Ethiopian Tour Operators Ready to Welcome Tourists for Festive Season

Addis Ababa, December 21/2024 (ENA)-Tour operators in Ethiopia are gearing up preparations to warmly welcome tourists for the upcoming festive season, encompassing Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) and Epiphany celebrations. 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, representatives and owners of various tour operator companies emphasized their dedication to providing outstanding services to visitors eager to immerse themselves in these culturally and religiously rich festivities.

Ethiopian Christians celebrate Christmas, known as "Genna," on January 7th, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is marked by vibrant and colorful festivities throughout the country.

Ethiopian Epiphany, recognized as an intangible world heritage by UNESCO, is another significant celebration observed annually on January 19th.  This event commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.

The Epiphany celebration is renowned for its captivating outdoor procession and ceremonies that beautifully reflect Ethiopia's rich religious and cultural traditions.

Fitsum Gezahegne Lakew, President of the Ethiopian Tour Operators Association, representing 288 companies, and CEO of Paradise Ethiopia Travel, told ENA that tour operators are fully prepared to deliver high-quality services to tourists visiting for the Christmas and Epiphany celebrations.

This year, tour operators have expanded their offerings with a wider range of tour packages, which not only cater to traditional pilgrimage sites such as Gondar, Axum, and Lalibela but also include newer destinations like Hawassa, Wonchi, and Ziway.

This expansion comes in anticipation of a significant increase in tourist arrivals during the upcoming holiday season.

Tewodros Solomon, founder and CEO of Tema Tour, also confirmed his company's readiness to serve tourists.

He emphasized that the holiday season is a peak period for tourism in Ethiopia and reiterated his company's commitment to providing exceptional services to both festival attendees and general tourists.

Tewodros highlighted the importance of new tourism projects, such as the "Dine for Ethiopia" initiative, which includes emerging destinations like Wenchi, Gorgora, and Koysha in attracting a greater number of tourists.

He further emphasized that these newly developed tourist destinations boast modern facilities and luxurious accommodations, addressing a significant gap in the Ethiopian tourism market for high-end travelers. He also highlighted that these developments are poised to revolutionize the Ethiopian tourism sector.

In Addis Ababa, the city's allure has been significantly amplified by the addition of several new attractions, including Unity Park, Entoto Park, Friendship Park, the Science Museum, and the National Palace Museum.

These sites, alongside the renowned National Museum, have collectively transformed Addis Ababa into a vibrant hub for both cultural exploration and conference tourism.

 

Fikadu Mekuria, CEO of Karibu Ethiopia Tours, expressed his eagerness to welcome tourists during the upcoming holiday season. He emphasized the company's commitment to delivering excellent and professional services to ensure a fulfilling experience for all visitors.

He also emphasized that Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, natural beauty, and the development of new tourist destinations make it a highly attractive destination for international travelers.