DJIBOUTI IS WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

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H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has publicly signed the official decision naming DJIBOUTI as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM on April 10, 2018, in the presence of the diplomatic corps accredited to the global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy.

 

 

The induction of Djibouti as World Capital of Culture and Tourism will take place on April 19, 2018, on the occasion of the official handover ceremony to be held at Presidential Palace in Djibouti.

 

European Council on Tourism and Trade President (center image) announces DJIBOUTI-WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (on the left Acad. Emil Constantinescu-President of Romania).

The Spring 2018 meeting of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) has taken place offering new opportunities for global cooperation and tourism development.

The meeting enjoyed the presence of the president of Romania. Academician Emil Constantinescu.

Among the decisions taken during Spring Council Meeting was the inscription of Djibouti on the list of WORLD CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has stated: among the recently inscribed candidates for the world top cultural award Djibouti is standing out as a luminary example.

 

Academician Mircea Constantinescu (European Tourism Academy) presented to Cuban Ambassador by ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea. 

In the second line(l-r): Mr. Mihai Prundianu-ECTT Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Rasvan-Presidential Adviser.

 

The country encompasses ten tentative world heritage sites on tentative list ranging from natural treasures and natural protected areas such as: Lake Assal and Lake Abbe, National Park Foret du day to the tumulus of Awellos, cave paintings of Abourma.

The capital city, Djibouti is home to a treasure trove of architectural marvels from the historical Haji Hamoudi Mosque, European Quarter (Malik Square) and African Quarter, Djibouti Cathedral and Ethiopian Church Saint Gabriel of the Sun and the cultural blending space of Les Caisses etc.

Taking under consideration the large array of traditions blending in the country from Issa and Afar cultural heritage to the French inspirations, the incredibly rich and fascinating natural landscape offered for tourists to discover and evaluating the government decisions inscribed in DJIBOUTI VISION 2035 to make tourism a pillar of development we have taken the decision to validate DJIBOUTI candidature for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation.

 

 

Ambassadors from Cuba, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Armenia on European Council on Tourism and Trade ceremony for DJIBOUTI-WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

In the presence of the diplomatic corps and registered members of the Executive Board of the European Council on Tourism and Trade Professor Dr. Anton Caragea proceeded to the public signing of the decree to that effect.

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More about WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM is accessible here:

WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM-official website

AFRICAN TOURISM ON THE RISE

ARGUMENTS FOR DJIBOUTI AS A TOURISM CENTER

DJIBOUTI: NO.5 ECONOMY IN THE WORLD(World Bank)

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European Tourism Academy Director, Academician Mircea Constantinescu presented for the diplomatic corps present for the occasion the LETTER FOR WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT that will be addressed to H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh marking his selection as the new Academician member of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY.

 

 

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President announces the decision: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM is DJIBOUTI.

 

President Ismail Omar Guelleh has succeeded in carving out on Djibouti a space for international peace and security and in making Djibouti a key to African continent peace and security.

Today Djibouti is ensuring security along the Red Sea, is opening African continent to trade and riches and commercial exchanges and has succeeded in making Djibouti in a pole of economic growth.

 

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More about WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT can be observed here:

PRESIDENT ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH NAMED WORLD LEADER IN DEVELOPMENT

LETTER FOR WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT 

PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA NAMED WORLD LEADER FOR DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

GLOBAL TOURISM INSTITUTION APPOINTS WORLD LEADERS FOR DEVELOPMENT

PRIME MINISTER OF ETHIOPIA RECEIVES THE LETTER FOR WORLD LEADERS

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Djibouti has supported the building of Addis Ababa –Djibouti railroad, has constructed Africa`s bigger deepwater seaport, has garnered top-notch investments and rise up on being number five economy in the world in term of annual growth.

These are the achievements of an adroit, powerful and visionary leader that is creating growth where it was only poverty and opportunities where there was only despair and a miracle where it was only desert, outlined the merits of the new academician Professor Mircea Constantinescu.

 

Dr. Emil Constantinescu, President of Romania (1996-2000) mentioned that recognizing Djibouti as a world center of culture and tourism and electing President Ismail Omar Guelleh to the highest academic rank are perfect connection supporting Europe and Africa cooperation and future relations.

 

Signing the official decrees for DJIBOUTI as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and for H.E. President ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH as ACADEMICIAN member of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY concluded the ceremonies and then a vin d’honneur was served for diplomats in attendance.

 

Other decisions taken by European Council on Tourism and Trade where: the selection of a new diplomatic partner, the celebration of European Tourism Day on December 1^st, 2018 and the closing of World Best Tourist Destination candidature list on May 15^th, 2018.

Photo-Album of European Council on Tourism and Trade Spring 2018 Assembly

WORLD TOURISM DELEGATES OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE IN CAMBODIA 2017 WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION

On December 9, 2017, on the scene of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS, H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

WORLD TOURISM AWARDS ceremonies included and the proclamation of Phnom Penh as the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the supreme tourism recognition for cities and regions encompassing exceptional heritage.

 

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What to do in Cambodia? Here are some suggestions:

♦ THE GUIDE AROUND PHNOM PENH

♦ PHNOM PENH: THE CITY OF WATERS!

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

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2017 has marked a new height in the relations between Europe and Kingdom of Cambodia in the fields of cultural, development and tourism cooperation with the climax being the visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade Presidential delegation (ECTT) in Cambodia between 1 to 11 December 2017.

 

European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea congratulates the author of Cambodia`s economic miracle: H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN.

 

 

The visit of the European presidential delegation headed by ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has come in recognition of the incredible strides obtained by Cambodia in the field of tourism in 2016 and 2017 as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.

 

The Kingdom of Cambodia has become the leading country in tourism development with more than 1,6 million tourists growth in only a year from 3,5 million tourists in 2015 to over 5 million tourists in 2016.

 

 

Phnom Penh hosted the President Anton Caragea delegates and was crowned as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

 

 

The visit of world tourism institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade was also in recognition of Phnom Penh as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and in recognition of Prime Minister of Cambodia, Academician HUN SEN as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

Academician HUN SEN is proclaimed to the world as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

The visit included a rich and diversified cultural program calculated to present to ECTT delegates the heritage, cultural and historical treasures of the Kingdom.

 

The high-level delegation toured the coastal region of Cambodia including the province of Kampong Som, Sihanoukville and the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sonleom.

 

      Sihanoukville: the world`s most cleanest  beaches!

 

The Cambodian Riviera is an incredible destination uniting history with splendid beaches with lush forest and balmy climate all year round creating an attraction pole for tourists appreciated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea ECTT President.

 

Cambodia must emphasize the incredible potential of water, sun and relaxation offered by the islands area and this will be the home of more than 1 million tourists and the base for another growth in the Cambodian tourism industry.

 

The Cambodian coast line: the new address of paradise!

The Presidential delegation headed to the north to the culturally rich and historical charged space of Siem Reap and Preah Vihear.

 

Visits to the incredible pyramid temples of Koh Ker, witnessing King Jayavarman IV incredible prowess and unstinted desire to build one of the world miracles in the jungles of Cambodia was an emotional experience.

 

Koh Ker as a 7^th world wonder ! Mark Doda, Chairman of Balkan Tourism Organization

 

Mark Doda, Chairman of Balkan Tourism Organization declared Koh Ker as a 7^th world wonder, a place of absolute awe and incredible spiritual dimension, a magnet for tourists worldwide.

You cannot see Koh Ker and not want to come to Cambodia one more time and one more time.

 

Koh Ker is a love story carved in stone and a perfect witness of the grandeur of Khmer people appreciated Chairman Mark Doda.

 

The visit encompass a stopover at the Preah Vihear, the greatest temple of Indochina, an architectural wonder and restored to the Kingdom of Cambodia after a long and complicated judicial battle in the court of Hague who decided unequivocally that the Kingdom of Cambodia is the owner of this sacred jewel in terms of international law, treaties, history and legacy.

 

Preah Vihear: the larges and most impressive temple of Indochina.

 

Preah Vihear is the living testament of the Khmer people ingenuity, determination and love for beauty and glory appreciated President Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

Other visits had taken place at Beng Melea temple and a special visit on Tonle Sap the inner sea of Cambodia and a boat trip on one of the world largest freshwater lakes and the breadbasket of Cambodia.

 

Delegates toured the lake and the water-based villages and have a layover at Kampong Pluk Community and Prek Toal community-based tourism.

Tonle Sap the inner sea of Cambodia!

 

Tourism has become a part and parcel of the livelihood of these regions and a breadwinner for families, registered Trade Chairman Mihai Prundianu.

 

I encourage world tourist to come to Cambodia, to visit rural and distant communities, to buy artisanal products and to support community-based tourism as a way to foster a better life and also to enjoy a positive experience and a traditional way of life.

The center of the visit was the incredible discovery of the touristic and cultural riches of Kompong Thom province culminated with a tour to the Sambor Prei Kuk Temples registered as UNESCO heritage sites in 2017.

 

Sambor Prai Kuk is the mythical capital of the fabulous Kingdom of Chenla

 

Sambor Prai Kuk is the mythical capital of the fabulous Kingdom of Chenla (Zenla in Chinese chronicles)  and is completely in tune with the ancient descriptions as the most beautiful city in the world. A host of incredible rich decorated temples, magnificent towers of worship and powerful gods spring out of the jungle in a dance of stone and brick that is not only a precursor to the marvels of Angkor but a marvel in his one right.

 

No man cannot say is cultured and visited the world if it not has stopped at Sambor Prei Kuk, this is where the world architecture and the greatest dreams of Angkor where first-born, the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk are the testaments of a rich and powerful civilization that united Gods and people for the first time in Indochina history, stated the significance of the monuments Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

Sambor Prei Kuk-UNESCO Heritage Status from 2017 (the third in Cambodia after Angkor Temples and Preah Vihear Temples)

 

The delegates toured Phnom Penh and have a chance to discuss future investment projects in the capital with the Governor of Phnom Penh Mr. Khoung Sreng.

 

ECTT Director Pavel Avramoiu established a program for hotel building and investment in the capital and Cambodia Riviera area.

 

The coastal region of Cambodia with incredible clean waters, white sandy beaches and large golf facilities will become a magnet for investors in tourism worldwide appreciated Mr. Pavel Avramoiu.

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea – European Council on Tourism and Trade President receives the silver platter of Phnom Penh from H.E. Minister of Tourism Dr. Thong Khon.

European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates held meeting with Ministers of Land Management and Development, Environment and have a long exchange of views with the Minister of tourism H.E. Thong Khon in a friendly and amicable atmosphere discussing new cooperation projects.

 

On December 9, 2017, on the scene of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS, H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

 

Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Tourism Academy Director had also made public the inscription of Phnom Penh, Cambodia`s capital as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the world most prestigious designation for cities and regions of world significance and value.

 

H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN receives PHNOM PENH registration act for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM status.

 

WORLD TOURISM AWARDS 2017 marked the transformation of Cambodia in a world model of tourism and development and the country with the most rapid tourism growth in the world in 2016/2017.

 

Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Cambodia H.E. THONG KHON received the official congratulations from Prime Minister HUN SEN for his achievements in obtaining WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status for Kingdom of Cambodia.

 

The visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade representatives offered a new global standing for Cambodia on world tourism stage and proclaiming Phnom Penh as the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will be another tourism booster for the nation as 2016 World`s Best Tourist Destination Award succeeded in bringing a plus of 1,5 million tourist and 2 billion dollars to Cambodia`s economy.

 

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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

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The official video of PHNOM PENH – WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

 

The official video of GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

PHNOM PENH IS INSCRIBED ON THE COVETED LIST OF WORLD CAPITAL`S OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

In our opinion, your cultured city had registered tremendous achievements in developing tourism infrastructure and facilities and in placing in the limelight, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, the cultural, historical and tourism patrimony of PHNOM PENH.

Your capital-city legacy and tourism potential must be recognized and used in fruition of Kingdom of Cambodia `s international prestige and economic development.

 

These are the words penned by H.E. President of The European Council on Tourism and Trade Professor Dr. Anton Caragea to H.E. Academician Prime Minister of Cambodia H.E. HUN SEN  in the letter announcing PHNOM PENH as the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM on a public ceremony on November 27, 2017 in the presence of over 1.000 guests and diplomatic corps. 

 

PHNOM PENH receives the official registration documents as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

On December 9, 2017 the official handover ceremony of the title of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for PHNOM PENH will take place and the humanity legacy will be richer with another stellar name: Phnom Penh .  

 

The 2017 General Assembly of European Council on Tourism and Trade -ECTT has gathered in an all-encompassing manifestation the leaders of world tourism, parliamentarians members of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals, representatives of OSCE Bucharest Conference, Eurasia Conference and diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade.

President of world institution European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea (in the center) with Academician Mircea Constantinescu-European Tourism Academy (right) and Ambassadors from China PR, Philippines, Jordan, Turkey (left). 

 

President of world institution of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea presented to his guests the achievements of ECTT at the helm of global tourism: creating and launching the tourism and sustainable development goals program, starting the global recognition program for GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, supporting growth and employment across the world with more than 100.000 jobs created by ECTT exertions and supporting humanitarian activity and investments in vulnerable corners of the world by tourism related programs.

ECTT has fulfilled for another year his mandate to offer KNOWLEDGE TO LEAD THE WORLD for a better future concluded President Dr. Anton Caragea in his welcoming message to the delegates.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea (in the center) surrounded by ECTT President Office team: Academician Mircea Constantinescu (left), Chairman Mihai Prundianu and rest of the team(to the right).

 

The main items of the ECTT Agenda for 2017 where focused around boosting the regional cooperation, layout plans for visa facilitation and the better promotion of European and world tourism.

On July 28, 2017 the session was destined to plenary works and on July 29 in a relaxed atmosphere, the General Assembly of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT), has taken under consideration the list of candidates for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2017.

 

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and the team of ECTT President Office and Ambassadors awaiting the name of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. 

 

Before entering into the details the voting members decided to entrust to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and the team of ECTT President Office the mandate to select for 2017 and 2018 the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM winners in accordance with the world tourism institute ECTT status and bylaws.

 

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TIMELINE FOR WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

28 July 2017 -THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE

29 July 2017 – the decision to select PHNOM PENH as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

27 November 2017 – the signing of the OFFICIAL DECREE FOR PHNOM PENH – WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

9 December 2017 the start of the ceremonies for PHNOM PENH – WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

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The full power in selecting the world most important cultural designation for the above mentioned period was delegated to the authority of the ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

After receiving the results of vote from Presidential adviser Mr. Gabriel Rasvan , H.E. President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea announced his decision to bestow the highest cultural nomination to the city of PHNOM PENH, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia.

The WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM status for Phnom Penh will bring the inscription of the city as a cultural and patrimony hub of global significance and will also entice the city role as a part of the AGENDA FOR HUMANITY UN program and as a center for the implementation of sustainable development goals in the country and in the region.

 

President Dr. Anton Caragea lauded the Kingdom of Cambodia role in global fostering of tourism development, growth and economic development and in becoming a world model of SDG implementation.

Phnom Penh is practically littered with religious monuments, with incredible cultural artifacts with a beaming historical patrimony spanning for over 600 years and encompassing from Angkor type architectures and temples to colonial typical quarters all enveloped in a recent magnificent development.

 

The proposal of ECTT leader was approved by acclamation`s by all present on the venue and the office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade being empowered to make the necessary actions to bring to fruition the decision to inscribe PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM awardee.

On December 9th, 2017 the Kingdom of Cambodia will officially receive the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM status, concluded the proceedings the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

 

 

 

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♦ In carving up the World Capital of Culture and Tourism Program 11 years ago, European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) set for themselves the ambitious task of establishing a world list of cities and regions that are encompassing the legacy of humanity, that are harboring traditions and costumes unique or hosting natural treasures considered to be of outstanding and universal value.

 

♦ The WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM is today a registered program for the advancement of Sustainable development Goals, is a registered program of PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR UN Sustainable Development Goals and is the instrument recommended for fulfilling each country commitment to the Agenda of Humanity.