"Twelve years ago, tourists (made) 90% of the bookings but now 90% are (Ethiopians) travelling from Addis, bringing their families." Realising that everyday realities were shifting, Gebrselassie decided to do something that many people - including members of his family - thought was absolutely crazy. The arrival of COVID-19 has not been good for the bottom line although Gebrselassie says that business has now begun to pick up. "Imagine, 400 people who work at the hotels lost their jobs and millions of birr (currency) was lost, like in half a day - burning is very easy. Gebrselassie's athletic career was defined in part by thrilling victories over the Kenyan Paul Tergat in two successive Olympic 10,000m finals.

Source: Ethiopian News July 08, 2021 14:48 UTC