MARKET NEWS
E-visas augment Ethiopia’s potential as a conference hub In the past few years, Ethiopia has taken significant strides towards making travel simple and seamless. The launch of an e-visa service for all international visitors is chief among the measures taken.
E
thiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest and Skytrax four-star rated airline connects global passengers around the world within a 10 hours’ radius through its vast network of more than 120 international destinations and award-winning services. Being a major transit hub to Africa, the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, also offers conference participants easy access to get connected around the world. Introduced as part of a national initiative to transform Ethiopia’s tourism sector, the e-visa service allows international
tourists to enjoy hassle-free visa processing which saves time, energy and cost. The online service has made travel to Ethiopia convenient, dependable and easy. Between July 2018 and June 2019, thousands of travellers have secured their visa online to attend conferences in Ethiopia. Government ministries, regional and international organisations as well as NGOs are already reaping the benefits of online visa services for conference participants. Once conference organisers issue authorised invitation, participants can process their visa online by uploading the invitation letter on the e-visa website: www.evisa.gov. et. The system also allows applicants to pay visa processing fees effortlessly through online payment solutions.
Abel Alemu, southern Africa regional manager of Ethiopian Airlines, said: “We found the e-visa system extraordinarily easy to do, with good customer service by immigration personnel. Gone are the days when international passengers had to visit Ethiopian embassies overseas to process visa requests.” The e-visa service marks a quantum leap on the part of Ethiopia, and underscores the country’s commitment to easing its visa services for international tourists who travel to the country. With its key place in Africa’s diplomacy, convenient e-visa service, expanding conference facilities, and an ever growing flag-carrier with seamless service, Ethiopia is set to hold a prime spot on the global map of conferences and exhibitions in the years to come.” Mr Alemu concluded.
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
September 2019 Vol 39 No 9 ADVERTISER
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AAXO
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Bounce Inc
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