Ethiopia Welcomes Over 1.6 million Tourists, Earns More Than 5 billion USD in 2018 EFY

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia welcomed more than 1.6 million international tourists during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY), generating over 5 billion US dollars in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa disclosed the figures today during a press briefing on Ethiopia’s preparations for World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated on September 27, 2026.

According to the Minister, international tourist arrivals increased by more than 300,000 compared with the previous fiscal year, while foreign exchange earnings rose by more than 21 percent.

This year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” highlights the growing role of technology in improving visitor services, streamlining tourism value chains and enhancing destination marketing.

In line with the theme, the Ministry has officially inaugurated a new Tourist Information Center near Bole International Airport.

Strategically located to engage transit passengers passing through Addis Ababa, the center provides regularly updated digital information on Ethiopia’s tourist attractions, cultural and natural heritage sites, and upcoming events.

The center is equipped with digital maps and multimedia displays designed to showcase Ethiopia’s tourism offerings to passengers during brief layovers.

The government 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 promote stopover tourism.

The Minister also highlighted the rapid expansion of MICE tourism, covering Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.

Last year, Addis Ababa hosted more than 220 international events, significantly exceeding the initial target of 120 events.

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

Domestic tourism has also been expanding, particularly during the peak September and October holiday season, as regional states improve local infrastructure and services to accommodate increased visitor flows.

In addition, the Ministry has launched an international “Land of Origins” artistic competition to engage the public and promote Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.

Concluding her remarks, Selamawit emphasized that 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.