Lalibela Spotlight: Diplomats from 40+ countries and 10 international organizations toured Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, as Ethiopia’s UNESCO World Heritage site gains fresh global attention. Tourism Growth & Investment: PM Abiy says Arba Minch is flourishing as a development hub, pointing to the Kuriftu Resort and Spa project with 53 villas and 300+ jobs. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines launched new passenger service to Lyon, expanding Europe-Africa links via Addis Ababa and signaling more international destinations by end-2026. Protected Areas Go Digital: Ethiopia’s wildlife protection is getting a tech boost, with a digital platform piloted in Bale Mountains and Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary to improve protected-area management and support tourism planning. EU-Ethiopia Links: The EU says cooperation is entering a new phase, highlighting trade, investment, and a lifted visa restriction that should make travel and people-to-people exchanges easier. Tourism Numbers: Ethiopia reported 1.4M+ foreign visitors in 2025/26 and $5.2B+ in foreign exchange from tourism and related activities. Health & Travel Impact: A U.S.-based nonprofit is shipping $2.6M in cardiac supplies to Ethiopia for July heart surgeries for 200 patients.