Ethiopia Reaps Substantial Gains from Expanding Conference Tourism Sector

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s strategic emphasis on conference tourism is delivering tangible benefits, the Government Communications Service has announced, positioning the country as a rising hub for international meetings and events.

Long celebrated as the cradle of humanity and home to a rich tapestry of natural, historical, and cultural treasures—both tangible and intangible—Ethiopia had for years seen tourism contribute only marginally to its economy. This limited impact was largely attributed to the under-promotion of the nation’s vast touristic offerings.

However, following the rollout of the national reform agenda, tourism has been prioritized as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan. This renewed focus has led to the restoration of key heritage sites and the development of new attractions across the country.

State Minister of the Government Communications Service, Tesfahun Gobezay, noted that urban beautification and corridor development projects in Addis Ababa and other regional cities have created an enabling environment for tourism growth, especially in the area of conference-based travel.

He revealed that Ethiopia hosted over 150 regional, continental, and international conferences during the current 2017 Ethiopian calendar year. Among the highlights was the African Union Summit and other major high-level forums, which together attracted more than 20,000 participants, including heads of state, global dignitaries, experts, and high-ranking officials.

Tesfahun underlined that conference tourism is emerging as a catalyst for the broader tourism sector, while also bolstering Ethiopia’s international image.

He attributed the sector’s upward trajectory to the country’s expanding infrastructure, its status as the seat of the African Union, and the global connectivity provided by Ethiopian Airlines.

He also identified key assets that are enhancing Ethiopia’s appeal for conference tourism: the newly inaugurated Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, the state-of-the-art Science Museum, the Addis International Convention Center, and a growing number of world-class hotels.

The State Minister urged all service providers to uphold high standards of hospitality and professionalism in order to ensure visitor satisfaction and maintain Ethiopia’s reputation as a premier destination for international events.

Looking ahead, Ethiopia is preparing to host the United Nations Food Systems Summit next week, followed by the second African Climate Change Conference later this year—further cementing its role as a focal point for global and continental discourse.