10 THINGS TO DO IN ZIMBABWE-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2014

In order to facilitate to travelers and tourist agency alike the creation of a touristic program for their stay in ZIMBABWE: FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION European Council on Tourism and Trade has summarized seven key points and landmarks that must be visited in 2014.

Zimbabwe

On 2 May 2014, Zimbabwe was selected from 27 candidate countries as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2014.

The group of experts of European Council on Tourism and Trade considered that Zimbabwe is encompassing safety for traveler`s with natural treasures and cultural legacy constituting the country in THE PERFECT AFRICAN DESTINATION. A SEVEN-WONDER DESTINATION IN TOURISM AND CULTURAL POTENTIAL.

The list of astonishing beautiful places that can be find in WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2014 -ZIMBABWE comprise:

Visit incredible museums. In search of wealth of history and heritage

Zimbabwe is one of the few African countries that invested heavily in promoting and conserving the richness of history and tradition in the country.

With a long history that dates back to over 30 000 years Zimbabwe has created world famous museums such as: The Natural History Museum in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences in Harare, Mutare Antiquities Museum and Gweru Military & Police Museum.

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Harare-the capital of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION: ZIMBABWE.

Visit the African rock paintings

A special attention must be paid to the world renowned ancient African rock paintings scattered all over beautiful Zimbabwe. The National Museums and Monuments has recorded over 2 000 known painted caves and sites, with the most beautiful being the Nzwatugi Caves in the Matopos. What of the numerous monuments and heritage sites that you can visit to totally absorb the meaning of being Zimbabwean from as far back as the 16th century.

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Victoria Fall or Mosi-oa-Tunya: a must see destination in the life time.

Witness the magic of Victoria Falls

Present on the list of all major natural monuments in the world and even in the less orthodox “Things You Must Do Before You Die” lists it is a visit to the incredible Victoria Falls.

Being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Mosi-oa-Tunya as is known by the local tribes, the place is a World Natural Heritage Site of incomparable beauty. It is considered as the adventure capital of Africa, with more than 50 activities available for tourist leisure and activity. Lunar rainbows otherwise known as Moonbows at the Victoria Falls are a special spectacle to enjoy. It is an amazing and romantic sight for weeding celebration and vacations.

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The Great Zimbabwe-an indelible legacy from the time when Zimbabwe ruled the southern Africa.

The indelible Great Zimbabwe — The Medieval Palace Complex

The name Zimbabwe derives from the ancient kingdom of Shona words “Dzimba dzamabwe” directly translated “houses of stone”. The heritage of the “Stone City” is the treasure of pride and achievement that has been handed down from an astonishing civilization that once has towered over south of Africa.

Once you are there you can take a trip in time and history, back to the medieval era and experience the rich history of Zimbabwe.

Millions of tourist has crowded over the ages to witness and enjoy this spectacular place of legends and fantastic stories.

You can see firsthand the preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Shona Kingdom, the Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo, a fortified palatial complex from the 12th Century, offering a rare insight into one of the greatest pre-colonial civilizations of Africa, and a rare window into century’s old traditions.

Today, Great Zimbabwe Monument offers tourists an open air museum with a rare collection of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

It is time for you also to discover it !

Go on safari thru pristine wildlife and nature

Wilderness safaris in Zimbabwe’s game parks are a great thrill because of the high encounter possibility with the Big Seven. Hwange National Park is one of the leading game reserves in the world and largest in Zimbabwe. It is home to over 100 species of mammals and over 400 bird species.

Mana Pools National Park is another exquisite natural park in Zimbabwe that can be visited on foot and without a guide. Imagine the thrill of close wild animal sightseeing in the wild, b but take the necessary precautions as is not uncommon to come across lions and even some of the last remaining black rhinos.

 Easter Highlands

Eastern Highlands: this is how God have sen the world in the third day of creation.

Visit the Eastern Highlands

Here is where one can find the most stunning landscapes in Africa. The Eastern Highlands mark the peak of Zimbabwe with the highest point being the Mount Nyangani. The weather is mostly pleasant throughout the year, but can get a bit too chilly during winter.

The Eastern Highlands abound in scenic spots views, like the cascading Nyangombe Falls, or the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe being the two-tier Mtarazi Falls, or the Vumba Mountain overlooking Mozambique, and it is also the home of some of the finest hotels in Africa, world class golf ranges and is offering an opportunity to encounter the blue duiker and to enjoy the pine breeze.

Meet the Lake God: Nyaminyami  

Africa abounds in stories of fearsome god`s and deities but none so famous as the Mythical River God of Kariba, (one of the largest man-made lakes in the world). According to the local folklore Nyaminyami – the protector and guardian of the Lake, who had the body of a snake mixed with a fishes head, made occasional appearances above the water surface and offers food to the locals in time of need.

For those disappointed by the search of monster of Loch Ness searching for the lost God of Kariba could be a well spend time if it is mixed with watching the spectacular African sunset on lake water-front, or viewing the famous house-boats will sure leave an indelible memory.

The “Mighty Zambezi” is Africa’s fourth largest river. It crosses over the boundaries of six countries and is Africa’s only major importance river to flow eastwards into the Indian Ocean.

Adrenalin seekers should never miss an opportunity to try out the extreme activities available on the wild Zambezi River.

Popular activities include the famous white water rafting, kayaking, and canoe trips, in fact the list is endless.

Zambezi

Wild but beautiful: ZAMBEZI RIVER.

Enjoying life in Tourism based community.

Supporting a rural community development via tourism and insuring the survival of sustainable tourism, with its low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species in Southern Africa it is another time well spent travel experience.

Keeping alive indigenous traditions, allows tourists and visitors to be part of the Zimbabwe people’s social fabric, which offers the possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that make the REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE a first class destination.

Community based ecotourism is a perfect way of sharing revenue that supports rural communities’ prosperity through opportunities to market their foodstuffs and handicrafts to the world. The way in which eco-tourism has become the base for local economic development, providing benefits to communities, makes eco-friendly tourism the lesson that the REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is offering to the world.

See the Exfoliated Hills.

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 such as: the unique landscape of Victoria Falls; the National Parks such the Eastern Highlands in Manicaland; the Mana Pools in Mashonaland West; Exfoliated Hills from Matebeland; Chilojo Cliffs in Masvingo and the Matobo Hills near Bulawayo etc. All these regions and national parks are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.

In search of humanity most acclaimed places.

Once in Zimbabwe don’t forget to put on your to do list a visit to at least 2-3 major historical sites of world significance and value such as: Great Zimbabwe National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Khami Ruins National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Matobo Hills (added to UNESCO list in 2003), Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas (added to UNESCO list in 1984), Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls and UNESCO candidate regions as: Ziwa National Monuments dating from the Stone Age period, make destination Zimbabwe to offer an incomparable contribution to the world legacy.

The REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is today a hot spot for first class tourism, offering large areas suitable for tourist to enjoy and discover and completed with the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker while its conditions of safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top destinations.

Welcome to Zimbabwe-World Best Tourist Destination to discover in 2014 !

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE CHAIRMAN OPENS 11 INTERNATIONAL WINE FAIR FOR 2014

On the occasion of the 11 International Wine Fair-Good Wine, Bucharest had become the capital of wine makers and wine lovers in search of the best wines that Europe  and the world can offer.

Good Wine April 2014 edition, had offered the opportunity for a delegation of wine experts and diplomats from European Council on Tourism and Trade to taste and appreciate the European wines on display and to carve up a top of Best European  Wines of 2014.

 President Anton Caragea at International Wine Fair-2014

ECTT Chairman Professor Dr. Anton Caragea opens 11 International Wine Fair 

The clear winner was by far the HOUSE OF PANCIU (CASA PANCIU), who also selected in December 2013 as the maker of DIPLOMATIC WINE FOR 2014 and who reconfirmed his status in the wine tasting of 2014: the blended assembly of  Feteasca Neagra (Black Girly) and Cabernet Sauvignon was once again appraised for his perfect bouquet of aromas of vanilla and berry fruits and for freshness and the round savory taste enriched with the necessary tannin so beneficial for human body, everything creating for the taster the perfect experience of Romanian wine.

The star of the tasting session was the sparkling wine from Muscat Ottonel obtained by Asti method that eloquently proved his high quality by his perfect sugar concentration combined outstanding with fresh fruits aroma and with conquering and long lasting savoir that filled with joy the heart of all the diplomats present on the venue.

Concluding the wine tasting session at Good Wine April 2014, the diplomats, lead by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade  choose  as their favorite wines the: Feteasca Neagra de la Casa Panciu (Black Girly) for the first place and Babeasca ( Old Lady) from Casa Panciu (second place).

In the sparkling wines competition, the leader was the Brut from Panciu Vineyards (Traditional method) from CASA PANCIU, who was highly praised, or his exterior consistence and behavior in the glass, for his long lasting taste, enduring and profusely aroma and the expressiveness that is unveiling step by step to the taster offering nice surprises at every zip.

The diplomats involved in the tasting had encouraged the European producers to increase the wine quality by producing more sweet and semi-sweet wines with increase sugar concentration, the only solution for a consistent export and presence of European wines on international markets.

The President of CASA PANCIU (HOUSE OF PANCIU)-Mr. Daniel Guzu saved for the last a special surprise, offering for tasting the latest product of Vrancea company: Rose Sparkling Wine 2013, who become and instant favorite of the public by aroma and freshness, who charmed the eye with his perfect color and become in glasses a glittering rose that offered instant joy to the tasting committee.

Under the watchful eye of Casa Panciu sommelier and with benevolent care of President Daniel Guzu the diplomats had enjoyed the best wines Europe can offer: DIPLOMATIC WINE FOR 2014-the wine form CASA PANCIU (HOUSE OF PANCIU).

In general, thanks to the HOUSE OF PANCIU-CASA PANCIU-the 11 International Wine Fair from April 2014 had level up to his promise to present the true wine treasures of Europe: Muscat Ottonel, Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon from Casa Panciu.

ZIMBABWE IS THE FIRST AFRICAN COUNTRY TO BE ELECTED AS WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION

Zimbabwe has become the first African country to be nominated as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION. The decision has being taken by European Council on Tourism and Trade, the main european body entrusted to promote European tourism in the world.

The decision was announced by the President Office of European Council on Tourism and Trade at the end of two day`s of debates on the occasion of European spring 2014 tourism conference.   

On May 3, 2014 in a public séance of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, gathering representatives of tourism organizations from European continent has debated the list of candidates for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2014.

President Anton Caragea declares Zimbabwe as winner of World Best Tourist Destination Award fro 2014

President of European Council on Tourism and Trade declares ZIMBABWE as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014

On the debate for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2014, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) presented the report titled: ZIMBABWE: THE PERFECT AFRICAN DESTINATION. A SEVEN WONDER IN TOURISM AND CULTURAL POTENTIAL proposing ZIMBABWE as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 and as receiver of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2014.

Delegates from 26 countries attended ECTT gathering

Delegates from 27 countries debated the future of tourism for a two day summit.

Among the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 to ZIMBABWE the report outlined:

–                      The peerless organization of World Tourism Organization General Assembly in 24-30 August 2013, the world gathering of tourism experts comprising more than 120 countries.

The successful organizing of this world event, despite tremendous logistic and economic challenges, proves without a doubt the capacity of Zimbabwe authority and tourism industry to organize world level events and to host all level of tourism.

After the perfect support and creative vision in carving a successful world tourism meeting,  ZIMBABWE has unequivocal demonstrated that is a safe, open and perfect managed tourism power house.

–                      The promotion and support offered to a new concept of community natural protection supporting tourism friendly to nature, with low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest south-African eco-climate.

Community based ecotourism protection carved by Minister Walter Mzembi is a perfect way to share revenues and income, to support rural communities in prospering and presenting their foodstuff and handicrafts to the world and to make eco-tourism as the base for an economic local development.                  Sharing tourism benefits to all the population, offering eco-friendly tourism it is a lesson that REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is offering to the world.

Delegates from 27 countries attended ECTT gathering

An unanimity vote choose ZIMBABWE as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014

–                      Offering to tourists and outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to visit extraordinary space such as: the unique landscape of Victoria Waterfall, the National Parks as: Mana, Eastern Highlands from Manicaland, Mana Basins from West Mashonaland, Exfoliated Hills from Matebeland, Chilojo Cliffs, and Matobo Hills from Bulawayo etc.

All this regions and natural parks are model of achievements in ecological and green tourism that must be world recognized.

–                      The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Republic of Zimbabwe, the transformation of Harare in a historical and spiritual center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of  people’s of Zimbabwe

–                      The preservation of an outstanding historical and cultural patrimony that comprises wonderful sites such as: cultural, historical and rich legacy of Great Kingdom of Zimbabwe, the preservation of the former capital of Shone Kingdom-Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo area with a world-class fortification system and palatial complex from 12th century, this are offering a rare insight  for tourists into one of the greatest civilization of pre-colonial Africa and a rare window into traditions of centuries.

–                      Today, REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is creating and offering for tourists an open air museum, a rare collection of historical and archeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

Zimbabwe World Best Tourist Destination for 2014

REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is from 3 May 2014 the official winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2014.

–                      – The preservation of  cultural and natural sites of world significance and value such as: Great Zimbabwe National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Khami Ruins National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Matobo Hills (added to UNESCO list in 2003), Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas (added to UNESCO list in 1984), Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls and UNESCO candidate regions as: Ziwa national monuments dating from Stone Age period with an incomparable contribution to world legacy.

–                      The REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is today a hot spot for adventure tourism offering a large area of regions suitable for this special kind of tourism and the necessary infrastructure to welcome adventure sicker, the safety structures and natural potential to rank amongst the top world adventure spots.

–                      Keeping alive spiritual tradition, integrating tourist`s and visitors in the atmosphere of the REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE people, offering possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that transform REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE in a spiritual first class destination.

President Anton Caragea and Group of Arabian ambassadors

The Group of Arab Ambassadors attended the General Assembly of European Council on Tourism and Trade 

After hearing the report, Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, from Romanian Parliament and Director of European Parliamentary Committee in European Council on Tourism and Trade had express the feeling’s of all present at the gathering declaring that: REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE  is the perfect candidate, with a perfect record of promoting eco-friendly tourism, ecological and social oriented tourism and that only a unanimity vote in favor of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE could express the unwavering European tourism and economic community support in favor of such a world model.

Mr. Victor Deleanu, ECTT  rapporteur,  presented also a report on ZIMBABWE: HOT SPOT OF ADVENTURE TOURISM reiterating the highest praises for the country safety record and infrastructure and hospitality industry achievements that are making Zimbabwe the perfect destination in Africa.

President Caragea and Qatar Ambassador

Ambassador of State of Qatar attended the General Assembly of European Council on Tourism and Trade 

Mr. Mihai Prundianu, Chairman of Trade Mission of ECTT also highlighted the importance that today, when Africa is celebrated 50 years of African Unity, Europe must express his commitment and appreciation for Africa by crowning ZIMBABWE as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014.

In the end of the debate European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 TITLE TO REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE and to declare REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE -FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2014.

President Anton Caragea has a photo taken with participants1

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has a photo taken with the participants. 

It was also presented the Official Invitation, on behalf of Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE for a delegation of European high-ranking official of European Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Harare, in person, to His Excellency President of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE –ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE the most outstanding personality of today Africa.

President Anton Caragea has a photo taken with participants

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has a photo taken with the participants. 

Awarding the highest world tourism prize of European Council on Tourism and Trade, accepting the invitation for a working visit of high-ranking members of European Council on Tourism and Trade in REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE, are all momentous and felicitous occasions that are offering the symbol of admiration that    all tourism experts are having for the potential and future of tourism in REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE  concluded at the end of the meeting Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade.