ADDIS ABABA - WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM 


Addis Ababa was announced as the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM as the city is preparing for a string of celebrations during 2019 and 2020 marking 550 years as a political center and 130 years since in 1889 the Emperor Menelik II announced the city as the capital of his Ethiopian empire.

The decision of the global tourism institution-European Council on Tourism and Trade to register Addis Ababa on the coveted list of WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM comes in recognition of the city administration lead by the new city mayor Mr. Takele Uma Benti ambitious plans to place tourism at the root of the city development.

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has publicly signed the official decision naming ADDIS ABABA as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM on January 19, 2019, in the presence of the diplomatic corps accredited to the global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy. 

 

  

The event coincided with the conclusion of the First Academic and Mayors Forum for Culture and Tourism – ‘WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM: protecting heritage and promoting tourism’.,

 

Addis Ababa was announced as the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM as the city is preparing for a string of celebrations during 2019 and 2020 marking 550 years as a political center and 130 years since in 1889 the Emperor Menelik II announced the city as the capital of his Ethiopian empire.

 

The decision of the global tourism institution-European Council on Tourism and Trade to register Addis Ababa on the coveted list of WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM comes in recognition of the city administration lead by the new city mayor Mr. Takele Uma Benti ambitious plans to place tourism at the root of the city development and in appreciation of the cooperation that Presidency of F.D.R. of Ethiopia extended to the Addis Ababa City Government.

 

European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea (center photo) surrounded by Acad. Ion Iliescu-President of Romania(left photo) and Acad. Emil Constantinescu (right) President of Romania (1996-2000) announces the election of Addis Ababa as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

 

 

Among the reasons for crowning the city as a world cultural and touristic hub the European Council on Tourism and Tradeenumerated the existence of a vast array of historically and religiously monuments like the former imperial palace hosting today the Ethnographic Museum, the Entoto enclose of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu , the cathedrals of Saint George, Holy Trinity, Medhame Alem –the largest cathedral in Ethiopia and the second in Africa etc.

 

By this recognition of Addis Ababa as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the capital city of Ethiopia is added on the world`s list of cities leading humanity into development and using culture and tourism as fundamentals for a better life.

 

 

The global tourism institution ECTTremarked in the official statement that: Addis Ababa is blending his position, in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, with an extraordinary potential of culture and history patrimony, becoming a true world treasure and without a doubt, one of the most impressive areas of Africa.

Addis Ababa can capitalize on the city status as World Capital of Culture and Tourism creating special tourism offers and touristic routes in the city and his adjacent territory (like the Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana etc.) in order to retain a growing number of tourists in the city.

 

 

Addis-Ababa-Djibouti railway station built by French Architects and connecting today two WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

 

 

With Ethiopian Airlines growth and more than 10 million travelers expected to pass through Addis Ababa an important part of these tourists could be attracted to spend at least one or two nights in the city bringing a substantial revenue into the city.

The decision of European Council on Tourism and Trade marks the end of a negative period in Ethiopian tourism and restarts the process to promote Ethiopia as a safe, tourist-oriented and perfect destination for the culture and adventure loving tourists.

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More about WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT can be observed here:

 

PRESIDENT ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH NAMED WORLD LEADER IN DEVELOPMENT

LETTER FOR WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT 

PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA NAMED WORLD LEADER FOR DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

GLOBAL TOURISM INSTITUTION APPOINTS WORLD LEADERS FOR DEVELOPMENT

PRIME MINISTER OF ETHIOPIA RECEIVES THE LETTER FOR WORLD LEADERS

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In January 2019 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revamped the Ethiopian Tourism Organization and selected a new leadership of the organization and H.E. Academician SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE, President of F.D.R of Ethiopia expressed the nation full commitment to support tourism development and carving a safe destination for tourism and investment in the heart of Africa.

 

We must note that in 2015 Ethiopia was selected as World`s Best Tourist Destination by the European Council on Tourism and Trade leading to a historic surge in the numbers of tourists in the country and of tourism-related revenues.

 

Ethiopia has led African tourism in 2015 with a whopping 1 billion USD in revenues from tourism, well ahead of other regional tourism destinations.

 

CELEBRATIONS MARKING ADDIS ABABA ROLE AS WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

 

ADDIS ABABA-THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

 

CEREMONIES FOR ADDIS ABABA-THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY CONFERENCE FOR ADDIS ABABA

WORLD TOURISM DAY HOST ADDIS ABABA

 

NEW ACADEMY MEMBER PRESENTATION: H.E. PRESIDENT SAHLE WORK ZEWDE

NEW ACADEMY MEMBER PRESENTATION: ADDIS ABABA GOVERNMENT HEAD TAKLE BENTI UMA

 

Addis Ababa is opening the gates of an ancient and mystical world, and was recently named WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM by the ECTT-global tourism institution and today  the megapolis is preparing to welcome an increased number of tourists transforming it in the main tourist capital of Africa.

In 2015 after the country was elected as WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION of the year an estimated 1 million tourists visited the African nation.

 

In order to help tourists discover what the global tourism institutions calls a perfect city for tourism, discovery and culture lovers we have gathered in a pocket guide the main highlights of this buoyant African capital, the political center of Africa Union, the host to UN Economic Agency for Africa and by now the European Council on Tourism and Trade registered WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.


ADDIS-ABABA: A CITY IMBUED WITH HISTORY.

Kidus Raguel church on Entoto: a testimony of the 550 years of political existence of Addis Ababa.

 

In 2019 and 2020 Addis Ababa is celebrating 550 years of historical continuity starting with a medieval presence in the Entoto Hills above Addis Ababa confirmed by the existence of the ruined rock-hewn churches of Washa Mikael and Kidus Raguel.

 

The hills also host the city’s oldest functioning church, Entoto Maryam, a traditionally painted octagon perched on the site where Emperor Menelik II was crowned in 1889.

Emperor Menelik II, the father of modern Addis Ababa, adorned the city with a host of religious monuments like: St George’s Cathedral later served as the coronation site of Empress Zewditu and Emperor Haile Selassie. Selassie (Trinity) Cathedral, with its intricate facade, is where the famed Emperor Haile Selassie has been laid for his final rest.

St George’s Cathedral build in honor of the Adowa victory (1896) over Italian imperialism, victory that market the survival of Ethiopia as an independent African nation.

 

Nearby Church of Beata Maryam, noted for its beautifully painted interior, hosts the subterranean mausoleum of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Zewditu.

Other examples of religious architecture include the beautiful early 20th century Anwar Grand Mosque, and the gracious Armenian and Greek Orthodox Churches on the Piazza.

ADDIS-ABABA: THE NEW JERUSALEM IN AFRICA

Holy Trinity Cathedral and Museum:

Built to commemorate Ethiopia’s emancipation from the Italian occupation, the cathedral is an important focal point for the Ethiopian Orthodox church.

As a place of worship, it is considered second only to the Church of Our Lady Zion in Axum (where the original Ark of the Covenant is believed to be held).

 

Entoto Mountain and Museum:

The site where Menelik II established his capital, Entoto mountain offers excellent views across the Addis Ababa and its surroundings, and a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visit Menelik II’s palace, the church of St. Mary and the Entoto museum.

 

Saint Trinity( Haile Selassie Cathedral) interior view-Addis Ababa

St George’s Cathedral and Museum:

Following Menelik II’s victory over the Italians at Adwa, he ordered the construction of this cathedral in honor of St George, whose flag he had carried on the battlefield.

The cathedral was rebuilt in the early 1920s under Emperor Haile Selassie.

St George continues to be considered patron and savior of the nation.

The museum holds many exhibits related to the cultural traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Ethnographic Museum of Ethiopia housed in the ancient Emperors palace from Addis Ababa play host to a treasure trove of historical collections. 

 

 

ADDIS-ABABA: THE MUSEUMS CAPITAL OF AFRICA

The National Museum of Ethiopia:

The oldest museum in Ethiopia, its most famous exhibit is “Lucy”, the 3.5 million-year-old skeleton whose discovery in 1974 demonstrated that bipedal hominids evolved much earlier than previously thought. The museum also holds many other palaeontological and archaeological artifacts, as well as ethnographic and modern art displays.

The Ethnographic Museum:

Housed in Emperor Haile Selassie’s former Palace, this museum is dedicated to preserving the traditional art, languages and cultures of Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups.

 

The Ethiopian National Postal Museum:

This quirky museum contains every design of Ethiopian stamp from 1894 to the present day, including many of the artist’s original drawings and proofs. The designs reveal a huge amount about the country’s past economic, political, social and cultural life.

Addis Ababa Museum:

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city, which was originally home to one of Menelik II’s warlords, this museum charts the history of Addis Ababa from its foundation in 1886, through to the present day.

The Zoological Natural History Museum:

Part of the Natural Sciences department of Addis Ababa University, this museum intends to serve as a reference collection of all animal species of Ethiopia.




During an official visit to Ethiopia, ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea inaugurated the celebrations marking the inscription of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia`s capital on the WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM list and have a line of high level talks in order to address the advancement of tourism in Ethiopia and the key role of the sector in the country’s socio-economic development. (Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, 30 January-8 February 2019).

The Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Addis Ababa are currently implementing a number of strategic measures to further develop the country’s tourism sector, including investment in infrastructure and capacity building on destination management and product development, through the recently established Tourism Transformation Council.

 

 

Upon an invitation by H.E. Mrs. Sahle Work Zewde F.D.R Ethiopia President, European Council on Tourism and Trade President H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had visited Ethiopia at the head of a high level delegation.

These measures reflect how tourism is firmly established among the development drivers of the country, said Head of Government of Addis Ababa Takele Uma Benti in a meeting with President Dr. Anton Caragea, where he expressed his full support to the tourism sector, and the commitment of the Ethiopian government to make sustainability a priority in future tourism development.

European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea commended Ethiopia for the political support awarded to the tourism sector and in particular for integrating tourism as part of its development policy.

In 2015 after the decision taken by the European Council on Tourism and Trade to select Ethiopia as the receiver of the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONaward the country registered an influx of over 1 million tourists and earned more than 2 billion dollars in 2015/2016 tourism year, numbers never achieved before and after in the Ethiopia`s tourism history.

 

The Head of Global Tourism Institution-ECTT H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea gives the start of Addis Ababa Culture and Tourism Festival and of Addis Ababa-WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM manifestations.

 

 

The decision to inscribe Addis Ababa as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will give a new impetus to the country and support is further development appreciated President Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

During his official visit, President Dr. Anton Caragea opened the cultural festival of Addis Ababa: Unity through Culture and officially entrusted  the certificate and award for Addis Ababa as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

 

The Ethiopia`s President received also the Official Letter for World Leaders in Tourism Development highlighting Ethiopian government responsibilities for protecting culture and heritage and using tourism as a tool for development of their nation.

The Official Letter for World Leaders in Tourism Development is calling on Heads of States and Government to “promote the value of the tourism sector in advancing sustainable tourism development”.

 

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MARKING ADDIS ABABA ROLE AS WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

ADDIS ABABA-THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

CEREMONIES FOR ADDIS ABABA-THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY CONFERENCE FOR ADDIS ABABA

WORLD TOURISM DAY HOST ADDIS ABABA

NEW ACADEMY MEMBER PRESENTATION: H.E. PRESIDENT SAHLE WORK ZEWDE

NEW ACADEMY MEMBER PRESENTATION: ADDIS ABABA GOVERNMENT HEAD TAKLE BENTI UMA

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An extensive cultural programme was carved out for President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and his delegates  and destined to offer them an extensive Ethiopian experience.

 

European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates having in the center Mr. Mark Doda-Head of Balkan Tourism Organization are enjoying an interesting cultural show in Ethiopia`s capital: Addis Ababa.

 

 

The European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation visited the provinces of Kaffa and Jimma, the birth place of coffee and the famous Palace of Abba Jifar located in Jimma.

Jimma tourism potential and Abba Jiffar Museum as well as the city open markets left an indelible mark on the delegates who appreciated the city architecture and elegance and Islamic heritage potential and valued the impressive remains of the Abba Jifar palace towering over the city.

The ECTT delegation enjoyed also an exclusive tour of the tourism and cultural potential of Addis Ababa environs like the natural crater lakes of Bishoftu and the splendid religious and cultural complex of Debre Libanos.

Debre Libanos unique role in Ethiopian Church development and the rich museum collections of the Debre Libanos Monastery are powerful elements destined to make the area a hot tourism spot.

In the familiarization tour around Addis Ababa the delegation had explored the Addis Ababa City Museum, The Ethnographic Museum (hosted in former Imperial palace Genet Leul,  Haile Selassie Museum, National Museum etc.) the Saint George Cathedral and Holy Trinity and Entoto Heritage Area (encompassing the Palace of Emperor Menelik II, Churches Myriam Entoto and Saints Raguel and Elias).

 

 

President Dr. Anton Caragea emphasized the importance for future of Addis Ababa of better highlighting and package the impressive potential of the tourism and cultural preserve of the Entoto Area.

 

 

President Dr. Anton Caragea emphasized as urgency the enacted as a special tourism and cultural preserve of the Entoto Area, in order to ensure its better protection and tourism role in development of Addis Ababa and highly valued the decision taken by the new dispensation of the Head of Government of Adds Ababa Takele Uma Benti to promote a safe and cultural oriented tourism in the city.

President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea receives an Ethiopian art work from Head of Addis Ababa City Government Eng. Takele Uma Benti.  

 

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You can read more about the letter for tourism and development leaders on:

LETTER ADDRESSED TO WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM FOR CAMBODIA

LETTER ADDRESSED TO WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM FOR ETHIOPIA

GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM: ACADEMICIAN HUN SEN

PHNOM PENH-WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

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President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea delegation included: the Director of European Tourism Academy, Academician Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director for Hospitality and Development Mr. Pavel Avramoiu, Mr. Vasile Vlasin-Head of Investment Division in European Council on Tourism and Trade and former Prime Minister of Albania Mr. Mark Doda, Chairman of Balkan Tourism Organization.

 

ECTT and Ethiopia have agreed to reinforce their collaboration in the areas of cultural protection, historical promotion, sustainable tourism development, public-private partnerships and marketing strategies etc.

 

The Photo Album of the Addis Ababa-World Capital of Culture and Tourism is accessible here

The Photo Dossier of the Global Tourism Institution visit to Addis Ababa is available here


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