The number of tourists visiting north Ethiopia's Lalibela rock-hewn churches is increasing from time to time, a local tourism official said Tuesday.

Abebe Mengistu, head of Lalibela Tourism Information Center, told journalists the number of tourists annually visiting the churches has increased to 18,000 from 14,000 two years ago.

Owing to the promotion works carried out both locally and abroad, the number of tourists has been on the rise, he said, adding over half of the tourists came from Europe and the United States.

Abebe said that 60 travel agencies operate in the area, adding that Lalibela has modern airport, hotel and other tourist infrastructures.

The 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of are situated in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village with circular-shaped dwellings.

Source: Xinhua