Addis Ababa, January 09 /2018(ENA):  Ethiopia has secured over 1.8 billion USD revenue from tourism during the past six months, Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MoCT) disclosed.

Some 485,806 foreign tourists have visited the country during the stated period and 1,818,857,664 USD earned.

Presenting the half-year performance of MoCT to the House of People’s Representatives today, Minister of Culture and Tourism Hirut Woldemariam said 10.5 percent increase in revenue was registered when compared to that of same period last year.

Collaborative efforts of her ministry and ministries of Foreign Affairs and Office of Government Communication Affairs as well as the general public have contributed to the achievement registered, according to Hirut.

The other major achievement of the budget year is the finalization of the study of Lalibela churches conservation project for which fundraising program is underway.

The finalization of the nomination files of Dire Shiek Hussien, Holka Sof umer and Melka Kuntre historical sites in accordance with the requirements of UNESCO were also mentioned among the achievements of the ministry during the period.