Ethiopia beckons to Philippines tourists

Ethiopian Airlines launched its service to Manila this month, hoping to introduce the country—as well as the entire continent of Africa—to more Filipino travelers.

Known as the birthplace of coffee, and home to several World Heritage Sites, Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in the continent, and is second largest in terms of population.

Its capital, Addis Ababa, houses some of the oldest mosques as well as Catholic cathedrals owing to Italy’s brief occupation of the country. Also in Ethiopia is the supposed location of the Ark of the Covenant, which may interest religious pilgrims, while the remains of Lucy, the oldest known hominid, is in the capital as well.

Ethiopian Airlines also hopes to be the Philippines’ alternative gateway to Europe, as it offers Addis Ababa as a jump-off point to London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Vienna. Those who want to explore Africa can also continue on to Johannesburg, while others can go to South America with its Brazil route.

To encourage Filipino travelers, the airline currently offers a free two-night stopover in Addis Ababa en route to its European and African destinations for just $988. The offer includes a two-night stay at an Addis Ababa hotel, along with a city tour and airport transfers.

Flights from Manila to Addis Ababa through Bangkok are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

Source: gmanetwork.com