EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY STARTS THE ANALYSIS OF WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM DOSSIERS3/24/2019
European Council on Tourism and Trade Director Mr. Vasile Vlasin (C) and Academician Mircea Constantinescu (L) -Head of European Tourism Academy and Balkan Tourism Chairman Mark Doda (R) presenting the list of candidatures for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM On behalf of The Secretariat of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) Director Vasile Vlasin presented the list of the applications for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation by the global tourism institution. The applications for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will be debated and approved during the ECTT Executive Board Meeting (23 April 2019). Investment Director for ECTT Vasile Vlasin announced that forty-eight cities (48) and regions from Africa, Asia and America had entered into final evaluation stage and had fulfilled the pre-requisite to be considered for the top cultural and heritage tourism award. These 48 cities and regions are promising to foster a new wave of tourism development across the world and to leverage and support new tourism-related initiatives and to create more than 500.000 jobs in the next three years and to garner a profit estimated to over 1 billion USD announced Mr. Vlasin. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ The most successful World Capital of Culture and Tourism recipients until now (2019) PHNOM PENH-THE HEART OF INDOCHINA DJIBOUTI-THE PEARL OF RED SEA DJIBOUTI-LA PERLE DU MER ROUGE ADDIS ABABA-THE DIPLOMATIC CAPITAL OF AFRICA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ By the end of 2019 is expected that out of this 48 contenders two more cities to be registered as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. The pressure is great therefore in selecting these two cites that will lead world tourism in the next period stated Academician Mircea Constantinescu (European Tourism Academy). The rest of 46 cities will be re-directed for further analyses in 2020 and in the years to come, concluded Academician Mircea Constantinescu, together with the new candidates that are vying for top cultural recognition. The European Council on Tourism and Trade World Tourism Awards are the flagship recognition for the world`s tourism sector. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Understanding how World Capital of Culture and Tourism recognition can help your nation: The HOW TO? GUIDE TO WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM CANDIDATES UNDERSTANDING WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA AND WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM BREAKING NEWS ABOUT WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Since their inception in 2008, the global tourism institution awards recognize the role of culture and heritage around the world in creating a positive impact, fostering peace, understanding and cooperation amongst nations and served as an inspiration for the world tourism. To this moment, European Council on Tourism and Trade has acknowledged the contribution towards peace and development and supported tourism initiatives around the globe creating more than 100.000 jobs in tourism and helping nations across the world in fulfilling their sustainable development goals commitments. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ The European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) is the global tourism institution responsible for the promotion of culture based tourism, and offering support for responsible and sustainable tourism. It is the leading international organization in the field of tourism, which promotes tourism as a driver of heritage protection, culture advancement. 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.
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! European Council On Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea presents the activities of the new academician: H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti.President of Romania (1996-2000) Academician Emil Constantinescu attends the ceremony (photo left). According to the motto: KNOWLEDGE TO LEAD THE WORLD! The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY has accepted in his midst a new global leader in development and tourism ready to bring his contribution to the universal agenda for sustainable development. The name of the new personality recognized as world leaders : Ismail Omar Guelleh-The President of Djibouti. As it is the academic tradition, The Letter destined for World Leaders of Tourism and Development will be presented to H.E. President Ismail Guelleh on the opening day of World Capital of Culture and Tourismfestivity by European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. The European Tourism Academy encompass world leaders who proven themselves as creators of outstanding initiatives related to world development, tourism growth, tourism diplomatic initiatives and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local and global communities. President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh has been named member of European Tourism Academy in recognition of his visionary leadership. World Bank has placed Djibouti on no.5 on world level on the rate of economic growth. ---------- More can be observed here: LETTER FOR WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA NAMED WORLD LEADER FOR DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM GLOBAL TOURISM INSTITUTION APPOINTS WORLD LEADERS FOR DEVELOPMENT PRIME MINISTER OF ETHIOPIA RECEIVES THE LETTER FOR WORLD LEADERS ---------- According to the international media, President Ismail Omar Guelleh is being honored for “his developmental policies which lifted Djibouti out of poverty and raised it according to World Bank on no.5 on the top of world fastest growing economies in 2018. President Ismail Omar Guelleh is to be commended for a visionary leadership that enacted on national level policies of reconciliation and inter-community dialogue, encouraged sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and economic development attracting major hotel investment, resulting in the remarkable turnaround that has led to Djibouti’s rise as one of the leading growing tourism destinations in Africa today (European Council on Tourism and Trade).” The Press Dossier of an intensive diplomatic activity of a world leader: Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh President of the Republic of Djibouti. Among other recent recipients of the Letter destined for World Leaders of Tourism and Development and academician title, an eminent place is held by H. E. Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia Hun Sen who enacted policies that made Cambodia to be the first country in tourism development in 2016 and 2017 at world level. Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Tourism Academy Director declared “Growth in this industry has proven to be a driver of shared prosperity because H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh has ensured that Djibouti-ans benefit directly. This is one of the reasons that we salute in him a world leader and a development example.” We recommend you to see: European Council on Tourism and Trade Photo Dossier ECTT Photo Journal 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! Director of The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, Academician Dr. MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU presents the arguments for PHNOM PENH: THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. On December 9, 2017 in the presence of over 3.000 guests, diplomats, tourism and culture experts, members of the Parliamentary Assembly for the Sustainable Development Goals, members of the Royal Government of Cambodia and of the Royal Parliament of Cambodia and European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates and many others high level guests attended the official ceremony for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM handover for PHNOM PENH has taken place. In the pomp and ceremony of the event the Director of The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, Academician Dr. MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU outlined the reasons and the arguments for the inscription of Phnom Penh as one of the world landmark cities. Here is the full text of the presentation: WORD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM - PHNOM PENH OFFICIAL STATEMENT Academician MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU Director of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY Your Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN- Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia, Your Excellency Dr. 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, Today is a historical day, is the day when we inscribe the name of another model city on the humanity list of WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. In carving up the World Capital of Culture and Tourism Program 11 years ago, European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) set for themselves the ambitious task of establishing a world list of cities and regions that are encompassing the legacy of humanity, that are harboring traditions and costumes unique or hosting natural treasures considered to be of outstanding and universal value. We are ensuring their presence in the limelight so that we and the future generations can enjoy the world’s patrimony wealth and it’s variety. The international community must give much more support to the activities promoting the heritage, which is central to our civilizations and this is the main role of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation. During last year`s THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM program enlarged and enriched his focus becoming a part of THE AGENDA FOR HUMANITY and a part of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda being part and parcel of the global efforts destined to eradicate inequalities, ensure growth, develop education and cultural opportunities for all and supporting investment and development and integration policies where there are more needed. From an essentially global cultural and tourism program we have evolved in line with the world commitments and concerns onto a world level development program. On this note I 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. Inscribing PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we recognize that culture and history are not resource consumers, but are major economic and development factors, that help countries to develop and enrich themselves in more ways than just simple economic value. Culture is undoubtedly a fundamental part of our life, is marking our identity and is facilitates our encounter, our dialogue, it helps us to share experiences, to search for unknown territories, to go further and further, is inscribed in our fiber and it defines us, is make us human. Registering PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we are taking act of the Government of Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN commitments and incredible achievements of the last 30 years in carving cultural and heritage protection programs, in ensuring a permanent growth in the quality of patrimony protection and consolidation, in ensuring the preservation and fostering of religions, traditions and cultural and traditional activities. Today, PHNOM PENH is fulfilling the trademarks of what we are calling the cultural landscape marked by the existence of “mixed properties”, blending natural properties and cultural properties. It designates areas where there has been a harmonious interaction between man and nature over a long period, linked to a particular culture, and which provides evidence of a traditional way of life in which nature and culture are profoundly interlinked. Cultural landscapes are described in Article 1 of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage as representing “the combined works of nature and man”. PHNOM PENH is such a generous area: encompassing the natural setting provided by the confluence of three rivers: the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, the world unique river that is flowing upwards the stream for six months a year. This perfect natural landscape has become the setting of a rich cultural city that encompasses religious monuments and heritage treasures like: Wat Ounalom the 1443 shrine built for a sacred hair of the Buddha and considered the seat of Cambodian Buddhism who will celebrate 575 years of continuously and uninterrupted religious activities. Another landmark is the famous Wat Phnom, built in 1372 and restored and reconstructed in 1434, 1806, 1894 and 1926 and has become a symbol of the capital city Phnom Penh and regularly used for prayer, small offerings, and meditation. It is a specially charged place connected with the legendary figure of grandmother Penh and from 15th century King Ponhea Yat built the capital in Phnom Penh around this sacred mountain used for keeping the cremated ash of the King. The mountain of Wat Phnom has been transformed in the last 700 years in a place that is uniting Buddhist statues of the Angkorean era with art crafts from the medieval and modern area and also a royal necropolis hosting the stupas for keeping cremated ash of the Royal families. Other religious places and cultural landmarks are Wat Langka who is reputedly one of Phnom Penh’s five original Wats (1422). Established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks, the Wat was named in honor of these meetings. Wat Botum Padei also one of the oldest religious buildings still in use in the city from 1422 and is compound, is crowded with ornate and colorful stupas, including the towering ‘Buddha’s Relic Stupa. Wat Koh another one of the city’s five original Wats, established in the early 15th century and Wat Neak Kravorn situated in a perfect picturesque skyline of Boeung Kak lake. PHNOM PENH is not only the seat of rich cultural and religious objectives but is also presenting a long list of tourism centers from the famed Russian Market, Old Market, Central Market, Night Market and a large array of traditional markets, to the incredible riches of the National Museumhaving on display more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 7th to the 13th century. Treasures include sculptures, 19th-century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins. I will just note on the lines the incredible cultural potential of Phnom Penh the fact that: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIAwas voted as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for the incredible treasures encompassing more than 14.000 priceless artifacts and for the perfect ways that are displayed and imbuing the visitors with the message of culture. Phnom Penh is far from being just a huge open-air repository of temples, stupas, palaces and incredible museums it is also a place where the energy of his peoples is channeled into huge celebrations like Moon Festival, Water Festival, Royal Ploughing Day, Khmer New Year or famed Buddha Day-Visakh Bochea Day. It is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction. I also take this moment to congratulate the Ministry of tourism on the initiative to create a special walking riverine prospect offering for tourists the opportunity to stroll around the banks of the famous Mekong. Initiatives like this are creating the image of a friendly and traveler welcoming city, an image that Phnom Penh so richly deserves. The positive answer was clear keeping in mind the impressive history of the city, the enormous cultural and heritage potential of Phnom Penh and the plans put in place by the Government of H.E. Prime Minister HUN SEN in order to carve out an ever better future for the peoples of the city and for those who come to share the life of the gem of Asia: the incredible PHNOM PENH – the city of waters, the gift of Cambodia to the world. Your Excellency Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia HUN SEN, It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the most representative leader of people and tourism of KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA the award for PHNOM PENH – THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. EUROPE HOSTS CONGRESS ON ETHICS AND TOURISM-EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE ANNOUNCES4/24/2017
European Tourism and Academy and World Tourism Institute - European Council on Tourism and Trade are proudly announcing the hosting in Europe of the Congress on Ethics and Tourism. This gathering is aiming at highlighting the necessity to foster an ethic and development oriented tourism is more relevant as this year we are marking The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development to be celebrated throughout 2017. The main target of the event will focus on the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting a more sustainable tourism sector. The tourism and ethics experts gathering will discuss the global sustainability agenda, particularly issues of governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR), responsible tourism consumption patterns, universal accessibility and effective management models for natural and cultural resources in line with tourism ethic manual. On the agenda of the conclave must be also included tourism practices that contribute to socio-economic empowerment of local communities and individuals and spread the benefits of tourism development, notably to women, youth, indigenous people and persons with disabilities. The assembly will further highlight the competitive advantages of investing in a more inclusive and diverse tourism sector. The meeting is more important as it is ascribed to the necessity of creating a large current of opinion in respecting the value of travel advisories, in creating a safe environment for tourism and placing the safety and well being of tourism always at the fore, stated European Council on Tourism and Trade President. The instructions to amalgamate in this year European Tourism Academy decision regarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM the issues of ethics and safeness with even more scrutiny than usual will be carried out to the fullest stated Academician Ionut Costea. The GLOBAL TOURISM ETHIC COVENANT can be read out here. EUROPEAN GUIDE FOR TOURISM PRACTICES can be assessed via this link. 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 Tourism Academy has become, from November 2015, a member of UN Academic Impact initiative, a global network of universities that support UN values and goals. European Tourism Academy received this honor in recognition of the decade long exertions on promoting the eleven principles of development: the basic principles carved out by the United Nations Charter, human rights like freedom of inquiry, opinion, and speech, offering educational opportunity for all people regardless of gender, race, religion or ethnicity; the freedom to pursuit the higher education; commitment to building capacity in the higher education systems across the world; encouraging global citizenship through education, advancing peace and conflict resolution through education, addressing issues of poverty through education, promoting sustainability through education, promoting inter-cultural dialogue and understanding, and the “unlearning” of intolerance, through education. The ‘EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY” is the world center of higher education and research that wants to be at the forefront of cultural transformations and with the ambition to give answers to the challenges and visions of our time. The Academy explores such diverse topics as cultural and tourism planning in the digital era , new processes of diplomacy , urban cultural strategies , complex systems and data management , the future of the city in terms of sustainability energy and capital, new strategies for the world economy . The ‘EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY” is acting under the control of President Office of European Council on Tourism and Trade. United Nations Academic Impact is a United Nations initiative to align institutions of higher education, scholarship and research with the United Nations and in the compliance with Sustainable Development Goals . In the words of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “The Academic Impact aims to generate a global movement of minds to promote a new culture of intellectual social responsibility. It is animated by a commitment to certain bedrock principles. Among them: freedom of inquiry, opinion and speech; educational opportunity for all; global citizenship; sustainability; and dialogue.” This year’s European Council on Tourism and Trade Academy celebrates World Tourism Day 2015 by highlighting the powerful role of tourism in creating causeways of international understanding and mutual respect. European Tourism Academy considers that there is no better way to learn about a new culture than to experience the magic of tourism. Traveling outside your comfort areas offers wonderful occasions to discover new cultures and communities. This interaction is destined to promote dialogue and interaction. This personal meetings mediated by traveling experiences between people of different backgrounds is the very foundation for tolerance and dialogue. In a world building yet a peaceful coexistence, tourism can build bridges and contribute decisively to peace. Tourism’s contributions to economic development are a part of building a new common market and a new global solidarity. Today in the times of economic crisis, tourism is proving his steadfast ability to generate socio-economic occasions and help reduce the gap between rich and poor nations, and this result is becoming more significant than ever. European Tourism Academy is tacking this global opportunity to encourage all the stakeholders involved in tourism to embrace the key principles of the European Council on Tourism and Trade. These guidelines for sustainable, ethic and global tourism development, approved by the European Council on Tourism and Trade President, are based on the scientific and cultural analyses made in our academy and are based on the connections between tourism and peace, human rights and inter-cultural/ inter-religious dialogue. World Tourism Day 2015 is an opportunity for tourism community under the leadership of European Council on Tourism and Trade to reflect on the importance of tourism to global development and environment protection. We encourage you to travel, to discover the charm of engagement with other cultures, religions and civilization and celebrate human accomplishment`s during history. President of European Council on Tourism and Trade-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, MA, FINS, EDA European Tourism Academy Director-Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu Amin Abdulkadir-Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia presented with the promotion T-shirt for summer 2015 marking Ethiopia as World Best Tourism Destination for 2015. During the official visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade Delegation to Ethiopia, World Best Tourist Destination for 2015, the official meeting between HE. ECTT President- Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia-Amin Abdulkadir has taken place. On 9th of July 2015, H. E. Minister Amin Abdulkadir has welcomed the European high ranking officials at their arrival on Ethiopian soil.The minister express his country appreciation for European support, in electing Ethiopia as World Best Tourist Destination and Favourite Cultural Destination for 2015, a moment that will mark the full maturity of Ethiopian tourism industry. . European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, graciously acknowledged the warm welcoming and stated that: now Ethiopia has emerged as the most rapidly developing African country, one of the world top level economic powers and a symbol of African development.I am pleased and honoured to be in Ethiopia-the Center of African tourism, concluded President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea..On 14 July 2015, a new round of talks was held between the two tourism leaders at the end of European Council on Tourism and Trade top level delegation visit to Ethiopia-World Favourite Cultural Destination. European Council on Tourism and Trade President remarked thatEthiopia had succeed in the world competition for World Best Tourist Destination for all the right reasons and is today a paradise for travellers, an oasis for culture and history seekers and a perfect luxury and discovery destination. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia -Amin Abdulkadir had presented his ambitious plans for fostering Ethiopia’s place on international tourism markets and presented his desire to continue the cooperation with European tourism body for years to come.Among minister plans are: to obtain for a city in Ethiopia the designation of World Capital of Culture and Tourism, to start a step by step and state by state developing process of tourism in Ethiopia. HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia, Amin Abdulkadir and H.E. ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, discussed a long term agreement of support and cooperation envisaging: holding of conferences, exhibitions, promotion activities and decided to concentrate in electing in 2016 a World Capital of Culture and Tourism from Ethiopia, in order to create a two-three years long campaign for Ethiopia-the land chosen by God! Minister of Culture and Tourism-Amin Abdulkadir, Prime Minister and European Academician-Hailemariam Desalegn and European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Dr. Anton Caragea (from right to left)-Presiding of World Best Tourist Destination for 2015 ceremony. |
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