In a major step towards unlocking the full potential of its tourism industry, Ethiopia has launched its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (ET-TSA). The initiative, introduced on Tuesday by Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Nasise Chali, aims to revolutionize how the country tracks and capitalizes on tourism’s economic contributions.
The Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is an internationally recognized statistical framework developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the United Nations Statistics Division, the International Monetary Fund, and other global entities. It is designed to measure tourism’s impact on a nation’s economy using global standards and definitions.
During the launch event, Minister Chali emphasized the significance of the TSA for Ethiopia’s tourism sector. “The establishment of the TSA is a strategic initiative aimed at realizing the full economic potential of Ethiopia’s tourism sector by providing essential data for evidence-based policy formulation, decision-making, and strategic planning,” Chali said.
Ethiopia, a country rich in cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks, has long been a favored destination for travelers. However, despite its tourism appeal, the country has lacked a robust framework to accurately measure the sector’s economic contributions. Currently, gaps in data collection have hindered effective policy development and strategic planning, limiting the tourism industry’s ability to grow and contribute more meaningfully to the national economy.
Chali explained that the introduction of the TSA would change this by offering reliable data on tourism’s direct contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation, and investment. This will allow policymakers and businesses to make informed decisions that optimize tourism’s economic benefits.
“The fragmented approach to data collection has limited the country’s ability to fully capitalize on the benefits of tourism, and has hindered the efficient operation of businesses within the sector,” Chali noted. By centralizing and standardizing data, the TSA will fill these gaps, providing insights not only on GDP contributions but also on investment opportunities and job creation. This is expected to drive further growth in Ethiopia’s tourism sector, a key economic area.
The development of Ethiopia’s TSA began on February 4, 2023, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Development and various public and private stakeholders. By aligning with international standards, Ethiopia aims to position itself alongside other nations that have successfully utilized the TSA to enhance their tourism sectors.
Tourism is a critical driver of economic growth worldwide, and Ethiopia’s move to implement this globally recognized framework reflects the country’s growing focus on maximizing the sector’s contributions. With the TSA in place, Ethiopia will now be better equipped to assess, plan, and grow its tourism industry in a way that fosters sustainable economic development.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a new era for Ethiopian tourism, potentially turning it into a cornerstone of the nation’s economic future.
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