In a short speech at European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) General Assembly, hosted at Romanian Parliament, the Hospitality Director-Mr. Ioan Matei from World Tourism Institution – ECTT had marked down the incredible potential and future of Asia tourism as it was show cased in European Council on Tourism and Trade meeting.
It is appropriate for Europe to express its commitment to, and appreciation for, Asia by crowning CAMBODIA as THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 stated the ECTT Director Ioan Matei.
CAMBODIA is a perfectly safe and outstanding destination that will forever mark your heart!
On the occasion of the visit to KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA, the world tourism delegates will bring as protocol gifts the famous COTNARI-1979 wine, priced at international auctions at over 5000 euro bottle.
In 2014 Mr. Ioan Matei has offered a collection bottle of 1979 COTNARI for H.E. President Robert MUGABE of Zimbabwe. 1979 is the year of Zimbabwe Lancaster Agreements that offered the Independence for the African country.
This world-famous wine was made world respected by the Louis XIV, famous Sun King of France, love for this beverage and for Russian Czar Peter the Great desire to have it in Saint Petersburg cellars at Imperial Palace, will now be present at WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD CEREMONIES in Phnom Penh, announced Mr. Ioan Matei,who is also co-owner of COTNARI wineries.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Dr. Anton Caragea receives accredited ambassadors for World Ambassadors Meeting and Working Lunch on 9 February 2016.
The first ambassadorial meeting on tourism reunited European members states parliamentarians, representatives of European tourism organizations and members of the diplomatic corps.
The World Ambassadors Working Lunch on Tourism was generously hosted by the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) and has benefited the presence of the ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
The Diplomatic corps gathering, is taken place on an annual basis and is representing a great opportunity for networking and also for keeping the Embassies informed on what the World Lectures on Sustainable Development Goals Programs of European Tourism Academy will try to achieve during the year and also to provide an outlook for the coming year 2016 in terms of tourism in Europe and the world.
The event received a very high representation of accredited diplomatic corps, parliament representatives, European Tourism Academy, European Council on Tourism and Trade.
On this occasion Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had officially entrusted insignias and diplomas for the representative of the hospitality industry of Europe and recognized ROYAL HOTELS in Bucharest and Constanta as official diplomatic partners and entrusted the HIGH QUALITY PRIZES for the two hotels.
Other points of discussions included an update on International and European Tourism trends in 2015 and a presentation of a list of most successfully tourism driven economies in the last year (Ethiopia, Laos) and the latest publications emanating from European Tourism Academy members.
Ambassadors from United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Syria, Macedonia, Albania, South Africa, Venezuela, Nigeria, Danemark, Sweden had taken the floor highlighting their countries plans for tourism development and hopes pinned on winning World Best Tourist Destination Award or World Capital of Culture and Tourism designations.
The names of the ambassadors who will be invited for Spring 2016 DISCOVER EUROPE PROGRAM will be announced in March 2016 and the trip will start in April and will showcase Republic of Moldavia beauties, announced European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Dr. Anton Caragea.
The meeting concluded with an introduction of the main activities of the diplomatic calendar for the first quarter of 2016, a presentation on the upcoming February 2016 Tourism Fair and International food and Beverage Exhibition-Goodwine April 2016.
The photos from World Ambassadors Meeting and Working Lunch on Tourism can be observed here:
Academician Walter Mzembi, the longest serving minister of tourism on African continent on behalf of Zimbabwe government, continues to showcase the continent powerful research and thinking potential and the role that ministries of tourism ought to play in promoting tourism on a global scale.
In an interview to ITN, the Zimbabwean Minister of Tourism and European Tourism Academy member, Walter Mzembi presented the main features of the XXI century major provocation against tourism: terrorism.
Academician Walter Mzembi marked the fact that: in the world of today, no country is safe from terrorism, from United States, California and New York to Paris the terrorism has become a sad companion of our existence:
„ I find it tragically ironic that the greatest advances by mankind in fast travel and easily accessible information technology, IT, have also facilitated the rapid growth and spread of the deadly horror of terrorism” stated Minister Mzembi.
Ambassador of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Ramon Carazo, express his appreciation for Academician and Minister Mzembi research work on tourism and XXI century challenges.
In a surprise solution finding, Zimbabwe Minister of Tourism marked on the words of United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, tourism as the only answer: “As we travel, let us engage with other cultures and celebrate human diversity” and the tourism is offering the chance to cut the grass root recruiting tool of terrorism: ignorance and falsehood: „My point is that when humanity stands together, not on the basis of hard power, but on the basis of its humanness, fundamentalist terrorism can eventually be defeated”.
The Hon Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Eng. Dr. Walter Mzembi (MP) has been unanimously re-elected to the position of the Chairman of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) during the 57th CAF meeting that took place on 14 September 2015, Medellin, Colombia on the occasion of the 21st Session of the UNWTO General Assembly.
African countries (54 of them), endorsed Hon Minister Mzembi’s re-election demonstrate confidence that African countries have on Zimbabwe to continue providing leadership in the transformation agenda of the tourism sector in Africa.
Ghana’s Tourism patron, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, paid tribute to Zimbabwe for leading the fight to rebrand the African tourism sector.
“You have done us proud and a good job in delivering what we have been waiting for so long. We support you and want to see an additional commission established to superintend our tourism sector, biodiversity and aviation issues as they are interconnected to the tourism economy,” Ofosu-Adjare said.
IRS Market and Research Company outlined the impressive results of the countries that marketed themselfs or their main tourist cities as capitals of culture and tourism or as world best tourism destinations.
Receiving the report, European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea remarked that: I am so happy to see how previously unknown and un-marketed destinations receive mass media limelight and are pro-pulsed as emerging tourist destination.
Diplomats from this nation`s are having their tasks made easier, as their countries are propelled on the top nations stage and economic growth and investment.
I receive countless expression of gratitude for our support from leaders, politicians and ambassadors, who are finding their exertions much facilitated by tourism seal of approval of ECTT, but the most moving are the stories of the people`s who find jobs and opportunities, that other ways would have not existed.
But now their life are richer and more dignified, this is the transforming power of country branding via culture, history and tourism.
This is internationalization and nation branding achieving their best results!
World Best Tourist Destination status brings also free publicity in articles, television of more than 50 million for Laos People`s Democratic Republic, around 30 million for Zimbabwe and the top is lead by Ethiopia who benefited of a publicity coverage of more than 60 million euros.
What is more important than just the figures mentioned in the marketing report is the fact that these countries will benefit for years and years to come by their achievements as world best tourist destination or world capital of culture stated Mr. Radu Alexandru, communication unit chief of European Council on Tourism and Trade.
The reports finding are limited to october 2015, while tourism promotion and branding is an ongoing process that can never be fully accounted for declared the european official.
United States are trying to get on the list of world best tourist destination taking aim at the visa facilitation procedures and opening the borders for tourist, specially from Brazil and China from which Obama wants the United States to lure 10 more million visitors by 2025.
On March 18, 2015 will be celebrated for the second time, across the world, the International Day of World Protected Areas and National Parks.
After being held for the first time last year at the indications of European Council on Tourism and Trade Last, efforts are made to proclaim it as the International Day at the 70th General Assembly of United Nations (UN).
The Day of 18 March is to be marked every year to underline the importance of world protected areas and natural parks in the conservation of bio-diversity, in promoting environmental protection and awareness and avoiding economic exploitation and depletion of this areas.
H.E. ECTT President in the middle surrounded by Ambassadors of United Arab Emirates(left)-Yacoub Yousef al Hosani and Kazakhstan Ambassador-Talgat Kaliyev (right) in 2013
According to the decision from 18 March 2013 of European Council on Tourism and Trade President Office, each year on 18 March, the world will celebrate world protected areas and natural parks and will raise awareness of the importance of every country establishing such areas and register them in a word data base and to control the economic activities in this areas and also support and promote tourism in this areas as a powerful economic promotion tool.
The decision decree of European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea remarks the fact that: 18 March is a day of action, for the establishment and protection of world natural areas, for the promotion of bio-diversity, as a powerful promotion tool for tourism activities.
Also is worth considering that according to the executive order, all the tourism prizes and recognition offered by European Tourism Organization will have to incorporate the respect for world protected areas and natural parks.
The country celebrated today across Europe is the Republic of Zimbabwe, the receiver of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD for 2014.
Zimbabwe had actively tackled the issue of natural areas protection and the title was regarded as an encouragement for continuing actions on the field of world natural protected areas.
The 2015 recipient of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION will also have to endeavor to promote bio-diversity protection or to support the establishment of natural protected areas and parks, as a tool for protecting nature and supporting sustainable development stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
The event held on 18 March 2015, had united under the title of International Day of World Protected Areas and National Parks more than 26 ambassadors and diplomatic envoys to the headquarter of European Council on Tourism and Trade.
Other allocutions where held by Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European MP`s: Steliana Miron, Ionita Dan, Marcel Dumitru Bujor etc. and by presentations of the environmental situation in their country held by the ambassadors of Morocco, Malaysia, Macedonia and Cyprus etc.
The second world celebration of International Day of World Protected Areas and National Parks, inspired by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-Goodwill Ambassador for World Protected Areas and National Parks was dedicated to attract the world attention to the issue of establishing and protecting natural areas and parks for the benefit of future generation and as an intricate part in sustainable development and in tourism development.
The relations between Europe and Africa were rapidly evolving in a positive direction after the visit of an important european delegation from the main EU tourism body of European Council on Tourism and Trade in the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The main function was held in Zimbabwe capital, Harare, where the EU team had entrusted the world highest tourism order to The President of Zimbabwe in a lofty ceremony for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2014.
The visit made between 28 May-6 June 2014 by an European delegation headed by H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade was destined to restart the bilateral relation between Europe and the Republic of Zimbabwe and the southern region of Africa, a region in full economic development and with a long tradition of partnership with our country.
H.E. President Robert Gabriel Mugabe-a true African hero and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea
During the visit Professor Dr. Anton Caragea was welcomed by H.E. President of Republic of Zimbabwe-Robert Gabriel Mugabe who stated that: is exuding with love and gratitude for the visit of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
President Robert Mugabe express his gratitude for Professor Dr. Anton Caragea continuous support in promoting Zimbabwe integration in international tourism arena and stated than: when others where plotting to punish us you think at rewarding us and make us friends. From the profundity of our heart: Tank you Professor !
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea at his turn praised president Mugabe stating that: the world did not forget the ten years spent in the dungeons of the colonial rule, the world did not forget the 20 years of revolutionary activity at the risk of the life and personal peace, spent in the opposition to the absurd regime of apartheid and segregation of Old time Rhodesia.
As we do not forget the word of reconciliation spoken after this years of struggle, ten years before Nelson Mandela similar example: “If yesterday I fought you as an enemy, today you have become a friend,” “If yesterday you hated me, today you cannot avoid the love that binds me to you.”
We will never forget that 35 years ago from Harare you have called all nations of Africa to wake up from the long colonial sleep to a new and rich life of fulfillment`s.
Your name is and will be forever inscribed for me and for all the honest people of the world along the names of the fathers of free Africa:Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta etc. as a giant of liberation and freedom fight in Africa and the world.
President Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea leading WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD ceremony
Other meeting where held by H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea with Hon. J.T.R Majuru- Vice-President of Republic of Zimbabwe, S.K.Moyo-Senior Minister (Prime Minister) of Zimbabwe, Hon. N. Goche-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi etc.
During the discussion, foreign policy cooperation, opening of honorary consulates and economic cooperation councils as well as economic and investment opportunities where tabled offering opportunity for European countries to take part in the business boom and bonanza of southern region of Africa and specially the Republic of Zimbabwe buoyant economic environment.
The European delegation enjoyed a sophisticated cultural program with visit to the History Museum of Harare, National Heroes Acre and to the wonderful UNESCO heritage site of Great Zimbabwe-the largest African palatial complex dating from XII century and covering 700 hectares and a chance to discover the world greatest cascade: Victoria waterfall.
In sign of honor Professor Dr. Anton Caragea occupied the Winston Churchill apartment in the famous Victorian hotel of Victoria Falls.
The high level visit, the first after a 25 year hiatus in bilateral relation offered to the parties the opportunity to table concrete cultural, tourism and cooperation projects and to highlight the bilateral support for the development of the social and political cooperation.
The Republic of Zimbabwe becomes now the main political and strategic partner in the region of southern Africa, offering innumerable opportunities for developing friendly ties.
Helicopter ride over ZambeziProfessor Dr. Anton Caragea and his delegation take a helicopter tour over Victoria Fall bordering Zimbabwe and Zambia
Victoria Water Fall observed from helicopter (3.000 meters)
Victoria Falls-the world largest cascade.
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea touring Great Zimbabwe(the biggest African palatial complex dating from XII century)
In the heart of Great Zimbabwe historical complex
Elephant safari in the desert heart of Zimbabwe
President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea gives an interview to Zimbabwe National Television
The visit to Zimbabwe-World Best Tourist Destination in 2014 of the EU team has brought new recognition`s for President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and for ZANU-PF government party for their crucial role in propelling Zimbabwe as a perfect tourist destination and a safe country.
On the venue of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION award ceremony held in Harare H.E. President of the Republic of Zimbabwe-Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the african liberation hero, has presented the official acceptance allocution on behalf of people and government of Zimbabwe.
Here is the full text of the inspiring speech presented by the most famous african leader of today:
I want I thank for this event to: The Honorable Vice-President Joice Mujuru
The Speaker of the House of Assembly and advocate Jacob Mudenda,
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry comrade Walter Mzembi and all ministers here present,
Foremost to The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and all members of his delegation,
Minister of Culture Andrew Langa , traditional leaders, all minister here presence,
Members of the diplomatic core,
Ladies and gentlemen`s, dear comrades,
I’m pleased though not surprised at all that the European Council on Tourism and Trade had seen fit to give the awards for the BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2014 and the distinction for FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for 2014 to Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s is indeed endowed with bountiful natural resources and rich cultural history
In addition our country is adjudged by relevant experts to poses the best climate in the word making it: an attracting tourism destination all year around
All thou like anyone else we can experience dramatic climate conditions, the impact on us is not that devastating , Zimbabwe can conform his reputation as an ideal tourism destination, but destinations might be mere geographical entities, it have to be destinations with people, and it is the people that are making destination to worth the talk, and is therefore the people of Zimbabwe we should be praised for the destination to be as warm as is proofed to be, Zimbabwe together with many other countries in southern Africa has succeeded to preserved much of his natural biodiversity in both flora and fauna, indeed we are home to some of the
Of the most sought after and rare animals in the world, including the big five: the elephant- huge, the lion- feroces, the rhino-quiet, but harmful, the leopard-there is stealthy but also blood thirsty and buffalo.
Of all this, the one we say is the most friendly maybe the buffalo, it is the only one of them but it is just one but the others do not provide the thing that we want to eat. I don’t know if the lion is eatable, less still do I know if the rhino or leopard are eatable anywhere but the elephant is, I did not tasted before I was in the prison where they serve us with elephant meet, it but I can tell you that I never like it I never tasted it after prison. I was afraid and who could not be afraid to eat the elephant ?
Who would obviously not be frighten to eat the elephant?
I am indeed proud that the iconic physical tourist attraction that we have in the country that include: Victoria Falls, the Eastern Highlands, the Mana Pools and off course the Exfoliated Hills in Manicaland, all must have influence the European Council on Tourism and Trade to select out of 27 nominated country to select Zimbabwe as the winner of the BEST DESTINATION AWARD.
It is our capacity to give tourists from all the corners of the world access to all our country natural features, the opportunity for tourists to explore nature in his ecological environment, must have strongly contributed to ECTT decision to grant us the awards that we just received today.
Ladies and Gentleman’s
While our country rich historical and cultural legacy has caught the et ye of ECTT, the venerable Great Zimbabwe, a fortified palatial complex that must have being build in 12 century, must played his part , the Great Zimbabwe from whom our great country is deriving his name is offering a rare insight into one of the greatest pre-colonial civilization of Africa and indeed a rare window into centuries of traditions.
Indeed countrymen, the winning of this award should must be a wakeup call to many, to realize the many historical treasures that we own.
How many of us are aware of the many historical treasure that we own ?
How many are aware that our national monuments in Manicaland are dating back from stone age period ?
Many of this natural sites, that are now on the list of UNESCO human heritage site, can and should be leveraged, to attract international visitors to Zimbabwe.
I believe is equally important for our people both children and adults to know and visit this site, yes we can share them with world and can be said that that we hold them entrust for humanity , but they remain first and foremost our own, they defined our zimbabwesness cultural diversity.
Cultural diversity in way of life and way of life showing itself in our interaction, marriages but much, much more pleasantly in song and dance and you heard today that diversity coming out from Reverend Damasani poetic rendering.
A gifted man indeed!
O gifted musician, but a gifted moralist, man of prayer, man of God,
We need to be thoroughly familiar with them and be proud with them. Some time I think that Zimbabweans are not knowing their country endowment, beside mineral gold, and precious stones, perhaps Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality should launch a know your Zimbabwe! , know yourself campaign!
To facilitate, to know our country.
I must pay a tribute to this young person they call Minister Mzembi, now the only surviving minister of tourism in Africa, or in the world, so he says
I rate him as one of my best ministers.
Foresight, full of brilliant ideas that are not remaining just in the mind, they take the form of action and practice.
Yes, he has gallivanted the world: East, West, North South, but every step he took, was to make better know Zimbabwe, two make the people better know, to make the reaches of Zimbabwe better known.
We still have so many not unknown, some of them where known and dig out, but thanks God we still have them and we start to discovering them for ourselves.
Let the world to know us and to know us fully: that we are a peaceful people but a proud people as well, and when it comes about natural resources s committed to be their owners, jealous of them.
Fighters against imperialism and colonialism because it wants to displace us, as in deed they have displaced us for nearly a century, and we are owners and in possession of our wealth.
A wealth that we discovered !
Even our past was sometime ugly, difficult for our ancestors, but let it be know our immediate past even as well as our contemporary history.
Is in this context that we emphasize the importance of our history of liberating Zimbabwe from colonial bondage and it is in this context that we want to emphasize the importance of writing the history because was not just the liberation of the people but the liberation of a people and their resources and their the tourist attraction as well.
Must people commemorate the major historical wars going back to centuries, our war of liberation was, only yesterday, comparatively specking, we should not risk erase it from our memories
But we should preserved our pride history.
We won a great war the often pitted poorly armed, often shoeless peasants against experienced, well armed, ruffles mercenaries, but we won it, against all odds.
It was a people war, not just a ZANU ZAPU ZAMPLA ZIBRA war. No!
Those where fronts, fronts of the people of Zimbabwe in their diversity and thus where fronts of determined people, determined to fight for our people, their people, our people.
We should never forget our people together, whatever their cultural believes religious, cultural, political, they are our people and hence the need for the unity of our people, unity in diversity,
We need to enshrined all location of majors battles indeed and grow them into iconic attractions, that our visitors and our posterity will visit and value them for all time.
They become visiting places, tourist attraction.
They will naturally evoke memories, but they should never, even if they made us angry sometimes, they should never make us to want to fight again, but should make us to be always ready against the enemy, against thus who want to pull the same trick already that they put against us in 1890 lasting up to 1980 we say No. Never again!
Ladies and gentlemen, comrades and friends, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade.
Let me conclude by saying:
Thank you to you to European Council on Tourism and Trade-ECTT for these awards.
We should thank you for your magnanimity, I say magnanimity because at this juncture, during this time, at this time.
When others are thinking at punishing us more, you are thinking of making us more a friend than enemy. We are thanking you; we are exuding with friendship and love for others who equally may exude with love and friendship to us.
It is that interaction of love, love of nations, and love of people that we in Zimbabwe we want to work for.
Let me conclude by saying that I ‘am greatly enthusiastic and appreciative and full of pride for all the decision taken by European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) to give this awards to Zimbabwe.
If the countries that have win these awards in the past are anything to go by, the European Council on Tourism and Trade has a very powerful and transparent desire to draw all the world’s attention to the tourism potential in developing countries.
Thank you for that!
This award is having the effect of putting the winner under the global limelight and I want to say that we have this limelight, thanks to the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) and thanks to you the Zimbabweans for demonstrating that you love others in the world.
We are now in the global limelight!
I want to promise to the European Council on Tourism and Trade that we shall continue to increase our efforts to leverage the potential that you have identified in us and always make Zimbabwe a preferred tourist destination in the world, a people loving people’s destination.
And I want to assure you that this is what are we working for: peace and harmony in Zimbabwe, peace and harmony in the region, and peace and harmony in the world
I want to say once again thank you to European Council on Tourism and Trade for these awards, we shell treasure them for all time.
ECTT department of hospitality and amenities is recommending as ones of the best African hotels, offering luxurious condition and a perfect structured management: the Victoria Fall Hotel in Victoria Fall and Meikles Hotel in Harare (part of The Leading Hotels of the World).
On the occasion of Zimbabwe familiarization trip for European Council on Tourism and Trade Organization (ECTT), the director of hospitality and amenities department of ECTT: Mr. Ioan Matei has assessed the accommodation, amenities and tourism facilities existent in Zimbabwe.
As a result of this first hand observation, for a period comprised between 29 May-7 June 2014, ECTT department of hospitality and amenities is recommending as ones of the best African hotels, offering luxurious condition and a perfect structured management: the Victoria Fall Hotel in Victoria Fall and Meikles Hotel in Harare (part of The Leading Hotels of the World).
Victoria Falls Hotel-best luxury hotel in Africa
The two hotels are fully complying with international standards, are offering luxury and full five stars commodities, safety and large are of opportunities for a lavish stay in the heart of Africa: Zimbabwe.
As the country was named as World Best Tourist Destination in 2014 is expected to receive in the next two years large number of international tourists, and the need for recommendation of luxury hotels is in full spring.
Victoria Falls Hotels is priding himself as having 180 rooms decorated in a manner that recaptures the comfortable charm of a bygone age, with colonial prints, four-poster and canopied beds, antique furniture and well-chosen artifacts. Modern facilities and amenities mingle well with the old-fashioned ambience, including such 21st century travellers’ necessities as personal safes, minibars, bathrobes, digital satellite television and even umbrellas for the convenience of guests visiting the Rain Forest surrounding the Falls. Deluxe Rooms and Suites in the original section of the hotel offer breathtaking views across the deep Zambezi River gorge to the Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray of the Falls.
Victoria Falls Hotel has being home for more that 100 years to the royalty of Europe, their list of guests in this period being a true who’s who of the world.
The second recommended luxury establishment is Meikles Hotel in Harare that is celebrating a 100 year history and has always envisioned a commitment to the “highest possible standard of service and product” – something that has become enshrined in the Meikles culture. It has always been an iconic landmark of capital city Harare, one which has constantly and gracefully evolved through the colonial era of Rhodesia into modern- day Zimbabwe. Its position in the heart of the city has allowed its walls to bear witness to many events that have shaped the Zimbabwe’s past.
Today Meikles-Harare is offering an atmosphere steeped in history, combining the charm of the old with the comfort and convenience of today.
On the occasion of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION 2014 elections, the Academic Board of European Council on Tourism and Trade has decided to co-opt as his newest honorary academic member- Mr. Walter Mzembi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe.
The decision comes natural, as Minister Walter Mzembi succeeded in profusely supporting the successful candidature of Zimbabwe to the highest tourism honor- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.
After being voted as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014, Zimbabwe has become the first African country to hold this honor, a sign of African resurgence and of closer ties with Europe.
The decision to award the HONORARY ACADEMICIAN TITLE has come not only after the successful Zimbabwe bid for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD, but in recognition of the extensive academic activity realized by Minister Walter Mzembi in the last span of time.
From the large list of academic qualification of Mr. Walter Mzembi the academic committee has appreciated his studies in: Mechanical Engineering, Diplomas in Business and Governance Studies (USA), Business Administration and Doctorate in management (Mexico) etc.
The decision was taken in consensus on 3rd of May 2014 and was communicated to Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe-Mr. Walter Mzembi in Harare on 29 May 2014.
Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei and Director of European Tourism Academy are offering warm congratulation to Minister Walter Mzembi
The official handing out ceremony was part of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 and was conducted by the Director of European Tourism Academy-Academician Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu.
In his welcoming speech in the European Academy, Professor Mircea Constantinescu has praised the first African leader accepted in the European Academy-Minister Walter Mzembi: Dr. Walter Mzembi is at the same time a great patriot. He loves his country, Zimbabwe, and the people of Zimbabwe. He put his enthusiasm, energy and knowledge in making a better life for the people and promoting the image of his country all over the world…..Dr. Walter Mzembi is a born communicator and diplomat. And this is not a pure laudation. The recognition of his merits in this area are confirmed by the appreciation of the Institute of Public Relations, by the African Travel Association, by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, by the Institute Of Cultural Diplomacy, and by many other national and international professional bodies.
Professor Mircea Constantinescu has praised the first African leader accepted in the European Academy-Minister Walter Mzembi
In the end of the ceremony Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei handed out the academician insignia and European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea invited the new academician Walter Mzembi to take his place amongst his peers.
After being nominated as Academician- Honorary Member of European Tourism Academy Mr. Walter Mzembi becomes the voice of African continent in relation with Europe and in the world tourist stage opening the gates of prosperity and recognition for his fellow ministers from Africa and creating new opportunities of engagement between Africa and Europe in tourism, culture and economic cooperation.
On the venue of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 official function held in Zimbabwe`s capital Harare, the Director of European Tourism Academy- Academician Mircea Constantinescu has officially presented the insignia and certificate of membership to European Tourism Academy most recent elected member-The Minister of Tourism and Industry of Republic of Zimbabwe-Walter Mzembi.
Here is Academician Mircea Constantinescu declaration on this solemn occasion:
We are here to award to Dr. Walter Mzembi, the Minster of Zimbabwe, the Academician status and Medal of Honor, by the European Tourism Academy.
Director of European Tourism Academy-Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu makes the laudatio for Walter Mzembi-Minister of Tourism of Zimbabwe
We may say from the beginning that the curriculum vitae as well as the entire activity of dr. Walter Mzembi are remarkable and represent a very successful combination between high level knowledge and expertise, and efficient action implemented in different areas of the public service.
Dr. Walter Mzembi is a very resourceful person and a man of many talents.
His initial activity in the area of mechanical engineering, mining activity, water resources engineering, development and management, land resettlement and agro industrial management provided him with extensive knowledge and expertise. This is also a confirmation that his doctorate in management is well deserved.
The studies and diploma in Business and Governance studies of Dr. Walter Mzembi gave him credentials for being a knowledgeable member of the Zimbabwe government and of the different Parliamentary bodies and committees.
Dr. Walter Mzembi is at the same time a great patriot. He loves his country, Zimbabwe, and the people of Zimbabwe.
He put his enthusiasm, energy and knowledge in making a better life for the people and promoting the image of his country all over the world.
Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei bestow the Academician Medal for Academician Walter Mzembi
One may think that in a large and complex country like Zimbabwe, being a Minister of Tourism may be much easier than in other areas of activity. But what the international tourist visiting Zimbabwe nowadays might see is only the tip of the aisberg. Practically all the Zimbabwe economy is benefiting from and contributing to a successful tourism, making the tourism the third largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product, after mining and agriculture sectors.
Dr. Walter Mzembi’s expertise in all these areas was extremely useful.
Mother Nature was generous with Zimbabwe. The numerous natural reservations represent a valuable asset and create a legal framework for preserving the natural resources and wonderful landscapes, as well as building a tourism structure. After our working trips and evaluations of many countries of the world, we know that only the beauty of a scenery does not make a tourist attraction and does not bring revenues to the people.
You need modern infrastructure, need people to provide services and stewardship, need financial and human resources, need communication and good will, and above all you need to be proud of your country.
Dr. Walter Mzembi knows all that, and since 2009 he and his team, with the support of the entire Zimbabwe government, developed and implemented a successful strategy for the Zimbabwe tourism.
Dr. Walter Mzembi is a born communicator and diplomat.
And this is not a pure laudation. The recognition of his merits in this area are confirmed by the appreciation of the Institute of Public Relations, by the African Travel Association, by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, by the Institute Of Cultural Diplomacy, and by many other national and international professional bodies.
But there are not the titles and diplomas that finally count, but the results, and Dr. Walter Mzembi, as Minister of Tourism of Zimbabwe got remarkable results since 2009. He realized that a continuous development of domestic tourism will not be enough. The tourism of Zimbabwe, as the entire Zimbabwe nation must be reconnected to the world.
It was not an easy task for a country that has been confronted with an unlawful isolation for more than a decade. The president Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwe Government and Parliament, supported by all the Zimbabwe people, played and essential role in installing again Zimbabwe into the great concert of the nations.
Dr. Walter Mzembi was part of this continuous effort of communication and diplomacy inside and outside the country, and his role as Minister of Tourism was important and with remarkable results.
So there is almost no surprise that with remarkable personalities like Dr. Walter Mzembi, Zimbabwe was nominated as the 2014 Best Tourist Destination by the European Council on Tourism and Trade, award handed over by President Dr. Anton Caragea during an official ceremony.
As a recognition of his contribution to the development of Zimbabwe tourism, we are proud to hand over the title of Academician member of Honor and to bestow the Medal Of Honor to his Excellency Dr. Walter Mzembi, Minister of Zimbabwe tourism, and to congratulate his as the newest academician of our European Tourism Academy.
In a festive ceremony the Minister of Culture and Sport of The Republic of Zimbabwe has received from His Excellency President of European Council on Tourism and Trade the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION title for Republic of Zimbabwe as part of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION award ceremony held in Zimbabwe between 29 May-6 June 2014.
You can read in full extent the speech delivered on this momentous ceremony from the Office of The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade:
Distinguish guests,
To all the people of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE,
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea delivering the speech for Zimbabwe-FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2014
I must say what a privilege is for the all mankind to honor a country that is becoming a FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION.
It is also a great pleasure to address our salute to the majestic people of Zimbabwe, a people that with spirit and mettle have united the south of African continent in the peerless civilization of Great Zimbabwe, that had left to the mankind the legacy of an indelible civilization, with hundreds of monuments of historical and world patrimony relevance, a strong and proud people that had offered to the world heritage countless blessings.
Today when we celebrate Zimbabwe as a cultural and touristic power house, we must not forget that the main credit belongs, without a doubt, to the all people of Zimbabwe irrespective of their race, color, political or religious orientation that from 1979 onwards have been constructing, defying unfathomable difficulties, a life of dignity, liberty and tolerance in a free country.
Today, we come to share the good news that Africa, that recently celebrated 50 years of African unity, has reasserted herself and we come to honor a country of REBIRTH , OF RENAISSANCE, in a world that forgets that the main reason of tourism is imbuing the travelers into local culture, to immerse them in the discovery of the history, we come today to Harare honor a TRUE CULTURE.
In a world that is loosing the true values, we come today the honor a real TOURISTIC PATRIMONY, in a time in which to many speak and do not act for protecting historical sites and environmental riches, we come to honor THE SEVEN WONDER OF TOURISM, we come to honor the Republic of Zimbabwe.
We come in this place of Hope, in this place where almost 35 years ago the end of segregation, of exploitation and of colonialism was cried out into the open and confronted with a new name: Harare!
Here, in the city that never sleeps we have all gather to show our support for the values of humanity, of cultural driven tourism.
We are all here in the search for a country that offer to tourists a complete experience, a country that educates spirit, elevates soul and gives everybody a lesson in history and culture.
We all have found in ZIMBABWE the perfect teacher in tourism, offering to all tourists of the world the possibility of a safe, pleasurable and enlightening touristic experience.
Among the reasons leading to awarding FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2014 title to REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE our report has taken under consideration:
– The promotion and support offered to a new concept of community natural protection supporting tourism friendly to nature, with low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest south-African eco-climate.
– Offering to tourists the outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to visit extraordinary space such as: the unique landscape of Victoria Waterfall, the National Parks as: Mana, Eastern Highlands from Manicaland, Mana Basins from West Mashonaland, Exfoliated Hills from Matebeland, Chilojo Cliffs, and Matobo Hills from Bulawayo etc.
– The preservation of an outstanding historical and cultural patrimony that comprises wonderful sites such as: cultural, historical and rich legacy of Great Kingdom of Zimbabwe, the preservation of the former capital of Shone Kingdom-Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo area with a world class fortification system and palatial complex from 12th century, these are offering a rare insight for tourists into one of the greatest civilization of pre-colonial Africa and a rare window into traditions of centuries.
– Today, REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is creating and offering for tourists an open air museum, a rare collection of historical and archeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.
– – The preservation of cultural and natural sites of world significance and value such as: Great Zimbabwe National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Khami Ruins National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Matobo Hills (added to UNESCO list in 2003), Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas (added to UNESCO list in 1984), Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls and UNESCO candidate regions as:Ziwa national monuments dating from Stone Age period,make destination Zimbabwe to offer an incomparable contribution to the world legacy.
Based on these facts that can be completed with many others, The European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to declare REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE – FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2014.
Government of Republic of Zimbabwe posing with FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2014 diploma
Your Excellency Mr. President,
It is my great honor and privilege to hand over this title to the Minister of Culture and Sports of Republic of Zimbabwe, as an international recognition for all the people of Zimbabwe, all united in the service of protecting and preserving historical and civilization patrimony of your country, in fostering tourism and culture, in the service of the people of ZIMBABWE,
May this award be transformed in a support for developing the international standing of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE, for a sustainable tourism and development and in a base for further success for A WORLD OF WONDERS –THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE.
Esteemed Minister of Culture,
It is my privilege to handover to you, as representative of culture of THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE, the award for FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION FOR 2014.
New opportunities arise for Zimbabwe tourism as the country is declared World Best tourist Destination in 2014 by European Council on Tourism and Trade.
This wonderful news for the people of Zimbabwe was reiterated on 3 June mass ceremony held in Harare-Zimbabwe on the occasion of the official presentation of the highest tourism award of the world to the African country ( a premiere in the history of the award)
We have the honor of presenting you the full text of the empowering speech by European Council on Tourism and Trade president on this felicitous celebration:
Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe;
The Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Joice Mujuru;
Members of the Politburo;
All Cabinet Minister and Members of the House of Assembly and the Senate;
President of the Chiefs Council and all Chiefs here present;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA speech at WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD for Zimbabwe
As always, the ceremony for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the embodiment of an idea and the universal proclamation of a country that succeeded in materializing this idea to the fullest.
Last year we concentrated on the idea that in the world of today, tourism is a causeway uniting knowledge and friendship, peoples and countries, a way to promote peace and understanding, a road that leads towards a better future for all.
We see the recipient of the WORLD BEST TOURISM AWARD, ZIMBABWE, not only standing for the idea of a resurrection of Africa and African people, but also symbolizing Africa’s determination to undertake the long journey to global significance.
We have also noted with great satisfaction that Zimbabwe has persistently viewed tourism as one of the pillars of its economy, going forward. Your successive economic blueprints, right up to the current one, the ZIMASSET, recognize the critical value-adding role that the tourism sector can play in your economy.
Your Excellency, we are aware that in 2013 you signed the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Golden Book of Tourism. We must congratulate and commend you highly for signing that book. Yours was the 29th signature by various world statesmen throughout the globe, who have pledged their support for global tourism, with its critical role of promoting both the economic, as well as the social wellbeing of the world. Needless to say, tourism can do a great deal of social and economic good for Africa, including Zimbabwe.
Mr. President, in our consideration for whom to give this award to, we learnt, amongst many other facts about your country, of your economic model ensuring that local communities participate and benefit from enterprises that exploit and benefit from the conservation of bio-diversity of both flora and fauna, was born here. We are here to urge you along this course, because that makes Zimbabwe a steward of the earth’s flora and fauna, in its pristine condition, for the benefit and enjoyment of all humanity including Zimbabwe’s own posterity.
Your government’s well placed recognition of tourism as an important sector is also evident in your decision to create a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, back in 2009.
Even more fundamental for us, is your acknowledgement that tourism is a peace sector, constantly building bridges amongst the various peoples of the world.
Your recognition of this truth is evidenced, in part, by the support you have given your Minister of Tourism to travel the world, east and west, ensuring that this bridge between your country and the rest of the world remains intact and promote real people-to-people warmth and friendship.
It is not only for these philosophical reasons that we found your country worthy of this award, the fact is your country if well-endowed with historical and cultural features of great worth and value to all humanity. These range from the massive long-standing architectural structures of Great Zimbabwe monument, and others like it all over your country, to rock paintings and artefacts that symbolize early human civilization. Zimbabwe is indeed a destination of global note and the recognition of many of your country’s features as UNESCO Human Heritage sites says as much.
We did explain in great detail in our 3rd of May Press Release that we put out for this purpose, why we found Zimbabwe a deserving recipient of these awards, but my address would be amiss if I failed to refer to the well-known hospitality and peace- loving nature of the Zimbabwean people. It is quite appropriate that you position your people as one of the Seven Wonders that characterize Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans, both at home and in the diaspora, are generally well-known for their hard-work and cheerfulness – they are a wonder indeed.
H.E. President of Zimbabwe-Robert Mugabe and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA at WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD ceremony for Zimbabwe
Last but not least, Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not only in Zimbabwe that we have found a naturally and culturally well-endowed destination, but it is here that we find an exceptional combination of peace and security, combined with a crime-free environment and an exceptionally hospitable people. Visitors here are bound to feel welcome, safe and secure, and that is probably the reason why the United Nations World Tourism Organization decided to hold the 20th Session of its General Assembly, which turned out to be its most successful, here in Zimbabwe at the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Your Excellency Mr. President, it is my great honor and privilege to hand over this title as an international recognition for all the people of Zimbabwe, all united in the service of protecting and preserving the historical and cultural heritage of your country, leveraging tourism and culture, in the service of the people of Zimbabwe.
This title is also a challenge because we now expect your country and people to hold what you have in trust on behalf of world culture and tourism. May this award be used to enhance the international standing of the Republic of ZIMBABWE-A WORLD OF WONDERS. It is my privilege and honour Mr. President, to handover to Your Excellency, as the representative of your country and tourism, the Award for theWORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014.
WORLD TOURISM NEWS FROM EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE 
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