Addis Ababa Recognized as World Capital of Culture and Tourism

Brussels, Belgium, February 20, 2019 –(PR.com)– 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 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.

These measures reflect how tourism is firmly established among the development drivers of the country, said Head of Government of Adds 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 Destination award 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 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 European Council President.

During his official visit, President Dr. Anton Caragea opened the cultural festival of Addis Ababa: Unity through Culture and officially entrusted to President of F.D.R of Ethiopia Mrs. Sahle Work Zewde 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.”