Arba Minch University (AMU), through its Institute of Culture and Language Studies, hosted a community-based ecotourism project kick-off workshop aimed at enhancing destination outreach and extending tourist stays in Gamo Zone. The event held on April 7, 2026, at Chamo Campus, brought together stakeholders from the South Ethiopia Tourism Bureau, Gamo Zone Tourism Department, and AMU researchers from Tourism and Hotel Management, as well as Sociology and Social Anthropology. Click here to see more photos.
Speaking at the opening, Dr. Tesfaye H/Mariam, AMU Director of Research Affairs and delegate of the Vice President for Research and Cooperation, highlighted the university’s contributions to national development across multiple sectors. He noted that ecotourism promotes responsible travel that conserves the environment and supports local communities through low-impact activities. He added that Gamo Zone has strong potential for ecotourism, and the project is timely in enhancing destinations and extending tourist stays.
Mr. Abreham Alemu, delegate of the Head of the South Ethiopia Region Tourism Bureau, stated that tourism is one of Ethiopia’s five key economic growth pillars, with ecotourism increasingly prioritized to diversify the economy and reduce poverty. He noted that South Ethiopia possesses vast, largely untapped tourism potential, supported by rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. While the sector is growing and contributes to job creation and conservation, it still faces challenges such as limited infrastructure, financial constraints, and low community awareness. He added that the Bureau has signed MoU with AMU to collaboratively address these gaps and promote ecotourism development across the region.
Mr. Damene Bogale, Lecturer and Researcher in the AMU Department of Tourism and Hotel Management and Principal Investigator of the project, explained that tourism is a broad global sector encompassing services for leisure and business travel. He noted that ecotourism is a key driver of Ethiopia’s sustainable development, linking environmental conservation with local economic benefits. Emphasizing Gamo Zone’s rich biodiversity and geographic diversity, he stated that the project aims to explore this untapped potential, identify new ecotourism sites, and promote sustainable tourism development.
At the ceremony, the AMU Institute of Culture and Language Studies cultural music band set the tone with vibrant performances of popular ethnic dances. The event was moderated by Mr. Tafesse Walea, Director of the Institute of Culture and Language Studies at AMU.
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