Introduction

The Ecotourism Association of Ethiopia (EAE) was founded in 2003 during a Global Impact workshop held in Addis Ababa. The workshop brought the public and private sectors together to discuss the importance of tourism and corporate social responsibility. The Ecotourism Association of Ethiopia represents a response by committed organizations of the private sector of Ethiopia to adopt and promote the principles of ecotourism and eco-efficient initiatives in order to address the challenges faced by the tourism sector. The founding members (AirLink Travel, AMBA Ecotourism, Bekele Molla Hotels, Bishangari Lodge, Greenland Tours, Imperial Hotel, Travel Ethiopia, Village Ethiopia, YUMO Travel, and Wildlife Safaris) came together to create and register the Association.

Members of EAE share a common goal: that tourism in Ethiopia must be developed and managed in a sustainable manner to improve the environmental and social integration of tourism products and services at destinations.

Mission

The Association’s mission is to facilitate the creation of eco-cultural destinations of the highest tourism standards in parallel to alleviating poverty, upgrading human resources, promoting Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, and rehabilitating environmental resources. The Association will do this by assuming a leadership position in professional learning, advocacy, and research and business development.

Vision

We envision the development of Eco-cultural destinations and Eco-friendly tourism operations of the highest standard throughout Ethiopia and visitors and their host communities understand and embrace the principle of sustainability and the sprit of hospitality.

Goal

Tourism in Ethiopia must de developed and managed in a sustainable manner to improve the environmental and social integration tourism produced and services at destinations.