ACAD. MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU: MAYOR. TAKELE UMA BENTI IS OUTLINING A CITY TOURISM SUCCESS STORY1/28/2019
 The Office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade announced that H.E. Takele Benti Uma, Mayor and Head of Local Government of Addis Ababa has being inducted as member in the EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY.   The global tourism institution-EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY has appointed Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Cambodia, as the new academician member of the institution rector of world tourism. It is the first time since 2014 when a non-head of state was accepted to this great honor. Dr. Thong Khon makes part of the latest series of world leaders of tourism and development accepted in the leadership position in the European Tourism Academyin order to strengthen the leadership and the director on world tourism, announced H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President. The global tourism institution-EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY has appointed Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Cambodia, as the new academician member of the institution rector of world tourism. It is the first time since 2014 when a non-head of state was accepted to this great honor. Dr. Thong Khon makes part of the latest series of world leaders of tourism and development accepted in the leadership position in the European Tourism Academy in order to strengthen the leadership and the director on world tourism, announced H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President. To date 200 top tourism leaders, heads of states, prime ministers, leaders of parliaments are involved in the development of a new world tourism concept, in supporting the global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy in charting the course towards an inclusive tourism based on culture, heritage and environment protection. Dr. Thong Khon is one of the longest serving ministers of tourism in the world, taking up the job in 1998 and is the current Hon. Minister of Tourism of Cambodia and Head of National Olympic Committee. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. Read more: ♦ THE GUIDE AROUND PHNOM PENH ♦PHNOM PENH: THE CITY OF WATERS! ♦ A VISIT TO PHNOM PENH! HIGHLIGHT OF A PERFECT CITY! ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ He is a member of the Cambodian People`s Party and is a doctor in communication and social science of the University of the Sunshine Coast and Doctor in Arts (Tourism) of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyabur (Thailand). Among his achievements that make him one of the world`s top ministers are: obtaining for The Kingdom of Cambodia the WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in 2016 and paving the way for the nation most impressive tourism growth in Cambodia`s history. Under his leadership the Ministry of Tourism succeeded in registering the city of Phnom Penh on the list of WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the first city in Indochina to receive this honor. He was instrumental in launching the strategy of promoting tourism in Cambodia`s littoral provinces and islands, in creating the Mekong paved road in Phnom Penh. He launched successful programmes for monitoring tourism quality, the Clean Cambodia initiative, and hosted the international conference on city culture in 2015. Under his leadership The Ministry of Tourism obtained for H.E. Academician Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia the official role as GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS in recognition of his achievements in raising Cambodia from the horrors of war and desolation to peace and development. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ More about Global Ambassadors of Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals can be accessed here: ♦ THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG ♦ EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY ♦ EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE AND SDG ♦ TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ♦ CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ With the selection of Minister Thong Khon as the newest academician in the world`s tourism academy, Cambodia becomes the first country in the world to have two leaders in the European Tourism Academy structures. We mention also that Dr. Thong Khon is the first non-head of state that is selected in the global tourism body since 2014, a honor that speaks volumes about his achievements and strong personality. The designation ceremony was held in Phnom Penh under the presidency of Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hor Namhong, representative of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and visiting H.E. Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade. ABOUT THE EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY Founded in 2005, the European Tourism Academy (ETA) is the research and academic institution of the global tourism organization-EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE. European Tourism Academy (ETA) is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism on the world stage, in supporting the Agenda 2030 implementation and United Nations research initiatives. European Tourism Academy is part of the Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals (PASDG). European Tourism Academy (ETA) provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its members. In partnership with private and public sector members, European Tourism Academy (ETA) enhances the sustainable growth, value, and quality of travel and tourism, provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to its member organizations. European Tourism Academy (ETA) is rapidly expanding his activities for marketing, public relations, investments, branding, promoting, and establishing niche markets.   The Autumn 2018 Meeting of European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade and the official celebrations for WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 had taken place at the headquarters of global tourism institution. The events had taken place under the leadership of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President and a string of key decisions for tourism and culture future in 2019 had being taken. The main issues debated by the world tourism and culture institutions where the selection of the 2019 host cities for World Tourism Day, and the announcement of official theme of the next year tourism celebration for European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade. This theme will be instrumental also in the selection of new candidates for hosting world tourism awards ceremonies in 2019. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Main world tourism and culture awards ceremonies slated for 2019: World Capital of Culture and Tourism World`s Best Tourist Destination Award ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Phnom Penh, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia and Djibouti city, the capital of The Republic of Djibouti were selected as the official model cities for World Tourism Day celebrations and official hosts of global tourism events.   Both Djibouti and Phnom Penh where in previous years selected as World`s Capital of Culture and Tourism and globally recognized as centers of heritage, tourism and culture. The city of Phnom Penh has also obtained WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status in 2016 and hosted the World Tourism Awards ceremonies the same year establishing himself as a powerful tourism and cultural center of Indochina. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. Read more: ♦ THE GUIDE AROUND PHNOM PENH ♦ PHNOM PENH: THE CITY OF WATERS! ♦ A VISIT TO PHNOM PENH! HIGHLIGHT OF A PERFECT CITY! ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Cambodia and Djibouti have won the honor to be global examples in the tourism and cultural world for 2019. On the venue of the same event the WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 theme was decided to be History and Tourism: A symbiotic relation! The theme is destined not only to enliven tourism during 2019, but also to emphasize that tourism is inextricably linked with historical legacy. History is the main attraction that is creating tourism demand and visitors expectation is linked with the existence of historical and cultural heritage. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ More information on Djibouti tourism potential and strategy can be extracted from these sources: DJIBOUTI: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM SIX ARGUMENTS THAT BODE WELL FOR DJIBOUTI`S TOURISM FUTURE WHAT YOU DIDN`T KNOW ABOUT DJIBOUTI AFRICAN TOURISM ON THE RISE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Tourism must also be organized in such a manner to not impede conservation efforts, to support raising awareness on historical monuments and to help to acquire the financial support necessary for historical preservation activities. Tourism and history are inseparable, are growing from the same tree: the sapling of culture and civilization. History is the root of tourism development and tourism must feed and nurture historical preservation as leaves are feeding the tree said Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-global tourism president. The next year celebration for World Tourism Day will take place in 27 September 2019, placing under the spotlight the culture and civilization as an integral part of tourism growth and role in the sustainable development goals agenda. The European Council on Tourism and Trade was established as the voice of global tourism and culture for European nationsand has gradually evolved since 2005 in the main driver of world tourism development. It is focused on member countries’ politics and statal agenda in terms of tourism and trade and produces strategies, research and studies on tourism and cultural development implemented worldwide. Its membership includes state actors, private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.   Lecture by His Excellency Dr. Thong Khon Minister of Tourism At the Congratulatory Ceremony on the Designation of “H.E. Dr. THONG KHON, Minister of Tourism as a Member of the European Tourism Academy” Friendship Building of the Office of the Council of Ministers, July 31, 2018. Highly Respectful!
The first of all, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and myself, I have great honors to respect and deeply congratulate for H.E Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, attended as preside over in Congratulatory Ceremony on Designation of myself as a Member of the European Tourism Academy at this time. Taking this time, I would like to thank the European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy, in particular, H.E Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, as president for previously awarding the Kingdom of Cambodia as the Best Tourism Destination in the world and designed Samdech Techo Prime Minister as an honorary member of the European Tourism Academy in 2016, as well as “Global Ambassador for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals” on the last 09 December 2017, and today I myself have great pleasure with the most profound and privilege to be designed by European Council on Tourism and Trade as a member of European Tourism Academy. I would like to thank Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Professors, Tourism experts, distinguished national and international guests for spending value time attending in the meaningful ceremony for me and my family today.
Under sound and wise leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padie Techo HUN SEN Prime Minister, Cambodia now enjoys fully peace, political stability, security, order and development on all the fields. In 2017, Cambodia reached about 7% of economic growth of gross domestic product and gross domestic product for per capita in a year increased to 1,443 US dollars. Optimistic Cambodian economic growth index can be possible depended on participation from development on all the fields including tourism sector too. Tourism sector is considered as Green Gold by the royal government of Cambodia contributing to socio – economic development, jobs creation and poverty alleviation for the people as well as playing vital role as on the site exportation and support to regional integration. Obviously, in 2017, Cambodia received about 5, 6 million international tourists, increased by 11, 8%, brought about 3, 638 million us dollars deducted to national economy, contributed 13% to gross domestic product (GDP), and created about over 620, 000 direct jobs. While, during 05 months early of 2018, Cambodia received about 2. 6 million international tourists, increased by 13.5%, compared to the same period in 2017. By prediction, Cambodia is expected to gain about 6, 2 million international tourists in 2018 and 7 million in 2020, bringing about 5 billion us dollars in revenue, creating about 1 million job opportunities. In 2030, Cambodia will be able to receive about 14 million international tourists by bringing about 10 billion us dollars to total revenue, creating about 2 million jobs opportunities. Particularly, domestic tourists, tourist growth is constantly increasing from years to years (4% – 5% average. Obviously, 2016, domestic tourists accounted for over 10, 2 million, increased to 10, 8 million in 2017 and over 11 million in 2018, as vision we expect to have about 19 million domestic tourists in 2015. These results derive from Win Win Policy of Samdech Techo Prime Minister, who makes Cambodia enjoys fully peace, national unification, national conciliation and territory, security and social safety throughout the nation which is a major foundation for development on all the fields, in particular strongly supporting from Cambodian people nationwide for the royal government, led by Cambodia People Party, having Samdech Techo Prime Minister as leader throughout supporting election for the party to get landslide victory in election of the 6th national assembly election on the last recent 29 July 2018, which this election got highly assessment from national and international observers as well as delegation of European Council on International Relations that this election was conducted in free, fairs and justice manners. – Respectful H.E Deputy Prime Minister! – Excellences, Lok Chumteav, Ladies, Gentlemen Distinguished National and International Guests! Subsequent development of Cambodian tourism sector is not interrupted from increasing attractiveness of Cambodia, as attractive tourism destination both regionally and globally as well as leading based on policies and strategies in accurately and comprehensively manners. Basing on this growth, seriously and inclusively consideration are necessary, especially there have been development plans and tourism management with inclusively in the same time the world has been constantly encountering new evolution's both socio – economic and environmentally and natural disaster. In this sense, cross – sector systematic tourism sector is able to impact and suffer bad influences from global issues. All of these problems are the results of global population increase in which according to prediction of United Nation in the upcoming 2050, the global population will increase to about 9. 8 billion and 2/3 of these numbers are expected to live in city and surrounded areas by they will use the powers about 67% – 76% of total powers and will release 75% of carbonic in worldwide. In response to these issues, consideration on concept of “Clean and Green” is the most necessary and significant in time the world is moving ahead in green era. Standing on this spirit and basing on strategic principle of the royal government, Cambodia has been being continued developing tourism to be clean and green tourism destination, providing service with qualification and warm for tourists basing on principle of sustainable, responsible and institutional development on the basic of wonder of Angkor Temple, Preah Vihear Temple, tangible and intangible heritage properties, natural resources, beautiful beaches, the most beautiful bay in the world, beauty of Mekong river, foods, customs of living with smiling and naturally attractiveness of Cambodian people in accordance with nickname of (Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder – Feel the Warmth). – Respectful H.E Deputy Prime Minister! – Excellences, Lok Chumteav, Ladies, Gentlemen Distinguished National and International Guests! In the attractive strategies and get ready for receiving international tourists, as well as enhancing domestic tourist movement, the ministry of tourism has been improving management and developing existing tourism destinations, creating tour packages with proper price along with calling investments on producing further new tourism products to be more variety, creative and prosperous both national level and prioritized tourism destinations. During the last 5 years of fifth legislation, the Ministry of Tourism, National Committee for Clean City Assessment and National Committee on Tourism Professionals have made its efforts in fulfilling their duties in the name of officials of the royal government with high responsibility, leading competitive movement “Clean city, Clean resorts, Good services and Best hospitality” playing vital role in tourism reformation plan by focusing on 4 prioritized angles:
In fact, the above 4 angles reformation plan implementation is not only increasing attractiveness of Cambodia to be as outstanding tourism destination for international tourist market but also contributing to enhance effectively domestic tourist movement. At the same time of continuing to attract international tourists, the Ministry of Tourism high valued on significant role of domestic tourists in supporting sustainability of tourist growth in Cambodia, in particular contributing to socio – economic development by standing on 6 factors as following:
3.Domestic tourists are as best mean facilitating to social intensify by enable the people with low income who are not able to make trip oversea for having chances in making trip and rest at regional resorts;
Taking this time, I would like to high value on and thank for cooperation and efforts made by all related institutions and parties; both state, private, community people and tourists, supported and participated with the Ministry of Tourism in accomplishing Cambodia tourism development which will be benefits for us in the present and for next generations. – Respectful H.E Deputy Prime Minister! – Excellences, Lok Chumteav, Ladies, Gentlemen Distinguished National and International Guests! Today, I do have proud of and most privilege to be recognized and high valued on previous works throughout accomplishing in assigning me as a member of European Tourism Academy, and this is a proud and a privilege for Cambodia tourism which we all accomplished. The today successful achievement is really derived from sound and wise leadership of Samdech Techo HUN SEN Prime Minister which is a great merit for me. Along with this, this success cannot be interrupted from participation of colleagues with high responsibility and all level officials of the Ministry of Tourism as well as the supports and good cooperation of all related institutions, private sector, development partners and the people. The membership whom I got is for the Ministry of Tourism and the whole Cambodia tourism industry. The assigning me was made at the same time Cambodia has been catching opportunity from tourism development both ASEAN region, Asia Pacific region and the worldwide. In this regards, I do have optimistic believe that via membership of European Tourism academy, we will be able to share, to exchange views, knowledge, practice and further new researches on the preparation and promote policy implementation and Cambodia tourism development strategic plan. Along with this, the Ministry of Tourism, with cooperation from Microfinance Institutions, put out loan program for students in tourism which enable students to get loan for studying in low rate. And today, to participate in preparing policy and develop Cambodia tourism development strategic plan to be more effective, the ministry of tourism prepared to form “professional network and professors in tourism sector” by assembling experts, professors in tourism in order to contribute to share knowledge, experience, good practices, as well as using their skills in contribution in other capacity buildings, training human resource on tourism with competency and real professional. – Respectful H.E Deputy Prime Minister! – Excellences, Lok Chumteav, Ladies, Gentlemen Distinguished National and International Guests! Once again, I myself and my family would like to deeply thank for His Excellency Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, attended as highly testimony in congratulatory ceremony on my assignation as a member of European Tourism Academy this time. In name of the Ministry of Tourism, I would like to deeply thank for His Excellency Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade and his colleagues who always support to Cambodia tourism development, and would like to thank for participation of Excellences, Lok Chumteav, Ladies, and Gentlemen, Professors, Experts, Distinguished national and international guests in the meaningful ceremony for me and my family today. At the end, I would like to wise Excellency Deputy Prime Minister, Excellences, Lok Chumteav, Ladies, and Gentlemen, Distinguished national and international guests to meet with 4 blessings: Long life, Health, Happiness, and Strength. Thanks you!   Prime Minister of Cambodia-Academician HUN SEN the author of the famous hunseneconomics and the artisan of the country incredible development had succeeded in placing his country on the top of tourism development. The Kingdom of Cambodia has many reasons to celebrate as the World Bank has just ranked the country as the world`s sixth economy as growth rate in 2018 topping many other nations and established investment destinations. The main reason for World Bank rating was the country incredible tourism developments in the last years starting with the Kingdom being selected as WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION a moved that brought a supplementary 1 million tourists in 2016/2017 and the capital Phnom Penh being selected as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM another landmark that brought a new 1,5 million tourists to the Asian Kingdom. These successes had brought about and a flash flood of investments with more than 3 billion poured into the country tourism sector since Cambodia acquired the WORLD`S BET TOURIST DESTINATION status. After Phnom Penh was selected WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM the American giant Marriott announced it will open a Courtyard Hotel by Marriott is slated to open its doors in 2018 with a total of 189 rooms, all-day dining, a dynamic lobby cafe, and a sky bar. Recently in the wake of Phnom Penh being announced as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, David Udell, Hyatt Hotels’ Group President-Asia Pacific, said: “As Phnom Penh becomes known as a destination for art, culture, tourism and business, we are confident that the globally recognized Hyatt Regency brand will resonate with business and leisure travelers visiting the country”. As a result, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, the new announced investment in WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will have 250 rooms, restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool and bar, as well as a convention center. Finally, the high-end Rosewood Hotel is scheduled to open in 2018. It will be a deluxe property with 175 rooms and suites. Now the designation of the country as the 6th economy in the world in terms of opportunities, investment climate and growth will mark the nation as a hot spot for future investment in tourism and culture related sectors, stated European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. These sectors will continue to boom, attracted by the country political stability, pro-business climate enacted by the Academician Hun Sen, the Kingdom Prime Minister and high honesty and probity of his government remarked also President Dr. Anton Caragea. Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Tourism Academy Director mentioned also: these accomplishments are the direct result of the supervision of the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS- Prime Minister HUN SEN and are proving our righteousness in proposing his policies as a world model. The global tourism institutions of European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy will continue to assist and foster this climate of confidence and flurry of developmental activities that made the country a WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and now the world sixth economy.   OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF H.E. ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI ON THE OCCASION OF HIS ELEVATION TO THE HONOUR OF ACADEMICIAN Mr. President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, It is with great joy and pride that I welcome this distinction. Through me, it is Djibouti and its population that you just honor. Therefore, first of all, Mr. President, on behalf of the people of Djibouti, I thank you personally as well as the academy that you are leading for this mark of trust and esteem that you show us. This distinction, Mr. President, as meritorious as it may be, we take it neither as a consecration nor as a reward. But as an encouragement. An encouragement to persevere on the path that we have traced in the development of tourism. It is always rewarding to be supported in its efforts, especially by an institution like yours that has always defended a vision of tourism and culture centered on the human. Ladies and gentlemen There are different ways to define and perceive Djibouti and its people. Some speak of us as a pebble in the middle of the desert. Others, no doubt nostalgic of a colonial era yet gone, we reduce to a sign on which is written "Territory of the Afars and Issas". The most innovative identify us with a geostrategic basis for the military powers. But fortunately for us, ladies and gentlemen, there are still many people around the world who do not reduce us to these anachronistic clichés and labels. For us and for all those citizens of the world who have had the opportunity to stay in our country, Djibouti, it is this land of meetings and exchanges at the confluence of all roads, maritime, land and air. For us and for all these citizens of the world, Djibouti is a story and even a prehistory that geology, geography and archeology keep telling through times and ages. Those who marveled at the pristine beauty of the Lac Abbé, those who accompanied a caravan on the ice floe of Lake Assal, those there have the feeling of what is Djibouti. And it is probably because they felt the magic of a captivating space that Tazief and Rimbaud spoke in their time of "a book of open geology" and "a lunar landscape". Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen We are therefore looking forward today to this international recognition of our country as "World Capital of Culture and Tourism". Our country contains sites that are well worth detours. I mentioned Lake Assal and Lac Abbé earlier, but I could have mentioned the prehistoric frescoes of Abourma or the primary Forest du Day. I could also mention the extraordinary biodiversity of our flora and fauna which includes endemic species such as Djibouti Francolin or Beira gazelle. I could also mention the extraordinary cultural richness of our communities. These nomads rooted in their territories. But also these citizens who are the fruits of a historic melting pot, and which makes Djibouti a haven of tolerance and living together. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, In our development strategy for our country, we are very sensitive to the benefits of tourism, its impact on growth, and its role in the fight against poverty. In a decade and thanks to all the efforts made to increase its attractiveness, our country has more than quadrupled the proportion of tourists. Naturally, the Government is encouraging this job-creating dynamic for our youth and generating foreign currency for our economy. So much so that we have not hesitated to build the tourism industry as one of the economic pillars of the 2035 vision. In the frenzied global competition that drives the tourism sector, we want to remain lucid to avoid falling into certain pitfalls. We do not want to sacrifice to all-tourism territories and ecosystems that we know as fragile. We do not want to build this still burgeoning sector on an economic model that plunders and torpedoes the ecological balance of territories and populations. Faced with the short-term and consumerist promises of a tourism industry that often degrades, pollutes and destroys, we want to get out of the Manichean trap of all-tourism or its opposite, for a responsible solution that integrates the tourism industry into a development plan sustainable. Djibouti has chosen a niche tourism that connects individuals, cultures and civilizations. The choice of a tourism that has an important role to play in the dialogue of cultures and in living together. The choice of balance between our development objectives and the indispensable protection of our social, cultural and environmental heritages. It is a difficult choice whose dividends, although promising, are still meager. But a choice that my country assumes for the sake of fairness and justice for future generations of our country. Thank you for your attention!   HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT OF DJIBOUTI ACADEMICIAN ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH, LAUDATIO Your Excellency Mr. Presidents Ismail Omar Gulleh and Dr. Anton Caragea, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, We are here for the induction ceremony of H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, the President of Djibouti as the newest member of European Tourism Academy and to confer upon His Excellency as in academic tradition the Medal of Honor of the European Academy. As prescribed by the protocol the presentation of the new member of Academic community is made public for the benefit of a global audience. Analyzing the curriculum vitae along with the activity of the President Ismail Omar Guelleh we discover a complex person, a man of many talents, entirely dedicated to the development of his country, to the well being of the people of Djibouti, dedicated to building a favorable image of Djibouti in the midst of the international community. Serving his countries in many administrative capacities gave him access to a high level of knowledge and expertise, and was fundamental for building a solid education and experience in managing the country, giving him an European and international perspective upon the transfer of knowledge, expertise and technology. We can say that Djibouti is not only a beautiful country. But is having a great president in his service! H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh loves his country and the people of Djibouti. He learned how important the resources are for a country, how important the expert management of such vital resources is for the well being and the successful development of Djibouti. But during the years of his presidency he wanted more…He wanted to acquire knowledge of scientific management of the country, of its human resources and natural resources as well. We may say that during his years of Presidency, President Guelleh put again Djibouti on the world map. A wise internal, regional and international policy made Djibouti a point of balance, a strategic area, an extensive zone of stability and peace. During the last decade, President Guelleh carried extensive talks and negotiations with the leaders of the most powerful nations of the world (United States, France, the traditional partner, and China, the new dynamic financial, economical and strategic partner). Using a diplomatic language we may say that under the Presidency of H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, Djibouti became a country exporter of security and stability at a local and global level. President Guelleh also addressed in a positive manner to global problems that adversely influence mainly countries of the world: poverty and hunger, persistent unemployment and armed violent conflicts and climate change. With Djibouti firmly inscribed this year as the number five economy in the world in terms of economic growth rate we can appreciate that Djibouti is on the right track. The complex ties and trade policies connecting Djibouti with Ethiopia are also an example of successful cooperation between neighboring countries. We will not analyze here in extensor the political activity of H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh , but taking actively part in the political life of his country, it gave him the opportunity to work with people of Djibouti, to be in the middle of people of Djibouti, to efficiently communicate, and being able to implement at the highest level the management of the country activities, reflecting the reality of Djibouti and the wishes of Djibouti people. The most valuable resource of a country are its people, the young generation as educated people imbeded in a local and international culture and education. And specially in this real we must emphasize a strong line of achievements that will highlight Djibouti future for years and years to come. The honorary titles received in this regard by the President Ismail Omar Guelleh in Turkey, from the University Yildirim Beyazit, along with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and in Ethiopia from the University Hararmayo represents only a tiny piece of recognition of the effort and the interest of the President in supporting the education and culture in Djibouti. For the interested we invite them to visit at least the 7000 students of the University of Djibouti (with Faculties of Law, Economics and Management, Science, Medicine, Engineering, Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences). At last but not least, H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh carefully and efficiently supported many humanitarian initiatives developed in the projects coordinated by the First Lady Mrs. Kadra Mahamoud Haid, for the benefit of the health of many young women, for the empowerment of the new generation of women’s and opening the gates of education and responsibility for thousand of djiboutians. His Excellency activity in the area of foreign affairs was indeed another work of impressive success. As a diplomat he presented to the world the image of a peaceful country, of many resources and beauties, with people that praise hospitality, open in a friendly manner to the international community. Today celebration when we crown Djibouti as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM is the direct recognition of these years of diplomatic activities, of investments in promoting the image of the country, opening vast infrastructure programs that made the Djibouti the place where all the trades, tourism and diplomatic roads of the world start. Transforming Djibouti in the last twenty years in an oasis of peace, obtaining for his country the global recognition and inscription on WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM list are historical achievements that need to be rewarded. In recognition of his life-long contribution to the development of Djibouti, we are proud to hand over The Medal Of Honor to his Excellency Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti and to recognize him as the newest academician of the European Tourism Academy.   The world has a voice in the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: ACADEMICIAN HUN SEN, PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh has hosted a grandiose ceremony to honor culture, history, tourism as instruments for world development. On this occasion in recognition of the role of paragon of development of H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, the leaders of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals, European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy elected him as the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. In the presence of over 3,000 guests, diplomats, tourism and culture experts, the official ceremony for the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS has taken place. Tourism is in the world of today a linchpin in achieving and enhancing world development, creating much-needed employment and opportunities for growth and social inclusion and creating much needed economic resources to be used to protect and promote the cultural heritage.Tourism in the world of today is the new form of diplomacy, bringing people, nations, creeds and religions together, in order to foster mutual respect and tolerance. (Professor Dr. Anton Caragea) Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President in Cambodia in 2017 – WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and PHNOM PENH – WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.   Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President held a key note and empowerment speech explaining the main reasons for this election of Cambodia`s Prime Minister as a world leader in development and as a key figure in the global fight for sustainability and growth. EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE PRESIDENT PROFESSOR DR. ANTON CARAGEA DECLARATION FOR GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS FOR HIS EXCELLENCY SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO HUN SEN, PRIME MINISTER OF KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA EUROPEAN ACADEMICIAN Your Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN- Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia, Your Excellency Mr. Thong Khon – Minister of Tourism, Esteemed members of Royal Government of Cambodia, Members of Parliament of Cambodia, Distinguished member’s diplomatic corps Dear guests, All protocol observed, We are meeting today for a historic moment, the nomination of the newest GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS in the person of H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia. It is not by chance that we met here in Phnom Penh, recently sacred as World Capital of Culture and Tourism as this is absolutely the correct address to find the world newest global ambassador and the voice supporting world-wide peace and development and fostering tourism as a tool for promoting people to people exchanges, peoples diplomacy and deep-rooted understanding and dialogue. It is absolutely befitting that Cambodia will help the international community to have a voice in development and peace and that Khmer people give us the perfect example in building a new world, a better one. It is not the first time that the world is looking to Cambodia for leadership and a path to glory and growth. Fourteen centuries ago the world looked in awe to Khmer Empire for guidance, for a world example of civilization. Angkor become a university for all the people of Asia and Indochina, from here spring up the giant temples, the powerful legends about daring goods protecting humanity, here was carved the delicate art of dance that will charm and enticed the world and become known across the ages as the Khmer civilization and made Cambodia to act as a beckon of culture and light to the world. Prime Minister Hun Sen is a son of this proud history and in my long discussions with him I always appreciated his interest and desire in keeping alive the ancient cultural traditions and protecting the world heritage sites of Cambodia ( I will remember you all his determination in liberating the ancient temple of Preah Vihear and restoring it to The Kingdom of Cambodia patrimony without shedding a drop of blood, only by diplomatic skills and passion). His love for the people of Cambodia, his tireless dedication for their well being made Cambodia what it is today: a center of world economic development with an annual growth rate of 7%, the most attractive market for investors, the most rapid job creator economy in the region and a country that has become a leader in tourism development. Phnom Penh has been transformed from the ghost city of 1979 into the host of World Economic Forum for 2017 and elevated to the status of World Capital of Culture and Tourism. A country than in 1979 has received zero tourists was transformed into the Kingdom of Wonder, World Best Tourist Destination of today, a welcoming home to more than 5 million travelers today. If this is not an example in tourism development, then I don’t know what qualifies for one.  Official presentation to the world of the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. Cambodia is clearly showing us that in the XXI century what is important is not the size of the territory or the populace, but the will, skill and determination to contribute to the world development. You can find out more about these topics here: ♦ THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG ♦ EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY ♦ EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE AND SDG ♦ TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ♦CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION ♦ GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SDG What is more important and maybe sometimes the people of Cambodia may overlook, captured by the unimaginable transformation in their life’s, is that Prime Minister Hun SEN has given them more than national pride, or independence or growth or a stable job or has helped millions to be lifted out of poverty. Yes he did all that.. but he did something more for the people of Cambodia, he gives them a sense of direction, of stability in a troubled world, he gives them the conscience that every day will be a better one, that every day things will be done better and more diligent, in a word he gave to the people of Cambodia the diamond of HOPE. This is what we need in the world of today from a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: to help us restore hope to the world. Hope that the reconstruction is possible. There are so many to be reconstructed in the world of today, so many nations plagued by wars, terrorism and destruction or plagued by climate change-related disasters need advice and guidance. And who knows better to rebuild that Prime Minister Hun Sen? I will give you some figures to understand something about the man who has taken Cambodia from zero to hero: from 2 billion GDP in 1979 to 54 USD billions today, from 50 USD per capita to 3.488 USD today, from zero foreign investments to 1,7 billion investment`s yearly. From cities reduced to rubble by US bombardments and millions of peoples without home or hope, from abandoned temples and hamlets all needed to be rebuilt, to be restored in the country and with no help, the government led by Prime Minister Hun Sen created this miracle, the Cambodian miracle. Having the shining example of Cambodia of today before our eyes these are the best qualification description and credential for a future GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. Cambodia of today, a country that is rapidly modernizing, that has become a center of encounter and dialogue for all the people for the world, that was transformed in an example of development and that is generously opening his gates for all the nations in search of cultural enlightenment, historical research and patrimony exploration. PHNOM PENH is today a center for world diplomacy, where crises are settled and statesman’s are finding new ways for cooperation, a center of innovation and inventivity, a place where tradition and new, culture and technology are blending in a perfect way. This is the true calling card for a leader for XXI century, for a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, for a man for whom development goals are not just a piece of paper or words to ring hollow, but are a lifetime work, are part and parcel of his existence and activity. This year in local democratic and free elections, the people of Cambodia have the perfect occasion to pass judgment and express support to Prime Minister Hun Sen vision and they did this admirably, as a testimony of their indelible trust in his foresight. Now we have the privileged and the honor of voting for Prime Minister Hun Sen, the man who created a free and democratic Cambodia, a country where all are equal under the sun of Angkor and where hope still survives. Now we have entrusted him with the highest honor that we can give: to be our voice, to represent humanity aspirations for a better world, to be our world ambassador, leader and creator of visionary policies. I must emphasize that: the recognition as GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS is addressed also to the people of Cambodia. H.E Prime Minister HUN SEN is the democratically elected voice of the people of Cambodia and he represents the will of the Cambodian people, the will of unity, his industriousness, his energy in building a better and powerful and independent Cambodia, this is the marvelous people of Cambodia that we honor today.  Last year, I was having a special feeling when I remarked that the world needs Academician HUN SEN exertions and contribution, well this year this appeal becomes more real than ever. In a recent declaration, Prime Minister Hun Sen said he is contemplating staying in the service of his nation for at least ten more years. Well, we need him for at least twenty more, to steer us on the path of development goals completion and fruition and to help us build a better world, a world of peace and understanding, a world of hope. Your Excellency, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Prime Minister HUN SEN we entrust you with the responsibility of GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS reminding you our commitments: to support humanity, to leave no one behind and no one excluded, to build a better world for us all. These are the bonds that unite us, give form to our aspirations, to our belongings, and this is the language of humanism and human dignity, the language of an AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. Prime Minister HUN SEN the world recognized you as THE NEW GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. May you lead the world in the right direction!   On December 1st, 2017 in a special sitting of The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY a message of congratulations for Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia was adopted. The messaged addressed the news of the nomination of Academician HUN SEN as the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Tourism Academy noted that the nomination is a well deserved one as we must salute the Government of Kingdom of Cambodia commitment to fulfilling the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations and for ensuring that Phnom Penh it is and continues to be a placed for development, creativity, encouragement of free enterprise and initiative and inclusiveness for all who come to this beautiful city. Academician Ionut Costea noted that Prime Minister of Cambodia is the most entitled to present the world with a roadmap for development as Cambodia is today: a center of world economic development with an annual growth rate of 7%, the most attractive market for investors, the most rapid job creator economy in the region and a country that has become a leader in tourism development. Phnom Penh has been transformed from the ghost city of 1979 into the host of World Economic Forum for 2017 and elevated to the status of World Capital of Culture and Tourism. A country than in 1979 has received zero tourists was transformed into the Kingdom of Wonder, World Best Tourist Destination of today, a welcoming home to more than 5 million travelers today. Ambassador Tiberius Puiu noted that Prime Minister Hun SEN policies have given to Cambodian people more than national pride, or independence or growth or a stable job or has helped millions to be lifted out of poverty. He will be a perfect GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS noted the ambassador. Messages of congratulations for the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS Prime Minister HUN SEN poured in from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, MENA region and Caucasus countries. ACADEMICIAN IONUT COSTEA      European Tourism Academy members: Academicians Mircea Constantinescu, Ionut Costea and E. Constantinescu are expressing their support for the decision taken by THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) to continue upholding the efforts of promoting SDG as tools for international peace, development and inclusive and socially balanced growth. The PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS has already being involved in world level programs like: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and creating wealth, promoting tourism and culture as tools for progress and civilization across the world. We salute this incredible decision, concluded Academician Mircea Constantinescu and we strongly uphold the banner of Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals programme as representing the community of builders of a better world. On October 4, 2017 the official ceremonies for WORLD TOURISM DAY have taken place in the presence of President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and having in observance members of European Council on Tourism (ECTT) and Trade, European Tourism Academy, diplomatic corps accredited to ECTT and members of PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG). In the opening ceremonies for the World Tourism Day Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has made the long-awaited announcement: The Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals programme will continue in the next year. As a result of the demands coming from leaders, statesman`s and peerless world personalities involved in the carving of new development strategies and in implementing United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda we have taken the decision to further implement the program and to entrust the European Council on Tourism and Trade and PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS SDG to continue the implementation of the program in the years to come. On the same occasion Professor Dr. Anton Caragea announced the good news that: the international Campaign for the implementation of 2030 Agenda of United Nations, known worldwide as SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA, in the work of parliaments across the world has reached a first milestone, only after a year of existence, with the support of 262 parliamentarians from 22 national parliaments. Now with this threshold passed, the Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s, is now endorsed across party lines, ideologies and national agenda`s by more than 262 current members of parliament from over 22 countries. The creation of a Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s in the UN framework for world cooperation in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals that was signed by the lawmakers calls for “a gradual implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in all national and local parliaments and elected assemblies agenda creating a global synergy for world level campaign aimed at bringing to life the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA” The role of Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s is “to ensure international cooperation, secure the acceptance and to enhance the legitimacy of the United Nations SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA and strengthen the elected representatives ( parliamentarians) capacity to act and to be more effectively and directly included into the activities of implementing and financing the programs related to SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA.” “This is an important milestone,” remarked Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, the Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s Executive President and campaign’s coordinator. “The support of a UN Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s by such a broad group of parliamentarians from all the world’s regions shows once again that it is high time for the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA to be recognized as paramount for world development,” he concluded. “If it comes to democratizing the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA and to insure global cooperation, than the Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s is the venue for a technical and democratic debate, said Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. “The SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA would benefit from involving elected representatives in its deliberations. After all, in many cases it’s them who are needed to help implement UN policy at the national level, especially if it comes to the Agenda 2030,” said Mr. Catalin Nechifor from Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s . On this momentous occasion the new logo of the Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s was unveiled by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, the Executive President. We must note that: apart from members of parliaments, the campaign has also been endorsed by numerous former members of parliaments, distinguished scholars, cultural innovators, representatives of civil society organizations, and many committed citizens from all walks of life. European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy had created and pioneered the PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS SDG`s uniting world parliaments in the efforts to implement in their work and legislation measures dedicated to bring to life SDG in every nation. European Tourism Academy is the only world academy that is offering SDG based courses and curriculum based on role of culture and development in carving a new and better future for as all. More information’s about the Parliamentarian Assembly for Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals can be read out on UN-SDG site here: Supplementary information regarding the World Lectures on SDG can be obtained from official website Professor Dr. Anton Caragea signs the decree to continue to the Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals programme onto the next period. 
  Academician Mircea Constantinescu: EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY Director announces the end of 2017 World Tourism Awards competition. European Tourism Academy has just closed the candidature list for 2017 WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD competition. As of June 1st, 2017 no more countries candidature will be accepted, announced Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Academy Director. The candidature files has already being perused and we are proud to announced that a number of 41 countries entered their candidature for the world most prestigious tourism award out of which 38 were considered complete, in line with the requirements and entered the final stage of the competition. This year we will implement a new system of candidature files analysis that will see working groups, per continents, selecting the final winners for continental candidature and the selected one country per continent will be submitted for evaluation for European Council on Tourism and Trade General Assembly slated for July 29th, 2017. Under the former election model all candidates where directed for world tourism leaders for final evaluation, resulting in a huge load of work and decision that required two days of debates and discussion, while under the new procedure the results can be determined in the first day, concluded outlining the improvements Academician Mircea Constantinescu.  Academician Ionut Costea: I hope that 2017 will be the year of African tourism!I trust that 2017 will be the year for Africa, stated Academician Ionut Costea the responsible for the European Council on Tourism and Trade ECTT Africa team candidature evaluation. Our team will try to evaluate and propose to world tourism institution of ECTT the best candidates destined to bring WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD to Africa. Africa needs recognition, tourism credentials and support and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the best notoriety provider and tourism confidence building instrument in the world and the only way to insure African tourism in promoted on international stage remarked Academician Costea.  I hope that 2017 will be one more time the year of Asian tourism in the spot light declared academician Mircea Constantinescu.After the incredible success of Cambodia as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 that succeeded in garnering more than 1,6 million tourists supplementary in 2016/2017 and being officially the world leader in tourism growth in 2016 in absolute numbers and in volume, registering a world record. The shining example of Kingdom of Cambodia and of Prime Minister Academician Samdech HUN SEN, who made tourism a tool for peace and development unmatched in the region, should be copied by the rest of Asian countries. We hope that: the new WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION will be an Asian country and a new world example on international forum and we will try to put forward the best name and candidature file for European Council on Tourism and Trade General Assembly decision.  It`s Latin America time to shine in the world at European Council on Tourism and Trade awards for 2017, stated Academician-President Ion Iliescu.It is Latin America hour for 2017, confidently declared Romanian President (1990-2004) Academician Ion Iliescu. Our team will put forward the best tourist destination of Southern and Central America and as I personally visited and traveled in many countries of the region, I trust that it is time for Europe to support the region tourism development and to make the countries to grow from zero in tourism to hero status and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the perfect vehicle to achieve this, concluded former Romanian President. On July 29th, 2017 the world tourism community will propose the name of the new victor of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD and the world example in tourism development. Let us wish all the contenders success in the last leg of their journey towards WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status!  A new world leader in tourism will emerge out of 2017 WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION competition.More PR links on the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARDS FOR 2017 you can find here:
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE EUROPEAN NEWS EUROPEAN TOURISM NEWS  On April 19, 2017 H.E. President of United Nations General Assembly- Ambassador Peter Thomson had addressed a letter to the head of states and global leaders urging a better knowledge and acceptance of Sustainable Development Goals in the world and asking a universal effort for the implementation of SDG in learning process across the world.
The letter addressed to H.E. President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and to European Tourism Academy reads in part: Everything I have learned as President of the United Nations General Assembly has convinced me that, taken together with the Paris Climate Agreement, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda provides humanity with the best chance we have to shape a sustainable way of life for our species upon this planet. In pursuit of this high purpose, I am writing to you and every Head of Government of the Member States of the United Nations, with the request that national efforts are made to educate young people on the vital importance of the Sustainable Development Goals. If every school curriculum in the world incorporates the Sustainable Development Goals, every school teaches them, and every young person on the planet is made aware of them as rights and responsibilities, the world will stand a very good chance of attaining the Goals by 2030. I am pleased to advise, Excellency, that in support of the policies that your government may decide on the matter, tools are already available to help support SDG learning, such as those developed by UNICEF, UNESCO, the Global Partnership for Education and the “World’s Largest Lesson”. European Council on Tourism and Trade has being from the start of Sustainable Development Goals inception and promotions, alongside the global efforts made to implement SDG in the life of every man, woman and child on this planet. European Council on Tourism and Trade had created and pioneered the PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS SDG uniting world parliaments in the efforts to implement in their work and legislation measures dedicated to bring to life SDG in every nation. The special programs of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION were also tailored and reconstructed in order to become a development booster, to buttress growth and economic opportunities for all the people of the world. EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY is the only world academy that is offering SDG based courses and curriculum based on role of culture and development in carving a new and better future for as all.  On May 11, 2017 on the occasion of the elections of Mr. MOON JAE-IN as President of Republic of Korea, H.E. President of European Council on Tourism and Trade Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has addressed the official congratulation message for the Korean President elect.
The message is an illustration of Europe desire to continue developing the relations with the Republic of Korea and support Korean tourism and trade growth and assertion in the world. The presidential message reads in part: On the occasion of your election as President of Republic of KOREA I have the honor of expressing my warmest congratulation and to wish you success and accomplishments on the hard task of rebuilding The Republic of KOREA, of insuring his unity and continuous development. On this moment of hope and trust in future for KOREA, I have the pleasure of expressing our full confidence in Your Excellency exertions will insure that KOREA will continue to be a beacon of hope, democracy and economic prosperity in Pacific area providing a friend and an ally for Europe in this important world region. Europe will continue to support your country development and will continue to see the Republic of KOREA as a center for equilibrium and peace in the region. The high level message hives an unmistakable signal of continuity in the bilateral relations between Europe and Korea and on the desire to foster these relations unto the future.  European Tourism Academy has hosted the official EUROPE DAY 2017 celebration, a mammoth gathering attended by over 1000 people from including prominent guests such as government representatives, diplomatic corps in Bucharest, business leaders, academia, and the media. The ceremony was officially opened with the traditional cake-cutting by President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea together with Academician Mircea Constantinescu, and High Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Mark Doda as well as all ECTT accredited ambassadors in Bucharest. Honourable Ministers, Honourable Members of Parliament, Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Colleagues, fellow Europeans and friends of Europe, Ladies and gentlemen, Namaste, Salam Alaykum, Good evening, Bonsoir, and a very warm welcome to you all to the 2017 Europe Day celebrations. First, I would like to express my gratitude to Academicians Mircea Constantinescu and Ionut Costea, Directors of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, for kindly agreeing to make available this splendid hall for today’s gathering. We thought that this year it would be great to bring Europe closer to academicians and professionals and leaders of all walks of life, and to hold our celebrations in this excellent establishment. Thank you very much to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.Today, 9 May, is Europe Day. On this day in 1950 Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister, called on the nations of Europe to unite and make war on our continent unthinkable. His message of peace and unity is as relevant as ever. The dreams of our founding fathers have become a reality, and Europeans live together in peace and prosperity, bound together by principles of democracy and human tights. Yet, as anyone who follows international news knows, the European Union faces considerable challenges, and I do not want to gloss over these. But despite all our difficulties the Europe represents the most successful process of regional integration, and remains the richest continent in the world. In no other place is there so much freedom – freedom to speak our mind, freedom to move, freedom to pray and not to pray, freedom to love, freedom to vote and freedom to choose our own destiny.Everywhere in the world Europe is a major trading partner, a major investor and we are proudly launching here BEST OF EUROPE/BEST OF WORLD program.  Climate change is another example of Europe prowess and a dear subject to myself as Ambassador for World Protected Areas. On 22 April 2016, 175 countries signed the Paris Agreement in New York. Fifteen countries deposited their instruments of ratification on the same day sending a signal to the international community on the paramount importance of the implementation of the Agreement. Our Ambassador office is committed to continue to work closely with all the nations on climate change, not only alongside it in international negotiations, but also as a key partner – providing support for mitigation and adjusting, and on the implementation of the Paris Agreement – the next big challenge. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,I want to welcome you this evening not only to the Europe Day Reception, but also to our exhibition showcasing our engagement in tourism, trade and development across the world. With WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONand WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM programs we succeeded in the last ten years to bring over 6 billion euro investments in tourism, development and growth sector in Africa and Asia and we created more than 100.000 jobs in tertiary sectors of all the countries that have being supported by EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE and EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY programs. I would like to thank all our development implementing partners for their contributions to the exhibition and for their efforts. I hope that everyone will take time to discover the breadth and depth of the EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE co-operation with developing world.  I would like to express my gratitude in particular to key partners of ours in this day, as DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE who offered you not only wonderful gifts but provided you with a symbol of what Europe stand`s for culture like Salvador Dali works and the joy of living embodied by wonderful perfumes and also a word of gratitude to our European Diplomatic Wine`s partners like HOUSE OF PANCIU who unveiled for you the best European sparkling wines and HOUSE OF WINES COTNARI who had offered you the gift of incredible European wines. A word of gratitude to the 23 masters of pastry and cakes, who created the incredible cakes that we will taste tonight. I will no longer stay between you and the incredible cakes awaiting us!  Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Happy Europe Day! Bbahut Dhanyawad, Shukran, Merci beaucoup, Thank you, Danke.”  H.E. AMBASSADOR OF REPUBLIC OF KOREA MR. KIM EUN-JOONG RECEIVED BY ECTT PRESIDENT POFESSOR DR. ANTON CARAGEA On the approaching UNWTO competition, H.E. Ambassador of Republic of Korea Mr. Kim Eun-joong had presented, in a special audience with H.E. ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, the program of Korean candidate for United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary general position. H. E. President Dr. Anton Caragea perused the document and appreciated his context and his vision and wished all the future success to Korean candidate: Ambassador Dho Young Shim. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea remarked that: This year race for UNWTO Secretary General top job is a special one, as candidates from all continents had submitted their candidatures and we wish them all success in bringing a new breath of life in the organization. We have also being happy to see inscribed in the competition our member Academician Walter Mzembi, Africa`s candidate and a man that we value and hold dear. Until now we did`not issued any recommendation for voting for our members in this election, announced President Dr. Anton Caragea. I think is better if we leave all the countries to decide on the future leader of UNWTO on their own accord and taken under consideration the future of tourism interest and their national tourism development opportunities. May the best one win! marked Professor Dr. Anton Caragea the end of his audience with Korean Ambassador . Here is the vision of Republic of Korea candidate Ambassador Dho Young Shim regarding the future of tourism in the world: Your Excellency In just a matter of days, one of the most important decisions for the future of global tourism will be taken at the 105th session of the UNWTO Executive Council. May 12th, 2017 is when 33 Executive Council Members will propose a successor to Dr. Taleb Rifai as the next UNWTO Secretary General. This recommendation cannot be taken lightly – there is too much at stake. Starting from day 1 of taking office, the new Secretary General must build on the invaluable work of Dr Rifai, maintaining and enhancing the support and cooperation achieved with governments, businesses, academia, the UN system, other International Organisations, NGOs, and travellers worldwide. As you yourself know, the role of tourism in global development – poverty alleviation, sustainability, unity, inclusivity, peace and stability – is too important for leadership risk-taking. Making the right choice demands focus on candidate vision, credentials and character. The world of tourism depends on it. From the outset of our candidacy, we are very grateful to you for having listened to our approach to the next leadership of the Organisation, which offers a combination of stability and renovation. Together, we will respectfully and responsibly build on the legacy received, injecting an enhanced level of energy and strategic mobilisation to take the Organisation to new heights. Our candidacy as a team “ticket”, a woman and a man of different, yet complementary professional paths and accomplishments in the tourism sector, and from two regions of the world distant from each other, yet clearly determined to work together, is unique. Our combination is a perfect fit as a team, and our experience with UNWTO will ensure our effectiveness from day one. Over the past twenty years we both have been intimately associated to the Organisation, both externally and internally. By choosing us the Secretariat of the UNWTO will be headed for the first time by a woman, and by someone from Asia, the second region of the world by its tourist activity after Europe, which has held the post of Secretary-General on three out of five occasions. Importantly, the fact that we both come from the G20 and the OECD economically advanced countries – the Republic of Korea and Spain – enhances our ability to strengthen UNWTO membership, bringing back to the UNWTO the industrialized countries that are currently distant from the organisation or even those that were never with us. Our partnership reflects our vision: one of a strong, delivery-focused UNWTO, championing global Tourism as a key enabler to fulfilment of the greater global growth agenda. Our immediate priorities will be: Structure:
Strategy:
Intelligence: To strengthen the research capacity of the Organisation producing a wealth of studies for advocacy purposes, including:
The Executive Council’s choice identification and proposal of the next Secretary General of the UNWTO needs to focus on competence in Tourism, for Tourism. The future of the UNWTO and wider UN system’s ability to utilise Tourism as a critical tool for development of nations, as well as fulfilment of the SDGs, depends on the Executive Council Members choosing carefully and responsibly the most capable and experienced leadership. Together we must ensure it is a future defined by leadership before leaders. We thank you. The list of candidates for UNWTO secretary position: Brazil: Mr. Márcio Favilla submitted with the support of the Government of Brazil and received on 6 March 2017; Colombia: Mr. Jaime Alberto Cabal Sanclemente submitted with the support of the Government of Colombia and received on 6 March 2017; Georgia: Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili submitted with the support of the Government of Georgia and received on 2 December 2016; Republic of Korea: Mrs. Young-shim Dho submitted with the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea and received on 24 February 2017; Seychelles: Mr. Alain St. Ange submitted with the support of the Government of Seychelles and received on 18 January 2017; Zimbabwe: Mr. Walter Mzembi submitted with the support of the Government of Zimbabwe and received on 4 March 2017;  Korean UNWTO candidate Ambassador Dho Young SHIM  On the felicitous occasion of the nominalisation of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President as Tourism Ambassador for Kingdom of Cambodia, the Board of European Tourism Academy has adopted a congratulatory message to honour ECTT President and to give testimony on the universal appreciation for his work and commitments for world cultural and tourism development. Your Excellency Mr. President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, We would like to extend our personal congratulations and warm thanks to you for your efforts on behalf of the world‟s tourism, education and cultural development through your association with EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY. Your advocacy and diplomatic and international representation work have inspired others and have helped move EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY work forward. Your Excellency have demonstrated a genuine commitment to communicating strong and clear messages about the importance of tourism as a factor of international development, peace building and international cooperation . In recognition of your bold endeavours in using your talents to improve the lives of peoples around the world, we are honoured to congratulate you on your official recognition and role as Ambassador for Tourism of The Kingdom of Cambodia. Your Excellency is topping the list of well-known and highly respected personalities from tourism, culture and diplomacy but we are certain that your Goodwill Ambassador electionis not only because of Your name recognition but more particularly because of the respect with which Your name is held. EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY is placing all resources available at Your Excellency disposal and our global reach would offer you unique access to audiences around the world as you help disseminate Kingdom of Cambodia cultural messages.   Kingdom of Cambodia was elected as WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION FOR 2016 signaling world community appreciation for the country huge potential. Cambodia and Ethiopia have been selected to be the official model countries for World Tourism Day (WTD) in 2016, at the ECTT General Assembly. European Tourism Academy full-hearted. acquiesce with this nominations as Cambodia and Ethiopia are representing long established power houses of culture and history and will partake in world level celebration for World Tourism Day 2016 destined to present to the universal inspiration the model of tourism development of Kingdom of Cambodia. World Tourism Day 2016 will be celebrated under the theme of “Tourism is an educator to us all” emphasizing the role of culture, historical patrimony as driving vector for tourism and travel in the world.“This year theme of world community is concentrated around the role of CULTURE AND HISTORY in shaping our life`s and destinies.Culture is the bedrock of societies, nations and civilizations. We have to put the world at the right hour: the hour of culture, of history, of civilization! Culture and history must be recognized not as resource consuming, but as major economic factors, that helps countries to develop and enrich themselves in more ways than just simple economic value announced President of World Tourism Institute-European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. I am looking with interest to celebrate World Tourism Day in collaboration with these two prominent powers in culture and tourism: Cambodia and Ethiopia ”, said Ambassador Tiberius Puiu from ECTT President Office.“The tourism sector, which is considered as the green-gold is a sector sustaining socio-economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty of the people, and playing an important role as on-site exports, contributing to supporting the regional integration”, said the Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Cambodia, Thong Khon. Celebrated as an annual festivity on 27 September, World Tourism Day is designed to increase world level awareness on the significance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. World Tourism Day 2016 will be celebrated under the theme “Tourism is an educator to us all”, marking the importance of culture, tourism and historical patrimony as humanity tools of choice for building bridges of information, understanding and cooperation in the world.In this new world, tourism is the center of the economic development. President of World Tourism Institute-European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.  Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Cambodia, Thong Khon presenting the tourism model of the Kingdom.
 President Dr. Anton Caragea –European Council on Tourism and Trade, Academician Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy presents Cambodia`s Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Dr. Hun Sen with ACADEMICIAN regalia. President Dr. Anton Caragea –European Council on Tourism and Trade, Academician Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy delivered a joint eulogy in the Phnom Penh Peace Palace on the occasion of the award of the prestigious title of ACADEMICIAN to Cambodia`s Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Dr. Hun Sen. World Tourism Institution-European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, took part in the ceremony awarding the ACADEMICIAN title to Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Dr. Hun Sen in the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, together with European Tourism Academy Director-Academician Mircea Constantinescu and European Council on Tourism and Trade high ranking delegates: Pavel Avramoiu, Ioan Matei, ECTT Chairman -Mihai Prundianu. European Tourism Academy Director-Academician Mircea Constantinescu presents LAUDATIO for the new world academician Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Dr. Hun Sen.   Peace Palace in Phnom Penh offered the glamorous setting for ACADEMICIAN eulogy for Cambodia`s Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Dr. Hun Sen. The Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister has been awarded the HONORARY ACADEMICIAN title for “ in clear appreciation of your influential vision in carving cultural and heritage of Cambodia as conducive instruments in building tourism and in insuring development for your people.This outstanding vision has being transformed in a general politic and enacted under your leadership as a world instrument for development during 2015- World Conference on Tourism and Culture ”. The Presidents of the two world tourism institutions – all of whom are themselves previous recipients of the Academician title – were invited to address a joint eulogy for this year’s laureate. In his part of the speech, President Anton Caragea underlined that Prime Minister of Cambodia -Samdech HUN SEN made it possible for the international community to carve out the first world level instruments in developing tourism, creating the basis of sustainable tourism on the pillars of cultural richness, religious tolerance and historical platform. In the new millennium Cultural and Historical Tourism becomes the beacon on which the life of billions of people’s is improved and enriched.Cultural tourism is today a part of nation building and an intricate part of the nation’s international image. In today`s world, a nation cannot project his external dimension, and cannotimagine his diplomatic activity in the absence of promoting his historic patrimony and boost his cultural prowess.All this policies being transformed in every day dimensions of international activity are fundamentally linked to your visions, your thoughts and your actions. You have succeeded in engraving your name on the golden list of cultural protectors, offering a special attention to historical patrimony of your country and use it, and preserve it for the benefit of the future generation. Your Excellency is part of the special HUMANITY PROTECTORS. Leaders that are grasping the importance of tourism as the most important part of diplomacy, international relations and raising national profile on world arena.These leaders must be supported and commanded and offered as a general example, concluded his remarks ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. The award ceremony was preceded by a long discussion of the high ranking delegation with Prime Minister of Cambodia -Samdech HUN SEN.It was followed by a joint press conference of President Dr. Anton Caragea Academician Mircea Constantinescu-Academy Director and Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, country elected as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD`S FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for 2016. President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and Academician Mircea Constantinescu also wrote a joint articles on this occasion, articles published in several European and world newspapers. They highlight the message of hope that Cambodia has sent to the world as the country: was lifted from the brink of extinction to another horizon of hope and future development and Khmer people is building today the new temples of Phnom Penh: a steel and glass city that will echo the buildings of the past.This statement of confidence in the bright future of Khmer nation and practical measures put in place, made your country succeeding in the 2016- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD competition and be accepted as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for your nations incredible weight of culture, history prowess and contribution to humanity legacy.This is a new momentous achievement for CAMBODIA, a moment that is due to your exertions. The membership in the European Tourism Academy is awarded every year to honour exceptional work performed in the service of world culture, tourism development and protection of historical patrimony. World Tourism Institute head, President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea conferess with H.E. Cambodia`s Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo -Academician Dr. Hun Sen.  The Board of European Tourism Academy announces that H.E. HUN SEN- SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO, Prime Minister of Cambodia is a new WORLD LEADER OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT part of EUROPEAN ACADEMY The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY announced today the election of H.E.SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO HUN SEN-Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia in the highest academic fora in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research, policies and activities. This international recognition come for his role in promoting fair tourism, cultural legacy heritage, hosting 2015 World Tourism and Culture conference and for decision to uphold the principles of European Tourism Academy: to support education, to foster education, to encourage global action and citizenship via education development, to uphold the system of higher education, to advance peace, sustainability and development on world arena. The full text of the EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY leaders can be read here: Your Excellency, It is with pleasure and clear sense of proud that we inform you that: in full unanimity, the Academic Board of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) has elected you as a Honorary Member of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, in your capacity as a WORLD LEADER IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT in clear appreciation of your influential vision in carving cultural and heritage of Cambodia as conducive instruments in building tourism and in insuring development for your people. This outstanding vision has being transformed in a general politic and enacted under your leadership as a world instrument for development during 2015- World Conference on Tourism and Culture. In 2015, Your acumen and diplomatic astuteness made it possible for the international community, in the World Conference on Tourism and Culture forum of UNESCO and UNWTO to carve out the first world level instruments in developing tourism, creating the bases of sustainable tourism on the pillars of cultural richness, religious tolerance and historical platform. In the new millennium Cultural and Historical Tourism becomes the beacon on which the life of billions of peoples is improved and enriched. Cultural tourism is today a part of nation building and an intricate part of the nation’s international image. In today`s world, a nation cannot project his external dimension, and cannot imagine his diplomatic activity in the absence of promoting his historic patrimony and boost his cultural prowess. 2015 WORLD TOURISM AND CULTURE CONFERENCE OF UNESCO and UNWTO had brought Cambodia to the fore of world heritage cultural preservation.   US President Barack Obama. with H.E. HUN SEN- SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO, Prime Minister of Cambodia All this policies being transformed in every day dimensions of international activity are fundamentally linked to your visions, your thoughts and your actions. Tourism, Travel, Trade and Investments are interconnected and are uniting today`s countries, in a globalized world and unified market. Today, the presence of historical patrimony and cultural dimension in the world are entitling all the persons in the world to have access to double citizenship`s: one generated by the simple birth and the second one growing form the love other nation`s cultures and history, this one by free choice. The world recognizes that Trade, Travel and Tourism are part of the international life and each and every one of our citizens became a world ambassador and a central actor on world stage. Nations that wish to attain their full potential and reach the picks of development, international recognition, economic growth and a prosperous life for his citizens can’t remove themselves from the international tourism and trade arena. Trade and Tourism are the key pillars for countries and billions of people, worldwide, in their efforts to achieve fully their live potential. European Council on Tourism and Trade had become, and strides to remain, the driving force in the international promotion of culture, and patrimony and encapsulate tourism as the main vector in development and international cooperation. Our world encompassing achievements and activities would not have being possible without the decisive contribution, in our tireless efforts, by the world leaders, ready to become a part of our world tourism institution and able to firmly raise their voices in the spirit of culture, international cooperation and advancing the position of tourism on global world agenda. Under Your Excellency leadership, the Government of Kingdom of Cambodia has for a long time recognized and abated the importance of culture and tourism as key facilitators for the country development and international promotion. Your leadership has succeeded in creating an exemplary and powerful poverty reduction strategy- Royal Government’s Rectangular Strategy which focuses on promoting Economic Growth, Employment, Equity and Efficiency. The Cambodia-Diamond of the Mekong development activities, investment protection and facilitation, economic growth and wealth spreading to the nation is the creation of your life long experience and devotion to your people. Open sky policies related to easy visa access, unifying ASEAN travel space and tourism integration had benefited the peoples and nations of the regions and have proven once more that: tourism is a tool for dialogue and understanding in the world, for promoting peace and engagement worldwide. As a true leader of the people, devoted father of the nation, you have carved, exemplary structures as the “One village- One product” for Siem Reap region and your government has being heavily investing in infrastructure and capacity building, protecting the cultural, natural and historical patrimony of the country. You have succeeded in engraving your name on the golden list of cultural protectors, offering a special attention to historical patrimony of your country and use it, and preserve it for the benefit of the future generation. Your Excellency is part of the special HUMANITY PROTECTORS. Leaders that are grasping the importance of tourism as the most important part of diplomacy, international relations and raising national profile on world arena. These leaders must be supported and commanded and offered as a general example. Your Excellency stated: “Let me reassure that the Kingdom of Cambodia a country with independence, neutrality, peace, freedom, democracy and human rights as you all have seen, shall be existing with no end.” Your Excellency has being true to his word and commitment and by protecting and promoting the incredible legacy left to us by the Khmer Kings of Angkor had helped the incredible resurgence of the Khmer people in XXI century. Cambodia was lifted from the brink of extinction to another horizon of hope and future development and Khmer people is building today the new temples of Phnom Penh: a steel and glass city that will echo the buildings of the past. This statement of confidence in the bright future of Khmer nation and practical measures put in place, made your country succeeding in the 2016- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD competition and be accepted as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for your nations incredible weight of culture, history prowess and contribution to humanity legacy. This is a new momentous achievement for CAMBODIA, a moment that is due to your exertions. Your Excellency, In your new capacity, as the representative of CAMBODIA on world tourism and on international cultural stage, we hope that the World will benefit now from your public exertions and support, in creating a new world community, based on peace, development and tourism as the pillars of international cooperation. Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, MA, FINS, ETA PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE Academician Mircea Constantinescu PhD, Phil Dr.ETA DIRECTOR EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY More PR and photos can be found here: EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE ON FLICKR EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE ON PINTEREST 
The call for applications, for the 9th European Council on Tourism and Trade Awards for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION is now closed, announced Academician Mircea Constantinescu head of European Tourism Academy. The ECTT Award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2016 is celebrating, this year, the round number of 20 million tourists, that visited countries placed on the list of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in the last five years. The Awards for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, established in 2000, are the flagship recognitions for national and the global tourism. They recognize cultural achievements, tourism potential, social role of tourism, knowledge incorporated in tourism development, in accordance with European Council on Tourism and Trade committment for the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. The name of winner nation of the European Council on Tourism and Trade – Awards for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION will be unveiled on Friday, 10 June 2016, in a gala dinner in Bucharest, Romania. Last year, the ceremony hosted 220 high-level participants from more than 27 european countries, including ministers, ambassadors and tourism industry CEOs. The European Council on Tourism and Trade Awards for FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION, to be held on 10th June 2016, will highlight the importance of culture, historical patrimony and artistic creation in tourism and showcase the knowledge and achievements of all ECTT Awards finalists. European Tourism Academy leader hand it to European Council on Tourism and Trade President his office recommendation regarding the name of the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 contest.   European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) had announced 2017 as the Year of SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT. The decision of World Tourism Institute-ECTT comes in the following of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. United Nations had recognized “the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among people’s everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world”. President- Professor Dr. Anton Caragea declared on the public ceremony marking the signing of the Executive Order on 2017 as the Year of SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT “Tourism had become now one of the most important world tool for economic development, in combating economic crisis and supporting the fight against un-employment and poverty world-wide. Under the European Council on Tourism and Trade, as the flag-ship of international tourism I`am sure that 2017 will mark a year of raising awareness of the significance of tourism in the fields of economy, culture and environmental protection ” emphasized Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President. “We are supported in our drive for tourism by European Tourism Academy as leading international academic and research institution and specially The Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals gathering world parliaments, Governments, other international and regional organizations and all other relevant stakeholders”, this is unprecedented, noted in his allocution President Dr. Anton Caragea. The decision to adopt 2017 as the Year of SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT comes in the center of The Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals activity marking an important moment as the international community embraces the new Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has marked for the academician presents the importance of the continous development registered by Ethiopia in the last year after being declared as a world example in tourism by WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD designation. In the message addresed to Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia-H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, President Dr. Anton Caragea stated european leaders appreciation for prime minister efforts directed towards transforming Ethiopia in a world recognized symbol of freedom and a center of spreading hospitality and friendship via tourism development. President Anton Caragea marked European decison to congratulate Academician Hailemariam Desalegn on the reappointment as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, a move that was normal and expected as Your Excellency succeeded admirably in implementing the First Growth and Transformation Plan, developing Ethiopian economy beyond all expectations and crowned achievements by bringing to ETHIOPIA the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status. All this achievements are a far cry from the former image of famine and underdevelopment that where associated with Ethiopia and this is making them even more notable. 2015 had also meant challenges, like the unexpected drought, but your government tackled this issue with diplomacy and a care that must be appreciated. After the reading of the official message to Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Academician Mircea Constantinescu outlined the new measures and outcomes established by THE ETHIOPIAN TOURISM STRATEGY carved by Minister of Culture and Tourism: Ms. Aisha Mohammed Mussa. The objectives stated are achievable and based on the determination to significantly increase the number of tourists during the 2nd Growth and Transformation Plan (2015–2020). The Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to triple foreign visitors to more than 2.5 million by 2020. This would make Ethiopia one of the top five tourist destinations in Africa. Last financial year, 770,000 tourists visited Ethiopia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism hopes to increase this to one million, and the revenue earned to well over US$3billion by the end of this Ethiopian budget year, by July 2016. To attain this the Ministry has identified five main focus areas for the GTP 2 agenda. These are: natural and cultural heritage conservation and development; culture and tourism products marketing; service excellence; improve culture and tourism research and information systems; and enhance cooperation and collaboration with development partners. Based on these focus areas, the Ministry now has clearly defined goals for the next five years. Ethiopia‘s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, recently explained some of the details behind the extra impetus the Government is adding to the development and promotion of the tourism sector in order to achieve and indeed surpass the ambitious growth targets it has set for 2020, the end of the Growth and Transformation Plan. Indeed, she hopes that these aims can be exceeded if tourist sites can be developed quickly enough and promoted accordingly. She admits to being very ambitious in her vision. The Government‘s interest in the sector has been underlined by the drawing up of a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan; by the revitalization of the Ethiopian Tourism Organization, to concentrate mainly on destination marketing and promotion, as well as destination development in terms of service, quality and access; and by setting up of the Ethiopian Tourism Transformation Council, chaired by the Prime Minister. Ms. Aisha pointed out the Ministry was now working on different websites to promote Ethiopia as a favorite tourist destination-the title granted by European Council on Tourism and Trade. It was also working on changing the tourism brand and trying to build a completely new communications‘ campaign. This is going to be launched before March. Concluding the presentation of the New Tourism Strategy of Ethiopia, Academician Mircea Constantinescu addressed to President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea the imbold to continue to offer his support to Ethiopian tourism development.  New Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia Ms. Aisha Mohammed Mussa
On the occasion of European Tourism Academy celebrations, European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had addressed the official congratulation message to the European academicians. The message was delivered on the milestone moment of the European Tourism Academy becoming a member of United Nations Academic Initiative. The message of greetings reads, in part: “Over the past decade, the members of the European Tourism Academy have made a significant contribution to strengthening the intellectual and economic potential of the world. Many prominent European scholars worked here. Their efforts contributed in large measure to the creation of the theoretical and practical foundations that enabled the development of world culture, tourism and diplomacy and contributed to our ability to resolve cultural problems. Today, in the context of modernising the world economy and managing its transition to an innovative path of development, it is important to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Academy. We need to ensure the widespread use of theoretical developments and technologies in tourism, diplomacy and culture. Of course we also need to expand relations between the Academy and academic centers in Europe and abroad. I am confident that your knowledge and experience will continue to be useful in the European cultural, tourism and diplomatic stage and will help ensure tourism and environmental safety of Europe and the world.” The European Tourism Academy works on realising and extending the scientific potential of European cultural, trade and tourism industrial complex. Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President reads the congratulatory message together with H.E. Ion Iliescu- former President of Romania and H.E. Emil Constantinescu-Romanian President .  |
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