Tourism leadership in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an amazing country with surprises around every corner – towering peaks, unique vegetation, wonderful food, welcoming people, fascinating wildlife, colorful history, incredible landscapes and more. While things are challenging there at the moment, we have no doubt that when tourism rises again, travelers across the globe will be delighted to discover its wonders. Even better to see it with a company run by a woman with strong leadership and vision. Travel Ethiopia has 26 years’ expertise in showing travelers the best of Ethiopia, and founder and managing director Samrawit Moges adds a personal touch while ensuring that Ethiopia’s women benefit from tourism. From employing female guides to visiting and supporting women-owned cooperatives, Samrawit helps to uplift women.

Samrawit received her first degree from the Addis Ababa University in Journalism followed by a diploma in Tourism Management in Italy. She was employed with the government Tour Company (National Tour Operation) for more than a decade before founding Travel Ethiopia in 1994. The company has grown to 35 permanent employees and was the first company in Ethiopia to employ permanent female guides. Samrawit is involved in several diverse businesses, all of which provide excellent employment opportunities for women. Samrawit serves as a Board member of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of Toast Masters Club and an active member of Rotary Club since 1991, being the first female Rotary president in Ethiopia. She is an active member of Ethiopian Women in Business (EWiB), a networking organization working to improve the status of women. She was also recognized as Ethiopia’s ‘Top Woman in Tourism’ in 2019.