In Ethiopia, the current structure for tour operation licensing places primary importance on asset ownership; specifically requiring a vehicle, a physical office and in some cases, imported camping equipment. While infrastructure is undeniably necessary for certain types of tourism activities, the system unintentionally sidelines the very individuals who have invested years, even decades, in building the human side of Ethiopia’s tourism sector. Experienced guides, expedition leaders, cultural interpreters and tourism graduates are often denied the opportunity to run legally recognized tour businesses, not because they lack skill or integrity but because they do not own the expected equipment).
To make matters more complex, it is currently possible to obtain a trade license from local authorities to operate a tour business without owning a vehicle. However, the Ministry of Tourism does not accredit such licenses unless all asset-based criteria are fulfilled. As a result, individuals with valid trade licenses are legally prevented from engaging in professional tour operation activities such as participating in international trade shows (issuing support letter), listing their businesses on government official platforms or partnering with global travel agents with recommendations. This contradiction between trade licensing and national accreditation creates confusion, stalls innovation and discourages skilled individuals from entering the sector through formal channels.
These issues are not theoretical rather they are deeply personal and widespread. For example, Kedemkachew, originally from East but now living in Addis Ababa, has guided international tourists for nearly two decades and is known for his deep understanding of Ethiopia’s heritage and intercultural dynamics. Despite his experience, he remains unable to register a legal tour company because he doesn’t own a vehicle.
Similarly, Dawit, with 19 years of experience in tour operations, guest management and three foreign languages (English, French and Italy), remains blocked from business ownership due to the same requirement. Atsinaf (One of the very few female tourist guides) from the Northern part of the country, has spent 14 years guiding travellers through the country’s imperial history and sacred sites with two foreign languages (English and French), also remains unlicensed for the same reason.
I myself, the author of this piece, have served 19 years to Ethiopia’s tourism sector as a guide, tour operator and expedition leader. I have poured my heart and soul into this profession, investing in knowledge, passion, experience and professionalism. Yet despite all this, I have been unable to open a legally recognized tour company not because I wasn’t ready sooner but because I didn’t own a vehicle. It is deeply frustrating to realize that, in this system, readiness, skill and dedication are not enough. What’s valued most is not what you know or how well you serve but what you own as material. Therefore, the path has been long, unnecessarily difficult and at times disheartening, simply because ability has been overshadowed by asset-based requirements.
That is why we say, Ethiopia’s tourism sector is missing out on its most valuable resource; the people.
Annually, Ethiopian universities and colleges produce a substantial number of graduates in Tourism Management, Cultural Heritage, Tour Guiding, and other tourism-related disciplines; for instance, Tourism Training Institute (TTI) alone graduated 481 students this year. These young professionals are trained in ethics, history, client management, sustainability and technical aspects of the industry.
Yet, because they lack vehicles or physical assets, they are excluded from formal sector participation, while companies with the expected equipment but little to no understanding of tourism or heritage or guest care continue to dominate the market.
In contrast, other countries have embraced tourism licensing systems that are more balanced and inclusive. In Nepal, tour operators must complete cultural interpretation, safety and ethics training to obtain a license.
In South Africa, certification by the Department of Tourism is required for anyone wishing to operate in the industry. Kenya evaluates not only assets but also staff qualifications and insurance coverage. These countries have recognized that tourism is a trust-based profession where guest safety, cultural respect and ethics are just as important as the availability of vehicles.
In light of these realities, Ethiopia has an opportunity to lead not only through its cultural treasures but through thoughtful and inclusive policy reform that honors both professionalism and passion.
One solution that I propose is the implementation of a tiered licensing system where tour operators can be categorized according to their capacity and qualifications as Level 1 tour operator, Level 2 tour operator or Level 3 tour operator rather than by a one-size-fits-all model cantered on assets. This structure would allow a broader range of professionals to participate in the sector while giving the Ministry of Tourism better oversight and a framework for gradual growth and quality control.
Tourism in Ethiopia shouldn’t be a mechanical service rather it should be a cultural dialogue. It is the story behind Meskel’s bonfire or Ireecha’s blessing, the silence before prayer in Lalibela or the sacred air of Dire Sheihk Hussien, the laughter in a rural market or the rhythm in village dances and the careful explanations offered by a guide who truly understands the land. These stories cannot be told by a machine or a business model they can only be told by people. And when licensing policy values only those who own property, I fear that, we risk erasing the very soul of Ethiopian tourism.
As someone who has invested nearly two decades of my time in Ethiopian tourism, I write this not as a complaint but as a call. A call to build a more inclusive, professional and ethical tourism industry where property does not overshadow passion, knowledge, commitment and experience but they matter just as much as capital.
Ethiopia deserves a tour operation licensing system that reflects its identity, talent and promise.
Let us make room, at the table of Ethiopian tourism, for those who already know the way.
Henok Tsegaye is a seasoned tourism professional with over 19 years of experience in the industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management, a Diploma in Marketing, and a Certificate in Tourist Guiding—earned from several respected institutions, ranging from Debre Berhan to CTTI.
Currently, he serves as the General Manager and Co-founder of Hibir Ethiopia Tours, where he combines his extensive academic background and field expertise to deliver authentic and memorable travel experiences across Ethiopia.
Contributed by Henok Tsegaye