A high-level delegation organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the UNESCO Ethiopia Office conducted an official visit to the historic cities of Dire Dawa and Harar, two of the country’s most culturally rich destinations.
The delegation was led by Selamawit Kassa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, and Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, UNESCO Representative to Ethiopia. Several senior officials from various international organizations as well as diplomats also took part in the mission.
Warm Reception in Dire Dawa
The visit began in Dire Dawa, where the group received a warm welcome from the city’s mayor, Ato Kedir Juhar, along with other regional officials.
During their two-day stay, the delegation explored key cultural, historical, and developmental sites across the city. Officials emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving the city’s heritage while supporting sustainable tourism development.
Exploring Heritage and Culture in Harar
Following the visit to Dire Dawa, the delegation continued to Harar, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic heritage cities and home to the UNESCO-registered Jegol Wall, the ancient fortified city of Harar Jugol.
While in Harar, the officials visited:
- The UNESCO-registered Jegol (Harar Jugol) Heritage Site
- New corridor development projects aimed at enhancing mobility and urban aesthetics
- The recently inaugurated Eco-Tourism Park
- The famous Hyena Feeding experience, one of Harar’s unique and long-standing cultural tourism attractions
The visit highlighted ongoing collaborations between UNESCO, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism, and local authorities to strengthen cultural preservation and promote sustainable tourism in Eastern Ethiopia.
