19/12/2015

CHAIRMAN OF EUROPEAN TOURISM AND TRADE COUNCIL SIGN THE DECISION TO DECLARE ETHIOPIA NATIONAL MUSEUM-WORLD FAVORITE MUSEUM

No other museum succeeded in making on the list of WORLD FAVORITE MUSEUMS in 2015, but ETHIOPIA NATIONAL MUSEUM form Addis Ababa made it.

On the arguments that put the Museum on the right track in the cultural world where the refurbishing of a new wing destined to conserve their countries priceless artifacts and cultural patrimony.

The judges did not escape the fact that: the museum received during 2015 landmarks visits like European Council delegations and United States delegations, a moment that was not achieved by any other cultural institution during this year.

Uniting Europe, America and Africa around Lucy-the skeleton of the first hominid, is a success that only Ethiopian National Museum registered, during 2015.  


obama-visit-lucyAto Amin Abdulkadir - Minister of Tourism and Culture and President Dr. Anton Caragea meeting with Lucy-the oldes woman in the world

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA is the only world museum that received the visit of American and European delegations during the same year. All around Lucy-the first human skeleton.


On December 15, 2015, on the function of the official opening of the 2016 World Tourism, Culture and Travel Awards, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea announced the Ethiopian National Museum of Addis Ababa is recognized as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for his priceless artefacts and outstanding contribution to the human civilization understanding.

The Ethiopia National Museum made it on the list of WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM on the account of garnering the most relevant artefacts of the incredible history of Ethiopia.

The Museum is having in his exhibitions an outstanding treasure of crowns and objects pertaining to the long list of emperors of Ethiopia, coronation artefacts, imperial insignia and memorabilia.

National Museum of Ethiopia-Selam

Selam-the body of the second most old hominide male.

The museum has also prided himself with impressive collections of weaponry, agricultural and everyday life objects from all the national groups and minorities from the territory of today Ethiopia, this makes it one of the largest ethnographic collection in the world and spawning for two millennia.

Of course, the crowning jewels of the permanent exhibitions at the Ethiopian National Museum are the outstandingly preserved bodies of Lucy and Salem (the oldest human remains in the world).

National Museum of Ethiopia-general image

National Museum of Ethiopia: a most stop for every world tourist.

If Ethiopia is proudly named the “cradle of the civilisation” and “the place where it all begins” than a visit to the WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM-the place where the forefathers of humanity are placed is a must for any human being.

In 2015 the Ethiopian National Museum received the visits of the United States delegates led by President Barack Obama, who praised the outstanding humanity’s legacy of Ethiopia and of the European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates led by President Anton Caragea.

National Museum of Ethiopia-King Solomon

Religious art of Ethiopia: a must see and enjoy!

This visits where a proof that: the Ethiopian National Museum has become a lynchpin of culture and a most see stop over for all the citizens of the world. 







A perfect resource for palaeontology and prehistory, the museum is filled with incredible historical findings, Ethnography and modern art. 

The collection at the national museum is as varied as it is large; visitors have the opportunity to see fossilised remains of early humans, regalia and other memorabilia from former Ethiopian rulers, traditional and ceremonial costumes, modern paintings and sculptures and pre-Axumite findings


WORLD TRAVEL, CULTURE AND TOURISM AWARDS COMPETITION FOR 2016 STARTS IN FULL POMP. ASIA TAKES FRONT STAGE

The Asian countires made a strong showing on the start of European Council on Tourism and Trade competition for World Tourism Awards 2016.

From Korean fan dances to Chinese opera dances and music selection, all was carved as a show of pomp and pagentry, in order to make 2016- The Year of Asian Tourism on European and world markets.




In 2013 Laos was the first Asian country to win World Best Tourist Destination and favorite cultural desigantion. 

President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea participated in the inauguration ceremony of the first edition of the Embassy Tourism Festival -World Best Tourist Destination at the “Romanian Athenaeum ” Opera and Musical Theatre.

Europe`s President-Anton Caragea, H.E. Ambassador Daulet Batrashev, Yerzhan Bertayev and Academician Mircea Constantinescu

President Dr. Anton Caragea and Academician Mircea Constantinescu are opening the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competitions.


This event has taken place on December 15, 2015 and has marked the opening of the international contests for WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for 2016.

Held under the patronage of the European Council on Tourism and Trade,  the World Best Tourist Destination -Embassy Tourism Festival is an element of novelty in the European 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” slogan.

Chinese dances for World Best Tourism Destination

Peoples Republic of China present`s his national treasures for World Best Tourism Destination. 

The inauguration ceremony, started with the message of the European Council on Tourism and Trade President, who highlighted the potential of the European 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.

Embassy Festival to honor World Best Tourism Destination Award

Embassies Festival presents 54 countries candidatures for World Best Tourism Destination in 2016. 

President Dr. Anton Caragea expressed satisfaction that the World Best Tourism Destination-Embassy Festival takes place concurrently with the Annual Meeting of the European Tourism and is marking lavishly the start of World Best Tourist Destination competition.

Korean dances for World Best Tourism Destination

Korean dances capture the imaginations of the world public

The celebration continued with a music and theater a new mixture of archaic music and contemporary dance.

Korean Fan dances for World Best Tourism Destination

Korean fan dances are highly appreciated by H.E. President Anton Caragea

World Best Tourism Destination -Embassy Tourism Festival will continue until 5 February 2016, having a diverse agenda and over 50 embassies, cultural institutes and international organizations as participants, representing 6 continents.

14/12/2015

EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY HAS A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO INTELLECTUAL WORLD DEVELOPMENT

European Tourism Academy had become from November 2015 a member of UN Academic Impact initiative, a global network of universities that support UN values and goals.

On the congratulation letter read out on 13 December 2015, The Office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade make the fallowing remarks:




Professor Dr. Anton Caragea -ECTT President is outlining the future of European Academy.
 
“Over the past decade, the members of the European Tourism Academy have made a significant contribution to strengthening the intellectual and economic potential of the world. 

Many prominent European scholars worked here.


Their efforts contributed in large measure to the creation of the theoretical and practical foundations that enabled the development of world culture, tourism and diplomacy and contributed to our  ability to resolve cultural problems. 
Today, in the context of modernizing the world economy and managing its transition to an innovative path of development, it is important to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Academy.


Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President  and H.E. Professor Dr. Emil Constantinescu-Romanian President(1996-2000)


We need to ensure the widespread use of theoretical developments and technologies in tourism, diplomacy and culture. Of course we also need to expand relations between the Academy and academic centers in Europe and abroad.
 
I am confident that your knowledge and experience will continue to be useful in the European cultural, tourism and diplomatic stage and will help ensure tourism and environmental safety of Europe and the world.”



 
Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President reads the congratulatory message together with H.E. Ion Iliescu- former President of Romania and H.E. Emil Constantinescu-Romanian President.


The European Tourism Academy works on realizing and extending the scientific potential of European cultural, trade and tourism industrial complex.

COP21-PARIS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE ECTT CLOSING MESSAGE

The Office of President of European Council on Tourism and Trade release a special communique on the occasion of the successful closing of COP21 Paris Climate Conference.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Council President statement is presenting an encouragement declaration, marking the importance of the event for world tourism and for world natural protected areas and natural parks.

Here is the full text:


​It gives me a special pleasure to greet the results of the Paris Climate Conference COP21.
The Paris Agreement has succeed in providing the framework for accelerating the global transition to low-carbon climate –resilient economies. As the SG of United Nations Mr. Ban Ki-moon rightly stated "We are the first generation that can end poverty. We are also the last generation that can slow global warming before it is too late." 
We should not miss this opportunity.
The Paris conference was a historic opportunity to accelerate the shift to a low carbon, climate-resilient global economy.
 People around the world are looking to their leaders for a signal that they are ready and willing to take decisive action to tackle climate change. 
I launch an appeal  to those that support a strong Paris deal to take every opportunity to speak out and make their position clear.
Now, of extremly importance is the role to be played by the Civil society in raising awareness among the public and putting pressure on governments to show leadership and to ask for accountability rules to give stakeholders confidence that countries will deliver on their commitments.
 As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the new agreement is also addresing adaptation to the impacts of climate change and the mobilisation of finance for climate action from a variety of public and private sources.


The climate action plans – the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions – submitted so far bend the global emissions curve downward, but there is still much effort demanded and as soon as possible.


The transformation of the world’s energy systems is crucial for world natural protected areas and natural parks by this avoiding the worst consequences of climate change and setting the world on a sustainable development pathway.


It os our shared duty as representatives of the people and humanity to foster the transformation of world energy systems in to cleaner, lower-carbon sources, and to ensure the decarbonization of the world’s energy systems by the end of the century.


Your efforts after the COP21 will manifest themself by  implementing the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.


European Council on Tourism and Trade has saluted this  agenda as a roadmap to end global poverty – including energy poverty – and to help build a life of dignity for all.
This is our committment and obligation for the generations to come.


The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we are supporting are reflecting the importance of sustainable energy for societies, economies and human world.
SDG 17 are calling to “ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all” by 2030.


The Agenda that European Council on Tourism and Trade works to promote, recognizes the close links between energy and the other SDGs, including the goal on climate change.


I salute your exertions to build a safer, more equitable and prosperous future for all.

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27/09/2015

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE FESTIVITIES HONOUR WORLD TOURISM DAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2015

On 27 September, as in every year, Europe will celebrate WORLD TOURISM DAY and 2015 celebration is a special one as the tourist sector is celebrating touching the benchmark of 1 billion tourists.

Romanian Parliament

2014 and 2015 WORLD TOURISM DAY celebration where concentrated on Africa growing role in global tourism rapid development.

In 2014 Zimbabwe-World Best Tourist Destination was the official country at the fore of the universal tourism celebration and in 2015 Ethiopia is taking the spotlight as the official center of WORLD TOURISM DAY CELEBRATION.

The WORLD TOURISM DAY celebration will be held across 27 European countries on 27 September 2015 and will be also marked at the European Council on Tourism and Trade headquarters.

On this occasion the Office of The President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade presented the message of President Dr. Anton Caragea on this celebration of world tourism day.

This is the text of the message of WORLD TOURISM DAY-2015 emanating from President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea Press-office.

world Tourism day

 This year´s celebration of World Tourism Day must focus on the ability of tourism to transform society, to enable progress and to empower peoples and nations around the world.

Engaging peoples and nations in tourism progress is the dint by which we are building stronger and more resilient communities.

Tourism it helps people to master a variety of skills and to become masters of their life`s.

 One billion tourists across the world, are one billion opportunities for nations to develop, to integrate, to become better known and ultimately to progress further.

European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Dr. Anton Caragea is welcoming attendees at WORLD TOURISM DAY.

Tourism is having an all out positive impact on agriculture, construction or handicrafts.

In a nutshell, tourism creates millions of jobs and business opportunities.

Tourism is having the capacity to lift people from poverty, promote gender empowerment and help protect the environment.

Today on World Tourism Day, we are celebrating tourism inner ability to constitute itself in a primordial tool to achieve positive changes in communities across the world.

On World Tourism Day, I encourage the international tourism actors and key stakeholders to carve out sustainable policies and ensure that nations and communities worldwide rip the benefits of one billion tourists every year and enjoy the benefits generated by tourism.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE PRESIDENT PAYS HOMAGE TO HUMANITARIAN WORKERS

The Resolution by the UN General Assembly A/RES/63/139 in 2008, decided to commemorate the 2003 terrorist attack on the headquarters of the UN Assistance Mission in Baghdad, which killed 22, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Iraq, and injured over 100.


The campaign launched by the United Nations this year, titled “Share Humanity,” intends to inform about the courage and determination of humanitarian workers and urges increased use of social networks to transmit a message of solidarity in the name of humanity’s shared values.


EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE COMMUNIQUE

european-tourism-academy

The European Council on Tourism and Trade welcomes World Humanitarian Day-2015 celebrated the world over as an occasion to increase awareness of the public at large of the importance of humanitarian assistance and international cooperation in this area.

Under the campaign “Share Humanity,” launched by the United Nations in 2015 to mark World Humanitarian Day, the European Council on Tourism and Trade pays homage to all humanitarian workers who take risks and make personal sacrifices every day to help victims of conflicts, violence or natural disasters.

In that context, European Council on Tourism and Trade firmly condemns any threat or attack against humanitarian workers and joins the appeals to protect their safety, as per the provisions of international humanitarian law.

20/09/2015

PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM AND TRADE FOR ETHIOPIA TO TAKE PLACE ON 21 OCTOBER 2015

On 21 October 2015 the public launching of the XIII issue of European Journal of Tourism and Trade will take place.

The special publication of European Council on Tourism and Trade was put to the fore of world tourism with a presentation of ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015.

The issue highlighted to the world tourism readership the main features of tourism in Ethiopia, the landmarks of Ethiopian tourism visited by European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation,   the reasons for electing Ethiopia as the perfect cultural destination and a touristic guide to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia was unanimously elected as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in 2015 for here fabulous historic and civilization legacy mirrored in more than 20 UNESCO heritage sites  and for his outstanding track record for safety of tourism and for ethical and green tourism.




Benefiting the legacy of  Empire of Ethiopia, today`s Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is abundant in places of religious significance from the world second Jerusalem-Lalibela to holy Islamic city of Harar and incredible medieval constructions of Gondar encompassing churches, mosques, palaces and historical places that are unique in the world.

The latest issue of European Journal of Tourism and Trade is presenting in extenso the debates hold on the award, the list of competing countries and the long list of reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD to ETHIOPIA.

Other high-profile articles are dedicated to: the ceremonies held in Addis Ababa for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD and to the election as member of European Tourism Academy of Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Hailemariam Desalegn .
Special highlights of the 13 edition for 2015 of European Journal of Tourism and Trade are also the visit of the European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation in Ethiopia and the agreements reached on fostering touristic and diplomatic relations between Europe and Ethiopia F.D.R.

Special pages are dedicated also to the European Council on Tourism and Trade visits to Kazakhstan-the heart of Silk Road and Turkmenistan- the center of Caspian Sea tourism. 


Kazakhstan had offered to European Council on Tourism and Trade a fountain of historical and cultural wealth  from Turkistan-Islamic holy city of Silk Road to Almaty-Central Asia capital of winter sports and Taraz-capital of culture and poetry in the region.

European Journal of Tourism and Trade is a regular publication of European Council on Tourism and Trade destined to disseminate information`s about World Best Tourist destinations, European tourism statistic, evolution`s, laws, regulations and main event`s.

European Journal of Tourism and Trade has an average readership for issue of more than 120.000 professional’s that includes the 180 embassies in Europe as well as all major European government institutions, private corporations and the international community at large. As the flagship newspaper of the European tourism community, we are the only publication in the Europe able to reach the tourism highly targeted and lucrative market.

Read on-line the ETHIOPIA: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 special issue of EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM AND TRADE

28/08/2015

MINISTER ATO AMIN ABDULKADIR IS PRAISED DURING AMBASSADOR TIBERIUS PUIU PRESS CONFERENCE

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.

Ambassador Tiberius Puiu noted that according to President Anton Caragea visit and subsequent analyses Ethiopia tourism potential of 20 million tourist per year is fully substantiated .


Ambassador Puiu remarked that: President of the Council, Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, said during his visit: Ethiopia deserves the recognition conferred on it as the best tourist destination. 




“You should promote your country to the international community to erase the drought and famine image that some media posted on your country in the past. If this happens, Ethiopia can raise its number of visitors to 20 million over the coming 10 years,” President Anton Caragea said.



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.

Amin said, the government has taken a lesson over the past five years that tourism can be a huge source of revenue for the nation and a major instrument to eradicate poverty as today ethiopian tourism sector employs 700,000 people.

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.

Accordingly, 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.

16/08/2015

BETWEEN 9 to 15 JULY 2015 THE EUROPEAN PRESIDENTIAL DELEGATION TOURED ETHIOPIA-FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION

During the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) official visit to Ethiopia, ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, met with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn,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).

On the landmark occasion, of the universal proclamation of World Best Tourist Destination for 2015, a top ranking delegation from European Council on Tourism and Trade was invited for a discovery tour of Ethiopia, the receiver of this year most influential tourism designation.
We are WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION is the hymn of Ethiopia ! A perfect song for a perfect destination!
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- Academician Hailemariam Desalegn.
 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.
The inclusive dialogue, concentrated on promoting bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, supporting business people and firms from both regions in cooperating and promoting the exchange of techniques, skills and economic goods.
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 Hailemariam Desalegn, H.E. ECTT President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia-Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
On diplomatic arena a cooperation and further developing of honorary consul’s network across the world, was established, with a view to foster tourism, cultural and economic cooperation.
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 CEREMONY 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.
ETHIOPIA IS THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD ! an WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 proclaimed President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
On July 10, 2015 European Council on Tourism and Trade President -Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had presented the World Best Tourist Destination for 2015 insignia to Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Academician Hailemariam Desalegn.
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 Ceremony for 2015.
European Tourism Academy Director- Academician Mircea Constantinescu, announced also that after receiving the letter destined to World Leaders of Tourism-Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn will represent Ethiopia, as the newest honorary members of European Tourism Academy. 
Academician Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy is presenting the Honorary Academician Title to Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Hailemariam Desalegn.
The ceremony for World Best Tourist Destination for 2015 included also folk dances, Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony and academic presentations, supported by leading figures of Ethiopian cultural establishment.
H.E. Prime Minister and Academician Hailemariam Desalegn and European Council on Tourism and Trade President- Professor Dr. Anton Caragea in the center of Ethiopian government and European Council on Tourism and Trade visiting delegation.
The ceremony 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.
Axum Cathedral: the place of coronation for Emperors of Ethiopia. The last emperor to be crowned here was Haile Selassie I
From 10th July, the European Council on Tourism and Trade President and his delegation embarked in a cultural and tourism program visiting Axum-the first capital of Christian Africa and the centre of a world power in 100 to 400 BC that controlled trade across the Read Sea.
Anton Caragea-President of European Council on Tourism and Trade looking over Axum-the first capital of Ethiopian empire (300 a.Chr.)
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 President 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 authorities, enjoyed the fabulous gondarine cuisine at famous Four sisters’ restaurant and toured the imperial city.
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 famous Fasil Ghibli-Palace of Emperor Fasilides.
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 architectural designs, Gondar is nicknamed as African Camelot for his strange, but perfect architecture.
Welcoming in Lalibela with flowers and the beautiful children of Ethiopia: Anton Caragea- European Tourism President and European Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei.
European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates were received with a religious ceremony in Lalibela, the holiest Christian city in Africa and the second Jerusalem, as in worldly known.
More than 5000 pilgrims, priests and deacons, welcomed President Dr. Anton Caragea and offered to him and his delegation, special ceremonial robes, to mark their entrance in the holy city.
European Tourism President-Dr. Anton Caragea addressing to priests, pilgrims and believers at Lalibela-the capital of Christian Africa.
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.
Lalibela is a city greater than words, nothing can prepare you for his atmosphere and nothing can describe it!-President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
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 Regional 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.
Mihai Prundianu, ECTT Trade Chairman pose for a photo in front of famous Harar landmark-Grand Jami Mosque.
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 developed country in the world, concluded his remarks, President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
Photo-Journal of EUROPEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION-EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE TO ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015.
Hawassa City of Diversity
Mrs. Almaz Beyero-Head of Bureau for Culture and Tourism of SNNPRS
Sidamo Cultural Tower
President Anton Caragea at Lalibela Airport
President Dr. Anton Caragea receives Fesil Gebil macheta from Mayor of Gondar-Mr. Getinet Amare
President Dr. Anton Caragea received by Mr. Muhyadin Ahmed-Head of Harari Regional Culture ,Heritage and Tourism Bureau
European Council on Tourism and Trade high ranking delegation at World Best Tourist Destination Ceremony
TELEVISION BROADCAST OF WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CEREMONY FOR 2015 

Supplementary PR information and photos can be accessed here:

European Delegation Journal of Travel in Ethiopia on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/europeantourism/ethiopia-favorite-cultural-destination-in-2015/