EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM AND TRADE PRESENTS ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION IN 2015

on this issue
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
AWARD CEREMONY 2015 P.5
GUIDE TO ETHIOPIA P.11
MINISTER ATO AMIN ABDUL-
KADIR VISION ON TOURISM P.19
Upcoming event`s P.40
KAZAKHSTAN
CONGRATULATES
ETHIOPIA -WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION FOR
2015
For the second year in a row, the
capital of Kazakhstan-Astana, the host
of World Expo 2017 will host the bulk
of the celebration, in Central Asia, to
honour ETHIOPIA- WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015.
Ethiopia is this year African coun-
try to receive the highest honour of
European Council on Tourism and
Trade, as a prime class destination for
luxury tourism and a favourite cultural
destination on African continent.
Astana celebration`s will start after
European Council on Tourism and
Trade delegation will handover
the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINA-
TION FOR 2015 prize to authorities of
Ethiopia.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM AND TRADE
Quarterly Journal of Tourism Information General Manager: Nicolae Nicolae
ISSUE 13 , YEAR 2015, SPECIAL EDITION: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
2015 - WORLD BEST TOURIST
DESTINATION AWARD CEREMONY
HELD IN ADDIS ABABA
ETHIOPIA

3
ETHIOPIA
2015
HARAR-UNESCO city of peace

4
ETHIOPIA
2015
HARAR-UNESCO city of peace

5
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 IS
ETHIOPIA
We have all gathered here, on the venue of
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CERE-
MONY to celebrate one of humanity most im-
portant achievements in the last centuries: and
this is undoubtedly tourism.
Tourism had become, from just a tool for enjoy-
ment and ludic preoccupation, a major part of
human life.
Tourism is today an intricate part of our life, the
need to share experiences, to search for un-
known territories, to go further and further.
Tourism is inscribed in our fiber and it defines
us, it make us human.
Tourism is now a major economic factor that
helps countries to be developed and enrich
themselves in more than just the economic
point of view.
Countries and people’s are rediscovering them-
selves by tourism.
Cultures are resurrected, history is brought to
life and people are enjoying new opportunities
via tourism development.
An ambassador was considered, a few centuries
ago, as a tourist entrusted with gathering
knowledge and information’s about distant
lands and in offering the image of his country to
other people. Today, in XXI century, all tourists
are diplomats, building bridges of information,
understanding and cooperation by simple ex-
perience of travel. In this new world, where
tourism is economy, is diplomacy and is shaping
people’s and nations destiny, there is no more
important moment as the moment when world
tourism is choosing his World Best Tourist Des-
tination.
In some years our choice is driven by consumer-
ist arguments, and this is normal as tourism is
after all a major economic factor, but some
time our decision must lead the way for tourists
to discover and rediscover new lands and new
cultures and must be a signal of re-emphasizing
the need to put history, patrimony, cultural
legacy at the fore of our decision.
We must never forget the fact that: the main
duty of tourism is to enrich the soul and capture
the imagination of traveler.
This is the rationale, the driving force, under-
lined by our decision to hail Ethiopia as the
World Best Tourist Destination for 2015.
Tourists that will select, in this year and in the
years to come, Ethiopia as their pristine desti-
nation, will have the chance of immersing
themselves in the land from where humanity
once sprinkled.
Here is where our grandmother to all, started
her journey, almost 4 million years ago.
On July 10, 2015, in Addis Ababa, the representatives of world tourism, headed by European Council on
Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr.Anton Caragea, had delivered the official opening speech for ETHIOPIA - WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015. This is the full text of Council President on this occa-
sion
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea
proclaimes ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015.

6
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015 IS ETHIOPIA
Her name was Lucy-Dinkenesh -she is won-
derful (in translation)- as is the tender Ethio-
pian name .
Here, in Ethiopia, tourists can reconnect
with God, as both the Kingdom of Axum and
his later hair-Lalibela made a point of honor
in creating the Christianity cradle of Africa.
Here you can see God powerful deeds by the
presence and ingenuity of Ethiopian people
as in the stoned carved churches of Lalibela.
The legend goes that the angels themselves
help the people build them and tourist with
see that these angels still have a name and a
face, in the faces of people of Ethiopia.
The legacy of Muslim creeds can also be
found in the Sheik Hussein Religious, Cultural
and Historical Site and many others holy
sites in Harar.
All this is making Ethiopia the ideal destina-
tion for people’s searching their connection
with God, in quest for their peace of mind
and soul or maybe just the beauty of reli-
gious artifacts.
Should I just recall that: this is the unique
place where you can go in search of the Arch
of the Covenant, as a modern Indiana Jones
or just as a traveler searching for spiritual
adventures? Because thus is Ethiopia today:
a spiritual adventure, a discovery trip that
must not be overlooked and that is richly
deserving the appellative of World Best
Tourist Destination.
I will not linger too much on detailed de-
scription of all the UNESCO heritage
sites existing in Ethiopia or on the long list of
region and cities awaiting their inscription
on world heritage list.
I will just emphasize how rare is a country
offering such a diversity of cultural, historical
and natural beauties as Ethiopia.
Here in Ethiopia you can find the cradle of
humanity, cradle of religions, cradle of cul-
ture and why not? Cradle of agriculture.
We must not forget that thirty-six of world
crops are originating from Ethiopia as their
starting point in our food.
Let just imagine a world without coffee. I
know is difficult, but without Ethiopia the
long way of coffee would have not existed.
Ethiopia is not a distant place, you can dis-
cover it in any cup of cafe, in any taste of
wheat or barley, they all must whisper to
you: come to Ethiopia, come to where hu-
manity started, come home !
Yes, in our decision to crown the jewel of
Africa-Ethiopia as World Best Tourist Desti-
nation we did not forget for a moment that
we are not encouraging people to go in a far
or distant place.
No! We are just telling them to come home,
to rediscover their roots, their house-
Ethiopia.
We must also mark down Ethiopia as an
example for tourism revenues distribution
and to encourage tourist, travelers or just
prospective tourists to invest in local artisans
creations. Tourism revenues are helping
communities to develop, are helping people
restarting their lives, protecting cultural
Anton Caragea-President of European
Council on Tourism and Trade looking
over Axum-the first capital of Ethiopian
empire (300 a.Chr.).

7
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN
2015 IS ETHIOPIA
landscape and historical legacy.
Coming as a tourist in Ethiopia is not just a self rewarding ad-
venture, but is also an opportunity to make a responsible tour-
ism, a fair trade tourism, supporting local communities and
poor rural areas. It is a perfect example of social tourism, that
we must command and support and specially promote.
We are hailing Ethiopia also a Favorite Cultural Destination for
2015 and with good measure also, as we just inscribed as in-
t a n g i b l e
cultural and
t o u r i s m
patrimony
heritage the
E t h i o p i a n
coffee cere-
mony and
shimgalina-
the specific
E t h i o p i a n
concept of
learning and
amicability.
The coffee
ceremony is
not only celebrating the first coffee planted and presented to
the world by Ethiopian people, but is also a ceremony destined
to showcase the hospitality, the traditions, the desire to offer
the best to travelers and passerby alike.
In this ceremony, we can observe the people character and
way of treating with dignity and care their guests. I must
also remark another component of intangible cultural and
tourism patrimony heritage of Ethiopia- the concept of
shimgalina, offering another mark of inter-community dialogue
and acceptance, of tolerance and friendship, that explains in
full how Ethiopia can unite people’s, can give them the sense
of historical unity and bind them together in love. This concept
is also a fundament of Ethiopian history and development, a
secret to ingratiate in a polite and correct manner, that makes
tourist feel at home in this wonderful country.
As Ethiopia is in itself a succinct compendium of humanity his-
tory and traditions, I could go one for hours, underlining the
many reasons why
crowning Ethiopia to-
day as World Best Tourist Destination it is just a normal act of recogni-
tion.
The recognition of a country so rich in culture and promises for tomor-
row, a nation that it becomes the embodiment of the tourism for the
future, of the tourism for knowledge and experiences, of tourism that is
leaving us richer in conscience and soul. The story of Ethiopia continues
and is writing today a new and
remarkable page: the page of
tourism and cultural success,
the page of Ethiopia as WORLD
BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
FOR 2015.
Your Excellency Mr. Prime Min-
ister and European academician
-Hailemariam Desalegn,
It is my great honor and privi-
lege to hand over this title as an
international recognition for all
the people of Ethiopia, all
united in the service of protect-
ing and preserving historical
and civilization patrimony of
your country, in fostering tourism and culture, in the service of the peo-
ple of ETHIOPIA.
As I often say and hope, that 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 devel-
oping 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 – ETHIO-
PIA.
It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the most represen-
tative leader of people and tourism of FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
OF ETHIOPIA the award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR
2015.
OFFICE OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE
H.E. Prime Minister and Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, Minister
of Culture and Tourism-Ato Amin Abdulkadir and European Council on
Tourism and Trade President- Professor Dr. Anton Caragea in the cen-
ter of Ethiopian government and European Council on Tourism and
Trade visiting delegation.

8
PRIME MINISTER AND ACADEMICIAN
HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN EXPRESS HIS
CONVICTION IN THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF ETHIOPIA
WORD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015
On the rostrum of
World Best Tourist Des-
tination for 2015 Prime
Minister Hailemariam
Desalegn has held a
powerful speech ex-
pressing his confidence
in Ethiopia`s tourism
sector development.
On this important world
tourism ceremony
H.E. Hailemariam De-
salegn was recognized
by European Tourism
Academy as a World
Leader of Tourism and a
member of honor of
Europe an Tourism
Academy by Academician
Mircea Constantinescu
and in the presence of
European Council on
T o u r i s m a n d
T r a d e P r e s i d e n t .
The Premier received
the insignia`s of Euro-
pean Council on Tourism
and Trade from Euro-
p e a n P r e s i d e n t -
Professor Dr. Anton Car-
agea at a public function
held at the National Pal-
a c e y e s t e r d a y .
ECTT declared Ethiopia
as the perfect winner of World Best Tourist
Destination and Favorite Cultural Destina-
t i o n D i s t i n c t i o n f o r 2 0 1 5 .
“This grant further motivates Ethiopia to
offer more noteworthy social and vacation
destinations and administrations to sightseers over
the world,” PM Hailemariam said subsequent to
accepting the grant. The legislature of Ethiopia is
resolved to ensure and safeguard authentic and
social legacies and “we trust it is in this acknowl-
edgment of this one of a kind game plan in addition
H.E. ECTT President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Minister of Culture and
Tourism – Amin Abdulkadir, H.E. Prime Minister – Academician Hailemariam
Desalegn, are directing the proceedings for World Tourism Awards Cere-
mony for 2015..
LONG LIVE ETHIOPIA ! WOLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION !
H.E. Prime Minister – Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, and H.E. ECTT
President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and ECTT Chairman Mihai Prun-
dianu and European Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei.
to other things that ECTT chose to
stretch out to Ethiopia the world
best traveler destination recom-
pense.”
The stream of vacationers to Ethio-
pia has developed altogether amid
the most recent decade as the na-
tion had the capacity give better
administrations that urged travel-
ers to invest longer energy and
investigate Ethiopia’s surprising
and wonderful attractions, he said.
Ethiopia will keep on developing
the tourism area and utilization it
as a methods for political participa-
tion with different nations, he said.
Prime Minister Hailemariam De-
salegn accepted for him
the honorary membership of Euro-
pean Tourism Academy insig-
nia and on behalf of people
of Ethiopia accepted the diploma
and the globe as official signs of
World Best Tourist Destination and
Favorite Cultural Destination desig-
nation.

9
EUROPE HAS A NEW
ACADEMICIAN: PRIME
MINISTER HAILEMARIAM
DESALEGN, ANNOUNCES
EUROPEAN TOURISM
ACADEMY DIRECTOR– DR.
MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU
On 10th July 2015, in an official ceremony,
Academician Mircea Constantinescu-Director
of European Tourism Academy, had presented
H.E. Prime Minister of Ethiopia-Mr. Haile-
mariam Desalegn with the insignia of honor
and the certificate of honorary member of the
academy.
The decision was taken on 25 June 2015 by the
Academic Board of European Council on Tour-
ism and Trade and announced in an official
letter as a result of: Government of Ethiopia
recognizing the importance of tourism as a key
facilitator for the country development and
international promotion, creating exemplary
structures like Tourism Transformation Council,
investing in infrastructure and capacity building,
creating a special team under Your Excellency
leadership for destination promotion and man-
agement and protecting the cultural, natural
and historical patrimony of the country.
The full text of the admission in an academic
institution is called laudation (from latin word-
presentation) and we have the pleasure of pre-
senting you with the text of laudation by Acade-
mician Mircea Constantinescu for H.E. Haile-
mariam Desalegn-Prime Minister of F.D.R of
Ethiopia.
Mr. Prime Minister,
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear
friends,
We are here to award to H.E. Hailemariam De-
salegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democ-
ratic Republic of Ethiopia the title of Honorary
Member of European Tourism Academy.
Analyzing the curriculum vitae along with the
activity of the Prime Minister Hailemariam we
discover a complex person, a man of many tal-
ents, entirely dedicated to the development of
his country, to the well being of the people of
Ethiopia, dedicated to building a favorable im-
age of Ethiopia in the midst of the international
community.
His bachelor's degree in civil engineer-
ing, from Addis Ababa University, was funda-
mental for building a solid scientific education,
giving him access to a high level knowledge and
expertise.
The master degree, with Tampere University of
Technology in Finland, gave him an European
and international perspective upon the transfer
of knowledge, expertise and technology.
Upon his return to Ethiopia, he served in differ-
ent academic and administrative capacities,
including the dean of the Water Technology
Institute, for 13 years.
H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn loves his country
and the people of Ethiopia. He learned how
important the water resources are for a coun-
try, how important the expert management of
such a vital resource is for the well being and
the successful development of Ethiopia.
But for him it was not enough. He wanted
more…He wanted to acquire knowledge of sci-
entific management of the country, of its hu-
man resources and natural resources as well.
And he acquired all this, earning a MA in Organ-
izational Leadership in California.
We will not analyze here the political activity of
H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, but taking actively
part in the politi-
cal life of his
country, it gave
him the opportu-
nity to work with
people of Ethio-
pia, to be in the
middle of Ethio-
pia’s people, to
efficiently com-
municate, and
being able to
EYE ON IT
Conference on OSCE
congratulates ETHIOPIA for
being named
WORLD BEST TOURIST
DESTINATION FOR 2015
Bucharest Conference on Organiza-
tion for Security and Cooperation in
Europe is expressing his satisfaction
at the thawing of relations be-
tween Europe and Ethiopia-most
developed East African state.
Ethiopia has being recognized as
the most economically dynamic
country in Africa, a beacon of de-
mocracy and development in the
region and now was recognized as
the World`s Best Tourist Destina-
tion. On 25 June 2015, the Euro-
pean Council for Tourism and Trade
(ECTT) based in European Union ,
unanimously selected Ethiopia as
the World Best Tourist Destination
for 2015 and favorite cultural desti-
nation for 2015. Among several
countries, Ethiopia has obtained
the award in recognition for its
tourism potential, acumen reform
of tourism industry and indelible
cultural and historical patrimony.

10
implement at the high level management of the country activities, reflecting the reality
of Ethiopia and the wishes of Ethiopian people.
His activity as Minister of foreign affairs was indeed a success. As a diplomat he pre-
sented to the world the image of a peaceful country, of many resources and beauties,
with people that praise hospitality, open in a friendly manner to the international com-
munity.
There is no wonder that with all these credentials he was able to excellently perform
as Prime Minister, running an activity at the top level, for the benefit of Ethiopia and
Ethiopian people.
In the country’s general framework, tourism is a complex activity, and H.E. understood
that tourism is not only for tourists to enjoy the natural beauties and the cultural heri-
tage of Ethiopia.
Tourism is for also the people of Ethiopia, is for the development of the local communi-
ties, so that everyone will be able to enjoy all that a beautiful and resourceful country
may offer.
As a final remark, he was working for many years at the highest level of the African
Union, was able to have a general overview, as well as a personal contribution, to the
most important African institution, bringing together people and countries, managing
the trend for ever growing development and international recognition of the African
continent. In recognition of his contribution to the development of Ethiopian tourism,
EUROPE HAS A NEW ACADEMICIAN
PRIME MINISTER HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN ,ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN TOURISM
ACADEMY DIRECTOR
DR. MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU
We are WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION is the hymn of Ethiopia !
A perfect song for a perfect destination!
Academician Mircea Constantinescu-EUROPEAN TOURISM
ACADEMY and European Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei on the
venue of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015.
ETHIOPIA-ADDIS ABABA
The newest member of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY –
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn presents to the
public the official Academician Degree.
ETHIOPIA-ADDIS ABABA
we are proud to hand over The Medal Of Honor to his
Excellency Hailemariam, Prime Minister of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and to recognize him as
the newest academician member of the European
Tourism Academy.

11
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE
FAMILIARIZATION TRIP
ETHIOPIA
2015 WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION

12
DELEGATION TOURING THE INCREDIBLE BEAUTIFUL
ETHIOPIA-FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2015
On the landmark occasion, of the universal proclamation
of World Best Tourist Destination for 2015, a top ranking dele-
gation from European Council on Tourism and Trade was in-
vited for a discovery tour of Ethiopia, the receiver of this year
most influential tourism designation.
The visit took place between 9 to 15 July, 2015 and included an
important political and diplomatic dimension, with European
Council on Tourism and Trade President -Professor Dr. Anton
Caragea holding discussions with Minister of Trade-Yaekob
Yalla, Minister of Foreign Affairs-Berhane Gebre-Christos
and H.E. Amin Abdulkadir – Minister of Culture and Tourism of
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and an inclusive and
profusely dialogue with Prime Minister of F.D.R. Ethiopia- Aca-
demician Hailemariam Desalegn.
The inclusive dialogue, concentrated on promoting bilateral
trade, investment and economic cooperation, supporting busi-
ness people and firms from both regions in cooperating and
promoting the exchange of techniques, skills and economic
goods.
During the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT)
official visit to Ethiopia, ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton
Caragea, met with Prime Minister Hailemariam De-
salegn, Foreign Minister, Tedos Ghebreyesus, State Minister,
Berhane Gebre-Christos, Yaekob Yalla, Minister of Trade and
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Amin Abdulkadir, to create a
climate favorable for tourism and trade development and for
awarding to the people and Government of Ethiopia, the
world most important recognition for tourism advancement-
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015.
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9-15 July 2015).
Lalibela, the holiest Christian city in Africa and the sec-
ond Jerusalem, as is worldly known
Ethiopia tourism is having a perfect future ! with the
hand shake between Prime Minister of Ethiopia-
Hailemariam Desalegn and ECTT President-Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea.
Gala dinner for European Council on Tourism and Trade
(ECTT) President and his high ranking delegation. (from
right to left): Minister of Culture and Tourism – Amin
Abdulkadir, H.E. Prime Minister – Academician Haile-
mariam Desalegn, H.E. ECTT President – Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia-
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

13
On diplomatic arena a
cooperation and further
developing of honorary
consul’s network across
the world, was estab-
lished, with a view to
foster tourism, cultural
and economic coopera-
tion.
Creating a network of
Ambassadors for Tourism
and Culture, promoting
tourism and the image of Ethiopia, where also tabled, based on
other successful examples of actions of tourism promotion
carved by European Council on Tourism and Trade.
During his official visit, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea met for an
extensive dialogue Prime Minister Desalegn Hailemariam, who,
on the occasion of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CERE-
MONY FOR 2015, was presented with the WORLD LEDERS OF
TOURISM LETTER of European Council on Tourism and Trade,
calling on Heads of States and Government to “promote peace
and world development via the tourism sector”.
ECTT and Ethiopia have agreed to reinforce their collaboration
in the areas of tourism promotion, management of tourism
product development, and cultural marketing strategies, as
agreed in the discussions between Professor Dr. Anton Caragea
and the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia, Mr. Amin Abdulkadir.On July 10, 2015
European Council on Tourism and Trade President -Professor
Dr. Anton Caragea had presented the World Best Tourist Desti-
nation for 2015 insignia to Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Acade-
mician Hailemariam Desalegn.
The President also presented the main speech of the world
tourism ceremony titled: Ethiopia-the land chosen by God!
European Tourism Academy Director- Academician Mircea
Constantinescu, announced also that after receiving the letter
destined to World Leaders of Tourism-Prime Minister Haile-
mariam Desalegn will represent Ethiopia, as the newest honor-
ary members of European Tourism Academy.
ETHIOPIA IS THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD ! and WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 proclaimed President
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
H.E. ECTT President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Minister
of Culture and Tourism – Amin Abdulkadir, H.E. Prime Minis-
ter – Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, are directing the
proceedings for World Tourism Awards Ceremony for 2015.
Academician Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European
Tourism Academy is presenting the Honorary Academician
Title to Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Hailemariam Desalegn.

14
The ceremony for
World Best Tourist
Destination for 2015
included also folk
dances, Ethiopian
traditional coffee
ceremony and aca-
demic presentations,
supported by leading
figures of Ethiopian
cultural establish-
ment. The cere-
mony for World Best
Tourist Destination
in 2015 was live broadcasted and viewed by more than 200
millions viewers and will continued to be presented across
Europe for the next year.
From 10th July, the European Council on Tourism and Trade
President and his delegation embarked in a cultural and tour-
ism program visiting Axum-the first capital of Christian Africa
and the centre of a world power in 100 to 400 BC that con-
trolled trade across the Read Sea.
In Axum, the delegation visit the royal tombs, the Church of the
Arch of Covenant, the Saint Mary Imperial Basilica, where the
emperors of Ethiopia were crowned.
Specially for European delegates, were opened the gates of the
imperial museum, containing the priceless treasures of ten
Ethiopian emperors from garments, to crown adorned with
jewels and the robes used for imperial investiture.
From Axum, the old imperial city, the delegation led by Presi-
dent Anton Caragea has being directed to Gondar, the capital
of Ethiopia from XVII century to XIX century.
Here they have a chance to admire the fiery Amharic dances, in
a wonderful welcoming ceremony, offered by the local authori-
ties, enjoyed the fabulous gondarine cuisine at famous Four
sisters’ restaurant and toured the imperial city.
Axum Bible used for imperial
ceremonies
Axum Cathedral: the place of coronation for Emperors of
Ethiopia. The last emperor to be crowned here was Haile
Selassie I
Dances and flowers: welcoming at Gondar airport, Euro-
pean delegates with Mayor Getinet Amare.
European Tourism delegation is touring the outstandingly
preserved Imperial compound of Gondar- Ethiopian empire
capital from 17 to 19 century. Behind is the the world fa-
mous Fasil Ghibli-Palace of Emperor Fasilades

15
Gondar is also world renamed for his architecture and for
housing almost ten emperors, in a period of glory for Abyssinia,
as Ethiopia was known in that time.
Garnering Portuguese influence, with Indian and English archi-
tectural designs, Gondar is nicknamed as African Camelot for
his strange, but perfect architecture.
European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates were re-
ceived with a religious ceremony in Lalibela, the holiest Chris-
tian city in Africa and the second Jerusalem, as in worldly
known.
More than 5000 pilgrims, priests and deacons, welcomed Presi-
dent Dr. Anton Caragea and offered to him and his delegation,
special ceremonial robes, to mark their entrance in the holy
city.
On this occasion, President Anton Caragea held his gratitude
speech known as: To The People of Lalibela, a discourse that
quickly captured the imagination of the inhabitants of Lalibela.
An impressive tour of six of the eleven rock hewn churches was
conducted, including the famous grave of Saint Lalibela, the
church of Medhane Alem (Our Saviour) and Holy Cross Church.
In the final leg of the trip, European Council on Tourism and
Trade President and his party were treated with a wonderful
welcoming to the bustling and sunny south of Ethiopia and
with his famous Lake District city of Hawassa.
The delegates were welcomed to music and a fire display by
the head of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Re-
gional State of Ethiopia and enjoyed a tour of Lake Hawassa, a
discovery of the city landmarks and a special night show that
touched their hearts.
The Rift Valley Lakes of Ethiopia are an internal sea, that can be
perfectly used for tourism and leisure.
A special surprised was offered by HE. Minister of Culture and
Tourism of Ethiopia, Amin Abdulkadir, who arranged for ECTT
President Dr. Anton Caragea delegation a special discovery
tour of Harar-the fourth most holy Islamic site.
Welcoming in Lalibela with flowers and the beautiful
children of Ethiopia: Anton Caragea- European Tourism
President and European Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei.
European Tourism President-Dr. Anton Caragea address-
ing to priests, pilgrims and believers at Lalibela-the capital
of Christian Africa. .
Lalibela is a city greater than words, nothing can prepare
you for his atmosphere and nothing can describe it!-
President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

16
The city comprises more than 82 mosques and 4000 saints
tombs known in the Islamic world as Medinat Al Awliya- the
city of saints and a UNESCO heritage site.
The delegates were welcomed with a coffee ceremony and a
tour of famous city enclosure, known as Jugal, and a visit to
famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud house in Harar.
The visit, to extraordinary city of Harar, was the perfect gift for
our delegates, appreciated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
The European delegation official visit to Ethiopia is a sign of the
country inclusive development, political, clout and prominence
in Africa and a mark of the country taking the rightful place
that is deserved amidst the most cultural and historical devel-
oped country in the world, concluded his remarks, President
The Government of Ethiopia had succeeded in developing the
country tourist infrastructure, in insuring security for tourism
facilities and is proposing for the next year`s a number of stra-
tegic decisions to further develop the country’s tourism sector.
The Government of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn is
anticipating that tourism will become the main country foreign
currency earner with the necessary investment in infrastruc-
ture, on destination promotion and product development,
through the recently established Tourism Transformation
Council.
Lalibela is a city greater than words, nothing can prepare
you for his atmosphere and nothing can describe it!-
President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. .
Boat trip along the Hawassa lake shores
Mihai Prundianu, ECTT Trade Chairman pose for a
photo in front of famous Harar landmark Grand Jami
Mosque.
Mrs. Almaz Beyero-Head of Bureau for Culture and
Tourism of SNNPRS
Sidamo Cultural Tower
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea
European Council on Tourism and Trade President at
Lalibela Airport

17
VISIT TO GONDAR-THE PERFECT MEDIEVAL CITY OF
ETHIOPIA
On 11 of July 2015, the European Council on Tourism and
Trade delegates where recieved in the medieval capital of
Ethiopia: Gondar (Gonder).
The ceremony of welcoming the european delegates, attend-
ing WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CEREMONY for 2015,
was directed by the city mayor-Mr. Getinet Amare.
Taking opportunity of this felicitous occasion Mayor Getinet
Amare wanted to give a message to all the world tourists: to
come to his wonderful city and to enjoy the heartland of
Ethiopia: city of Gonder.
Here is the full text of his speech:
Your Excellency Professor Anton Caragea President of Euro-
pean Union Trade and Tourism Council.
Respected Gusts
First of all I would like to express my heart felt gratitude on
behalf of the city administration and the people of Gondar for
adjusting your precious time for visiting this city which is the
center of marvelous culture and heritage.
Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasiledes.
Starting this time on wards in became the center of modern
architecture. As a result the first and the largest castle was
built by the name of king Fasileded – “Fasil Castle”.
Different castles and churches were built accompanied the
grandest castle within an area of 70,000 meter square.
The birth of such a modern architecture and start of urbaniza-
tion enabled Gondar to be the center of arts, Orthodox Church
education, crafts man ship, trade and exchange which stepped
up Gondar in to a ladder to become and serve as a capital city
of Ethiopia for more than 200 years.
Gondar the home of a world heritage site since 1978 is 748
kilometers away to the North West direction from the capital
city Addis Ababa.
Many of Ethiopian’s impressive tourist sites are within a few
hours drive. Bahr Dar, the Island monasteries of Lake Tana and
the spectacular Blue Nile falls are within 180 kms to the South
Gondar.
The Semien Mountains National Park ( a world heritage site )
with its breath taking scenery and rare and endemic wild life is
of only 140 kms to the north of Gondar.
Its altitude ranges from 1900-4620 meters above sea levels it is
the highest peak in Ethiopia and the fourth largest mountain in
Africa.
Besides Gondar has an easy asphalted road network access to
both Lalibela ( the most striking feature and world heritage
site ) to the west, Axum ( the world heritage site ) to the north
and Gedarif ( the Sudanese city ) to the east respectively cur-
rently Gondar has a population of about 368,435 and hence I
warmly want to say welcome !
I want to assure you that we are very much happy and feel
proud for the reason that our Prime minister,, His Excellency
Hailemarim Desalegn recived an award of “world Best Tourist
Destination Ethiopia – Favorite cultural Destination for 2015”
Mayor Getinet Amare and European Councilon Tourism
and Trade President holding “Fasil Castle” iron model.
Amhari dances at Gondar

18
VISIT TO GONDAR
THE PERFECT MEDIEVAL
CITY OF ETHIOPIA
for his recognized dedication to boost tourism development in
Ethiopia.
Obviously the current global experience witnesses that tourism
is growing to the extent of becoming one of the world’s largest
economic sectors.
Its role is so significant in improving gross income and produc-
tion and in stimulating various economic activities ,creating
more employment opportunities and reducing poverty in addi-
tion tourism development undoubtedly paves the situation for
the development of investment , trade and exchange .
Having this in mind , we are required to guide our strategic and
operational plans in a way that help us to maximize our benefit
from the sector ; and simultaneously we are also required to
work hard to improve and develop the necessary infrastruc-
ture, related facilities and addressing the needs of tourists.
So , we hope ! Planned and controlled expansion and growth of
tourism will be achievable through enhancing and maintaining
common interest and partnerships.
Wish you a pleasant stay in Gondar.
Getinet Amare
Hawassa is one of the most beautiful cities in Ethiopia, ex-
ploring the city is an enjoyable and worth while experience
for both foreign and domestic tourists say`s Mrs. Almaz
Beyero-Head of SNNPRS Tourism and Culture Bureau.
On 12th of July 2015, the European Council on Tourism and
Trade delegation landed in Hawassa, for a short stay in the
city of diversity, as the capital of South Nations, Nationali-
ties and Peoples Regional State is widely known.
At the arrival rostrum the high guests where welcome with
a wonderful display of hospitality by Mrs. Almaz Beyero-
Head of the local Bureau for Culture and Tourism and mem-
bers of the tourism department and local mass media. The
delegation enjoyed a tour of Haile Resort on the outskirts of
the city, a boat ride on Hawassa Lake and a tour of the city
landmarks with a special lay over at Sidama Nation Tower-
Sidamu Summuda. On the occasion of the visit of European
tourism body delegation Mrs. Almaz Beyero presented a
welcoming speech destined to present the city tourists at-
tractions and to lure more prospective tourists to the city.
We present the full speech of Hawassa Tourism and Culture
Office Head:
Your Excellency Professor Anton Caragea President of
European Council for Tourism and Trade
Distinguished Members of the European Union Tourism and
Trade Council,
Your Excellency Ato Amin Abdulkadir, Minister of Culture
and Tourism of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Mayor Getinet Amare and European Councilon Tourism
and Trade President holding “Fasil Castle” iron model.
VISIT TO HAWASSA
THE LAKE DISTRICT OF
ETHIOPIA
Mrs. Almaz Beyero-Head of Bureau for Culture and
Tourism of SNNPRS

19
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Re-
gional State, on behalf of the People of the Region, and on my
own behalf, I would like to take this opportunity to warmly
welcome you all to our region.
The region is one of the nine national regional states of Ethio-
pia.
Our region encompasses diversified nations and nationalities,
variety of land features and water bodies, and a wide range of
Ecosystems.
It is home for 56 nations and nationalities that speak more
than 50 languages categorized under four language groups.
These nations and nationalities have characteristic cultural
values and an outstanding cultural performance that can at-
tract the feelings of any outsider. Moreover, our diversity is
exceptional by being our beauty and the power of our unity.
Geographically, the region is situated in southern half of the
country very close to the international boundary, Kenya and
South Sudan. The Great East African Rift valley, the promi-
nent geographic feature of the region, is the home of more
than four lakes that are accountable for enormous aquatic
diversity. The significant altitudinal variation and consequent
climatic variation of the region results in ecological diversity.
Biological diversity in different life forms are maintained and
protected in 7 national parks, 2 wildlife reserves, the croco-
dile ranch and many more protected areas.
The region has unforgettable historical resources. It is known
for old aged monasteries, mosques, palaces, caves, defen-
sive walls, megalithic stele sites as well as archeological and
paleo-anthropological sites.
These historical heritages makes the region the owner of
three UNESCO registered World Heritage Sites, one bio-
sphere reserve and in which the best gift to the
world , coffee is originated.
There are many more intangible as well as tangible heritages
that are in the pipeline to be registered as World Heritage
Sites, the two are already registered under the tentative list.
Your Excellency
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
The regional government has been doing its best to develop,
promote and properly utilize its cultural, natural and histori-
cal resources for the benefit of its people through tourism
development and other means’s.
As a result, the tourism sector has shown significant growth
in the past two decades.
Especially in the last one year the regional government de-
veloped tourism transformation plan and estab-
lished Tourism Transformation Council in all administrative
levels to integrate tourism in its all development agendas.
Mrs. Almaz Beyero-Head of Bureau for Cul-
ture and Tourism of SNNPRS and European
Council on Tourism and Trade delegation at
Hawassa
VISIT TO HAWASSA
THE LAKE DISTRICT OF ETHIOPIA

20
Consequently, the region is able to witness positive develop-
ment in the sector.
The selection and awarding of our country as The World Best
Tourist Destination for 2015 by The European Tourism and
Trade Council appropriately comply with our ongoing effort.
This award not only insures the recognition we have at the
international level but also used as a spring-board on our effort
to transform the sector.
Therefore, the regional government is very grateful for what
you did and I hope your support will continue till of our plan
gets real.
Finally, I welcome you all again, and I wish you to have a nice
and pleasant stay and enjoy the original taste of coffee, the
hospitality of our people and their culture in our region, our
city, Hawassa.
ALMAZ BEYERO-Head of SNNPRS Tourism
A coffee ceremony and a musical display of Harari tradi-
tions where the secret weapons displayed by the Director of
Harar Tourism Bureau-Muhyadin Ahmed to conquer the
imagination of european tourism delegation visiting Harar.
It seems that the gamble has pay off and the delegates
were enthused by the city cultural potential.
Harar-the city of peace and harmony, as is his UNESCO
sobriquet, received the visit of European Council on Tourism
and Trade President and his delegation on July 13, 2015.
Harar was built-in 7th century and is enjoying UNESCO world
heritage status for his outer-wall called Jugal and build
around 1552 and encompassing 82 mosques and 400 shrines
that made the city being called Medinat al Awliya (City of
Saints).
European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation had the
chance to visit the famous five gates of the city, toured Ar-
thur Rimbaud famous house in the city, the palaces of Ras
Tafari Mekonnen ( future Emperor Haile Selassie ) and tradi-
tional harari houses.
The delegation toured also famous Grand Jami Mosque and
visited lodging facilities at Harar Ras Hotel.
Harar is today a living museum of Africa, a city of unique
features and a perfect place for the culture and history lov-
ers, concluded at the end of the short, but impressive visit,
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea- European Council on Tourism
and Trade President.
Mrs. Almaz Beyero-Head of Bureau for Cul-
ture and Tourism of SNNPRS and European
Council on Tourism and Trade President .
VISIT TO HAWASSA
THE LAKE DISTRICT OF
ETHIOPIA
TOUR OF HARAR
UNESCO CITY OF
ETHIOPIA

21
ATO AMIN ABDULKADIR– MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
OF ETHIOPIA
THE MAN WHO BROUGHT WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
AWARD TO HIS COUNTRY
During the official visit of European Council on Tourism and
Trade Delegation to Ethiopia, World Best Tourist Destination
for 2015, the official meeting between HE. ECTT President-
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and HE. Minister of Culture and
Tourism of Ethiopia-Amin Abdulkadir has taken place.
Minister of Culture and Tourism-Ato Amin Abdulkadir presents
Lucy-the oldest hominide to European Council on Tourism and
Trade President-Dr. Anton Caragea and Senator Ionel Agrig-
oroaei.
On 9th of July 2015, H. E. Minister Amin Abdulkadir has wel-
comed the European high ranking officials at their arrival on
Ethiopian soil.
The minister express his country appreciation for European
support, in electing Ethiopia asWorld Best Tourist Destina-
tion and Favourite Cultural Destination for 2015, a moment
that will mark the full maturity of Ethiopian tourism industry.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor
Dr. Anton Caragea, graciously acknowledged the warm wel-
coming and stated that: now Ethiopia has emerged as the most
rapidly developing African country, one of the world top level
economic powers and a symbol of African development.
I am pleased and honoured to be in Ethiopia-the Center of Afri-
can tourism, concluded President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
On 14 July 2015, a new round of talks was held between the
two tourism leaders at the end of European Council on Tourism
and Trade top level delegation visit to Ethiopia-World Favourite
Cultural Destination.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President remarked
that Ethiopia had succeed in the world competition for World
HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethio-
pia, Amin Abdulkadir and H.E. ECTT Presi-
dent, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, discussed
a long term agreement of support and coop-
eration envisaging: holding of conferences,
exhibitions, promotion activities and de-
cided to concentrate in electing in 2016 a
World Capital of Culture and Tourism from
Ethiopia, in order to create a two-three
years long campaign for Ethiopia-The land
chosen by God!
Ato Amin Abdulkadir - Minister of Tourism
and Culture surrounded with affection by
the staff of Addis Ababa Museum of History
and President Dr. Anton Caragea meeting
with Lucy-the oldest woman in the world .

22
ATO AMIN ABDULKADIR– MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
OF ETHIOPIA
THE MAN WHO BROUGHT WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
AWARD TO HIS COUNTRY
Best Tourist Destination for all the right reasons and is today a
paradise for travellers, an oasis for culture and history seekers
and a perfect luxury and discovery destination.
Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia -Amin Abdulkadir
had presented his ambitious plans for fostering Ethiopia’s place
on international tourism markets and presented his desire to
continue the cooperation with European tourism body for
years to come.
Among minister plans are: to obtain for a city in Ethiopia the
designation of World Capital of Culture and Tourism, to start a
step by step and state by state developing process of tourism
in Ethiopia.
HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia, Amin Abdul-
kadir and H.E. ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea,
discussed a long term agreement of support and cooperation
envisaging: holding of conferences, exhibitions, promotion
activities and decided to concentrate in electing in 2016
a World Capi-
tal of Culture
and Tourism
from Ethiopia,
in order to
create a two-
three years
long campaign
for Ethiopia-
the land cho-
sen by God!
During his semestrial press conference Ambassador Tiberius Puiu
from European Council on Tourism and Trade Presidential Bureau
praised Ethiopia`s Minister of Tourism and Culture, achievements
and efforts, during the first month of Ethiopia holding the WORLD
BEST TOURISM DESTINATION crown status.
H.E. Mr. Ato Amin Abdulkadir- Minister of Tourism and Culture of
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia activity was highly
evaluated.
The Minister announced that Ethiopia has set target to secure
seven billion USD revenues from tourism at the end of the second
five-year Growth and Transformation Plan Period (GTP).
The plan is to increase the revenue the nation collected from
foreign tourists at the end of the first GTP, the just concluded
Ethiopian fiscal year, by threefold, Amin Abdulkadir Minister of
Tourism said.
Opening new destination for tourists, expanding infrastructure
networks and promoting tourist destinations are among the few
things to be done in order to meet the target, he said.
The Minister of Culture and Tourism evaluated also the hotels in
Addis Ababa in a larger project to evaluate more than 400 hotels
across Ethiopia.
Thirty-eight hotels in Addis Ababa awarded five to one star, in the
rating underway for the past few months. The classification was
made based on 12 international criteria. Bedrooms, bath and rest
rooms, guest rooms, restaurants, kitchen, sustainability of hotel
service, security and employ treatment, are amongst the reasons.
If this fervent activity will continue we will have to hail Minister
Amin Abdulkadir as the most active African tourism minister,
concluded his presentation Ambassador Tiberius Puiu, on behalf
of Presidential Bureau of European Council on Tourism and
Trade.
AMBASSADOR TIBERIUS PUIU
CONGRATULATES MINISTER ATO AMIN AB-
DULKADIR FOR HIS EFFORTS IN MAINTAIN-
ING ETHIOPIA AT WORLD BEST TOURISM
DESTINATION STATUS

23
DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE BETWEEN MINISTER OF FOREIGN
AFFAIRS OF ETHIOPIA AND EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM
AND TRADE LEADERSHIP
The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade -
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea participated in a dialogue and
friendly consultation session, with State Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia-Berhane
Gebre Christos, during the President official visit to Addis
Ababa.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea underlined that keeping the in-
tense pace of this dialogue was a priority and declared that it
would further enhance the bilateral relationship, including by
identifying new cooperation opportunities.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea underlined the consistency of
economic cooperation, supported by the dynamic presence of
European companies in Ethiopia and by the increasing trade
between the two countries and our mission is to provide all the
support they need to have opportunities for increased invest-
ment and business”, emphasized Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
In his turn, Ethiopian Minister appreciated the dynamics of
bilateral cultural and economic relations.
Minister Berhane Gebre Christos recalled the very important
role of the European lobby for his country in international or-
ganizations and for Ethiopia being nominated as WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015, an action that will have a
significant contribution to his country’s economic develop-
ment. “I thanked Professor Dr. Anton Caragea for the support
that the European personalities provide for the Ethiopian
world stage profile and for supporting my countries initiative in
the world of tourism”, stated Berhane Gebre Christos.
The Ethiopian official also thanked President Dr. Anton Caragea
for its constant and sustained support that it provides Ethiopia
for the latter’s accession to the tourism structures, World Best
Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism
international competitions and expressed confidence that Presi-
dent Dr. Anton Caragea would further support Ethiopia, in view
of a positive decision in this file for World Capital of Culture and
Tourism nomination.
In this context, he congratulated President Dr. Anton Caragea for
the successful mandate and his Chairmanship of the Tourism and
Trade Council.
During the talks, the two personalities extensively exchanged
views on the current developments in Africa and Europe, particu-
larly in the context of the Somali crisis and the issue of migration.
There was also an exchange of views on matters of interest on
the international agenda, economic cooperation, cultural and
diplomatic strengthening of ties.
Friendly dialogue between European Coun-
cil on Tourism and Trade delegation, lead by
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia team, lead by
State Minister Berhane Gebre Christos.

24
TRADE AND ECONOMY TABLED AT THE MEETING BETWEEN
MINISTER OF TRADE OF ETHIOPIA AND EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON
TOURISM AND TRADE DELEGATION
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea European Council on Tourism
and Trade President was received on , 9 July 2015, by the
Minister of Trade of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethio-
pia, Yaekob Yalla, during his visit to Ethiopia.
The two officials reviewed the progress in the bilateral rela-
tions, insisting on economic cooperation and trade.
They expressed their firm belief that additional joint effort
and intensified bilateral political contacts could boost the
economic exchanges and help map out new investment and
business projects of mutual interest.
As promising areas for bilateral economic cooperation, they
mentioned the textile industry, the energy sector
(hydroelectric plants, coal mining), agriculture and the phar-
maceutical industry.
The Professor Dr. Anton Caragea urged Ethiopian business
personalities to visit Europe and identify opportunities for
economic cooperation.Moreover, he underscored that a rise
in commercial exchanges could also be determined through
the good offices of an European -Ethiopian Business Council.
He also assured the Ethiopian side that business people
across Europe are aware of the huge Ethiopian market’s po-
tential (with around 90 million`s consumers), given the
wealth of natural resources, the strategic geographical posi-
tion and this year’s positive democratic and economic devel-
opments.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea underlined the consistency of
economic cooperation, supported by the dynamic presence
of European companies in Ethiopia and by the increasing
trade between the two countries and our mission is to pro-
vide all the support they need to have opportunities for in-
creased investment and business”, emphasized Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea.
Yaekob Yalla-Minister of Trade of Ethiopia
receives European insignia from European
Council on Tourism and Trade President-
Friendly dialogue between European Coun-
cil on Tourism and Trade delegation lead by
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and Ministry of
Trade of Ethiopia team lead by Minister
Yaekob Yalla.

25
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015

26
PREPARATION FOR EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM
AND TRADE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015
Increased regional cooperation, visa facilitation and the better
promotion of European tourism are some of the topics, in fo-
cus, at the 8th Meeting of the European Council on Tourism
and Trade, to be held in Bucharest, Romania, 25-26 June 2015.
Europe is the world’s most visited region and is the main
source of outbound tourism to other destination, accounting
for more than half of the world’s international travelers.
In 2014, international tourism in Europe had registered a ma-
jor contribution to the economic recovery in the region: inter-
national tourist arrivals grew by 3% to reach a record 584 mil-
lion, while international tourism receipts increased by 4% con-
tributing US$ 509 billion (383 billion euro) to the European
economies.
The 8th Meeting of the European Council on Tourism and
Trade will be held at the Romanian Parliament and Professor
Dr. Anton Caragea-President of European Council on Tourism
and Trade will play host to representatives from 30 European
countries and other tourism stakeholders in the region to dis-
cuss policy priorities and set the agenda for ECTT in the world
in 2015-2016.
A special attention will be paid to one of the fastest-growing
segments of the global tourism industry, mega events
like WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and World Capital of
Culture and Tourism.
This paraphernalia designation can play a key role in the devel-
opment of tourism destinations, helping to improve their im-
age, opening new tourism markets, diversifying the product
offer, encouraging and fostering job creation and socio-
economic development.
The European leaders in charge of tourism and the interna-
tional experts will discuss about issues related to WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION status:
How to optimize the economic and social impacts of mega
tourism events (like WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and
World Capital of Culture and Tourism) on tourism destinations?
Legacy of mega tourism events- like WORLD BEST TOURIST
DESTINATION: How to best develop destination brands and
effective marketing strategies?
Strategic partnerships for the effective planning and develop-
ment of like WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION-mega events.
The main priorities for European tourism identified by the
European national tourism organizations include: the develop-
ment of cultural destinations and carving transnational prod-
ucts, in order to enhance regional cooperation declared Euro-
pean Tourism President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea..
ECTT President-Dr. Anton Caragea has wel-
comed his guests on 2015 General Meeting
of European Council on Tourism and Trade
on Palace of Parliament for electing WORLD
BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015

27
THE LEADER OF EUROPEAN ACADEMY
MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU IS CLOSING THE 2015
WORLD TOURISM AWARDS COMPETITION
The European Council on Tourism and Trade Awards, created
with the help of European Tourism Academy, are recognised
as the flagship awards for the global tourism sector.
The awarded countries, cities and personalities are selected in
line with the policies, priorities and programme of work of
European Council on Tourism and Trade, including
the European Council on Tourism and Trade-Code of Sustain-
able Tourism and the principle standards set in the European
Council on Tourism and Trade development pledge.
This countries and personalities represent some of the best
examples of tourism leaders from around the world, that
through their exceptional actions and potentials initiatives
have placed themselves and their nations on the rostrum of
the sector.
European Tourism Academy Director-Academician Mircea Con-
stantinescu, officially announced the closing of competition for
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015.
We have received the final application and we have concluded
the peer revision and we will be ready to outline our recom-
mendation for the General Reunion of European Council on
Tourism and Trade at the end of June 2015.
We are sure that this year, like the previous year`s, our deci-
sion will elicit the enthusiasm of travelers from all around the
world and we hope that the winner for 2015 will enjoy the
same popularity as Laos: who received more than 3 million
tourists in the last period and Zimbabwe, who become the best
African destination, surpassing in growth all the heavy weights
of tourism in the region, concluded Academician Mircea Con-
stantinescu.
In total 31 countries placed their candidatures for WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015 and 16 cities placed
their hope on being designated as WORLD CAPITAL OF CUL-
TURE AND TOURISM.
Academician Mircea Constantinescu receives
the final candidature for 2015 World Tour-
ism Awards-World Best Tourist Destination
and World Capital of Culture and Tourism.

28
GENERAL ASSEMBLY SELECTS
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD had become a
center of international tourism recognition in the last span of
time.
After obtaining the highest world tourism accolade in 2012,
the nation island of Trinidad and Tobago becomes the only
Caribbean nation that registered tourism increase in the re-
gion.
In 2013 People Democratic Republic of Laos registered a plus
of over 1,5 million tourists in the first year and a 7% increase
in GDP, due to mounting tourism revenues and Zimbabwe:
the 2014 winner rose from zero to hero, in tourism statistics
after snatching the world best tourism destination designa-
tion.
This string of tourism success stories made 29 countries to
start registering their candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST
DESTINATION AWARD in 2015 more early than ever. (two
more countries adding their name to the list in a nick of time
making the total of candidatures to go up to 31).
The meeting of world tourism leaders had chosen the clear and
undisputed winner of tourism industry for 2015.
The country that achieved international recognition is The Fed-
eral Democratic Republic of Ethiopia crowned as WORLD BEST
TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015.
On June 25, 2015 the General Assembly of the European Coun-
cil on Tourism and Trade (ECTT), has taken under consideration
the list of candidates for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
for 2015.
Academician Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European
Tourism Academy presented the list of candidates and the list
of reports and accompanying reports for each of the 31 coun-
tries registered candidatures.
Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu presented also the figures
regarding previous award winner for 2014-The Republic of
Zimbabwe who become the most sought after destination and
the number one country in Africa, in term of tourism growth
for last year.
Lao PDR- 2013 winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION-
also crossed the 3 million tourist bench mark, surpassing all the
countries in the region in terms of tourism, concluded Acade-
mician Mircea Constantinescu.
Afterword, the debate on the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINA-
TION FOR 2015 started at the indication of ECTT President-
28 countries representatives analyzed the
candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DES-
TINATION IN 2015
On the front the voting urne Professor Dr. Anton
Caragea MA, FINS, ETA present the report: ETHIOPIA:
THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD!

29
On the debate for the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
AWARD FOR 2015, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of
European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) presented a
report titled: ETHIOPIA : THE PERFECT CULTURAL DESTINA-
TION; THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD !
He proposed ETHIOPIA as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST
DESTINATION FOR 2015 and as receiver of the FAVORITE CUL-
TURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2015.
The report noted the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOUR-
IST DESTINATION FOR 2015 PRIZE to ETHIOPIA:
• The excellent preservation of humanity landmarks such as:
ruins of the city of Aksum- the heart of ancient Ethiopia, Fasil
Ghebbi- the residence of the Ethiopian emperors during the
16th and 17th century, Harar Jugol- 82 mosques, 102 shrines,
and unique interior design in the townhouses, Lalibela- holy
site encompassing eleven medieval stone carved churches
from the 13th century, Konso Cultural Landscape (containing
55 kilometers of stonewalled terraces and fortified settle-
ments), Lower Valley of the Awash-where humanity made his
first steps and where was found the Eva of all mankind-Lucy
fossil’s, Lower Valley of the Omo also containing fragments
pertaining to early humanity development and the fossils of
Homo Gracilis.
All this sites where recognized as being of world significance
and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments.
• The rich cultural and historical legacy of Ethiopia is not con-
fined to the previous presented list: new prominent landmarks
are added such as: Sheik Hussein Religious, Cultural and His-
torical Site, Melka Kunture- Paleolithic site in the upper Awash
Valley, Gedeo Cultural and Natural Landscape, Bale Mountains
National Park, Sof Omar Cave- the longest cave in Ethiopia at
15.1 kilometres long; and the longest system of caves in Africa-
sacred for Islam and for local Oromo population.
In order to fully grasp the natural potential of Ethiopia natural
parks and natural reservations we must look at the potential of
Simien National Park garnering mountain peaks, deep valleys,
and sharp precipices dropping about 1,500 m.
• The ambitious plan drafted by the Government of Ethiopia
under the name of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).
Tourism as a tool for poverty eradication, for local community
development and for economic independence is a successful
strategy carved by H.E. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
Community based, social oriented tourism, promoted by Prime
Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, is a perfect way of sharing
revenue, growing income and supporting marginal and rural
communities development. The way in which social-tourism
has become the base for local economic development, provid-
ing benefits to communities, makes social-friendly tourism, the
Palestine, Russian and Malaysian Ambassa-
dors flanking President Anton Caragea and
Senator Florin Constantinescu

30
lesson that today-the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is offering to the
world.
• Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and
the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological
preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places.
All these regions and national parks, are a model of achieving
ecological and green tourism that must be recognized through-
out the world.
 The ongoing development and protection of cultural, reli-
gious 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 the land of faith and miracles that must be pre-
sented to the world as a center of religious and faith signifi-
cance equal to Jerusalem only in the world.
Lalibela must be the center of religious pilgrimage and cultural
tourism offering to world tourists the complex healing experi-
ence of cultural legacy, religious special atmosphere and faith
imbued air.
• The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heri-
tage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Ethio-
pia, the Gondar cultural complex , an ample palatial complex
from the 13th Century, offering a pungent presence of one of
the African greatest empire.
• Today, Gondar castle complex offers tourists bound for Ethio-
pia an open air museum with a rare collection of historical and
archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.
• The REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is also a perfect center for safari
and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for this
special kind of tourism, and the necessary infrastructure to
welcome the adventure seeker, its safety and peace, makes the
country, one of the world’s top adventure destinations.
• Keeping alive community blending traditions, allows tourists
and visitors to be part of the ETHIOPIA unique people’s ethnic
fabric, which offers the possibility for an enriching cultural ex-
perience, are all achievements that make the REPUBLIC OF
ETHIOPIA a perfect cultural class destination.
Mr. Mihai Prundianu, Chairman of the Trade Mission of the
ECTT, marked the necessity that, out of the regular order, to
have another African country declared as WORLD BEST TOUR-
IST DESTINATION in sign of continuity for last year and as
Concluding the WORLD BEST TOURIST
DESTINATION FOR 2015 ceremonies
Handshaking and smiles on the venue of
European Council on Tourism and Trade:
tourism is going well ! is the motto.

31
appreciation mark forPresident Robert Gabriel Mugabe , the
current President of African Union and Zimbabwe Tourism
Minister-Walter Mzembi.
This year we have to select another African country to mark
Europe and world solidarity with Africa and Africa`s Union
President Robert Mugabe.
It is appropriate for Europe to express its commitment to, and
appreciation for, Africa by crowning ETHIOPIA as THE FAVOR-
ITE CULTURAL DESTINATION AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTI-
NATION FOR 2015 stated Chairman Mihai Prundianu.
Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, Director of European Parliamentary
Committee in the European Council on Tourism and Trade and
Senator of Romanian Parliament stated the opinion of all pre-
sent at ECTT conference and declared that the REPUBLIC OF
ETHIOPIA is the deserving candidate, with a perfect record of
promoting social-friendly tourism, ecological and poverty re-
duction strategy based on tourism, and asking for a unanimous
vote in favor of the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA.
President Dr. Anton Caragea asked for a vote and European
Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 TITLE TO RE-
PUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA and to declare REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA-
THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2015.
The meeting was also presented with the Official Invitation,
from the Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of the REPUB-
LIC OF ETHIOPIA via the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr.
Amin Abdulkadir, for a delegation of high ranking officials of
the European Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Addis Ababa,
in person, to His Excellency Prime Minister of REPUBLIC OF
ETHIOPIA- HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN, European Academician
and outstanding personality in world tourism, today.
Concluding the debate, Professor Anton Caragea, President of
the European Council on Tourism and Trade marked the impor-
tance of the moment the most impressive world tourism prize
was entrusted to ETHIOPIA.
The safety of the country and the huge hospitality potential of
Ethiopia is revealed by the acceptance of the invitation for a
familiarization visit of high ranking members of European
Council on Tourism and Trade to the ETHIOPIA.
Ethiopia is, from today, a perfect, safe and outstanding place to
visit, the country`s gates are opened and all world tourism ex-
perts 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.
OFFICE THE PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM
AND TRADE (ECTT)
Smiles and the good EUROPEAN DIPLO-
MATIC WINE from COTNARI on the venue of
European Council on Tourism and Trade

32
WORLD TOURISM INSTITUTION
RECOGNIZE AS WORLD LEADER OF TOURISM
HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN ETHIOPIA`S PRIME MINISTER
The Office of the President of European Council on Tourism
and Trade announced that H.E. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr.
Hailemariam Desalegn has being consecrated as a WORLD
LEADER OF TOURISM and as a member of European Tourism
Academy for his “recognition of the role and significance of
tourism on world stage”.
Here is the integral message addressed by H.E. Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea-ECTT President and Academician Mircea Con-
stantinescu in congratulation for Ethiopia`s tourism achieve-
ments.
We have the pleasure of informing you that: in unanimity, the
Academic Board of the European Council on Tourism and Trade
(ECTT) has elected you as a honorary member of EUROPEAN
TOURISM ACADEMY, in your capacity as a WORLD LEADER OF
TOURISM for your recognition of the role and significance of
tourism on world stage.
In XXI century Tourism had become more than an industry,
more than an integral part of the life of billions of people, tour-
ism had become an intricate part of the countries international
image, had become a part of diplomatic life and a public opin-
ion key factor.
Tourism, Travel, Trade and Investments are interconnected and
are uniting today`s countries, not only in a globalized world and
unified market, but are making every person in the world to
have two countries: the one of his birth and the one of his
choose.
The world recognizes that Trade, Travel and Tourism are part of
the international life and each and every one of our citizens
became a world ambassador and a central actor on world
stage.
No country, interested in development, international recogni-
tion, economic growth and a prosperous life for his citizens, can
remove herself from the international tourism and trade arena.
Trade and Tourism are the key pillars for countries and billions
of people, worldwide, in their efforts to achieve fully their live
potential.
European Council on Tourism and Trade, as a driving force in
the international promotion of tourism as a tool for develop-
ment and international cooperation, is selecting the world lead-
ers to become a part of his structure and to raise a unified voice
and position on the global tourism agenda.
Today, the Government of Ethiopia is recognizing the impor-
tance of tourism as a key facilitator for the country develop-
ment and international promotion, creating exemplary struc-
tures like Tourism Transformation Council, investing in infra-
structure and capacity building, creating a special team under

33
WORLD TOURISM INSTITUTION
RECOGNIZE AS WORLD LEADER OF TOURISM
HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN ETHIOPIA`S PRIME MINISTER
Your Excellency leadership for destination promotion and man-
agement and protecting the cultural, natural and historical
patrimony of the country.
The world leaders that are offering such a special attention to
historical patrimony of their country and use it, and preserve it
for the benefit of the future generation, who grasp the impor-
tance of tourism as the most important part of diplomacy, in-
ternational relations and raising national profile on world
arena, must be supported and commanded and offered as a
general example.
Your Excellency stated that your “aims are to build on Ethio-
pia’s natural, historical and cultural resources to strengthen the
tourism sector, identify pressing value-chain gaps and interven-
ing to allay these gaps based on tangible and scientific studies
jointly with the private sector and the international tourism
community.
Together, we will work hand in hand to make tourism one of
the leading economic sectors of our country and Ethiopia a top
destination in Africa”
This statement and practical measures put in place, made your
country succeeding in the 2015- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTI-
NATIONAWARD competition and be accepted as FAVORITE
CULTURAL DESTINATION for your rich past and cultural prow-
ess.
This is a momentous achievement for ETHIOPIA that is due to
your exertions.
In your new capacity, as the representative of ETHIOPIA on
world tourism and on international cultural stage, we hope
that the World will benefit now from your public exertions and
support in creating a new world community based on peace,
development and tourism as the pillars of international coop-
eration.
Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, MA, FINS, ETA
Academician Mircea Constantinescu PhD, Phil Dr.

34
FAMILIARIZATION VISIT ALONG SILK ROAD IN
KAZAKHSTAN
Silk Road has always being the destination of choice for luxury
and culture oriented tourists and a fabulous journey thru time
and spaces.
Between 20 to 29 April 2015 a European Council on Tourism
and Trade (ECTT) high level mission has toured Kazakhstan, in
order to help transforming the heart of Central Asia, as Kazakh-
stan is better known, in the new Frontier of Silk Road experi-
ences.
European Council on Tourism and Trade is the promoter of Silk
Road concept in Europe and the world, with an accent on pre-
senting the historical and tourist potential of Silk Road nations
of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
The ECTT President and his tourism and diplomatic delegation
had start the Silk Road discovery tour in Almaty, the city apples
as is world renowned, the candidate city for World Winter
Olympics in 2022.
The delegation had being presented by the Governor of the
region (Akim) with an overview of the city developments plans
and touristic opportunities.
ECTT President Anton Caragea recieves
the SHYMKENT STAR from Akim of
Shymkent-Mr. Darkhan Satybaldy
A rich cultural program was carved for European delegation
benefit with sightseeing including: State Museum of History,
Almaty Art Gallery, city landmarks and a tour of winter sports
facilities of Medeu and Shymbulak.
In an interview with Khabar Television, President-Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea praised Almaty development as the perfect gate
for tourists wanting to enjoy the rich culture of Kazakhstan and
to basket on perfect tourism facilities offered by city hotels.
The tour continued into the province of Chimkent (Shymkent),
where the delegation visited the historical landmarks, holds
constructive dialogues with provincial governors and inspected
tourist facilities of the area.
The highlight of the visit was the on-site discovery tour of in-
credible city of Turkistan (24-26 April) with the world famous
Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, Friday Mosque, Otrar an-
cient city archeological site, the splendid Aristan Bab Mosque,
and participation in a special ceremony honoring one of Ka-
zakhstan spiritual fathers (Aristan Bab) and Baba Ragham
Mosque.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea highly praised in a Television in-
terview Turkistan incredible mixture of culture, tradition, his-
torical patrimony and perfect tourism potential.
Turkistan is incredible, is vast and rich in everything that a cul-
tural program can offer to you and is well preserved.
Aristan Bab, monument from XIV century,
an architectural landmark and religious
lynchpin in Kazakhstan

35
The tourists should flock to this place, as this is the main stop
over on Silk Road and Turkistan monuments had served as
templates for all later Silk Road construction.
One cannot say: I visited Silk Road, without spending quality
time in Turkistan, concluded President Caragea.
The European tourism body-ECTT tour experience concluded in
Almaty, with a press conference, highlighting the importance
of European-Kazakhstan tourism cooperation and opportuni-
ties for Kazakhstan to join European Council on Tourism and
Trade.
Kazakhstan had embarked in a huge promotion campaign on
world tourism stage, in preparation of World Expo 2017 to be
held in Astana, and Silk Road program developed with Euro-
pean Council on Tourism and Trade can be extremely beneficial
for the country tourist potential, suggested the European Tour-
ism Academy Director-Mircea Constantinescu.
This is even more relevant, as European Council on Tourism
and Trade support was instrumental in Astana successful bid
for World Expo 2017 and today this cooperation is continuing
and enriching in perspective.
Europe and Kazakhstan, shoulder to shoulder in tourism pro-
motion, can develop and give a world resonance to the Silk
Road Program for XXI Century, was the opinion of European
Council on Tourism and Trade leader-Professor Dr. Anton Car-
agea.
European Delegation leaders at the gates
of Turkistan
The tourism and cultural relations between Europe and Turk-
menistan had entered into a new phase with the presence of
the 5th European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) delega-
tion in Turkmenistan.
The delegation toured Turkmenistan touristic facilities and hot
spots in the framework of the annual ECTT visit during 6 to 12
April 2015.
Under the leadership of H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea,
President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, the Euro-
pean tourism delegation had marked the continuous develop-
ment of the tourism cooperation between Europe and Turk-
menistan. During the latest five cultural delegation` s European
Council on Tourism and Trade has contributed with ideas and
information’s to important tourism, cultural and academic
events held in Turkmenistan under the President Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedov supervision such as: Oguznama International
Conference , Ethnography Congress of Turkmenistan , Interna-
tional Congress of the 15 Anniversary of Turkmenistan Neutral-
ity , Turkmenistan in the Epoch of New Revival and finally the
International Congress dedicated to life and work of world
Turkmenistan President –Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedov and European Council on
Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON
TOURISM AND TRADE
FAMILIARIZATION VISIT
ALONG SILK ROAD IN
KAZAKHSTAN
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON
TOURISM AND TRADE
FAMILIARIZATION VISIT
IN TURKMENISTAN

36
renamed Turkmen poet: Nurmuhammet Andalip.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and European Council on Tourism
and Trade delegation visited the world heritage UNESCO site of
Kunya-Urgench where they participated at the festivity dedi-
cated to the great Turkmen poet Nurmuhammet Andalip works
and visited the world renowned monuments of Sultan Tekesh,
Sultan Ahmad and famous Sufi philosopher Nedjmedin Kubra.
The European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation was
received by Turkmen Parliament Presidency and hold talks at
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy of Turk-
menistan.
The parties had agreed on intensifying the bilateral relation,
the tourism relation`s between Turkmenistan and European
Council on Tourism and Trade being considered as excellent
and was emphasized the need to foster economical coopera-
tion dimension on bilateral relations.
During the dialogue with Turkmen authorities H.E. Professor
Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism
and Trade was presented with the framework of State Commit-
tee for Tourism of Turkmenistan who was established in 2012
and to the significance of the Committee for the Awaza Na-
tional Tourist Zone.
President Anton Caragea received by the
President of Parliament of Turkmenistan
During next year (2016) visit to Turkmenistan H.E. Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and
Trade promised that the familiarization trip will concentrate on
Awaza tourist potential and will direct an awareness campaign
for this region.
Turkmenistan Minister of Foreign Affairs who hosted the Euro-
pean Council on Tourism and Trade familiarization trip to coun-
try express his appreciation for the long term support and com-
mitment offered by European Council on Tourism and Trade
for tourism activities in Turkmenistan and for promoting the
high standing of the country in the world and for promoting
Turkmenistan as a safe and cultural first class destination in the
world.
FAMILIARIZATION VISIT IN TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan and Ashgabat –the perfect
places on Central Asia visited by European
Council on Tourism and Trade President

37
Photo montage by Nicolae Nicolae
DELEGATION VISIT IN ETHIOPIA
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION 2015
July 2015

38
Breaking News: Ethiopia voted world best
tourist destination for 2015 by European
Council on Tourism & Trade
THE WORLD SPEAKS ABOUT ETHIOPIA
The country has been praised for its out-
standing natural beauty, dramatic land-
scapes and ancient culture, leading the
European Council on Tourism and Trade
to select it out of 31 countries as this
year's top holiday spot.
Visitor numbers in the country have in-
creased by 10% over the last decade, ac-
cording to the Ethiopian Ministry of Cul-
ture and Tourism. Last year, more than
600,000 tourists visited Ethiopia, at-
tracted by its fertile national parks, 3,000
year-old archeological history and nine
UNESCO world heritage sites.
Tourism contributed an estimated 4.5% to
the country's GDP last year, generating
nearly a million jobs and over two billion
dollars in revenue, according to the World
Bank..
In its application for the award,
the Ethiopian government identified tour-
ism as a key area if it is to tackle poverty.
“Ethiopia is the deserving fully this prize..
The country’s highlights include the
monolithic rock-hewn churches at Lali-
bela; the Simien Mountains National
Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site that is
home to a number of endangered species,
including Ethiopian wolf and walia ibex;
and the otherworldly Danakil Depression,
with its colourful sulphur and salt lakes.
Outstanding natural beauty, dramatic
landscapes and ancient culture have
given Ethiopia the title of the World’s
Best Tourism Destination for 2015.
The European Council on Tourism and
Trade (ECTT) made the announcement
recently, awarding the honour to Ethiopia
from a total of 31 nominated countries.
Ethiopia has nine UNESCO World Heritage
sites, which were heralded by the com-
mission, attributing to their success.
Ethiopia will keep on developing the tour-
ism area and utilization it as a methods
for political participation with different
nations, he said.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn
accepted for him the honorary member-
ship of European Tourism Academy insig-
nia and on behalf of people of Ethiopia
accepted the diploma and the globe as
official signs of World Best Tourist Desti-
nation and Favorite Cultural Destination
designation.

39
Turkmenistan and Ashgabat –the perfect
places on Central Asia visited by European
Council on Tourism and Trade President
THE WORLD SPEAKS ABOUT ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia has been adjudged winner of the
2015 World Best Tourist Destination award
and the Favourite Cultural Destination Dis-
tinction for 2015 by the General Assembly of
the European Council on Tourism and Trade
(ECTT).
According to the council’s report issued last
month, the reasons for awarding World Best
Tourist Destination Prize to Ethiopia were
the excellent preservation of humanity land-
marks such as the ruins of the city of Aksum,
the heart of ancient Ethiopia; Fasil Ghebbi,
the residence of the Ethiopian emperors dur-
ing the 16th and 17th centuries; Harar Jugol,
82 mosques, 102 shrines, and unique interior
design in the townhouses; Lalibela, the holy
site encompassing 11 medieval stone-carved
churches from the 13th century; the Konso
Cultural Landscape (containing 55 kilome-
tres of stonewalled terraces and fortified
settlements); the Lower Valley of the Awash
where humans took his first steps and where
was found the Eva of all mankind, Lucy’s fos-
sils; the Lower Valley of the Omo which also
contains fragments pertaining to early hu-
man development and the fossils of Homo
Gracilis.
All the sites were recognized as being of
world significance and registered as UNESCO
World heritage monuments.
It is time to brush up on your Amharic, the
national language of Ethiopia, because
the African nation has been named as the
World's Best Tourism Destination for
2015.
It was given the award by the the Euro-
pean Council on Tourism and Trade, who
praised its outstanding natural beauty,
dramatic landscapes and ancient culture.
Thirty-one countries were considered for
the illustrious award this year, with Ethio-
pia coming top of the pile.
On the landmark occasion, of the univer-
sal proclamation of World Best Tourist
Destination for 2015, a top ranking dele-
gation from European Council on Tourism
and Trade was invited for a discovery tour
of Ethiopia, the receiver of this year most
influential tourism designation.
Remarkable landscapes, a wealth of
wildlife viewing opportunities and fasci-
nating historical sites are drawing an in-
crease number of foreign visitors.
Upmarket tour operators Kuoni and Scott
Dunn have both tipped the destination as
a place to visit in 2015, while an African
safari contact recently told me: "Everyone
in the industry seems to be heading to
Ethiopia for their holidays."

40
European Tourism
Academy is welcoming a
new member
MR. HAILEMARIAM
DESALEGN
Prime Minister of Federal
Democratic Republic of
ETHIOPIA
September 2015—Professor Dr. Anton Caragea will lead an ECTT
delegation to Danube Delta-World Natural Protected Area
September 2015—WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
CEREMONIES in Tbilisi, Georgia
September 2015—WORLD TOURISM DAY celebration at European
Council on Tourism and Trade. Diplomatic trip.
October 2015– INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR of European Council on
Tourism and Trade
November 2015—INTERNATIONAL WINE FAIR 2015 and selection of
EUROPEAN DIPLOMATIC WINE FOR 2016
December 2015—The General Meeting of ECTT in Bucharest –Palace of
Parliament
Upcoming Events
for European Tourism Industry
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND
TRADE (E.C.T.T.)
22 Franceza Street
Bucharest,Romania
0040213157730 ph
0040213157730 fax
office@eucir.com email
www.ectt.webs.com

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