Doha, Qatar: The Ambassador of Ethiopia to Qatar, H E Feisel Aliyi Abrahim, has urged investors and tourists from Qatar to explore the numerous opportunities in Ethiopia. The envoy added that the country has several incentive packages for investors, including duty-free packages for importing heavy machinery and tax holiday for an allotted period for investors.
Aliyi, speaking during a tourism promotion forum titled ‘Land of Origin’ hosted in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines yesterday, said Qatari tourists could also explore the wonders of Ethiopia with the e-visa process, which takes a maximum of three days.
The envoy said Ethiopia (The Land of Origin) is an ancient nation where nature, culture and history combined uniquely. He added that the East African country offers a distinct all-in-one tourism experience covering historical, religious, cultural, natural, and adventurous destinations.
Speaking to the media, the envoy said tourism is one of the embassy’s focuses, and among its mission is to familiarize and promote Ethiopian tourism and make it a potential destination for Qatari tourists.
“We believe that Qatari tourists still don't have ample information regarding Ethiopian tourism destinations. Most of them go to Europe, Asia, but we are very close -- only 4 hours flights from Doha and Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways fly this destination seven days a week,” Ambassador Aliyi said.
He added that the embassy is committed to partnering with tour operators and travel agents in Qatar so that they know the tourism potential and include Ethiopia as one of the tourism countries in their package.
“We’re working with Ethiopian Airlines because it has an Ethiopian holiday package for tourists, for ticketing and electronic visa. It also has hotels and transport arrangements from end to end. With all these, we have to contact Qatar’s tour operators and travel agencies. The e-visa is very easy -- once you apply, you’ll get it in a couple of hours and a maximum of three,” he added.
According to Aliyi, Ethiopia received significant tourists before the pandemic, with more expected as global tourism settles into familiar patterns. He said the embassy had received many applications, especially with the Eid al Adha around the corner.
“We know that because of the request for visa, we know how much people are pushing to go,” the envoy commented.
“Still, if we do more, we will be able to attract other tourists who are going to North America, Europe, or the Far East Asian countries despite being close.” Speaking on safety, Ambassador Aliyi said, “Ethiopia is a very safe country, especially when it comes to tourism -- visitors are very safe. The most important is the hospitality of the people, which is the guarantee. People are friendly, helpful, and receptive to anyone who doesn’t know Ethiopia or is coming to see the country for the first time.” The forum was attended by several tours and travel operators in Qatar, the Area Manager – Qatar of Ethiopian Airlines, and the Strategic Unit Coordinator of the Ministry of Tourism in Ethiopia, Tewdros Derbew.
Derbew, who joined virtually, mentioned the significance of Addis Ababa to culture and history as it houses regional and international agencies. He also cited exciting places, including the nine tangible UNESCO-registered World Heritage Sites like the Siemen Mountains, Lalibela rock-hewn churches and the ancient city of Axum.
Tourists can also visit Harar, a Muslim city built between the 13th and 16th centuries -- it is said to be one of the holiest cities of Islam, with around 82 mosques.
