ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Retired Ethiopian long-distance track and marathon runner Haile Gebrselassie has praised the Kingdom of Lesotho as an incredible and potential haven for sports tourism.
Gebrselassie, who holds 27 world records and 61 Ethiopian national records, met with Lesotho’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.
The renowned athlete, also known as Major Haile, is now a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is considered one of the best athletes in history and is also cited as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.
Ambassador Ntšiuoa Sekete said the initial meeting with Major Haile paves the way for future collaborations, exchange programs, and possible investments in Lesotho.
“We had a fruitful discussion with Major Haile about the potential of Lesotho as a sports tourism destination,” said Ambassador Sekete. “He was very impressed with the country’s natural beauty and high altitude, which are ideal for training and competition.”
Gebrselassie expressed his willingness to support the development of sports tourism in Lesotho.
“Lesotho has a lot to offer tourists, and I believe that sports tourism can be a major driver of economic growth,” he said. “I am committed to working with the Lesotho government to develop the country’s sports tourism potential.”
