Inflation, Insecurity Leave the Tourism Industry Smouldering
For 43-year-old Alemnesh Neri, travels to her hometown of Gumer in central Ethiopia have long been a cherished tradition. Twice annually for the past 22 years, she would make the trip from Addis Abeba, laden with goods and gifts for family and friends. This year, however, spiralling costs and mounting logistical problems have forced her to cut back her visits to only once.
Items that used to cost her 5,000 Br now have skyrocketed threefold. Inflation has dramatically eroded her purchasing power. Transportation expenses have tripled, soaring threefold from 500 Br, further straining her modes...