Discover Adwa Zero Park: A Tribute to Heroism and Victory

Welcome to Adwa Zero Park, a remarkable destination located in the heart of Addis Ababa. This park is much more than a beautiful green space; it’s a living monument that commemorates Ethiopia’s historic victory at the Battle of Adwa. Designed to inspire and educate, Adwa Zero Park honors a pivotal moment in Ethiopian and African history, symbolizing national pride and resilience.
Why Visit Adwa Zero Park?

  1. Historical Significance
  • The Battle of Adwa: On March 1, 1896, Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul triumphed over the invading Italian army.
    This victory was not only a defining moment for Ethiopia but also a significant milestone in the resistance against colonialism in Africa.

2. Prime Location and Accessibility

    • Centrally Located: Adwa Zero Park is conveniently situated in Addis Ababa, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists. Its central location underscores its importance as a national landmark.

    3. Monuments and Memorials
    – Honour the Heroes: The park features numerous monuments and memorials dedicated to the brave figures of the Battle of Adwa, including Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul.

      • Iconic Statue: The centrepiece is a towering statue symbolizing Ethiopian independence
        and unity, serving as a focal point for reflection and commemoration.

      4. Beautiful Landscaping and Design

        • Serene Environment: The park is beautifully landscaped with lush greenery, walking
          paths, and seating areas.
          Traditional Ethiopian elements are incorporated into the design, creating a peaceful and
          culturally resonant environment.
        • Educational Layout: The park’s layout provides a tranquil space for contemplation while
          educating visitors about the historical significance of the Battle of Adwa.

        5. Educational and Cultural Activities
        -Engaging Events: Adwa Zero Park hosts various educational and cultural events, including guided tours, historical re-enactments, and exhibitions.
        These activities are designed to deepen your understanding of the Battle of Adwa and its
        impact on Ethiopian history.

          • Special Celebrations: On significant anniversaries, such as March 1st, special events are
            organized to celebrate the victory and honour the memory of those who fought.

          6.Rich Visitor Experience

            • Informative Displays: The park offers a rich and immersive experience with informational
              plaques and interactive displays detailing the battle, strategies, and key figures involved.
            • Museum and Information Center**: A small museum or information centre on-site
              showcases artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the Battle of Adwa, providing a
              valuable resource for history enthusiasts.

            7.Entrance fee USD20
            8.Closed on Tuesday’s
            Adwa Zero Park is more than just a park: it’s a testament to Ethiopia’s enduring spirit and the
            triumph of its people.
            Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a tourist, or a local resident, a visit to Adwa Zero Park
            offers a profound and inspiring experience.
            By commemorating the Battle of Adwa, the park connects the past with the present and
            reminds us of all the power of courage and determination.
            Visit Adwa Zero Park and be part of a legacy that celebrates Ethiopia’s resilience, unity, and
            pride.

            Learn more about Ethiopian holidays here : https://www.ethiopianholidays.com/

              Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism Roadshow – East Africa, Nairobi Edition 2024

              The annual Dubai Tourism Roadshow in East Africa is back, and this year, it promises to be an even more remarkable experience for the travel and tourism industry professionals in Kenya. Scheduled for June 10th, this event comes hot on the heels of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, amplifying the momentum and engagement opportunities for participants who attended the prestigious expo.

              As the world emerges from the challenges of the pandemic, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is taking a strategic approach to positioning Dubai as a premier travel destination in the new age of travel. This year’s Roadshow presents a unique platform for players to strategically position themselves as experts in selling the allure of Dubai to their clients.

              A Diverse Showcase of Dubai’s Offerings

              One of the highlights of the Dubai Tourism Roadshow is the diverse range of participants from Dubai’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. Airlines, hotels, destination management companies, entertainment providers, and hospitals have all come together to showcase their offerings, giving participants a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of experiences available in Dubai.

              For those seeking to curate unforgettable Dubai experiences for their clients, this event is a treasure trove of opportunities. From discovering the city’s luxurious accommodations to exploring the breathtaking landscapes and indulging in world-class entertainment, the Roadshow offers a one-stop-shop for crafting tailored itineraries that cater to every traveler’s desires.

              Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

              Beyond the exhibitor showcases, the Dubai Tourism Roadshow also presents a platform for networking and collaboration. Participants have the chance to connect with industry experts, share ideas, and establish valuable contacts that could lead to potential partnerships and joint ventures.

              As Dubai continues to invest heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, becoming a medical tourism hub, the Roadshow also provides an opportunity for exploring the cutting-edge medical treatments and services available in the city. Healthcare professionals and institutions in Kenya can leverage this event to explore potential collaborations and partnerships with Dubai’s renowned hospitals.

              Exciting Raffle Prizes and Giveaways

              To add an extra layer of excitement to the event, Dubai’s partners are offering fantastic raffle prizes and giveaways. Attendees have the chance to win flights, accommodation, activities, and much more in Dubai. This enticing rewards underscore Dubai’s commitment to making dreams come true for East African travelers and provide an added incentive for you to attend and engage with the exhibitors.

              Dubai awaits with open arms, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is ready to make the connection happen. Don’t miss this chance to unlock the magic of Dubai and embark on a journey filled with endless possibilities.

              KATA News.

              Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism hails transformative 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market

              Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has celebrated a successful week at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which took place from 6-9 May 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). DET was joined on the Dubai stand by 129 key partners and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, who held business meetings with delegates from around the world, showcasing the emirate’s diverse and innovative tourism offering to thousands of industry leaders attending the global travel trade exhibition.

              This year’s ATM was held under the forward-looking theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. During the four-day event, DET highlighted the pivotal role played by entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the city, and how Dubai’s travel and hospitality sectors have nurtured innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth beyond traditional tourism. This strategic approach is inspired by the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

              ATM 2024 provided a platform to build and consolidate relationships across the travel industry, and DET signed several strategic partnership agreements, including one with Emirates which will see the two entities work together to intensify international efforts and bolster Dubai’s mindshare as a hub for trade, tourism and investment. During an action-packed show at DWTC, DET made a number of major announcements, including the launch of the inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Industry Report’. Contributing to the ATM Conference Programme, DET spokespeople also delivered keynote addresses and took part in a range of panel discussions, including ‘The Potential of Cruise: Creating Swell in the Middle East’ and ‘Educating Young Entrepreneurs: Building a Career in Travel’.

              Dubai’s successful participation at ATM 2024 follows a record-breaking year for its tourism sector, after welcoming 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. As announced by DET at the show, this momentum continued in the first quarter of 2024, with 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March, an 11% rise over the same period in 2023.

              His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market was the most successful yet for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, yielding strong outcomes as we connected with industry leaders to discuss the future of travel and the latest trends transforming our sector. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the goals of the D33 Agenda, we have a clear objective to further advance tourism’s economic impact, including by leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship. At ATM we had the opportunity to develop a number of new partnerships, which are an important part of the strategy to make Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in. These partners, as well as all our travel and tourism stakeholders, play a critical role in achieving these goals, and we thank them for their support as we build on the knowledge shared at ATM.”

              DET organised the largest ever ATM Hosted Buyers Programme, promoting Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality and offerings to a record participation of more than 540 buyers from 47 different markets and countries. With the support of stakeholders including DMCs, hotels, venues and attractions, the hosted buyers were able to enjoy a range of experiences and iconic locations in the city, including evenings hosted by Expo City Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Dubai Creek Harbour.

              In addition to meeting DET and stakeholder representatives, visitors to the stand also had the opportunity to play ‘Dubai Pinball’, an interactive and engaging gaming experience that enhanced players’ familiarity with attractions and landmarks around the city, offering prizes for the highest scores.

              Strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and MICE events, ATM 2024 was the biggest edition to date, welcoming over 46,000 attendees and more than 2,600 exhibitors from over 160 countries across four days at DWTC. Growth was recorded across all event verticals with exhibitor participation increasing by 26% YoY.

              Source:  Hotel News

              KQ resumes flights to Kinshasa after detained staffer released.

              Kenya Airways Monday announced the resumption of flights to Kinshasa after an employee who had been detained there was released.

              KQ Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka reiterated their staff are innocent in the saga that led to the suspension of flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

              “We want to reiterate that our employees are innocent and were only carrying out their duties in strict adherence to the laid-out procedures. We stand by their innocence and will continue to support them.”

              “With the necessary ground support in place, we are pleased to announce that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Kinshasa on 8 May 2024. We look forward to serving our valued customers once again,” he said.

              The suspension of the flights to DRC had badly affected many operations in the country.

              The Kenya Airways employee who had been detained by the Democratic Republic of Congo Military Intelligence Unit was finally freed on Monday after a two-week detention.

              Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei made the announcement Monday evening after negotiations.

              According to the PS, Lydia Mbotela, a KQ manager working in the DRC, was released after negotiations facilitated by Kenya’s Military Attaché and Charge d’affaires.

              “Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa,” Sing’oei wrote on social platform X on Monday.

              “I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO and the Charge d’affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot’s release.”

              Kilavuka said the two were apprehended by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa for “missing customs documentation on valuable cargo.”

              Kilavuka, on the other hand, faulted Kinshasa authorities for arresting the duo, claiming that they were being held in violation of a court order and that the cargo in question had not been uplifted or accepted by KQ.

              As the situation deteriorated, KQ suspended its flights to Kinshasha, stating in a statement that it was unable to provide its services effectively without its employees.

              The KQ boss thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for the release.

              It has emerged the borne of contention was about USD8 million that was to be flown to Kenya from DRC, according to investigators.

              The money belonged to a bank.

              But the money allegedly went missing from the airport before it could be admitted into the airline as cargo and before the military officials arrived.

              This prompted the move to detain the two workers.

              Kinshasa gave in to the demands to release the workers before the flights were resumed even as the investigations into the claims went on.

              The security officials there suspected the money was being used to fund resurgence there.

              Source:  The Star.   

              DET to bring together Dubai’s tourism ecosystem at Arabian Travel Market 2024

              Dubai [UAE], May 1(ANI/WAM): Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the emirate’s innovative and diverse destination offering by bringing together 129 key partners and stakeholders to demonstrate the city’s collaborative spirit at the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place from 6-9 May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

              With this year’s ATM taking place under the forward-looking theme of ‘Empowering Innovation Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, DET will highlight how Dubai’s tourism industry has cultivated innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth beyond traditional tourism.

              This strategic approach is inspired by the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

              At the event, DET will be joined on the Dubai stand by partners and representatives from government entities, hotels, destination management companies and tour operators. Key partners include the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), Dubai Culture, Dubai Holding, Dubai Health Authority, and more.

              Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As a longstanding destination partner of the Arabian Travel Market, Dubai is privileged to host the 31st edition of one of global tourism’s most anticipated events.

              The industry gathering is a testament to our city’s position as a world-leading travel destination, achieved under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through innovative strategies and robust public-private partnerships.

              In keeping with the transformative theme of this year’s show, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and our partners will highlight the pivotal role that entrepreneurship and innovation have played in driving tourism growth, aligned seamlessly with our D33 Agenda, the city’s 10-year roadmap for economic development.

              “As we showcase the diverse and compelling destination proposition of Dubai at ATM, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with top industry experts and executives to share our blueprint for success, as well as explore the emerging themes and trends that will contribute towards industry sustainability.

              We remain committed to navigating the future of tourism with foresight and collaboration with our stakeholders and the international travel community, ensuring Dubai remains a beacon of innovation and excellence in the global tourism landscape.”

              Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023 a 19.4 per cent YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022 and continues to build on this momentum, with 3.67 million international tourists having already visited the city in January and February this year.

              The stellar performance further validates Dubai’s recognition as the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, the first city to achieve this.

              The milestone is also a testament to the emirate’s vibrant and diverse offerings, supported by world-class infrastructure, exceptional service at all touchpoints, and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors. Dubai is expanding its range of experiences for visitors, captivating them with its unparalleled blend of modernity and culture including heritage sites and immersive attractions that highlight the city’s history and vibrant culture.

              Committed to investing in human capital and developing a skilled workforce to support the growth of the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors, the Dubai College of Tourism, part of DET, will use ATM as an opportunity to drive awareness of its full-time programmes and ‘Dubai Way’, an innovative training and engagement platform for government and private sector staff engaged in tourist-facing roles.

              Dubai also recognises the importance of prioritising sustainability initiatives to preserve its natural resources and further improve the overall visitor experience. With the UAE’s Year of Sustainability extending into 2024, DET will release the inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Report’ during ATM, and highlight the city’s ongoing initiatives such as the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, and the citywide Dubai Can movement, which has contributed to the reduction of over 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since the launch of its ‘Refill for Life’ campaign.

              A new Dubai Can initiative, Dubai Reef, was inaugurated in April with the launch of pilot reef modules for the world’s largest marine reef development project. Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region will also be showcased following the recent formalisation of the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that promotes the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally.

              This year, DET will again organise the ATM Hosted Buyers Programme across Expo City Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Dubai Creek Harbour, promoting Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality and offerings to 600 buyers from 46 different markets and countries.

              Among the attractions for visitors at the Dubai stand will be ‘Dubai Pinball’, an interactive and engaging gaming experience promoting Dubai’s iconic landmarks, where players can win prizes and contests to get their names on the leaderboard.

              DET will also put the spotlight on the city’s diverse gastronomy scene and its year-round calendar of events, including the ongoing Dubai Food Festival held alongside ATM, which will continue until 12 May, as well as the family summer extravaganza, Dubai Summer Surprises, which is set to launch in June. (ANI/WAM)

              Source:The Print

              Arabian Travel Market to kick off on May 6 in Dubai

              According to data from Deloitte, Dubai is leading the regional hospitality markets with a strong outlook for 2024.

              The upcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a premier global event in travel and tourism, will serve as a pivotal gathering for hospitality stakeholders from 6th to 9th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

              According to data from Deloitte, Dubai is leading the regional hospitality markets with a strong outlook for 2024. The city now offers more hotel rooms than major capitals such as London, New York City and Bangkok, and as of this month, Dubai has a hotel room capacity of over 150,000.

              Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) showed that the city welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors during 2023, with the average length of stay also increasing. According to Deloitte, occupancy peaked at 88% in February.

              “As the hospitality landscape in the GCC region continues to evolve, the data paints a compelling picture of growth and opportunity. ATM 2024 will feature a wide range of hospitality brands from around the world, and we are pleased to report that there has been a 21% increase in exhibition space dedicated to hotel brands this year, demonstrating strong interest and demand,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

              Source: Zawya

              Dubai airport: Full schedule resumes after flooding chaos

              Dubai’s major airlines say they have resumed a full flight schedule after torrential rain hit the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries causing chaos at Dubai airport.

              Emirates and flydubai said operations were back to normal on Saturday but a passenger backlog remained.

              The boss of Emirates said the airline’s response was not perfect.

              The storm battered the UAE on Tuesday, causing flash floods and bringing travel through the airport to a halt.

              Priority will be given to passengers whose travel plans had been disrupted.

              A flooded taxiway meant planes were unable to reach the runway to take off and passengers were left stranded in the terminal building,at Dubai International Airport.

              The president of Emirates, Sir Tim Clark said: “Passengers previously stranded in the airport transit area have been rebooked and are en route to their destinations.”

              The open letter posted on the airlines’ website on Saturday, announced that regular flight schedules had been restored, but it would take them “some days” to clear the backlog of rebooked passengers. A taskforce has also been established to sort and deliver the around 30,000 pieces of luggage left behind.

              “We ask for our customers’ patience and understanding,” Sir Tim said. Apologising to their customers, he acknowledged that their response was not “perfect”, citing a lack of information and confusion in the terminals.

              Earlier this week, air passengers stuck at the airport told the BBC of the “pure chaos” they saw.

              Sarah Jane Cahill from Dublin, had planned to board her connecting flight from Sydney to Dublin on Thursday afternoon, but was still at the airport on Friday night.

              She said that “thousands are stranded” and that the airport was “a sea of bodies on every surface”.

              “There were people in chairs, couches, on the floor outside bathrooms, sleeping on cardboard,” she told the Press Association.

              Over the past three days, the airline has cancelled nearly 400 flights and delayed many more.

              Some inbound flights resumed on Thursday, while outbound flights continued to be delayed. They later announced that check-in was open at Terminal 3 for Emirates and flydubai flights.

              Flydubai’s travel update on Saturday said they had returned to operating its full flight schedule from Terminal 2 and 3, with priority over the next few days to be given to their “passengers whose travel plans have been impacted.”

              Similarly, Emirates said their focus was on those who have faced travel disruptions.

              Sir Tim added they had suspended check-in for departing passengers, embargoed ticket sales and stopped connecting passengers from arriving to make sure the focus was on affected customers.

              With flights running on their regular schedules, Paul Griffiths, the head of Dubai airports, said departure flow is “improving”.

              Dubai International Airport is the world’s second busiest airport, serving more than 80 million passengers in 2023. This year, nearly 90 million are expected to pass through the hub, which is a major connecting point between Europe and Asia.

              Source: BBC

              UN Tourism ranks East Africa among most open regions for travelers.

              East Africa has been ranked among the most open sub-regions in the world in terms visa openness as global travel recovers to pre-pandemic levels, a new report by UN Tourism shows.

              The United Nation’s tourism agency in its Visa Openness Report 2023 said East Africa stands out as the most welcoming subregion globally particularly due to its visa-on-arrival policy, which allows 46 per cent of the travellers of the world to obtain a visa upon entry, and its eVisa system, which is available to 36 per cent of international tourists.

              “Visa-on-arrival policies are comparatively common in East Africa (46 per cent), South Asia (38 per cent), South-East Asia (36 per cent) and West Africa (32 per cent). eVisa programmes are prevalent in West and East Africa (36 per cent) and South Asia (31 per cent), while North Africa, Central America, Northern and Western Europe do not offer eVisas,” UN Tourism said in the report.

              Kenya and Rwanda last year removed Visa requirements for all African travels, decisions that were lauded as a step towards opening African borders. Kenya has also launched a new eVisa platform for travellers from elsewhere.

              As part of a new visa regime, travellers from countries that require the document to enter Kenya are now required to have an electronic visa (e-visa) before boarding a plane.

              Overall, the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions have seen improvement in destinations’ openness.

              “Destinations’ openness to international travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels following the lifting of COVID-19 related travel restrictions. As a consequence of the pandemic, new forms of travel facilitation, such as “nomadic visas”, also appeared,” the report said.

              Ease of accessing visa is important to promoting tourism growth. According to the report, fewer people worldwide now require a traditional visa to travel, falling from 77 per cent in 2008 to 59 per cent in 2018, and then to 47 per cent in 2023.

              At the same time, 21 per cent of the world population do not need any form of visa, an increase from 17 per cent in 2008 and 20 per cent in 2018 while 14 per cent of the world population can apply for visa on arrival, an increase from 6 per cent in 2008 and 15 per cent in 2018.

              About 18 per cent of the world population can apply for eVisas, an increase from 3 per cent in 2013 and 7 per cent in 2018.

              Source: Standard Media  

              Qatar Airways Announces the Launch of Flights to Democratic Republic of Congo

              Qatar Airways announces the latest expansion of its network to include Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enabling greater frequencies and increased capacity to Luanda, Angola.

              This latest network expansion  provides passengers with greater travel choices within a key region of Africa,  opening up a new entry point for international travel from Africa to China, Europe and the India Subcontinent using Doha, Qatar, as a gateway. The addition of Kinshasa increases the number of destinations in Africa served by the award-winning airline to twenty-nine.

              Starting from the first of June 2024, Luanda will see a frequency increase from one weekly flight to four weekly flights with a combined service to Kinshasa which Qatar Airways will serve for the first time. For a world-class experience, the new route will be served by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, equipped with 22 Business Class seats and 232 Economy Class seats.

              Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “We have seen significant milestones in our 2024 network expansion and this latest addition is particularly special, as it continues our strategic goal of increasing our footprint in Africa.”

              “The inclusion of Kinshasa in our network is the latest manifestation of our efforts to improve connectivity to Africa. Qatar Airways has showcased its commitment to the region by providing passengers in Africa with greater choice to explore different corners of the world through our network and our hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport.”

              Source: Airspace-Africa.