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.
Mr. Tudor Stefan, the new Presidential Adviser, responsible for faith based tourism was the creator of the Pilgrimage route of Dobruja and the Year of Saints Epictetus and Astion celebrations and other continental level events focus on religion and faith as drivers of tourism development and heritage protection.
The new European Council on Tourism and Trade Presidential Adviser, Mr. Tudor Stefan congratulated by H.E. Kazakhstan Ambassador Mr. Daulet Batrashev.
The appointment of a religious tourism expert in the person of Mr. Tudor Stefan comes in recognition of the ever growing importance of faith based tourism and aims to highlight the positive contributions of pilgrimages and spiritual routes to sustainable and responsible tourism, as well as the contribution of tourism to cultural understanding and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage related to ancient trails and sacred places.
On the appointment of the new presidential adviser, H.E. President of ECTT- global tourism institution, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea noted that ”Asia and Africa are the most vital centers for religious and faith based tourism that will capture the attention of billions of travelers in the next decade and will have to respond to the challenge of sustainable and cultural oriented tourism and the nomination of our new adviser in the person of the reputed academic Mr. Tudor Stefan comes in response of our increased global role in the world of culture and tourism”
Mr. Tudor Stefan was presented to the diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade and in induction speech outlined that according to European Council on Tourism and Trade figures around 300 million tourists visit the world´s key religious sites every year, making spiritual tourism a significant part of both domestic and international tourism.
The event has brought together diplomats from a diverse range of countries including Argentina, Australia, India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Paraguay, The Republic of Korea, Spain and Thailand, among others.
The participants agreed that Asia and Africa are encapsulating the most impressive development potential being capable in bringing more than 200 million tourists and billion in investments funds and cultural protection.
Mr. Tudor Stefan , Presidential Adviser-European Council on Tourism and Trade stated that in managing the religious tourism we must uphold the principles of: preservation of the spirit of the destinations, authenticity and integrity in the way that they are managed and promoted while ensuring accessibility for all.
More important religious tourism destinations are usually less affected by trends, political and economic crisis, appreciated the faith based tourism expert.
H.E. President Academician Anton Caragea has lead a team of tourism and development leaders to the Kingdom of Cambodia in order to evaluate the country use of WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM AWARDS and to assess the nation readiness for a new stage in tourism development.
The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Academician Hun Sen, re-affirmed tourism´s role as the most important agenda item for the sustainable development of Cambodia´s economy as he received the leaders of global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy on evaluation visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
President of global tourism institutions: ECTT and European Tourism Academy, Academician Professor Dr. Anton Caragea received by H.E. Academician Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia and Global Ambassador for Tourism and SDG`s.
“In spite of the worldwide economic crisis, Cambodia enjoys continuous tourism growth.
Tourism in Cambodia grew from zero to 5.2 million foreign visitors expected this year of 2018,” said Prime Minister Academician Hun Sen.
“Tourism development has been taken by the Cambodian government as a priority for the sustainable development of our cultural and natural heritage sites,” he added.
“Cambodia´s is fairing best in the world tourism development field growing from 3 million tourist in 2015 to a projected 6 million in 2019 and this is the globe`s most impressive tourism achievements.
Cambodia is a true success story that registered the impressive victories of being named WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and to have in Phnom Penh named as the first Asian city to become a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM stated ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Main world tourism and culture awards ceremonies are listed here:
“With its wide variety of European Council on Tourism and Trade ECTT heritage sites, Cambodia continues and will continue to draw tourists from all over the world and we are very happy to see the country placing tourism as a priority in their development agenda.”
Cambodia´s tourism has experienced a significant growth over the years, from 460,000 visitors in 2000 to 4.2 million in 2016(when the nation was voted as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION), or an increase of 1000% over the 2000 benchmark.
International tourism generated US$ 3.8 billion in receipts in 2018.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
During his visit to Cambodia ECTT-European Council on Tourism and Trade President announced that ECTT and European Tourism Academy will organize the WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 in Phnom Penh marking tourism opportunities in the Kingdom of Cambodia and highlighting Phnom Penh as the perfect destination for cultural, luxury and heritage tourism.
Landmarks of European Council on Tourism and Trade Presidential Delegation visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Battamang-the future center of tourism development stage in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The first leg of ECTT discovery trip.
Banteay Meanchey: a treasure fountain of culture and heritage.
The Wat Ek Phnom archaeological site
Siem Reap Province. The Bakong Temple. A perfect stop-over for history aficionados.
Kampong Thom Province. Sambor Prey Kuk -UNESCO heritage site. European Tourism Academy shortlisted for World Capital of Culture and Tourism status.
National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh-World Favorite Museum in 2017
Banteay Chhmar temple- a symbol of ever victorious spirit of Khmer People.
Cambodia under Academician Hun SEN, the most extraordinary Prime Minister that the nation had ever had has become a model for development, an independent and people oriented country and a symbol for tourism and national resurgence-ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea.
World Tourism Day 2019 will be celebrated on September 27 under the theme/slogan of HISTORY AND TOURISM! A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP ! announced today a communique form the President Office of European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy.
The decisions came at the end of the global tourism summit held between 30 October 2018 until 2 November 2018.
The Autumn 2018 Meeting of European Council on Tourism and Trade and the official celebrations for WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 had taken place at the headquarters of global tourism institution.
The events had taken place under the leadership of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President and a string of key decisions for tourism and culture future in 2019 had been taken.
The main issues debated where the selection of the 2019 host cities for World Tourism Day, and the announcement of official theme of the next year tourism celebration for European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade.
This theme will be instrumental also in the selection of new candidates for hosting world tourism awards ceremonies in 2019.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Main world tourism and culture awards ceremonies slated for 2019:
Phnom Penh, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia and Djibouti city, the capital of The Republic of Djibouti were selected as the official model cities for World Tourism Day celebrations and official hosts of global tourism events.
Both Djibouti and Phnom Penh where in previous years selected as World`s Capital of Culture and Tourism and globally recognized as centers of heritage, tourism and culture.
The city of Phnom Penh has also obtained WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status in 2016 and hosted the World Tourism Awards ceremonies the same year establishing himself as a powerful tourism and cultural center of Indochina.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
Cambodia and Djibouti have won the honor to be global examples in the tourism and cultural world for 2019.
On the venue of the same event, the WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 theme was decided to be History and Tourism: A symbiotic relation!
The theme is destined not only to enliven tourism during 2019, but also to emphasize that tourism is inextricably linked with historical legacy.
History is the main attraction that is creating tourism demand and visitors expectation is linked with the existence of historical and cultural heritage.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
More information on Djibouti tourism potential and strategy can be extracted from these sources:
Tourism must also be organized in such a manner to not impede conservation efforts, to support raising awareness on historical monuments and to help to acquire the financial support necessary for historical preservation activities.
Tourism and history are inseparable, are growing from the same tree: the sapling of culture and civilization.
History is the root of tourism development and tourism must feed and nurture historical preservation as leaves are feeding the tree said Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-global tourism president.
The next year celebration for World Tourism Day will take place in 27 September 2019, placing under the spotlight the culture and civilization as an integral part of tourism growth and role in the sustainable development goals agenda.
It is focused on member countries’ politics and statal agenda in terms of tourism and trade and produces strategies, research and studies on tourism and cultural development implemented worldwide.
Its membership includes state actors, private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities
According to international experts Prime Minister HUN SEN speech to the General Assembly of the 73rd Session of the United Nations was bold, energetic and creating a new page in the international relations and upholding the interest and the vision of small and medium countries and of non-aligned group of nations and also ASEAN vision for the world`s future.the General Debate of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
H.E. Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia and GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, Academician HUN SEN has presented his lofty vision for his country, for United Nations and for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
Attending the General Debate of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS and as the Head of the newly elected 6th mandate Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister made a statement highlighting the new images of Cambodia with stable democratic process and remarkable socio-economic achievements following the attainment of full peace and stability which prevail all over the country.
He underlined the government’s continued commitment to enhance people’s well-being in line with the soon to be adopted “Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals.”
On international affairs, Prime Minister raised concerns about the threat of unilateralism that has undermined multilateral system, hindered global efforts to address SDGs, to tackle climate change and other common security challenges.
Prime Minister appealed for respect of the UN Charter and avoidance of domestic interference in the pretext of political rights protection. He raised specific case of Cambodia where some external circles, who have fed on ambition to interfere in the domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against or attacking the election outcome.
Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people,” H.E. Prime Minister HUN SEN was elected as the only head of state to date to present to the world a concise and effective vision of completion of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
The full text of the allocution of THE GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS-ACADEMICIAN SAMDECH HUN SEN can be read out here:
My participation in this General Assembly is in the context that Cambodian Nation is enjoying the dividends of peace, stability and rapid development which had never been before in her modern history.
Cambodia is a successful case of a war-torn country which had succeeded in making a complete and prideful transformation.
Previously infamous for its killing fields, an unstable region caused by armed conflicts and dangerous mine disposals, an economically backward country mired in poverty and food insecurity, Cambodia now enjoys full peace, and has become a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia (the WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION r.n); a food exporter; an outstanding performer in poverty reduction and improvement in social indicators. Cambodia is recognized as one of the world’s fast-growing economies, which recently has successfully graduated from its status as a low-income country to a lower-middle income country, owing to its high economic growth at around 7% per annum over the past two decades.
The photo journal of the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS activity during UNITED NATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY can be observed here:
H.E. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General welcomes H.E. Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech HUN SEN-the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Notably known for its armed struggle for the power and changes of government, Cambodia is now governed by the rule of law and firmly respects the multi-party liberal democracy, with regular, free and fair elections, held to enable its people to choose the country’s leadership.
Twenty registered political parties have competed in the election which clearly demonstrated a legitimate representation of pluralist politics and reflected what thousands of domestic and international observers described as a stable democratic process in Cambodia and as a free, fair, and credible election.
By their votes, Cambodians reaffirmed their desire for peace, stability and long-lasting sustainable development.
Indeed, the free choice of the Cambodian people and the legitimate result of this election is not a subject for question or debate.
Some external circles, who have fed on ambition to interfere in domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against or attacking the election outcome.
Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people.
Madam President!
I would like to draw the attention of all UN members to the vitality of the United Nations Charter.
It depends on all of us to provide a proper respect for this crucial document by avoiding the interference, damaging, or disrupting sovereignty of an independent state.
We are heartedly regretful to highlight the fact that human rights nowadays have become “a mission to impose civilization” for some powerful nations or, perhaps, as their operating standards as the pretext for the interference under the name of political rights protection.
As a result, the imposition of unilateral sanctions has become a popular weapon of powerful nations in managing their international politics, which is completely driven by geopolitical agendas.
This is nothing but a use of the brutal force of a particular state to impose its will on other sovereignty states.
In a world, where the eras of imperialism and colonialism became the history, we have to acknowledge that not all nations in this General Assembly shall follow the governing model of any country.
Big countries should not attempt to install their administrative system on other small countries, because those small countries also possess sovereignty and legitimate aspiration to maintain their own identities. In the modern-days of interdependence, such an old style coercive mindset should be put to rest.
Together, both big and small countries, must respect one another and uphold the rules of the international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Madam President!
Currently, the world is facing severe instabilities while the threats to peace are coming in many forms, more than what we have witnessed in the past 25 years.
We are all living in a world faced with fragility, unpredictability, complicated changes, as the challenges are coming from various fronts, including the increase in persistent conflicts and unprecedented humanitarian crises.
We are deeply concerned by the tensions made by a first world class superpower in the diplomatic circle and by the conflicts happening in many places thank to the interference by this superpower.
We are also deeply concerned by the rush decisions made by this superpower to urgently withdraw from major international agreements that threaten the core legitimacy of international legal order.
This unilateral actions have undermined the state-to-state relationships and caused tension in the international community.
Yet, what puts the most pressure is direct attack on multilateralism.
Undoubtedly, in our globalized world, all things are connected. if we begin to adhere to the protectionist policy, unilateralism and trade war, we are closing the door by not welcoming any trade and investment opportunities which have provided prosperity to our countries, both small and big ones, for many decades.
Eventually, we all are poorer; our economies will decline; financial capital will shrink and the ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as, addressing the challenges caused by climate change would be seriously affected.
Those factors will make poor countries suffer prolonged poverty, and thus we are more vulnerable to the dangerous ideology of terrorism, extremism, and regional conflicts.
Cambodia, as a small economy, believes in the interests of the rule-based international cooperation. As a matter of fact, we all have been prospering because of the globalization.
We all are thus convinced that the global trade should not be hindered by the imposition of unilateral tariffs; yet it should be enhanced and supported through the adherence to conductive policies for trade and investment, as well as, the provision of special preferential treatment to developing countries.
Stability and diversification in the financial sector need to be further encouraged to promote innovation and development.
All in all, we need to jointly maintain and strengthen ‘’multilateralism”.
In fact, peace without development is not sustainable.
In this context, “Sustainable Development Goals” of the United Nations play a pivotal role in guiding toward prosperity for the people. Cambodia views the SDGs as an important opportunity to mobilize efforts in achieving poverty reduction, as well as, sustainable and inclusive development.
The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) soon will approve “Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs)” which has been fully localized, and we will use those goals to shape our medium and long-term policies and plans for Cambodia.
Moreover, the conflict prevention is precondition for a long-lasting peace.
The UN peacekeeping forces play a vital leading role in these efforts.
As a result, Cambodia greatly welcomes the vision of H.E. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, on peace-building and peace-keeping, particularly further paying continued attention to the conflict prevention.
Cambodia is a consistent supporter of the architecture of peace and security of the United Nations.
For instance, for the last 12 years, Cambodia has sent thousands of Blue Helmet forces to join peace-keeping missions under the umbrella of the United Nations.
However, peace-keeping is facing unprecedented challenges since the non-state actors have waged rebellion wars against our peace-keeping forces, which have caused many lives and disabilities.
We are sincerely indebted to the sacrifice of the UN peace-keeping heroes. Nonetheless, their death and sacrifice have not distorted our commitment to further contributing to the cause of this great mission.
Another severe and complicated threat which is the barriers to the long-lasting peace is terrorism.
They have disintegrated communities, worsened the conflicts and weakened the stability of the whole region. Currently, the battles against terrorism have become even more complex and modernized since the terrorists are turning to the cyberspace for their malevolent operation.
Profoundly, the cross-border nature of terrorism requires us to build a multilateral cooperation with concerted coordination, including “countermeasures” and “preventive measures”.
Addressing climate change is another key element for the success of the 2030 Agenda, which requires urgent and focused attention from the global community.
The fundamentals for action on climate change are undoubtedly rested upon the Paris Agreement.
In this spirit, Cambodia will provide full support to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to organize the Climate Summit next year to foster the inspiration to further address climate change.
Madame President!
Finally, I would like to emphasize that Cambodia fully support the UN’s global leadership, and commits to implementing our shared responsibility to build a peaceful and equitable human society who enjoys sustainable and inclusive development.
