Ethiopian Airlines, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Immigration and Citizenship Service have signed a landmark agreement aimed at revitalizing Ethiopia’s tourism sector by capitalizing on the country’s strategic position as a global transit hub.

The agreement, signed by Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa, Immigration and Citizenship Service Director General Selamawit Dawit, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tassew, sets the stage for a coordinated effort to expand and develop the economic potential of Ethiopian tourism.

A key focus of the partnership is stopover tourism, leveraging Addis Ababa’s status as a major connecting hub to encourage international travelers to explore Ethiopia’s rich cultural and historical attractions during layovers. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tassew emphasized that the initiative will be instrumental in attracting more visitors to the country, reinforcing its reputation as a premier African destination.

Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa echoed this sentiment, stressing the economic importance of unlocking Addis Ababa’s tourism potential. “Addis Ababa is not just a transit point, but also a destination. If we can attract even a fraction of the travelers passing through Bole International Airport, we can generate significant foreign exchange earnings and create additional job opportunities,” she stated in a social media post.

The initiative will also introduce a specially designed stopover package, making it easier for transit passengers to experience Addis Ababa’s vibrant culture, heritage, and hospitality. “It is important to establish a coherent framework between key institutions so that our country can benefit from the potential of stopover tourism to the desired extent,” Minister Selamawit added.

The collaboration marks a strategic move to transform Ethiopia’s tourism industry into a key driver of economic growth, aligning with broader national efforts to position the country as a global tourism powerhouse.