Author: Chukwu Godlove
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has announced plans to revise the national tourism policy framework to align with ongoing sector reforms and enhance the country’s global competitiveness. During a stakeholder consultation held yesterday, the Ministry emphasized that updating the 13-year-old policy is necessary to reflect emerging trends, technological advancements, and new opportunities in the tourism sector. Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa stated that Ethiopia, recognized for its rich historical, natural, and cultural tourism resources, must modernize its tourism framework to improve its international standing and maximize economic benefits. “The revised policy will help strengthen…
Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and impeccable precision. The country has recently unveiled a new passport that reflects both its commitment to innovation and its deep-rooted traditions. According to Hypebeast, Geneva-based studio RETINAA reimagined Switzerland’s passport for the Swiss Federal Office. It was designed in partnership with Thales and Orell Füssli. Picture: Sourced/RETINAA The passport utilizes dynamic UV-sensitive designs drawing from the European country’s vast natural landscapes to bring the passport pages to life. ALSO READ: SA’s digital ID system gets long-awaited upgrade From its striking primary red cover, one might anticipate a minimalist design…
In a bold move to address the plight of Nigerian pilgrims, the House of Representatives has adopted a comprehensive report recommending sweeping reforms in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The reforms are to improve the overall Hajj experience, ensure transparency and prevent financial mismanagement. In the forefront of these reforms is the establishment of a Hajj Tribunal to handle contract breaches, financial disputes and service failures involving NAHCON, tour operators, and pilgrims. “This tribunal will provide a platform for pilgrims to seek redress for any grievances they may have,” said Sada…
First things first: Stellenbosch has got wine and food, and activities to get your heart pumping and galleries to soothe your soul. Second things second: it is known as Eikestad because of the many oak trees planted by its founder, Simon van der Stel. The historic town sits among hills and vineyards and is surrounded by significant-magnificent mountains: Stellenbosch Mountain, Jonkershoek, Simonsberg and Botmanskop. And you probably know it best as the seat of Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa. This is true, but it’s also known for its Chenin Blanc. There are more than 200 wine farms in Stellenbosch, of…
President Museveni has presided over the screening of “Hidden Uganda”, a documentary by an American journalist, Mr. Peter Greenberg. The documentary film showcases the beauty and hidden gems of Uganda. Speaking during the event at Speke Resort Munyonyo, President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, highlighted the natural beauty of Uganda, saying the country is endowed with beautiful climate, diverse attractions, cultural heritage as well as the flora and fauna. “Here, there’s no air-conditioning, we don’t have to warm the air to cool it, we just enjoy it the way…
School holidays are the perfect time to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. If you’re in Johannesburg and wondering how to keep the little ones entertained, we’ve got you covered! Picture: Sourced From thrilling adventures to educational outings, here are some family-friendly activities in Johannesburg that promise fun for all ages. Adventure at Gold Reef City For thrill-seekers, Gold Reef City is a must-visit. With roller coasters, water rides, and a kids’ zone, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the historical gold mine tour for an educational twist! Discover Sci-Bono Discovery Centre Spark curiosity at Sci-Bono, Johannesburg’s premier science centre. Packed with hands-on…
When planning a family holiday, it is vital to find a destination that caters for all ages. After all, the best vacations are those that leave each member of the family with cherished memories. Bali is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and cultural experiences. It offers unforgettable experiences for both young and old. Image: Getaway Gallery Here’s why the enchanting Indonesian island should be at the top of your list for your next family getaway: Family-friendly accommodations From cozy villas to luxurious resorts with kids’ pools, Bali boasts a wide range of family-friendly accommodations. Some hotels also offer family…
Salsify has been named South Africa’s best restaurant at this year’s Eat Out Awards. Salsify was among just seven restaurants to earn Eat Out’s coveted three-star rating, signifying excellence across food, technique, service, ambiance and value. Restaurants scoring 90 and above out of 100 receive this honour, placing them at the pinnacle of South Africa’s dining scene. Picture: Sourced Presenting the award, Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out’s Culinary Director, praised Salsify’s ability to balance its historic setting with a strong connection to nature through hyper-local foraging. She described it as a place where storytelling runs through the menu, elevated by warm,…
After a familiarisation tour of the new facilities in the Abuja Continental, Karl Hala, Group General Manager, Continental Hotel Group, accompanied by the General Manager, Kevin Brett, spoke about the ongoing transformation taking place in the former Sheraton Hotel. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts Can you throw more light on the transformation at Abuja Continental? Truly, this is a place where we perform transformation. What you see is an acquisition where one can notice we’re here for the long term. We’re here to better the hospitality industry. And we are here to show this by example. Of course, we want to…
Posted on 2 April 2025 South African Tourism has launched its new global brand campaign, titled ‘South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy!’. Picture: iStock / WIreStock As reported by African Travel & Tourism Association, this initiative aims to inspire international travellers to explore the country’s rich array of cultural, scenic, and adventure experiences. Introduced in late March, the campaign seeks to establish South Africa as a premier tourism destination while aligning with the national visitor growth objectives outlined in the National Development Plan. ALSO READ: How South Africa’s VAT hike will impact tourism At the heart of the…