2017 MUST BE LATIN AMERICA TIME TO GO FROM ZERO TO HERO IN TOURISM STATUS: ACADEMICIAN ION ILIESCU

European Tourism Academy has just closed the candidature list for 2017 WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD competition.

As of June 1st, 2017 no more countries candidature will be accepted, announced Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Academy Director.

Academician Mircea Constantinescu: EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY Director announces the end of 2017 World Tourism Awards competition.

 

The candidature files has already being perused and we are proud to announced that a number of 41 countries entered their candidature for the world most prestigious tourism award out of which 38 were considered complete, in line with the requirements and entered the final stage of the competition.

This year we will implement a new system of candidature files analysis that will see working groups, per continents, selecting the final winners for continental candidature and the selected one country per continent will be submitted for evaluation for European Council on Tourism and Trade General Assembly slated for July 29^th, 2017.

Under the former election model all candidates where directed for world tourism leaders for final evaluation, resulting in a huge load of work and decision that required two days of debates and discussion, while under the new procedure the results can be determined in the first day, concluded outlining the improvements Academician Mircea Constantinescu.

Academician Ionut Costea: I hope that 2017 will be the year of African tourism!

I trust that 2017 will be the year for Africa, stated Academician Ionut Costea the responsible for the European Council on Tourism and Trade ECTT Africa team candidature evaluation.

Our team will try to evaluate and propose to world tourism institution of ECTT the best candidates destined to bring WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD to Africa.

 

Africa needs recognition, tourism credentials and support and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the best notoriety provider and tourism confidence building instrument in the world and the only way to insure African tourism in promoted on international stage remarked Academician Costea.

I hope that 2017 will be one more time the year of Asian tourism in the spot light declared academician Mircea Constantinescu.

After the incredible success of Cambodia as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 that succeeded in garnering more than 1,6 million tourists supplementary in 2016/2017 and being officially the world leader in tourism growth in 2016 in absolute numbers and in volume, registering a world record.

 

The shining example of Kingdom of Cambodia and of Prime Minister Academician Samdech HUN SEN, who made tourism a tool for peace and development unmatched in the region, should be copied by the rest of Asian countries.

 

We hope that: the new WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION will be an Asian country and a new world example on international forum and we will try to put forward the best name and candidature file for European Council on Tourism and Trade General Assembly decision.

It`s Latin America time to shine in the world at European Council on Tourism and Trade awards for 2017, stated Academician-President Ion Iliescu.

 

It is Latin America hour for 2017, confidently declared Romanian President (1990-2004) Academician Ion Iliescu.

 

Our team will put forward the best tourist destination of Southern and Central America and as I personally visited and traveled in many countries of the region, I trust that it is time for Europe to support the region tourism development and to make the countries to grow from zero in tourism to hero status and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the perfect vehicle to achieve this, concluded former Romanian President.

 

A new world leader in tourism will emerge out of  2017 WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION competition.

 On July 29^th, 2017 the world tourism community will propose the name of the new victor of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD and the world example in tourism development.

Let us wish all the contenders success in the last leg of their journey towards WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status!

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KAZAKHSTAN PREPARES FOR WORLD EXPO WITH CANDIDATURES FOR WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION

Kazakhstan will organise in 2017 the World Expo in his landmark capital of Astana.

In order to attract more interest and an increased affluence of visitors and tourist for 2017, the country had embarked in an intensive campaign of promotion including the presentation of two outstanding candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AND WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

The  9th European Council on Tourism and Trade  General Assembly will debate the candidature of Kazakhstan for FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION, as the country proud itself as the center of Silk Road heritage.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE DELEGATION TOURING KAZAKHSTAN-SILK ROAD

Kazakhstan tourism hade made huge strides in creating innovative  marketing, training, infrastructure development and visa facilitation.

SENATOR DUMITRU BUJOR VISITING SILK ROAD CITY OF SHYMKENT-KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan said in his candidature declaration that:  ‘We hope to cooperate with other countries, while bridging information dissemination, commercial and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges.

In doing so, we will contribute to the promotion of the modern Silk Road spirit – contributing to world peace and development.’

Senator Bujor Dumitru, Economic Committee representative declared that: a growing number of countries are prioritising the Silk Road in their economic development strategies.

Kazakhstan National Tourism strategy includes a Mobile Application with relevant travel information for all country tourists, including maps, images and relevant information on national heritage and the country had succeeded in radically improve and facilitate travel across borders.

WORLD TRAVEL, CULTURE AND TOURISM AWARDS COMPETITION FOR 2016 STARTS IN FULL POMP. ASIA TAKES FRONT STAGE

The Asian countires made a strong showing on the start of European Council on Tourism and Trade competition for World Tourism Awards 2016.

From Korean fan dances to Chinese opera dances and music selection, all was carved as a show of pomp and pagentry, in order to make 2016- The Year of Asian Tourism on European and world markets.

In 2013 Laos was the first Asian country to win World Best Tourist Destination and favorite cultural desigantion. 

President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea participated in the inauguration ceremony of the first edition of the Embassy Tourism Festival -World Best Tourist Destination at the “Romanian Athenaeum ” Opera and Musical Theatre.

President Dr. Anton Caragea and Academician Mircea Constantinescu are opening the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competitions.

This event has taken place on December 15, 2015 and has marked the opening of the international contests for WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM for 2016.

Held under the patronage of the European Council on Tourism and Trade,  the World Best Tourist Destination -Embassy Tourism Festival is an element of novelty in the European cultural space, consisting in a series of projects meant to promote the cultural diversity of the countries that outlined candidatures to World Best Tourist Destination, under the “Open your culture” slogan.

Peoples Republic of China present`s his national treasures for World Best Tourism Destination. 

The inauguration ceremony, started with the message of the European Council on Tourism and Trade President, who highlighted the potential of the European culture, and the contribution of such public and cultural diplomacy initiatives to the dialogue between cultures, between generations, between the diplomatic community and civil society.

Embassies Festival presents 54 countries candidatures for World Best Tourism Destination in 2016. 

President Dr. Anton Caragea expressed satisfaction that the World Best Tourism Destination-Embassy Festival takes place concurrently with the Annual Meeting of the European Tourism and is marking lavishly the start of World Best Tourist Destination competition.

Korean dances capture the imaginations of the world public

The celebration continued with a music and theater a new mixture of archaic music and contemporary dance.

Korean fan dances are highly appreciated by H.E. President Anton Caragea

World Best Tourism Destination -Embassy Tourism Festival will continue until 5 February 2016, having a diverse agenda and over 50 embassies, cultural institutes and international organizations as participants, representing 6 continents.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE RECEIVES CANDIDATURES FROM 43 STATES FOR WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION AND WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM FOR 2015

The Official Communique of the Press Office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade had made public the status of the candidatures for World Best Tourist Destination and for World Capital of Culture and Tourism competition for 2015.

We are presenting the main elements of the Press Release of European Council on Tourism and Trade.

The full document can be downloaded from here:European Council for Tourism and Trade

WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD had become a center of international tourism recognition in the last span of time.

After obtaining the highest world tourism accolade in 2012, the nation island of Trinidad and Tobago becomes the only Caribbean nation that registered tourism increase in the region.

In 2013 People Democratic Republic of Laos registered a plus of over 1,5 million tourists in the first year and a 7% increase in GDP, due to mounting tourism revenues and Zimbabwe: the 2014 winner rose from zero to hero, in tourism statistics after snatching the world best tourism destination designation.

Band of mariachi interpreting Latin American songs for World Best Tourist Destination for 2015

This string of tourism success stories made 29 countries to start registering their candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in 2015 more early than ever.

Already countries from Central and South America had put forward their touristic potential with a mind blowing extravaganza at Intercontinental Hotel in Bucharest where eight Latin American and Caribbean countries outlined their touristic, artistic and cultural potential for European Council on Tourism and Trade election committee.

Algerian Ambassador presenting here country candidature for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015.

ECTT President Anton Caragea highly praised their demonstration as a perfect display of Latin American cultural and touristic prowess that will be seriously regarded by the prize committee.

African countries fallow rapidly with: Nigeria, Congo DRC and Algeria taking the leading role in outlining their candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in 2015.

Palestine and Bethlehem candidatures for 2015 Tourism Awards presented. 

Middle Eastern countries have outlined also their fantastic touristic and cultural potential with: Turkey, Egypt, Palestine and Jordan in the vanguard of outlining their powerful cultural asset and explaining their security measures put in place to make tourism feel safe and secure and enjoy a well deserve vacation on sandy beaches of Sharm El Sheik or Alexandria of Egypt, discovering ancient cities of Petra and Jerash in Jordan or the Cappadocia coast in Turkey.

Egypt hopeful for his World Tourism Awards candidatures 

The Central Asian countries tourism potential is expecting to be discovered by the Kazakhstan candidature that is bringing the potential of Caspian Sea, the beauty of Astana-the XXI century capital of the country and the impressive historical legacy of Turkestan-candidate city to WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM IN 2015.

Kingodm of Jordan has high hopes in being elected as World Best Tourism Destination in 2015.

In total an initial number of 29 country early bird registered their candidatures, appreciated Mrs. Teodora Nicolae-press officer ECTT and we are expecting that by the end of January 2015, when we will close the registration process we will have even more candidatures.

Many contenders for the title opted to register their capitals or other landmark cities or regions for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM IN 2015, noted Mrs. Ioana Rosu, responsible for collecting the candidatures for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM IN 2015 cities, which is a first.

In total 14 cities and region`s from across the globe, aspire for the world famous designation.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had stated that: the evaluation process is already started and it is an ongoing research and decision activity.

We will have also countries that will be approach by us, to take part in the selection process, in order to obtain a balanced geographical distribution of the winners of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and we will consider as always where we can have the biggest impact in promoting a new destination like in Trinidad, in promoting rural and social tourism, like in Lao PDR or rebranding a country and reasserting it in the world tourism field like in Zimbabwe case.

We hope that we will have the same global impact and weight in promoting new emerging destination`s and in asserting cultural tourism role and importance. Culture and social benefits of tourism are encapsulated in our attention, concluded President Dr. Anton Caragea his evaluation of 2015 candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

Let`s wish good luck to all the contenders!

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM PUBLISHED A SPECIAL EDITION

On 1 June, 2013 at the headquarters of European Council on Tourism and Trade the latest issue of European Journal of Tourism has being unveiled.

The 8th edition of the European Journal of Tourism is dedicated to LAOS-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2013.

Laos has being unanimously elected as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in 2013 for his fabulous historic and civilization legacy and for his outstanding track record for safety of tourism and for ethical and green tourism.

Benefiting the legacy of Kingdoms of Lan Xang, Luang Prabang, Champasak etc Laos is rich in temples , palaces and historical places that is quasi unique in the world. Also the rich Buddhist heritage is creating the favorable spot for religious and cultural oriented travel.

The latest issue of European journal of Tourism is presenting in extenso the debates hold on the award, the list of competing countries and the long list of reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD to Laos.

Other high-profile articles are dedicated to: the ceremonies held in Vientiane for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD and to the election as member of European Tourism Academy of Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of Lao PDR, Bosengkham Vongdara.

Special highlights of the eight number of European Journal of Tourism are also the visit of the European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation in Laos and the agreements reached on fostering touristic and diplomatic relations between Europe and Laos.

Two pages are dedicated to photo chronic`s to showcase the luxurious ceremonies for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2013 held in Laos.

European Journal of Tourism is a regular publication of European Council on Tourism and Trade destined to disseminate information`s about World Best Tourist destinations, European tourism statistic, evolution`s, laws, regulations and main event`s.

European Journal of Tourism has an average readership for issue of more than 120.000 professional’s that includes the 180 embassies in Europe as well as all major European government institutions, private corporations and the international community at large. As the flagship newspaper of the European tourism community, we are the only publication in the Europe able to reach the tourism highly targeted and lucrative market.

Read on-line the LAOS WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 special issue of EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM




EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM ON ISSUE




EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM ON SCRIBD




EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM ON YOUBLISHER




EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM ON CALAMEO




EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM ON SLIDESHARE

 

BRAZIL SEARCH INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION BY PARTICIPATING TO WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION COMPETITION FOR 2014

On 31 May, 2013 a friendly and cooperation meeting between President of European Council on Tourism and Trade and Ambassador of Federal Republic of Brazil had taken place.

Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea express his amicable fillings and friendly interest towards the recent evolutions in Brazil tourism sector. Tourism is consolidating Brazil’s economic development, is supporting the poverty alleviation programs and creates a platform for a higher standard in the world for Brazil.

All the changes in Brazilian tourism are witnessed with sympathy and interest in Europe, emphasized Prof.Dr.Anton Caragea.



Friendly meeting between President of European Council on Tourism and Trade and Ambassador of Federal Republic of Brazil


H.E. Brazil Ambassador Raymundo Magno made a presentation of the latest achievements in tourism sector and bilateral relations: opening new hotels, adopting new promotion strategy, adopting a regions development strategy and increasing state support for tourism activities all this are building new bridges of understanding between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Brazil.

On this note, Brazil Ambassador present his country candidature for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 emphasizing that Brazil wants to be the first country to be presented on the competition as a sign of recent development in tourism.

Receiving WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD for 2014 will be a perfect completion of a period of greater international standing for Brazil on world arena. After candidature for World Expo 2020, for football championship and sports game today the candidature for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2014 is part of Brazil strategy of capturing the world imagination, concluded Ambassador Raymundo Magno.

The parties had appreciated that between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Brazil are large areas of common interests, designed to forge a good understanding between the two organisms. The European Council on Tourism and Trade- Brazil relationship must be an example for a better relation between Europe and Latin America.

If in the last decade the bilateral dialogue with this area was faltering, now it is an auspicious moment for reconstructing and rebuilding this framework of dialogue and friendship.

The dialogue had continued on concrete aspects and analyses of economic, tourism, political and cultural bilateral relations and on ways of fostering this dialogue on to the future.

Professor dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism had express his appreciation for Brazil desire to obtain the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD IN 2014 and declared that Brazil is one the most important contenders to the title and have`s a lot of arguments in his favor and this candidature will be reviewed and will be considered in due time with all the attention.

The discussion led the foundations of continuing the dialogue and fostering the relations between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Brazil.

ACADEMICIAN BOSENGKHAM VONGDARA OUTLINES LAOS TOURISTIC SUCCESSES

On behalf of the Lao government and people, it is my pleasure and delight to welcome all delegates to the presentation ceremony of the World's Best Tourist Destination Award for 2013 to Laos.

Today, the Lao government and people are proud and delighted to have received this honourable prize, which demonstrates the great achievements of tourism development in Laos. Laos offers impressive tourist attractions and services for tourists from across the world.



Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of Lao PDR-Academician Professor dr. Bosengkham Vongdara and European Council on Tourism and Trade high ranking official`s delegation in Vientiane.

I would like to take this opportunity to praise and express my sincere gratitude to the European Council on Tourism and Trade and all tourists for highly valuing Lao tourism and selecting Laos as the World's Best Tourist Destination for 2013.

I would like, especially, to welcome Prof. Dr Anton Caragea, Chairman of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, and his delegation to Laos to attend the ceremony and present the award.

The Lao PDR is diverse in languages, cultures and customs, which have been inherited from our ancestors over thousands of years. The country is rich in spectacular natural resources as well as having a long and civilised history and well-known archaeological sites, which further boosts Laos' tourism potential. With great effort and a high sense of responsibility by the Party and government since the 4th Party Congress in 1986 outlined a comprehensive renovation policy to open up for foreign cooperation, tourism has played an ever more prominent role in the country's socio-economic development. The government has defined policy and taken action to develop and promote cultural, natural and historical tourism. To facilitate the growth of tourism and services, the government has done its utmost to develop infrastructure such as building roads to link all regions across the country as well as connecting with neighbouring countries. Over the past 4-5 years, the government has exerted utmost efforts to increase the number of border checkpoints to integrate with countries in the region and the world at large. At present, the Lao PDR has 23 international checkpoints, of which 21 can issue visas. Laos has four international airports (Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Savannakhet International Airport and Pakxe International Airport). Visas have been exempted for citizens of Asean member countries. Laos has also granted visa exemptions to citizens of Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Russia, Mongolia and Luxembourg. The authorities have redefined that visas issued at checkpoints permit the holders to stay in Laos for 15 days, reduced from 30 days previously. According to Prime Ministerial Order No. 15 issued on June 20, 2006, these visas can be extended by the provincial authorities instead of only by the Vientiane authority as before. In addition, the government grants three-month visas to foreign citizens of Lao origin who acquire visas from Lao embassies, which can be extended for another three months. However, visas issued at border checkpoints grant only a two-month stay with another two months of extension. After implementing the aforesaid tourism development and promotion policy, the tourism sec tor has grown rapidly. From 1990 to 2012, foreign tourist arrivals have risen by an average of 20.36 percent annually. In 2012, Laos registered 3,330,072 foreign tourists generating total revenue as high as US$513,576,784. By 2013 the number of tour operators had risen to 275 companies. Hotels and guesthouses have also increased and in 2012 there were 3,526 hotels and guesthouses offering 35,857 rooms. Laos now has 1,493 official tourist sites comprising 849 sites of natural interest, 435 sites of cultural interest, and 209 historical sites.

 



Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of Lao PDR-Academician Professor dr. Bosengkham Vongdara deleivering acceptance speech for LAOS: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD IN 2013.

The Lao PDR shares similar characteristics with many other countries, such as different and diverse traditions and customs among its multi-ethnic people. There are also impressive archaeological and historical sites such as Luang Prabang, the historic town and living world heritage site, and Vat Phou Champassak, which is another world heritage site dating back to the 12th century. In addition, the historic caves of Viengxay (deemed to be the birthplace of the Lao PDR) have become an open-air museum, while the Plain of Jars is expected to be listed as a world heritage site in the near future. The Lao PDR also has rich and beautiful natural sites suitable for development as ecotourism attractions and green industry without smog or hazardous pollution, which will become new relaxing sites to impress visitors from the region and the world.

Community-based eco-tourism programmes have become Laos' unique feature and have great potential because they give visitors the chance to get in touch with and taste nat ure, as well as the everyday life of local people and the customs practised by the Lao multiethnic people. To translate the tourism development strategic plan for 2011-2020, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in collaboration with provincial authorities have carried out nature-based tourism activities with the participation of local people by making use of the local potential and conditions of each province. Such activities were first initiated in 2000 in Luang Namtha province, called the ‘Community-based Eco-tourism Programme'. Similar programmes now exist in all 17 provinces involving 40 districts and 160 villages, and have generated income directly for local people.



Because of these progressive great achievements of the Lao tourism sector coupled with the impressive progress made in socio-economic development across the country, Laos has been praised by tourists and friendly countries across the world, justified by the fact that Laos has been awarded many honourable and impressive prizes as follows:

In 2008, the New York Times named Laos as one of 53 countries it described as the world's top tourist destinations.

The world heritage site of Luang Prabang received the Top City Gold Award after being voted the world's top tourist destination by Wanderlust, a UK based travel magazine from 2006 to 2008, and again from 2010 to 2012.

The Community-based Eco-tourism Programme in the Nam Ha Protected Forest Area in Luang Namtha province also won an award for ‘best poverty alleviation project' and ‘best services' given by the United Nations Development Programme. And today, we feel proud and honoured that the European Council on Tourism and Trade awards Laos with the World's Best Tourist Destination Award for 2013. This honourable prize will make Laos even more popular among tourists across the globe, and will drive the development of the tourism sector in our country.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Dr Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, for highly valuing the development of Lao tourism. I agree with his comment that “In the 21st century, tourism has become an important bridge for friendship and relations among nations in the world; it is also a way to promote peace and mutual understanding and lead the way to a good future.”

The Lao PDR stands ready to continue to develop the tourism sector to contribute to establishing and enhancing friendly relations among nations in the world to make a joint effort to promote peace and mutual understanding, together entering into the proper future of development under the sky of peace, friendship and sustainable cooperation.

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to wish Party and state leaders and honourable Lao and foreign guests participating in this ceremony good health, success in your noble tasks, happiness and prosperity, and further contributions to the tourism development of our country for progressive success.

I would like, especially, to wish Professor Dr Anton Caragea and high-level delegates from the European Council on Tourism and Trade good health, success in your noble tasks and happiness, and to further contribute to promoting Lao tourism in Europe and across the globe.

ACADEMICIAN MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU PRESENTS CONGRATULATION TO ACADEMICIAN BOSENGKHAM VONGDARA

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

We are here to award to Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, the Honorary Membership of the European Tourism Academy.



He asked me to speak from the heart, not from the books. This is not a “laudatio”, so I do not have to tell you almost anything about the curriculum vitae of Prof. Vongdara. You all know him, and what I can say is that he had an outstanding career as professor, as politician, as a member of the Party and a member of the Executive.

We all know how hard and sometimes painful is to increase our knowledge, to become experts in one area or another. Professor Vongdara had the chance to bring his theoretical and practical expertise and knowledge into the politics and executive matters.

Tourism is not an easy task. We consider that developing a quality tourism is at the crossroads of many domains of a nation’s life. The fine job done by Prof. Vongdara at the head of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, we consider to be the beginning of a globalization process of Laos tourism, and we hope in the very next future that Laos will become an important actor not only in the ASEAN and in the neighboring areas, but as a world preferred tourist destination.

Also from our hearts again congratulations for being awarded the highest tourism prize, the World Best Tourist Destination for 2013 to the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos by The European Council on Tourism and Trade.



We are congratulating you Academician Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara the newest member of European Tourism Academy.

PRESIDENT DR. ANTON CARAGEA KEY NOTE SPEECH AT WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD CEREMONY

Your Excellency Mr. Asang Laoly ,Vice-Prime Minister of Peoples Democratic Republic of Lao, 

Your Excellency Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith ,Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice-Prime Minister of Peoples Democratic Republic of Lao,

Your Excellency`s distinguish members of Government of Peoples Democratic Republic of Lao

Distinguish guests ,



We have all gather here to pay homage to an idea and to a country that embodies this idea.

The idea is encompass in the simple truth that: in XXI century tourism has become a bridge towards knowledge and friendship between peoples and countries , a way to promote peace and understanding , a road that leads towards a better future.

We have also gather here to express our appreciation for a country and a people that will embody in 2013 this triumphant spirit of tourism: the people of Lao.

I must re-emphasize that: tourism is in the XXI century, not only a way to enjoy life, to discover new places, new cultures but also a mass phenomenon that combines sightseeing, recreation and health care.

Tourism has become, in the world today, an intrinsic value of human life and experience and what I like to call a natural right of all people: the right to move freely, to express freely and to enjoy a life of adventure and discoveries.

Undoubtedly, for a country tourism is a constant and serious source of revenue, is becoming an important factor to promote development, to build roads, to offer to people a source of income and employment, a source of prosperity.

But, material significance of tourism must not elapse the true value of tourism: as a way for people`s to build bridges of friendship and tolerance , to discover different cultures, ideas and way`s of life, to embrace the beauty of being different .

We must also clearly mark that: tourism must be based on a set of values such as nature preservation, cultural and historical patrimony conservation for future generation and exactly for this need we have carved WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD as an international recognition for the country`s that are respecting this values .

I must say what a privilege is for our delegation to honor a country that is becoming a WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.

It is also a great pleasure to address our salute to the great people of Lao, a people that had build throughout centuries a perfect civilization, with hundreds of monuments of historical and civilization relevance ,a people that had offered to humanity countless riches: from religious temple and scriptures to literary texts and historical writings .

Today, Lao had become a cultural and touristic world power and the main credit belongs, without a doubt, to the great people of Laos, that from 1975 onwards is constructing a life of dignity, liberty and tolerance in a free country.



Today, in a world that rarely accepts and tolerates difference, we come to honor a country of TOLERANCE, in a world crowded with pseudo-culture, without a form and substance , we come today to honor a TRUE CULTURE , in a world that is loosing the true values, we come today the honor a real TOURISTIC VALUE, in a time in which to many speak and do not act for historical sites preservation , we come to honor a PARADISE OF HISTORY , we come to honor the People`s Democratic Republic of LAO .

Here, we have all gather to show our support for the values of humanity, of educational and cultural tourism . We are all here in the search for a country that offer to tourists a complete experience , a country that educates spirit, elevates soul and gives everybody a lesson in history and culture.

We all have found in LAO the perfect teacher in tourism, offering to all the tourist`s of the world the possibility of a safe, pleasurable and enlightening tourist experience.

Among the reasons leading to awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 title to PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS our report had taken under consideration:

- The preservation of an outstanding historical and cultural patrimony that comprises wonderful sites such as: Wat Phu- a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 12th century, the remarkable site from Plain of Jars, offering an insight into Neolithic civilization and a rare window into traditions of centuries.

A name that needs no introduction: the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, with the gems of Haw Kham and Vat Xieng Toung monastery.

I could continue for hours this list of treasures, but I will enumerate just in Vientiane- Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple of the city and the world famous That Luang complex.

Today, Lao is offering an open air museum, a rare collection of historical and archeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

- The preservation of religious sites of world significance and value such as: Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important of world Buddhism monasteries and remains a significant place for the spirit of religion and traditional art. Other sites that must be mentioned such as: Wat Phu ( UNESCO heritage site) and Champasak Cultural Landscape ( under UNESCO recognition).

Keeping alive spiritual tradition, integrating tourist`s and visitors in the atmosphere of the Lao people, offering possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that transform Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO in a spiritual destination of first hand.

- Promoting a new concept of community based tourism, friendly to nature, with low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest eco-climate.

Community based ecotourism is a way to share revenues and income, to support rural communities in prospering and presenting there foodstuff and handicrafts to the world and to make the base for an economic local development. Sharing tourism benefits to all the population, offering a social tourism it is a lesson that Lao is offering to the world.

Supporting Lao community tourism project as a way to spread wealth, it is a duty for everybody and one of the main reason for portraying Laos as a world example of democratic tourism , a tourism that is not only offering benefits to the rich, but to all people. Lao example must be appreciated and supported , and all tourist that are going to Lao must know that an investment in Lao tourism is an investment in the future of Lao people.

- Offering to tourists not only a historical and outstanding cultural experience but also the possibility to explore nature , to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to visit extraordinary space such as: Nam Ngum reservoir , Bolaven plateau, Mekong river islands , Mekong river boat trip , Tad Kouangsi waterfall , the cave of de Ting . All this are model of achievements in ecological and green tourism that must be world recognized .

- The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO, the transformation of Vientiane in a historical and spiritual center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Lao.

For all this reasons, among many others, European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 title to PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS and to declare PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS- FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2013.

This title is an international recognition of Your work for Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO until today, in the service of history and civilization, tourism and culture , in the service of the people of LAO, but is also a challenge because now we are expecting your services in the future benefit of the world culture and tourism.

May this award be transformed in a support for developing the international standing of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO , for a sustainable tourism and development and in a base for further success for SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL - Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO .



Is my privileged to award Your Excellency, as representative of tourism of PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS the award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 .

We congratulate You and people of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO for this outstanding achievements.

LAOS TOURISM STRONG POINTS

Among the reasons leading to awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 title to PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS,   the report had taken under consideration:



- The preservation of an outstanding historical and cultural patrimony that comprises wonderful sites such as: Wat Phu- a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 12th century, the remarkable site from Plain of Jars, offering an insight into Neolithic civilization and a rare window into traditions of centuries.

A name that needs no introduction: the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, with the gems of Haw Kham and Vat Xieng Toung monastery.

The list of historical treasures from Vientiane such as: Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple of the city and the world famous That Luang complex.

Today, Lao is offering an open air museum, a rare collection of historical and archeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

- The preservation of religious sites of world significance and value such as: Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important of world Buddhism monasteries and remains a significant place for the spirit of religion and traditional art. Other sites that must be mentioned such as: Wat Phu ( UNESCO heritage site) and Champasak Cultural Landscape ( under UNESCO recognition).

- Keeping alive spiritual tradition, integrating tourist`s and visitors in the atmosphere of the Lao people, offering possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that transform Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO in a spiritual destination of first hand.- Promoting a new concept of community based tourism, friendly to nature, with low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest eco-climate.



- Community based ecotourism is a way to share revenues and income, to support rural communities in prospering and presenting there foodstuff and handicrafts to the world and to make the base for an economic local development. Sharing tourism benefits to all the population, offering a social tourism it is a lesson that Lao is offering to the world.

Supporting Lao community tourism project as a way to spread wealth, it is a duty for everybody and one of the main reason for portraying Laos as a world example of democratic tourism , a tourism that is not only offering benefits to the rich, but to all people. Lao example must be appreciated and supported , and all tourist that are going to Lao must know that an investment in Lao tourism is an investment in the future of Lao people.

- Offering to tourists not only a historical and outstanding cultural experience but also the possibility to explore nature , to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to visit extraordinary space such as: Nam Ngum reservoir , Bolaven plateau, Mekong river islands , Mekong river boat trip , Tad Kouangsi waterfall , the cave of de Ting . All this are model of achievements in ecological and green tourism that must be world recognized .

- The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Peoples Democratic Republic of LAO, the transformation of Vientiane in a historical and spiritual center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Lao.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE VOTE TO SUPPORT DUBAI CANDIDATURE FOR WORLD EXPO 2020

On 4 April 2013, in the luxurious and impressive surroundings of Palace of Parliament, the Official Opening of the Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 took place.

The exhibition organized by Embassy of United Arab Emirates in Romania and European Council on Tourism and Trade is destined to express Europe’s cultural and political elite support for Dubai candidature to host WORLD EXPO 2020 International exhibition.

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of President of European Council on Tourism and Trade-Profeessor dr. Anton Caragea and President of Romanian Parliament-Valeriu Stefan Zgonea.



Professor dr.Anton Caragea MA,FINS opening the support exhibition for Dubai`s bid for WORLD EXPO 2020.

Present on the venue where also : members of European Council on Tourism, representatives of Romanian Parliament and Romanian Government, members of Diplomatic Corp accredited to Romania and countless Romanian and foreign diplomat’s, academicians, personalities of culture and art etc.

In the opening speech, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) had underlined that DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 Art Exhibition is destined to offer the official support of Parliament and Government of Europe and Romania to the bilateral relationship between Europe and United Arab Emirates, viewed as a strategic relationship for the future of both nations.

″Dubai must and will be the host of EXPO 2020 as it have received more than 51 millions visitors last year and more than 10 million long term visitors have stayed in the city in 2012 alone. Also Dubai is the most dynamic city in the Arabic Golf, encompassing more than 200 nationalities and hosting over 200 events yearly. Dubai is the driving force of the region in term of economic development and is the symbol of geopolitical shift towards Asia as the main engine of economic growth. Dubai had also allocated the most generous resources for the venue of 2020 WORLD EXPO and is the natural center of the trade roads connecting South Asia, Europe and South America via Africa, in what is today called the XXI Century New Silk Road.

Electing Dubai is the practical thing to do for Romania and the world, is what the common sense dictate and the most successful choice″, concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea- President of European Council on Tourism and Trade(ECTT).



President of Chamber of Deputies-Valeriu Stefan Zgonea express his staunch support for a strategic relations: Romania-United Arab Emirates.

Taking the floor, President of Chamber of Deputies-Valeriu Stefan Zgonea had outlined the main reasons of support: ″ United Arab Emirates are the natural gateway for Romanian products, funds and people to the open gates of Asia and reciprocally Romania is via Constanta Harbour the natural gate for UAE products and investment towards Europe. This are create the background of a long term and strategic relations between our countries ″ concluded in thunderous applause the President of Chamber of Deputies.



Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei express the firm and unwavering support for Dubai:Host of WORLD EXPO 2020.

Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei-Director of European Council on Tourism and Trade had conveyed a full hearted message of support: ″Romania's decision to support the candidacy for EXPO 2020 of Dubai city is just one episode of this collaboration and friendship.

Between Europe and Romania and the United Arab Emirates there is a long tradition of over 25 years of diplomatic cooperation and there is a noteworthy decision to mutually support their applications and all international initiatives and international organizations.

Therefore the European Council on Tourism and Trade ’s decision to support the candidacy of Dubai city for EXPO 2020 was a natural decision, inscribed in the mutual agreements and part of the long tradition of diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

Here we are united in support of the UAE, our strategic partner in the Arabian Gulf, both the government and the opposition support together Romanian’s national interest to cooperate with the United Arab Emirates.

Finally I want to wish every success in his mission to bring the two countries, to His Excellency, Mr. Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani, and UAE Ambassador to Romania and appreciate the contribution of Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade in making this special event and exhibition″

The speech of former. President of Romania Mr.Emil Constantinescu expressed the fact that: ″ it is no surprise that Dubai has won the support of Romania, a natural choice since Romania is interested in all three major objectives which Dubai Expo has proposed: sustainable development, energy and water saving, support the mobility of people, goods and ideas in what Dubai has called: The New Silk Road of the XXI century and the discovery of new economic opportunities and new development models.

Therefore I can only congratulate the Government and Parliament of Romania and Presidency of European Council on Tourism and Trade for the decision to support Dubai in achieving its ambitious goals for the World Expo. I also congratulate the UAE Embassy for their success ″.



Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu express the European view: only Dubai can host WORLD EXPO 2020.

Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy stated that: our institution and the European Tourism Academy are re-stating the same unconditional support for the bid of Dubai, to become the host of the World Expo 2020, and to confirm the idea that “Nothing shapes the world like the imagination.”

All the political declaration that fallowed underlined the fact that there is a general sense of unity among opposition and power alike in the Parliament in supporting the strategic relationship Europe-Romania-United Arab Emirates.

The speakers recalled that last year after European Council on Tourism and Trade announce of support for Astana (capital of Kazakhstan bid to WORLD EXPO 2017) the city of Astana won the bid to host the world expo. Everybody express the hope that, after today’s support for Dubai, and the city of Dubai will win WORLD EXPO 2020 bid.



UAE Ambassador – Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani states his appreciation for the European Council on Tourism and Trade support for Dubai-WORLD EXPO 2020 host.


In an emotion charged speech, UAE Ambassador – Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani took the stand and expresses his appreciation for the showered praises and feelings of support express toward his country. This solidarity and the desire of building an improved connection is a guarantee that the present day perfect political bilateral relation and economic investments of United Arab Emirates in Romania are just the beginning of a developing relation.

In the end Mr. Mahmood Al Bastaki, CEO of Dubai Trade Center had presented a short movie about Dubai preparations to host EXPO 2020 and stated that the WORLD EXPO 2020 in Dubai will be a universally shared success.

The final moments of the ceremony where dedicated to a stroll along 36 huge photos of today’s Dubai landmarks, observed traditional UAE handcrafts and then the guests enjoyed a huge cake named in honour of DUBAI-HOST OF WORLD EXPO 2020.



Professor Dr. Anton Caragea receives a symbol of United Arab Emirates from Ambassador Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani.

The Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 was broadcasted by 6 European and Romanian televisions’ (, Realitatea TV, B1TV, TVR 1, National TV, N24 Plus and Travel Mix) and receives dozens of favourable reviews in the press supplementary emphasizing the strong impression left by United Arab Emirates to European and Romanian public.

The Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 was registered as a sign of Romanian determination to re-candle a traditional connection with the Arab world and was highly appreciated by all Arab diplomatic corp present to the event.

The Exhibition DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020 had being transformed in a powerful landmark in the bilateral relation, a prefect moment to boost Europe-UAE friendship and to insure for Romania a place along side the winner of WORLD EXPO 2020: DUBAI.



Coffee making.

 

United Arab Emirates traditions.

 

Visitors crowding the Palace of Parliament to see Dubai Exhibition.

 

Dubai exhibition in the Palace of Parliament.

 

The Huge Cake honoring DUBAI-CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO 2020.

 

Ambassadors of Palestine, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia and Albania cutting the Huge Cake dedicated to Dubai World Expo.