Tourism Booms in Ethiopia's Bale Mountains, Lifting Local Incomes, Officials Say
Tourism Booms in Ethiopia's Bale Mountains, Lifting Local Incomes, Officials Say
Driven by its UNESCO World Heritage status and improved infrastructure, the Ethiopian national park's visitor numbers rose over 17% in the last quarter, with foreign tourists making up nearly half of all arrivals, according to the park's administration.
This growth has boosted revenue for both the park and local communities, with eco-tourism associations' quarterly income jumping to nine million Birr (nearly $60,000), park manager Ato Shamil Kedir told reporters.
Officials credited the UNESCO listing and enhanced promotion, alongside critical road and facility projects, for the upturn.
The growing sector is providing livelihoods through services like mule rentals and portering, Tamiru said. Local residents report that benefiting directly from tourism has fostered a community-led commitment to protecting the park, park officials noted.
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