Ambassador of Ethiopia H E Feisel Aliyi Abrahim during his opening address at the event. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Ethiopia has intensified efforts to position itself as one of Africa’s leading tourism and investment destinations, with officials highlighting the country’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes and growing tourism infrastructure during the 4th Ethiopia Tourism Promotion Forum held recently in Doha.
Organised under the theme “Discover Ethiopia: Explore the Cradle of Humanity and Nature’s Wonders,” the forum brought together diplomats, tourism stakeholders, travel operators, investors and members of the media to explore opportunities for tourism cooperation between Qatar and Ethiopia.
Addressing the gathering, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Qatar, H E Feisel Aliyi Abrahim, described Ethiopia as “a living chronicle of humanity itself,” inviting participants to look beyond conventional tourism narratives and discover a country rooted in history, culture and natural beauty.
“There are places one visits, and there are places that stay with you long after the journey ends. Ethiopia belongs to the latter,” the ambassador said.
He noted that Ethiopia, widely recognised as the cradle of humanity and the birthplace of coffee, possesses a unique identity reflected in its own alphabet, calendar and centuries-old civilisation. He also stressed that the country remains one of the few African nations never colonised, giving it a distinct cultural continuity.
The ambassador highlighted the Ethiopian government’s increasing focus on tourism as a pillar of national development under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He pointed to major tourism and eco-development projects across the country, including Unity Park and Friendship Park in Addis Ababa, as well as destinations such as Wenchi Crater Lake, Gorgora on Lake Tana, the Bale Mountains and Beinuna Resort on Lake Beseqa.
“These projects are not merely aesthetic; they are strategic, designed to position Ethiopia as a premier global destination while preserving its natural and cultural heritage,” he said.
The forum also highlighted Ethiopia’s vast tourism resources, which include nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other African country, ranging from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the castles of Gondar to the ancient obelisks of Axum and the historic Islamic city of Harar.
Ambassador Abrahim emphasised the significance of Harar, regarded as the fourth holiest city in Islam, as a symbol of Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage and centuries of coexistence. He also pointed to the Bale Mountains National Park as an example of the country’s blend of ecological richness and cultural depth.
Speaking on Ethiopia’s natural attractions, the ambassador said the country offers travellers extraordinary experiences through destinations such as the Simien Mountains National Park and the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most dramatic landscapes on earth. He further highlighted Ethiopia’s unique wildlife, including the endemic Ethiopian wolf and the Gelada baboon.
Beyond tourism, the ambassador underlined Ethiopia’s strategic geographical position linking Africa and the Middle East, saying the country is well positioned to become a regional hub for tourism and investment.
“With Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading airline and a proud member of the Star Alliance, Ethiopia is more connected than ever before,” he said, adding that cooperation with Qatar Airways could create opportunities for joint tourism packages and improved connectivity.
He also called on investors to explore opportunities in tourism infrastructure, including luxury hotels, eco-lodges, heritage conservation projects and integrated resort developments.
“The government is actively creating an enabling environment for investors, with clear policies, incentives and a commitment to sustainable growth,” Ambassador Abrahim noted.
