Addis Ababa's Corridor Development Drives Tourism Growth and Conference Surge
Addis Ababa's ongoing Corridor Development Project is transforming the Ethiopian capital from a transit hub into a standalone tourism destination, according to the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission (AATC). The city hosted more than 221 international conferences during the concluded fiscal year, up from more than 150 in the previous year, reflecting significant growth in business and conference tourism. AATC Commissioner Hunde Kebede presented the figures during the city administration's annual performance review, attributing progress to infrastructure investment, supportive policies, and sustained efforts to address longstanding urban development challenges.
Key improvements under the Corridor Development Project include expanded pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, modernised public spaces and squares, and broader urban upgrades that have enhanced the city's appeal and visitor experience. Commissioner Kebede said these developments are enabling Addis Ababa to attract visitors who choose the capital as a destination in its own right, rather than simply a stopover. The transformation forms part of Ethiopia's wider strategy to diversify its national economy by strengthening Addis Ababa's role as a leading centre for tourism, international diplomacy, and investment.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency