- Diplomats, Travel Industry Leaders and Influencers Gather to Explore Ethiopia as Africa’s Emerging Tourism Destination
ISLAMABAD: The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad hosted a high-profile tourism promotion event, bringing together diplomats, travel operators, media representatives, and digital influencers to showcase Ethiopia’s growing appeal as a global tourist destination and further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan.
The event highlighted Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, modern infrastructure, and expanding connectivity with Pakistan, reinforcing the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
Senior Pakistani Officials Attend as Chief Guest and Guest of Honor
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor and Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism, as the chief guest, while H.E. Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated as the guest of honor.
The gathering underscored the commitment of both countries to enhancing people-to-people exchanges, tourism cooperation, and broader economic engagement.
Ambassador Highlights Historic Bonds Rooted in the First Hijra
Welcoming participants, H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, emphasized the centuries-old relationship between Ethiopia and Pakistan, recalling the historic role of ancient Habesha in providing refuge to early Muslims during the First Hijra.
He noted that landmarks such as the historic Al-Nejashi Mosque and the enduring legacy of Hazrat Bilal Habeshi continue to foster a profound sense of spiritual and cultural affinity between the peoples of the two nations.
Ethiopia Promoted as the ‘Land of Origins’ and a Rising Global Tourism Hub
The ambassador presented Ethiopia as the “Land of Origins” and one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, highlighting its diverse attractions, world-class resorts, and modern recreational parks developed under the leadership of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
He also described Addis Ababa as one of the world’s leading diplomatic centers and the headquarters of the African Union, noting that the city hosted more than 150 international summits during the past year.
Direct Ethiopian Airlines Flights Boost Connectivity Between Pakistan and Africa
Dr. Oumer emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines’ direct Karachi–Addis Ababa route has significantly improved travel opportunities for Pakistani tourists and businesses, providing a vital gateway to Ethiopia and the wider African continent.
The enhanced air connectivity, he said, is expected to further strengthen economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between the two friendly nations.
Pakistan Announces Influencer Exchange Initiative
Chief guest Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan commended the Ethiopian Embassy for its efforts to deepen people-to-people relations and praised Ethiopian Airlines for bridging the connectivity gap between Pakistan and Africa.
He announced a reciprocal tourism influencer exchange program, under which Pakistani digital content creators will visit Ethiopia to promote its attractions, while Ethiopian and African influencers will be invited to Pakistan through complimentary tourism packages to showcase the country’s diverse destinations.
Foreign Ministry Official Applauds Ethiopia’s Development Achievements
Additional Secretary (Africa) Hamid Asghar Khan expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s launch of direct flight operations to Pakistan, describing air connectivity as the most critical link in strengthening bilateral relations.
Reflecting on his own visit to Ethiopia, he praised the country’s remarkable achievements in energy production, rapid urban development, breathtaking tourism landscapes, and the impressive growth of its aviation sector, which has positioned Ethiopia as a leading transport hub in Africa.
Expanding Tourism Cooperation to Deepen Bilateral Relations
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to expand tourism cooperation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts, further reinforcing the historic friendship and shared aspirations of Pakistan and Ethiopia.
ceremonial cake-cutting during the Ethiopia Tourism Promotion Event held in Islamabad, celebrating cultural
ties and strengthening tourism cooperation between Ethiopia, Pakistan,
BY: The Times Union
