Ethiopia Specialists Blog - Ethiopia Travel Specialists

Ethiopia Travel Specialists at ITB Berlin 2024

2024-03-25T00:00:00+02:00

Although the country still faces a lot of challenges, this group of endorsed DMCs strongly believe in the future of tourism of Ethiopia. Good to see that this was recognised by the travel industry, counting the many appointments and informative talks by the professional buyers. The Ethiopian pavillion in Hall 21 hosted some 20 DMCs, and the stand in hall 4.1B – with a special focus on community involved tourism initiatives – was hosting three of the front-runners in this segment. Mark Chapman & Betty Tesfaye (Tesfa Tours), Marco Degasper (Simien Eco Tours), and Bogale Abey (Dynasty Tours) - see photo left - promoted their newly developed products and their joint initiative: Ride the Rift bike tours.

Impressions from ITB Berlin 2024

ITB, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show put a clear focus on shaping the future and once again underlined its role as the leading international platform for business, innovation and networking. This year’s ITB edition recorded a slight increase with nearly 100,000 attendees. Diverse and globally represented, more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries illuminated the three business days, occupying all 27 exhibition halls at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Ethiopia Travel Specialists showed their presence in various formats such as 1:1 talks with travel buyers and tourism experts as well as in presentations, where the project "Ride the Rift" was in focus.

From Ethiopia to ITB Lighthouse Stage

Mark Chapman & Betty Tesfaye (Tesfa Tours), Marco Degasper (Simien Eco Tours), and Bogale Abey (Dynasty Tours) gave information and details regarding their newly developed products and their joint initiative: Ride the Rift bike tours.

Ride the Rift is a collaborative effort by four Ethiopian tour operators to re-energise Ethiopia’s tourism sector. Their aim is to introduce new destinations to travellers in Ethiopia and offer opportunities to experience the beauty of these places while participating in cycling, running and hiking activities.

About us

Ethiopia Specialists is a group of local destination management companies, who met each other at the start of the Export Promotion training (Expro) in 2019, organized by the Centre for Promotion of Imports from developing countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands).

Being part of this program, it became clear to us that collaboration, joint marketing and promotion activities are be more beneficiary to all – using the collective strengths of these specialists. All this is bundled now on our website.

Feedback from The Ethiopia Specialists

ITB Berlin 2024: "A learning experience for me!"

“This was my first time in ITB: Indeed it is huge and where one can meet the world tourism actors under one roof. A learning experience for me! I want to go back next year."

Bogale Abey, Dynasty Ethiopia Tours

"Attending ITB was a great adventure for Tesfa Tours: At our first ITB we were able to find a few new clients, interested in our new community involved adventure tours!"

Mark Chapman, Tesfa Tours

"Returning to ITB is always a pleasure!"

"We've been exhibiting there in the past, so it was really good to reconnect with partners and friends and to exhibit with like minded Ethiopian tour operators, get the chance for a public presentation about cycling in Ethiopia, and highlight our niche products."

Marco Degasper, SimienEcoTours

Ethiopia Specialists Sustainable Product Development workshop in Addis Ababa

2023-10-26T00:00:00+02:00

They acknowledged the important role of the local communities in the overall travel experience for the client. Since our local DMCs have a pivotal function, literally bringing these 2 worlds together, we discussed intensely how to balance the benefits and negative impacts of tourism for local communities.

Peter Richards, an expert in community-based tourism, gave an inspirational online presentation and some useful examples from the field. In small groups, the Ethiopian Specialists used these insights to work on new product concepts and presented these to their colleagues.

One of the main outcomes was that new initiatives in the field of community-based tourism should be fostered as a joint effort of this group of endorsed tour operators.

Successful second Online Panel Discussion

2023-10-26T00:00:00+02:00

More than 25 participants - experts and buyers from Europe - joined this highly interesting talk. Members of Ethiopia Specialis, among them Simien Eco Tours, Tesfa Tours, Yama Ethiopia Tours, Dynasty Ethiopia Tours, Anbessa Travel, and Yared Tour and Travel shared their insights and experiences regarding the current travel situation in this beautiful country and tours which are operational at the moment under safe and professional conditions.

We will keep you updated on following editions of our Online Panel Discussion series via our free Ethiopia Specialists mailing list.

Kotcho and a coffee ceremony in Gurage - On tour with our Ethiopia Specialists

2023-10-20T00:00:00+02:00

Recently, Mark and his Tesfa team were visiting a village looking to set up homestay tourism. He brought some photos back from his trip: In a field of ‘Enset’ trees - false banana - a team of women were labouring to scrape the pulp from the stems and to mash the thick bulb-like mass at the bottom to make the unique food called ‘kotcho’ (which comes in various forms).

"We were chatting and filming them as they sang and worked until a torrential downpour sent everyone into a local house for a cup of coffee", Mark remembers.

Thank you for these impressions, Mark!

6th October 2023: 2nd Ethiopia Specialists Online Panel Discussion

2023-09-21T00:00:00+02:00

In this online conference we will present those Ethiopian Travel Specialists who are currently operating tours to the regions which are open for travel and will have a closer look on the experiences and recommendations of our specialists as well as of clients who recently participated in such tours.

The Online Panel Discussion is an excellent opportunity for travel managers and buyers to hear the latest directly "from the field" and from first hand. Participation is free of charge.

Addis Ababa by foot: On tour with our Ethiopia Specialists

2023-07-13T00:00:00+02:00

Getinet devised a brilliant idea for a safe and enjoyable city tour in Addis Ababa, emphasizing sustainability - by foot! Now that the pandemic is behind us, we have recently made some adjustments to the tour, transforming it into the perfect experience for travelers and expats seeking a unique exploration of the city.”

Margaux embarked on the journey accompanied by our colleague Askale, serving as her knowledgeable guide: “They strolled through the charming old Faluwa village, the historic Menen village, as well as Arat Kilo and Piassa.”

Naturally, no visit would be complete without paying homage to Lucy. This city tour definitely presents a sustainable and entertaining approach to discovering a different facet of the city - the genuine and authentic way.

A visit to Lalibela: On tour with our Ethiopia Specialists

2023-07-13T00:00:00+02:00

“Recently, Getinet and his family embarked on a visit to Lalibela, aiming to gain a firsthand understanding of the impact of the conflict in the area. Reconnecting with our local partners is crucial for us, as it enables us to provide sustainable trips to Lalibela. Additionally, Getinet assessed the condition of accommodations to ensure that we can continue offering quality stays.”

While being in Lalibela, you not only have the chance to visit the renowned rock-hewn churches; there is also the possibility to extend your stay for a 2 to 3 days community trekking experience in and around Lalibela through the Abune Josef Mountains.

Suzan knows more about this unique experience: “Day 1 offers challenging but breathtaking views as you trek from Lalibela to Ber Metebekiya, immersing yourself in the local mountain community. Discover Gelada baboons and interact with villagers. Spend the night at Ber Metebekiya, experiencing local traditions and enjoying a traditional dance.”

For the next day, she recommends: “Day 2 takes you to Abune Yousef Park, where you can explore its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and visit Dewalka Village for picturesque sunset and sunrise views. Day 3 concludes the trek as you journey back to Lalibela, stopping at Merebarbu for a snack and game viewing along the way.”

Successful first Online Panel Discussion on opportunities for tourism in Tigray

2023-06-06T00:00:00+02:00

The panellists - Mark Chapman (Tesfa Tours) and Marco Degasper (Simien Eco Tours) - were two Ethiopian Destination Management Companies and members of the Ethiopia Specialists collective who have recently visited the region and provided valuable feedback and insights regarding the current state of the destination.

The feedback to this discussion showed, that it was a true must-attend event for European travel professionals who are interested in selling Ethiopia as a destination. Furthermore, this online event provided an objective update about the situation in the region. The recorded panel session is now available on YouTube.

About Ethiopia Travel Specialists:
Ethiopia Travel Specialists is a collective of sustainable and endorsed inbound tour operators in Ethiopia presenting their tours, short-stays and special-interest products on the European travel buyer market via their dedicated website with a complete directory of all member companies (www.ethiopiaspecialists.com), a bimonthly update via mailing list as well as on LinkedIn.

Impressions from travel and tourism in Ethiopia: On tour with our Ethiopia Specialists

2023-06-06T00:00:00+02:00

Margaux is on a mission to develop new routes, activities, and content that will further enhance our customers travel experiences.” From a walking tour in Addis Abeba, she proceeded to the beautiful city of Shashemene, which is full of local culture and hidden gems. And with Stephane and Denise, Suzan has two clients who are currently on an exciting one-month journey exploring the south and north regions of Ethiopia.
Which experiences await you here? The remote Hamar village where with a unique homestay experience to fully immersing oneself in the local culture. Next to that, you have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional coffee in a home in Arba Minch. After that, explore the the beautiful cities of Bahir Dar and Gondar, marveling at their rich history and cultural significance.

Curious to learn more about tourism and travel in Ethiopia? Ethiopia Travel Specialists is a collective of 19 sustainable and endorsed inbound tour operators in Ethiopia. Contact them personally on ethiopiaspecialists.com.