𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐏𝐌 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s ongoing transformation of its tourism sector is founded on the principles of protecting, restoring, and authentically showcasing the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said.

Speaking in a special interview titled “The New Economic Engine,” the Prime Minister stressed that the government’s extensive work on heritage conservation is aimed at safeguarding Ethiopia’s priceless historical assets while positioning them as world-class tourism destinations for future generations.

“We are protecting and restoring heritage, not destroying it,” the Prime Minister said, rejecting claims that the government’s tourism development initiatives threaten the country’s historical legacy.

He noted that the achievements recorded in recent years demonstrate a firm commitment to preserving Ethiopia’s cultural treasures through careful restoration and responsible stewardship.

As part of these efforts, more than 35 Ethiopian cultural artifacts that had been taken abroad over different periods have been successfully recovered, while negotiations continue for the return of additional heritage items.

Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the comprehensive restoration of several nationally significant landmarks, including the National Palace, the historic Fasiledes Castles of Gondar, Jimma Aba Jifar Palace, Harar Jugol, and Sof Omer Cave.

He said these projects have been carried out to the highest standards of quality and authenticity, ensuring that each site faithfully reflects its historical significance while offering an improved experience for visitors.

According to the Prime Minister, the government’s guiding principle throughout the restoration process has been to preserve historical accuracy and present Ethiopia’s diverse historical narratives in a balanced manner that reflects the country’s collective heritage.

He noted that the restoration of these cultural and natural attractions is already contributing to increased tourism activity and strengthening Ethiopia’s appeal as a destination renowned for its rich history, civilization, and natural beauty.

The Prime Minister also underscored that the country’s broader macroeconomic reforms have produced tangible progress across multiple sectors, with tourism emerging as one of the areas registering particularly notable achievements.

Ethiopia is projected to record economic growth of 10.2 percent during the current fiscal year, a performance he described as exceptional on the African continent.

Reflecting this positive trajectory, more than 1.4 million foreign tourists visited Ethiopia during the fiscal year, generating over 5.2 billion U.S. dollars in tourism-related foreign exchange earnings.

Domestic tourism also continued its strong expansion, with more than 50.16 million Ethiopians visiting destinations across the country.

Prime Minister Abiy said the government’s vision extends beyond restoring monuments and historical sites.

Rather, the broader objective is to preserve Ethiopia’s civilizational legacy, strengthen its international image, and ensure that the country’s heritage continues to inspire national pride while serving as a sustainable foundation for tourism-led development.

He added that the achievements realized today will stand as a lasting legacy for future generations, reflecting Ethiopia’s enduring commitment to protecting its history while building a stronger future through tourism.