The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a trade bloc of eight East African countries, launched a ten-year sustainable tourism master plan to unite efforts and create a coordinated strategy for growth across the region.
IGAD Secretary General Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized that the master plan, to be implemented from 2024-2034, is more than a document; it's a vision for the future of tourism development in the region.
Despite strong tourism potential, the region faces challenges like inconsistent regulations, visa restrictions, and inadequate infrastructure, highlighted Workneh Gebeyehu. The master plan aims to address these barriers, encourage investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure, and unlock the region's full potential.
Ethiopia's Tourism Minister, Nasise Chali, emphasized the importance of the plan and the need for coordinated implementation in line with national policies, stressing that cooperation is vital for developing nations in the IGAD region.