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.
Cultural and sustainable tourism initiatives at international level are recognized by the European Council on Tourism and Trade Awards.
“The ECTT Prizes are designed to honor those nations and world leaders that arduously and continuously work for the benefit of their peoples and world community, supporting the livelihoods of the poorest and protecting our nature and our cultural monuments for the use and benefits of future generations.
All 29 finalists accepted in the competition are an open example to all of us of how to fulfill the objectives set in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the world leaders agenda” announced in his opening statement ECTT President Anton Caragea.
Scrutinizing of the candidature files was made, in the initial stages, by the European Tourism Academy team, who drafted a preliminary report disseminated among the ECTT members.
Representatives from 28 countries debated the state of world tourism and evaluated the best performers in tourism today.
Academician Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy, presented the list of candidates and the list of reports and accompanying evaluations for each of the 30 countries registered candidatures.
Academician Mircea Constantinescu stressed the need for a strict observance of Chatham House rules of discretion, and also presented the report asking for a candidate country to be disbarred, for not being able to comply with the rules and regulation of World Institution-ECTT.
The motion was adopted and the analysis of remaining 29 countries in competition for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION continued.
ECTT Chairman –Mihai Prundianu stated for the audience the remarkable achievements of the 2015 award winner-The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia who capped 1 million tourists supplementary and derived tourism income in the margin of 2 billion dollars. Addis Ababa became the most rapidly growing city in Africa in the number of tourists.
Ethiopia enjoyed also a large presence in the media with over 120.000 tourism related articles promoting the country as the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION.
Ethiopia has being, surpassing all the countries in the region in terms of tourism, appreciated Academician Mircea Constantinescu.
ECTT President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea marked also the world tourism institution determination to continue a special relation with Ethiopia that we come to know and love and who entered in our hearts forever, concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
With the acceptance of the report by Chairman Mihai Prundianu on ETHIOPIA, the debate on the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 was declared opened according to the decision of ECTT President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
ECTT President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea on the rostrum of WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2016
The second day (12 June 2016) of the debate for the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2016 saw Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) presenting the main report, encompassing the decision that emerged as the victorious candidate.
The report was titled: CAMBODIA: THE LAND OF MAGIC- THE PLACE WHERE GOD`S AND KINGS BUILD THE WORLD!
He proposed the Kingdom of CAMBODIA as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and as receiver of the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2016.
The report noted the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 PRIZE to CAMBODIA:
Temple of Preah Vihear- the heart of ancient Indochina
The excellent preservation of humanity landmarks such as: the Temple of Preah Vihear- the heart of ancient Indochina.
The temple outstanding history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded.
Today the site is particularly well-preserved and is offering to the visitors an outstanding vision of grandeur, thanks to his exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.
The Siem Reap province is home to the majestically and unique Angkor Archaeological Park - the residence of the Khmers Kings from 9th to 15th century.
Today this incredible humanity legacy, stretching over some 400 sq.km, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century.
They include the famous Temple of Angkor Watt and Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.
All this sites were recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments.
The rich cultural and historical legacy of Cambodia is not limited to the previous presented list.
In order to fully grasp the natural potential of Cambodia natural parks and natural reservations we must look at the potential of these regions designated in 1993 Royal Decree on the Protection of Natural Areas.
They are encompassing 23 protected areas, which at the time covered more than 18% of the country’s total land area. The royal decree divides the areas into four distinct categories: natural parks (sometimes described as ‘national parks’), wildlife preserves, protected scenic view areas (sometimes described as ‘protected landscapes’) and multi-purpose areas.
Cambodia is also home to rarely and valuable Ramsar sites rated accordingly to RAMSAR CONVENTION of June 1999:
A stretch along the Mekong River approximately 37 km long and 14,600 hectares in Stung Treng Province, Boeng Chhmar and associated river system and floodplain, 28,000 hectares in Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces (part of a designated multiple use area).
Koh Kapik and associated islets, 12,000 hectares in Koh Kong province (part of a designated wildlife sanctuary).
Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places.
All these regions and national parks are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.
New prominent landmarks are to be added to UNESCO list such as: Angkor Borei and Phnom Da, the former celebrated as the ancient capital of Kingdom of Cambodia under the name of Vyadhapura and pace at the confluence of Mekong and Stun Sla Ku. This is now home to perfect archaeological treasures like sculptures and stones star-shaped called stela.
Phnom Da is famous for his caves, the mud tower and the all sought Ashram Maha Rosei, made in long standing stone and celebrated as a model of architectural ingenuity made out of interior monk housing units blending in the exterior wall.
Udong is the former capital of Royal Cambodia in 17th century from 1740 to 1746.
Udong is now a perfect example of a sprawling royal city, but also a royal necropolis gathering the funerary temples of kings that offered to Cambodia a chance of survival in the country darkest times.
Udong is the proof of the resilience and endurance of Khmer spirit in time of peril and dangers.
The project ONE VILLAGE/ONE PRODUCT designed to promote social fair tourism, to sustain rural production and to bring about the rebirth of traditional craftsmanship created and promoted by H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia , is a perfect way of sharing revenue, growing income and supporting marginal and rural communities development.
The way in which social-tourism has become the base for local economic development, for empowerment of remote community and supporting educational and vocational projects benefiting the communities, makes social-fair tourism, the lesson that today-the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is offering to the world.
The Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations had brought Cambodia on the list of WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATIONS
The ongoing development and protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the transformation of Angkor Region into a historical and spiritual center, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Cambodia.
Angkor must be the world center of religious pilgrimage and cultural tourism offering to world tourists the complex healing experience of cultural legacy, religious special atmosphere and faith imbued air.
The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Angkor cultural complex, an ample palatial complex from the 9th Century, offering an incredible sense of magnificence of one of the Asia greatest empire.
Today, Cambodia offers tourists bound for the country a rich and perfect open air collection with a rare presence of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.
The KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is also a perfect center for river trips and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for this special kind of tourism, and the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker, its safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top adventure river destinations that make the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA as a perfect cultural class destination.
Cambodia is now proclaimed WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION. Ambassadors are surrounding the European Council on Tourism and Trade leadership.
Mr. Pavel Avramoiu, Director for Hotel Management and Evaluation at European Council on Tourism and Trade, outlined the impressive potential for development that Kingdom of Cambodia is presenting.
Cambodia, now proclaimed WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION, must transform this perfect opportunity and universal limelight in a base for attracting investors in the field of hotels and hospitality to cater for the millions that will find their ways to the KINGDOM OF WONDERS and LAND OF MAGIC!
This is an incredible occasion for all ASEAN regions, an opportunity to place regions cultural and historical patrimony at the fore and to make Cambodia the center for medium and long-term trips that will bring travelers to the magic of Indochina.
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.
With an outstanding record of promoting social-fair tourism, ecological and poverty reduction strategy based on tourism Cambodia deserves a unanimous vote, appreciated the Senator I. Agrigoroaei.
Taking the floor, President Dr. Anton Caragea asked for a final vote and European Council on Tourism and Trade Assembly unanimously, agreed to bestow the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION STATUS FOR 2016 TO KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA and to declare CAMBODIA- THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2016.
The meeting was also presented with the Official Letter, from the Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia.
The world gathering (including ECTT members and accredited ambassadors and diplomats) was presented with a warm salute and invitation from acting Minister of Tourism Mr. Chea Bora, for a mission of high ranking officials of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Phnom Penh, in person, to His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia, European Academician and outstanding personality in world tourism, today.
The final note of ECTT 2016 Assembly was stroke by Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade who emphasize the importance of the moment: the most important WORLD TOURISM PRIZE was entrusted to peoples of CAMBODIA.
CAMBODIA has arisen from ashes of nefarious time and is today a perfect destination crowned in the diamonds of Mekong, endowed with the beauties of Siem Reap and Battambang and made immortal by the works of Gods and Kings at Angkor.
Leading by example, is always the motto of European Council and Tourism and Trade and the acceptance of the invitation for a familiarization visit of high-ranking members of European Council on Tourism and Trade to CAMBODIA is a proof of this enduring truth. CAMBODIA is a perfectly safe and outstanding destination that will forever mark your heart!
Today all world tourism experts expressed their confidence in the potential and future of tourism in CAMBODIA, let`s follow their example and discover THE WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION in 2016- concluded Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade.
