Addis Ababa, November 10, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is taking part in the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Ethiopian delegation is led by State Minister of Tourism Endegena Abebe, together with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Muktar Kedir.

Held from 7–11 November under the theme “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Shaping Global Tourism,” the Assembly brings together ministers, high-level officials and guests from 160 member states. UN Tourism said the theme reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the global tourism sector.

Addis Ababa, November 8, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has commended the rapid progress of major development works in Bahir Dar, including the modernization of the Bahir Dar International Stadium and new tourism projects along the city’s Lake Tana waterfront.

During his visit to Bahir Dar, the Prime Minister reviewed ongoing efforts aimed at transforming the city into one of Ethiopia’s leading tourism and investment destinations.

He inspected the Bahir Dar International Stadium, which is undergoing large-scale upgrades to meet the standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the Tananesh Ferry in Gorgora, located on the northern shores of Lake Tana in Amhara region, enhancing connectivity between Bahir Dar city and the newly established Gorgora Eco Lodge.

The ferry, recently imported and transported to Bahir Dar, has a passenger capacity of over 180 and is expected to improve access to the eco-lodge, making it easier for visitors to enjoy the lake’s scenic beauty and leisure offerings.

“In Gorgora, we’ve launched the voyage of the Tananesh Ferry, now gracefully cruising the waters of Lake Tana, connecting Bahir Dar City with the newly established Dine for Generations project — Gorgora Eco Lodge,” PM Abiy disclosed in a video post published today on his social media pages.

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2025 (FMC) — Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has declared the beginning of a transformative chapter in Gondar, signaling what he calls the city’s “second era of civilization.”

In a message shared on social media, the Deputy Prime Minister reflected on the extensive restoration of Fasiledes Castle, describing the centuries-old monument as having “waited for its death after four hundred years of neglect.”

He praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership in spearheading the revival, saying the landmark has now “risen like an eagle.”

Temesgen also highlighted major infrastructure improvements across Gondar, specifically pointing to the renovation of the road from Azazo to Piazza.

Addis Ababa, October 30, 2025 (FMC) — The Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will host the Japan Film Festival and Japan Culture Day in Addis Ababa on 1 and 8 November 2025, at Century Cinema Hall and Juventus Club, respectively.

The celebrations kick off on 1 November with the premiere screening of Godzilla Minus One, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki. This 2023 Academy Award-winning film for Best Visual Effects combines gripping human drama with spectacular visuals, telling a story of personal redemption and national resilience.

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is taking decisive steps to project its rich cultural heritage and indigenous traditions to the world, using art, festivals, and cultural diplomacy as strategic instruments to strengthen international ties.

Home to diverse nations, nationalities, and ethnicities, Ethiopia is renowned for its 13-month calendar, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a wealth of tangible and intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO.

Yet, cultural experts note that, historically, efforts to promote Ethiopian traditions abroad have faced significant challenges, including logistical and bureaucratic barriers.

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s exemplary environmental protection efforts and its growing role as a refuge for migratory birds have drawn international praise, with India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, describing the country’s conservation initiatives as a global model.

The Ambassador commended Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources and biodiversity, highlighting landmark programs such as the Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen billions of trees planted nationwide to restore degraded ecosystems.

“Ethiopia is blessed with diverse climatic conditions — from the Danakil Depression, the lowest point on Earth, to its lush highlands that receive abundant rainfall,” Ambassador Rai said. “If we see it in totality, Ethiopia is doing quite a remarkable work in conserving its natural resources.”

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s iconic hominid fossils, Lucy and Selam, have returned home after completing a two-month exhibition at the National Museum in Prague, Czech Republic.

The ancient remains received a warm welcome at the Ethiopian National Museum in Addis Ababa, marking the end of a historic showcase that drew thousands of visitors and renewed global attention to Ethiopia’s unmatched contribution to human history.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, State Minister of Tourism Mr. Sleshi Girma said that during their 60-day exhibition in Prague, Lucy and Selam inspired countless visitors and strengthened Ethiopia’s profile as the true cradle of mankind – better known as the Land of Origins.

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew arrived in the Bale Zone of the Oromia Region, accompanied by a high-level delegation of current and former leadership, to review the Dinsho Lodge, which is currently under construction, and its surrounding environment as well as the Gese Grasslands.

Located in the heartlands of the Oromia Region, about 400 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, Bale Mountains National Park spans over 2,000 square kilometers.

It encompasses Ethiopia’s second-highest peak and features an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, wildlife, forests, grasslands, and plant species, earning it the title “One Park – Many Worlds.” The park stands as one of the country’s strongest tourism attractions.

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2025 (FMC) – Addis Ababa City Administration has inaugurated and opened for service the Addis Cinema Complex, a 15-story modern cultural facility.

It was stated that the project symbolizes the government’s continued commitment to reviving and advancing the arts sector.

In remarks delivered during the inauguration, Mayor Adanech Abiebie noted that the project reflects the government’s recognition of the arts as a vital component of national development.

She indicated that the city administration has been investing in modern infrastructure to support the growth of creative industries and strengthen the contribution of the arts to economic and social transformation.

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2025 (FMC) – The Ministry of Water and Energy has underscored that the artificial Lake Nigat, formed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), is becoming a major source of economic, social, and environmental benefits for Ethiopia and the wider region.

During a stakeholder consultation held in Bishoftu town on the draft master plan for Lake Nigat, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa noted that the lake—now recognized as the fourth largest in Africa—represents a transformative national asset created through the collective determination of Ethiopians.

Addis Ababa, October 8, 2025 (FMC) — The scenic Hambaricho Mountain in Ethiopia’s Central Region has unveiled an expanded stairway reaching more than 1,500 steps, fulfilling a challenge made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his visit three months ago.

The Prime Minister had launched the annual rainy-season volunteering program in the region, which includes developing model villages under the Rural Corridors Initiative. As part of his visit, he climbed the original 777 steps to the mountain’s summit and encouraged zonal leaders to extend the staircase further to promote tourism and community engagement.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2025 (FMC) — Foreign visitors who recently toured different parts of Ethiopia have voiced profound admiration for the nation’s unique fusion of history, culture, and natural wonders.

The tourists described Ethiopia as one of Africa’s most compelling and authentic destinations, praising its wealth of both tangible and intangible heritage.

They highlighted internationally acclaimed sites such as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, the Aksum Obelisks, Harar Jugol, and the Simien Mountains National Park — all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. They further noted that additional cultural and natural landmarks are under review for international recognition, which would further elevate the country’s global tourism appeal.

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2025 (FMC) — Tourists visiting Gondar’s historic Royal Enclosure can now experience the grandeur of Ethiopia’s royal past, thanks to a newly launched project titled “Life in the Royal Court”, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa announced.

The initiative, officially unveiled at the majestic Fasilides Castles, offers an immersive, research-based reenactment of 17th-century royal life. Visitors can witness the kings’ daily routines, governance, traditions, and ceremonial pageantry, transforming the castles into a living history experience.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Selamawit highlighted that the project brings the recently restored Gondar Royal Enclosure to life for tourists in an engaging and relatable way. She noted that the initiative was developed with the expertise of historians, scholars, and cultural experts, ensuring both historical accuracy and . . . .

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2025 (FMC) – Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh inaugurated the State-of-the-Art Theatre Complex for Children and Youth in Addis Ababa today, highlighting the government’s steadfast commitment to advancing arts and culture.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen emphasized that the arts serve as a vital instrument for cultivating values, accelerating civilization, and shaping societal narratives, stressing the importance of managing and supporting the sector with intentionality.

He further noted that Ethiopia’s reformist government regards the arts as a powerful expression of the country’s prosperity and aspirations.

“By placing significant emphasis on the arts, the government is implementing a range of key initiatives,” he stated.

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s iconic hominid fossils, Lucy (Dinknesh) and Selam, are providing historians and the public with a rare opportunity to explore the origins of humanity, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa told Fana Media Corporation (FMC), as the fossils opened for exhibition today at the National Museum of the Czech Republic in Prague.

The exhibition, titled “People and Their Ancestors,” will run for two months and offers international audiences a firsthand look at the fossils that have firmly established Ethiopia as the cradle of humankind. Minister Selamawit described the exhibition as a priceless opportunity for scholars and visitors alike to engage with Ethiopia’s rich prehistoric heritage. She highlighted that the fossils act as ambassadors of Ethiopia and extended an invitation for participants to visit the Land of Origins.