Addis Ababa:Tourism representatives from Jordan and Namibia have emphasized the shared cultural connections with Ethiopia as a key opportunity to expand tourism exchanges and strengthen industry cooperation.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during Oromia Tourism Week, held from September 29 to October 1 in Addis Ababa, delegates highlighted opportunities to strengthen trade, deepen collaboration, and accelerate tourism growth across the region.
Laura Leader, Founder and General Manager of Discover Jordan, remarked on the shared cultural and tourism heritage of Ethiopia and Jordan as a foundation for stronger business ties. She pointed out that both countries boast rich cultures and beautiful tourism destinations, suggesting potential for significant collaboration.
Leader noted a strong interest in Jordan among Ethiopian and African travelers, particularly attracted by religious heritage sites like Mount Nebo and the Jordan River. Her positive interactions with local professionals have encouraged her to explore tourist attractions beyond Addis Ababa.
Sandra N. Shoopala, Marketing Administrator at the Namibia Tourism Board, aimed to promote Namibia as a destination and to build partnerships with Ethiopian stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of boosting two-way tourism to encourage more visits between Namibia and Ethiopia.
Shoopala highlighted cultural parallels between Namibia's San communities and traditional Ethiopian practices, viewing this as a unique foundation for cultural exchange. She praised Ethiopia's efficient visa system, which processed her application in about an hour, and expressed interest in learning from Ethiopia's system to implement similar measures in Namibia.
The participation of representatives from Jordan and Namibia underscored how shared cultural heritage and streamlined travel processes can forge new business ties and expand bilateral tourism.
