The Impact of the Pandemic and the Endless War in #St.Lalibela

Lalibela, Ethiopia is a holy city with a rich history and culture. But its rock-hewn churches, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are in danger. The Pandemic, the internal and external war blow to Ethiopia's tourism industry, especially in Lalibela, home to the iconic 12th-century rock-hewn churches.

As a native born grew up in Lalibela and have many fond childhood memories of visiting the rock-hewn churches that are the pride of our community, it pains me to see the economic suffering of Lalibela's 20,000+ residents who depended on tourism.

Hotels, cafes, and Most souvenir shops closed and farmers lost revenue, why does Lalibela today look like a ghost town? where hundreds of tourists once roamed, the magnificent churches now lie vacant.

I remember, when I was in high school, the town was half of foreign people who came across to visit the rock-hewn churches. During that time half of my friends were highly interested in Tour and Travel companies as well as learning Tourism Management, as a teenager, I dreamed of one day becoming involved in the tourism sector myself. So, I started to learn Tourism Management Department at college as an additional degree. The sad thing is I dropped out after learning it for Two years. (OHH it's like a flashback)

Let's go back to the Story. The main Problem That I want to raise is when the Government starts to work for the city. From the past experience the church Generate High Income for the country, Amhara region, and EOTC but still, there is a Lack of infrastructures and No backup plan for the community. when I start thinking about the road it makes me sad that’s why most people who came to visit from different part of Ethiopia said” ????? ??? ????”.

In 2018, there have been protests over the preservation of the churches. People are concerned about the quality of the restoration work and how the money is being spent. Worshippers and tour guide alike hope that the churches will be preserved for future generations. They are a vital part of Lalibela's identity and a source of income for the community.

When The war starts everything is blocked and people start suffering but the priests continue ancient traditions like reading the Bible by candlelight on Orthodox Easter but few witnesses remain.

As one said, "Back in the good days tourists were flowing, and hotels were full."

Beyond COVID-19, conflict in Tigray also deterred visitors. While the government declared victory in November 2020, there is some high level of fighting continuing.

But Lalibela has survived for centuries, including war and pandemics past. These churches will endure and someday again thrive. We must support Lalibela today to ensure its treasures are preserved for tomorrow. We must do all we can to sustain this treasure that defines our community until tourists feel safe to return once more. The rich heritage and livelihoods of Lalibela depend on it.

Better days will come. ????

#Lalibela #UNESCO #Government #attention #Home #Tourism #visitlalibela #Tourandtravel #vacation #crist #heritage #attraction #culture #people #nomore-war #peace #