Ethiopia Travel Specialists at ITB Berlin 2024

Although the country still faces a lot of challenges, this group of endorsed DMCs strongly believe in the future of tourism of Ethiopia. Good to see that this was recognised by the travel industry, counting the many appointments and informative talks by the professional buyers. The Ethiopian pavillion in Hall 21 hosted some 20 DMCs, and the stand in hall 4.1B – with a special focus on community involved tourism initiatives – was hosting three of the front-runners in this segment. Mark Chapman & Betty Tesfaye (Tesfa Tours), Marco Degasper (Simien Eco Tours), and Bogale Abey (Dynasty Tours) - see photo left - promoted their newly developed products and their joint initiative: Ride the Rift bike tours.

Impressions from ITB Berlin 2024

ITB, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show put a clear focus on shaping the future and once again underlined its role as the leading international platform for business, innovation and networking. This year’s ITB edition recorded a slight increase with nearly 100,000 attendees. Diverse and globally represented, more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries illuminated the three business days, occupying all 27 exhibition halls at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Ethiopia Travel Specialists showed their presence in various formats such as 1:1 talks with travel buyers and tourism experts as well as in presentations, where the project "Ride the Rift" was in focus.

From Ethiopia to ITB Lighthouse Stage

Mark Chapman & Betty Tesfaye (Tesfa Tours), Marco Degasper (Simien Eco Tours), and Bogale Abey (Dynasty Tours) gave information and details regarding their newly developed products and their joint initiative: Ride the Rift bike tours.

Ride the Rift is a collaborative effort by four Ethiopian tour operators to re-energise Ethiopia’s tourism sector. Their aim is to introduce new destinations to travellers in Ethiopia and offer opportunities to experience the beauty of these places while participating in cycling, running and hiking activities.

About us

Ethiopia Specialists is a group of local destination management companies, who met each other at the start of the Export Promotion training (Expro) in 2019, organized by the Centre for Promotion of Imports from developing countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands).

Being part of this program, it became clear to us that collaboration, joint marketing and promotion activities are be more beneficiary to all – using the collective strengths of these specialists. All this is bundled now on our website.

Feedback from The Ethiopia Specialists

ITB Berlin 2024: "A learning experience for me!"

“This was my first time in ITB: Indeed it is huge and where one can meet the world tourism actors under one roof. A learning experience for me! I want to go back next year."

Bogale Abey, Dynasty Ethiopia Tours

"Attending ITB was a great adventure for Tesfa Tours: At our first ITB we were able to find a few new clients, interested in our new community involved adventure tours!"

Mark Chapman, Tesfa Tours

"Returning to ITB is always a pleasure!"

"We've been exhibiting there in the past, so it was really good to reconnect with partners and friends and to exhibit with like minded Ethiopian tour operators, get the chance for a public presentation about cycling in Ethiopia, and highlight our niche products."

Marco Degasper, SimienEcoTours