The appointment of a religious tourism expert in the person of Mr. Tudor Stefan comes in recognition of the ever growing importance of faith based tourism and aims to highlight the positive contributions of pilgrimages and spiritual routes to sustainable and responsible tourism, as well as the contribution of tourism to cultural understanding and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage related to ancient trails and sacred places.
On the appointment of the new presidential adviser, H.E. President of ECTT- global tourism institution, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea noted that ”Asia and Africa are the most vital centers for religious and faith based tourism that will capture the attention of billions of travelers in the next decade and will have to respond to the challenge of sustainable and cultural oriented tourism and the nomination of our new adviser in the person of the reputed academic Mr. Tudor Stefan comes in response of our increased global role in the world of culture and tourism”
Mr. Tudor Stefan was presented to the diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade and in induction speech outlined that according to European Council on Tourism and Trade figures around 300 million tourists visit the world´s key religious sites every year, making spiritual tourism a significant part of both domestic and international tourism.
The event has brought together diplomats from a diverse range of countries including Argentina, Australia, India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Paraguay, The Republic of Korea, Spain and Thailand, among others.
The participants agreed that Asia and Africa are encapsulating the most impressive development potential being capable in bringing more than 200 million tourists and billion in investments funds and cultural protection.
Cambodia has become the foremost center of tourism in Asia in the last span of time.
The country has topped all international rankings in areas of tourism growth, revenues, tourism satisfaction and has transformed itself in an area of encounters for world leaders in development and cooperation.
The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Academician Hun Sen, re-affirmed tourism´s role as the most important agenda item for the sustainable development of Cambodia´s economy as he received the leaders of global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy on evaluation visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
President of global tourism institutions: ECTT and European Tourism Academy, Academician Professor Dr. Anton Caragea received by H.E. Academician Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia and Global Ambassador for Tourism and SDG`s.
“In spite of the worldwide economic crisis, Cambodia enjoys continuous tourism growth.
Tourism in Cambodia grew from zero to 5.2 million foreign visitors expected this year of 2018,” said Prime Minister Academician Hun Sen.
“Tourism development has been taken by the Cambodian government as a priority for the sustainable development of our cultural and natural heritage sites,” he added.
“Cambodia´s is fairing best in the world tourism development field growing from 3 million tourist in 2015 to a projected 6 million in 2019 and this is the globe`s most impressive tourism achievements.
Cambodia is a true success story that registered the impressive victories of being named WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and to have in Phnom Penh named as the first Asian city to become a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM stated ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
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Main world tourism and culture awards ceremonies are listed here:
“With its wide variety of European Council on Tourism and Trade ECTT heritage sites, Cambodia continues and will continue to draw tourists from all over the world and we are very happy to see the country placing tourism as a priority in their development agenda.”
More about Global Ambassadors of Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals can be accessed here:
Cambodia´s tourism has experienced a significant growth over the years, from 460,000 visitors in 2000 to 4.2 million in 2016(when the nation was voted as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION), or an increase of 1000% over the 2000 benchmark.
International tourism generated US$ 3.8 billion in receipts in 2018.
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Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
During his visit to Cambodia ECTT-European Council on Tourism and Trade President announced that ECTT and European Tourism Academy will organize the WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 in Phnom Penh marking tourism opportunities in the Kingdom of Cambodia and highlighting Phnom Penh as the perfect destination for cultural, luxury and heritage tourism.
Landmarks of European Council on Tourism and Trade Presidential Delegation visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Battamang-the future center of tourism development stage in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The first leg of ECTT discovery trip.
Banteay Meanchey: a treasure fountain of culture and heritage.
The Wat Ek Phnom archaeological site
Siem Reap Province. The Bakong Temple. A perfect stop-over for history aficionados.
Kampong Thom Province. Sambor Prey Kuk -UNESCO heritage site. European Tourism Academy shortlisted for World Capital of Culture and Tourism status.
Banteay Chhmar temple- a symbol of ever victorious spirit of Khmer People.
Cambodia under Academician Hun SEN, the most extraordinary Prime Minister that the nation had ever had has become a model for development, an independent and people oriented country and a symbol for tourism and national resurgence-ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea.
On the occasion of the start of preparations for WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 the global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy had decided to select Djibouti City and Phnom Penh as models and hosts of World Tourism Day 2019 ceremonies in sign of recognition of these cities as centers of tourism development, repositories of priceless cultural artifacts and leaders in heritage protection.
The Autumn 2018 Meeting of European Council on Tourism and Trade and the official celebrations for WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 had taken place at the headquarters of global tourism institution.
The events had taken place under the leadership of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President and a string of key decisions for tourism and culture future in 2019 had being taken.
The main issues debated where the selection of the 2019 host cities for World Tourism Day, and the announcement of official theme of the next year tourism celebration for European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade.
This theme will be instrumental also in the selection of new candidates for hosting world tourism awards ceremonies in 2019.
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Main world tourism and culture awards ceremonies slated for 2019:
Phnom Penh, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia and Djibouti city, the capital of The Republic of Djibouti were selected as the official model cities for World Tourism Day celebrations and official hosts of global tourism events.
Both Djibouti and Phnom Penh where in previous years selected as World`s Capital of Culture and Tourism and globally recognized as centers of heritage, tourism and culture.
The city of Phnom Penh has also obtained WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status in 2016 and hosted the World Tourism Awards ceremonies the same year establishing himself as a powerful tourism and cultural center of Indochina.
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Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
Cambodia and Djibouti have won the honor to be global examples in the tourism and cultural world for 2019.
On the venue of the same event the WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 theme was decided to be History and Tourism: A symbiotic relation!
The theme is destined not only to enliven tourism during 2019, but also to emphasize that tourism is inextricably linked with historical legacy.
History is the main attraction that is creating tourism demand and visitors expectation is linked with the existence of historical and cultural heritage.
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More information on Djibouti tourism potential and strategy can be extracted from these sources:
Tourism must also be organized in such a manner to not impede conservation efforts, to support raising awareness on historical monuments and to help to acquire the financial support necessary for historical preservation activities.
Tourism and history are inseparable, are growing from the same tree: the sapling of culture and civilization.
History is the root of tourism development and tourism must feed and nurture historical preservation as leaves are feeding the tree said Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-global tourism president.
The next year celebration for World Tourism Day will take place in 27 September 2019, placing under the spotlight the culture and civilization as an integral part of tourism growth and role in the sustainable development goals agenda.
It is focused on member countries’ politics and statal agenda in terms of tourism and trade and produces strategies, research and studies on tourism and cultural development implemented worldwide.
Its membership includes state actors, private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities
The global tourism institutions of European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy will continue to assist and foster this climate of confidence and flurry of developmental activities that made the country a WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and now the world sixth economy.
Academician Mircea CONSTANTINESCU: EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY leader pledges continuous support for Cambodia`s development and international standing.
The Kingdom of Cambodia has many reasons to celebrate as the World Bank has just ranked the country as the world`s sixth economy as growth rate in 2018 topping many other nations and established investment destinations.
The main reason for World Bank rating was the country incredible tourism developments in the last years starting with the Kingdom being selected as WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION, a moved that brought a supplementary 1 million tourists in 2016/2017 and the capital Phnom Penh being selected as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM another landmark achievement that brought a new 1,5 million tourists to the Asian Kingdom.
These successes had brought about and a flash flood of investments with more than 3 billion USD poured into the country tourism sector since Cambodia acquired the WORLD`S BET TOURIST DESTINATION status.
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More about Global Ambassadors of Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals can be accessed here:
After Phnom Penh was selected WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the American giant Marriott announced it will open a Courtyard Hotel by Marriott slated to open its doors in 2018 with a total of 189 rooms, all-day dining, a dynamic lobby cafe, and a sky bar.
Recently in the wake of Phnom Penh being announced as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, David Udell, Hyatt Hotels’ Group President-Asia Pacific, said: “As Phnom Penh becomes known as a destination for art, culture, tourism and business, we are confident that the globally recognized Hyatt Regency brand will resonate with business and leisure travelers visiting the country”.
As a result, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, the new announced investment in WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will have 250 rooms, restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool and bar, as well as a convention center.
Finally, the high-end Rosewood Hotel is scheduled to open in 2018. It will be a deluxe property with 175 rooms and suites.
Now the designation of the country as the 6th economy in the world in terms of opportunities, investment climate and growth will mark the nation as a hot spot for future investment in tourism and culture related sectors, stated European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
These sectors will continue to boom, attracted by the country political stability, pro-business climate enacted by the Academician Hun Sen, the Kingdom Prime Minister and high honesty and probity of his government remarked also President Dr. Anton Caragea.
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Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Tourism Academy Director mentioned also: these accomplishments are the direct result of the supervision of the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS- Prime Minister HUN SEN and are proving our righteousness in proposing his policies as a world model.
The 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.
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.
National Museum of Cambodia is named for the second year as World`s Favourite Museum.
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.
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What to do visit in Cambodia and Phnom Penh? Here are some suggestions:
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.
King Sisowath statue adorns the center of Phnom Penh.
He was the creator of National Museum of Cambodia.
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.
Angkor period statues: the main highlight of the National Museum of Cambodia.
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.
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.
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.
More information about INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY can be accessed here:
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.
A special and attractive new edition of European Journal of Tourism and Trade was unveiled comprising from the World Brest Tourist Destination: Cambodia on the spot reports and photo dossiers to the latest fragrance and perfumes conquering the world to personalities like Jean Pierre Grivory creator of Salvador Dali inspired DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE.
The special edition benefited from a special launch in the picturesque city of Bratislava on the premises of European Tourism Academy.
Bratislava and European Tourism Academy headquarter where the scene of the visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and host of the official online launching of the special edition of European Journal of Tourism and Trade.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and diplomatic corps.
As it is customary after the 150.000 printed edition was freely distributed across Europe, the online edition is launched in order to give the opportunity for a broader audience to get acquainted with the latest world tourism events and developments.
The 2017 special edition was already distributed in 150.000 copies across Europe, highlighting the beauties of Kingdom of Cambodia and the incredible blend of natural treasures and historical patrimony that elevated the country to the rank of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has unveiled the world institutions decisions regarding the theme for 2018 tourism year and world tourism day as TOURISM: PROTECTING CULTURE AND HERITAGE. Among other executive decisions are also: the opening of 2018 World`s Best Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism competitions from January 22, 2018. Starting from this date the embassies, consulates, ministries of tourism, culture can start promoting and outlining the candidatures for the top awards.
Celebrated worldwide World Tourism Day at European Council on Tourism and Trade is commemorated usually at the end of September each year and hosted in the capital of the country crowned as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION OF THE YEAR.
The decision has being taken on October 4, 2017 by the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and enter into force from January 1st , 2018 and marks the instrumental role of tourism in promoting cultural knowledge and awareness and offering the necessary tool and public opinion support in protecting world heritage.
Celebrated worldwide World Tourism Day at European Council on Tourism and Trade is commemorated usually at the end of September each year and hosted in the capital of the country crowned as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION OF THE YEAR.
World Tourism Day is celebrated across the world in every country and city interested in harnessing the power of tourism for growth, development and cultural identity and in accordance with the tradition the year receivers of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation are recognized as the official hosts of WORLD TOURISM DAY.
Keeping in respect with this tradition, European Council on Tourism and Trade designated as official host the city of PHNOM PENH, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia being named as the organizer and host of World Tourism Day 2018 ceremonies.
European Council on Tourism and Trade decision upholds the role of culture and tourism as tools for development and creativity and support the relevance of cultural landscapes in tourism and the integration of natural and cultural heritage philosophies and procedures for sustainable tourism development.
The new 2018 session of WORLD TOURISM AND TRAVEL AWARDS of European Council on Tourism and Trade will concentrate on harnessing the power of culture and heritage for the candidates declared as World`s Best Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism.
On the rostrum were in attendance personalities like: Prime Minister of Government of Cambodia H.E. Academician Hun Sen, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Prime Minister Mark Doda, over 300 diplomats and world leaders etc.
The world has a new world leader in development through tourism: Cambodia`s Prime Minister HUN SEN: Global Ambassador for World Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals.
Speech on the occasion of Samdech Techo’s Appointment as “Global Goodwill Ambassador for World Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals 2030” and the Designation of “Phnom Penh: The World Capital of Tourism and Culture”
– Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT)
– Excellencies, Ladies, Gentlemen!
Today, I am delighted to participate in the ceremony to celebrate the awarding of the status “Phnom Penh: The World Capital of Tourism and Culture” to Phnom Penh capital along with my appointment as “Global Goodwill Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the European Council on Tourism and Trade for supporting Cambodia and electing Cambodia as “World Best Tourist Destination” in 2016. Today, Cambodia is honored again on the occasion Phnom Penh is awarded “World Capital of Tourism and Culture” and my appointment “the Global Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
At the same time, I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade and his colleagues for the decision to award this meaningful status to Phnom Penh capital that help promote further tourism and tourism development in Cambodia.
Thunderous applause for the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR: Prime Minister of Cambodia H.E. Academician HUN SEN
In addition, I also appreciate great cooperation between Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the European Council on Tourism and Trade for organizing this event.
I also wish to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism for the effort to promote tourism development to date with the great sense of responsibility in accordance with strategic direction of the Royal Government while Cambodia has been enjoying complete peace, stability, security, and progress in all sectors.
– Excellencies, Ladies, Gentlemen!
Cambodia is very fortunate that our ancestors left us the temple of Angkor which has become the world heritage of humanity and the wonder of the world, the temple of Preah Vihear and the temple of Sambor Prei Kukwhich have outstanding universal value, and thousands of other temples across the country and vast natural resources such as beaches, river, waterfall, beaches that haven been the status as the world most beautiful beaches, Mekong’s freshwater dolphins, ecotourism in the northeastern and southwestern Cambodia, Tonle Sap Lake, traditions and customs and natural friendliness of the people.
Those factors help Cambodia live up to its international recognition as “Kingdom of Wonder.”
In this sense, Cambodia has identified “Culture and Nature” as the values of its tourism which is now a major tourist destination in Asia and Southeast Asia, a region characterized by high tourism growth.
Peace factor is imperative along with our effort to implement our strategic plans and policies. In this sense, I wish to give three recommendations on the sustainable development of tourism sector as follows:
First, security is the key determinant of the growth in all sectors. In fact, the awarding of above status to Cambodia takes place after dark period of chronic war, genocide and divide caused by foreign interference, especially the cold war ideology. Sacrifice, loss of life and property, hardship, tragedy beyond description Cambodia must face with so many years in order to achieve peace, national unification and harmony nowadays. Today, in spite of complete peace and national unification under one constitution, one King, and one government, Cambodia is still unable to overcome both tangible and intangible consequence of the past war and tragedy. Therefore, Cambodia must protect peace at any cost because “peace is imperative for the achievement of sustainable development goals 2030”
Second, working together for tourism development which is an importance driving force of economic growth. Overall, we must manage tourism sector appropriately to maximize the benefits and redistribute the fruit of growth equitably aimed at ensuring participation from all related parties. In this sense, I give my support to the Ministry of Tourism in producing the 2018-2030 Tourism Development Strategic Plan and the formulation of the master plan for tourism development at important tourist sites and I also welcome the strengthening of the capital/provincial tourism development committees in order to encourage the private participation because good governance at the local level is the foundation of sustainable tourism development.
Third, we must ensures the positive relation between the tourism sector and the planet earth toward greener future in 2030. The Ministry of Tourism must continue to cooperate with related ministries/institutions, the private sector, and media to raise awareness on the benefits of sustainable tourism, the link between tourism and the conservation and protection of environment, natural resource and culture. Overall, we must promote the respect for nature and culture and raise awareness on the importance of tourism in economic development and “clean city, clean resort, good service, good hospitality” contest etc.
These recommendations will contribute to further development of tourism sector, underpin growth in other sectors and ensure socio-economic development and cultural and environment conservation.
I am confident that Cambodia as well as Phnom Penh will continue to be a great tourist destination with natural smile of the Cambodian people to live up to its name as the kingdom of wonder.
Finally, along with the celebration of “Phnom Penh: World Capital of Tourism and Culture”, and my appointment as “the Global Goodwill Ambassador for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”, I wish Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and all participants the four gems of Buddha’s blessings Longevity, Nobility, Healthiness and Strength.
PHNOM PENH: THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
Pomp, pageantry and a powerful motion of confidence in the future of Kingdom of Cambodia tourism, cultural and development potential where the trademarks of the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM celebration dedicated to Phnom Penh, the booming capital of Cambodia.
On December 9, 2017 in the presence of over 3.000 guests, diplomats, tourism and culture experts, members of the Parliamentary Assembly for the Sustainable Development Goals, members of the Royal Government of Cambodia and of the Royal Parliament of Cambodia and European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates and many others high level guests attended the official ceremony for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM handover for PHNOM PENH has taken place.
In the pomp and ceremony of the event the Director of The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, Academician Dr. MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU outlined the reasons and the arguments for the inscription of Phnom Penh as one of the world landmark cities.
Here is the full text of the presentation:
ACADEMICIAN MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU: Phnom Penh – is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction.
Your Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN- Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia,
Your Excellency Dr. Thong Khon – Minister of Tourism,
Esteemed members of Royal Government of Cambodia, members of Parliament of Cambodia, distinguished member’s diplomatic corps
Dear guests,
All protocol observed,
Today is a historical day, is the day when we inscribe the name of another model city on the humanity list of WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
In carving up the World Capital of Culture and Tourism Program 11 years ago, European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) set for themselves the ambitious task of establishing a world list of cities and regions that are encompassing the legacy of humanity, that are harboring traditions and costumes unique or hosting natural treasures considered to be of outstanding and universal value.
We are ensuring their presence in the limelight so that we and the future generations can enjoy the world’s patrimony wealth and it’s variety.
The international community must give much more support to the activities promoting the heritage, which is central to our civilizations and this is the main role of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation.
During last year`s THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM program enlarged and enriched his focus becoming a part of THE AGENDA FOR HUMANITY and a part of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda being part and parcel of the global efforts destined to eradicate inequalities, ensure growth, develop education and cultural opportunities for all and supporting investment and development and integration policies where there are more needed.
The full video of the ACADEMICIAN MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU allocutio for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM: PHNOM PENH!
From an essentially global cultural and tourism program we have evolved in line with the world commitments and concerns onto a world level development program.
On this note I must salute the Government of Kingdom of Cambodia commitment to fulfilling the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations and for ensuring that Phnom Penh it is and continues to be a placed for development, creativity, encouragement of free enterprise and initiative and inclusiveness for all who come to this beautiful city.
Inscribing PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we recognize that culture and history are not resource consumers, but are major economic and development factors, that help countries to develop and enrich themselves in more ways than just simple economic value.
Culture is undoubtedly a fundamental part of our life, is marking our identity and is facilitates our encounter, our dialogue, it helps us to share experiences, to search for unknown territories, to go further and further, is inscribed in our fiber and it defines us, is make us human.
Registering PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we are taking act of the Government of Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN commitments and incredible achievements of the last 30 years in carving cultural and heritage protection programs, in ensuring a permanent growth in the quality of patrimony protection and consolidation, in ensuring the preservation and fostering of religions, traditions and cultural and traditional activities.
We must also remember the salient fact that on this account that this luminary policies has succeeded in inscribing the Kingdom as aWORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.
Today, PHNOM PENH is fulfilling the trademarks of what we are calling the cultural landscape marked by the existence of “mixed properties”, blending natural properties and cultural properties.
It designates areas where there has been a harmonious interaction between man and nature over a long period, linked to a particular culture, and which provides evidence of a traditional way of life in which nature and culture are profoundly interlinked.
Cultural landscapes are described in Article 1 of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage as representing “the combined works of nature and man”.
PHNOM PENH is such a generous area: encompassing the natural setting provided by the confluence of three rivers: the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, the world unique river that is flowing upwards the stream for six months a year.
This perfect natural landscape has become the setting of a rich cultural city that encompasses religious monuments and heritage treasures like: Wat Ounalom the 1443 shrine built for a sacred hair of the Buddha and considered the seat of Cambodian Buddhism who will celebrate 575 years of continuously and uninterrupted religious activities.
Another landmark is the famous Wat Phnom, built in 1372 and restored and reconstructed in 1434, 1806, 1894 and 1926 and has become a symbol of the capital city Phnom Penh and regularly used for prayer, small offerings, and meditation.
It is a specially charged place connected with the legendary figure of grandmother Penh and from 15th century King Ponhea Yat built the capital in Phnom Penh around this sacred mountain used for keeping the cremated ash of the King.
The mountain of Wat Phnom has been transformed in the last 700 years in a place that is uniting Buddhist statues of the Angkorean era with art crafts from the medieval and modern area and also a royal necropolis hosting the stupas for keeping cremated ash of the Royal families.
Other religious places and cultural landmarks are Wat Langka who is reputedly one of Phnom Penh’s five original Wats (1422). Established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks, the Wat was named in honor of these meetings.
Wat Botum Padei also one of the oldest religious buildings still in use in the city from 1422 and is compound, is crowded with ornate and colorful stupas, including the towering ‘Buddha’s Relic Stupa.
Wat Koh another one of the city’s five original Wats, established in the early 15th century and Wat Neak Kravorn situated in a perfect picturesque skyline of Boeung Kak lake.
PHNOM PENH is not only the seat of rich cultural and religious objectives but is also presenting a long list of tourism centers from the famed Russian Market, Old Market, Central Market, Night Market and a large array of traditional markets, to the incredible riches of the National Museum having on display more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 7th to the 13th century. Treasures include sculptures, 19th-century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins.
I will just note on the lines the incredible cultural potential of Phnom Penh the fact that: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA was voted as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for the incredible treasures encompassing more than 14.000 priceless artifacts and for the perfect ways that are displayed and imbuing the visitors with the message of culture.
Phnom Penh is far from being just a huge open-air repository of temples, stupas, palaces and incredible museums it is also a place where the energy of his peoples is channeled into huge celebrations like Moon Festival, Water Festival, Royal Ploughing Day, Khmer New Year or famed Buddha Day-Visakh Bochea Day.
It is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction. I also take this moment to congratulate the Ministry of tourism on the initiative to create a special walking riverine prospect offering for tourists the opportunity to stroll around the banks of the famous Mekong.
Initiatives like this are creating the image of a friendly and traveler welcoming city, an image that Phnom Penh so richly deserves.
We can say that the European Council on Tourism and Trade was confronted with an easy conundrum at the question: IT IS? OR IT IS NOT PHNOM PENH a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM?
The positive answer was clear keeping in mind the impressive history of the city, the enormous cultural and heritage potential of Phnom Penh and the plans put in place by the Government of H.E. Prime Minister HUN SEN in order to carve out an ever better future for the peoples of the city and for those who come to share the life of the gem of Asia: the incredible PHNOM PENH – the city of waters, the gift of Cambodia to the world.
Your Excellency Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia HUN SEN,
It is absolutely befitting that Cambodia will help the international community to have a voice in development and peace and that Khmer people give us the perfect example in building a new world, a better one, with these words Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has announced the nomination of the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN as the world`s newest GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN is the world`s newest GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (TV coverage).
The Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals appointed H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia as GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS in recognition of a life time effort promoting sustainable development, inclusive and supportive tourism and in order to harness his abilities and knowledge for the benefit of world-wide growth, employment, and development Agenda 2030 of the United Nations.
H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia is the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The announcement was made by the Executive President of Parliamentary Assembly for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals -SDG, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea on 27 November 2017 while the official handover of the Letter of the designation will take place on December 9, 2017 in Phnom Penh on the fringes of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS.
PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTS GOALS salutes his new leader: Academician HUN SEN-PRIME MINISTER OF KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA
The aim of human society is the common welfare and in 2015 the United nations acted on this sacred principle and enacted the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS as a way further to achieve this human desiderate.
The SDGs represent a commitment taken by all nations to work together to end poverty, achieve shared prosperity, build peace and secure a life of dignity and a healthy planet for present and future generations.
It is not by chance that we met in Phnom Penh, recently sacred as World Capital of Culture and Tourism to find in Academician HUN SEN the world newest global ambassador and the voice supporting world-wide peace and development and fostering tourism (Professor Dr. Anton Caragea)
Tourism is in the world of today a linchpin in achieving and enhancing world development, creating much-needed employment and opportunities for growth and social inclusion and creating much-needed economic resources to be used to protect and promote the cultural heritage.
Tourism in the world of today is the new form of diplomacy, bringing people, nations, creeds and religions together, in order to foster mutual respect and tolerance.
Today sustainable and responsible tourism is providing sustainable infrastructure, business opportunities, jobs and income and most important the opportunities for a dignified and useful life.
In order to bring together for the benefit of mankind and humanity the transformative powers of tourism, culture and sustainable development goals we have created a unique tool to influence positive change, to foster development and to carve out a better future for humanity: The Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals.
The Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals will build on their world level statesmanship, prowess and leadership in order to ensure the promotion of tourism and SDGs as part of a development, culture and peace driven global agenda.
The Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals will promote the universal character of the SDGs as it was buold by the United Nations, keeping in mind the main values enshrined in this articles: to never leave no one behind or excluded; to foster new engagement`s and to garner world support to the implementation of SDGs; to encourage partnerships with all global actors irrespective of their status as either Governments, civil society and the private sector to share knowledge and resources; and to raise awareness for the integrated nature of the SDGs.
Your Excellency will have a mandate to support the Parliamentary Assembly for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the institution generous efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030, you will add a powerful voice to spur into action the world visionary and transformational sustainable development agenda.
You will have to become a present and active actor in the implementation of the 17 SDGs Sustainable Development Goals destined to end poverty globally, to combat inequalities and tackle climate change, while leaving no one behind and no one excluded.
As a Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals, you will have the task of promoting the universal sustainable development agenda, raising awareness of the integrated nature of the SDGs, and fostering the engagement of new stakeholders in the implementation of the SDGs.
As a Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals you will engage with partners from civil society, academia, parliaments, and the private sector to develop new and ground-breaking ideas and ways to promote SDG implementation.
In our opinion, your cultured city had registered tremendous achievements in developing tourism infrastructure and facilities and in placing in the limelight, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, the cultural, historical and tourism patrimony of PHNOM PENH.
Your capital-city legacy and tourism potential must be recognized and used in fruition of Kingdom of Cambodia `s international prestige and economic development.
These are the words penned by H.E. President of The European Council on Tourism and Trade Professor Dr. Anton Caragea to H.E. Academician Prime Minister of Cambodia H.E. HUN SEN in the letter announcing PHNOM PENH as the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM on a public ceremony on November 27, 2017 in the presence of over 1.000 guests and diplomatic corps.
On December 9, 2017 the official handover ceremony of the title of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for PHNOM PENH will take place and the humanity legacy will be richer with another stellar name: Phnom Penh .
The 2017 General Assembly of European Council on Tourism and Trade -ECTT has gathered in an all-encompassing manifestation the leaders of world tourism, parliamentarians members of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals, representatives of OSCE Bucharest Conference, Eurasia Conference and diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade.
President of world institution European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea (in the center) with Academician Mircea Constantinescu-European Tourism Academy (right) and Ambassadors from China PR, Philippines, Jordan, Turkey (left).
President of world institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea presented to his guests the achievements of ECTT at the helm of global tourism: creating and launching the tourism and sustainable development goals program, starting the global recognition program for GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, supporting growth and employment across the world with more than 100.000 jobs created by ECTT exertions and supporting humanitarian activity and investments in vulnerable corners of the world by tourism related programs.
ECTT has fulfilled for another year his mandate to offer KNOWLEDGE TO LEAD THE WORLD for a better future concluded President Dr. Anton Caragea in his welcoming message to the delegates.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea (in the center) surrounded by ECTT President Office team: Academician Mircea Constantinescu (left), Chairman Mihai Prundianu and rest of the team(to the right).
The main items of the ECTT Agenda for 2017 where focused around boosting the regional cooperation, layout plans for visa facilitation and the better promotion of European and world tourism.
On July 28, 2017 the session was destined to plenary works and on July 29 in a relaxed atmosphere, the General Assembly of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT), has taken under consideration the list of candidates for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2017.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and the team of ECTT President Office and Ambassadors awaiting the name of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
Before entering into the details the voting members decided to entrust to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and the team of ECTT President Office the mandate to select for 2017 and 2018 the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM winners in accordance with the world tourism institute ECTT status and bylaws.
27 November 2017 – the signing of the OFFICIAL DECREE FOR PHNOM PENH – WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
9 December 2017 the start of the ceremonies for PHNOM PENH – WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
The full power in selecting the world most important cultural designation for the above mentioned period was delegated to the authority of the ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
After receiving the results of vote from Presidential adviser Mr. Gabriel Rasvan , H.E. President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea announced his decision to bestow the highest cultural nomination to the city of PHNOM PENH, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia.
The WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM status for Phnom Penh will bring the inscription of the city as a cultural and patrimony hub of global significance and will also entice the city role as a part of the AGENDA FOR HUMANITY UN program and as a center for the implementation of sustainable development goals in the country and in the region.
President Dr. Anton Caragea lauded the Kingdom of Cambodia role in global fostering of tourism development, growth and economic development and in becoming a world model of SDG implementation.
Phnom Penh is practically littered with religious monuments, with incredible cultural artifacts with a beaming historical patrimony spanning for over 600 years and encompassing from Angkor type architectures and temples to colonial typical quarters all enveloped in a recent magnificent development.
The proposal of ECTT leader was approved by acclamation`s by all present on the venue and the office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade being empowered to make the necessary actions to bring to fruition the decision to inscribe PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM awardee.
On December 9th, 2017 the Kingdom of Cambodia will officially receive the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM status, concluded the proceedings the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
♦ In carving up the World Capital of Culture and Tourism Program 11 years ago, European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) set for themselves the ambitious task of establishing a world list of cities and regions that are encompassing the legacy of humanity, that are harboring traditions and costumes unique or hosting natural treasures considered to be of outstanding and universal value.
Phnom Penh the recently nominated WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM is known on the world as the Gem of Asia, The city of waters and the capital of The Kingdom of Wonders: Cambodia, all are rightly deserved appellative`s and as academician Mircea Constantinescu pointed out of WORLD TOURISM AWARDS CEREMONY:
Independence Square and Monument: the heart of PHNOM PENH.
It is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction. I also take this moment to congratulate the Ministry of tourism on the initiative to create a special walking riverine prospect offering for tourists the opportunity to stroll around the banks of the famous Mekong.
PHNOM PENH is such a generous area: encompassing the natural setting provided by the confluence of three rivers: the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, the world unique river that is flowing upwards the stream for six months a year.
This perfect natural landscape has becoming the setting of a rich cultural city that encompasses religious monuments and heritage treasures like: Wat Ounalom, the 1443 shrine build for a sacred hair of the Buddha and considered the seat of Cambodian Buddhism who will celebrate 575 of continuously and interrupted religious activities.
Another landmark is the famous Wat Phnom, built in 1372 and restored or reconstructed in 1434, 1806, 1894 and 1926 and has become a symbol of the capital city Phnom Penh and regularly used for prayer, small offerings, and meditation.
It is a specially charged place connected with the legendary figure of grandmother Penh and from 15th century King Ponhea Yat built the capital in Phnom Penh around this sacred mountain used for keeping the cremated ash of the King.
The mountain of Wat Phnom has been transformed in the last 700 years in a place that is uniting Buddhist statues of the Angkorean era with art crafts from the medieval and modern area and also a royal necropolis hosting the stupas for keeping cremated ash of the Royal families.
Other religious places and cultural landmarks are Wat Langka who is reputedly one of Phnom Penh’s five original Wats (1422).
Established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks, the Wat was named in honor of these meetings.
Wat Botum Padei also one of the oldest religious buildings still in use in the city from 1422 and is compound is crowded with ornate and colorful stupas, including the towering ‘Buddha’s Relic Stupa.
Wat Koh another one of the city’s five original Wats, established in the early 15th century and Wat Neak Kravorn situated in a perfect picturesque skyline of Boeung Kak lake.
PHNOM PENH is not only the seat of rich cultural and religious objectives but is also presenting a long list of tourism centers from the famed Russian Market, Old Market, Central Market, Night Market and a large array of traditional markets, to the incredible riches of National Museum having on display more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 7th to the 13th century.
Treasures include sculptures, 19th-century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins.
We have to note also in the panorama of the incredible cultural potential of Phnom Penh the fact that: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA was voted as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for the incredible treasures encompassing more than 14.00 priceless artifacts and for the perfect ways that are displayed and imbuing the visitors with the message of culture.
Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is a must see for any Asian traveler as it is the symbol of the imperial power of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the residence of the royal family.
In Khmer language, the full name of Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is Preah Barom Reachea Vaeng Chaktomuk. The modern Royal Palace was designed by a famous French engineer, dating back to the end of the 19th century.
The resplendent and magnificent Royal Palace is the typical Cambodia building, situated in the east of Phnom Penh and facing the confluence of Mekong River and Tonle Sap River.
It is a magnificent building with golden roof and yellow walls surrounding it, consisting of over 20 palaces of various sizes, such as the golden palace, the silver palace and the treasure palace with exquisite reliefs on the winding corridors.
The treasure palace is inside the golden palace, displaying precious treasures.
Among all the buildings in the palace, the silver palace is the most gorgeous one, whose ground is paved with over 4,700 silver bricks.
In the palace, there is also a natural jade Buddha statue with the height of about 60 centimeters, regarding as the national treasure of Cambodia. It is also the holy land for the Buddhist devotions of the successive kings.
Phnom Penh is far from being just a huge open-air repository of temples, stupas, palaces and incredible museums it is also a place where the energy of his peoples is channeled into huge celebrations like Moon Festival, Water Festival, Royal Ploughing Day, Khmer New Year or famed Buddha Day-Visakh Bochea Day.
MEKONG ISLAND (KOH DACH)
If you wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh and venture into a world of peace and tranquility, then a visit to Mekong Island about 15km north of the city centre will be just right for you.
Bounded by views of rice paddies, vegetable farms and fruit orchards, Mekong Island not only serves as a venue for an enjoyable day trip or picnic but also enables you to experience the country’s authentic culture at its best.
This island occupies an area of about ten hectares of land and is one of the prominent centers of traditional handicrafts in Cambodia, with artisans engaged in silk weaving, pottery, woodcarving and dyeing in its villages.
Phnom Penh is waiting the travelers, tourists and all those who want to experience the true charm of Asia and the magic of a World Capital of Culture and Tourism with the open doors.
Come and discover the magic of Mekong, come and find your true city of love: Phnom Penh!
Cambodia succeeds one more time to shine on world cultural stage as the National Museum from Phnom Penh gets on the list of World`s Favorite Museums.
National Museum of Cambodia is named for the second year as World`s Favourite Museum.
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.
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.
King Sisowath statue adorns the center of Phnom Penh.
He was the creator of National Museum of Cambodia.
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.
Angkor period statues: the main highlight of the National Museum of Cambodia.
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.
On November 24, 2017, on the function of the official signing of the 2017 World Tourism, Culture and Travel Awards, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea announced the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PHNOM PENH is recognized as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for a second year in a row for his priceless artifacts and outstanding contribution to the human civilization understanding.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is taken a central stage in promoting ecotourism as a source of sustainable tourism and development and rapidly becoming a world model in this regard.
On November 7, 2017, Cambodia`s Prime Minister Hun Sen approved the establishment of a new inter-ministerial task force that will work to develop and manage community-based ecotourism locations in a bid to find sustainable ways to draw tourists to destinations across the Kingdom.
Academician HUN SEN, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo, Prime Minister of Cambodia has transformed his country in a world development center.
Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon will be the president of the new task force, while Minister of Environment, Say Sam Al and Minister of Agriculture, Veng Sokhon will act as deputy presidents.
Sokhon said that the task force was formed to ensure that the relevant ministries work together in developing community-based ecotourism locations while allowing them also evaluate each other’s performance to achieve effective results.
“The new task force will promote ecotourism and we will select potential communities to help promote the incomes for people living there,” he said, adding that the government has already defined 516 fishing communities, 477 freshwater communities and 540 forest communities that could get ecotourism status.
“We will work together as a team to select the potential communities and help develop the infrastructure needed in order for tourists to access them,” he said. “We also want to help promote awareness in these communities on how they can provide quality services to tourists while teaching them how to manage their finances.”
Minister of Tourism of Cambodia: THONG KHON will be en-charged in the new push for ecotourism.
Ambassador Tiberius Puiu, from world tourism institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade, offered lauds to the decision which is describing as a moment that is placing Cambodia at the front line of sustainable, no-polluting tourism development and it is another wise and far-reaching decision that will foster the country as a world model and as the most interesting destination in Asia.
Say Sam Al – Minister of Ministry of Environment of Cambodia.
He added that the task force was already looking at identifying communities in the provinces of Koh Kong, Kampong Thom, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri.
Next year date for WORLD TOURISM DAY celebration was decided to be September 27 2018 and the official theme will be TOURISM AND CULTURAL PROTECTION! These where the executive decisions taken by European Council on Tourism and Trade leadership on the Word Tourism Day celebrations.
Celebrated worldwide since 1980, World Tourism Day at European Council on Tourism and Trade is commemorated usually at the end of September each year and hosted in the capital of the country crowned as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION OF THE YEAR.
This year, the Official Celebrations are held in Phnom Penh , the capital city of Kingdom of Cambodia, winner of World Best Tourism Destination designation and in Bucharest on October 4, 2017 under the Chairmanship of European Council on Tourism and Trade.
The main role of the World Tourism Day is to highlight the global significance of tourism as a tool for global development and cultural enlightenment.
Tourism is the greatest educator in the world, stated on the topic the European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea.
This is one of the goals of the World Tourism Day celebrations that are being conducted throughout the world.
President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea signs the ECTT- WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 logo and document: TOURISM AND CULTURAL PROTECTION!
The Official Celebrations taking place in Phnom Penh, and marked as usually also at World Tourism Institute of European Council on Tourism and Trade center and garnering world tourism leaders, industry entrepreneurs and researchers, Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals among other key actors in the sector.
The event was opened by the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, who emphasized the cultural and heritage booster and promoter role of Tourism and the links of the sector with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals as well as the carry torch role of the Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals in the global economic diversification and socially oriented growth.
On this occasion H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea – ECTT President announced that: Global Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals project will continue unabated until 2030, the year marked by United Nations for the completion of the 17 Goals at world level.
In conjunction with European Tourism Academy, European Council on Tourism and Trade announced that 2018 World Tourism Day theme will be: TOURISM AS A CULTURAL PROTECTOR, emphasizing tourism role in promoting awareness for cultural and heritage patrimony , in boosting the resources allocated for their maintenance and preservation and in educating future generations on their role as guardian`s and custodians of these world treasures.
Academician Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia-Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo.
In the Kingdom of Cambodia, the official host of World Tourism Day for European Council on Tourism and Trade celebration, the premier’s message on World Tourism Day, Academician Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia said the tourism sector continues to contribute to Cambodia’s economy.
“In recognition of the contribution tourism has made, the government through the Tourism Ministry will continue to develop the tourism market, develop tourism products, and further promote new areas like youth tourism, urban tourism and shopping tourism,” said Mr Hun Sen.
“Currently, the tourism sector is the third biggest export industry in the world after the chemical and oil industries,” he added. “Tourism brings hope, prosperity and fosters people-to-people relations in the world.”
This year’s theme for World Tourism Day was “Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development”.
“Tourism can contribute to all the three crucial areas of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – and each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” said Academician Hun Sen.
“Not only does the sector contribute to economic growth, it also improves the quality of people’s lives. It can bolster environmental protection, champion diverse cultural heritage, and strengthen peace in the world,” added the premier.
This year’s celebrations for World Tourism Day, marked on 27 and 28 September, will be officially celebrated in Phnom Penh, Dubai and Bucharest as European Council on Tourism and Trade had decided.
This year celebration will be focused on the role of Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the decisions of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event will be structured around the role of PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG as a main consent creator around the role of tourism in supporting international world wide development and a second layer session will emphasize the role of International Ambassadors for Sustainable Development Goals in fostering global emulation and eliciting support for world development and providing leadership for a greener future.
On the Agenda will also be the presentation of the Kingdom of Cambodia impressive tourism success and knowledge sharing of Cambodia`s positive practice on tourism development which saw the Kingdom being named as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.
Bucharest as the center of World Tourism Institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade will also mark the event with a special session of PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG focusing on Economic, Social and Human Development on world level and will emphasize the role of world parliaments in promoting SDG value and oversee their implementation in to laws as a catalyst to progress towards a more diversified economy.
Together with the events conducted in Cambodia, European Council on Tourism and trade headquarters and Dubai, the World Tourism Day will be celebrated across the globe.
On this occasion European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) calls upon the travel and tourism community, from all affiliation like entities from private sector, governments and civil society, to join the celebrations and global recognition of tourism as a driving force for prosperity and development.
World Tourism Institute – European Council on Tourism and Trade in cooperation with European Tourism Academy had festively marked KHMER NEW YEAR presenting for the first time to the European and world audience the main significance and festivals surrounding this perfect celebration and display of traditions of Cambodia.
The famous APSARA dances where watched with interest and pleasure.
From this moment, the request for new information`s regarding the small but rich in beautiful architectural and historic treasures country had exploded.
In order to come to respond to this desire to know more about incredibleCambodia: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2016, the world tourism institute of European Council on Tourism and Trade with the support of European Tourism Academy had outlined the rich dances and traditions connected with Khmer New Year celebrations.
Did you know that Cambodia dances are part of world intangible heritage?
On the paraphernalia presented byEuropean Tourism Academy where highlighted the dances of Royal Ballet, organized and patronized by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, especially the APSARA dances , the harvest dances where also marked and the music and ballet connected with the traditional Romdoul National flower, at honor in many dances and melodies across Cambodia.
The guests also where informed about ceremonies like Leung Sakk: the day the year really starts. In the evening, to complete the New Year festival, the Khmer need to perform the last ceremony, called “Pithi Srang Preah”, which means giving a special bath or a special shower to Buddha statues, the monks, elders, parents, and grandparents to apologize for any mistake we have done to them and to gratify them.
President of European Council on Tourism and Trade Dr. Anton Caragea, outlined a short historic and cultural presentation of the Khmer New Year festival as originated from Bramhmanism, a part of Hinduism, which was a religion that Khmer embraced before Buddhism.
Romdoul National flower is at the center of dances and melodies in the Khmer kingdom.
Later on Buddhism became associated with the festival and then took all the important roles in the festivity.
The guests of CAMBODIA KHMER NEW YEAR festivities received also a promotional pack: comprising a DVD with special dances and music ceremonies for CAMBODIA WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2016, a special rice bag and the world renowned Cambodian pepper.
The full photo report of the 2017 CAMBODIAN KHMER NEW YEAR celebration can be accessed onFLICKR
PINTEREST had also created a special file accessible here:
United States President Barack Obama is preparing to sign off his mandate and his vision on tourism remains unique.
Even if he failed in promoting United States on international tourism stage, he remains the most avid president in visiting WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION countries and trying to offer inspiration for US tourism industry from his visits.
In his trips he did crossed almost every WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION nation except Zimbabwe with who maintained tense relations (but the new US President Donald Trump will soon visit the nation ruled by his friend President Robert Mugabe).
United States are trying to get on the list of world best tourist destination taking aim at the visa facilitation procedures and opening the borders for tourist, specially from Brazil and China from which Obama wants the United States to lure 10 more million visitors by 2025.
Today Washington gets in a festive mood and tourism industry starts garnering hopes.
As Donald J. Trump is taking office, he promised a bright future for US tourism: getting the country on World Best Tourism Destination list, making historical cities on Eastern Coast of United States to be recognized as World Capital of Culture, all are on the to do list of the new administration drafted by the new President on his first day in office, writes European Journal of Tourism Washington correspondent.
But the analysts are not so convinced that Trump effect on tourism will be this positive. The Telegraph ask the readers : Who will visit an America ruled by Donald Trump? – and make a prophecy that not too many.
The New York Times in a central editorial make`s the same point: What Impact Will Trump Have on Tourism?
The analysis result sounds cautious: new immigration procedures that make the customs and border process harder, the scrutiny of particular groups of people); and the perception of how welcoming and safe (or not) the United States is are growing to weigh heavily on the future of US tourism.
Donald Trump John promises that he will put his managerial skills in the benefit of world tourism.
Others cited in the article are right a way tenebrous: attendees at the World Travel Market London conference were coming up and “offering condolences.”( Gary Leff).
The list of worries on tourism faith under Donald Trump is long and wide spanning from: banning of minority groups, hostile policies towards Middle Eastern travellers, Cuban policy, US dollar strength in ratings, air fares tariffs, immigration policies and what role the Trump hotels will have in the great scheme of things.
Tourism is all about optimism and confidence and the new US President Donald Trump Jr. promised in his inaugural address that: hee will make US a World Best Tourist Destination country and a great country for all !
The official visit of ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea, marking the opening of Autumn 2016-International Tourism Fair at the ROMEXPO Hall, in Bucharest, has taken place.
President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Academician Mircea Constantinescu and their retinue had visited the tourism market, cut the ribbon given the offficial start of the activities and presented from the pulpit the main characteristics of the 2017 year in tourism.
The 18 November official tour of the exhibition had taken place under The High Patronage of President of European Council on Tourism and Trade.
On this occasion Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has made the official tour of honour for all the pavilions that promoted outbound and inbound tourism, accompanied by a delegation of members of European Parliaments and the usual retinue of governmental officials.
The Bucharest-International Tourism Fair has garnered the most important tourism companies that outlined special offers for the lovers of cultural tourism, medical tourism and wellness, rural and business related tourism but also presented offers for aficionados of cruises, exotic destinations and adventure tourism.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had toured the areas dedicated to the promotion of wine tourism and stressed his office support for wine discovery based tourism programs, that are allowing visitors to familiarized themselves with Europe`s natural beauties but also to taste the incredible European wines.
On the pavilions acknowledged by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President and Global Ambassador for Tourism we can count the COTNARI stand that promoted not only the perfection of Cotnari Wines but also Cotnari region as the heartland of Moldova`s tourism.
President Dr. Anton Caragea also visited the pavilions of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Hungary, Bulgaria and delivered a speech on Movenpick stand on the opportunities offered by Middle Eastern tourism.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea visited the Photographic Exhibition ans encouraged the artists present and was received as distinguished guest by the representatives of the transport companies like Air Berlin, Blue Air and made a special stop over to the National Air Transport Company TAROM, where European Council President took his time and attended a photo session with the employees of the national air company.
The open conference held by H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea on Middle Eastern tourism opportunities was attended by tourism specialists, mass media and governmental officials.
International Tourism Fair 2016 was a pleasant opportunity to meet the representatives of the tourism and air transport companies and to discuss new methods to improve tourism at world level and more than everything provided us with a rostrum of discussions for the future elections on WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION FOR 2017 and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM IN 2017 stated European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea in the concluding remarks of his visit.
Prime Minister HUN SEN succeeded in obtaining for the Kingdom of Cambodia the coveted title of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION
WORLD TOURISM NEWS FROM EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE 
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