Professor Dr. Anton Caragea The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade-ECTT (left) and President of Romania H.E. Professor Dr. Emil Constantinescu on the venue of ECTT Executive Board meeting.
The official letter penned by the Office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade outlines the role of tourism in promoting Ethiopia in the world, in building bridges of cooperation and friendship and highlighting the positive effects of the cooperation between the Presidency of Ethiopia, the local government of Addis Ababa and the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels, cooperation that allowed the nation to continue on the road for development via tourism growth and for poverty reduction strategy:
Ethiopia is an example of development activities, investment protection and facilitation, economic growth and wealth spreading to the nation and this is the creation of your life long experience and devotion to your people.
The world community statement of confidence in the bright future of Ethiopia nation and practical measures put in place, made your country succeeding in the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competition in recognition of your nation incredible wealth of traditions, natural treasures, history prowess and contribution to humanity legacy.
The world recognizes that Trade, Travel and Tourism are part of the international life and each and every one of our citizens became a world ambassador and a central actor on world stage.
EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY EVENTS PROGRAMME FOR ADDIS ABABA
Nations that wish to attain their full potential and reach the picks of development, international recognition, economic growth and prosperous life for their citizens can’t remove themselves from the international tourism and trade arena.
Trade and Tourism are the key pillars for countries and billions of people, worldwide, in their efforts to achieve fully their live potential.
European Council on Tourism and Trade had become, and strides to remain, the driving force in the international promotion of culture, and patrimony and encapsulate tourism as the main vector in development and international cooperation.
H.E. Prime Minister-Academician SAMDECH HUN SEN was elected as the only head of state to date to present to the world a concise and effective vision of completion of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Attending the General Debate of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS and as the Head of the newly elected 6th mandate Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister made a statement highlighting not only Cambodia`s role on upholding international peace and development but also his country global vision for the world in XXI century.
According to international experts Prime Minister HUN SEN speech was bold, energetic and creating a new page in the international relations and upholding the interest and the vision of small and medium countries and of non-aligned group of nations and also ASEAN vision for the world`s future.
H.E. Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia and GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, Academician HUN SEN has presented his lofty vision for his country, for United Nations and for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
Attending the General Debate of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS and as the Head of the newly elected 6th mandate Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister made a statement highlighting the new images of Cambodia with stable democratic process and remarkable socio-economic achievements following the attainment of full peace and stability which prevail all over the country.
He underlined the government’s continued commitment to enhance people’s well-being in line with the soon to be adopted “Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals.”
On international affairs, Prime Minister raised concerns about the threat of unilateralism that has undermined multilateral system, hindered global efforts to address SDGs, to tackle climate change and other common security challenges.
Prime Minister appealed for respect of the UN Charter and avoidance of domestic interference in the pretext of political rights protection. He raised specific case of Cambodia where some external circles, who have fed on ambition to interfere in the domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against or attacking the election outcome.
Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people,” H.E. Prime Minister HUN SEN was elected as the only head of state to date to present to the world a concise and effective vision of completion of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
The full text of the allocution of THE GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS-ACADEMICIAN SAMDECH HUN SEN can be read out here:
My participation in this General Assembly is in the context that Cambodian Nation is enjoying the dividends of peace, stability and rapid development which had never been before in her modern history.
Cambodia is a successful case of a war-torn country which had succeeded in making a complete and prideful transformation.
Previously infamous for its killing fields, an unstable region caused by armed conflicts and dangerous mine disposals, an economically backward country mired in poverty and food insecurity, Cambodia now enjoys full peace, and has become a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia (the WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION r.n); a food exporter; an outstanding performer in poverty reduction and improvement in social indicators. Cambodia is recognized as one of the world’s fast-growing economies, which recently has successfully graduated from its status as a low-income country to a lower-middle income country, owing to its high economic growth at around 7% per annum over the past two decades.
The photo journal of the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS activity during UNITED NATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY can be observed here:
H.E. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General welcomes H.E. Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech HUN SEN-the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Notably known for its armed struggle for the power and changes of government, Cambodia is now governed by the rule of law and firmly respects the multi-party liberal democracy, with regular, free and fair elections, held to enable its people to choose the country’s leadership.
Twenty registered political parties have competed in the election which clearly demonstrated a legitimate representation of pluralist politics and reflected what thousands of domestic and international observers described as a stable democratic process in Cambodia and as a free, fair, and credible election.
By their votes, Cambodians reaffirmed their desire for peace, stability and long-lasting sustainable development.
Indeed, the free choice of the Cambodian people and the legitimate result of this election is not a subject for question or debate.
Some external circles, who have fed on ambition to interfere in domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against or attacking the election outcome.
Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people.
Madam President!
I would like to draw the attention of all UN members to the vitality of the United Nations Charter.
It depends on all of us to provide a proper respect for this crucial document by avoiding the interference, damaging, or disrupting sovereignty of an independent state.
We are heartedly regretful to highlight the fact that human rights nowadays have become “a mission to impose civilization” for some powerful nations or, perhaps, as their operating standards as the pretext for the interference under the name of political rights protection.
As a result, the imposition of unilateral sanctions has become a popular weapon of powerful nations in managing their international politics, which is completely driven by geopolitical agendas.
This is nothing but a use of the brutal force of a particular state to impose its will on other sovereignty states.
In a world, where the eras of imperialism and colonialism became the history, we have to acknowledge that not all nations in this General Assembly shall follow the governing model of any country.
Big countries should not attempt to install their administrative system on other small countries, because those small countries also possess sovereignty and legitimate aspiration to maintain their own identities. In the modern-days of interdependence, such an old style coercive mindset should be put to rest.
Together, both big and small countries, must respect one another and uphold the rules of the international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Madam President!
Currently, the world is facing severe instabilities while the threats to peace are coming in many forms, more than what we have witnessed in the past 25 years.
We are all living in a world faced with fragility, unpredictability, complicated changes, as the challenges are coming from various fronts, including the increase in persistent conflicts and unprecedented humanitarian crises.
We are deeply concerned by the tensions made by a first world class superpower in the diplomatic circle and by the conflicts happening in many places thank to the interference by this superpower.
We are also deeply concerned by the rush decisions made by this superpower to urgently withdraw from major international agreements that threaten the core legitimacy of international legal order.
This unilateral actions have undermined the state-to-state relationships and caused tension in the international community.
Yet, what puts the most pressure is direct attack on multilateralism.
Undoubtedly, in our globalized world, all things are connected. if we begin to adhere to the protectionist policy, unilateralism and trade war, we are closing the door by not welcoming any trade and investment opportunities which have provided prosperity to our countries, both small and big ones, for many decades.
Eventually, we all are poorer; our economies will decline; financial capital will shrink and the ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as, addressing the challenges caused by climate change would be seriously affected.
Those factors will make poor countries suffer prolonged poverty, and thus we are more vulnerable to the dangerous ideology of terrorism, extremism, and regional conflicts.
Cambodia, as a small economy, believes in the interests of the rule-based international cooperation. As a matter of fact, we all have been prospering because of the globalization.
We all are thus convinced that the global trade should not be hindered by the imposition of unilateral tariffs; yet it should be enhanced and supported through the adherence to conductive policies for trade and investment, as well as, the provision of special preferential treatment to developing countries.
Stability and diversification in the financial sector need to be further encouraged to promote innovation and development.
All in all, we need to jointly maintain and strengthen ‘’multilateralism”.
In fact, peace without development is not sustainable. In this context, “Sustainable Development Goals” of the United Nations play a pivotal role in guiding toward prosperity for the people. Cambodia views the SDGs as an important opportunity to mobilize efforts in achieving poverty reduction, as well as, sustainable and inclusive development.
The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) soon will approve “Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs)” which has been fully localized, and we will use those goals to shape our medium and long-term policies and plans for Cambodia.
Moreover, the conflict prevention is precondition for a long-lasting peace. The UN peacekeeping forces play a vital leading role in these efforts. As a result, Cambodia greatly welcomes the vision of H.E. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, on peace-building and peace-keeping, particularly further paying continued attention to the conflict prevention.
Cambodia is a consistent supporter of the architecture of peace and security of the United Nations.
For instance, for the last 12 years, Cambodia has sent thousands of Blue Helmet forces to join peace-keeping missions under the umbrella of the United Nations.
However, peace-keeping is facing unprecedented challenges since the non-state actors have waged rebellion wars against our peace-keeping forces, which have caused many lives and disabilities.
We are sincerely indebted to the sacrifice of the UN peace-keeping heroes. Nonetheless, their death and sacrifice have not distorted our commitment to further contributing to the cause of this great mission.
Another severe and complicated threat which is the barriers to the long-lasting peace is terrorism.
They have disintegrated communities, worsened the conflicts and weakened the stability of the whole region. Currently, the battles against terrorism have become even more complex and modernized since the terrorists are turning to the cyberspace for their malevolent operation.
Profoundly, the cross-border nature of terrorism requires us to build a multilateral cooperation with concerted coordination, including “countermeasures” and “preventive measures”.
Addressing climate change is another key element for the success of the 2030 Agenda, which requires urgent and focused attention from the global community.
The fundamentals for action on climate change are undoubtedly rested upon the Paris Agreement.
In this spirit, Cambodia will provide full support to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to organize the Climate Summit next year to foster the inspiration to further address climate change.
Madame President!
Finally, I would like to emphasize that Cambodia fully support the UN’s global leadership, and commits to implementing our shared responsibility to build a peaceful and equitable human society who enjoys sustainable and inclusive development.
The world tourism dedicated site will be officially unveiled in front of the diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade in order to mark festively the World Tourism Day for 2018.
On the approaching WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 the global tourism institutions: European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade had launched a dedicated website in order to promote sustainable tourism destinations, to support tourism development and to foster knowledge of tourism institutions across the world.
The world tourism dedicated site will be officially unveiled in front of the diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade in order to mark festively the World Tourism Day for 2018.
According to the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea the new information vehicle aims at tourism and development professionals across the globe and it will provide easy to access, visual information, videos and connections to the most important and relevant tourism and development information websites.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
For more information on tourism development you can access this information portals:
The new world tourism institutions website will also future information about European Tourism Academy, Global Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals Ambassadors programme, World Best Tourist Destinations, World Capital of Culture and Tourism and is destined to be a one-stop shop to connect visitors with world tourism trends and recent evolution`s.
According to Ambassador Tiberius Puiu, the new information website is a perfect tool to assist in global tourism development, to offer information about tourism role in fulfilling the world Agenda 2030 and to offer to the public coverage of the activities of world tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy.
It will be a perfect instrument for the world`s diplomats.
Academician Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
For more on diverse world tourism programmes you can discover here:
Academician Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy expressed his gratitude for his institution being recognized once more as an instrument for world development and Agenda 2030 fulfillment and encouraged the diplomats, tourism professionals and the general public to take advantage on the fountain of information and images contained in the new world tourism dedicated site.
The new website is having informational pages dedicated to:
On the International Day of Parliamentarism, the first-ever celebration of the parliaments and parliamentarians role in today society (decided by United Nations to be observed on 30 June) H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea President pro-Tempore of PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS had presented the following message:
The International Day of Parliamentarism, a new United Nations day of observance, recognizes the lynch-pin role in today society and democracy played by the Parliaments.
Leading an organization destined to promote a better world, to build democracy and prosperity and to promote peace and dialogue I must emphasize the crucial role that responsible parliamentarian activity is playing in protecting nations, combating corruption, representing people and trying to advance their aspirations.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
More information about PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS is available here:
Parliaments can be the voice of nations and the main harbingers of democracy, defenders of human rights and dignity and can bridge local and global agendas.
Enacting laws and strategies, they can contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — our only charted course towards a world dominated by peace, dialogue, cooperation and development.
This year 2018/2019 I want to emphasize the necessity for world parliaments to foster natural protection, to confront climate change, to protect life across our wonderful planet.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea -President pro-tempore of PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS surrounded by parliamentarians from different member states.
Before rebuilding our globe we must save it and if parliamentarians across the world will miss this target they would have failed in their role.
The PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS is here to offer support for members of parliaments worldwide, as they strive to deliver for the globe and for the people they ought to serve.
Parliamentary Assembly for the Implementation of SDGs President
In a strikingly rich and impressive paraphernalia, displaying for the benefit of the world the incredibly diverse cultural landscape of the country, Djibouti has welcomed the who`s who of international culture and tourism on the felicitous occasion of the country being named WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
Djibouti played host for a week (16 to 22 April 2018) to global tourism celebrations marking the inscription of the capital city on the list of WORLD CAPITAL`S OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
The world tourism delegates where welcomed with a colorful ceremony on the Djibouti Airport tarmac and received lush flowers bouquets in a sign of peaceful arrival.
On April 18, 2018, a working session with representatives of Presidency of Djibouti chaired by Secretary General Mohamed Abdillahi Wais, Ministry of Economy (with tourism as mandate), Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Information and with the delegates of European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy chaired by President Dr. Anton Caragea has taken place.
The main event of the week of celebrations was the official inscription of DJIBOUTI as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM in a powerful, music and rhythm driven ceremony destined to showcase the cultural endowment of people of Djibouti.
On display where ceremonial weaponry, costumes, dances, ceremonies of Issas, Afars, Yemenis constituting the matrix of today`s Djibouti.
Actors, poets, dancers and musicians from far and wide contributed to a glittering performance and crafted a vivid portrait of a young and yet cultured nation.
Congratulatory remarks were addressed for the delegates attending DJIBOUTI as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM festivities by Ministers of culture and Islamic Foundations, Ministry of Tourism and a presentation of the country new tourism strategy was unveiled for the benefit of those present.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
More about President of Djibouti agenda for development can be accessed here:
The core of the festivity came at the moment of announcing H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh as the new ACADEMICIAN member of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY with a powerful presentation speech by Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Academy Director.
Hand in hand for African tourism future: President of Djibouti-Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh and President of European Council on Tourism and Trade – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
President of European Council on Tourism and Trade – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea took to the rostrum to announce officially that from April 19, 2018, DJIBOUTI is THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM in recognition of a splendid array of natural and historical monuments encapsulated in a rapidly developing country and powered by a dynamic people.
H.E. Ismail Omar Gulleh, The President of Djibouti come to the fore to a rapturous welcome by his people and was surrounded with huge manifestations of love and respect and ululations of admiration for his crowning as a new ACADEMICIAN and for the country assuming the new mantle as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
In a prominent and poignant allocution President Omar Gulleh, now Academician Ismail Omar Gulleh charted the new directions for his country and promised to further endeavor to make Djibouti recognized and to etch the name of his nation on the global stage.
Djibouti as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM has become a center of beaming culture, a beacon of development on the banks of the Red Sea and a tourism center for the Horn of Africa showing to all the region that another destiny free from fear and poverty is possible.
The trip encompassed discovery of the Gulf of Tadjoura with the island of Moucha at his heart, old center of slaves and coffee trade and a symbolic place for the birth of Djibouti in the XIX century.
The fabled city of Tadjoura, the center of commerce of hides, oysters, coffee and ivory, rich and powerful dominating the south of Red Sea and portrayed as the white city or the city of seven mosques was a main point of interest.
The astonishing collection of natural monuments spanning from The Great African rift to Bab el Mandeb, to the volcano of Ardoukôba, the impressive Goubet Al Kharab, the island of Devil and the gates of Inferno where all magnificent sights to see.
The opportunities for leisure tourism, balmy sun and sea tourism wherein length explained during the visit to the incredible Sable blanc-White sands.
Finally a visit to the lowest place on the African continent: Lake Assal put the delegates in awe of the country tourism potential.
The magic of the beginning of Earth`s history, the geological miracle of the gates of Earth opening and a place where volcanoes are resurrected after 3000 years sleep.
Djibouti is the magic of poets and dreamers that where touched by the aura of this place and in turn they give Djibouti a name in the cultural history of the world.
The magic of men`s who created here kingdoms, built mosques and carved out cities that lasted for hundreds of years.
May Djibouti succeed in tourism on the level of his potential.
PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE
Your Excellency Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Republic of Djibouti
Your Excellency Mr. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of Republic of Djibouti
Your Excellency, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssef, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Djibouti
Esteemed members of Government of Djibouti, members of Parliament of Djibouti, distinguished member’s diplomatic corps
Dear guests,
All protocol observed,
Official ceremony for DJIBOUTI registered as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM(l-r) Mr. Mihai Prundianu (ECTT), President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea(ECTT), President Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Academician Mircea Constantinescu (ECTT), Mr. Pavel Avramoiu (ECTT)
It is today a historic moment for global tourism and for Africa, as we have come here to mark the recognition of DJIBOUTI as a member of WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM list.
Djibouti becomes the first city in Africa to be recognized by the global tourism institutions as a center for tourism, an example for culture and a model for development in XXI century.
Since his inception WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM program was build around the decision taken by global tourism institutions: EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE and EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY to offer to the world examples of tourism development that are harmonious and are protecting historical potential and natural patrimony and are offering opportunities for growth for all.
WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM it is today a part of the AGENDA FOR HUMANITY and universally recognized as an ambitious effort destined to establish 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.
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-European Council on Tourism and Trade President.
Today there is no other global effort with the magnitude and scope of THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM program.
To date this is now a part of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda, integral part of Parliamentary Assembly for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals actions and 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.
On this note I must salute the exertions of the administration lead by Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of The Republic of Djibouti and his commitment to fulfilling the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations and for ensuring that DJIBOUTI 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 capital city.
H.E. Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of The Republic of Djibouti hailed as a world leader in development.
I also must express my gratitude to the efficient and wise team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssef energetically represented by the Embassy in Paris Ayed Mousseid Yahya they had created the powerful diplomatic and tourism promotion exertions that led to this moment when we crown Djibouti as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
They had proven their dedication to the proud people of Djibouti and their commitment to the policies and vision of H.E. Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of The Republic of Djibouti.
We have now to answer the fundamental question: Why is DJIBOUTI consecrated today as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM?
What are travelers, visitors and mere passersby going to find here?
What is the legacy pertaining to humanity ascribable to the people of Djibouti?
First of all Djibouti is the most impressive place on the world to watch the creation of the planet earth.
Since the beginning of humanity people where attracted and interested to find the access point, the door that leads to unleashing the secrets of the creation of Earth.
Djibouti undoubtedly holds this key: here geology and nature had created the open air museum of the creation of the world: from unfinished volcanoes around Abbe Lake and the incredible structures of East African Rift visible around Lake Assal.
If you want to understand how our planet was created, is functioning and is evolving after millions of years you have to come to Djibouti: where the world was created.
The famous French geologist Haroun Tazieff, had here, in Djibouti, the honor of discovering the world newest volcano: Ardoukôba reactivated after a 3.000 years sleep.
Djibouti: land of exception and country of exceptional, the only place where we can witness the geological history of our planet.
Only for this incredible potential of a country that is standing as witness to our planet birth and destiny and by virtue of this alone Djibouti will well deserve the title of world capital.
Djibouti is on equal footing a place of destiny and a receptacle of culture, a unique place that carves destinies like no other.
I will recollect the adventures and poetic influence that Djibouti held over Arthur Rimbaud who decided that all that is having significance in life is to wander between the Red Sea, Tadjourah, Djibouti, Lake Assal in a mystical journey for which he sacrificed family, poetic glory and all his prospects.
All of life glory just for a breath of Djibouti air.
It was not the only one: Henry de Monfreid has made his fortune and his literary name on the marvelous rocks of Obock, on the shores of Djibouti.
The spell and sway cam about personalities like: Albert Londres, Ryszard Kapuscinski, Hugo Pratt and many others.
What does have Djibouti so magic, so powerful, so un-equal that attracts to his sandy shores poets, adventurers, painters, novelists and all mans who have a soul and a passion and soles of wind?
It is the magical door to the creation of the Earth?
It the incredible power of the desert?
It is the clarion call of the caravans that are making everybody to want to come to Djibouti, to share this city fame, glory and all-powerful sun?
Djibouti is not only the portal to world creation as Haroun Tazieff was seeing it, nor the mystery place where life is finding his meaning as Rimbaud claim it or simply the only place on the planet to call home as Henry de Monfreid consider it.
Djibouti is foremost a world example of cohabitation, of peaceful harmony of peoples and languages, all creating a perfect home, an abode where everybody is building and uniting costumes, traditions and legacies.
Where if not in Djibouti you can see in the same city the rich cultural landscape the beautiful mosque Hamoudi , the crowded markets of Menelik Square or African quarter, churches, coffee, hides and tobacco?
All united in a perfect melting pot that speaks of faith, history, rich traditions and patrimony.
Djibouti it is also all about water in the same proportions as is all about desert.
No wonder Djibouti was placed to stay guard to the Red Sea and Bab El Mandeb as here everything is valued in water: water of the tears of happiness for travelers who reached Djibouti after perilous journeys, of sweat from the caravans coming from far and wide, even the decision of Leonce Lagarde to build a city on Ras al Djibouti was taken pondering the wealth of water of the region.
The first President of Djibouti, Hassan Gouled Aptidon explain most clearly this unique role of melting pot of culture and costumes of Djibouti at the crossroads of the world.
Djibouti is that unique place, he said, where we met the creeds of the peoples of herds and milk and those of the peoples of grain and grapes.
Here is the place where the traveler can meet, in the same space of time and place, the creations specific to the nomadic civilization and to the urban and settlers way of life.
If the political figure penned such a clear vision of Djibouti as the place of communion of different cultures and garbs and creeds the poet has also a similar vision: Djibouti is not at the shores of the ocean, it is at the fringes of the desert. This is the secret of his sweet magnet: the city is build by the sea but his people are belonging to the desert.
What other place on this planet can boost being the place where man`s of sand and land are living in a city of water and salt.
Djibouti is this unique spot: a place of magic!
The magic of the beginning of Earth`s history, the geological miracle of the gates of Earth opening and a place where volcanoes are resurrected after 3000 years sleep.
Djibouti is the magic of poets and dreamers that where touched by the aura of this place and in turn they give Djibouti a name in the cultural history of the world.
The magic of men`s who created here kingdoms, built mosques and carved out cities that lasted for hundreds of years.
The magic of nature: the all-powerful desert, the lowest place on African continent: Lake Assal, the still creating miracle of earth creation along the shores of Lake Abbe, the place where whales are coming to give the miracle of life and birth.
In a way maybe this is the magic of Djibouti: is the place where always life is finding a way, is recreating and creating for millions of years.
We could highlight the wonders of Tadjoura, the famed city of the seven mosques, the fabled places of Obock, end of the road of coffee and start of the journeys on sea for hundreds of years or the perfect place that Djibouti city is offering for visitors: melting pot, center of cultures, traditions or creeds coming together to build a model, to build a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
All these are world treasures of cultural and historical value and significance that are part of the miracle that is Djibouti: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
We hope and trust that the inscription of Djibouti on the list of WORLD CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM together with the continuous exertions of the government of President Ismail Omar Gulleh will make the city not only the center of tourism, of culture but a place where the future and past are intertwined together.
Your Excellency Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Republic of Djibouti
It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the highest representative leader of people and tourism of REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI the award and regalia’s for DJIBOUTI – THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
In a public announcement European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) President H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, had put forward the details of EUROPEAN TOURISM DAY 2018 celebrations and gazetted his presence on the venue and a message from the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: Academician HUN SEN.
The European Tourism Academy is organising the 2018 edition of the European Tourism Day on 1st December in Bratislava.
European Tourism Council President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea outlines the priorities for EUROPEAN TOURISM DAY.
In 2018 the EUROPEAN TOURISM DAY conference will address the topic of ” EU tourism or European tourism” and will look into issues such as the role of tourism as a tool for building a self counscience and open Europe irrespective of borders as well as the future of tourism governance at EU, national and regional level.
The event will gather up to 200 participants, including European Council on Tourism and Trade officials, other representatives of the European Tourism Academy and high-level representatives of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals, public authorities at European national and regional level.
We’ll also line up representatives of prominent European sector associations, the tourism and travel industry as well as other relevant stakeholders.
The President address for the conference will highlight themes such as how to attract more investment, upgrade skills, and innovation and the digital economy in tourism, as well as promoting Europe as the number one tourist destination.
The objective of the conference will be to exchange views on existing and new challenges and opportunities of European and EU tourism and engage in a discussion about priorities for tourism under the new European Council on Tourism and Trade Framework from 2030 onwards.
We will debate about the necessary actions, actors and their roles at EU, national and regional level and will showcase best practices of turning challenges into opportunities.
On December 9, 2017, on the scene of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS, H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
WORLD TOURISM AWARDS ceremonies included and the proclamation of Phnom Penh as the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the supreme tourism recognition for cities and regions encompassing exceptional heritage.
What to do in Cambodia? Here are some suggestions:
2017 has marked a new height in the relations between Europe and Kingdom of Cambodia in the fields of cultural, development and tourism cooperation with the climax being the visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade Presidential delegation (ECTT) in Cambodia between 1 to 11 December 2017.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea congratulates the author of Cambodia`s economic miracle: H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN.
The visit of the European presidential delegation headed by ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has come in recognition of the incredible strides obtained by Cambodia in the field of tourism in 2016 and 2017 as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.
The Kingdom of Cambodia has become the leading country in tourism development with more than 1,6 million tourists growth in only a year from 3,5 million tourists in 2015 to over 5 million tourists in 2016.
Phnom Penh hosted the President Anton Caragea delegates and was crowned as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
The visit of world tourism institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade was also in recognition of Phnom Penh as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and in recognition of Prime Minister of Cambodia, Academician HUN SEN as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Academician HUN SEN is proclaimed to the world as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
The visit included a rich and diversified cultural program calculated to present to ECTT delegates the heritage, cultural and historical treasures of the Kingdom.
The high-level delegation toured the coastal region of Cambodia including the province of Kampong Som, Sihanoukville and the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sonleom.
Sihanoukville: the world`s most cleanest beaches!
The Cambodian Riviera is an incredible destination uniting history with splendid beaches with lush forest and balmy climate all year round creating an attraction pole for tourists appreciated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea ECTT President.
Cambodia must emphasize the incredible potential of water, sun and relaxation offered by the islands area and this will be the home of more than 1 million tourists and the base for another growth in the Cambodian tourism industry.
The Cambodian coast line: the new address of paradise!
The Presidential delegation headed to the north to the culturally rich and historical charged space of Siem Reap and Preah Vihear.
Visits to the incredible pyramid temples of Koh Ker, witnessing King Jayavarman IV incredible prowess and unstinted desire to build one of the world miracles in the jungles of Cambodia was an emotional experience.
Koh Ker as a 7th world wonder ! Mark Doda, Chairman of Balkan Tourism Organization
Mark Doda, Chairman of Balkan Tourism Organization declared Koh Ker as a 7th world wonder, a place of absolute awe and incredible spiritual dimension, a magnet for tourists worldwide.
You cannot see Koh Ker and not want to come to Cambodia one more time and one more time.
Koh Ker is a love story carved in stone and a perfect witness of the grandeur of Khmer people appreciated Chairman Mark Doda.
The visit encompass a stopover at the Preah Vihear, the greatest temple of Indochina, an architectural wonder and restored to the Kingdom of Cambodia after a long and complicated judicial battle in the court of Hague who decided unequivocally that the Kingdom of Cambodia is the owner of this sacred jewel in terms of international law, treaties, history and legacy.
Preah Vihear: the larges and most impressive temple of Indochina.
Preah Vihear is the living testament of the Khmer people ingenuity, determination and love for beauty and glory appreciated President Dr. Anton Caragea.
Other visits had taken place at Beng Melea temple and a special visit on Tonle Sap the inner sea of Cambodia and a boat trip on one of the world largest freshwater lakes and the breadbasket of Cambodia.
Delegates toured the lake and the water-based villages and have a layover at Kampong Pluk Community and Prek Toal community-based tourism.
Tonle Sap the inner sea of Cambodia!
Tourism has become a part and parcel of the livelihood of these regions and a breadwinner for families, registered Trade Chairman Mihai Prundianu.
I encourage world tourist to come to Cambodia, to visit rural and distant communities, to buy artisanal products and to support community-based tourism as a way to foster a better life and also to enjoy a positive experience and a traditional way of life.
The center of the visit was the incredible discovery of the touristic and cultural riches of Kompong Thom province culminated with a tour to the Sambor Prei Kuk Temples registered as UNESCO heritage sites in 2017.
Sambor Prai Kuk is the mythical capital of the fabulous Kingdom of Chenla
Sambor Prai Kuk is the mythical capital of the fabulous Kingdom of Chenla (Zenla in Chinese chronicles) and is completely in tune with the ancient descriptions as the most beautiful city in the world. A host of incredible rich decorated temples, magnificent towers of worship and powerful gods spring out of the jungle in a dance of stone and brick that is not only a precursor to the marvels of Angkor but a marvel in his one right.
No man cannot say is cultured and visited the world if it not has stopped at Sambor Prei Kuk, this is where the world architecture and the greatest dreams of Angkor where first-born, the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk are the testaments of a rich and powerful civilization that united Gods and people for the first time in Indochina history, stated the significance of the monuments Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
Sambor Prei Kuk-UNESCO Heritage Status from 2017 (the third in Cambodia after Angkor Temples and Preah Vihear Temples)
The delegates toured Phnom Penh and have a chance to discuss future investment projects in the capital with the Governor of Phnom Penh Mr. Khoung Sreng.
ECTT Director Pavel Avramoiu established a program for hotel building and investment in the capital and Cambodia Riviera area.
The coastal region of Cambodia with incredible clean waters, white sandy beaches and large golf facilities will become a magnet for investors in tourism worldwide appreciated Mr. Pavel Avramoiu.
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea – European Council on Tourism and Trade President receives the silver platter of Phnom Penh from H.E. Minister of Tourism Dr. Thong Khon.
European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates held meeting with Ministers of Land Management and Development, Environment and have a long exchange of views with the Minister of tourism H.E. Thong Khon in a friendly and amicable atmosphere discussing new cooperation projects.
On December 9, 2017, on the scene of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS, H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Tourism Academy Director had also made public the inscription of Phnom Penh, Cambodia`s capital as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the world most prestigious designation for cities and regions of world significance and value.
H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN receives PHNOM PENH registration act for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM status.
WORLD TOURISM AWARDS 2017 marked the transformation of Cambodia in a world model of tourism and development and the country with the most rapid tourism growth in the world in 2016/2017.
Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Cambodia H.E. THONG KHON received the official congratulations from Prime Minister HUN SEN for his achievements in obtaining WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status for Kingdom of Cambodia.
The visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade representatives offered a new global standing for Cambodia on world tourism stage and proclaiming Phnom Penh as the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will be another tourism booster for the nation as 2016 World`s Best Tourist Destination Award succeeded in bringing a plus of 1,5 million tourist and 2 billion dollars to Cambodia`s economy.
More about Global Ambassadors of Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals can be accessed here:
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.
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.
Latin America has started a push for tourism development and international recognition.
After a wave of candidature`s from the region where registered for 2017 WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD now it was the time for Venezuela to invite for a familiarization and discovery trip a high level delegation of European Council on Tourism and Trade and to start preparing for a candidature of Caracas, the capital city, to the international title of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, has accepted the invitation from Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, for a familiarization visit with the realities of the Latin American country.
Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela invited an European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation to see first hand the realities of Venezuela.
Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela has marked in the official invitation letter addressed to European Council on Tourism and Trade President: As the Minister of People Power for International Relations I consider with interest your participation in this space of magnitude importance and your solidarity in this historical moment when we celebrated the legacy of dignity and justice of Comandante Hugo Chavez and of President Nicolas Maduro bequeathed to the Venezuelan people and to the Bolivarian revolution.
A concert in the honour of Bolivarian Revolution has enjoyed the presence of European council on Tourism and Trade delegates.
The visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade high level representatives took place in the period between 15 to 22 September 2017 and is part of a broader strategy of the President Nicolas Maduro government to develop Venezuela’s tourism industry and to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce dependence on oil income.
Tourism is a tool for the betterment of Venezuela: H.E. Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela presents the city of CARACAS candidature for World Capital of Culture and Tourism to H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on Tourism and Trade.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President remarked: Venezuela has one of the most diverse climates, with ice capped Andean mountains to the west, Amazon jungle to the south, wide rivers and tall waterfalls surrounded by tabletop mountains and unusual rock formations to the southeast, and a gorgeous, pristine Caribbean coast to the north that has some of the world’s finest and exclusive beaches, such as Los Roques and highest waterfalls on the planet, Angel Falls.
President/Professor Dr. Anton Caragea hosted in MIRAFORES TV studios and National Venezuelan Television.
During the week-long visit, the high-level European Council delegates hold extensive talks with various officials like: Juan Bautista Arias Palacio – Minister for Basic and Strategic Industries and Socialist Development, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister of Tourism.
President Dr. Anton Caragea receives for discussions at Hotel Alba the Vice-Minister of Tourism of Venezuela.
Agreements regarding economic cooperation, tourism promotion, TV travel documentaries and bilateral information exchange and cooperation for SDG completion in the framework ofParliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goalswhere tabled.
Cooperation in the field of tourism promotion and ECTT technical support for Caracas drafting a coherent plan to obtain the election as World Capital of Culture and Tourism was also agreed.
The highlights of the visit, where the two memorable encounters with President Nicolas Maduro.
On September 19, 2017, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea took the distinct honor to sign the HONORARY BOOK at MIRAFLORES Presidential Palace.
On 17 September 2017, the delegates part take in the President TV Show: Sundays with Maduro! together with Evo Morales, Bolivian President.
Evo Morales, President of Bolivia presents a tourism booklet to European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation.
During the discussions, the tourism and cultural connections between the two countries were tabled and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has given as gifts to the two President’s his latest book on Interference of Civilizations in European Union Project.
On 19 September 2017, in the conclusion of The International March of Solidarity with Venezuela, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea was invited for a photo session with President Nicolas Maduro, signed the Honorary Book at Miraflores Palace and has given an interview to the Miraflores TV Channel, expressing his support for Bolivarian Revolution role in forging a free and democratic Latin America.
The cultural program of the visit included discovery trips to Natural Sanctuary of Waraira Repano, a tour of Caracas landmarks like The Cathedral of Caracas, Saint Francis, Simon Bolivar birthplace etc.
The cable car of Caracas connecting the city with Waraira Repano.
A special day was dedicated to offering respect for Venezuelan history major figures, with a visit to National Pantheon and a stop to Simon Bolivar funeral monument and Francisco Miranda tomb.
Simon Bolivar: The Hero of Latin American Liberation struggle: a lay over charged with respect for official delegates.
An emotionally charged moment was the visit to Mountain Quarter (Quartel de la Montana) the place where the architect of the Bolivarian Revolution and the apostle of the poor`s: Commander Hugo Chavez is laid for eternal rest surrounded by world gratitude and love.
The delegates witnessed the changing of the guard and where hart struck by the powerful words of remembering for the fallen hero: Chavez lives!
President Dr. Anton Caragea in a moment of respect in front of the Commander HUGO CHAVEZ Mausoleum in Mountain Quarter (Quartel de la Montana).
The ECTT delegation visit to Venezuela has given a new impetus to the relations between nations and their attendance to the world solidarity movement with Venezuela has being registered with gratitude by the people of the Caribbean nation, proudly building a revolution of freedom and dignity.
Venezuela it is blessed with an impressive diversity of natural treasures including crystalline beaches, dense jungles, expansive savannas and imposing mountains and we hope that the beautiful city of Caracas will have a fighting chance in WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competition, stated ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea.
It will be an incredible boost for all Caribbean region concluded the President.
Caracas: a candidate city for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
The telepheric connecting Caracas and Waraira Repano
Natural sanctuary of Waraira Repano
MIRAFLORES Presidential Palace: the beating heart of Venezuela welcomed ECTT President!
Cathedral of Caracas: a splendid architectural marvel.
Academicians Mircea Constantinescu, Ionut Costea and E. Constantinescu are expressing their support for the decision taken by THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) to continue upholding the efforts of promoting SDG as tools for international peace, development and inclusive and socially balanced growth.
The PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS has already being involved in world level programs like: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and creating wealth, promoting tourism and culture as tools for progress and civilization across the world.
We salute this incredible decision, concluded Academician Mircea Constantinescu and we strongly uphold the banner of Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals programme as representing the community of builders of a better world.
On October 4, 2017 the official ceremonies for WORLD TOURISM DAY have taken place in the presence of President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and having in observance members of European Council on Tourism (ECTT) and Trade, European Tourism Academy, diplomatic corps accredited to ECTT and members of PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG).
In the opening ceremonies for the World Tourism Day Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has made the long-awaited announcement: The Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals programme will continue in the next year.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea signs the decree to continue to the Ambassadors for Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals programme onto the next period.
As a result of the demands coming from leaders, statesman`s and peerless world personalities involved in the carving of new development strategies and in implementing United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda we have taken the decision to further implement the program and to entrust the European Council on Tourism and Trade and PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS SDG to continue the implementation of the program in the years to come.
The new logo of a Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals.
On the same occasion Professor Dr. Anton Caragea announced the good news that: the international Campaign for the implementation of 2030 Agenda of United Nations, known worldwide as SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA, in the work of parliaments across the world has reached a first milestone, only after a year of existence, with the support of 262 parliamentarians from 22 national parliaments.
Now with this threshold passed, the Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s, is now endorsed across party lines, ideologies and national agenda`s by more than 262 current members of parliament from over 22 countries.
The creation of a Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s in the UN framework for world cooperation in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals that was signed by the lawmakers calls for “a gradual implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in all national and local parliaments and elected assemblies agenda creating a global synergy for world level campaign aimed at bringing to life the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA”
The role of Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s is “to ensure international cooperation, secure the acceptance and to enhance the legitimacy of the United Nations SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA and strengthen the elected representatives ( parliamentarians) capacity to act and to be more effectively and directly included into the activities of implementing and financing the programs related to SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA.”
“The support of a UN Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s by such a broad group of parliamentarians from all the world’s regions shows once again that it is high time for the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA to be recognized as paramount for world development,” he concluded.
“If it comes to democratizing the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA and to insure global cooperation, than the Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s is the venue for a technical and democratic debate, said Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
“The SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA would benefit from involving elected representatives in its deliberations. After all, in many cases it’s them who are needed to help implement UN policy at the national level, especially if it comes to the Agenda 2030,” said Mr. Catalin Nechifor from Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s .
On this momentous occasion the new logo of the Parliamentary Assembly for SDG`s was unveiled by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, the Executive President.
We must note that: apart from members of parliaments, the campaign has also been endorsed by numerous former members of parliaments, distinguished scholars, cultural innovators, representatives of civil society organizations, and many committed citizens from all walks of life.
European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy had created and pioneered thePARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS SDG`suniting world parliaments in the efforts to implement in their work and legislation measures dedicated to bring to life SDG in every nation.
European Tourism Academy is the only world academy that is offering SDG based courses and curriculum based on role of culture and development in carving a new and better future for as all.
More information’s about the Parliamentarian Assembly for Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals can be read out on UN-SDG site here:
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 
You must be logged in to post a comment.