Lucy & Selam Tour: Ethiopia’s Treasures Make Historic European Debut

Addis Ababa — August 2025 — The Ethiopian Tour Operators Association (ETOA) proudly celebrates a landmark moment in Ethiopia’s tourism and heritage story. Two of Ethiopia’s most treasured fossils, Lucy (Dinkinesh) and Selam, have been flown to Prague, Czech Republic, to be showcased in a historic exhibition at the National Museum of the Czech Republic, opening on 25 August 2025.

This marks a double first:

It is Lucy’s first-ever exhibition in Europe.

It is the first time Selam has ever left Ethiopia.

The exhibition, titled “Human Origins and Fossils”, will run for two months and is expected to draw thousands of visitors, researchers, and media from across Europe.

At the send-off ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa, stated:

“To date, Ethiopia has been promoting Lucy to the world; now it’s Lucy’s turn to promote the new face of Ethiopia to the whole world.”

Why This Exhibition Matters for Ethiopia

Global Exposure: The debut of Lucy and Selam together in Europe underscores Ethiopia’s status as the Land of Origins and the true cradle of humankind.

Tourism Promotion: By sparking international curiosity, the exhibition will encourage travelers to visit Ethiopia’s heritage and cultural sites — from the National Museum in Addis Ababa and the Afar fossil discovery sites, to Lalibela, Harar, and the Simien Mountains.

Cultural Diplomacy: The tour strengthens Ethiopia’s global image not only as the birthplace of humanity but also as a modern destination with a rich, living culture.

ETOA’s Commitment

ETOA is working with members and partners to ensure this milestone translates into sustainable tourism benefits by:

Developing heritage-based itineraries that connect Ethiopia’s fossil legacy with its cultural and natural attractions.

Equipping guides with specialized training and storytelling resources to interpret Ethiopia’s heritage for global visitors.

Promoting Ethiopia internationally through digital campaigns, media collaborations, and trade partnerships.


Importantly, ETOA will be represented in Prague by its CEO, Ato Tegene Hailegiorgis, reaffirming the association’s dedication to promoting Ethiopia’s tourism potential on the global stage.

A Message to the World

The Lucy & Selam tour is more than a scientific exhibition — it is Ethiopia’s story reaching new audiences, inspiring future travelers, and inviting the world to experience the Land of Origins.