RESTART TOURISM WITH GOOD PRACTICES IN COMBATING COVID-19/SARS COV-2 CERTIFICATION

The European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) and the European Tourism Academy ETA) have published a set of recommendations for the certification and safely re-opening of the tourism and travel industry in the age of disruption of COVID-19.

 

 

 

The guidance and certification for hotels and destinations were released as part of a virtual meeting between ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and ETA Director-General  Academician Mircea Constantinescu.

During the meeting, both leaders responsible for the development of travel and tourism sector will need to implement new measures, such as the ECTT Certification, fortify knowledge sharing and institute careful plans, to ensure that governments and tourism industries can operate safely in the age of COVID-19.

 

 

 

The Global Tourism Institutions (European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy) ECTT alongside members states, governments, experts, diplomats, tourism developers and other industry associations are working together to achieve effective tourism recovery certifications by developing meaningful action plans and activities that will allow for speedy and global recovery for tourism.

 

Part of our certification efforts includes offering the public & private sectors with the insights & toolkits for interaction & implementation to ensure that people are and feel safe however ECTT, our members and no-one in the travel sector can not guarantee absolute and  100% safety.

 

 

The Hotel GOOD PRACTICES IN COMBATING COVID-19/SARS COV-2 CERTIFICATION Seal and Plaque will give confidence to your tourists and guests and will restart tourism.

 

 

The certification is destined to create a future for the travel industry and tourist alike that is safe, secure, seamless and provides an authentic and meaningful experience to the travelers across their journey`s;

 

The global tourism certification will support the livelihoods of millions and will contribute to sustainable tourism and economic growth.

 

The certifications are destined to align the private sector behind common standards to ensure the safety of its hospitality workforce and travelers as the sector shifts to normality.

 

In its first stage, the programme has registered 500 hotels and tourism entities across the globe that are trained and directed towards the completion and obtaining GOOD PRACTICES IN COMBATING COVID-19/SARS COV-2 CERTIFICATION-COVID-19 FREE HOTEL DESIGNATION.

 

Benefits to Certification for Hotels and Destinations-COVID-19 FREE  DESIGNATION

 

 

The GOOD PRACTICES IN COMBATING COVID-19/SARS COV-2 CERTIFICATION  (COVID-19 FREE HOTEL DESIGNATION) is a conformity assessment by one of our premier accredited auditors to show that your hotel or resort or destination meets the requirements of the GOOD PRACTICES IN COMBATING COVID-19/SARS COV-2 CERTIFICATION Standards on disaster and climate resilience.

 

The COVID-19 FREE HOTEL DESIGNATION is based on European Council on Tourism and Trade policies for restarting global tourism, on European Tourism Academy guidelines for combating COVID-19 and on World Health Organization tenents for hotels and tourism destinations in combating COVID-19 and SARS-COV-2.

 

Obtain The  GOOD PRACTICES IN COMBATING COVID-19/SARS COV-2 CERTIFICATION and use the Hotel GOOD PRACTICES IN COMBATING COVID-19/SARS COV-2 CERTIFICATION Seal and Plaque and eMarketing material to demonstrate that you ensure guests, regulators and other stakeholders that the highest safety conditions are met.

 

Show your guests or the tourist visiting your country and destination you have gone the extra mile to enhance safety at your destination or hotel to the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and technological hazards.

 

Solidify your hotel’s or destination presence in the safe travel market and secure your reputation with tour operators, insurers and investors and regulators demonstrating to them in a measurable way that the highest disaster and climate resilience conditions are met.

We will enhance the marketing activities and increase the visibility of our member hotels and destination to better serve the market for safe travel.

 

 

Through our partnerships with leading tourism associations and promotional campaigns together with national governments and international organizations, we reach a wide audience interested in safer and more secure travel.

 

PRESIDENT DR. ANTON CARAGEA DELEGATION OFFICIAL VISIT TO KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA

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 latest global leaders to visit the Kingdom of Cambodia where the officials of global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) and European Tourism Academy lead by H.E. ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

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.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Main world tourism and culture awards ceremonies are listed here:

World Capital of Culture and Tourism

World`s Best Tourist Destination Award

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

 

“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:

♦ THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG 

♦ EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY

♦ EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE AND SDG

♦ TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

♦ CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION

♦ GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SDG

---

 

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.

 

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

Read more:

♦ THE GUIDE AROUND PHNOM PENH

♦ PHNOM PENH: THE CITY OF WATERS!

♦ A VISIT TO PHNOM PENH! HIGHLIGHT OF A PERFECT CITY! 

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

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.

National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh-World Favorite Museum in 2017

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.

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY LISTEN TO THE GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SDG`S REPORT

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.

 

---

You can find out more about these topics here:

♦ THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG`s 

♦ EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY

♦ EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE AND SDG`s

♦ TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

♦ CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION 

♦ GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SDG`s

---

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:

PHOTO DOSSIER GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

 

---

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.

 

In the general election of Cambodia’s Sixth Legislature of the National Assembly in July, nearly 7 million Cambodians, or 83.02% of the total registered voters, cast their votes and decided on their political choices freely and without any coercion, threat or violence.

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.

Thank you for your attention!  

ARTHUR RIMBAUD, HENRY DE MONFREID AND HAROUN TAZIEFF MAKE DJIBOUTI A WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

WORD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM: DJIBOUTI

 

OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF

H.E. PROFESSOR DR. ANTON CARAGEA

 

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.

EUROPEAN TOURISM IS CREATOR OF WEALTH, DEVELOPMENT AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE WORLD STATES ECTT PRESIDENT

Celebration of Europe: Europe Day Reception

Building on a successful cooperation on last year’s Europe Day, the European Tourism Academy supported the EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE(ECTT) to organize the Europe Day on Tuesday , 9 May 2017.

The reception was attended by over 1000 people from including prominent guests such as government representatives, diplomatic corps in Bucharest, business leaders, academia, and the media. On this occasion Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Council President   had welcomed the visitors to the event with a powerful speech:

Honourable Ministers,

Honourable Members of Parliament,

Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Colleagues, fellow Europeans and friends of Europe,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Namaste, Salam Alaykum, Good evening, Bonsoir, and a very warm welcome to you all to the 2017 Europe Day celebrations.

First, I would like to express my gratitude to Academicians Mircea Constantinescu and Ionut Costea, Directors of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, for kindly agreeing to make available this splendid hall for today’s gathering.

We thought that this year it would be great to bring Europe closer to academicians and professionals and leaders of all walks of life, and to hold our celebrations in this excellent establishment.

Thank you very much to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.

Today, 9 May, is Europe Day.

 On this day in 1950 Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister, called on the nations of Europe to unite and make war on our continent unthinkable.

His message of peace and unity is as relevant as ever.

 The dreams of our founding fathers have become a reality, and Europeans live together in peace and prosperity, bound together by principles of democracy and human rights.

Yet, as anyone who follows international news knows, the European Union faces considerable challenges, and I do not want to gloss over these.

But despite all our difficulties the Europe represents the most successful process of regional integration, and remains the richest continent in the world.

In no other place is there so much freedom – freedom to speak our mind, freedom to move, freedom to pray and not to pray, freedom to love, freedom to vote and freedom to choose our own destiny.

Everywhere in the world Europe is a major trading partner, a major investor and we are proudly launching here BEST OF EUROPE/BEST OF WORLD program.

 

Climate change is another example of Europe prowess and a dear subject to myself as Ambassador for World Protected Areas .

On 22 April 2016, 175 countries signed the Paris Agreement in New York. Fifteen countries deposited their instruments of ratification on the same day sending a signal to the international community on the paramount importance of the implementation of the Agreement.

Our Ambassador office is committed to continue to work closely with all the nations on climate change, not only alongside it in international negotiations, but also as a key partner – providing support for mitigation and adjusting, and on the implementation of the Paris Agreement – the next big challenge.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I want to welcome you this evening not only to the Europe Day Reception, but also to our exhibition showcasing our engagement in tourism, trade and development across the world.

With WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM programs we succeeded in the last ten years to bring over 6 billion euro investments in tourism, development and growth sector in Africa and Asia and we created more than 100.000 jobs in tertiary sectors of all the countries that have being supported by EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE and EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY programs.

 I would like to thank all our development implementing partners for their contributions to the exhibition and for their efforts.

I hope that everyone will take time to discover the breadth and depth of the EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE co-operation with developing world.

 

I would like to express my gratitude in particular to key partners of ours in this day, as DALI HAUTE PARFUMERIE who offered you not only wonderful gifts but provided you with a symbol of what Europe stand`s for culture like Salvador Dali works and the joy of living embodied by wonderful perfumes and also a word of gratitude to our European Diplomatic Wine`s partners like HOUSE OF PANCIU who unveiled for you the best European sparkling wines and HOUSE OF WINES COTNARI who had offered you the gift of incredible European wines.

A word of gratitude to the 23 masters of pastry and cakes, who created the incredible cakes that we will taste tonight.

I will no longer stay between you and the incredible cake awaiting us!

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Happy Europe Day!

Bbahut Dhanyawad, Shukran, Merci beaucoup, Thank you, Danke.”

PRESIDENT DR. ANTON CARAGEA OPENS 2017 ECOTOURISM YEAR IN WORLD PROTECTED AREAS

2017 is  the year to promote sustainable tourism in world protected areas.

Each year, the European Council on Tourism and Trade Federation members, partners and friends gather to discuss and debate the importance of Protected Areas in Europe and the world under the High Patronage of World Goodwill Ambassador of Protected Areas and Natural Parks, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea  and to meet, share news, experiences and ideas.

The Conference is indeed one of the greatest events for the European network of Protected Areas where people from a diversity of countries, cultures, languages come together.

Danube Delta: this was the main theme of the 2017 Exhibition-Conference presented under the banner of : TIME TO DISCOVER EUROPE`S PROTECTED AREAS! TIME FOR DANUBE DELTA! a public information event hosted in Bucharest by the Geological Museum.

2017 is THE TIME TO DISCOVER DANUBE DELTA! proclaimed Ambassador Professor Dr. Anton Caragea a announcing  the partnership with PUFLENE RESORT-the Danube Delta perfect host.

Danube Delta has to be in the center of sustainable tourism development and more specially must be at the heart of every European.

 Unfortunately, until now only 2,5% of European population had visited Danube Delta and only 10 to 12% had made long time vacations in areas like Murighiol and Sulina, stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

We proclaim 2017 as the year when WE HAVE TO DISCOVER DANUBE DELTA stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

The center of Danube Delta discovery campaign must be TULCEA/MURIGHIOL area, a special point with easy access to Danube Delta and an area that had witnessed a tremendous development in the last span of time with the extraordinary PUFLENE RESORT opening as a center for the discovery activities for Danube Delta, stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

Representatives of central administration (ministries and government agencies) , travel agencies, journalists and Danube Delta lovers attended the TIME TO DISCOVER PROTECTED AREAS IN EUROPE public information event.

Professor Anton Caragea announced the conclusion of a partnership with PUFLENE RESORT who will make available special rates for rooms in order to encourage visitors to Danube Delta and will also stage a chain of events to promote attention toward Danube Delta.

PUFLENE RESORT the address of perfect leisure and pleasure in DANUBE DELTA!

PUFLENE RESORT will host in 2017 a new edition of DIPLOMATIC TRIP, program carved out as a discover Romania trip for foreign diplomats by the European Council on Tourism and Trade.

In the framework of cooperation agreement PUFLENE RESORT will also host in May 2017 a special conference to locally launch the TIME TO DISCOVER DANUBE DELTA! program and will carve discovery routes around the complex, to bring visitors to Halmyris castle and to other touristic and cultural scenic beauties of Danube Delta.

The Conference TIME TO DISCOVER DANUBE DELTA! aas held under the High Patronage of Natural Protected Areas Goodwill Ambassador: Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and was officially opened in the presence of European parliament members and of diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade.

The music of Danube Delta was represented by a special Lipoveni (Russian Danube Delta minority) community singer. 

The conference had also benefited by the presence of an exhibition areas that garnered for public pleasure and information 36 canvas paintings and images from Danube Delta, a powerful testimony of natural potential and the unique beauty of Danube Delta-unique ecosystem in Europe.

The music was the best medium to highlight the beauties of Danube Delta during the exhibition opening.

The guests savored a specific fish meal and regional amuse bouche and enjoyed a concert of traditional music from Russian community of the areas and of fishermen collectivities of deltaic region.

By the conference end all the brochures and leaflets promoting Danube Delta beauties where exhausted, a clear symbol of the interest aroused by the photo exhibition and the joy and expectation to discover the luxurious PUFLENE RESORT-the perfect Danube Delta host.

More PR about European diplomats visit to DANUBE DELTA 2016 edition can be read out here:

EUROPEAN TOURISM NEWS 

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE

PHOTO JOURNAL ON FLICKR

WORLD TOURISM NEWS

EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY HOST INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION OF KHMER NEW YEAR

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.

Cambodia has achieved a perfect world level notoriety as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2016 and has since enjoyed  a remarkable growth in tourism with more than 1,5 million supplementary tourists registered in 2016 alone and with a whooping total of more than 6 million tourists towering over regional competitors.

 

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 incredible Cambodia: 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 by European 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 on FLICKR

PINTEREST had also created a special file accessible here:

THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM COMMUNITY COMPETITION FOR 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS HAS STARTED

From 2 January 2017, the world tourism institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade, had started to officially register the countries and cities candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION  for countries and  WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for cities desirous to become international hubs for tourism.

 The ECTT Awards for tourism and cultural achievements are the annual celebration that awards the best in tourism industry crowning, since 2006, the countries and nations excellence and investment in the tourism sector, putting under the world limelight the exceptional leadership and nation prowess, in the framework of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD, and the category of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION and marking out outstanding cultural and investment tourism projects.

The ceremony started with the unveiling of the logo for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD IN 2017

Starting their creation from 2006, the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) Awards have recognised nations and people’s strides for their innovative and determined tourism initiatives.

The contribution of the nations and leaders receiving world tourism and travel prizes is in line with ECTT guidelines for World Capital of Culture and Tourism and World Best Tourist Destination Award.

On the same occasion, the unveiling of the logo for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM IN 2017 had taken place.

For the tenth consecutive time, the ECTT-European Council on Tourism and Trade Awards will recognize the tourism potentials of the most attractive tourist and cultural destinations.

Diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade and foreign delegations attending the opening ceremony for 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS.

President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea participated in the opening ceremony for World Tourism Awards for 2017.

President Dr. Anton Caragea and European Council on Tourism and Trade President Office staff had given the starting signal for what is internationally known as Nobel`s or Oscar`s of tourism: the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competitions.

This event has taken place on January 2, 2016 and has marked the opening of the international contests for WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for 2017.

Held under the patronage of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, the World Best Tourist Destination – Tourism Festival is an element of novelty in the world cultural space, consisting in a series of projects meant to promote the cultural diversity of the countries that outlined candidatures to World Best Tourist Destination, under the “Open Your Culture to The World” slogan.

Arab Embassies are highlighting the Coffee, tea and Sweets as  national treasures and arguments for World Best Tourism Destination designation.

The inauguration ceremony, started with the message of the European Council on Tourism and Trade President, who highlighted the potential of the world culture, and the contribution of such public and cultural diplomacy initiatives to the dialogue between cultures, between generations, between the diplomatic community and civil society.

World Tourism, Travel and Cultural Awards Festival presented 56 countries candidatures for World Best Tourism Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism in 2017.

President Dr. Anton Caragea expressed satisfaction that the World Best Tourism Destination-Embassy Festival takes place concurrently with the New Year 2017 ceremonies and  announced 2017 as the YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL AREAS PROTECTION by this way marking lavishly the start of World Best Tourist Destination/World Capital of Culture and Tourism competitions.

Food Festival for 2017 Tourism “Oscar`s” presented national dishes from 56 countries candidates for World Tourism Awards and succeeded to capture the imaginations of the world public.

The celebration continued with a presentation of national dishes and culinary traditions and hospitality and folk costumes, presenting the participants with a unique opportunity to taste and enjoy the world food  as part of tourism development of today.

Many ambassadors present on the venue to uphold their countries candidature`s emphasize the importance of food as a bridge toward friendship and understanding.

There is only a culture of understanding and friendship around food, stated President Anton Caragea opening the food section of WORLD TOURISM AWARDS.

.  

 Asian food: from China to Vietnam and India on display for European Council on Tourism and Trade festivities

World Best Tourism Destination  -Tourism Festival will continue until 5 January 2017, having a diverse agenda and over 50 embassies, cultural institutes and international organizations as participants, representing 5 continent`s.

.

Further readings are available here:

WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD 

EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY -FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION

Visitors from Qatar royal familiy-Al Thani greeted by H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

This year, different countries and cities interested in tourism development will participate in the World Tourism Awards.

 

The candidates will be chosen in an annual ceremony and world tourism event, in which world tourism institutions jurors, made of experts and national tourism leaders, from all over the world, will vote the best travel destinations.

These awards highlight the excellence in major and international tourism categories for countries and cities and are a consolidated brand which celebrates its eleven anniversary this year.

The winners acquire instant international prestige and recognition and nation country banding and are becoming an example for the world, supporting and advocating nation branding and positioning into the world community.

THE EUROPEAN EXPERT GABRIEL RASVAN TOADER WILL BRING HIS EXPERTISE TO EUROPEAN ACADEMY

European Council on Tourism and Trade announced on December 28, 2016 the reinforcement of his team of research and trade development with the appointment of Mr. Gabriel Rasvan Toader, as special adviser on trade and industry related issues.

 

Mr. Gabriel Rasvan Toader (photo right) is one of the leading European Union experts in trade and investment.  

 

Mr. Gabriel Rasvan Toader is a specialist in the field of trade, industrial policies and business development, former director general in Romanian Government.

During a fifteen years career he was responsible for international trade and developing law and research in the field of business growth, he is also a specialist in medium and small business development and has being member of the special governmental panel responsable for european law and for supporting free movement of work force and measures for combating european un-employment.

He is also a recognized expert in policies for fisheries, customs and management of public institutions.

He received the Special Diploma for Cooperation in Balkan Region (Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia etc.).

He developed projects in Austria (Vienna), Belgium (Brussels), France (Paris) and Bonn-Germany and (Geneva) Switzerland.

Mr. Gabriel Rasvan will bring his international expertise and business environment connection to the benefit of a world-wide and european wide agenda for trade development.

His expertise must support the research groups of European Academy and the activities of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT), in the field of international trade and banking, underlined during the appointment ceremony Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President.

Trade must be developed along side tourism, trade must bring his contribution to the european development and to world growth and to sustainable development goals completion concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

The expertise of the new special adviser on trade, Mr Gabriel Rasvan Toader it is  hope to aid the development of research and practice on european scale and will shape international trade and investment growth.