Ethiopia has launched its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (ET-TSA), a strategic initiative designed to unlock the full economic potential of the country's tourism sector.

The ET-TSA, prepared in collaboration with the UN Tourism Statistics Department, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other partners, took over 18 months to complete. This framework provides essential data for evidence-based policy formulation, decision-making, and strategic planning, addressing a significant gap in the country's tourism sector analysis, according to the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

Previously, Ethiopia's tourism sector lacked a robust statistical framework, relying mainly on international tourist arrivals and visitor exit surveys. This fragmented approach to data collection limited the country’s ability to fully capitalize on tourism's economic benefits and hindered effective policy development and business operations. The ET-TSA will offer insights into tourism's contribution to GDP, job creation, investments, and its impact on the balance of payments, as well as government revenue from tourism activities.

The ET-TSA project began on February 4, 2023, with collaboration from the Ministry of Planning and Development, as well as stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

At the same event held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched its Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism development across the Horn of Africa region. The ceremony, attended by high-profile government officials and IGAD ministers, also featured an exhibition to promote cross-border tourism and highlight the diverse tourism offerings of IGAD member states.

Source: Fana BC and Ethiopian News Agency

Image source: Fana BC