In cognizance of this marvelous contribution of the sector,
the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been implementing feasible policies
which move the tourism industry a step forward. It has been developing tourist
destinations, preserving heritages, renovating museums and promoting national
parks. The Ministry has been executing various activities to make the nation
one of the top tourist destinations by 2025. Constructing brand international
hotels was among the activities accomplished by government and the private
sector too.
When we trace back to the history of hospitality sector in
Ethiopia, we get Etege Taitu Hotel, built in the early 1900s, believed to be
the first modern hotel in Ethiopia. It was named after its founder Empress
Taitu Betul, the wife of Emperor Menelik II. It was built mainly for the
purpose of providing service to foreigners as a place to rest and dine. Taitu
Hotel is found in the middle of Addis Ababa commonly known as Piazza. The
ancient hotel has 264 historic bedrooms which are equipped with various
important facilities.
Currently, the hotel industry in Ethiopia is developing in
an incredible pace. Many star hotels have been built in the capital, Addis
Ababa and state cities. The hotels are contributing a lot for tourists to stay
in the country without facing any hospitality challenges.
Globally branded hotels have been opened in the capital
Addis Ababa and other regional cities. This shows the government's commitment
to take the hotel and hospitality service provision to a higher level.
Tourist Service Competency Accreditation Senior Expert at
the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Fasil Endale says that brand hotels are
being built by domestic and foreign investors which could enhance the hotel and
hospitality sector. He stated that the 3 star and above brand hotels would be
expected to promote the hotel and hospitality service to meet international
standards.
"Ethiopia especially our capital city, Addis Ababa
hosts continental and international conferences. To accommodate all these
workshops and conferences, you need to have modern and standardized hospitality
service. The hotels which are going to be constructed would fill the gap,"
the expert claimed.
The hotel accommodation price is a little bit expensive
compared with other neighboring countries, according to him, adding the price
will be fair when the hotels in the pipeline resume service provision.
Currently, Ethiopia has 8,000 brand rooms. This number would be expected to
reach 15,000 in the coming three years. With regard to climate change and
preserving ecosystem, the expert insisted that the government, private
developers and other stakeholders will work in collaboration and consultation
to see to the construction of environment and climate suitable hotels.
Besides, enhancing accommodation facilities, the Ministry of
Culture and Tourism Bureau has been doing great job over the last couple of
years to get the tangible and intangible heritages inscribed in the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organization (UNESCO).
Lion Ethiopia Tourism and Hotel College Dean Zerihun Mokenen
for his part said that the hotel and tourism sector lacks qualified and
skillful professionals."The hotel and hospitality industry is a very
competitive sector. Professionalism is highly needed to run a hotel to satisfy
the interest of tourists who come from different corners of the world. Hotel
and Tourism Institutions like Lion Ethiopia should exert their maximum efforts
to produce and trained human power," Zerihun explained.
Another challenge the dean suggested needs a remedial
solution is lack of infrastructure and logistics. Tourists often complain about
infrastructure developments in destinations. The government and stakeholders
should resolve this issue to increase tourist arrivals.
"There should be an integrated system which connects
tour operators, hotel owners, tourist site guides and other concerned bodies.
These bodies could play very pivotal role in developing the sector," the
dean underlined. Hotel owners and travel agents should build their capacity
through sharing knowledge, technology, skill and experience from international
hotel and tourism industries, Zerihun recommended.
Ethiopia is mosaic country which has more than 80
diversified nations, nationalities and peoples. Their culture, language,
history, topography and way of life are source of tourism that could show the
country's glamorous beauty. To visit such tangible and intangible tourist
potentials, modern facilities like hotels, lounges, restaurants, roads and
other basic infrastructures should be built. Realizing all these important
prerequisites for the tourism and hospitality sector, the Ethiopian government
has been implementing policies that encourage private developers who engaged in
the industry. It has been providing incentives for investors which allow them
to import hotel materials tax free.
BY TSEGAY HAGOS Ethiopian Herald.