The hospitality industry in Ethiopia is a rapidly growing one, offering travelers and visitors various options for accommodations, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing.
One can say Ethiopians are known for their hospitality, providing services that are tailored to meet the needs of various budgets and interests. But there is some work to be done in improving the hospitality industry in the country.
CEO of Majestic Furniture in Addis Ababa, Berhane Abraha sees other opportunities linked to hospitality which includes addressing the skills shortage that contributes to poor service levels.
Charity begins at home, and Abraha for his Majestic Furniture, is putting effort in training young Ethiopians for top quality hospitality service.
From luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts in the country, Ethiopia’s hospitality industry is sure to please the most discerning traveler. In addition to improving hospitality service, there are quite a number of training facilities in the country as well.
“If you go to our neighbouring country, Kenya, and you visit a restaurant, you will find the best cooks, the best service. Here in Ethiopia, our service levels should improve,” Abraha says.
In 2018, the hospitality sector in Ethiopia was the fastest in the world according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. It grew by 48.6%.
The Majestic Furniture CEO strongly believes more should still be done to boost the industry. He encourages more employment of skilled staff in hotels and other hospitality establishments, such as restaurant.
It “could be a potentially lucrative business opportunity…Ethiopia is a big country, and we have a lot of resources. Natural resources, yes, but also with a young, educated population where only a little skill needs to be added,” he says.
By Elijah Christopher
