Author: Chukwu Godlove

ADDIS ABABA — The Ethiopian Herald has made a remarkable contribution to promoting Ethiopia’s tourism potential over the past eight decades, according to the Ethiopia Tourism and Hotel Market Association (ETHMA). ETHMA President Getahun Alemu told The Ethiopian Herald that the country’s long-serving English daily has played a key role in showcasing Ethiopia’s natural, historical, and cultural attractions to both local and international audiences since its inception. “As a classic print media outlet, The Ethiopian Herald has had a significant influence in promoting Ethiopian tourism to the rest of the world,” he said. “It has consistently featured stories on destinations,…

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek may steal the spotlight when it comes to wine country, but the Western Cape’s Winelands stretch far beyond — and sometimes, the real magic lies off the beaten path. Suppose you are looking for a tranquil valley getaway, small-batch producers, or less touristy areas. In that case, these alternative regions offer just that—all the charm of the Winelands, without the crowds. Elgin Valley Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in the Elgin Valley/Danie Pretorius/Wikimedia Commons Situated behind Sir Lowry’s Pass, Elgin is one of the Cape’s best-kept secrets. The cool, misty climate yields exceptional Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, while…

Zanzibar — THE Zanzibar government has announced it will stop issuing daily permits for tourist vehicles starting November 1, 2025, in a move aimed at improving visitors’ safety and tightening regulation in the tourism sector. The new policy, introduced by the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, replaces the current daily licensing system with longer-term permits, as authorities respond to rising concerns over unregistered operators and security incidents affecting tourists. Tourism and Heritage Minister, Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga said on Wednesday during a press briefing that the decision is intended to reduce the number of vehicles that do not meet operation…

Image: Unsplash The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is reigniting national debate by proposing to change South Africa’s name to the Republic of Azania, a move they say would reclaim cultural identity and sever colonial ties. ALSO READ: Two female tourists killed by elephant during walking safari in Zambia ATM leader Vuyo Zungula announced that his party, along with other aligned groups, will formally take the proposal to Parliament and the Constitutional Review Committee as part of a broader campaign to reform South Africa’s Constitution and national identity. Zungula argues that the name ‘South Africa’ was never chosen by its people,…

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has praised Ghanaian makeup artist, Ms Roselyn Akosua Mantey, for setting a new Guinness World Record after applying makeup continuously to over 120 people across five nights. The record-breaking session lasted a total of 103 hours, 25 minutes and 33 seconds demonstrating her mental focus and physical strength. The challenge, spread across five nights, not only tested her endurance but also elevated her as a symbol of Ghanaian excellence and global ambition. Mrs Gomashie described the achievement as a national inspiration and said Ms Mantey’s use of Ghana-made beauty…

After a sunrise game drive, when the heat of the bush fades and the dust of the day settles, few things feel better than stepping into the quiet intensity of a sauna. Whether you’re tracking lions in Limpopo or soaking in fynbos views in the Western Cape, these lodges let you chase the Big Five and still make time for deep, restorative wellness. Kapama Karula – Kapama Private Game Reserve, Limpopo Kapama Private Game Reserve/Simon Greenwood/Unsplash One of South Africa’s most refined safari lodges, Kapama Karula brings five-star sophistication to the bush. Its award-winning wellness centre includes a steam room,…

Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu has engaged with communities in the Northern Cape on the G20 Tourism Priorities and their potential to advance tourism growth and sustainability. The Tourism G20 Community Outreach in the Northern Cape was the first in a number of planned events that will bring the G20 agenda closer to tourism communities in the country. In the quest for global sustainable development, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of balancing the need for economic growth with social inclusion to meet present and future needs. “Bringing the G20 agenda closer to our communities is critical to enable us…

A coordinated sting operation on July 2 led to the arrest of three individuals in Swellendam for the illegal possession and attempted sale of rhino horns without the necessary permits. Geranimo/Unsplash The suspects, aged between 35 and 45, were apprehended by the Hawks’ Bellville-based Economic Protected Resources (EPR) Unit in collaboration with the SAPS K9 Unit Overberg and Swellendam’s Stock Theft and Endangered Species team. According to a police statement, the Hawks members conducted the operation along the N2, Buffeljags Rivier, where rhino horns were allegedly being sold. “This operation led to the arrest of one of the suspects. The…

If you’re planning to explore Rome by bus or metro, you’ll need to budget a little extra from July 2025. The city has implemented an immediate price hike on several popular public transport tickets, particularly those geared toward short-term visitors. Rome/Claudio Hirschberger/Unsplash What are the new changes? Rome’s 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, and weekly public transport passes have all seen a noticeable increase: 24-hour pass: Now €8.50 (was €7) 48-hour pass: Now €15 (was €12.50) 72-hour pass: Now €22 (was €18) Weekly pass: Now €29 (was €24) The weekly pass now costs around R603, up from R499.50 (prices in rands). ALSO…

A delegation of prominent American tour agents has arrived in Uganda for a curated familiarisation trip aimed at showcasing the country’s rich tourism offerings and fostering high-value commercial partnerships. The six-member all-women delegation touched down in Kampala on Friday, June 20, at the invitation of Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robinah N. Kakonge. Their visit began with a welcome dinner hosted at Latitude 0° Hotel in Kampala, where they interacted with leading players in Uganda’s tourism industry. The trip is part of a strategic initiative facilitated by the Embassy of Uganda in Washington, D.C., under the Economic and Commercial…