Whenever people come together to experience a foreign place or culture, it takes somebody with a passion for his roots to show them the true beauty of their country. I know what hard work the people behind IMAGE ETHIOPIA TOURS do every day to make their guests appreciate this yet unknown paradise for travellers. I admire their commitment and I am certain that they will make a great difference to Ethiopia and to the people visiting.
The best of luck for the future and for this competition!
Jeannine G

Asrat Kahsay, founder of Image Ethiopia Tours, works with a network of Ethiopian colleagues of many roles in his company to transmit to the world the civilization and culture of his impoverished and forgotten country. He has educated himself on the art, history, ethnography, flora and fauna, and religion of Ethiopia- while looking to the future- for tourists who quickly share his love of homeland and heritage. Asrat Kahsay dedicates his work to the development of his nation whose patrimony becomes illuminated through tourism and knowledge.

Asrat Kahsay, founder of Image Ethiopia Tours, works to transmit to the world the civilization and culture of his impoverished and forgotten country. He has educated himself on the art, history, ethnography, flora and fauna, and religion of Ethiopia - while looking to the future - for tourists who quickly share his love and interest of homeland and heritage. Asrat Kahsay dedicates his work to the development of his nation whose patrimony becomes illuminated through tourism and knowledge.

By reading IMAGE ETHIOPIA TOURS’s project I felt attracted by a country that was completely unknown for me before. The most tempting point is the possibility to know the culture and the history of Ethiopia through its nationals, being in touch with them in their daily life. I consider it is the best choice a tour company can make to stress the richness of its country.

I like the approach of IMAGE ETHIOPIA TOURS. They make me want to travel to Ethiopia and see for myself what the country has to offer. A country that - SO FAR - rings no other bells than poverty and famine.

Image Ethiopia Tour Company is really very innovative and I am very impressed by his services. It will be one of the best quality service providers in areas of GeoTourism.

Its focus in areas of active volcano in the East African rift valley and Ethiopian highlands is very attractive and I will recommend any person to have the chance to be his customer. The tour company operators has a profound knowledge on the geological, ecological, historical and cultural characteristics of East Africa. This companies focus on the Goetourism is creating an opportunity to generate income to the local population. By this approach it contributes to the poverty reduction at a local and national level.

With Regards
Htadesse

Quite simply, Ethiopia is unique and vibrant and diverse. Having visited the country with Image Ethiopia Tours my perception of the country has changed completely. Now I think of beautiful, diverse landscapes, friendly people, a unique culture and a rich history. Asrat and his team provide a safe and well-informed opportunity for visitors like me to taste what Ethiopia has to offer, and have left me with a huge appetite to return. Importantly, they provide a balanced and "real" view of the triumphs and challenges of a country hauling itself out of poverty and underdevelopment. I particularly appreciated Asrat's integrity and enthusiasm for his country, and his help in understanding how best to support the country long after I returned home.

Quite simply, Ethiopia is unique and vibrant and diverse. Having visited the country with Image Ethiopia Tours my perception of the country has changed completely. Now I think of beautiful, diverse landscapes, friendly people, a unique culture and a rich history. Asrat and his team provide a safe and well-informed opportunity for visitors like me to taste what Ethiopia has to offer, and have left me with a huge appetite to return. Importantly, they provide a balanced and "real" view of the triumphs and challenges of a country hauling itself out of poverty and underdevelopment. I particularly appreciated Asrat's integrity and enthusiasm for his country, and his help in understanding how best to support the country long after I returned home.

I do believe the goals stated by this organization are extremely challenging and beneficial for Ethiopia's cultural and economic future. Not only the task of changing Ethiopia's negative image (inside and outside of the country), but especially the concerns shown with regards to the environment and the impact of this kind of tourism in the Ethiopian society. The commitment with local communities and service providers, and the employment of natives from Ethiopia can help a great deal in the economical development of the country. I also think it's very important the fact that the company is run by a native from Ethiopia. This responsible and sustainable approach to tourism really makes a difference in the country, but also in those tourists who visit the country and go back home changed by the experience. I believe this organization can stand as a bridge between cultures and help us to better understand each other.
We should support this type of responsible tourism that is really involved in the development of the country, but which overall respects and preserves its culture and environment.
I'm glad to hear that there are companies out there betting on alternative countries and cultures!

Patricia Rodríguez from the University of California, BERKELEY.

Asrat is a living example of results of hard work and determination from a very humble beginning. Through bringing foreigners to experience the broad spectrum of Ethiopian life and interacting with local people throughout the country to widen their knowledge of other societies he is seeking to improve life in his country.