As part of a pioneering mobile exhibition tour, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and partners have transformed secondary schools in Addis Ababa into vibrant showcases of Ethiopia’s culture, history, and natural wonders. The initiative, launched in connection with World Tourism Day, is being hailed as a game-changer in the way young Ethiopians connect with their country.

Titled “Showcasing Ethiopia’s Treasures,” the pilot program is a joint venture between the MoT, the Addis Ababa City Administration Education Bureau (AACAEB), and the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission. Designed to foster a "visiting culture" and promote sustainable economic growth through tourism, the exhibition features a dynamic mix of displays — from UNESCO heritage sites to cutting-edge ecotourism hotspots and national biosphere reserves.

At the closing ceremony, State Minister of Tourism Dr. Endegena Abebe said the program has the power to reshape how the next generation views their role in Ethiopia’s tourism future.

“This mobile exhibition serves a dual purpose: it strengthens cultural exchange and fosters a visiting culture among our youth, which in turn contributes to sustainable economic growth for generations to come,” he said.

He urged students to become active custodians of the country’s heritage by exploring, researching, and promoting Ethiopia’s hidden and celebrated gems.

The mobile exhibition toured several top high schools — including Bole General, Menelik II, Gen. Tadesse Biru, and Tikur Anbessa — offering students a rare, hands-on encounter with the nation's untapped tourism potential.

Dinaol Challa, Deputy Head of the AACAEB, said the program has already sparked a shift in students' awareness.

“This fair has significantly contributed to educating students about our country's immense tourism resources and potential,” he said, adding that the Bureau will continue supporting student travel initiatives through tailored educational packages.

Organizers say the program’s success in Addis Ababa could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the country, though no official expansion has yet been announced.

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Ethiopia Takes Tourism to the Classroom in Groundbreaking Mobile Exhibition