ECTT DIRECTOR VASILE VLASIN OUTLINES THE 2019/2020 NOMINEES FOR WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM AWARD

On behalf of The Secretariat of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) Director Vasile Vlasin presented the list of the applications for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation by the global tourism institution.

The applications for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will be debated and approved during the ECTT Executive Board Meeting (23 April 2019).

Investment Director for ECTT Vasile Vlasin announced that forty-eight cities (48) and regions from Africa, Asia and America had entered into final evaluation stage and had fulfilled the pre-requisite to be considered for the top cultural and heritage tourism award.

European Council on Tourism and Trade Director Mr. Vasile Vlasin (C) and Academician Mircea Constantinescu (L) and Balkan Tourism Chairman Mark Doda (R) presenting the list of candidatures for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

These 48 cities and regions are promising to foster a new wave of tourism development across the world and to leverage and support new tourism-related initiatives and to create more than 500.000 jobs in the next three years and to garner a profit estimated to over 1 billion USD announced Mr. Vlasin.

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The most successful World Capital of Culture and Tourism recipients until now (2019)

PHNOM PENH-THE HEART OF INDOCHINA

DJIBOUTI-THE PEARL OF RED SEA

DJIBOUTI-LA PERLE DU MER ROUGE

ADDIS ABABA-THE DIPLOMATIC CAPITAL OF AFRICA

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By the end of 2019 is expected that out of this 48 contenders two more cities to be registered as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

The pressure is great therefore in selecting these two cites that will lead world tourism in the next period stated Academician Mircea Constantinescu (European Tourism Academy).

The rest of 46 cities will be re-directed for further analyses in 2020 and in the years to come, concluded Academician Mircea Constantinescu, together with the new candidates that are vying for top cultural recognition.

Global Tourism Institution Investment Director Mr. Vasile Vlasin on the scene of Addis Ababa-World`s Capital of Culture and Tourism

The European Council on Tourism and Trade World Tourism Awards are the flagship recognition for the world`s tourism sector.

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Understanding how World Capital of Culture and Tourism recognition can help your nation:

The HOW TO? GUIDE TO WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM CANDIDATES

UNDERSTANDING WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA AND  WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

BREAKING NEWS ABOUT WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

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Since their inception in 2008, the global tourism institution awards recognize the role of culture and heritage around the world in creating a positive impact, fostering peace, understanding and cooperation amongst nations and served as an inspiration for the world tourism.

To this moment, European Council on Tourism and Trade has acknowledged the contribution towards peace and development and supported tourism initiatives around the globe creating more than 100.000 jobs in tourism and helping nations across the world in fulfilling their sustainable development goals commitments.

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The European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) is the global tourism institution responsible for the promotion of culture based tourism, and offering support for responsible and sustainable tourism.

It is the leading international organization in the field of tourism, which promotes tourism as a driver of heritage protection, culture advancement and economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and stewardship to the world tourism.

 

WORLD TOURISM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCE THE THEME OF WORLD TOURISM IN 2018: PROTECTING CULTURE AND HERITAGE

European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has unveiled the world institutions decisions regarding the theme for 2018 tourism year and world tourism day as TOURISM: PROTECTING CULTURE AND HERITAGE. 

Among other executive decisions are also: the opening of 2018 World`s Best Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism competitions from January 29, 2018.  

Starting from this date the embassies, consulates, ministries of tourism, culture can start promoting and outlining the candidatures for the top awards.

European Council on Tourism and Trade has decided the theme for 2018 tourism year and world tourism day as TOURISM: PROTECTING CULTURE AND HERITAGE.

Celebrated worldwide World Tourism Day at European Council on Tourism and Trade is commemorated usually at the end of September each year and hosted in the capital of the country crowned as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION OF THE YEAR.

The decision has being taken on October 4, 2017 by the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and enter into force from January 1st , 2018 and marks the instrumental role of tourism in promoting cultural knowledge and awareness and offering the necessary tool and public opinion support in protecting world heritage.

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Supplementary info`s can be accessed here:

PHNOM PENH THE HOST OF WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018

OFFICIAL WORLD TOURISM DAY 2017

DECISIONS REGARDING WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018    

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Celebrated worldwide World Tourism Day at European Council on Tourism and Trade is commemorated usually at the end of September each year and hosted in the capital of the country crowned as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION OF THE YEAR.

World Tourism Day is celebrated across the world in every country and city interested in harnessing the power of tourism for growth, development and cultural identity and in accordance with the tradition the year receivers of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation are recognized as the official hosts of WORLD TOURISM DAY.

Keeping in respect with this tradition, European Council on Tourism and Trade designated as official host the city of PHNOM PENH, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia being named as the organizer and host of World Tourism Day 2018 ceremonies.

Phnom Penh has just taken up the mantle of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

The main role of the World Tourism Day is to highlight the global significance of tourism as a tool for global development and cultural enlightenment.

Tourism is the greatest educator in the world, stated on the topic the European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea.

This is one of the goals of the World Tourism Day celebrations that are being conducted throughout the world.

The theme for 2018 world tourism selected by EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE is allowing the world to focus on tourism development and to ensure protection of cultural heritage and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism management of World Heritage sites.

European Council on Tourism and Trade decision upholds the role of culture and tourism as tools for development and creativity and support  the relevance of cultural landscapes in tourism and the integration of natural and cultural heritage philosophies and procedures for sustainable tourism development.

The new 2018 session of WORLD TOURISM AND TRAVEL AWARDS of European Council on Tourism and Trade will concentrate on harnessing the power of culture and heritage for the candidates declared as World`s Best Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism.

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More information about WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION are accessible here:

More information about WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM are accessible here:

KEY NOTE SPEECH FOR PHNOM PENH THE WORLDS CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

On December 9, 2017 in the presence of over 3.000 guests, diplomats, tourism and culture experts, members of the Parliamentary Assembly for the Sustainable Development Goals, members of the Royal Government of Cambodia and of the Royal Parliament of Cambodia and European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates and many others high level guests attended the official ceremony for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM handover for PHNOM PENH has taken place.

 

In the pomp and ceremony of the event the Director of The EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, Academician Dr. MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU outlined the reasons and the arguments for the inscription of Phnom Penh as one of the world landmark cities.

The video of the Academician Mircea CONSTANTINESCU key note speech for PHNOM PENH: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM can be accessed here.

This is the full text of the presentation:

ACADEMICIAN MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU: Phnom Penh - is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction.

    WORD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

PHNOM PENH

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Academician MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU

Director of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY

 

Your Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN- Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia,

Your Excellency Dr. Thong Khon - Minister of Tourism,

Esteemed members of Royal Government of Cambodia, members of Parliament of Cambodia, distinguished member’s diplomatic corps

Dear guests,

 All protocol observed,

 

Today is a historical day, is the day when we inscribe the name of another model city on the humanity list of WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

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

 

We are ensuring their presence in the limelight so that we and the future generations can enjoy the world's patrimony wealth and it's variety.

 

The international community must give much more support to the activities promoting the heritage, which is central to our civilizations and this is the main role of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM designation.

 

During last year`s THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM program enlarged and enriched his focus becoming a part of THE AGENDA FOR HUMANITY and a part of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda being part and parcel of the global efforts destined to eradicate inequalities, ensure growth, develop education and cultural opportunities for all and supporting investment and development and integration policies where there are more needed.

 

From an essentially global cultural and tourism program we have evolved in line with the world commitments and concerns onto a world level development program.

PHNOM PENH IS THE NEW WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. Glittering ceremonies!

On this note I must salute the Government of Kingdom of Cambodia commitment to fulfilling the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations and for ensuring that Phnom Penh it is and continues to be a placed for development, creativity, encouragement of free enterprise and initiative and inclusiveness for all who come to this beautiful city.

Inscribing PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we recognize that culture and history are not resource consumers, but are major economic and development factors, that help countries to develop and enrich themselves in more ways than just simple economic value.

Culture is undoubtedly a fundamental part of our life, is marking our identity and is facilitates our encounter, our dialogue, it helps us to share experiences, to search for unknown territories, to go further and further, is inscribed in our fiber and it defines us, is make us human.

Registering PHNOM PENH as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM we are taking act of the Government of Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN commitments and incredible achievements of the last 30 years in carving cultural and heritage protection programs, in ensuring a permanent growth in the quality of patrimony protection and consolidation, in ensuring the preservation and fostering of religions, traditions and cultural and traditional activities.

Today, PHNOM PENH is fulfilling the trademarks of what we are calling the cultural landscape marked by the existence of "mixed properties", blending natural properties and cultural properties.

 

It designates areas where there has been a harmonious interaction between man and nature over a long period, linked to a particular culture, and which provides evidence of a traditional way of life in which nature and culture are profoundly interlinked.

 

Cultural landscapes are described in Article 1 of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage as representing "the combined works of nature and man".

 

 

PHNOM PENH is such a generous area: encompassing the natural setting provided by the confluence of three rivers: the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, the world unique river that is flowing upwards the stream for six months a year.

This perfect natural landscape has become the setting of a rich cultural city that encompasses religious monuments and heritage treasures like: Wat Ounalom the 1443 shrine built for a sacred hair of the Buddha and considered the seat of Cambodian Buddhism who will celebrate 575 years of continuously and uninterrupted religious activities.

 

 

Another landmark is the famous Wat Phnom, built in 1372 and restored and reconstructed in 1434, 1806, 1894 and 1926 and has become a symbol of the capital city Phnom Penh and regularly used for prayer, small offerings, and meditation.

It is a specially charged place connected with the legendary figure of grandmother Penh and from 15th century King Ponhea Yat built the capital in Phnom Penh around this sacred mountain used for keeping the cremated ash of the King.

 

The mountain of Wat Phnom has been transformed in the last 700 years in a place that is uniting Buddhist statues of the Angkorean era with art crafts from the medieval and modern area and also a royal necropolis hosting the stupas for keeping cremated ash of the Royal families.

 

Other religious places and cultural landmarks are Wat Langka who is reputedly one of Phnom Penh’s five original Wats (1422). Established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks, the Wat was named in honor of these meetings.

 

Wat Botum Padei also one of the oldest religious buildings still in use in the city from 1422 and is compound, is crowded with ornate and colorful stupas, including the towering ‘Buddha’s Relic Stupa.

 

 

Wat Koh another one of the city’s five original Wats, established in the early 15th century and Wat Neak Kravorn situated in a perfect picturesque skyline of Boeung Kak lake.

 

PHNOM PENH is not only the seat of rich cultural and religious objectives but is also presenting a long list of tourism centers from the famed Russian Market, Old Market, Central Market, Night Market and a large array of traditional markets, to the incredible riches of the National Museum having on display more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 7th to the 13th century. Treasures include sculptures, 19th-century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins.

 

 

I will just note on the lines the incredible cultural potential of Phnom Penh the fact that: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA was voted as a WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM for the incredible treasures encompassing more than 14.000 priceless artifacts and for the perfect ways that are displayed and imbuing the visitors with the message of culture.

Phnom Penh is far from being just a huge open-air repository of temples, stupas, palaces and incredible museums it is also a place where the energy of his peoples is channeled into huge celebrations like Moon Festival, Water Festival, Royal Ploughing Day, Khmer New Year or famed Buddha Day-Visakh Bochea Day.

 

 

It is a city that it embraces with warmth and gentle attention the soul of the travelers and it’s the real gate to Asia and the unique gem that shines over us with the light of culture and distinction. I also take this moment to congratulate the Ministry of tourism on the initiative to create a special walking riverine prospect offering for tourists the opportunity to stroll around the banks of the famous Mekong.

Initiatives like this are creating the image of a friendly and traveler welcoming city, an image that Phnom Penh so richly deserves.

 

We can say that the European Council on Tourism and Trade was confronted with an easy conundrum at the question: IT IS? OR IT IS NOT PHNOM PENH a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM?

 

The positive answer was clear keeping in mind the impressive history of the city, the enormous cultural and heritage potential of Phnom Penh and the plans put in place by the Government of H.E. Prime Minister HUN SEN in order to carve out an ever better future for the peoples of the city and for those who come to share the life of the gem of Asia: the incredible PHNOM PENH - the city of waters, the gift of Cambodia to the world.

 

 

Your Excellency Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia HUN SEN,

The trailer for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

 

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 PHNOM PENH – THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM CREATES OPPORTUNITIES AND AN AGENDA FOR A BETTER HUMANITY

World Capital of Culture and Tourism has become a program of United Nations AGENDA FOR HUMANITY recognized for his capacity to foster development, growth, opportunities, youth employment, women`s empowerment and offering abridge toward dialogue and goodwill among peoples, nations and cultures.

THE AGENDA FOR HUMANITY is a United Nations tailored program that sets out five major areas for action and change.

Antonio Guterres United Nations Secretary-General noted that  "We must engage our collective strengths and mobilize new partnerships to prevent and end conflicts, reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and address the root causes of fragility... It is critical that we maintain this momentum to advance the Agenda for Humanity and deliver better results for people in the coming years," he said.

 

European Council on Tourism and Trade decided to inscribe WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM as the perfect instrument for Agenda for Humanity and in building up dialogue and development, in fostering people to people exchange and use tourism and tourism investment as tools to achieve sustainable development goals for each nation of the world while keeping at the fore the values of cultural heritage and historical patrimony protection.

 

"I welcome the contribution that the five core responsibilities of the Agenda for Humanity make to help achieve this vision and I am gratified to see the progress that is being made by so many stakeholders to take forward the commitments," the United Nations Secretary-General said.

 

 

THE AGENDA FOR HUMANITY is a United Nations tailored program that sets out five major areas for action and change, the 5 Core Responsibilities, that are needed to address and reduce humanitarian need, risk and vulnerability, and 24 key transformations that will help achieve them.

 

WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM is the program of European Council on Tourism and Trade carved out to support tourism development, cultural protection, economic inclusive and sustainable development and sustainable development goals implementation.

WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM on Agenda for Humanity can be accessed here:

CARACAS WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM CANDIDATURE GIVEN OFFICIAL NODE OF ACCEPTANCE

European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, has accepted the invitation from Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Jorge Arreaza  Montserrat, for a familiarization visit with the realities of the Latin American country.

Jorge Arreaza  Montserrat, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela invited an European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation to see first hand the realities of Venezuela.  

Jorge Arreaza  Montserrat, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela has marked in the official invitation letter addressed to European Council on Tourism and Trade President: As the Minister of People Power for International Relations I consider with interest your participation in this space of magnitude importance and your solidarity in this historical moment when we celebrated the legacy of dignity and  justice of Comandante Hugo Chavez and of President Nicolas Maduro bequeathed to the Venezuelan people and to the Bolivarian revolution.  

The visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates took place from 15 to 22 September 2017 and is part of a broader strategy of the Nicolas Maduro government to develop Venezuela’s tourism industry and to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce dependence on oil income.

Tourism is a tool for a better Venezuela: H.E. Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela presents CARACAS candidature for World Capital of Culture and Tourism to H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on Tourism and Trade.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President remarked: Venezuela has one of the most diverse climates, with ice capped Andean mountains to the west, Amazon jungle to the south, wide rivers and tall waterfalls surrounded by tabletop mountains and unusual rock formations to the southeast, and a gorgeous, pristine Caribbean coast to the north that has some of the world’s finest and exclusive beaches, such as Los Roques and highest waterfalls on the planet, Angel Falls.

President/Professor Dr. Anton Caragea hosted in  MIRAFORES TV studios and  National Venezuelan Television.

During the week-long visit, the high-level European Council delegates hold extensive talks with various officials like: Juan Bautista Arias Palacio – Minister for Basic and Strategic Industries and Socialist Development, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister of Tourism.

President Dr. Anton Caragea receives for discussions at Hotel Alba the Vice-Minister of Tourism of Venezuela. 

Agreements regarding economic cooperation, tourism promotion, TV travel documentaries and  bilateral information exchange and cooperation for SDG completion in the framework of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals where tabled.

Cooperation in the field of tourism promotion and ECTT technical  support for Caracas drafting a coherent plan to obtain the election as World Capital of Culture and Tourism was also agreed.

The highlights of the visit, where the two memorable encounters with President Nicolas Maduro.

On September 19, 2017, Professor  Dr. Anton Caragea took the distinct honor to sign the HONORARY BOOK at MIRAFLORES Presidential Palace.

On 17 September 2017, the delegates part take in the President TV Show: Sundays with Maduro! together with Evo Morales, Bolivian President.

Evo Morales, President of Bolivia presents a tourism booklet to European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation.

During the discussions, the tourism and cultural connections between the two countries were tabled and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has given as gifts to the two President’s his latest book on Interference of Civilizations in European Union Project.

On 19 September 2017, in the conclusion of The International March of Solidarity with Venezuela, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea was invited for a photo session with President Nicolas Maduro, signed the Honorary Book at Miraflores Palace and has given an interview to the Miraflores TV Channel, expressing his support for Bolivarian Revolution role in forging a free and democratic Latin America.

The cultural program of the visit included discovery trips to Natural Sanctuary of Waraira Repano, a tour of Caracas landmarks like The Cathedral of Caracas, Saint Francis, Simon Bolivar birthplace etc.

The cable car of Caracas connecting the city with Waraira Repano.

A special day was dedicated to offering respect for Venezuelan history major figures, with a visit to National Pantheon and a stop to Simon Bolivar funeral monument and Francisco Miranda tomb.

Simon Bolivar: The Hero of Latin American Liberation struggle: a lay over charged with respect for official delegates.

An emotionally charged moment was the visit to Mountain Quarter (Quartel de la Montana) the place where the architect of the Bolivarian Revolution and the apostle of the poor`s: Commander Hugo Chavez is laid for eternal rest surrounded by world gratitude and love.

The delegates witnessed the changing of the guard and where hart struck by the powerful words of remembering for the fallen hero: Chavez lives!

President Dr. Anton Caragea in a moment of respect in front of the Commander HUGO CHAVEZ Mausoleum in Mountain Quarter (Quartel de la Montana).

The ECTT delegation visit to Venezuela has given a new impetus to the relations between nations and their attendance to the world solidarity movement with Venezuela has being registered with gratitude by the people of the Caribbean nation, proudly building a revolution of freedom and dignity.

Venezuela it is blessed with an impressive diversity of natural treasures including crystalline beaches, dense jungles, expansive savannas and imposing mountains and we hope that the beautiful city of Caracas will have a fighting chance in WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competition, stated ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea.

It will be an incredible boost for all Caribbean region concluded the President.

Caracas: a candidate city for WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

The telepheric connecting Caracas and Waraira Repano

Natural sanctuary of Waraira Repano

MIRAFLORES Presidential Palace: the beating heart of Venezuela welcomed ECTT President!

Cathedral of Caracas: a splendid architectural marvel.

Saint Francisc Church of Caracas.