Few days away from Ethiopian New year and at a time when final preparation is underway to re-open the tourism sector for visitors in Ethiopia, two major revelations launched in Lalibela, one of the historic and major tourist attraction sites in the country. Both revelations are intended to support and enhance the sustainability of the tourist attractions in the country.
Institute of Heritages and Tourism Research
After a long history of public request to have at least one public college in the area, given the size and the historical advantage of the town of Lalibela for research and development in the tourism sector, the government of Ethiopia has finally agreed to open Saint Lalibela Heritage and Tourism Research Institute under the management of Woldia University.
The foundation stone is laid in the presence of her Excellency Dr. Hirut Kassaw, minister, Ministry of Culture & Tourism of Ethiopia and distinguished guests from the federal government and regional administration.
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The institute plans to focus on heritages maintenance and tourism professionals development that will serve the whole of the country in today’s competitive business lanscape.
The rockhewn churches of Lalibela have been one of the very few places that continuously generate tourism revenue not just for Lalibela but also the country at large. The presence of the institute will help formalize the traditional approach through knowledge and innovation and enhance the revenue generating activitie in a more sustainable means.
A branch space observatory site is in the pipeline to be installed in Asheton mountains few Kilo meters away from the town of Lalibela where the institute is going to be located.
Planetary Forest Project
An extension of the Green Legacy project launched by the Prime Minister office in 2019, the planetary forest project plans to rehabilitate the deteriorating forest coverage of the area. The idea is to allow all visitors to plant trees as they visit Lalibela and give them the opportunity to be part of the project. The ministry will issue ownership certificates as adopters to visitors once they plant the trees and agree to cover the expenses in the lifetime of the planted trees. The growth status of the planted trees will also be shared online for easier tracking by the adopters.
Planetary Project Launching Ceremony in pictures
The ministry plans to replicate the planetary forest project to other tourist destinations after thoroughly testing it in Lalibela.
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While planting trees can be an adventure for visitors, it can also promote accountability and environmental sustainability in tourism destinations. Afro experience applauds the ministry’s effort and calls everyone to be part of the project legacy.
Read More: የሀገር ውስጥ ጉዞንና ጉብኝትን ማሳደግ ለኢትዮጵያ ህልውናም ወሳኝ ነው
Ethiopia plans to reopen the tourism sector at the beginning of October 2020 and is issuing instructions to the stakholders to fulfil the requirements for safe travel recommended by WTTC.
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