Ethiopia is internationally stigmatised by the devastating famine that claimed the lives of over 1 million of its people during the mid-1980s. So strong were the images and stories from that catastrophe that they still resonate almost 30 years later in the minds of many who have not yet had the privilege of visiting the country. But this is not the
Ethiopia of today. The capital city of Addis Ababa is a cosmopolitan hub that is trapped in the rocketing upstream of an incredible boom, as many of its sons and daughters return home
from exile abroad, bringing with them their fortunes and skills to contribute to the development of their homeland into a leading African economy, and centre for trade, culture and tourism.Ethiopia of today. The capital city of Addis Ababa is a cosmopolitan hub that is trapped in the rocketing upstream of an incredible boom, as many of its sons and daughters return home
Of course, as with any developing nation within Africa and beyond,
poverty is prevalent. But in Ethiopia, ‘poverty’ seems less of an infliction and more of a continuation of a traditional way of life that has sustained its people for over 3000 years. The cities bustle away in a deluge of economic hyper-activity, and on their outskirts smiling kind-hearted rural folk attend lush green fields of maize, sugar cane, rice and teff (an indigenous wheat).
poverty is prevalent. But in Ethiopia, ‘poverty’ seems less of an infliction and more of a continuation of a traditional way of life that has sustained its people for over 3000 years. The cities bustle away in a deluge of economic hyper-activity, and on their outskirts smiling kind-hearted rural folk attend lush green fields of maize, sugar cane, rice and teff (an indigenous wheat).
Not only has Ethiopia much to offer both the leisure and business traveller alike, but it is also arguably the most hospitable and safe destination in all of Africa. Marked by a friendly, humble and accommodating indigenous people, with values deeply entrenched in a heritage of integrity and religious values.
Ethiopia is nation on the up, with a 10% annual economic growth rate and the third largest diplomatic community in the world (next to Geneva and New York respectively), the potential for growth is unprecedented. This has been recognised by some of the country’s leading business people, and they are striving to take the wonders of Ethiopia to the global platform is it destined for.
One such individual is Tadiwos Belete, CEO of Boston Partners PLC, who teamed up with the Ethiopian Airlines’ Seychelles area manager Bethlehem KinfeGebriel to bring the Seychelles delegation to Ethiopia, so that they can take Ethiopia and the invitation to explore this enchanting land , to the people of Seychelles.
The group was treated to a whirlwind tour of the tourism hot-spots of Addis Ababa, Debre Zeit, Gonder and Bahir Dar; and visited many of the popular attractions. All expenses were covered by Ethiopian Airlines and Kiriftu Resort and Spa, as well as their partners in the hospitality industry. Tadiwos and Bethlehem are both committed to making Ethiopia a realistic and affordable destination for travellers, and this familiarization trip bears testament to the rising status of Ethiopia as a premium travel destination.
The group was treated to a whirlwind tour of the tourism hot-spots of Addis Ababa, Debre Zeit, Gonder and Bahir Dar; and visited many of the popular attractions. All expenses were covered by Ethiopian Airlines and Kiriftu Resort and Spa, as well as their partners in the hospitality industry. Tadiwos and Bethlehem are both committed to making Ethiopia a realistic and affordable destination for travellers, and this familiarization trip bears testament to the rising status of Ethiopia as a premium travel destination.
