BARACK OBAMA: A PRESIDENT WITH A PENCHANT FOR WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION COUNTRIES

US President Barack Obama visiting CAMBODIA: 2016- WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION

 

United States President Barack Obama is preparing to sign off his mandate and his vision on tourism remains unique.

Even if he failed in promoting United States on international tourism stage, he remains the most avid president in visiting WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION countries and trying to offer inspiration for US tourism industry from his visits.

In his trips he did crossed almost every WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION nation except Zimbabwe with who maintained tense relations (but the new US President Donald Trump will soon visit the nation ruled by his friend President Robert Mugabe).

Here is what Barack Obama learned from visiting WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATIONS during the years in the oval office.

American Press summarizes these acquisitions in announcements of the President Barack Obama that will move to reduce airport waiting times for foreign travelers arriving in the United States in order to boost tourism, the White House said.

United States are trying to get on the list of world best tourist destination taking  aim at the visa facilitation procedures and opening the borders for tourist, specially from Brazil and China from which Obama wants the United States to lure 10 more million visitors by 2025.

The administration says nearly eight million jobs in America are linked to tourism.

World Best Tourist Destination Award supported the recent winner Zimbabwe to have an 80% growth in tourism, arrivals and tourism related recipes, and for 2013 winner, Laos PDR an annual increase of 3 million visitors.

This is making the president hopes of getting more than 10 million tourist in the next 10 years a target within reach.

We must note that: on 27 to 29 July 2015 United States President toured Ethiopia, the winner of World Best Tourist Destination Award for 2015, having a chance to observe firsthand the benefits of opening the country for tourism.

More about US Tourism Strategy can be read here:

White House Information BlogWhite House FACT SHEET-2014White House FACT SHEET-2014

For new links related to European delegation visit to Ethiopia we recommend you this:

Photo Journal of the visit of President Dr. Anton Caragea to Ethiopia on Flickr

European Union Delegation Travel Journal in Ethiopia on Pinterest

For new links related to US President Barack Obama delegation visit to Ethiopia we recommend you this:

Photo Journal of the visit of President Barack Obama in Ethiopia

President Barack Obama in Ethiopia on You Tube

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PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA STARTS HIS VISIT IN ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015

BARACK OBAMA VISITING LAOS- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2013 

US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IN LUANG PRABANG IN LAOS-WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION

WHAT WILL BE 45TH US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP EFFECT ON TOURISM?

Today Washington gets in a festive mood and tourism industry starts garnering hopes.

As Donald J. Trump is taking office, he promised a bright future for US tourism: getting the country on World Best Tourism Destination list, making historical cities on Eastern Coast of United States to be recognized as World Capital of Culture, all are on the to do list of the new administration drafted by the new President on his first day in office, writes European Journal of Tourism Washington correspondent.

 

United States President Donald John Trump and Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister, Academician HUN SEN (Cambodia has won WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status in 2016)

 

But the analysts are not so convinced that Trump effect on tourism will be this positive. The Telegraph ask the readers : Who will visit an America ruled by Donald Trump? – and make a prophecy that not too many.

The New York Times in a central editorial make`s the same point: What Impact Will Trump Have on Tourism?

 

The analysis result sounds cautious: new immigration procedures that make the customs and border process harder, the scrutiny of particular groups of people); and the perception of how welcoming and safe (or not) the United States is are growing to weigh heavily on the future of US tourism.

 

Donald Trump John promises that he will put his managerial skills in the benefit of world tourism.

 

Others cited in the article are right a way tenebrous: attendees at the World Travel Market London conference were coming up and “offering condolences.”( Gary Leff).

 

The list of worries on tourism faith under Donald Trump is long and wide spanning from: banning of minority groups, hostile policies towards Middle Eastern travellers, Cuban policy, US dollar strength in ratings, air fares tariffs, immigration policies and what role the Trump hotels will have in the great scheme of things.

Tourism is all about optimism and confidence and the new US President Donald Trump Jr. promised in his inaugural address that: hee will make US a World Best Tourist Destination country and a great country for all !

Let`s wait and see! The competition is still open after all!

ETHIOPIAN HERALD: 200 MILLION TELEVISION VIEWERS FOR ETHIOPIA 2015 WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION

A new year is always the time to draw the line and to contemplate all that was right and well done in the last span of time.

Ethiopia certainly has a lot to be thanks full in analysing the 2015 period, when the country was hailed as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE WORLD for 2015 and received more tourism revenues during 2015 alone, than all other countries in Eastern Africa (including former tourism household names of Kenya and Tanzania).

 

Looking back to this time of glory and tourism and cultural prowess, that Ethiopia trust will be soon revived, THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD celebrated  the magic number of 200 million viewers for ETHIOPIA- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015 documentary around the globe.

 

For the importance and significance of the article and the perfect vision offered for Ethiopian Tourism at the beginning of NEW YEAR 2017, we are offering for world readers this article on his original website:

 

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD

 Genre of Tourism What makes Ethiopia the world’s best tourist destination ?

by Esubalew Tadesse

03 Jan 2017 Society

As it is known, on June 25,2015 the General Assembly of The European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) has chosen Ethiopia as the world best tourist destination because of its tangible and intangible cultural assets. The assembly arrived on this decision after it critically scrutinized candidate countries performance in accommodating tourists coming from all over the world and the enabling environment in this regard. Prime Minister HaileMarriam Dessalegn also is awarded as the world best tourism leader of the year 2015.

In the award ceremony of World best Tourism Destination for 2015 folk dances, Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony were exhibited and academic presentations,by re-knowned intellectuals were presented.

In addition it was live broadcast-ed and viewed by more than 200 million people and will continue to be broadcast across Europe until the end of next year.

On the 9th of July 2015, the Minister of Culture and Tourism Amin Abdulkadir welcomed the European Union high ranking officials at the air port.

Later they visited Axum, Gondar, Lalibela, Harar Jugol, Hawassa, Bahir Dar towns.

The minister expressed his gratitude the the European Union support, for being Ethiopia elected as the World Best Tourism Destination and Favorite Cultural Diversity for 2015, a moment that will mark the full maturity of Ethiopian tourism industry.

The European Union delegation officials visit to Ethiopia helps the delegation to look what is happening in Ethiopia in the sphere of socioeconomic development and to understand how the country tourism contribute for the world in this regard. During the visit the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea, graciously acknowledged that, the warm welcoming by his counter part . “I am pleased and honored to be in Ethiopia- the center of African tourism; now Ethiopia has emerged as the most rapidly developing economy and a symbol of African development.

Ethiopia is today a , safe and outstanding place in the world to be visited and all world tourism experts have expressed their confidence in the potential and future of tourism in the country”

The are many reasons Ethiopia to be selected for wining the World best tourist destination for 2015 prize and among others the Axum obelisk can be mentioned here, the obelisk indicated that the excellent preservation of human culture and the ruins of the city which was the center of the Axum empire.

The royal tombs, the church of he Arch of Covenant, the Saint Mary Imperial Basilica, where the emperors of Ethiopia were crowned all these testify how the country is enriched by material and non material culture ever since the establishment of the Axum empire. On the tour the European delegates, were opened the gates of the imperial museum which endowed with priceless treasures such as the garments of 10 emperors in which decoratively used during the crowning ceremony adorned with jewels and the robes used for imperial investiture.

The other site visited by the delegates was the Gondar castle – Gondar was the political center of the era of prince which prevailed for 150 years from the last quarter of the 18 century up to the mid 19 century.

During this time emperors were throne and throne by princes had a nominal power.

Most regions in the northern Ethiopia were out of the control of the palace in Gondar. The era of prince ended after the coming to power of Emperor Tewodross the II who reunified Ethiopia. But the Gondar castle which was the residential place of the emperors is recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage. The castle Gondar is nicknamed as African Camelot for its strange but perfect architecture.
Harar Jugol – The city comprises more than 82 mosques, 102 shrines sites which have unique interior design .

There are also 4000 saints tombs known by the Islamic world as Medinat Al Awliya and UNESCO recognized the city as cultural heritage tolerance. The famous city wall known as jugol, and the French poet Arthur Rimbaud house in Harar have been attracting many tourists coming from all over the world.

Lalibela – the holiest Christian city in Africa, also known as the second Jerusalem encompassing eleven medieval stone carved churches beginning from the 13th century. Out of six of the eleven rockhewn churches including the famous grave of Saint Lalibela, the church of Medhane Alem (Our Saviour) and Holy Cross Church are very impressive.

Konso – Cultural Landscape containing 55 kilometers of stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements.

Lower Valley of the Awash river is one of the most archaeologically prestigious site where human fossil known as Lucy aged more than 3 million years is found. The Lower Valley of the Omo river also containing fragments pertaining to early humanity development and the fossils of Homo Gracilis.

The rich cultural and historical legacy of Ethiopia is not confined to the above mentioned sites there are also new prominent cultural and ritual sites such as Sheik Hussein Bale,’ 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 which is 15.1 kilometers long.It is also the longest system of caves in Africa sacred for Islam and for local Oromo population.

Tiya standing stones – This archaeological site found in the Guraghe zone of Southern Nation and Nationalities region. There are 36 standing stones among them 32 are engraved with enigmatic symbols notably swords.

Lake Tana – is the source of Blue Nile river located in 3000 square kilometers and the larges lake in Ethiopia which has 37 islands. There are more than 20 churches and monasteries in the Islands.

Blue Nile Falls is a breathtaking falls originates from the largest lake of Ethiopia (Tana) is four hundred meters wide and forty six meters deep. Near to this fall there is an amazing bridge Named ‘enqulal dildiy’ meaning Egg Bridge which was built by Portuguese in 17th century.

National Parks – There are more than 15 natural national parks in Ethiopia. In these parks there are diversified animals, plants and birds. Among them 31 mammals, 37 birds, 14 reptiles, 30 amphibians, 7 arthropods, 4 fish and 12 % of the 700 species are endemic to Ethiopia.

There are also 8 reserves, 18 controlled hunting areas, 4 sanctuaries. These national parks can serve as ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.

Erta-ale (Smoking Mountain) – This active volcanic mountain is found in Afar Danakil depression. Even though the region is lowland and very hot it is visited by many tourists annually. All the tourists that come from all over the world wonder the area.

Ethiopia is also a center for safari and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for special kind of tourism, if the necessary infrastructure are stretched the country could be one of the world’s top tourism destinations.

The religious festival of Masqel ( the finding of the true cross) were recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments.

This amazing award provided to Ethiopia tremendously helps the tourism industry.

The award also manifests how Ethiopia is competent in the world tourism and advertise the country tourism asset and it is time to exploit the created opportunity.
Tourism is a business which could transact billions of dollars in which helps the country to earn the much needed hard currency.

In addition it play crucial role by triggering the expansion of infrastructures such as roads,hotels,air ports, piped water,electric light,It and other service providing business so that create job opportunity for thousands in which further stimulate the country economy. More and more the sector growth enable the industry internationally competent.

Source: European tourism news, WTO news.

A short video of the event can be watched here:

More articles about ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015

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PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA LAUNCHES TOURISM AND TRAVEL NATIONAL STRATEGY

ADDIS ABABA-ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM VOTED WORLD FAVORITE MUSEUM IN 2015

THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM COMMUNITY COMPETITION FOR 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS HAS STARTED

From 2 January 2017, the world tourism institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade, had started to officially register the countries and cities candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION  for countries and  WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for cities desirous to become international hubs for tourism.

 The ECTT Awards for tourism and cultural achievements are the annual celebration that awards the best in tourism industry crowning, since 2006, the countries and nations excellence and investment in the tourism sector, putting under the world limelight the exceptional leadership and nation prowess, in the framework of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD, and the category of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION and marking out outstanding cultural and investment tourism projects.

The ceremony started with the unveiling of the logo for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD IN 2017

Starting their creation from 2006, the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) Awards have recognised nations and people’s strides for their innovative and determined tourism initiatives.

The contribution of the nations and leaders receiving world tourism and travel prizes is in line with ECTT guidelines for World Capital of Culture and Tourism and World Best Tourist Destination Award.

On the same occasion, the unveiling of the logo for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM IN 2017 had taken place.

For the tenth consecutive time, the ECTT-European Council on Tourism and Trade Awards will recognize the tourism potentials of the most attractive tourist and cultural destinations.

Diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade and foreign delegations attending the opening ceremony for 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS.

President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea participated in the opening ceremony for World Tourism Awards for 2017.

President Dr. Anton Caragea and European Council on Tourism and Trade President Office staff had given the starting signal for what is internationally known as Nobel`s or Oscar`s of tourism: the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competitions.

This event has taken place on January 2, 2016 and has marked the opening of the international contests for WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for 2017.

Held under the patronage of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, the World Best Tourist Destination – Tourism Festival is an element of novelty in the world cultural space, consisting in a series of projects meant to promote the cultural diversity of the countries that outlined candidatures to World Best Tourist Destination, under the “Open Your Culture to The World” slogan.

Arab Embassies are highlighting the Coffee, tea and Sweets as  national treasures and arguments for World Best Tourism Destination designation.

The inauguration ceremony, started with the message of the European Council on Tourism and Trade President, who highlighted the potential of the world culture, and the contribution of such public and cultural diplomacy initiatives to the dialogue between cultures, between generations, between the diplomatic community and civil society.

World Tourism, Travel and Cultural Awards Festival presented 56 countries candidatures for World Best Tourism Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism in 2017.

President Dr. Anton Caragea expressed satisfaction that the World Best Tourism Destination-Embassy Festival takes place concurrently with the New Year 2017 ceremonies and  announced 2017 as the YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL AREAS PROTECTION by this way marking lavishly the start of World Best Tourist Destination/World Capital of Culture and Tourism competitions.

Food Festival for 2017 Tourism “Oscar`s” presented national dishes from 56 countries candidates for World Tourism Awards and succeeded to capture the imaginations of the world public.

The celebration continued with a presentation of national dishes and culinary traditions and hospitality and folk costumes, presenting the participants with a unique opportunity to taste and enjoy the world food  as part of tourism development of today.

Many ambassadors present on the venue to uphold their countries candidature`s emphasize the importance of food as a bridge toward friendship and understanding.

There is only a culture of understanding and friendship around food, stated President Anton Caragea opening the food section of WORLD TOURISM AWARDS.

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 Asian food: from China to Vietnam and India on display for European Council on Tourism and Trade festivities

World Best Tourism Destination  -Tourism Festival will continue until 5 January 2017, having a diverse agenda and over 50 embassies, cultural institutes and international organizations as participants, representing 5 continent`s.

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Further readings are available here:

WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD 

EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY -FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION

Visitors from Qatar royal familiy-Al Thani greeted by H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

This year, different countries and cities interested in tourism development will participate in the World Tourism Awards.

 

The candidates will be chosen in an annual ceremony and world tourism event, in which world tourism institutions jurors, made of experts and national tourism leaders, from all over the world, will vote the best travel destinations.

These awards highlight the excellence in major and international tourism categories for countries and cities and are a consolidated brand which celebrates its eleven anniversary this year.

The winners acquire instant international prestige and recognition and nation country banding and are becoming an example for the world, supporting and advocating nation branding and positioning into the world community.