Addis Ababa-
The Oromia Tourism Commission has been transformed into the Oromia Tourism Bureau, marking a significant new chapter in the development, promotion and management of tourism in the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia.
The announcement was made by the former Commissioner, Lesile Dhugga, during her speech at the recently held Oromia Tourism Awards of Excellence, organised as part of the Oromia Tourism Week at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addressing tourism stakeholders, government representatives, industry professionals and guests gathered for the awards ceremony, Dhugga announced the institutional transition and introduced Mrs. Heldiana Suleyman as the new Commissioner to lead the newly transformed Oromia Tourism Bureau.
The transformation from a Commission to a Bureau is being viewed as an important step in strengthening the institutional framework for tourism development in Oromia. The move comes at a time when Oromia is placing increasing emphasis on tourism as a driver of economic development, cultural preservation, investment, employment and international engagement.
Heldiana Suleyman Takes Charge
The new Commissioner, Mrs Heldiana Suleyman, brings years of experience in the tourism sector and is expected to provide strategic leadership as the Oromia Tourism Bureau enters its new phase.
Her appointment comes against the backdrop of growing efforts to position Oromia as one of Ethiopia’s leading tourism destinations, with its rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, historical attractions, wildlife and vibrant communities offering significant opportunities for both domestic and international tourism.
Under the new structure, the Bureau is expected to build on the achievements of the former Commission whose successful tenure expired while strengthening partnerships with tourism businesses, communities, international organisations, investors, travel professionals and other stakeholders.
The change also provides an opportunity to further enhance the visibility of Oromia on the global tourism map and to develop new tourism products capable of attracting visitors from across Africa and the wider world.
A New Chapter for Oromia Tourism
The announcement at the Oromia Tourism Awards of Excellence added significance to an event dedicated to recognising individuals and organisations contributing to the growth and promotion of tourism in the region.
The awards, held as part of Oromia Tourism Week, brought together a broad cross-section of the tourism industry within and outside of Ethiopia highlighted the region’s growing ambition to use tourism as a platform for economic opportunity, cultural exchange and international connectivity.
The transition to the Oromia Tourism Bureau, coupled with the appointment of Heldiana Suleyman, therefore represents more than a change in institutional identity. It signals the beginning of a new phase in which stronger coordination, innovation, investment and international partnerships could play an increasingly important role in shaping Oromia’s tourism future.
With its enormous tourism potential and growing international visibility, Oromia now looks ahead to a new era under the leadership of Mrs Heldiana Suleyman, as the newly transformed Bureau seeks to further connect the region’s destinations, people and culture with visitors and opportunities from across Ethiopia, Africa and the world.
