Tigray’s tourism sector has generated more than 200 million birr and created over 4,000 new jobs in the past 100 days, Tigray Bureau of Culture and Tourism said on Monday.
In a press conference marking the 100-day performance plan, Tigray’s tourism bureau said Tigray attracted 1,354 foreign visitors and more than 50,000 local tourists over the past three months.
During the press conference Atsbeha Gebreegziabher (PhD), head of the bureau highlighted that the bureau’s work has focused on promoting peace and unity through Tigray’s cultural heritage, delivering uninterrupted public services, and improving the region’s tourism profile.
He also added that significant progress has been made in heritage restoration, with 17 historical artifacts returned to Tigray and nine heritage sites, including the historic Al-Nejash mosque, has been renovated.
Before the war on Tigray, Tigray attracted an estimate of 90,000 tourists annually. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating war that started in 2020 left the sector in ruins, severely damaging ancient and historical sites and also affecting hotels, tour companies, while centuries-old relics were looted.
Following the signing of the Pretoria agreement and the official reopening and rebranding of tourism destinations in 2023 Tigray has seen a steady rebound in visitors, both foreign and domestic.
The regional tourism bureau said it is working to reclaim its place as one of the most compelling cultural and historical destinations and improve tourism development in Tigray.