Addis Ababa Hotels Face Bed Shortage for 2027 Conference Attendees

Addis Ababa's current hotel infrastructure can only accommodate 25,000 guests, covering just 31% of the estimated 80,000 attendees expected for major conferences in November 2027. Aster Solomon, president of the Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association, suggested that residential properties might need to be repurposed and furnished to bridge this significant capacity gap. Mayor Adanech Abiebie noted that the city has seen a 50% increase in major international and continental events over the past year, totaling 150 events. The surge in conference tourism is putting unprecedented pressure on the city's hospitality sector. Authorities are now strategizing on how to manage the logistical challenge of housing such large numbers of visitors.