Ethiopia Advances Digital Technology and AI to Boost Tourism

Addis Ababa:Ethiopia is leveraging digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its tourism sector, improve visitor experiences, and generate economic opportunities for local communities and businesses, as stated by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Minister announced these initiatives during the launch of the 6th Oromia Tourism Week in Addis Ababa. The government is focusing on the digital transformation of the tourism sector through policy initiatives, strategic alliances, and technology-driven projects.The new tourism policy introduced this year outlines strategies to transform the sector using digital technology and AI. AI is transforming the marketing of tourist destinations, trip planning, business operations, heritage site interpretation, and visitor experiences.Minister Selamawit emphasized the importance of an inclusive digital transformation that is open and human-centered, ensuring tourism benefits are widely distributed rather than con centrated in specific destinations or digital platforms. She underscored the significance of digital platforms in linking visitors with tourism businesses, tour operators, hotels, and other stakeholders.The launch of a Smart Tourism Information Center at the Ministry of Tourism's headquarters is part of the government's efforts to digitalize the sector. Additionally, the establishment of an AI University aims to enhance Ethiopia's artificial intelligence capabilities, benefiting the tourism industry and beyond.The Minister highlighted Ethiopia's rich tourism resources, including its natural and cultural heritage, its status as the cradle of humanity, the birthplace of coffee, and the source of the Blue Nile. She called attention to Oromia's significance in Ethiopia's tourism landscape, with its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage offering opportunities for local communities and businesses.Tourism development, she noted, requires strong collaboration among federal and regional governm ents, the private sector, local communities, development partners, and international markets.Oromia Tourism Commissioner Lelise Duga added that the Tourism Week is evolving into a vital platform connecting domestic and international tourism stakeholders. Representatives from over 20 countries are participating in this year's event, which is fostering opportunities for tourism and investment through engagement with tourism professionals, tour operators, partners, and private-sector actors over its three-day duration, including panel discussions on digital tourism, AI, and inclusive tourism.