Ethiopia generates $461 million in tourism revenue

Addis Ababa Ethiopia (ENA) –  Over 461 million USD was secured from over 584,490 foreigners, who visited the country in 2004 Ethiopian Calendar (EC) budget year, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said.

Speaking at the opening of a meeting organized to discuss on the Ministry’s performance for the 2004EC budget year and also action plan for the 2005 EC here on Saturday, the Minister, Amin Abdulkadir said the stated sum was secured following activities carried out to promote and develop cultural, natural and historical sites in the country.

Amin said the amount excludes the sum secured from domestic tourists.

He said the culture and tourism sector is working towards success of the country’s five-year Growth and Transformation Plan.

He said activities carried out to organize cultural festivals, culture exchange among nations, nationalities and peoples help towards tourism development.

Integrated activities among states and stakeholders also helps to increase the revenue the country earns from tourism sector, the Minister said.