Ethiopia’s UNESCO-recognised heritages have reached a total of 18 following the formal inscription of the Wolaita New Year festival, "Gifata," Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa announced during celebrations at Wolaita Sodo Stadium.

Selamawit hailed the festival’s entry onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a victory for the nation, describing Gifata as a "magnificent treasure" that has transitioned from a local tradition to a global asset. Speaking to crowds gathered to mark the achievement, Selamawit characterised Ethiopia as a "living museum" of historical and natural wealth, noting that the festival—celebrated as a day of joy for both people and livestock—remains a cornerstone of the country's cultural mosaic.

Selamawit praised the Wolaita people for their "unwavering commitment" to preserving the festival's authentic values across generations. She further explained that this milestone aligns with the government’s broader economic strategy under the "Medemer" (Synergy) framework, which has designated tourism as a priority sector. By developing previously overlooked heritage sites and securing international recognition, Selamawit noted that the administration aims to diversify national revenue and establish Ethiopia’s cultural assets as primary drivers of economic growth.