Celebrations

Princess Märtha Marries American Spiritual Guru Durek in Norway

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Norway’s Princess Märtha Louise married her partner, American spiritual guru Durek Verrett, in a ceremony on Saturday, held in the scenic town of Geiranger in western Norway. The wedding, which marked the culmination of three days of celebrations, was attended by members of the Norwegian and Swedish royal families, as well as various celebrities and social media influencers.

The marriage ceremony took place in an outdoor tent and was attended by a select group of guests, including Norwegian King Harald and Queen Sonja. Unlike her previous wedding in 2002, which was held at Norway’s largest cathedral and broadcast on television, this ceremony was not televised. The event was also exclusive to media outlets sponsoring the occasion, which has drawn some criticism.

Princess Märtha Louise, 52, is the fourth in line to the Norwegian throne and the daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja. Her first marriage to Norwegian author Ari Behn ended in divorce in 2017, and they had three children together. Since then, Märtha Louise has stepped away from her official royal duties to focus on her own business ventures. She and Verrett, 49, a self-styled shaman from California, announced their relationship in 2019.

The couple has faced criticism for their commercial ventures linked to the wedding. In June, they promoted a special pink gin branded with their names and a monogram created for the occasion, which Norwegian health authorities deemed inappropriate. The palace and some members of the Norwegian parliament have expressed concerns about the commercialization of Märtha Louise’s royal status.

Märtha Louise’s decision to step back from her royal duties in 2022 was intended to separate her business activities from her royal title. Despite this, the link between her commercial ventures and her royal background has continued to attract controversy. The couple’s wedding, marked by a mix of traditional and modern elements, has been a focal point of media attention, highlighting ongoing debates about the role and visibility of the Norwegian royal family.

Durek Verrett will not be granted a royal title or become part of the core Royal House of Norway. Instead, he will be recognized as part of the extended royal family. The couple is expected to continue their activities independently from the official royal duties and maintain a private life while engaging in their various business and personal interests.

Up Next

Ethiopian Airlines Wins Prestigious ‘Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award’

Africa

Ethiopian Airlines Wins Prestigious ‘Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award’

Published

3 days ago

September 14, 2024

waryatv.com

Ethiopian Airlines’ Unwavering Commitment to Excellence Shines at Africa Tourism Leadership Forum

In a moment of resounding triumph for Ethiopian Airlines, the airline has been honored with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award’ at the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) held in Gaborone, Botswana. This accolade is more than a mere trophy; it’s a testament to Ethiopian Airlines’ exceptional commitment to enhancing tourism across Africa through unparalleled service and sustainability.

The award, a pinnacle of recognition within the African tourism industry, celebrates organizations that excel in delivering top-notch service to travelers while maintaining strong sustainability and environmental credentials. Ethiopian Airlines’ win highlights its status as a paragon of reliability and efficiency in transportation, serving even the continent’s most remote and sought-after tourism destinations.

“We are immensely honored to receive this prestigious award,” declared Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. His statement was not just an expression of pride but a reflection of the airline’s deep-rooted commitment to both superior service and sustainable tourism. “This recognition validates our unwavering dedication to offering the highest quality of service and fostering sustainable tourism across Africa. As the largest network operator in Africa, our vision has always been to bridge Africa with the world and vice versa. This award from ATLF motivates us to elevate our standards even further.”

The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, a vital Pan-African platform, plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue among key players in Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors. It provides a stage for networking, exchanging insights, and developing strategies to enhance intra-continental travel and tourism, thereby reinforcing the brand value of “Destination Africa.”

Ethiopian Airlines’ accolade is a nod to its groundbreaking efforts in promoting tourism across the continent. Through its subsidiary, Ethiopian Holidays, the airline offers a comprehensive array of travel packages seamlessly integrated with its expansive network of destinations. This strategic synergy between tourism and air transport underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ role as a driving force in the African travel industry.

The ATLF Awards, notable for being the first Pan-African accolades dedicated to recognizing African-driven innovation and excellence in travel and tourism, place Ethiopian Airlines at the forefront of transformative initiatives within the sector. The airline’s win is not just a personal victory but a milestone for African aviation as a whole, showcasing the continent’s growing influence on the global stage.

As Ethiopian Airlines continues to soar to new heights, this award stands as a testament to its pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. The airline’s achievement at the ATLF not only underscores its dedication to enhancing travel experiences across Africa but also sets a benchmark for the industry, inviting others to follow in its trailblazing footsteps.