Ethiopia seeks economic growth and social integration through a tourism strategy utilizing major festivals in September.
In September (Meskerem), a key period for Ethiopian tourism and economic activity, major festivals like Enkutatash, Meskel, and Irreecha are concentrated, strengthening social cohesion.
In particular, major festivals such as Enkutatash, Meskel, and Irreecha offer rich experiences to tourists, serving not just as event viewing but as opportunities to strengthen the national economy and social cohesion.
The government is pursuing policies that utilize tourism not only for economic benefits but also as a tool for national integration, and it expects a significant influx of travelers by combining periods of excellent natural scenery with cultural festivals.
The Meskel festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with over 1,600 years of history, and the Irreecha festival, embodying Oromo values of gratitude, peace, and reconciliation, each hold unique cultural value.
It is necessary to create travel packages that link nearby museums, parks, natural landscapes, and traditional restaurants so that tourists do not leave after seeing only a single festival, thereby extending visitors' stay and enriching their tourism experience.
Restaurants, guides, traditional costume makers, and artisans are expanding the tourism value chain by weaving the cultures and traditions of various ethnic groups into a single narrative.
Travel packages should be created to link nearby museums, natural landscapes, and traditional restaurants to extend the stay of tourists, ensuring they do not remain at a single festival.
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