High-level Familiarization Trips Aim at Engaging Diplomatic Community, Says Tourism Minister

Addis Ababa, November 29, 2025 (ENA) — The high-level familiarization trips geared towards showcasing Harar’s rich cultural and natural assets with focus on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Harar Jugol are aimed at engaging the diplomatic community residing in Addis Ababa, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa said.

The initiative is organized by Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with UNESCO, it was learned.

The trips are designed to give ambassadors and international organization leaders a direct sense of Ethiopia and encourage their support in promotion and image building.

The current focus on Harar Jugol, the ancient walled city, is intended to highlight Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage in accordance with global standards.

“We want them to see how elevated everything is; how it's now more accessible for tourists; how it is well preserved; and how everything has been done according to the international standard,” the Minister said.

According to her, the recent corridor development project aligns with the conservation of the UNESCO site, demonstrating the nation’s effort to make its historical and cultural treasures more accessible while ensuring protection.

Beyond Harar, the ministry is actively promoting the country’s diverse offerings. Just a few months ago, a group of foreign dignitaries was taken to Bale National Park, a site celebrated for its natural beauty and wildlife conservation.

Selamawit stressed that Ethiopia's strategy sets a precedent for African nations by unleashing its tourism resources, given its status as having the highest number of UNESCO registered heritages.

“So, finding all these three in one country is a very unique gift. That's what we want to show to the world,” she stressed, signaling a robust and diversified strategy to make Ethiopia a global tourism powerhouse.