European Tourism News is an informational blog destined to present information`s about European Council on Tourism and Trade activities.
European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) is the leading world and regional tourism organization representing a market of 800 millions costumers from all around Europe with members and delegations in 28 countries.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea attended the General meeting of world tourism community had celebrated the world level achievers in tourism and culture in a glittering display on 22 june 2016, hosted by the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
President Dr. Anton Caragea officiated over the important moment for world tourism when the Kingdom of Cambodia was officially crowned as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and universally acclaimed as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2016.
The full text of the powerful speech delivered by ECTT President can be observed here:
Your Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Dr. HUN SEN- Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia,
Your Excellency Mr. Thong Khon – Minister of Tourism,
Esteemed members of Royal Government of Cambodia, of Parliament of Cambodia, distinguished member’s diplomatic corps
Dear guests,
All protocol observed
We are all assembled here, on the venue of the most important global cultural event: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARDS, to celebrate the country and the personalities that had contributed outstandingly to humanity evolution.
Humanity, a word that must encompass our greatest achievement: culture, history, development and tourism.
This year theme of world community is concentrated around the role of CULTURE AND HISTORY in shaping our life`s and destinies.
Culture is the bedrock of societies, nations and civilizations.
We have to put the world at the right hour: the hour of culture, of history, of civilization!
Culture and history must be recognized not as resource consuming, but as major economic factors, that helps countries to develop and enrich themselves in more ways than just simple economic value.
Countries and peoples are rediscovering themselves by tourism, cultures are resurrected, history is re-lived and people are creating new opportunities by tourism development.
What is a country that is having all of the industrial and technical riches of the world but does not have the cultural contribution, civilization achievements and a history to look after and preserve?
The answer is: nothing!
Industrial patrimony is becoming obsolete, technology goes yearly outdated: while the history and patrimony are enriching and are becoming more valuable day after day.
Everything fears time, but time fears history, says a valuable proverb!
This is the answer why rich countries are spending billions in preserving what little history they have, in creating a tradition and a civilization out of nothing!
Because they realize, that by material values alone they will count for little!
History and culture are the true indicators of a country and a people values and standing in the world.
Today, in XXI century, culture, tourism and historical patrimony are humanity tools of choice for building bridges of information, understanding and cooperation in the world.
In this new world, when tourism is the center of the economy, culture is the heart of a nation and traveling is the new diplomacy that is shaping peoples and nations destiny, there is no more important moment, as the moment when world tourism is choosing his World Best Tourist Destination.
We are fully aware of the importance of our choice, as we have in some years to support tourism as a vector for economic development, others when we have to privilege tourism as factor of unity in the world, but some time we are fortunate to select our winner on the fundamental base: that TOURISM IS WORLD EDUCATOR.
This, on the account that our decision must lead the way for tourists to discover and rediscover new horizons , to open themselves to new cultures, to immerse in the understanding of new ways of life and creeds.
Our presence here: must be a signal of re-emphasizing our commitment to place history, patrimony and cultural legacy on the world spotlight.
We must never let us forget, the simple truth that: our main duty as a world institution is to make tourism a bridge toward culture, a pathway to understanding the world.
In a time when many are preaching dogmatism and narrow mindedness we must insure that by simple act of tourism we touch the soul and the imagination of the traveler.
This is the rationale, the powerful driving force that etched our decision to universally proclaim THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA as World Best Tourist Destination for 2016.
We could not think at any country more suitable, to teach the world, the real value of culture, the significance of historical patrimony in the resurgence of a nation and in creating a new scale of values in the world.
On the real scale of values, we seldom find a civilization more originally, more splendid and sending a more powerful sentiment of desire to live, to aim the beauty and to never stop striding for happiness and pride as the KHMER CIVILIZATION.
Travelers that will select, this kingdom of wonders and wisdom-Cambodia, as their destination of choice will have the chance of immersing themselves in a magic land, from where humanity learned the values of greatness of ancient Khmer kings, the spirit of beauty of magic Apsaras, carved in the temples of Angkor Watt and Angkor Thom.
Here is where the magic never stop`s, the wonder never ceased to astonish us. Mekong is becoming part of the magic that is Cambodia and the rich waters of the river flow to the plain and by magic they stop their normal course to the Sea and the turn inlands, creating one of the world larges lakes: Tonle Sap, covering1/10 of the territory of Cambodia.
Where can you see such magic: a river that flows upwards?
Here, in Cambodia, tourists can find themselves and their inner peace and reconnect with God and the world in the magic and wonder of the celebrated WATT of Cambodia.
Here Buddhism will teach you not necessary to become a Buddhist, but to become BETTER: Better Christian, better Free Thinker.
Whatever your religion and creed, Cambodia will educate you, to search for the better in side you and outside: in the world.
This is the wonder of Cambodia!
The striking power of Khmer people, mirrored in the temples of Angkor is a testimony to the ingenuity and prowess of people of Cambodia enshrined forever in the stoned Watt`s of the Siem Reap province.
Astonished travelers of XX century, made up stories of extraterrestrial civilizations coming to build them and as a tourist will see that: these all powerful beings still have a name, a face and an address: is the face of Khmer people, the name of Khmers who labored for ancient kings and the address is only one: Cambodia.
We, in XXI century, we forgot the all conquering power of humans to build, to snatch from nature the materials needed and construct all conquering monuments, that fear neither time, neither decay.
Khmer people and history are here to teach us this valuable lesson: that humanity can do whatever is ambitioning to create!
See Angkor and you will believe!
Today, when we need to be taught also the lesson of humility, of moderation, in our economic and practical goals, the lesson of ecological preservation: Cambodia is also the open book that we need.
When all powerful, and all mighty, Kings of Angkor conquer all that their ambitions has sought after, they started under the influence of Buddhist Theravada to moderate their desire, slowly abandoning their cities and create for them a kingdom to conquer, inside their hearts and minds.
When they finish conquering the world, they started to conquer their souls and inner peace!
When nothing in the world tempts them, they started bettering themselves and making the Khmer people in the most splendid of the temples.
I cannot find another civilization, in the realm of history, capable of such a radical change.
Another wonder in the Kingdom of Wonders: Cambodia!
This is making Cambodia the ideal destination for peoples searching their connection with their inner fillings, in quest for their peace of mind and soul; you can never have better allies that Khmer wisdom.
Because thus is Cambodia today: an educator to the world, a provider of wonder, in a century that stopped believing in them, a classical spiritual adventure, a discovery trip in times and places, that is a must see and is richly deserving the appellative of World Best Tourist Destination.
I will not restart the detailed description of all the UNESCO heritage sites existing in Cambodia or perusing the long list of region and cities awaiting their inscription on world heritage list.
I will just emphasize how rare is country that is offering such a diversity of landscapes, climates, cultural and historical beauties as Cambodia.
Educator of humanity, cradle of culture! This is CAMBODIA of today!
These revenues are helping community to develop, are helping people restarting their lives, protecting cultural landscape and historical legacy.
Coming as a tourist in Cambodia, is not just a self rewarding adventure, but is also an opportunity to make a responsible tourism, fair trade tourism, supporting local communities and poor rural areas.
We are hailing Cambodia as The Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016 and with good measure also, as we just inscribed as intangible cultural and tourism patrimony heritage the concept of SROK KHMER – the specific Khmer concept of carving a national space and an integrated community of peoples.
The concept of SROK KHMER, offering a special mark of inter-community dialogue and acceptance, of tolerance and friendship, that explains in full how Cambodia can unite peoples and religions, can give them the sense of historical unity and bind them together, in love for a nation and a country.
This concept is also a fundament of Cambodia history and development, a secret to ingratiate in a polite and correct manner, that makes tourist feel at home in this wonderful country.
Cambodia is in itself a World Lecturer in history and civilization, and I could go one for hours, underlining the many reasons why crowning Cambodia today as World Best Tourist Destination, it is just a normal act of recognition of a country so rich in culture and promises of tomorrow that it becomes the embodiment of the tourism for the future, of the tourism for knowledge and experiences, of tourism that is letting us richer in conscience and soul.
The story of SROK KHMER continues and is writing today a new and remarkable page: the page of development, tourism and cultural world recognition, the page of CAMBODIA as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016.
Your Excellency Mr. Prime Minister and European Academician,
It is with great honor and privilege that I hand over this title, as an international recognition for all the people of Cambodia, all united in the service of protecting and preserving historical and civilization patrimony of your country, in fostering tourism and culture.
I repeat myself in the desire and trust that: This title must be regarded as a challenge to conquer new barriers, as we are expecting Cambodia future contribution for the development of the world culture and tourism.
I am confident that: our world platform will be transformed in a growing support for the international recognition of THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA, as an open air, open to the world museum of humanity and in a base for further success for A WORLD MIRACLE: THE KINGDOM OF WONDERS- CAMBODIA.
It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the most representative leader of people and tourism of KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA the award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016.
ECTT Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia proclaimed the official launch of the new national tourism brand on the grounds of the 3rd General Assembly of the Ethiopian Tourism Transformation Council.
The tourism executives gathering is the first after Ethiopia was selected WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2015 and registered a historical record in tourism growth surpassing regional tourism powerhouse: Tanzania and Kenya and marking 1 billion dollars in supplementary tourism revenues.
Announcing the perfects results of 2015, Year of ETHIOPIA: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION. From right to left: CEO of ETO-Solomon Tadesse, H.E. Academician Hailemariam Desalegn-Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia.
According to the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) CEO- Solomon Tadesse the new brand: ‘Ethiopia: Land of Origins’ is designed to keep alive this momentum based on European Council on Tourism and Trade generous support.
On the occasion, ETO noted confidence that the new brand would position Ethiopia by positively differentiating it from competitors in a way that authentically resonates across tourism stakeholders.
It was also noted that ETO developed the new brand by conducting extensive research in consultation with stakeholders, tour operators and potential tourists in source markets.
The national tourism brand, as stated by ECO, contains the summary promise of “Ethiopia invites you on an adventure in which you will discover the origin of so much: history that is a mysterious mix of myth, legend and fact; culture that is vibrant, creative, alive and shared; and a landscape that is warm, dramatic, primal and teeming with life”.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn noted that: “The reason we have established Tourism Council is to give greater focus toward transforming the tourism sector. This can be realized only when the stakeholders exert joint effort to avert challenges in the sector”.
“We have made a good stride by designing a 10 year master plan for the sector concluding Ethiopian Prime Minister.”
Ethiopia has a vibrant living culture.
It is today a brilliantly diverse mosaic of people`s living together in harmony. Unique century-old religious festivals, colourful celebrations and charming customs like the coffee ceremony – coffee is Ethiopia’s gift to the world – offer you a chance to share the country’s heartbeat and to experience the warmest of welcomes.
Ethiopia was elected by WORLD TOURISM INSTITUTION-EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE as FAVOURITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2015 and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for the same year on the account of landscapes of stunning beauty and dramatic contrasts from the soaring pinnacles of the Simien Mountains – the Roof of Africa – to the plummeting depths of the Danakil Depression, the lowest – and hottest – place on Earth. You will find cloud forests such as those in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve – the sole home of many wild coffee varieties – active volcanoes, hot springs, cool underground caverns, rugged gorges, spectacular waterfalls, rivers and shimmering lakes.
The largest, Lake Tana, is the source of the life-nurturing Blue Nile.
Moreover, Ethiopia is the fourth largest bio-diversity zone on Earth and you can see plants and animals here which are found nowhere else.
On the occasion of WORLD TOURISM AWARDS ceremonial for 2016 H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Kingdom of Cambodia had announced an ambitious program to revam and give a new impetus to the country tourism brand.
The all encompasing plan was presented to H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia in attendence being members of Royal Parliament of Cambodia, Royal Government and with the exceptional presence on the venue of the highes representatives of World Tourism Institutions-European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea European Tourism Academy Director-Academician Mircea Constantinescu and European Council on Tourism and Trade high ranking delegates: Pavel Avramoiu, Ioan Matei, ECTT Chairman -Mihai Prundianu.
- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia!
- Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, and
Ministers!
- H.E. Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade
- Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ambassadors, Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished National and International Guests!
Today, on behalf of leaders and officials of the Ministry of Tourism, and all distinguished participants of the ceremony and on my own behalf, we would like to proudly express our great pleasure and honor to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for taking his tight schedule with a mission to serve the country and people to highly preside over the auspicious Awarding Ceremony of “Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination for 2016, and Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016” Awards.
I would like to thanks Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, Ministers, Distinguished National and International Guests for participating in the meaningful awarding ceremony at this time.
Minister of Tourism Dr. Thong Khon is savoring a victory for Cambodia: Favorite Cultural Destination triumph and the fulfillment of the vision of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Seizing this opportunity, I would like to voice my special thanks to the European Council on Tourism and Trade and Dr. Anton Caragea, as the President for awarding Cambodia the Awards of World Best Tourist Destination for 2016 and Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016 and to the European Tourism Academy for unanimously electing Samdech Techo Prime Minister as an Honorary Member of the European Tourism Academy.
- Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister!
- Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Stemming from the “Win-Win” Policy of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Cambodia has enjoyed full peace, development in all sectors, particularly tourism has grown considerably over the last decade.
The tourism sector, which is considered as the green-gold is a sector sustaining socio-economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty of the people, and playing an important role as on-site exports, contributing to supporting the regional integration.
Apparently, in 2015, we achieved a growth rate of 6.1% with arrival of international tourists of about 4.8 million and bringing revenue of more than US $ 3,000 million, and increasing employment opportunities for about 620 thousand people into the economy.
Following the forecasts for 2020, international tourist arrivals are expected to rise to about 7 million people and bringing the total revenue of approximately US $ 5,000 million, creating job opportunities for nearly 1 million people.
The subsequent boom of Cambodian tourism cannot be cut off from the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination at regional and global levels.
Obviously, in 2015, the world-class trip advisor (Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice) (Chosen based on voting by travelers on its website) has considered the Kingdom of Cambodia as the world’s most attractive tourist destination (World Award Winners 2014-2015).
Particularly, Angkor Wat Temple was ranked first in both Asia and the world as the most attractive one amongst the other 25 national identification marking tourist destinations in the world (Landmarks Award), and Siem Reap City was ranked first in Asia and second in the world as the most attractive tourist destination (Destination in the World).
In 2016, Tripadvisor has also chosen the Siem Reap Province as the best Tourist Destination in Asia and selected Angkor Wat Temple as the Asia’s most attractive national identification marking tourist site (The Best Landmark in Asia).
Especially, for Cambodian tourism, today it is a great honor for Cambodia being unanimously elected as the “World Best Tourist Destination for 2016” by the European Council on Tourism and Trade.
- Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister!
- Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen!
I have a great honor to respectfully report to Samdech Techo Prime Minister that the European Council on Tourism and Trade was established in 2005, and has its headquarter in European Union, with a mission to promote tourism, investment and exchange of experiences and knowledge relevant to the tourism sector, particularly cultural tourism of Europe and the rest of the world.
To support its activities, the Council created the award of “World Best Tourist Destination” yearly to promote the tourism sector in the countries who are qualified enough (with evaluations based on key indicators of potential natural and cultural tourism and direction as the policy of the candidate country).
Since 2007, there were countries awarded the awards in the Africa and Asia (including the Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirate, the People’s Republic of Laos in 2013 and the Republic of Zimbabwe in 2014).
In general, after receiving the awards, the destination countries usually received significant tourism growth of European tourists.
Minister of Tourism Dr. Thong Khon had brought 1.000 high ranking officials that are believing in Cambodia`s destiny for World Best Tourist Destination Award ceremony in 2016.
For 2016, the Board of the European Council on Tourism and Trade reviewed and discussed the 29 candidates countries for the award-winning candidate of “World Best Tourist Destination for 2016” and decided unanimously to elect:
Cambodia has been chosen as a winner for 2016, which is based on the wonders of Cambodia (Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder), where is filled with the World Heritage of both tangible heritage (including Angkor Wat Temple and Preah Vihear Temple as the World Heritage) and intangible assets as the abundant natural potential (including mangrove forest preserved and conserved areas, and Ramsar areas) and natural smile and greeting of Cambodian people, along with the development of all sectors in Cambodia, under the brilliant and sound leadership of Samdech Techo Prime Minister, and especially the development of Cambodian tourism based on the proper policy and strategy, namely the commitments to sustainable and inclusive tourism development (Sustainability and Inclusiveness).
The election of Samdech Techo Prime Minister as an Honorary Member of the European Tourism Academy is the most recognition of leadership perspective value of Samdech Techo in preserving and conserving the Cambodian cultural heritage and in encouraging Cambodian tourism development through ensuring the peace, political stability, Cambodian socio-economic development with significant progress for the nation of Cambodia.
I would like to kindly inform the whole participants that in order to achieve the longterm vision and perspective for the development of Cambodian tourism, in particular as the tourist destination with sustainability, responsibility, and world-class attractiveness, the Royal Government set out the Law on Tourism. National Policy on Tourism, Tourism Development Strategic Plan 2012-2020.
Under the spirit of the Law on Tourism and Tourism Development Strategic Plan 2012-2020, the Ministry of Tourism as the Cambodian Royal Government’s wing has launched the Tourism Reform Plan 2015-2018 by focusing on the priority angles:
(1). Strengthening the tourism industry, “One Service, One Standard”
(2). Improving tourism promotion and attractive and creative tourism product development (By setting out Cambodian Tourism Marketing Strategy 2016-2020)
(3). Improving human resource development in tourism sector “One Staff, One Skill”
(4). Encouraging the use of information technology in tourism sector (E-tourism).
In addition, we have the contest movement of “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, Best Hospitality” as the core to encourage and increase the effective implementation of the tourism development strategic plan, as well as tourism reform plan through launching the Clean City Contest Movement in 2011, and Eco-business Contest Movement in tourism sector in 2015.
Applauses for Minister Dr. Thong Khon and President Dr. Anton Caragea on the scene of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2016. Hard work deserves recognition!
Particularly, today, with the high approval of the Royal Government, through the letter No.516 SCHN.PK dated May 30, 2016, for allowing for the preparation of the Best Hospitality Contest Movement and transforming the contest to the National Agenda by inspiring the citizens, officials, private sector, youth and development partners to join together in order to improve the service and hospitality better for contributing to the promotion of all tourist destinations in the Kingdom of Cambodia as the tourist destination with attractiveness, warmth, and providing memorable experiences for tourists with natural smile and greetings of Cambodian people.
- Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister!
- Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen!
In order to make the Best Hospitality Contest Movement sustainable and widespread throughout the country and becoming the national agenda, all stakeholders (Public – private – youth – citizens) must join together to further promote the attractiveness of Cambodian tourism, as well as enhance the prestige of Cambodia “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder”, namely the Ministry of Tourism and the National Committee for Clean City Assessment have prepared “4” documents for supporting the contest movement and developed an online voting assessment system (www.cambodiabesthospitality.org). which allows the citizens and tourists to provide online comments (through linking to QR-Code): Service and Hospitality Provided by Tour Operators and Officials at International Checkpoints for Tourists, etc.
- Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister!
- Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen!
In celebration of the award of Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination and the launching of the Best Hospitality Contest Movement, the Ministry of Tourism and the National Committee for Clean City Assessment plan to launch various important tourism programs (in addition to programs and campaigns at present) as follow:
Continuing the promotional campaign “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder” and the contest movement of “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, Best Hospitality”.
In collaboration with the relevant ministerial-institutions, the Ministry of Tourism will create a permanent tourism program under the name of “Cambodia-My Second Home” for welcoming the long-stay tourists and senior tourists and plans to cooperate with the Union of Youth Federation of Cambodia and relevant institutions to develop a program of “Cambodia: My Homeland” under the slogan of “Everyone can go”, which is the national program and contributes to pushing for a permanent program and encouraging the staffs, employees, employers, students, and youth to possibly arranging their trips at least 1 time per year, and a program of Cambodian Students-Tourism Ambassadors to be aimed at increasing more voluntary tourism activities in Cambodia.
In order to increase the benefits of this award, the Ministry of Tourism plans to set up an Annual Photo Contest Program for tourist visiting Cambodia under the “Secret Trail of Cambodia” Program, which can be the tourists’ selfie photo or tourist destination photo contest in order to attract and promote the online promotion on Facebook, which is a digital marketing and promotion and to encourage to further love and conserve our natural and cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism will launch the Tourism Mobile App soon.
To support the “Best Hospitality” Contest Movement, while this movement is dependent on the involvement of people “People-Based Approach”, the Ministry of Tourism will create a training and best hospitality supporting program, named as “My Service, Your Smile” by encouraging all relevant stakeholders, including public institutions and private sector to make cooperation and develop the Best Hospitality training programs for officials, youth, and their staffs, who interact directly with customers and tourists (including beers and wedding ceremony supporting staffs.. etc.).
Meanwhile, to make this program successful, it requires the support and sponsors from the relevant stakeholders, private vocational training schools for the preparation of this training course.
In order to ensure the principle of transparency, the provision of services with honesty, not fraudulent to clients and visitors, the Ministry of Tourism
encourages local tourism businesses, relevant institutions, and private sector to set up a Code of Ethics for managing its employees to ensure the provision of professional and honest services.
So far, the Ministry of Tourism has set up the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct for tour guides and already established a system of monitoring the implementation of this professional, and will continue to inspire and help other areas to set up this Code of Ethics.
- Highly Respectful Samdech Techo Prime Minister!
- Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen!
I have a great honor to respectfully inform that this celebration was attended by the relevant competent authorities, ministries and institutions, tour operators, youth, national and international organizations, and embassies with a total of 1,000 people.
I would like to seize this opportunity, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, to express my profound gratitude to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for usually paying high attention to leading and encouraging Cambodian tourism development with sustainability and responsibility, especially supporting the contest movement of “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good
On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, I would like to deeply thank H.E. Dr. Prof. Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, and his colleagues for awarding the awards of “Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination for 2016, and Cambodia-Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016”, and the European Tourism Academy through Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, President of the European Tourism Academy for unanimously electing Samdech Techo Prime Minister as an Honorary Member of the European Tourism Academy.
Last but not least, on behalf of the entire ceremony, and myself, I would like to respectfully wish Samdech Techo Prime Minister and Lok Chumteavs Kittipritbandit and their families healthy, wisdom, and strength in order to lead and develop Cambodia towards prosperity and happiness for the people.
Finally, May I wish Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen the four gems of Buddhist Blessings: Longevity, Nobility, Health, and Strength.
