Ethiopia’s cultural richness and tourism potential earn praise from American journalist

Addis Ababa, June 14, 2025 (FMC) – Mychal Sargent, a U.S. journalist and Multimedia Manager at the emergency response company Deployed Logix, has lauded Ethiopia’s cultural diversity, warm hospitality, and tourism potential following his recent visit to Addis Ababa.

During his stay, Sargent expressed deep appreciation for the kindness of the Ethiopian people and the vibrancy of their culture. He described Ethiopia as a nation full of heritage, heart, and unforgettable experiences—directly challenging what he called the “unfavorable” and “unjust” portrayals often found in Western media.

Calling the country “beautiful,” he highlighted its rich traditions and dynamic daily life, noting that every aspect of his experience had been overwhelmingly positive. He encouraged others to visit Ethiopia and witness its true character firsthand, saying that the global image of the country does not reflect its authentic spirit.

Sargent emphasized the transformative potential of a stronger tourism sector, suggesting that greater international exposure could shift global perceptions. According to remarks quoted by ENA, he stated that if Ethiopia significantly expanded its tourism industry, more visitors would come to appreciate its unique offerings—thereby reshaping its international reputation.

He attributed the country’s underrepresentation to the limited and often negative lens through which Western media view it, failing to acknowledge Ethiopia’s rich cultural landscape and welcoming atmosphere.

Addis Ababa, in particular, left a lasting impression on him. Sargent described the capital as “a truly great city with plenty to do,” and pointed to its vibrant nightlife and downtown attractions as aspects that could be promoted more widely to reflect the joy and charm of Ethiopian life.

Before his trip, he admitted having encountered misconceptions about Ethiopia, including assumptions that few people speak international languages like English or French. However, those concerns were quickly dispelled. From his arrival at Bole International Airport to his visits to hotels, parks, and shops, he found English widely spoken. He also encountered Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and French in various parts of Addis, which he said reflected the city’s surprising linguistic accessibility.

Hospitality, he said, was one of the standout aspects of his experience. “We’ve been welcomed with open arms and kindness,” he observed, describing every interaction as overwhelmingly positive. Minor communication gaps, he added, were easily overshadowed by the warmth and openness of the people.

Sargent also remarked on the country’s climate, expressing surprise at how pleasant it was despite Ethiopia’s proximity to the equator. “The weather is actually really beautiful,” he noted.

Reflecting on his visit, Sargent shared his desire to return, saying he would gladly revisit Ethiopia and hoped to bring his wife along next time to explore even more of the country. He concluded his remarks by encouraging Ethiopians to “keep moving forward,” and reaffirmed his admiration by describing Ethiopia as a beautiful nation more people should experience.