Ethiopia Tourism: Harar attracts 6,000 tourists in past 3 months

Harar, November 4, 2011 (Harar) – More than 6000 tourists visited tourist sites in Harar Town of Harari State during the first three months of the current Ethiopian budget year, the state tourism office told Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).

Tourism Development Directorate Representative, Habtamu Belay told ENA on Thursday that over 1,530 of the visitors are foreigners.

Habtamu said the number of tourists, who visited the sites during the reported period, exceeded by about 689 that of same time in the previous year.

Over 5.6 million Birr was secured from the visitors, he said, adding, the amount surpassed by two million Birr that of last year.

The number of tourists and the income increased following activities carried out to promote the sites and after UNESCO inscribed Harar as World Heritage Site.

Located in the far east of the country, Harar is an ancient walled town.

Harar has several ancient mosques, churches, markets, the historical Jegol Wall and attractions such as the French poet, Arthur Rimbaud’s residence, among others.