Bale Mountains National Park’s UNESCO Status and Infrastructure Drive Surge in Tourism

Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia is experiencing a remarkable upswing in both visitor numbers and revenue, a development that is reshaping the tourism landscape in the region and offering valuable lessons for Africa’s travel industry. This surge is closely linked to a combination of major infrastructure upgrades and the park’s recent recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both of which are positioning Bale as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Spanning over 2,000 square kilometers, Bale Mountains National Park is a sanctuary for some of the continent’s most unique and endangered wildlife, including the Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Wolf, and Bale Monkey. Its ecological significance and breathtaking landscapes have long attracted nature enthusiasts, but the latest developments are propelling the park into the global spotlight.

According to Shamil Kedir, Head of the Bale Mountains National Park Office, the park welcomed 3,690 visitors in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, with foreign tourists making up 45 percent of arrivals. This represents a year-on-year increase of more than 17 percent, a testament to the growing international appeal of the park. The influx of visitors has translated into tangible economic benefits: local eco-tourism associations generated nine million Birr in revenue during the quarter—a two million Birr increase from the previous year—while the park itself recorded 600,000 Birr in income, up by 200,000 Birr year-over-year.

The park’s leadership attributes this growth to two primary factors. First, the official inscription of Bale Mountains National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has significantly raised its profile, attracting global attention and intensifying promotional efforts. Second, the region has seen a wave of road and tourism infrastructure projects initiated under the direction of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. These improvements have made the park more accessible and visitor-friendly, encouraging longer stays and higher spending.

Shibiru, Head of the Tourism Development and Expansion Team at the Zonal Tourism Office, emphasized that the government’s focus on developing these destinations is invigorating the entire sector. The momentum generated by the UNESCO designation and infrastructure upgrades is being harnessed to further develop and market the region’s attractions, with the aim of maximizing tourism earnings and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

For the people living around Bale Mountains National Park, the tourism boom is more than just a statistic—it is a source of empowerment and economic opportunity. Mohammed Kedir, Manager of the local Eco-Tourism Association, highlighted how the growing number of tourists has become critical to their operations. Members of the association are now earning a living by renting out mules and providing porter services, while local residents like Hussein Kemal, who offers escort services, praised the government’s strategy for allowing the community to benefit directly from tourism. This sense of ownership has fostered a culture of stewardship, motivating residents to actively protect and care for the park.

The ripple effects of this growth are visible in the construction of new hotels, eco-lodges, and recreation centers in Bale Robe and within the park itself. The park’s management is aiming to further increase daily visitor numbers, with ambitious plans to boost arrivals through continued infrastructure development and global promotion. These efforts are expected to not only sustain the current momentum but also position Bale Mountains National Park as a model for sustainable tourism development across Africa.

For Africa’s travel industry professionals, the Bale Mountains story offers several key takeaways. The combination of strategic infrastructure investment, international recognition, and community engagement can create a powerful engine for tourism growth. By ensuring that local communities are direct beneficiaries of tourism revenue, destinations can foster a sense of pride and responsibility that supports both conservation and economic development.

As the park continues to attract attention from around the world, its success underscores the importance of aligning national vision with local action. The leadership shown by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the collaborative efforts of government agencies, tourism offices, and community associations are setting a new standard for destination development in Africa. With the right mix of investment, promotion, and inclusive policies, other African destinations can replicate this model to unlock their own tourism potential and drive sustainable growth for years to come.