Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Mekelle Highlights Need to Preserve Tourism Assets as Conference Plans Advance
By Chekole Alemu
The Tigray Regional Culture and Tourism Bureau has called for the proper preservation and development of tourism resources in Mekelle as part of efforts to position the city as a tourism conference center and investment destination.
The statement was shared by Mekelle City Information and Communication on its official Facebook account following a consultative forum held between the Bureau and the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs of the Mekelle City Council.
According to the post, discussions focused on safeguarding and developing Mekelle’s tourism assets to support economic recovery and strengthen the city’s role in the regional tourism sector.
Head of the Tigray Regional Culture and Tourism Bureau, Dr. Atsbeha Gebrehiwot, was quoted as saying that recovery efforts are underway to revive the tourism sector, which sustained extensive damage during the war in Tigray. He said rehabilitation activities are addressing both physical destruction and broader institutional challenges.
The Bureau also reported that psychosocial recovery programs are being implemented alongside reconstruction efforts, emphasizing that sustainable development depends on the wellbeing of the community. Restoration work is ongoing at several cultural and historical sites affected by damage and neglect.
The post further noted that the regional administration is working to project a positive image of Tigray by promoting its cultural values and strengthening international engagement. Officials said international relations have been established with more than 23 countries.
Regarding Mekelle, the statement said efforts are underway to raise the international profile of major cultural and religious festivals, including Ashenda, with the aim of creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
Dr. Atsbeha also called on stakeholders to work collectively to develop Mekelle into a tourism conference destination, citing the city’s political and economic significance.
Speaker of the Mekelle City Council, Rahma Abdelkadir, was also quoted as saying that initiatives to revive and reconstruct the tourism sector should be further strengthened. She said the City Council is giving priority attention to the preservation of heritage sites and the development of underutilized tourism centers in the city.
Participants at the forum emphasized the importance of tourism as a pillar of economic development and called for increased attention to the sector. They also urged the protection of historical sites in Mekelle, particularly those linked to the early Weyane movement, and called for the Mekelle Museum to be provided with a suitable location and protection.
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