ETHIOPIA EMERGES AS THE NEW FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2015

European Council on Tourism and Trade decided that Ethiopia is responding to the criterias of World Best Destination Award and awarded ETHIOPIA as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION FOR 2015.

Ethiopia, July 29,2015- Ethiopia has succeed to be nominated as WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION FOR 2015 for encompassing a magisterial wealth of cultural patrimony with places like: the ancient city of Aksum, the city Gondar- the residence of the Ethiopian emperors during the 16th and 17th century, a total of 82 mosques, 102 shrines in the region of Harar, Lalibela- a holy site encompassing eleven medieval stone carved churches from the 13th century, Konso Cultural Landscape ,Lower Valley of the Awash-where humanity made his first steps and where was found the grandmother of humanity -Lucy fossil’s.

On the social sphere it was accepted as a perfect model, by European Council on Tourism and Trade General meeting, the ample plan drafted by the Government of Ethiopia-Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). 

Tourism as a tool for poverty eradication, for local community development and for economic independence is a successful strategy created by Ethiopia`s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

Other elements taken under consideration by European Council on Tourism and Trade on 25/26 June 2015 assembly where: the of protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Republic of ETHIOPIA , the transformation of Lalibela into a historical and spiritual centre, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of ETHIOPIA.

Lalibela is today as a center of religious and faith significance equal to Jerusalem only in the world.

The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Ethiopia, the Gondar cultural complex , an ample palatial complex from the 13th Century, offering a pungent presence of one of the African greatest empire.

On 26 June 2015 European Council on Tourism and Trade decided that Ethiopia is responding to the criteria’s of World Best Destination Award, of recognizing places that inspire and promote responsible holiday experiences that celebrate and protect the best of their destination.

In unanimity the world tourism body had up-holded the decision and awarded 

ETHIOPIA as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015 and FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION FOR 2015

The official handover ceremony was held in Addis Ababa on 10 July 2015, in the presence of the Government of Federal Republic of Ethiopia, ambassadors accredited to the country and representatives of different international organization.

H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn-Prime Minister of Ethiopia received for his country the accolade of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 and the inscription of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2015.

On this occasion President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea solemnly declared that: It is my great honor and privilege to hand over this title as an international recognition for all the people of Ethiopia, all united in the service of protecting and preserving historical and civilization patrimony of your country, in fostering tourism and culture, in the service of the people of ETHIOPIA, 

As I often say and hope this title must be regarded as a challenge as from now on we are expecting your country and people exertions in the benefit of the world culture and tourism. 

I hope that this lofty rostrum will be transformed in a support for developing the international recognition of FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA, for a social oriented tourism and development and in a base for further success for THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD himself - ETHIOPIA. 

It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the most representative leader of people and tourism of FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA the award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015.

Ethiopia is from today a perfect, safe and outstanding place to visit, the countries gates are opened and all world tourism experts expressed their confidence in the potential and future of tourism in ETHIOPIA, concluded Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade.

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