USAID Ecotourism Development Program Announced  (07/16/08)

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – On July 16, 2008 the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched its new multi million dollar ecotourism program, which will contribute to the development of Ethiopia’s unique and potentially very lucrative ecotourism sector.  The five-year Ethiopia Ecotourism Development Program will protect natural resources and cultural heritage sites, as well as improve the livelihoods and quality of life of local communities.

The announcement was made by United States Ambassador Donald Yamamoto at the USAID Ethiopia Tourism Competitiveness Workshop, which brought together the private sector, international donors, local and international conservation groups, and government leaders to highlight the important role the tourism industry can play in poverty alleviation and economic growth.  Ambassador Yamamoto was joined by Minister Mohamed Dirir, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and USAID Acting Mission Director Nancy Estes.

“There is no time to waste for Ethiopia to take advantage of its vast tourism potential,” Ambassador Yamamoto said.  “The time is now to prioritize Ethiopia’s travel and tourism industry, to improve tourism and ICT infrastructures, and to protect the nation’s natural resources.”

The Ethiopia Ecotourism Development Program is part of the USAID Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance, which is using tourism development to reduce poverty, stimulate economic growth, promote natural resource stewardship, and conserve biodiversity.  In Ethiopia, the Alliance will work with local stakeholders to design a program that will create job opportunities, respect social-cultural values and heritage, and protect the environment at the same time.

As part of the USAID Ethiopia Tourism Competitiveness Workshop held at the Sheraton today, the World Economic Forum led a discussion on the state of Ethiopia’s tourism industry and unveiled its Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008.  The report, which is an in-depth analysis of factors for developing the travel and tourism industry within a specific country, shows that Ethiopia’s competitive advantages in the tourism industry include the number of World Heritage cultural and natural sites, as well as price competitiveness.  Senior experts from the World Economic Forum will continue to meet with the Government of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism this week to discuss how a strong, sustainable travel and tourism industry can contribute to economic development.

Currently travel and tourism account for more than $3 trillion in spending annually and 7.6 percent of the world’s total employment.  The United Nations World Tourism Organization forecasts that international travel will double by 2020.  The USAID Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance hopes to channel a significant amount of this business to developing countries, like Ethiopia.

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