 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. President Dr. Anton Caragea, Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong congratulating the new world Academician: Dr. Thong Khon. 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. Academician Thong Khon presents the official decree of global tourism institution-European Academy.   National Museum of Cambodia is named for the second year as World`s Favourite Museum. The worldwide community of museums is to celebrate International Museum Day on and around 18 May 2018. In order to better mark this international day, the global tourism and cultural institution: European Council on Tourism and Trade decided to award the title of World`s Favorite Museum to The National Museum of Cambodia. The presence of PHNOM PENH based NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA to top the list of the most wanted museums in the world is a confirmation of the status of the kingdom as a top-notch cultural destination in the world. It is also a vindication of the country incredible cultural heritage and legacy stretching for more than two millenniums. Cambodia succeeds one more time to shine on world cultural stage as the National Museum based in Phnom Penh gets on the list of World`s Favorite Museums. With over 1 million visitors per year and over 14.000 objects and artifacts, the museum takes a leading role in the world of culture and has received a host of world dignitaries in the last years when the Museum has become a symbol of Cambodia’s recent renaissance and a tourism center after the country was named WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ What to do visit in Cambodia and Phnom Penh? Here are some suggestions: ♦ THE GUIDE AROUND PHNOM PENH ♦ PHNOM PENH: THE CITY OF WATERS! ♦ A VISIT TO PHNOM PENH! HIGHLIGHT OF A PERFECT CITY! ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ The history of the National Museum of Cambodia goes back to the early 20th century. It was inaugurated on 13 April 1920, under the patronage of King Sisowath and is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Khmer cultural artifacts including sculpture, ceramics and ethnographic objects from the prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and post-Angkorian periods. The Museum promotes awareness, understanding and appreciation of Cambodia‘s heritage through the presentation, conservation, safekeeping, interpretation and acquisition of Cambodian cultural material. It aims to educate and inspire its visitors with a humongous collection of huge Buddhas, Vishnu`s, and Shiva’s, cryptic and poetic inscription fragments, intimidating weaponry, and elegant vases. The museum carries a remarkably thorough vision of Cambodia’s art, from the pre-history to the post-Angkor periods. Not only the large art collections or the valuable patrimony had made the museum to top the list of world`s museums, but also the educational trail offered to visitors was taken into consideration as is offering the opportunity to delve into history, to be affordable and effortless and helping visitors to understand, contemplate and relax at the same time. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 2016 Visit to NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA 2017 Visit to NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ The Kingdom of Cambodia is hosting a plethora of significant museums like: SIEM REAP based Angkor National Museum, the incredible SAMBOR PREI KUKarchaeological site and the more recent addition to the cultural landscape of the Kingdom: PREY NOKOR KNUNG, a generous religious and historical cultural center dedicated to SDECH KHAN, one of the most famous rulers of Cambodia. The renaissance of Cambodia`s cultural patrimony is result of a luminary policy enacted by the government of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo ACADEMICIAN HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom who realized that the country can only be rebuilt based on the wealth of culture and historic greatness. On May 20, 2018, on the function of INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea will present the global role and significance of the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA and will officially recognized the cultural establishment as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for his priceless artifacts and outstanding contribution to the human civilization understanding. In 2016 and 2017 the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA received the visits of ASEAN delegates, European Union delegates, who praised the outstanding humanity’s legacy of Kingdom of Cambodia and of the European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates led by President Anton Caragea. More information about INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY can be accessed here: 2015 – WORLD FAVORITE MUSEUM LIST WORLD`S TOP MUSEUMS LIST. King Sisowath statue adorns the center of Phnom Penh.He was the creator of National Museum of Cambodia.  Angkor period statues: the main highlight of the National Museum of Cambodia. The worldwide community of museums will celebrate International Museum Day on and around 18 May 2018. The theme chosen for 2018 is "Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics". The honored country is the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA and his National Museum situated in Phnom Penh and hosting a large array of artefacts and memorabilias of unique value. the country was elected as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in 2016 and the city was recognized as a member of the WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AN TOURISM list for the cultural heritage assembled. The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness of the fact that, "Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples." Organised on and around 18 May each year, the events and activities planned to celebrate International Museum Day can last a day, a weekend or a whole week. Participation in International Museum Day is growing among museums all over the world. In 2017, more than 36,000 museums participated in the event in some 157 countries.   The Global Tourism Institution - European Council on Tourism and Trade has decided to award to Phnom Penh the status of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM in recognition of the cities large array of monuments, natural landmarks and historical and cultural patrimony. On December 9, 2017 in an official ceremony the capital of The Kingdom of Cambodia was declared as a member of the select club of WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM in recognition of the city incredible heritage and landmarks. This is a travel journal recommending you some of the must see in the Asia`s capital: PHNOM PENH! WAT PHNOM The temple has a strong connection with establishment of the capital city of Cambodia. The current name of the city Phnom-Penh in native language means literally the hill of Ms. Penh. According to a legend, a woman named Penh found a lot of little statues of Buddha in the river, and established the first settlement. She had the Wat Phnom temple built on the nearby hill to celebrate the Buddha statues found in the river. It is widely believed that the Wat Phnom temple was built in 1373. PHNOM PENH ROYAL PALACE The Royal Palace of Cambodia is a complex of buildings along with numerous other interesting buildings within the 183,135 square meters (421m x 435m) compound is The Khemarin Palace, also known as Prasat Khemarin or the “Palace of the Khmer King, even though it is generally understood to be the royal abode of the King of Cambodia.   NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA: NO 1. MUSEUM IN THE WORLD The history of the National Museum of Cambodia goes back to the early 20th century. It was inaugurated on 13 April 1920 under the patronage of King Sisowath and the French Resident Francois Baudoin, and was named Musee Albert Sarraut after the Governor General of Indochina. The 90-year-old red sandstone building, George Groslier the French archaeologist (1887–1945) was the prime force in the establishment of the museum and he also designed the museum building. WAT OUNALOM The origin of the Ounalom Pagoda can be traced to as far back as the 15th Century. It was built in 1422 by King Ponyea Yat, the last king of the Khmer empire. It is one of the five original monasteries in Phnom Penh that King Ponhea Yat had built, the pagoda founded in the 1440’s in Phnom Penh when the City was made the Kingdom’s capital. Today, it is the head quarter of the Cambodian Buddhist patriarchate and it houses the residence of the Chief Monk.   WAT BOTUM Wat Botum Vathey is a wat located at Oknha Suor Srun Street 7, Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is located to the south of the Royal Palace of Cambodia, on the western side of Wat Botum Park. Founded by King Ponyea Yat in the 15th century, Wat Botum is one of the original Wats in Phnom Penh. It is also one of the more important temples in town with many local dignitaries having been buried here over the years. PHNOM PENH CENTRAL MARKET Central Market (Phsar Thmei) in Phnom Penh is one of those busy bazaars that are always filled with effervescent crowd from one end to the other. The Central Market (Phsar Thmei) of Phnom Penh stocks everything right from food items to clothes, silverworks and jewelries. Where the Central Market (Phsar Thmei) in Phnom Penh. RUSSIAN MARKET IN PHNOM PENH The Russian Markets are busy and full of life, as well as being able to buy thousands of things you don’t really need, and gifts for people who don’t really need them but you’ll have a marvelous experience just looking around. Just outside of the Russian Markets towards the back is a clump of shops. Psar Toul Tom Poung — Cambodia also known as the Russian Market this is possibly the best market in Phnom Penh to buy souvenirs with a large range of antiques both real and fake. INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT The Independence Monument (Vimean Ekareach) is situated at the cross of the Sihanouk and the Norodom Boulevards in the center of Phnom Penh. It was built in 1958 to commemorate the country’s victory against the French regime. The monument has the shape of a lotus shaped stupa which is familiar in the Angkor. MEKONG ISLAND (KOH DACH) Perhaps the key highlight of Mekong Island is its cohesive village communities that represent the rural ethnicity of this country. In other words, the island stands out for its unspoiled surroundings, where houses are erected on stilts and people lead a simple lifestyle while earning their livelihood primarily from agriculture, fishing and silk weaving.   On the occasion of Europe Day 2017, France has received a new recognition as the center of world culture and lifestyle with the title of CREATOR OF WORLD FAVORITE PERFUME being saliently ascribed to DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE. The Perfume is from 17th century onwards an intricate part of European culture and must be inscribed as a part of tourism development as tourists are attracted by magic places where perfume is made and by perfume artists. Today the quest for exclusive perfumes, for the secrets of the perfume creators has a new address: Dali Haute Parfumerie, World Favorite Perfume in 2017, based in Paris. Dali Haute Parfumerie has just being honored with the title of World Favorite Perfume for 2017, in appreciation of his original interpretation of exceptional jewels created by Salvador Dali from which aroused the inspiration for creating unique perfumes, carved by the world famous perfume maker: Alberto Morillas. Dali Haute Parfumerie has being inspired by the jewels collections created by the artist and now the exceptional perfume bottles are transformed in works of art, the jewels on the cap have to be preserved and kept in house for generations to come.   It was Mr. Jean-Pierre Grivory, President Director General of Cofinluxe that harbored the bold idea to launch a new luxury perfume brand, based on the artistic creations of Salvador Dali. A visionary decision that ascribed DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE on the road to universal recognition and success. Having your own signed Salvador Dali perfume in your house is without doubt the greatest gift that Dali Haute Parfumerie is offering to the aficionados of high end perfumes. But the magic doesn’t stop at the bottle! The perfume bottles of Dali Haute Parfumerie are the chalice that is protecting the fragrances carved by one of the world`s best perfume artists, fragrances that will invite you on a voyage across the essences of life. Inside every Dali Haute Parfumerie fragrance you will find the rarest raw materials and substances in the perfume industry ranging from: absolute ambrette, orange blossom absolute, musk, patchouli of Indonesia, ylang-ylang, so many natural aromas and essences that will instantly transport you in a oneiric voyage. Mr. Jean-Pierre Grivory, President Director General of COFINLUXE succeeded in bringing a new life to French Perfume   In the official letter penned for Mr. Jean-Pierre Grivory, President Director General of COFINLUXE (the parent company of Dali Haute Perfumerie) on May 9, 2017, on Europe Day and announcing Dali Haute Parfumerie as World Favorite Perfume in 2017 is noted that: «Starting today DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE is receiving the precious recognition of quality for cosmetics and perfume’s industry and a sign of trust on international markets as the WORLD FAVORITE PERFUME FOR 2017. On May 9, on the EUROPE DAY, when we are celebrating the values of our continent and all that our peoples are producing and in the presence of diplomatic corps accredited to our institution we have publicly signed the decree conferring the official title of WORLD FAVORITE PERFUME FOR 2017 to DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE. From today DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE fragrances will be used for protocol gifts, product tasting, for brand presentations, for international delegations and international events related to tourism, trade and diplomacy across the world, promoting Europe industriousness, innovation spirit and cultural prowess.  European Council on Tourism and Trade proudly crowned Dali Haute Parfumerie for the unique and astute spirit of promoting the European, but also universal values of Salvador Dali creations and encapsulating in his perfumes the French spirit, the European culture and the magic of a great perfume artist Alberto Morillas». For orders and special request kindly consult the list of Official Distribution and Partners of DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE or contact direct Orders Department at: +33 1 55 37 71 72   A l’occasion de la Journée de l’Europe 2017, la France a reçu une nouvelle reconnaissance en tant que Centre Mondial de la culture et du style de vie, avec le titre de Créateur du MEILLEUR PARFUM DU MONDE pour 2017, attribué à DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE. Le parfum est à partir du XVIIème siècle une partie intégrante de la culture européenne et doit être inscrit comme un élément essentiel du développement du tourisme, les touristes étant attirés vers les centres de création de parfums. Aujourd’hui, la quête de parfums exclusifs, des secrets du métier de parfumeur a une nouvelle adresse: Dali Haute Parfumerie, MEILLEUR PARFUM DU MONDE pour 2017, basée à Paris.  Dali Haute Parfumerie vient d’être honorée du titre de MEILLEUR PARFUM DU MONDE pour 2017 grâce à son interprétation des bijoux exceptionnels créés par Salvador Dali, qui ont donné naissance à des fragrances uniques, façonnées par le célèbre parfumeur Alberto Morillas. Dali Haute Parfumerie est inspirée de la Collection de bijoux créés par l’artiste, les flacons d’exception devenant eux-mêmes des œuvres d’art, de véritables bijoux que l’on se doit de conserver pour les générations à venir.  C’est Jean-Pierre Grivory, Président Directeur-Général de Cofinluxe, qui a eu cette idée audacieuse de lancer une nouvelle marque de parfums de niche, en puisant son inspiration dans l’œuvre artistique de Salvador Dali. Un acte visionnaire qui conduit DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE vers le succès mondial. Avoir son propre parfum signé Salvador Dali chez soi, est sans doute le meilleur cadeau que Dali Haute Parfumerie puisse offrir aux amoureux de la Haute Parfumerie. Mais la magie ne s’arrête pas au flacon. Les flacons Dali Haute Parfumerie se font réceptacle de fragrances façonnées par l’un des meilleurs Parfumeurs-créateurs au monde et vous emmènent voyager à travers ses essences.  Dans chacune des fragrances Dali Haute Parfumerie, vous trouverez les matières premières les plus rares de la parfumerie, comme l’absolu d’ambrette, l’absolu de fleur d’oranger, l’ylang ylang, le patchouli d’Indonésie, l’Ambrox, autant d’essences naturelles qui vous transportent instantanément dans un voyage onirique. La lettre officielle rédigée pour M. Jean-Pierre Grivory, Président Directeur-Général de COFINLUXE (la société mère de Dali Haute Parfumerie) le 9 mai 2017, Journée de l’Europe, qui décerne le prix de Meilleur Parfum au Monde 2017 à Dali Haute Parfumerie, note:  « À partir d’aujourd’hui, DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE reçoit la reconnaissance de la qualité au sein de l’industrie des cosmétiques et parfums et un signe de confiance sur les marchés internationaux en tant que MEILLEUR PARFUM DU MONDE POUR 2017. Le 9 mai, Journée de l’Europe où nous célébrons les valeurs de notre continent et tout ce que nos peuples produisent, et en présence du corps diplomatique accrédité dans notre institution, nous signerons publiquement le décret conférant le titre officiel de CRÉATEUR DU MEILLEUR PARFUM DU MONDE POUR 2017 à DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE.  À partir d’aujourd’hui, DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE sera utilisé dans le cadre de cadeaux protocolaires, de la découverte de nouveaux produits, de présentations de marques, de délégations internationales et d’événements internationaux liés au tourisme, au commerce et à la diplomatie à travers le monde, en faveur de l’industrie européenne, de l’esprit d’innovation et de prouesses culturelles.  Le Conseil Européen du Tourisme et du Commerce a fièrement couronné Dali Haute Parfumerie pour son esprit unique et astucieux qui promeut les valeurs européennes et universelles à travers les créations de Salvador Dali et en mettant en avant le savoir-faire français, la culture européenne et la magie d’un créateur de parfums exceptionnels : Alberto Morillas. »   ECTT Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia proclaimed the official launch of the new national tourism brand on the grounds of the 3rd General Assembly of the Ethiopian Tourism Transformation Council. The tourism executives gathering is the first after Ethiopia was selected WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2015 and registered a historical record in tourism growth surpassing regional tourism powerhouse: Tanzania and Kenya and marking 1 billon dollars in supplementary tourism revenues. According to the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) CEO- Solomon Tadesse the new brand: ‘Ethiopia: Land of Origins' is designed to keep alive this momentum started with European Council on Tourism and Trade generous support last year. On the occasion, ETO noted confidence that the new brand would position Ethiopia by positively differentiating it from competitors in a way that authentically resonates across tourism stakeholders. It was also noted that ETO developed the new brand by conducting extensive research in consultation with stakeholders, tour operators and potential tourists in source markets. The national tourism brand, as stated by ECO, contains the summary promise of "Ethiopia invites you on an adventure in which you will discover the origin of so much: history that is a mysterious mix of myth, legend and fact; culture that is vibrant, creative, alive and shared; and a landscape that is warm, dramatic, primal and teeming with life". Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn noted that: "The reason we have established Tourism Council is to give greater focus toward transforming the tourism sector. This can be realized only when the stakeholders exert joint effort to avert challenges in the sector". "We have made a good stride by designing a 10 year master plan for the sector concluded Ethiopian Prime Minister." According to the figures, outlined during the press conference, Ethiopian tourism industry has clearly surpassed regional countries like Kenya and Tanzania, in tourism revenues and is on the road to become the first regional tourism destination. Ethiopia has a vibrant living culture. It is today a brilliantly diverse mosaic of peoples living together in harmony. Unique century-old religious festivals, colourful celebrations and charming customs like the coffee ceremony – coffee is Ethiopia’s gift to the world – offer you a chance to share the country’s heartbeat and to experience the warmest of welcomes.   FAVOURITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2016 IS KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA H.E. Dr. THONG Khon, Minister of Tourism at Awarding Ceremony of “Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination for 2016 and Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016” Awards. Peace Palace, June 22, 2016 Highly Respectful, – Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia! – Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, andMinisters! – H.E. Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade – Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ambassadors, Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished National and International Guests! Today, on behalf of leaders and officials of the Ministry of Tourism, and all distinguished participants of the ceremony and on my own behalf, we would like to proudly express our great pleasure and honor to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for taking his tight schedule with a mission to serve the country and people to highly preside over the auspicious Awarding Ceremony of “Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination for 2016, and Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016” Awards. I would like to thanks Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, Ministers, Distinguished National and International Guests for participating in the meaningful awarding ceremony at this time. Seizing this opportunity, I would like to voice my special thanks to the European Council on Tourism and Trade and Dr. Anton Caragea, as the President for awarding Cambodia the Awards of World Best Tourist Destination for 2016 and Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016 and to the European Tourism Academy for unanimously electing Samdech Techo Prime Minister as an Honorary Member of the European Tourism Academy. – Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister! – Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen! Stemming from the “Win-Win” Policy of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Cambodia has enjoyed full peace, development in all sectors, particularly tourism has grown considerably over the last decade. 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. Apparently, in 2015, we achieved a growth rate of 6.1% with arrival of international tourists of about 4.8 million and bringing revenue of more than US $ 3,000 million, and increasing employment opportunities for about 620 thousand people into the economy. Following the forecasts for 2020, international tourist arrivals are expected to rise to about 7 million people and bringing the total revenue of approximately US $ 5,000 million, creating job opportunities for nearly 1 million people. The subsequent boom of Cambodian tourism cannot be cut off from the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination at regional and global levels. Obviously, in 2015, the world-class trip advisor (Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice) (Chosen based on voting by travelers on its website) has considered the Kingdom of Cambodia as the world’s most attractive tourist destination (World Award Winners 2014-2015). Particularly, Angkor Wat Temple was ranked first in both Asia and the world as the most attractive one amongst the other 25 national identification marking tourist destinations in the world (Landmarks Award), and Siem Reap City was ranked first in Asia and second in the world as the most attractive tourist destination (Destination in the World). In 2016, Tripadvisor has also chosen the Siem Reap Province as the best Tourist Destination in Asia and selected Angkor Wat Temple as the Asia’s most attractive national identification marking tourist site (The Best Landmark in Asia). Especially, for Cambodian tourism, today it is a great honor for Cambodia being unanimously elected as the “World Best Tourist Destination for 2016” by the European Council on Tourism and Trade. – Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister! – Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen! I have a great honor to respectfully report to Samdech Techo Prime Minister that the European Council on Tourism and Trade was established in 2005, and has its headquarter in European Union, with a mission to promote tourism, investment and exchange of experiences and knowledge relevant to the tourism sector, particularly cultural tourism of Europe and the rest of the world. To support its activities, the Council created the award of “World Best Tourist Destination” yearly to promote the tourism sector in the countries who are qualified enough (with evaluations based on key indicators of potential natural and cultural tourism and direction as the policy of the candidate country).Since 2007, there were countries awarded the awards in the Africa and Asia (including the Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirate, the People’s Republic of Laos in 2013 and the Republic of Zimbabwe in 2014). In general, after receiving the awards, the destination countries usually received significant tourism growth of European tourists. For 2016, the Board of the European Council on Tourism and Trade reviewed and discussed the 29 candidates countries for the award-winning candidate of “World Best Tourist Destination for 2016” and decided unanimously to elect:
Cambodia has been chosen as a winner for 2016, which is based on the wonders of Cambodia (Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder), where is filled with the World Heritage of both tangible heritage (including Angkor Wat Temple and Preah Vihear Temple as the World Heritage) and intangible assets as the abundant natural potential (including mangrove forest preserved and conserved areas, and Ramsar areas) and natural smile and greeting of Cambodian people, along with the development of all sectors in Cambodia, under the brilliant and sound leadership of Samdech Techo Prime Minister, and especially the development of Cambodian tourism based on the proper policy and strategy, namely the commitments to sustainable and inclusive tourism development (Sustainability and Inclusiveness). The election of Samdech Techo Prime Minister as an Honorary Member of the European Tourism Academy is the most recognition of leadership perspective value of Samdech Techo in preserving and conserving the Cambodian cultural heritage and in encouraging Cambodian tourism development through ensuring the peace, political stability, Cambodian socio-economic development with significant progress for the nation of Cambodia. I would like to kindly inform the whole participants that in order to achieve the longterm vision and perspective for the development of Cambodian tourism, in particular as the tourist destination with sustainability, responsibility, and world-class attractiveness, the Royal Government set out the Law on Tourism.National Policy on Tourism, Tourism Development Strategic Plan 2012-2020. Under the spirit of the Law on Tourism and Tourism Development Strategic Plan 2012-2020, the Ministry of Tourism as the Cambodian Royal Government’s wing has launched the Tourism Reform Plan 2015-2018 by focusing on the priority angles: (1). Strengthening the tourism industry, “One Service, One Standard”(2). Improving tourism promotion and attractive and creative tourism product development (By setting out Cambodian Tourism Marketing Strategy 2016-2020) (3). Improving human resource development in tourism sector “One Staff, One Skill” (4). Encouraging the use of information technology in tourism sector (E-tourism). In addition, we have the contest movement of “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, Best Hospitality” as the core to encourage and increase the effective implementation of the tourism development strategic plan, as well as tourism reform plan through launching the Clean City Contest Movement in 2011, and Eco-business Contest Movement in tourism sector in 2015. Particularly, today, with the high approval of the Royal Government, through the letter No.516 SCHN.PK dated May 30, 2016, for allowing for the preparation of the Best Hospitality Contest Movement and transforming the contest to the National Agenda by inspiring the citizens, officials, private sector, youth and development partners to join together in order to improve the service and hospitality better for contributing to the promotion of all tourist destinations in the Kingdom of Cambodia as the tourist destination with attractiveness, warmth, and providing memorable experiences for tourists with natural smile and greetings of Cambodian people. – Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister! – Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen! In order to make the Best Hospitality Contest Movement sustainable and widespread throughout the country and becoming the national agenda, all stakeholders (Public – private – youth – citizens) must join together to further promote the attractiveness of Cambodian tourism, as well as enhance the prestige of Cambodia “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder”, namely the Ministry of Tourism and the National Committee for Clean City Assessment have prepared “4” documents for supporting the contest movement and developed an online voting assessment system (www.cambodiabesthospitality.org). which allows the citizens and tourists to provide online comments (through linking to QR-Code): Service and Hospitality Provided by Tour Operators and Officials at International Checkpoints for Tourists, etc. Minister of Tourism Dr. Thong Khon is savoring a victory for Cambodia: Favorite Cultural Destination triumph and the fulfillment of the vision of Prime Minister Hun Sen.  Minister of Tourism Dr. Thong Khon had brought 1.000 high ranking officials that are believing in Cambodia`s destiny for World Best Tourist Destination Award ceremony in 2016. – Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister! – Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen! In celebration of the award of Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination and the launching of the Best Hospitality Contest Movement, the Ministry of Tourism and the National Committee for Clean City Assessment plan to launch various important tourism programs (in addition to programs and campaigns at present) as follow:
Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism will launch the Tourism Mobile App soon.
Meanwhile, to make this program successful, it requires the support and sponsors from the relevant stakeholders, private vocational training schools for the preparation of this training course.
So far, the Ministry of Tourism has set up the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct for tour guides and already established a system of monitoring the implementation of this professional, and will continue to inspire and help other areas to set up this Code of Ethics. – Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister! – Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen! I have a great honor to respectfully inform that this celebration was attended by the relevant competent authorities, ministries and institutions, tour operators, youth, national and international organizations, and embassies with a total of 1,000 people. I would like to seize this opportunity, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, to express my profound gratitude to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for usually paying high attention to leading and encouraging Cambodian tourism development with sustainability and responsibility, especially supporting the contest movement of “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, Best Hospitality”. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, I would like to deeply thank H.E. Dr. Prof. Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, and his colleagues for awarding the awards of “Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination for 2016, and Cambodia-Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016”, and the European Tourism Academy through Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, President of the European Tourism Academy for unanimously electing Samdech Techo Prime Minister as an Honorary Member of the European Tourism Academy. We strongly believe that in the name of an honorary member of the European Tourism Academy, Cambodian tourism will be well-developedand more European tourists will make their visits to Cambodia, benefiting the socio-economic development in a sustainable manner. Last but not least, on behalf of the entire ceremony, and myself, I would like to respectfully wish Samdech Techo Prime Minister and Lok Chumteavs Kittipritbandit and their families healthy, wisdom, and strength in order to lead and develop Cambodia towards prosperity and happiness for the people.Finally, May I wish Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen the four gems of Buddhist Blessings: Longevity, Nobility, Health, and Strength. Cambodia is on the wave of international recognition and Tourism Minister is faithfully serving the country and bringing to light the vision of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo – Academician HUN SEN.   The ECTT-European Council on Tourism and Trade Cultural Tourism Awards FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION is recognizing the best national practice in cultural and historical tourism within the world tourism globally, based upon the principles of protection of humanity cultural patrimony, cultural preservation, educational value of tourism; national support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage; and direct benefits to the social and economic well-being of local people in travel destinations around the world. Together with WORLD TOURISM DESTINATION status these annual awards are representing the highest accolades in the world cultural and tourism community and represent the desired standards in tourism development. On 12 June 2016 on the debate for the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2016 saw Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) presenting the main report, encompassing the decision that emerged as the victorious candidate. The report was titled: CAMBODIA: THE LAND OF MAGIC- THE PLACE WHERE GOD`S AND KINGS BUILD THE WORLD! He proposed the Kingdom of CAMBODIA as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and as receiver of the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2016. The report noted the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 PRIZE to CAMBODIA: The excellent preservation of humanity landmarks such as: the Temple of Preah Vihear- the heart of ancient Indochina. The temple outstanding history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. Today the site is particularly well-preserved and is offering to the visitors an outstanding vision of grandeur, thanks to his exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation. The Siem Reap province is home to the majestically and unique Angkor Archaeological Park - the residence of the Khmers Kings from 9th to 15th century. Today this incredible humanity legacy, stretching over some 400 sq.km, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Watt and Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. All this sites were recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments. Angkor Thom a temple of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monument The rich cultural and historical legacy of Cambodia is not limited to the previous presented list. In order to fully grasp the natural potential of Cambodia natural parks and natural reservations we must look at the potential of these regions designated in 1993 Royal Decree on the Protection of Natural Areas. They are encompassing 23 protected areas, which at the time covered more than 18% of the country’s total land area. The royal decree divides the areas into four distinct categories: natural parks (sometimes described as ‘national parks’), wildlife preserves, protected scenic view areas (sometimes described as ‘protected landscapes’) and multi-purpose areas. Cambodia is also home to rarely and valuable Ramsar sites rated accordingly to RAMSAR CONVENTION of June 1999: A stretch along the Mekong River approximately 37 km long and 14,600 hectares in Stung Treng Province. Boeng Chhmar and associated river system and floodplain, 28,000 hectares in Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces (part of a designated multiple use area) Koh Kapik and associated islets, 12,000 hectares in Koh Kong province (part of a designated wildlife sanctuary). Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places. All these regions and national parks are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world. New prominent landmarks are to be added to UNESCO list such as: Angkor Borei and Phnom Da, the former celebrated as the ancient capital of Kingdom of Cambodia under the name of Vyadhapura and pace at the confluence of Mekong and Stun Sla Ku. This is now home to perfect archaeological treasures like sculptures and stones star-shaped called stela. Phnom Da is famous for his caves, the mud tower and the all sought Ashram Maha Rosei, made in long standing stone and celebrated as a model of architectural ingenuity made out of interior monk housing units blending in the exterior wall. Udong is the former capital of Royal Cambodia in 17th century from 1740 to 1746. Udong is now a perfect example of a sprawling royal city, but also a royal necropolis gathering the funerary temples of kings that offered to Cambodia a chance of survival in the country darkest times. Udong is the proof of the resilience and endurance of Khmer spirit in time of peril and dangers. The project ONE VILLAGE/ONE PRODUCT designed to promote social fair tourism, to sustain rural production and to bring about the rebirth of traditional craftsmanship created and promoted by H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia , is a perfect way of sharing revenue, growing income and supporting marginal and rural communities development. The way in which social-tourism has become the base for local economic development, for empowerment of remote community and supporting educational and vocational projects benefiting the communities, makes social-fair tourism, the lesson that today-the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is offering to the world. The Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations had brought Cambodia on the list of WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATIONS The ongoing development and protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the transformation of Angkor Region into a historical and spiritual center, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Cambodia. Angkor must be the world center of religious pilgrimage and cultural tourism offering to world tourists the complex healing experience of cultural legacy, religious special atmosphere and faith imbued air. The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Angkor cultural complex, an ample palatial complex from the 9th Century, offering an incredible sense of magnificence of one of the Asia greatest empire. Today, Cambodia offers tourists bound for the country a rich and perfect open air collection with a rare presence of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world. The KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is also a perfect center for river trips and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for this special kind of tourism, and the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker, its safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top adventure river destinations that make the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA as a perfect cultural class destination. Concluding the World Tourism Institution debates, President Dr. Anton Caragea asked for a final vote and European Council on Tourism and Trade Assembly unanimously, agreed to bestow the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION STATUS FOR 2016 TO KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA and to declare CAMBODIA- THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2016.  Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and Udong Mountain-landmark monuments of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monument ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea receives the European Academy final evaluation of candidatures for 2016- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD. The competition is now closed. Promoting the importance of cultural tourism as the driving force in high quality and material significant tourism will be o particular relevance at the 9th session of the European Council on Tourism and Trade General Assembly. The Council will also table the latest international tourism trends, the European impact in the nomination process of the new leaders of world tourism and an action plan for development of sustainable tourism for the next years. In order to promote and foster the closer cooperation between tourism and culture, it was decided that: European tourism gathering will select WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 according to the candidates countries cultural significance and prominence. As always WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION nomination is destined to advance the sustainable development of cultural tourism. Other issues raised during the thematic discussion on tourism and culture included congestion management, financing, public-private sector cooperation, the role of local communities in tourism development and cultural preservation, as well as the promotion of events, creative industries and contemporary culture and history in enriching the visitor experience. Assessing the significance of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in carving the latest international tourism trends, ECTT President , Anton Caragea, highlighted the resilience and the positive results of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION winners in recent years and underlined that: “Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, the winners of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION Award and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM registered a growth 15% a year on average since 2010, a trend that has translated into more economic growth, more exports and more jobs” he said in the opening invitation for the European Council on Tourism and Trade Assembly. The winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION have the obligation to continue to raise tourism´s prominence, to ensure the sustainable growth and its positive benefits for all people,”Prof.Dr.Anton Caragea added. Romanian Parliament is preparing to receive European and world tourism delegates for EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE General Assembly 2016. PR Information: The yearly General Assembly is European Council on Tourism and Trade governing board, responsible for carving the institution plans and budgets and enjoys the high support of the world tourism specialists of European Tourism Academy. ETHIOPIA was the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015. The country registered a plus of 1 million visitors and more than 200.000 articles in international press, promoting this incredible African destination.    The World Ambassadors Meeting and Working Lunch on Tourism and Hospitality has taken place on 9th of February 2016 at the world tourism institution headquarters of European Council on Tourism and Trade. European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Dr. Anton Caragea receives accredited ambassadors for World Ambassadors Meeting and Working Lunch on 9 February 2016. The first ambassadorial meeting on tourism reunited European members states parliamentarians, representatives of European tourism organizations and members of the diplomatic corps. The World Ambassadors Working Lunch on Tourism was generously hosted by the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) and has benefited the presence of the ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. The Diplomatic corps gathering, is taken place on an annual basis and is representing a great opportunity for networking and also for keeping the Embassies informed on what the World Lectures on Sustainable Development Goals Programs of European Tourism Academy will try to achieve during the year and also to provide an outlook for the coming year 2016 in terms of tourism in Europe and the world. The event received a very high representation of accredited diplomatic corps, parliament representatives, European Tourism Academy, European Council on Tourism and Trade. On this occasion Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had officially entrusted insignias and diplomas for the representative of the hospitality industry of Europe and recognized ROYAL HOTELS in Bucharest and Constanta as official diplomatic partners and entrusted the HIGH QUALITY PRIZES for the two hotels. Other points of discussions included an update on International and European Tourism trends in 2015 and a presentation of a list of most successfully tourism driven economies in the last year (Ethiopia, Laos) and the latest publications emanating from European Tourism Academy members. Academician Walter Mzembi-Minister of Tourism of Zimbabwe took the limelight, with his articles and interviews series on combating tourism and mass media manipulation in tourism industry. Ambassadors from United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Syria, Macedonia, Albania, South Africa, Venezuela, Nigeria, Danemark, Sweden had taken the floor highlighting their countries plans for tourism development and hopes pinned on winning World Best Tourist Destination Award or World Capital of Culture and Tourism designations. The names of the ambassadors who will be invited for Spring 2016 DISCOVER EUROPE PROGRAM will be announced in March 2016 and the trip will start in April and will showcase Republic of Moldavia beauties announcedEuropean Council on Tourism and Trade President, Dr. Anton Caragea. The meeting concluded with an introduction of the main activities of the diplomatic calendar for the first quarter of 2016, a presentation on the upcoming February 2016 Tourism Fair and International food and Beverage Exhibition-Goodwine April 2016. The photos from World Ambassadors Meeting and Working Lunch on Tourism can be observed here:   LAOS-World Best Tourist Destination for 2013. Ceremony held in Vientiane. After being elected WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 and Favorite Cultural Destination in 2013 Laos has become a beacon of tourism in the Indochina region. Already 40 hotels, including five international chains, are scheduled to open in Laos over the next five years as the country becomes a more popular tourist destination. Yang Fu Ning, general manager of Don Chan Palace, a luxury hotel in Vientiane, said international brands Ramada, InterContinental, Crown Plaza, Sofitel and Marriott were set to open hotels in the capital by 2019. Three global brands - Mercure, Ibis and Best Western - have already opened their doors in Vientiane, and one regional brand has entered the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang to cash in the World Best Tourist Destination status of the country. Furthermore, 25-30 three- and four-star hotels are set to open in the capital, with some in other tourist cities. In the first year after receiving World`s Favorite Cultural Destination " we registered 3.7 million arrivals last year, generating income of US$600 million. The government aims for 3.9 million tourists this year. The number of arrivals should reach 10 million within five years but we need another success in WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION competition to consolidate our status. The number of American and European tourists has significantly increased in recent years, after the European Council on Tourism and Trade accolade according to informations from Minister of Culture, Informations and Tourism leaded by European Academician Bosengkham Vongdara. Currently, seven foreign airlines, including Thai Airways International, AirAsia and Bangkok Airways, and two local carriers are operating in and out Laos. Some of these airlines run charter flights during high season. European Council on Tourism and Trade named Laos the "World's Best Tourist Destination for 2013", which put the country on the global tourism map especially for its rich history, culture, traditions and natural beauty. ACADEMICIAN MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU ATTENDS ADDIS ABABA CEREMONIES FOR FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION8/17/2015
 Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was recognized by European Tourism Academy as a World Leader of Tourism and a member of honour of European Tourism Academy by Academician Mircea Constantinescu and in the presence of European Council on Tourism and Trade President. The Premier received the insignias of European Council on Tourism and Trade from European President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea at a public function held at the National Palace yesterday. ECTT declared Ethiopia as the most obvious World Best Tourist Destination and Favorite Cultural DestinationDistinction for 2015. “This grant further motivates Ethiopia to offer more noteworthy social and vacation destinations and administrations to sightseers over the world,” PM Hailemariam said subsequent to accepting the grant. The legislature of Ethiopia is resolved to ensure and safeguard authentic and social legacies and “we trust it is in this acknowledgment of this one of a kind game plan in addition to other things that ECTT chose to stretch out to Ethiopia the world best traveler destination recompense.” The stream of vacationers to Ethiopia has developed altogether amid the most recent decade as the nation had the capacity give better administrations that urged travelers to invest longer energy and investigate Ethiopia’s surprising and wonderful attractions, he said. Ethiopia will keep on developping the tourism area and utilization it as a methods for political participation with different nations, he said. ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea on his part said Ethiopia has rich social, chronicled and common fascination locales that draw in different visitors from different parts of the nation. The superb mankind and points of interest, the rich social and recorded legacy of Ethiopia are among different explanations behind recompensing Ethiopia the world best traveler destination for 2015 prize, he said. “We trust the acknowledgment presented on us today can be one of the confirmations of the achievement we accomplished as the consequence of the endeavors made in the first Growth and Transformation Plan GTP),” Culture and Tourism Minister, Amin Abdulkadir, said. It’s likewise an extraordinary motivation and extra vitality for us in the execution of the second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), he expressed. Academician Mircea Constantinescu had attended the official functions of European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade and, at the indication of H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, participated in the familiarization trip organized by Ethiopian Minister of Culture and Tourism-H.E. Amin Abdulkadir. From right: Academician Mircea Constantinescu-European Tourism Academy Director, in the center President Anton Caragea, Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei, Trade Chairman-Mihai Prundianu and H.E. European Academician and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Minister of Culture and Tourism Ato Amin Abdulkadir   28 countries representatives analyzed the candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015 On June 25, 2015 the General Assembly of the European Council on Tourism and Trade(ECTT), has taken under consideration the list of candidates for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2015. Academician Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy presented the list of candidates and the list of reports and accompanying reports for each of the 31 countries registered candidatures. Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu presented also the figures regarding previous award winner for 2014-The Republic of Zimbabwe who become the most sought after destination and the number one country in Africa, in term of tourism growth for last year. Lao PDR- 2013 winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION- also crossed the 3 million tourist bench mark, surpassing all the countries in the region in terms of tourism, concluded Academician Mircea Constantinescu. Afterword, the debate on the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 started at the indication of ECTT President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. On the front the voting urne while Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA present the report: ETHIOPIA: THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD!   Palestine, Russian and Malaysian Ambassadors flanking President Anton Caragea and Senator Florin Constantinescu On the debate for the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) presented a report titled: ETHIOPIA : THE PERFECT CULTURAL DESTINATION; THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD ! He proposed ETHIOPIA as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 and as receiver of the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2015. The report noted the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 PRIZE to ETHIOPIA: • The excellent preservation of humanity landmarks such as: ruins of the city of Aksum- the heart of ancient Ethiopia, Fasil Ghebbi- the residence of the Ethiopian emperors during the 16th and 17th century, Harar Jugol- 82 mosques, 102 shrines, and unique interior design in the townhouses, Lalibela- holy site encompassing eleven medieval stone carved churches from the 13th century, Konso Cultural Landscape (containing 55 kilometers of stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements), Lower Valley of the Awash-where humanity made his first steps and where was found the Eva of all mankind-Lucy fossil’s, Lower Valley of the Omo also containing fragments pertaining to early humanity development and the fossils of Homo Gracilis. All this sites where recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments. • The rich cultural and historical legacy of Ethiopia is not confined to the previous presented list: new prominent landmarks are added such as: Sheik Hussein Religious, Cultural and Historical Site, Melka Kunture- Paleolithic site in the upper Awash Valley, Gedeo Cultural and Natural Landscape, Bale Mountains National Park, Sof Omar Cave- the longest cave in Ethiopia at 15.1 kilometres long; and the longest system of caves in Africa-sacred for Islam and for local Oromo population. In order to fully grasp the natural potential of Ethiopia natural parks and natural reservations we must look at the potential of Simien National Park garnering mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices dropping about 1,500 m. • The ambitious plan drafted by the Government of Ethiopia under the name of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). Tourism as a tool for poverty eradication, for local community development and for economic independence is a successful strategy carved byH.E. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Community based, social oriented tourism, promoted by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, is a perfect way of sharing revenue, growing income and supporting marginal and rural communities development. The way in which social-tourism has become the base for local economic development, providing benefits to communities, makes social-friendly tourism, the lesson that today-the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is offering to the world. • Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places. All these regions and national parks, are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world. • The ongoing development and protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Republic of ETHIOPIA , the transformation of Lalibela into a historical and spiritual centre, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of ETHIOPIA. Shaking and smiles on the venue of European Council on Tourism and Trade: tourism is going well is the motto!   President Dr. Anton Caragea declared REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015. Lalibela is the land of faith and miracles that must be presented to the world as a center of religious and faith significance equal to Jerusalem only in the world. Lalibela must be the center of religious pilgrimage and cultural tourism offering to world tourists the complex healing experience of cultural legacy, religious special atmosphere and faith imbued air. • The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Ethiopia, the Gondar cultural complex , an ample palatial complex from the 13th Century, offering a pungent presence of one of the African greatest empire. • Today, Gondar castle complex offers tourists bound for Ethiopia an open air museum with a rare collection of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world. • The REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is also a perfect center for safari and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for this special kind of tourism, and the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker, its safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top adventure destinations. • Keeping alive community blending traditions, allows tourists and visitors to be part of the ETHIOPIA unique people’s ethnic fabric, which offers the possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that make the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA a perfect cultural class destination. Mr. Mihai Prundianu, Chairman of the Trade Mission of the ECTT, marked the necessity that, out of the regular order, to have another African country declared as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in sign of continuity for last year and as appreciation mark for President Robert Gabriel Mugabe , the current President of African Union and Zimbabwe Tourism Minister-Walter Mzembi. This year we have to select another African country to mark Europe and world solidarity with Africa and Africa`s Union President Robert Mugabe. It is appropriate for Europe to express its commitment to, and appreciation for, Africa by crowning ETHIOPIA as THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 stated Chairman Mihai Prundianu. Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, Director of European Parliamentary Committee in the European Council on Tourism and Trade and Senator of Romanian Parliament stated the opinion of all present at ECTT conference and declared that the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is the deserving candidate, with a perfect record of promoting social-friendly tourism, ecological and poverty reduction strategy based on tourism, and asking for a unanimous vote in favor of the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA. President Dr. Anton Caragea asked for a vote and European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 TITLE TO REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA and to declare REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA- THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2015. The meeting was also presented with the Official Invitation, from the Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA via the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Amin Abdulkadir, for a delegation of high ranking officials of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Addis Ababa, in person, to His Excellency Prime Minister of REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA- HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN, European Academician and outstanding personality in world tourism, today. Concluding the debate, Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade marked the importance of the moment the most impressive world tourism prize was entrusted to ETHIOPIA. The safety of the country and the huge hospitality potential of Ethiopia is revealed by the acceptance of the invitation for a familiarization visit of high ranking members of European Council on Tourism and Trade to the ETHIOPIA. Ethiopia is from today a perfect, safe and outstanding place to visit, the countries gates are opened and all world tourism experts expressed their confidence in the potential and future of tourism in ETHIOPIA, concluded Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade.  European Council on Tourism and Trade decided that Ethiopia is responding to the criterias of World Best Destination Award and awarded ETHIOPIA as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION FOR 2015. Ethiopia, July 29,2015- Ethiopia has succeed to be nominated as WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION FOR 2015 for encompassing a magisterial wealth of cultural patrimony with places like: the ancient city of Aksum, the city Gondar- the residence of the Ethiopian emperors during the 16th and 17th century, a total of 82 mosques, 102 shrines in the region of Harar, Lalibela- a holy site encompassing eleven medieval stone carved churches from the 13th century, Konso Cultural Landscape ,Lower Valley of the Awash-where humanity made his first steps and where was found the grandmother of humanity -Lucy fossil’s. On the social sphere it was accepted as a perfect model, by European Council on Tourism and Trade General meeting, the ample plan drafted by the Government of Ethiopia-Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). Tourism as a tool for poverty eradication, for local community development and for economic independence is a successful strategy created by Ethiopia`s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Other elements taken under consideration by European Council on Tourism and Trade on 25/26 June 2015 assembly where: the of protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Republic of ETHIOPIA , the transformation of Lalibela into a historical and spiritual centre, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of ETHIOPIA. Lalibela is today as a center of religious and faith significance equal to Jerusalem only in the world. The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Ethiopia, the Gondar cultural complex , an ample palatial complex from the 13th Century, offering a pungent presence of one of the African greatest empire. On 26 June 2015 European Council on Tourism and Trade decided that Ethiopia is responding to the criteria’s of World Best Destination Award, of recognizing places that inspire and promote responsible holiday experiences that celebrate and protect the best of their destination. In unanimity the world tourism body had up-holded the decision and awarded ETHIOPIA as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015 and FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION FOR 2015 The official handover ceremony was held in Addis Ababa on 10 July 2015, in the presence of the Government of Federal Republic of Ethiopia, ambassadors accredited to the country and representatives of different international organization. H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn-Prime Minister of Ethiopia received for his country the accolade of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 and the inscription of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2015. On this occasion President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea solemnly declared that: It is my great honor and privilege to hand over this title as an international recognition for all the people of Ethiopia, all united in the service of protecting and preserving historical and civilization patrimony of your country, in fostering tourism and culture, in the service of the people of ETHIOPIA, As I often say and hope this title must be regarded as a challenge as from now on we are expecting your country and people exertions in the benefit of the world culture and tourism. I hope that this lofty rostrum will be transformed in a support for developing the international recognition of FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA, for a social oriented tourism and development and in a base for further success for THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD himself - ETHIOPIA. It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the most representative leader of people and tourism of FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA the award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015. Ethiopia is from today a perfect, safe and outstanding place to visit, the countries gates are opened and all world tourism experts expressed their confidence in the potential and future of tourism in ETHIOPIA, concluded Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade. |
EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMYFavorite Cultural Destination is carved by
European Council on Tourism and Trade for destinations who promote their
cultural and historical patrimony, who put their unique community and
environment at the center of memorable tourism experiences; countries that put
in place policies to use tourism to make them better places for people to live
in and better places for people to visit. Archives
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