Ethiopia’s Tourism Revenue Surpasses $5 Billion as International Arrivals Top 1.6 Million

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia welcomed more than 1.6 million international tourists during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY), generating over 5 billion US dollars in tourism revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa announced the figures during a briefing on Ethiopia’s preparations for World Tourism Day, which will be observed on September 27 under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

International tourist arrivals increased by more than 300,000 from the previous fiscal year, while foreign exchange earnings from the sector grew by more than 21 percent, the Minister said.

She highlighted the growing role of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence in improving visitor services, strengthening tourism value chains and expanding destination marketing.

As part of this drive, the Ministry has inaugurated a new Tourist Information Center near Bole International Airport, strategically positioned to serve transit passengers passing through Addis Ababa. The center provides updated digital information on Ethiopia’s tourist attractions, cultural and natural heritage sites, and upcoming events, using digital maps and multimedia displays to showcase the country’s tourism offerings to passengers during short layovers.

Ethiopia has also introduced a seven-day visa-free policy for eligible transit visitors, seeking to capitalize on Addis Ababa’s position as a major regional aviation hub and turn transit traffic into stopover tourism.

The Minister further highlighted the rapid expansion of MICE tourism—covering Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions—with Addis Ababa hosting more than 220 international events last year, well above the initial target of 120.

The government is also developing new tourism destinations, restoring historical and cultural landmarks and upgrading tourism infrastructure, including specialized conference facilities, as part of efforts to sustain the sector’s growth.

Domestic tourism has likewise expanded, particularly during the September and October holiday season, as regional states improve infrastructure and services to accommodate rising visitor flows.

To further promote Ethiopia’s cultural heritage internationally, the Ministry has launched an international “Land of Origins” artistic competition, inviting wider public engagement with the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

Minister Selamawit said tourism remains a key pillar of Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms, with the revised national tourism policy placing digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence at the center of the sector’s future development.