Ethiopia: New Market Research Recommends 'Travel and Tourism in Ethiopia to 2018'

BY NESRU JEMAL, 21 JUNE 2014

Fast Market Research, a leading distributor of market research and business information, recommends "Travel and Tourism in Ethiopia to 2018".

According to the report released on 11 June 2014, Ethiopia's travel and tourism sector is still in a growth phase, and is largely supported by infrastructure improvements.

The number of domestic trips reached 8.1 million, while international trips reached 666,996 in 2013, the main source countries for which were China, the US, Nigeria, Sudan and Belgium.

Over the forecast period (2014-2018), the sector is expected to record growth in the volume of inbound and outbound tourists as Ethiopian Airlines establishes new routes, increases flight capacity and launches airfare discounts.

Ethiopian Airlines is a fundamental growth driver of tourism development in Ethiopia, the report noted.

The airline has taken various initiatives to increase tourist inflows by introducing several new international and domestic routes, and expanded its flight capacity.

It also partnered with other airlines to create code share agreements, which have had a positive impact on tourist flows.