Press Conference “ETHIOPIA, LAND OF ORIGINS’’ Hosted By Ethiopian Airlines And Ethiopian Tourism Organisation -- November 10 2016
Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Tourism Organisation outlined their current achievements and future plans for Ethiopia as a major African tourism destination during a press conference held at World Travel Market on Tuesday 8th November 2016.
Speakers, including His Excellency Ambassador Hailemichael Afework Aberra, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam and CEO of Ethiopian Tourism Organisation Mr. Solomon Tadesse addressed a large audience of international journalists and tour operators all keen to learn of future plans for tourism in this remarkable country offering so much in terms of history, culture, ethnic diversity, wildlife, stunning varied landscapes and adventure.
During the conference speakers were united in their belief that the current FCO advisory would be lifted in the very near future, especially in light of the lifting of travel restrictions on diplomats, and that it is very much business as usual. Mr. Tewolde emphasised that having invested over the last 25 years in strengthening the infrastructure of Ethiopia the time is now right for tourism to take centre stage and to showcase their magnificent nation and reputation for outstanding natural hospitality to visitors from all over the world. “Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa now flies to 95 destinations across 5 continents giving tourists, investors and trading partners the opportunity to benefit from our routes and hospitality. We now offer 20 airports of global standard across Ethiopia servicing 25,000 hotel rooms a day and with 4 US flights, 13 European flights and 4 China direct flights into Addis we are very much up and running and ready to offer a peaceful welcome to the world.”
Mr. Solomon went on to add that with 20 airports in place, a road network established, electrification of the whole country complete and portable water available throughout, Ethiopia’s infrastructure is in place and ready to see its tourism industry flourish. “As our new branding highlights Ethiopia is truly the ‘’Land of Origins’’ in terms of history, culture and adventure, we are currently undertaking a 5 year strategy to develop and market the country with the aim of establishing Ethiopia among the top five tourist destinations in Africa by 2025. Together with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's fastest growing airline, we will work together to really put Ethiopia on the world tourism stage.”
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seven decades of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.
Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 95 international destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.
Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centers: Ethiopian Domestic and Regional Airline; Ethiopian International Passenger Airline; Ethiopian Cargo; Ethiopian MRO; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian In-flight Catering Services; and Ethiopian Ground Service. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.
For more information about this press release, please contact:
Julie Hedley or Anita Powell at Small World Marketing
e: info@smallworldmarketing.co.uk t: 0845 634 1460
