Mekelle May 12, 2025 (Tigray Mass Media Agency)- Bureau of Culture and Tourism in Tigray Interim Administration has submitted a letter to the Federal Ministry of Tourism, requesting immediate intervention regarding travel restrictions to Tigray reportedly enforced by Ethiopian Airlines.
In the letter, the Bureau highlights its continued efforts against all odds to revive Tigray’s tourism, rebuild its image, and create youth employment through tourism following the Pretoria Peace Agreement against.
The letter recalls recent halt of tourist visits in March 2025 following travel advisories issued by embassies. The Bureau stresses that amid improving conditions in Tigray and a strong public push for peace, tourism started to revive, and this begun to offer the general population and the industry a renewed sense of hope for recovery.
The Bureau, however, states that since May 10, 2025, tourists and foreign project partners have filled complaints to the bureau, reporting that Ethiopian Airlines has, “for unknown reasons,” barred them from traveling to Tigray.
The Bureau describes the travel restrictions as “deeply disheartening” and warns that it could undermine the fragile peace and recovery efforts currently underway in Tigray’s tourism sector.
The Bureau urges the Ministry to recognize the gravity of the situation and engage in a dialogue with the concerned bodies to reach a resolution.
