Addis Ababa, April 25, 2025 (FMC) – A delegation of ambassadors and representatives from international organizations highlighted #Ethiopia’s untapped tourism potential during a visit to the #UNESCO-inscribed Bale Mountains National Park.
The trip, organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with UNESCO, aimed to showcase the country’s natural and cultural riches to the diplomatic community.
Among the diplomats visited the sites, British Ambassador to Ethiopia, Darren Welch, described the park as “truly inspiring,” emphasizing its unique biodiversity and serene landscapes.
“The landscape is truly inspiring. There’s a real rugged beauty here and a sense of peace and calm as well. We’ve been learning about all the different wildlife that makes this home to many species which are found only in this part of the world,” he said.
He remarked that Ethiopia possesses significant tourism potential, stating, “It is a very unique country in the world with so many different things to offer.”
Romanian Ambassador to Ethiopia Julia Pataki, a self-professed mountain enthusiast, called her first visit to Bale “stunning,” particularly noting sightings of endemic wildlife like the Nyala.
Having previously toured Kenya’s safari circuits, she remarked that Ethiopia’s offerings are different and more interesting, praising its UNESCO sites, cultural heritage, and varied ecosystems.
“People are coming to your country to learn about your history, your culture, your traditions, and also to see the nature which in every country is different.”
Pataki also highlighted the government’s corridor project to improve accessibility, emphasizing tourism’s role in sharing Ethiopia’s history, culture, and traditions with the world.
South African Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nonceba Nancy Losi said South Africa and Ethiopia have enjoyed strong bilateral relations, especially on tourism as well, besides everything else.
“This is an important time as we are given this opportunity to come here at Bale National Mountains Park.”
She stated as the two countries are BRICS member it important to promote such UNESCO inscribed site to BRICS community too.
Rita Bissonauth, UNESCO Representative to Ethiopia, celebrated Bale’s 2023 addition to the World Heritage List, calling the park “beyond expectations” for its lush greenery and thriving wildlife.
She emphasized UNESCO’s role in promoting Ethiopia’s heritage sites globally, noting the diplomatic delegation’s visit as a strategic effort to “showcase this beautiful place to the world.”
Bissonauth pledged continued collaboration with the government to boost visibility, stating, “Our role is to ensure these sites are known not just to Ethiopians, but to everyone.”
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Tourism, Sileshi Girma, reiterated the sector’s centrality to the nation’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda.
He highlighted several successful initiatives, including the ‘Dine for Nation’ project, and noted significant private sector investment in tourism infrastructure, as called by ENA.
With about 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 10 national parks, he stressed the importance of promoting Ethiopia’s tourism sector to international community.
“The more we showcase Ethiopia’s diversity, the more we attract investment and visitors,” he said.