Ethiopia's tourism sector positioned for sustainable growth with new satellite account tool

Ethiopia’s tourism industry is set for inclusive and sustainable growth following the launch of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Ministry of Tourism in Ethiopia. The TSA, a global standard framework, will help measure tourism’s contribution to the country’s economy, including GDP, employment, and investment.

Geoffrey Manyara, representing Mama Keita, Director of ECA’s Eastern Africa Office, emphasized the TSA’s potential to support informed decision-making that promotes growth and sustainability in the sector. “This tool allows us to quantify not only direct tourist spending but also the broader economic ripple effects across multiple sectors,” he said.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopia’s tourism industry had reached new heights, contributing $4.8 billion to GDP and attracting over 1.4 million international visitors in 2019. Though the pandemic disrupted this momentum, projections suggest the sector could surpass pre-pandemic levels by the late 2020s with continued investment in infrastructure and new tourism products, including ecotourism.

The TSA will play a crucial role in fostering growth and ensuring tourism contributes meaningfully to Ethiopia’s economic development and environmental sustainability.