BRICS countries need "to work together in joint tourism promotion and also to expand air connectivity," Ethiopian Tourism Minister Nasise Challi told Sputnik Africa.
"Joining this group [BRICS] is very important for Ethiopia because we want to work with all countries of the world on different aspects. So, it brings mutual understanding, respect and sovereignty of nations. It also creates an opportunity to collaborate on many things," Challi said.
It is necessary to increase "accessibility and connectivity" between the BRICS nations to develop cooperation in the field of tourism, this implies improving air connectivity and access to visas, the minister stressed.
She also noted that collaboration in "marketing and promotion" is needed, adding that "the more we know about each other, [...] about our history, our culture, and our natural wonders, the more we visit each other."
According to Challi, BRICS countries could also work together on digitalization of tourism sector as well as on sustainability issues, on protection of wildlife and cultural heritage.
It is projected that by the end of 2024, the number of tourists traveling between BRICS countries will increase nearly fourfold, reaching up to 5 million trips, according to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.