Government to boost tourism after war with Ethiopia

Eritrea’s Tourism Ministry is planning a promotional drive to entice foreign visitors back to the country after its war with Ethiopia. State-owned hotels are to be renovated and university graduates trained to work as tour guides. The ministry of tourism is about to start its own website and launch a new magazine, which will be distributed to embassies and tour operators around the world. “We are very excited about the peace,” Tsighereda Elfu, head of promotions at the tourism ministry told IRIN. “We have so much to offer here, beautiful beaches, wonderful scenery, archaeological sites and unusual architecture. Hospitality is a gift that we have, we want to use it.” Eritrea’s 1,200 kilometres of unspoilt coastline, with its coral reefs and uninhabited islands, is one of the country’s most obvious attractions. The government is also hoping to appeal to those looking for holidays with a difference such as "war tours" - visits to the trenches at Nakfa, as well as more traditional camel safaris and bird watching tours. It is also promoting visits to some of the country’s archaeological sites, many still officially undiscovered. Other unusual options, such as train spotting along what remains of the country’s 115-year old railway system, have already proved popular with some intrepid tourists. Although holidays in Eritrea are guaranteed to be interesting, they will not be luxurious. Many tour operators acknowledge that visitors must be prepared for some hardship. Credit cards are rarely accepted, public transport is basic and there is only one five star hotel in the country. But less than one week after the Boundary Commission announced its decision on Eritrea’s border with Ethiopia, travel agents have already noticed an increase in the number of enquiries from potential visitors. “The phone started ringing on Monday morning,” said Abraham Ghebrezghi, owner of 'Explore Eritrea Travel and Tours'. “We have just taken a booking for 10 people from Russia who want to spend two weeks diving.” Eritrea’s fledgling tourist industry has suffered badly as a result of the two-year border war with Ethiopia, which broke out in May 1998. Abraham, who founded his agency soon after the country gained independence in 1991, started out in the travel business with high hopes. But years of instability have deterred tourists - and the much-needed foreign currency they bring to the country. “We were about to flourish, but then the war started,” he said. But this time he is optimistic that the peace will last. His agency, in the centre of Asmara, the country’s capital, reflects that optimism. The recently refurbished interior still smells of fresh paint. The staff, dressed in new uniforms, are busy answering the constantly ringing telephones. A brochure is about to go to the printers. “We are ready for the tourists when they come,” said Abraham. “It is up to everybody to promote this beautiful place.”