percent and that it is now planned to raise its
MCT introduce a strategic plan for the sector every five contribution to 5 percent. Indeed the influx of foreign
year. However, the strategic plan (2010-2015) designed visitors to Ethiopia has shown an average growth of 10
more ambitiously so as to fit the objectives of GTP in the percent in the past seven years, the average tourist
tourism arena. staying period rose up to 16 days. the tourism sector
has created 783,638 jobs for citizens in the last four
• Some of the following figures make the plan more
years of the first GTP. Standardization of 400 star ranked
ambitious;
Hotels has begun in the nation to increase the service
i. To increase a tourism receipt from the current 250 quality delivered for the foreign visitors adding that
million USD to 3 billion USD. International accredited standardization activities so
ii. To create a tourism jobs for 3.5 million citizens. far conducted on 50 hotels in Addis Ababa city.
iii. To achieve a tourism promotion activities by 100%
iv. To increase tourist’s service satisfaction from 51% IV. Project Design and Methodology
to 90%
v. To improve the capacity of implementing Relevant and necessary data was needed for
international agreements and conventions from 25% this article to reach at final conclusion and to answer the
to 90% challenge and prospect of Ethiopian tourism policy.
Therefore it employed a qualitative approach to collect
c) The undone roles of stakeholders in implementation the necessary and relevant data. The study was also
Most of the stakeholders such as the federal needed to conduct the necessary and reliable
government, regional government, private sectors and information by reviewing the available documents and
local communities are not fully playing their roles in needed to make a link or connection between different
implementing the policy. (Temesgen K., 2014) variables contributing to the challenge of tourism sector

© 20 16 Global Journals Inc. (US)

 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

in Ethiopia.inaddition to this the researcher used field and Europe can add to the comparative advantage
observation to asses the tourism industry in Ethiopia which its numerous and varied attractions bestow on
it. Though situated not far from the equator, much of the
V. Result and Discussion Ethiopian land has a climate tempered by high altitude.
a) Definition and Reality about Ethiopian tourism Ethiopia's tourism slogan "Thirteen Months of Sunshine"
Tourism holistic definition that embraces both partly arises from the idyllic year-round, spring-like
the factual and theoretical perspectives of tourism is climate of most regions of the country. The first
desirable (Gilbert, 1990). Jafari (1977) goes some way Ethiopian development plan was historically prepared in
to achieving this by epistemologically defining tourism 1966. Then after the tourism industry was became as
as ;The study of man away from his usual habitat, of the one sources of economic development until 1966.
industry which responds to his needs, and of the Through different years the sector show improvement in
impacts that both he and the industry have on the host’s 12% within a year in average .During the Dreg regime
tourism faced challenges like, war, drought and famine,
2016

socio cultural, economic and physical environments.

Nevertheless, tourism is primarily a social activity. If ideological difference with western countries which are
Year

people had neither the ability nor the desire to travel source of tourist and lack of concrete tourism policy
from one place to another, tourism would not exist. which gives opportunity and guarantee for tourist sites
22 Thus, tourism is an activity which involves was some of the challenges.
individuals who travel within their own countries or The Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism is
internationally, and who interact with other people and responsible for developing and promoting the country’s
Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I

places, people who are influenced and motivated by the tourist products both locally and internationally by
norms and transformations in their own society and who putting on ground the policy and strategy . It works
carry with them their own ‘cultural baggage’ of closely together with different international and national
experience, expectations, perceptions and standards. It stakeholders, the latter including Ethiopian Airlines, the
is, in short, a social phenomenon which involves the Ethiopian Tour Operators Association (ETOA), and the
movement of people to various destinations and their Tourist Standard Hoteliers
(temporary) stay there or across the world. According to ministry of culture and tourism,
As a land of multiple tourist attractions and a Ethiopia has a big size of population with diversified
visitor friendly people which is conscious of its historical cultures that makes it an ideal tourist destination. So the
heritage, Ethiopia is truly a country of great tourism country should also focus on inward looking
potential. It was this recognition of a great potential that programmes in terms of developing, promoting and
encouraged Ethiopia in the 1960’s to start a tourism expanding local tourism. The Ministry in its duties and
industry. After an initial period of rapid growth, the powers is playing a decisive role for a concerted and
industry underwent a fast decline and virtual stagnation multipurpose effort to be undertaken by the people and
for many years due to the revolution that brought the stakeholders in the development of tourism and culture.
military to power in 1974, the consequent turmoil, and Since the tourism industry is now globally lucrative, and
recurrent drought and famines. one of the largest baseness in the world economy,
During the last years, however, tourism has preparation of various regulations, directives in order to
once again emerged as a growth industry taking study, preserve, control, register and conduct inventory
advantage of the current peace and stability in the of tangible and intangible cultural heritages apart from
country and the liberalized economic policy of the new quality control and classification of standards in tourism
government. Ethiopia can now look forward to area are some of the major areas that the Ministry
increasing its share of the world's tourism market which focused in the 5-year strategic plans so that Ethiopia
is registering a faster world-wide growth than most other could be able to benefit the most out of the sector.
industries. b) The need for tourism policy
Not all of Ethiopia's attractions are very widely Since Ethiopia endowed with enormous
known, but some are quite famous. Indeed, nine (9) manmade and natural tourist attraction area, having
national attractions (including, konso) have been uniform tourism policy is unquestionable. Seventeen
recognized by UNESCO as world heritage: Axum's years of neglect “After the overthrow of the
obelisks, Gondar's castles, the island monasteries on imperial government in the 1960s and the coming to
Lake Tana, Hadar (where Lucy was discovered), Tia's power of the socialist government in 1970, our country
carved standing stones, the walls of Harar, the Semien had a military government whose relations with tourist
National Park, and konso tradition and culture. Therefore generating countries in Europe and America were bad”,
the need for tourism policy now and then is un she explained. “For seventeen years, tourism was sorely
questionable. neglected in our country by considering its socio-
Ethiopia's nearly ideal location on the African political, economic and cultural advantage, the current
continent and its relative proximity to the Middle East government launched tourism development policy in

© 2016
2015
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 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

2009. Ethiopia whose share of tourist flow to the East Therefore, a good governance procedure shall be
African Region of seventeen countries was at less than prepared in order that all stakeholders abide by
one percent in 2009 launched its first tourism professional tourism ethics.
development policy to reverse the situation. Create a sense of cooperation and coordination:
The arrival of a new government in 1991 Initiating continuous and good networking by
brought the first change, with greater emphasis on a creating strong cooperation communication and
free-market economy, improving infrastructure and the close relation between Regional, National and
construction of new roads, highways and airports. “Our international bodies working in the tourism sector.
present government considers tourism to be an industry Enhancing implementation capacity of the sector:
with great potential for our country”, says Dalacho, To ensure the comparative advantage of the country
ministry of culture and tourism. “That´s why the ministry in tourism development, by strengthening the
of culture and tourism was formed to replace the implementation capacity of all parties in the sector
tourism commission.” As head of this ministry, recently

2016
to provide high quality tourism services
finished drafting a new tourism policy for the
iii. Objectives

Year
government. Its main focal points include the following:
 To consolidate the country’s comparative
Develop existing and new destinations with Ethiopia;
advantage and enable the industry to compete in
Diversify the sector ; 23
international tourist markets.
Improve infrastructure and tourism facilities;
 To develop a tourism industry that can play a major
Create an enabling environment for private

Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I
role in generating and retaining international
investors;
exchange
Develop new and broader educational programmes
 To create increased employment opportunities for
for the sector so as to create a larger and more
communities around the sites of attractions and
qualified labor force.
distribute tourism income to improve living
The government also aims to establish ‘Tourism standards of the people.
development Fund’ with the key aim of mobilizing  To build a tourism industry that can improve the
resources and capabilities of actors in the image of the country and advance the growth of the
implementation of the policy. The establishment and sector in a sustainable manner.
application of the fund will be determined by a study  Promoting the country’s tourist attractions and
and supported by law, according to the Policy launched encourage expansion of local tourism
at the Sheraton Addis in August 30, 2019. The new  Making the sector competitive in the world and
tourism policy of Ethiopia among other, aims to Africa in its best destination for tourists and source
integrate/connect the development of the country’s of income for host country in direct and indirect
tourism with agricultural, industrial, foreign policies and economic benefit will be ensured.
strategies of the country.  Bringing both culture and tourism to development
so that the industry would contribute to the poverty
c) Ethiopian tourism policy and strategy
reduction strategic plan and the Millennium
i. Vision Development Goals.
To develop tourism in a responsible and
sustainable way, enabling it to play a leading role in the d) Main issues of the Ethiopian tourism policy and
economic development process of the country by strategies
executing its activities on a community based principle. • To lead the country’s tourism industry in a broad-
ii. Principles based developmental direction
Though the strategy will give emphasis for:
Respecting diversity: Diversity of historical, cultural  Creating strong relationships with other
and natural wealth are the beauty and distinctive development strategies and policies to integrate
Features of Ethiopia; therefore, each of these has to directions .Here especially interlinking and
be known, respected, and developed equally as connecting the tourism policy with agricultural and
tourism attractions. rural policy and strategy which helps to expand
Ensuring participation and community benefits: tourism attractions like eco-tourism in rural and
Communities have to play a major in developing of agricultural areas. This coordination or chain of the
the tourism industry, with each member rural to urban tourism used the sector direct
participating and benefitting in the development beneficiary from on growing rural tourism
process. development and give/provide input and artistic
Create a transparent and accountable work process: product for the urban tourism development as value
The process of tourism development requires the chain. Indeed the policy strategy focus on :
participation of many actors or stakeholders. - Development of the tourism environment
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 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

- Ensuring participation communities. Also Government has clearly recognized

- Increasing visitor volume the need to improve the competitiveness of the tourist
- Strengthening linkages in a cross-sectoral approach sector and that improving the quality of tourism services
to poverty reduction is key to enabling Ethiopian tourism to compete in
- Sequential development to avoid conflicts international markets and attract more tourists. Welcome
associated with mass tourism elsewhere also is the fact that Government clearly recognize their
• To Develop new attractions and improving existing role in providing an enabling environment: through
ones considering type, quality and quantity; training of the workforce; provision of more accurate
possible strategy is: information; coordinating stakeholders including
working with tour operators. In short, my view suggests
- Developing high quality destinations and
that the thrust of this draft policy and implemented
productions such as handicrafts
policy correctly addresses the key issues facing the
- Increasing flows of tourists in areas of the counties
tourist sector. As such, the tourism policy should be
2016

that are not in the current circuits

completed, ratified and implemented again correctly to
- Linking tour circuits to create a strong tourism
strength more.
Year

package
• To develop crucial infrastructure and service e) The advantages of tourism in delivering pro-poor
24 delivery institutions growth
The negative impacts associated with tourism,
- Capacity building of federal and regional such as reduced access to resources and negative
Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I

implementing structures social and cultural impacts sometimes threaten to

- Development of land and sea transport overshadow the benefits that a vibrant tourism industry
infrastructure, telephone and internet facilities and can generate. However if the policy implemented
energy supply networks properly it will have the following benefits:
• To make Ethiopia a competitive destination in the  Tourism is generally labour-intensive – although less
world tourism market than agriculture – and therefore can impact on a
- Creation of an effective tourism promotion strategy large number of lives through the labour market;
- Market analysis  Tourism has considerable potential linkage,
- Building partnerships with domestic and especially with agriculture and fisheries, which can
international tour operators minimize the ‘leakage’ effect. Due to the high
• To coordinate the efforts of stakeholders income elasticity of demand for international
tourism, it can offer a relatively rapidly growing
- Formation and consolidation of trade organizations
market;
- Establishment of new fora:
 Tourism provides opportunities for off-farm
- Tourism Management Council formed by officials
diversification, particularly in areas that do not
from federal and regional tourism offices
attract other types of development options;
- Government Tourism Common Forums formed from
 Tourism can provide poor countries with significant
the relevant federal and regional executive bodies
export opportunities where few other options are
with NGOs, institutions and private sector
viable;
stakeholders with interests in tourism
 It may create initial demand for a good or service
• To increase the current low capacity of the tourism that can itself develop into a growth sector;
industry  Tourism products can generate demand for assets
- Increase the capacity of major industry players with such as natural resources and culture, to which the
the introduction of professional standards for poor often have access;
service providers  Tourism delivers consumers to the product rather
- Establishment of tourism training and education than the other way around; and
centres to address shortcomings in human  Infrastructure associated with tourism development
resources development can provide essential services for local
- Improve the capacity state tourism institutions and communities.
systems in research, information dissemination and Indeed, throughout the world, the most
data collection and the creation and periodic compelling reason for pursuing tourism as a
publication of tourism satellite accounts. development strategy is its alleged positive contribution
The main thrust of this policy looks to the local or national economy. Internationally and
encouraging. Particularly important is the recognition localy, tourism represents an important source of foreign
that, in addition to providing a source of international exchange earnings; indeed, it has been suggested that
exchange, the tourist sector can have a significant the potential contribution to the national balance of
development impact through linkages with local payments is the principal reason why governments

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2015
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 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

support tourism development. For many developing heritage, empowering and meeting the welfare of local
countries, tourism has become one of the principal people, and creating value for the travelers. It adds
sources of foreign exchange earnings whilst even in value to environments, communities, entrepreneurs and
developed countries the earnings from international tourists within ethical objectives
tourism may make a significant contribution to the The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-
balance of payments in general, and the travel account time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains
in particular. It is also one of the reasons why tourism is (some 25 are over 4000 meters high) broad savannah,
frequently turned to as a new or replacement activity in lakes and rivers. The unique Rift valley is a remarkable
areas where traditional industries have fallen into region of volcanic Lakes, with their famous collections of
decline. birdlife, great escarpments and stunning vistas. Tisisat,
The economic benefits (and costs) of tourism the blue Nile falls, must rank as one of the greatest
are discussed at length in the literature, as are the natural spectacles in Africa today. With 14 major wild life
environmental and socio-cultural consequences of reserves, Ethiopia provides a microcosm of the entire

2016
tourism. When we see Ethiopia various tourism sectors subsaharan ecosystem. Bird life abounds, and

Year
such as hotel, tour sites, natural and manmade caves, indigenous animals from the rare walia ibex to the shy
monuments ,historical religious places etc are become wild ass, roam free just as nature intended. Ethiopia,
tourist destination areas. This is because of the after the rains, is a land decked with flowers and with
25
promotion made by ministry of culture and tourism after many more native plants than most countries in Africa.
the policy preparation and other organs, and by the The natural side of Ethiopia is an invaluable

Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I
improvement of facilities in tourist attraction areas. asset for its tourism industry, and inextricable from its
Gradually Many of these are considered in the context cultural and historic features. Sustainable tourism, while
of development. The main point here, however, is that preserving Ethiopia’s natural environment, also serves to
the widely cited benefits and costs of tourism, whether preserve the nation's rich cultural and environmental
economic, environmental or socio cultural, are just that. heritage. Ethiopia is endowed with a wide range of
They are the measurable or visible consequences of tourist attractions. Ecotourism potentials include paleo-
developing tourism in any particular destination and, in a anthropological sites-the famous finding of a hominid,
somewhat simplistic sense, tourism is considered to be Lucy; historic architectures such as the stelae and
‘successful’ as long as the benefits accruing from its temples in Axum and Yeha; the monolithic rock-hewn
development are not outweighed by the costs or church of Laliibela; the Castle of Fasilades in Gondar;
negative consequences. For many developing the island monasteries of Lake Tana; the Camelot of
countries, with a limited industrial sector, few natural Harar; the holiest mosques of Ahmed Negash in Tigrai,
resources and a dependence on international aid, the Sof Omar in lowland Bale; the scenic beauty of the
tourism may represent the only realistic means of mountains of the Semyen, Wag and Lasta, and Bali; the
earning much needed foreign exchange, creating Rift Valley lake; the Omo valley; and the fauna and flora
employment and attracting overseas investment. that flourish in the natural terrains of the country. In
Tourism in most sub-Saharan African countries addition, the myriad peoples of Ethiopia are very proud
is hardly an industry since the tourism infrastructure is to deliver to tourists the original version of their
weak, tourism organization is poor, and net revenue is subcultures including social organizations, artifacts,
meager. But now gradually Ethiopian is forwarding its music, languages, religions, etc.
base currently on tourism sector. Almost all tourist Ethiopian topography is endowed with
arrivals consist of African nationals’ resident abroad gorgeous scenes of lofty peaks and enumerable
returning to visit friends and relatives, business visitors, species of wild life and birds. The country has a
and those visiting expatriate residents. The primary remarkably rich heritage and spectacular environment
vacation or leisure tourism sector is undeveloped (Teye, worth visiting by tourists interested in gaining knowledge
1991, p. 288) of its history, culture, diversity of landscape, unique
indigenous plants, birds, and mammals, and a great
f) Ethiopia's Historical & Natural Tourist Attractions variety of interesting locations. Sight Seeing,
Currently, travel and tourism account for more Fishing, Bird watching, Safari Tours, Camping, climbing,
than $3 trillion in spending annually and 7.6 percent of Trekking, Hiking & Walking, Water Sports, Caving etc
the world’s total employment. The United Nations World could be mentioned as some of the interesting
Tourism Organization further forecasts that international opportunities to invest on Ethiopian Ecotourism.
travel will double by 2020. Since a couple of decade,
ecotourism has become a newer paradigm to tourism g) Type of Tourism offered by Ethiopia
because in addition to offering economic and business Ethiopia's wealth of varied attractions gives it a
opportunities for local communities, it strongly great potential for cultural and educational tourism,
advocates reducing the environmental impact of travel, photo safaris, hunting safaris, bird watching, water
conserving natural resources, preserving cultural sports including river rafting, desert trekking, mountain

© 20 16 Global Journals Inc. (US)

 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

camping and other forms of eco-tourism. Health international organizations such as AU and UNECA, a
tourism, on account of the cool climate of most regions Rise in domestic and foreign private investment in hotels
of the country and the numerous hot springs in many and a rise in development of travel and tourism due to
volcanic areas, is an additional type of tourism with growing international demand and the country’s effort
great potential. aimed at providing better ecotourism has also
Conference tourism, long aided by the contributed positively to the expansion of ecotourism in
presence of a number of international organizations in the country. Partners’ support also had its immense
Addis Ababa including the headquarters of the contribution.
Organization for African Unity and the Economic Currently the Government is redesigning
Commission for Africa (ECA), is poised to gain greater rigorously the tourism industry with a view to make it
significance as a consequence of the newly built ultra- environmentally conscious, and go beyond the
modern facilities at the ECA and the Sheraton Addis. unfortunate goal of conventional tourism which was
focusing on mere financial benefits but little or no regard
2016

h) Challenges of Ethiopian tourism

for environmental degradation of tourist sites.
Observably in most developed countries, the
A new tourism and culture development policy
Year

smokeless industry has the lion's share in the overall

is under discussion by all stakeholders and will shortly
economic growth and development of a country. The
implemented. The newly amended policy understands
26 tourism sector has now become a major source of
that global tourism grows at the average annual rate of
income for various stakeholders engaged in the sector.
4.3%, the tourist industry in Ethiopia still accounts for
Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I

In this regard, despite Ethiopia's endowment with

less than 2 percent of Gross Domestic Product when
various natural and manmade heritages, it had not
compared to 6%, 14% and 5% of GDP for Egypt, Kenya
benefited much from the sector for years due to various
and of South Africa respectively. Cognizant of this, the
factors. Currently, Ethiopia's tourism sector is booming
government is looking for wider ways to double tourism
in bike with its fast economic growth. It is also basking
earnings during 2010-2015 and see about one million
under stable peace and security as compared with other
foreign arrivals by 2020. In order to realize this goal, it
African countries. And that is why Ethiopia enjoyed the
intends to intensify its campaigns abroad of introducing
limelight as this year’s ' Top Destination In The World For
the country as a top business and leisure destination. It
Tourists' by the European Council on Tourism and Trade
also plans to introduce the country’s ecotourism
(ECTT) because of excellent preservation of humanity
opportunities to new tourism markets such as India,
landmarks. However, in the eyes of actors in the service
China, Russia and Brazil. Its objective is to create social
sector and lessons got during the course of the last five
and economic benefits through ecotourism and to foster
years, this sector has its own prospects and challenges.
the conservation of natural resources of the areas.
Under the coverage of community benefits, the
Participatory local initiatives, in collaboration with
sector suffer from unreasonable interference in most
partners, will also be encouraged in a more organized
tourist destination areas by the local hotels, tour guides
way with a view to develop and introduce a consolidated
and the like. As compared to other African countries,
approach for Eco-tourism that can be replicated in other
travelling to tourist destinations proves a very costly
areas and that enhances the sustainable utilization of
adventure discouraging tourists from coming to
the natural resources. The government is aware of
Ethiopia. In some places, local residents want to sponge
current trends that, to attract tourists, the ecotourism
on tourists. Hence, the government, especially the
industry must be designed to incorporate and
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, should seriously take
implement responsible, ethical, forward-looking, and far-
the responsibility of creating awareness among the
reaching environmental oversight. It is working to
community. Moreover, the number of graduates is
balance the economic, social and environmental
increasing both from public and private institutions,
management pillars of sustainable development.
there is still a shortage of skilled and capable human
Tourism has increasingly become a favoured
power. Thus, the Ministry needs to offer ultra-modern
development tool in many developing countries for
training to professionals and practical policy.
poverty alleviation. For instance in eastern Africa
VI. Summary tourism has scored tremendous improvement with the
presence of stability in the area like in Kenya, Ethiopia
A Tourism Development Policy has been Uganda etc. but still problems exist in Somalia. With
implemented a years ago with a view to helpful in the relative ease of entry into the tourism market and its
harnessing the untapped tourism potentials in the purported ability to generate foreign exchange and
country. The tourism policy, harmonized in to other create employment, it is no wonder that it is being
policies and strategies of Ethiopia’s economy, has pursued. However, like any development option or
helped to improve the performance of travel and tourism avenue of economic endeavor, it comes with a cost.
sector. National air carrier for major network expansion, This, then, is at the heart of the tourism development
Conference tourism due to the presence of many dilemma. Tourism represents an attractive, and perhaps
© 2016
2015
1 Global Journals Inc. (US)
 Challenge and Prospect of Ethiopian Tourism Policy

the only, means of stimulating economic and social 6. Jafari, J. (1977) Editors page. Annals of Tourism
development for some developing nations. Research 5 (1), 8.
However, frequently that development either 7. Jafari, J. (1987) Tourism models: The sociocultural
fails to materialize, benefits only the local élite or aspects. Tourism Management 8 (2): 151–9.
multinational corporations, or is achieved with a very 8. Jafari, J. (1989) Sociocultural dimensions of tourism:
high social, environmental or economic cost. In the An English language literature review.
developing world, tourism is usually implemented 9. Sen, A.N., 1999, Development as Freedom, New
through a top-down planning approach, and decision York: Alfred A. Knopf.
making is ‘predominately based on the interventions of 10. Sinclair, M.T., 1998, “Tourism and Economic
government agencies and large tourism firms, resulting Development: A Survey,” Journal of Development
in the dominance of external, often foreign capital and Studies, 34 (5): 1-51.
the marginalisation of local people’ (Liu and Wall 2006). 11. Tadesse Kidane-Mariam (2015) Ethiopia:
Developing countries opting into the tourism industry will Opportunities and Challenges of Tourism

2016
encounter both the positive and negative consequences Development in the Addis Ababa-upper Rift Valley
of this globally competitive industry, and the challenge

Year
Corridor, Department of Geography, Edinboro
lies in accepting or managing the negative University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, USA
consequences in the hopes of obtaining the potential 12. Telfer .J David and Sharpley Rechard (2008). Turism 27
long-term benefits of tourism. The complexities of using and Development in the Developing World.
tourism as a development tool and the dilemma that Routledge, Newyork and London

Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( F ) Volume XVI Issue I Version I
many countries face in coping with the uncertainty that 13. Temesgen Kasahun(2014).The Tourism Industry in
tourism brings have been. Ethiopia. Mekelle University, Ethiopia
Generally the tourism development process 14. World Bank .Ethiopia: Towards a Strategy for Pro-
intersects with the economic, political, environmental Poor Tourism Development Prepared for the
and social conditions in the destination and is also Government of Ethiopia, Report No. 38420 -ET.
framed by the global political economy. Despite the fact June 30, 2006.
that tourist arrivals in Ethiopia is at an increasing mode
because of policy measures, the sector in general is
underperforming compares to neighboring destinations.
Various domestic and international challenges are
attributed to the low performance of the sector. Though
the tourism development policy was designed well, the
proper implementation of it is easier said than done.
Lack of resources, weak coordination of institutions and
failure of various stakeholders in playing their role are
among the major causes for poor implementation.

References Références Referencias

1. Adams, W. and Hulme, D. (1992) Conservation and
Communities: Changing Narratives, Policies and
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Analysing and Interpreting Tourism Statistics from a
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4. Gilbert, D. (1990) Conceptual issues in the meaning
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2015
1 Global Journals Inc. (US)