Developing Tourism in Eritrea

World Tourism Day, which is celebrated on 27th of September, has been observed this year under the theme “Tourism for Peace.” The theme highlights the intimate connection of tourism with peace. Eritrea deeply cherishes peace and security.  It is also endowed with a peaceful and harmonious people, as well as various natural resources that are essential factors for the development of tourism.

The government has long identified the tourism sector as one of the country’s potential assets for development. Eritrea’s geographic location, pristine beaches, cultural and historical heritages, and peace and security make it ideal for the development of tourism.

In spite of adverse externalities that stem from periodic and imposed wars and unwarranted sanctions, the government has been taking important steps to develop the tourism industry so that it can contribute towards rapid and sustainable economi growth of the country. Important measures have been taken to protect Eritrea’s natural environment and cultural heritage, and hospitality facilities have been built on some tourist attraction sites. The government’s investment on infrastructure has increased from time to time for the rehabilitation and development in transportation, electrification, service providers and tourist centers.

Tourism is seen as the largest smokeless industry that impacts the overall growth of national economies. With an increase in globalization, it has become one of the largest and fastest growing sectors in the world. It is one of the most dynamic socioeconomic sectors in the world today, and its share in the global economy is always growing.

The development of the service sector holds a central place in the development of tourism. The overall infrastructure of Eritrea is revitalizing to meet the national demand.

Eritrea has significant potential for the development of tourism. It is common knowledge that climate is an influential factor in determining the destination areas to which recreational tourists travel. And in Eritrea, in addition to the scenic views one enjoys in the journey from highland Asmara to the coastal town of Massawa, one can also experience three seasons in a two-hour journey. The pleasant climate, warm and clean waters of the Red Sea, 1200 kilometres-long coastline and about 350 offshore islands along with their diversity of terrestrial and marine animals is another potential resource for tourism that Eritrea is endowed with. The scenic beauty from the high ground of above 3000 meters to the depression of 100 meters below sea level is another potential that can be used for tourism.

Considering Eritrea’s potential for the development of the tourism industry, tourism should be made to hold the lion’s share in the country’s economy. For this to happen, it is important for the government and the private sector to collaborate. Eritrea’s tourism industry is in its embryonic stage waiting for the government’s and private sector’s investment. The natural and cultural elements of Eritrea are conducive for the development of successful tourism industry.

Eritrea’s economy can flourish fully due to its huge endowments – blue economy the extractive industry, agriculture, and the service sector including tourism  in a congenial regional environment of enduring peace and stability.  In this respect and with its abundant archaeological and cultural attractions and natural endowments, Eritrea has the potential to become one of the biggest tourist destinations.

The development of tourism can greatly help introduce the true essence of Eritrea to the world. Tourism can be used as a vehicle for the introduction of Eritrea’s history, nature and culture to the wider international community. The Eritrea 2020 Tourism Development Plan states that Eritrea possesses significant opportunities for developing tourism.

The opportunities for developing tourism in Eritrea include the natural environment, especially good beaches and clean water suitable for diving, scenic and wildlife in several proposed national parks and reserves and some hot springs. There are also cultural heritage resources, including archaeological and historic sites, the architectural riches of the towns, and cultural patterns of various ethnic groups.

There is no question that heritage can supply genuine attractions for tourism but excessive tourism may also threaten heritage preservation. As a deterrent against any threat, Eritrea has enacted Proclamation No. 177/2015 on Cultural and Natural Heritage and is a signatory to three major international conventions that have relevance to tourism and the preservation of heritage — World Heritage Convention of 1972, the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

One of the objectives of Prolamation 177/2015 is to establish an integrated and interactive system at all levels and lay down the general principles for the identification, assessment, registration, preservation, protection and development of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Eritrea for the present and future generations.

Sustainable development should be the fundamental basis of any development plan. Therefore, the natural and cultural resources for tourism must be utilized responsibly so that they can be used by future generations while still bringing benefits to the present generation. It is the responsibility of the government as well as the people to develop the many untapped tourism resources of the country for the benefit of all.