Hello to Hilton Addis Ababa

By\ Mekki Elmograbi

Hello to Hilton Addis Ababa

Whenever I read “Tadias Magazine”, I say “Alen”, because I feel that some is greeting me, “Tadias” In Amharic language means how are you? “Alen” is the response to “Tadias”.

“Tadias Magazine”, published an enjoyable interview with the General Manager of Hilton Addis Ababa Mr. Haakon Gaarder-Larsen who assumed his office recently in 2013 but he has been working in the career of hospitality for 26 years; he travelled a lot in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa.

Helton Addis Ababa is very famous, I can claim that its inaugural ceremony was the largest in Africa, the festival was led by Emperor Haile Selassie himself who celebrated the launch of the hotel by hosting international dignitaries and diplomats, using the occasion to introduce the Ethiopian ancient traditions and rich culture.

Helton Addis Ababa is unique with its building showcases and the architectural style of the ancient Ethiopian Lalibela Church and with its Swimming Pool which heated from natural hot springs, I can claim that it is the only Hilton in Africa with this advantage.

For me, Hilton is not just a luxurious hotel; it is a matter of originality, and a place you can feel cool and relax in a way makes you think positively and hopefully. As a trainer and media specialist, I write my papers and prepare my presentations in home or at office but the last touches must be in an original and calm place, Hilton hotels around the world usually is my first option.

The latest event that I witnessed in Hilton Addis Ababa was a workshop on the issue of Afro-Chinese Security and Political relations; it was on 18th of June 2014. The workshop was organized by the Institute for Peace and Security Studies – IPSS at Addis Ababa University, the activity comes in a partnership between the African Union – AU, South African Institute on International Affairs – SAIIA and Shanghai Institution for International studies – SIIS. Look at the number of partners in one activity!

The topic is very important, the workshop was perfect, and the presentations were constructive and to the point, my temper was good and calm because I was in Addis Ababa, at Hilton.