GPS to be launched in Ethiopia

September 6, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — The global position solution (GPS), a new technology to provide information to tourists, will be launched in the country, a cabinet minister said Thursday.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mohammed Dirir told journalists that the launching of the modern technology in Ethiopia is useful to tourists.

Though many tourist attractions are available in various parts of the country, there was no sufficient information to locate the areas to visitors, Mohammed said.

GPS contains the addresses of service providing institutions, in addition to locating tourism sites, said the Ethiopian minister.

Akalu Alemu, GPS business partner in Ethiopia, on his part said the technology is new and the first of its kind in the country.

GPS, supported by satellite, locates 27,000 villages and towns in the country, said Akalu.

It provides information concerning the historical and natural sites, fuel stations, hotels, restaurants, banking and transportation services in the country, among others, to visitors, he said.

(Xinhua)