Tailor Made Holidays in : In the News

Harar in Ethiopia hopes to be top tourist destination: 18-09-2007

The Ethiopian city of Harar is hoping to develop into a major tourist destination in the long-term.

Harar, the birthplace of coffee, was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site and local authorities are keen to build on the city's worldwide appeal but there are concerns that more development and infrastructure improvements are needed to help the region achieve its full potential.

The regional government has already confirmed that it plans to give significant tax breaks of ten years to those keen to develop tourist facilities such as hotels in the area and there are plans to increase accessibility to Harar from neighbouring cities as well as the completion of new $34.5 million water project to boost supplies.

Federal minister of culture and tourism, Mohamoud Dirir, speaking to AP, explained: "Things are coming up. We are very optimistic."

Harar is regarded as the fourth holiest city of Islam and boasts a total of 82 mosques – some dating from the 10th century as well as over 100 shrines. Tourists are also drawn by the strange tradition of mass feeding to around 50 hyenas every night.


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