Ethiopian tour firms scout for deals in Kenya
What you need to know:
- The initiative is spearheaded by the country’s national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines. Greater collaboration between the tourism industry stakeholders would mean higher traffic for the airline.
Ethiopian tour businesses and industry regulators are expected to visit Kenya to scout for investment opportunities in the tourism sector before the end of the year.
During an interview last week, Ethiopian ambassador to Kenya, Mr Shemsudin Ahmed Roble, said that the delegation will visit tourist destinations and hold talks with government officials and local tourism industry players.
“Kenya is doing very well in tourist investments so there are a lot of things we can learn. There are also potential areas of partnership,” said Mr Roble.
The trip would come weeks after 17 Kenyan tour businesses were hosted in Ethiopia by the country’s government.
Relatively dormant
Despite having a wealth of natural and historical tourist destinations, the industry has remained relatively dormant in Ethiopia. In opening up the tourism sector, the country hopes to see Ethiopia’s tourist circuit sold in the same packages as Kenya’s safari and beach products.
“Kenya has the wild animals, we have a rich historic circuit. Partnerships would make it possible for tourists to visit both countries in one trip,” said Mr Roble.
The initiative is spearheaded by the country’s national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines. Greater collaboration between the tourism industry stakeholders would mean higher traffic for the airline.
Ethiopia and Kenya are seeking to strengthen trade ties. As Addis Ababa, which has fiercely protected its economy from foreign invasion for decades, opens up, it is turning to Kenya.
