 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.   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:  |
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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