 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!   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. |
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