www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Kenya blir et stadig mer populært reisemål, og stadig flere byer i det øst-afrikanske landet settes på turistkartet. Derfor har Kenyas myndigheter besluttet å utvide flytilbudet med enda flere innenriksflyvninger fra hovedstaden Nairobi, og nå til de to store byene Kakamega og Eldoret, skriver bladet Kapital Reise.
Begge byene ligger vest i landet.
Kakamega er i stigende grad blitt populær blant turister som ønsker å oppleve Kakamega-regnskogen og det imponerende dyrelivet der med over 300 fuglearter og 400 sommerfuglarter.
Eldoret ligger på 2.700 meters høyde og tiltrekker seg klatreglade turister. Med de nye rutene blir det mulig å fly til begge byene daglig, også i helgene.
Flyselskapet Jambojet flyr til Eldoret, mens FlySAX og Fly540 flyr mellom Nairobi og Kakamega.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Carlson Rezidor styrker sin posisjon som det ledende internasjonale hotellkonsernet på det afrikanske markedet og legger nå til Ghana og Uganda i porteføljen, med åpningen av henholdsvis Radisson Blu Hotel Accra Airport og Radisson Blu Hotel Kampala, skriver bladet Kapital Reise.
Hotellet i Ghanas hovedstad Accra vil inneholde 207 rom og åpner dørene i løpet av 2017. Hotellet i den ugandiske hovedstaden blir et eksklusivt hotell med 195 rom, og vil ta imot de første gjestene i fjerde kvartal 2016.
Carlson Rezidor åpnet sitt første hotell i Afrika i 2000 – Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotell i Cape Town, Sør-Afrika. Siden da har kjeden bygget opp et nettverk av 51 hoteller og 11,.500 rom i 21 ulike land på det afrikanske kontinentet.
Med 30 hoteller under bygging har kjeden dessuten den største porteføljen av hoteller og rom under utvikling i Afrika.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
The first light rail line in Addis Ababa, was opened for revenue service on September 20, following several months of test running.
Hundreds of residents queued for hours ahead of the opening to sample the new service, railwaygazette.com reported.
Designed to relieve growing road congestion as the Ethiopian capital city’s population passes 5 million inhabitants, the 34 km two-line network serving 39 stations has been constructed by China Railway Engineering Corp at an estimated cost of US$475m. The project has been 85% funded by loans from Export-Import Bank of China.
The first route to open is the 16·9 km north-south Blue Line linking Menelik Square to Kaliti, serving 23 stations. The 17·4 km east-west Green Line from Ayat to Tor Hailoch was opened in October. The two routes share tracks for 2·7 km in the city centre between Lideta and Meskel Square.
The network is operated by a fleet of 41 three-section 70% low-floor trams supplied by CNR Changchun. With trams running at up to 70 km/h, the two routes are designed to carry up to 15 000 passengers/h in each direction.
Services are initially operating between 06.00 and 22.00 each day, with Chinese contractors providing both the drivers and the maintenance staff. The Chinese will also be responsible for maintaining the tramway’s independent power supply network which includes four substations with a total rating of 160 MW.
Transport Minister Workneh Gebeyehu said the country was “very proud” to have the first light rail network in sub-Saharan Africa. He described it as “a sign of modernity”, which would “will serve the capital city of Africa”.
Addis Ababa is the home of the African Union, for which a new headquarters building was built by the Chinese in 2012.
Insisting that “the light rail is not for commercial purposes”, Gebeyehu explained that ticket prices would be “very cheap” in order to ?serve people with low Incomes”.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, With a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Marriott Executive Apartments in Addis Ababa. Photo: Marriott.com
A new hotel opens in Ethiopia every two weeks, experts claim. This might sound like tourism development galloping along, but considering the rising number of tourists visiting the country, there is still a huge gap between supply and demand. According to a World Bank (WB) estimate, Ethiopia attracted nearly 700,000 visitors in 2013, ethiosports.com reported.
In light of this emerging dynamic and in the thrust to modernize the country’s hospitality industry, hotels in the capital city have recently been star rated.
Last week, Marriott Executive Apartments, Addis Abeba, owned by Sunshine Business Plc, was certified as the fifth five star hotel in a city dubbed the political and diplomatic capital of the African continent. Sunshine’s 45.5 million dollar property will undoubtedly contribute to the city’s drive to become a major tourist destination with a rising number of highly rated facilities to cater for and host tourists visiting the country for business, pleasure or both.
Marriott Executive Apartments’ star rating comes at a time when the government programme of hotel star grading, funded by the World Bank, recently reached a milestone with hotels in Addis Abeba receiving grading certificates for the first time in the country’s history of hospitality services.
Hotel grading is one aspect of WB’s Sustainable Tourism Development project being implemented with a 39.5 million dollar budget. The project, which has been ongoing in Ethiopia since 2009, is expected to be completed in December 2015.
It aims to contribute “to the enhancement of the quality and variety of tourism products and services in targeted destinations so as to increase the volume of tourism, foreign exchange earnings and jobs,” the bank’s website reads. As such, the project has four components pertaining to destination development, market development, institutional development and capacity building, and implementation support and results monitoring.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, With a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Kampala, capital city of Uganda
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a historical buildings’ map showing 51 historical buildings, newvision.co.ug reported.
The map entitled “Kampala’s Historical Buildings and Sites-Our valuable but vanishing Heritage”, is meant to preserve the city’s history that shaped the country’s identity.
At the launch, KCCA’s Executive Director Jennifer Musisi described the milestone as a worthy cause, saying culture and history is what makes us as Ugandans.
She however admitted that not much effort had been made to preserve the sites, citing the need for strengthening the law and increasing awareness on restoration.
“There is so much out there that needs to be preserved and as people get to these places, they will begin to appreciate the value they contain,” Musisi said.
The identification of the historical cites was done by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), KCCA, Uganda Tourism Board, Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board and the Uganda Museum.
CCFU is a national not for profit non-governmental organisation that promotes the recognition of culture and as vital for human development that responds to our national identity and diversity.
Some of the sites include St Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga, St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, Uganda Museum, St Luke and St Katherine Wards, Mengo Hospital, Busega Martyrs Memorial, Fort Jesus Building at St Peter’s School Nsambya and the Makerere Main Building.
Others are Namasole Maasombira’s palace, Old Kampala Police station, Makerere Main building, Old Mitchel Hall, Makerere University, Kibuli Mosque, The Bahai House of Worship, Mengo Primary school, Kasubi Tombs and Old Mulago Hospital Buildings.
At the same event, Donal Cronin the Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda called for the retention of tree line streets and proper maintenance of the buildings.
He said building for the future and preserving from the past need to go hand in hand. “We need to know who we are, where we are going and where we have come from”.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Romania has opened an embassy in Kampala, Uganda – the second Romanian embassy in East Africa after more than 46 years since they opened one in Kenya, newvision.co.ug reported.
While officiating at the ceremony at Serena Hotel in Kampala yesterday, the special presidential assistant, Patrick Ibembe said the embassy will strengthen bilateral and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said this is going to promote trade and investment in various sectors of the two nations.
Ibembe, who was representing the Attorney General, Fredrick Ruhindi, said the embassy will bring services closer to the people who want to travel, unlike before.
He urged Romanians in Uganda to feel free in Uganda.
The Romanian Ambassador to Kenya, Julia Pataki said it is going to strengthen economic ties among the two countries.
“The new embassy will focus on promoting tourism, enabling access to educational programmes including scholarships, professional development and vocational training and educational exchange programmes,” she added.
They also intend to promote trade and investment in various sectors, in areas of manufacturing, mining, agro-processing and ICT.
Pataki also noted that the two countries share many things in common especially in culture and tourism which they need to explore for development.
Pataki also installed Godwin Murungi as the first envoy of Romania to Uganda.
Murungi commended Romania for extending cooperation to Africa.
“I am honored to take up this post. Uganda and Romania have had close working relationship over the years. This is going to strengthening our relations at various levels,” he said.
Maj. Benon Kakooza, director public relations, President’s Office, noted that this was going to create job opportunities for people of both countries.
The event was graced by diplomats from other embassies including Japan, China and Congo among others.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
flydubai recently launched flights between Dubai and Asmara with effect from October 25, 2015 with 4 flights a week, operating on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, travelbizmonitor.com reported.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai said, “The addition of Asmara to our network reflects our commitment to enhancing air connectivity to Dubai which includes 67 points that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were underserved. The Eritrean capital becomes our 13th destination in East Africa.”
Asmara is the 18th destination flydubai launched this year and the airline has recently launched operations to Burundi, Rwanda, Somaliland, Tanzania and Uganda.
Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa), flydubai said: “With the addition of four flights a week to Asmara, we are providing passengers from East Africa with a direct link to Dubai. When passengers choose flydubai they will enjoy our convenient, reliable and affordable travel services, our onboard experience and our dedicated Business Class.”
Business Class passengers can enjoy a comfortable spacious seat, a choice of meals from an internationally-inspired menu, a generous checked baggage allowance and fast track through immigration and security. In addition, Business Class passengers have access to business lounges across the network and a dedicated 24-hour Business team to assist with bookings and attend to enquires throughout their journey.
Passengers travelling in Economy Class can enjoy the in-flight entertainment system equipped with more than 1,300 hours of content, including movies, games and newspapers. The Boeing Sky Interior minimises jetlag and increases overhead locker space to ensure the best possible onboard experience. Economy Class passengers have access to a variety of hot and cold meals available for purchase on board and on a pre-order basis.
The inaugural flight to the capital city of Eritrea, Asmara received an overwhelming welcome as it landed at Asmara International Airport.
Senior Eritrean officials including Tesfaslassie Berhane, Minister of Transportation and Communication, Askalu Menkorios, Minister of Tourism and Paulos Kahsai, Director General Civil Aviation Authority welcomed the flydubai delegation.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Kampala is set to get its first city tour buses – a development that will come as a major boost for urban tourism and further diversify the tourism product offerings, reports www.eturbonews.com
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is working with Albrieux Africa tours to get the product running by the end of the year.
KCCA public & corporate affairs manager, Peter Kaujju, confirmed the city tour bus project saying it is part of the various initiatives aimed at increasing the allure of the city.
Kampala is considered the entertainment capital of East Africa and is one of the most diverse capitals across Africa. Its social scene and night life is almost unparalled across the region with theatre, bar, culture, and live shows dotting the city center from Monday to Monday.
“Kampala has the heritage that makes it special and unique. This is a city with a long and impressive history and cultural attractions spread in different corners for visitors to explore”, said Albrieux Giacomo, the boss of Albrieux Africa Tours.
The city tour itinerary includes stopovers at various elegant historical features that remain almost a secret because of limited marketing. Among them is the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Bahai Temple, Old Kampala Mosque that enables a visitor to see the entire city skyline, Kasubi tombs, Uganda Museum, and Makerere University – one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in East and Central Africa.
KCCA placed the invitation for expression of interest for the product in 2014. Three companies expressed interest, submitted bids, and were considered by KCCA contracts Committee.
According to Kaujju, the best evaluated bidder was Albrieux Africa Tours and Travel agency.
“KCCA signed a memorandum of understanding With the company to supply the city bus tour services for 5 years, the provider has initiated the procurement of two new Ashok Leyland double decker buses”, noted Kaujju.
Kaujju said the locations for the ticketing booth have been approved by KCCA and will be at the National theatre, Kabaka njagalla road near independence monument, and at the national museum.
“The authority has also secured space at Jubilee Park Sheraton to set up a tourist information center where UTB offices, tour operators/guide offices, a craft shop, UWA souvenir shop, and café will be set up”, said Kaujju.
Giacomo said the product is intended to maximize tourism revenue by taking them to places they would not have considered visiting because of traffic and lack of organized tours.
Globally, city tours enable short-stay visitors to experience the life of the country captured in the city but also add revenue to the economy through the purchase of souvenirs and spending on the short trips.
“We want to create brand/image and reputation for Kampala as a city of hospitality and recreation”, noted Giacomo.
The product, one of the many emerging, will also target to ignite domestic tourism ranging from schools to enthusiastic corporate groups and individuals as well as international tourists booked by tour operators and the walk in tourists.
It will also target conference and meeting delegates, foreign guests booked by foreign embassies, cultural tourists, religious tourists, business tourists, academic tourists, and political tourists
It will run under the theme “Kampala Landscape and Cultures” to let visitors have an experience of the “beautiful undulating scape and historical heritage” of Kampala, and the quiet and Scenic peaks of the hills. A suggested name for the tour is “The Seven Hills Odyssey”.
The main hotel cluster in the city, and thus the main embarkation point for visitors wishing to join the tour circuit, is the Nakasero area neighboring the major hotels of Sheraton, Serena, Speke, and Imperial Royal hotels.
“This is next to the independence green park and the Jubilee Park – all ideal for relaxing as you wait for your maiden ride”, noted Giacomo.
The company is proposing more use of the National Theatre complex in staging cultural shows and performances aimed at the tourism market.
They are also proposing the remodeling of the African Craft Village by removing the existing concrete structure to provide a setting which reflects Uganda’s cultural heritage with buildings reflecting indigenous architectural styles and materials.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism, travel, transport, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. Contact us at [email protected]
The inaugural flight at Port Sudan International Airport was attended by Ms. Askalu Menkerios, Minister of Tourism, and other senior Eritrean Government officials, as well as officials of the Sudanese Red Sea region, the Eritrean shabait.com website reports.
The event witnessed the staging of artistic and cultural performances by Eritrean community members in Port Sudan.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Askalu stated that launching of the flight is a continuation of the developing cooperation of partnership between the two countries.
She also noted that the vitality of the flight as regards strengthening the historical ties of Eritrean-Sudanese people and developing the tourism sectors of both countries.
Dr. Mohammed Tahir Ella, Governor of the Sudanese Red Sea region, stated that the people-based relations between Eritrea and Sudan and the flight would make significant contribution to Sudanese who desire to spend their honeymoon in Eritrea, in addition to facilitating the movement of people between two countries.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism, travel, transport, the environment, politics, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink.
Pope Francis has erected the Ecclesiastical Province of Dodoma in Tanzania. As a new Archdiocese, Dodoma now becomes a Metropolitan diocese with Singida and Kondoa as suffragan dioceses, according to Vatican Radio – www.radiovaticana.va
The Pope has at the same time appointed as Archbishop of Dodoma, the Most Reverend Beatus Kinyaiya, until now Bishop of the Diocese of Mbulu.
The new Archdiocese of Dodoma has been vacant since 17 February 2014 when Bishop Gervas John Nyaisonga was transferred to the Diocese of Mpanda.
The new Archbishop of Dodoma, Beatus Kinyaiya, was born in 1957 in the Diocese of Moshi. He made his perpetual profession as a Capuchin, in 1988 and was ordained priest on 25 June 1989. From 1999 to 2005, he was the Provincial Superior for Tanzania and President of the Capuchin Superiors Major of EACC.
While Dodoma is the official capital of Tanzania, and seat of the national assembly, the city of Dar-es-Salaam remains the commercial and administrative capital, and seat of government and foreign embassies.
