Ethiopia: 10,000 foreign tourists flock to Semien Mountains
Semien Mountains National Park existing in North Gondar Zone of Amhara state secured an over 1.4 million Birr income from tourists who visited the park last year, the park office said.
The office said more than 10,000 foreign tourists who visited the park have managed to watch endemic animals such as Walia Ibex and Ethiopian Wolf (Red Fox).
The number of visitors increased by 3,188 compared to that of last year, Wild Animal Expert at the park, Sisay Mekuwant told ENA.
The office attributed the increase to a special attention given by the government and the local people for the development and conservation of the park.
The construction of hotels and other service facilities around the park also contributed to the increase in number of tourists, said the expert.
Domestic tourism has also been increasing reaching 3,000 visitors during the reported period, the expert said.
Located in north Ethiopia, the park is surrounded by many mountains including, Ras Dashan, the highest mountain in Ethiopia.
The park is home to a number of rare species, including the Ethiopian wolf (Red fox), Chelada Baboon and Walia Ibex.
It is also home for more than 50 species of birds. UNESCO designated the park as World Heritage Site in 1978.
- ENA