Mission

His Excellency Hapte-Selassie Tafesse

"13 Months of Sunshine"

The iconic slogan and defining symbol of Ethiopia’s tourism for years, was coined by Mr. Hapte-Selassie.

Regarded as the father of Ethiopian tourism, Hapte-Selassie Tafesse will forever be remembered for his tireless dedication to developing Ethiopia’s tourism industry as a means of driving economic growth.

He famously created tourism opportunities where none previously existed, beginning with the establishment of duty-free shops for Ethiopian Airlines. Reinventing the sector, he reinvested revenue into pioneering new tourism initiatives, including hospitality, site tours, and support for the production and marketing of artisanal handicrafts. His vision and determination transformed the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) beyond what was once thought possible. A tour guide, photographer, designer, marketing strategist, and more, his relentless efforts laid the foundation for countless livelihoods and businesses, leaving an indelible mark on Ethiopia’s cultural and economic landscape.

Carrying the Legacy

Today, Michael Hapte-Selassie, his youngest son, has embraced the responsibility of preserving and promoting his father’s enduring design work. A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Michael brings a wealth of experience, having worked alongside his father and collaborated on various projects. His professional background includes work as a broker and trader in the futures market, as well as serving as a leading guest relations specialist in the food and beverage department of the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel, a five-star, five-diamond property.

With great pride and unwavering commitment, he continues to carry forward his father’s vision.

Hapte-Selassie LLC

Hapte-Selassie LLC is dedicated to preserving Hapte-Selassie Tafesse’s legacy by celebrating his work and Ethiopia’s rich history and culture. Specializing in the design and production of gift items and fashion accessories, the company draws inspiration from Ethiopia’s heritage – its historical monuments, architectural forms, religious shrines, art, crafts, cultural motifs, and breathtaking landscapes. With a mission to safeguard and promote Ethiopia’s unique traditions, the company enhances public awareness while integrating heritage and creativity into everyday life. Through its work, Hapte-Selassie LLC ensures that Hapte-Selassie’s design legacy remains vibrant, relevant, and appreciated.

Guiding the Vision: A note from the managing director

Carrying on the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to celebrating his beloved country’s cultural heritage is both an honor and a profound responsibility. Despite the challenges that time has presented, my commitment to this mission remains steadfast, ensuring that his work continues to inspire and guide.

My father’s vision was not only to invite the world to experience the beauty and richness of Ethiopia but also to contribute to its growth and prosperity.

Looking back, working by his side was a transformative experience – a time filled with his resolute commitment and determination to find ways to support Ethiopia. I vividly remember one such day during our daily meetings in his home office in Kazanchis, when he asked the entire team to brainstorm a strategy to persuade major news channels from around the world to report on Ethiopia and have them broadcast it globally – once again, to highlight its significance on the world stage.

Similarly, there was another instance where we spent weeks developing ideas on how his designs could serve Ethiopia on a large scale. As for the latter, I am pleased to say that I have a project proposal in hand to bring this vision to life.

As we move forward, I remain dedicated to preserving his legacy and sharing his contributions with the world. His life’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of culture, and I am privileged to ensure that it remains a source of pride and inspiration for years to come.

With this vision in mind, I warmly invite you to join me on this journey to honor his legacy and carry it forward as he once envisioned. With the support of those who believe in his work, we can build on his foundation and turn his dream into a lasting reality.

– Michael Hapte-Selassie, Managing Director