Ethiopia has demonstrated its prioritization of tourism as a key economic pillar by sending a high-level delegation to the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) in Riyadh.

The Ethiopian delegation, led by Dr. Endegena Abebe, State Minister of Tourism, and including Ambassador Dr. Muktar Kedir, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, attended the Assembly held under the theme "AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future."

The Ethiopian delegation's core objective was to gain experience and knowledge to enhance its tourism industry, which the government has recently prioritized for accelerated growth.

The Assembly's agenda, which concentrated on discussions about how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can foster sustainable and inclusive growth, aligns directly with Ethiopia’s modern economic strategy. The country is focused on expanding its tourism offerings, which have seen a surge in international arrivals, by developing new destinations and improving service quality.

Ethiopia clearly demonstrated its strong commitment to making tourism a key pillar of national economic transformation. The government, which has prioritized tourism among five key economic sectors, sees the industry as crucial for attracting significant foreign exchange, creating millions of jobs, and enhancing the nation's international image.

The Assembly provided a critical platform for the Ethiopian delegation to gain valuable insights into global best practices, particularly in leveraging AI and digital tools for efficient tourism management and marketing, while simultaneously strengthening the international cooperation essential for promoting Ethiopia’s diverse cultural and natural heritage on the global stage.