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. 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. 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. 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 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
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