Transport system affects every industry and tourism is no exception if not the most affected by inefficient transport facilities. Dependable transport infrastructure which is operating at full captaincy is a getaway for development while its absence can be a great inhibitor negatively influencing the entire economy.
The development of transport infrastructure including air, rail and road routes play a key role in creating greater integration for travelers and service providers Jumia Travel tourism experts say. Being one of the major foundation of tourism its part of an integral segment of a visitor experience. A country efficient transport infrastructure is defined by its capacity to provide easy access into destinations providing social and economic benefits to a country’s overall economy.
Crafting the need for investment in transport and easier access facilities is done based on the assessment of the size and growth of both residents and visitor markets including the demand for different methods of transport. Taking into consideration to preference of transport means and visitor market plays a great role in planning and delivering sustainable and efficient options. Providing wide range of transport means ensures linkage and business being an important aspect in supplying commodities to the end users.
Having long distance efficient transport goes a long way than just basic transport supply. It creates new tourism and market opportunities. With these kind of mission Ethiopia and Djibouti erected the 756 km railway that advanced and replaced the former out-of-use metro-gauge railway which opened almost 100 years ago. The over 3 billion dollars investment railroad is Africa’s first standard gauge electrified railroad infrastructure. The transport technology reduced the days of travel time interval to a maximum of 12 hours. The facility has both freight and passenger transport facility which is expected to start operation in full scale in the coming three months. It’s the first step in a wider national initiative to establish network with African countries to establish international trade.
The Ethio-Djibouti line is planned as the first step in a wider national and eventual regional rail network. Evidently transport is recognized as one of the most important factor to have controlled the international development of tourism because it provides an essential link between tourism origin and destination areas and amenities. Ethiopians policy towards transport facility aims at ensuring sustainable development while reducing the pressure of demand.
The country has been following a set of strategies that combine tourism, transport and meeting the local demand. Creating accessibility and linking the state administrations with the capital Addis Ababa and beyond grabbed the attention of the land locked Ethiopia which is striving to erect one of the most efficient transport systems in the continent.
Undoubtedly barrier-free transportation services save up a huge chuck of expense for any country particularly for those which are landlocked. It’s also the key aspect of the wider continental integration plan to open trade among African countries.
[www.ethpress.gov.et/herald/]