ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew has announced that several lodges and resorts built as part of the "Dine for Ethiopia" initiative will begin operations in the coming weeks. These facilities are aimed at boosting tourism and economic development in various regions across Ethiopia.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Ethiopian Airlines Group has been preparing to launch these facilities in line with the high standards of its Skylight Hotel. The initiative, which involves collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and regional states, encompasses properties such as Halala Kela Resort, Chebera Elephant Paw Lodge, Wonchi Eco Tourism, and Gorgora, located in the South West Ethiopia, Oromia, and Amhara regions. These ventures were developed under the auspices of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s "Dine for Ethiopia" initiative, which seeks to unlock the country’s tourism potential.

The Gorgora Ecolodge has already commenced services, with the remaining three properties expected to start welcoming guests within a few weeks. Mesfin highlighted the strategic importance of these developments in enhancing Ethiopia’s appeal as a tourist destination. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines' extensive experience in hospitality management is expected to ensure exceptional service quality and enhance the overall tourist experience.

Furthermore, Mesfin outlined Ethiopian Airlines' efforts to expand international and domestic flight connections, which are critical for increasing tourist inflow to the country. He also mentioned the government's ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and tourist destinations, which provides Ethiopian Airlines with opportunities to support the growth of the tourism sector.

Additionally, the CEO revealed plans to initiate flights to remote tourism destinations within the country using small tourist aircraft capable of landing on both land and water, aiming to make Ethiopia's diverse attractions more accessible to international and domestic visitors.