Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s tourism sector has continued to expand its global and domestic reach, registering significant growth in international arrivals, tourism revenue, conference hosting, and domestic travel activity, according to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
Speaking in a special interview titled “The New Economic Engine,” the Prime Minister said more than 1.4 million foreign tourists visited Ethiopia during the fiscal year, reflecting sustained momentum in inbound tourism growth.
He noted that this performance represents an increase of more than 100,000 visitors compared to the previous year and more than 300,000 compared to the 2016 fiscal year, underscoring a consistent upward trend in international arrivals.
Tourism revenue also recorded strong growth, with the country generating more than 5.2 billion US dollars in foreign exchange from tourism-related inflows and activities. This increase highlights the sector’s growing contribution to external earnings and broader economic performance.
Beyond leisure travel, Ethiopia’s role as a destination for international conferences and institutional gatherings has also expanded. During the fiscal year, the country hosted 204 international conferences attended by approximately 166,000 foreign participants, strengthening its position as a regional hub for business and diplomatic engagement.
Domestic tourism has likewise shown significant expansion, with more than 50 million Ethiopians visiting various destinations across the country. This reflects increased internal mobility and growing public engagement with Ethiopia’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
According to the Prime Minister, the combined growth in foreign arrivals, domestic travel, and conference tourism reflects broader macroeconomic improvements and sector-wide reforms currently underway in the country.
He further indicated that the tourism sector’s expanding performance is expected to contribute meaningfully to national income growth and overall economic transformation, as Ethiopia continues to strengthen its position within the global tourism landscape.