BEST TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY FOR 2014 IS PRESENTED COURTESY OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE

On the occasion of European Council on Tourism and Trade General Meeting for 2015 the participants will have the opportunity to watch the best travel documentary of 2014, a production of Laos National Television, presenting the World Best Tourist Destination Award ceremonies, held in May 2013 in Vientiane.

 The announcement was made by Mr. Nicoale Nicolae, media director of European Council on Tourism and Trade in the presentation of the high awaited event that will take place at the end of the month. 

The documentary was broadcasted only in 2014 in 2015 by 28 televisions and watched by more than 20 million viewers.

From 25 june 2015 the documentary will be available (in selections) for the general public to see at European Council on Tourism and Trade channel here.

 

“Laos-World Best Tourist Destination-Unveiled” is a 122-minute travel documentary film, which premiered at the Vientiane World Travel Awards in May 2013.

Since then, it has won six international awards, most of which were first prizes in the best travel documentary category.

Caption from the movie showcasing LAOS-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2013

The art show is presenting the most striking features of Laos-World Best Tourist Destination declared by European Council on Tourism and Trade showcasing the rich history and cultural patrimony of the country, the fashion of past and present Laos people and minorities and different regions of the country, finally culminating with a parade of artists presenting national Lao music and international acclaimed artists.

25-26 JUNE 2015-EUROPEAN TOURISM GENERAL MEETING IS STARTING

Increased regional cooperation, visa facilitation and the better promotion of European tourism are some of the topics, in focus, at the 8th Meeting of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, to be held in Bucharest, Romania, 25-26 June 2015.

Europe is the world’s most visited region and is the main source of outbound tourism to other destination, accounting for more than half of the world’s international travelers.

 In 2014, international tourism in Europe had registered a major contribution to the economic recovery in the region: international tourist arrivals grew by 3% to reach a record 584 million, while international tourism receipts increased by 4% contributing US$ 509 billion (383 billion euro) to the European economies.

The 8th Meeting of the European Council on Tourism and Trade will be held at the Romanian Parliament and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-President of  European Council on Tourism and Trade will play host to representatives from 30 European countries and other tourism stakeholders in the region to discuss policy priorities and set the agenda for ECTT  in the world in 2015-2016.

A special attention will be paid to one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry, mega events like WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and World Capital of Culture and Tourism.

This paraphernalia designation can play a key role in the development of tourism destinations, helping to improve their image, opening new tourism markets, diversifying the product offer, encouraging and fostering job creation and socio-economic development.

ECTT President-Dr. Anton Caragea welcoming his guets on 2014 General Meeting of European Council on Tourism and Trade

  The European leaders in charge of tourism and the international experts will discuss about issues related to WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status:

How to optimize the economic and social impacts of mega tourism events (like WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and World Capital of Culture and Tourism) on tourism destinations?

Legacy of mega tourism events- like WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION: How to best develop destination brands and effective marketing strategies?

Strategic partnerships for the effective planning and development of like WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION-mega events.

The main priorities for European tourism identified by the European national tourism organizations include: the development of cultural destinations and carving transnational products, in order to enhance regional cooperation declared European Tourism President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

THE LEADER OF EUROPEAN ACADEMY-MIRCEA CONSTANTINESCU IS CLOSING THE 2015 WORLD AWARDS COMPETITION

The European Council on Tourism and Trade Awards, created with the help of European Tourism Academy, are recognised as the flagship awards for the global tourism sector.

The awarded  countries, cities and personalities are selected in line with the policies, priorities and programme of work of European Council on Tourism and Trade, including the European Council on Tourism and Trade-Code of Sustainable Tourism and the principle standards set in the European Council on Tourism and Trade development pledge.

This countries and personalities represent some of the best examples of tourism leaders from around the world, that through their exceptional actions and potentials initiatives have placed themselves and their nations on the rostrum of the sector.

European Tourism Academy Director-Academician Mircea Constantinescu, officially announced the closing of competition for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015.

Academician Mircea Constantinescu receives the final candidature for 2015 World Tourism Awards-World Best Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism.

We have received the final application and we have concluded the peer revision and we will be ready to outline our recommendation for the General Reunion of European Council on Tourism and Trade at the end of June 2015.

We are sure that this year, like the previous year`s, our decision will elicit the enthusiasm of travelers from all around the world and we hope that the winner for 2015 will enjoy the same popularity asLaos: who received more than 3 million tourists in the last period and Zimbabwe, who become the best African destination, surpassing in growth all the heavy weights of tourism in the region, concluded Academician Mircea Constantinescu.

In total 31 countries placed their bids for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015 and 16 cities placed their hope on being designated as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AN TOURISM.

ECTT DELEGATION IS TOURING MEDEU AND SHYMBULAK SKI RESORTS

 The ECTT President and his tourism and diplomatic delegation had start the Silk Road discovery tour in Almaty, the city apples as is world renowned, the candidate city for World Winter Olympics in 2022.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea tour had started with Medeu ski resort.

The Medeu ski rink was constructed in 1949, and the first competition took place at the stadium on the February 4th, 1951.   To begin with it was naturally frozen by its location, but, to control its use, it now has a normal refrigerated.

 

The statistics of the ring are really impressive.   It is located on the eastern outskirts of Almaty at an altitude of 1,690 metres and has an area of 10.5 thousand square meters of ice.   

The altitude has made the ring the highest skating ring in the world.

Shymbulak inspected by ECTT delegation on 28 April 2015 

The Shymbulak Ski Resort is located 25 km outside Almaty city, in the Medeu Valley. 

There are three ski lifts at the resort with the highest going to 3200 meters above sea  level. There is also a 4 star Hotel located at the Resort, enabling those wishing to ski during the day, have a place to stay at night. 

Shymbulak – this is a place that has something for everyone with  a variety of routes, including the soft and gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates skiers and snowboarders as well longer trails for the experts., Shymbulak has a FIS downhill , wild valleys with untouched snow and terrain park  for new-scholars,  and special routes with moguls. Every year Shymbulak makes improvements to the trails.

Shymbulak has 3,620 meters of certified trails by International Ski Federation (FIS). In addition, there are many off-piste lines for expert skiers and snowboarders. And if you have never stood on skis or a snowboard – it means it’s time to learn. 

Experienced instructors from our Snow School will gladly help you with equipment and teach you the skills to enjoy more of the mountain. You can learn all styles: freestyle, slopestyle, carving, or just a refresher to start your holiday right. Rentals of ski and snowboard are available along with locker facilities. .

Located in the resort is a hotel, restaurants, cafe, and coffee shop with a variety of cuisine to suit all tastes.

Shymbulak is a place to relax, not only in winter, but also in summer!  The beauty of the mountains is incomparable and must be seen and appreciated. 

At the foot of the wild and unexplored mountains are long valleys, which are covered with pine forests, amazingly beautiful meadows. And in the summer, camps for children are running. 

Development plans of expansion are planned within the complex, increasing the length of the cable car as well as other improvements to the slopes and trails.

Shymbulak Ski Resort” is a great prospect and is a favorite place for recreation and entertainment for Almaty residents, and tourists.

For more information regarding Shymbulak Ski Resort please visit the following link.  http://www.shymbulak.com/en/

ALMATY-THE PERFECT TOURISM SPOT IS VISITED BY ECTT HIGH LEVEL DELEGATION

European Council on Tourism and Trade high level delegation will begin a three -day visit to Almaty, on Monday April 20, 2015, to observe the potential role of the city as the starting point of SILK ROAD touring program.

It is worth mentioning that Almaty is also a strong candidate for World Winter Olympics of 2022.

Almaty-the starting point of Silk Road in Kazakhstan

The visit is part of a larger tour to assess the region role in international tourism and the chances to revive a Silk Road of tourism in XXI century with the support of European Council on Tourism and Trade prowess.

Almaty, known as the gate to the ancient Silk Road and crossroad between Europe and Asia, is competing against Beijing in a race that was reduced to two candidates after the withdrawal of four bidders because of financial and political concerns.

Tien Shan mountain ridge towering over Almaty-the perfect winter sports place

The 5-member ECTT promotion commission, chaired by ECTT President Anton Caragea, will visit the proposed sports venues and meet with Kazakhstan government leaders to discuss their plans and promotion strategies in case of wining the bid.

European Council on Tourism and Trade has a long track record of promoting international candidature on a world level.

During last year`s European Council on Tourism and Trade has successfully supported Dubai as candidate city for World Expo 2020,Astana as host of World Expo 2017, both, candidatures crowned with clear successes.

We have to asses the growing demand for winter sport infrastructure in the region, but also the significance and relevance for the host city and region, and country of hosting winter games and sporting events, President Dr. Anton Caragea said.

Kazakhstan hosted the 2011 Asian Games, and will stage the Winter University Games in 2017 and also the World Expo in Astana.

 Almaty must be marketed as a clean, open, friendly city, with sophisticated touristic and sport infrastructure, with incredible landscape and powerful history, offering true winter conditions and plenty of real – not man-made – snow.

Almaty city is presenting the most compact bid in three decades, with all venues within a 30-kilometer (18-mile) radius of the Olympic Village.

Almaty has a projected a budget of $1.859 billion and an adjacent infrastructure budget of $1.636 billion.

It will be a pleasure for us to measure the developments of Almaty, a city that is capital for the region future and development, that is marked as the open gate towards Silk Road and that have a pivotal role for tourism in Central Asia, stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-ECTT President.

WHAT IS SILK ROAD ? WHY EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE IS SUPPORTING THE INITIATIVE ?

European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) is one of the pivotal organizations involved in the re-birth of TOURISM ON SILK ROAD. A STRATEGY FOR XXI CENTURY.

H.E. Tajikistan President- Emomali Rahmon and European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea are creating the tourism project of Silk Road 

This strategy was launched in 2010, during Professor Dr. Anton Caragea- ECTT President discussions with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and in 2011 with Tajikistan President-Emomali Rahmon and will be given a new impetus during European Council on Tourism and Trade trip on the SILK ROAD.

The trip will start from Almaty and will continue to Shymkent, Taraz, Turkistan-Sauran and Kyzylorda during 20 to 29 April 2015. 

The Great Silk Road is rightly considered to be one of the remarkable achievements of the medieval civilizations.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proclaimed as a new world tourism leader by ECTT President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea 

It succeeded connecting countries and nations from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean and brings together material, art and spiritual cultures. 

This ancient Silk Road should become the backbone of tourism and travel industry of the region and have a powerful attraction that can lure world tourists and bring together handicrafts, technologies, ideas and beliefs.

Historical Landmarks on the Silk Road to be visited by ECTT 

Among the historical landmarks on the Great Silk Road are such cities as the ancient city of Mary-Merv, located in Turkmenistan and called by Arab historians the “father of the cities”, the majestic construction of Emir Timur epoch – the mausoleum of Hodja Ahmad Yassavi in the Kazakhstan historic town of Turkestan. 

The Great Silk Road however is not only the network of caravan trails and a number of cities and towns which used to be stopping places for traders. 

It is also a magnificent scenery: mountain peaks and alpine meadows of the Tien-Shan and the Pamir’s, sandy deserts intersected by a unique handmade construction – the Karakum Canal, glittering waters of Lake Issyk-Kul and relic pine forests of Borovoye, skiing resorts of Chimgan and Beldersay, picturesque Charvak water reservoir and a number of other notable places to visit. 

Those who fancy extreme tourism could try their strengths by mountaineering, down-stream boating or rafting on the rapid mountain rivers, or, just as ancient pilgrims did, to make a horseback riding or even more exotic camel riding along desert dunes.

On The Silk Road Today

Great Silk Road undoubtedly one of the most attractive tourist routes of the world of today.  

It is much due to the revival of the Great Silk Road that the mankind has access to the global heritage of different nations that for thousands of years lived along this great transcontinental arterial road and that formed and matured their varied cultural wealth. 

European Council on Tourism and Trade had started with the help of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan from 2010 onwards to carve out a long-term tourist project aimed at the promotion of tourism in this region.  

Turkistan-the heart of Silk Road Project

Great Silk Road deserves   to be the center of attention,states Professor Dr. Anton Caragea

The Great Silk Road has not succeeded in penetrating the mass conscience of tourism because was carved out as an inter-nation project where a traveler is under the stress of visiting several countries. 

The revolutionary European Council on Tourism and Trade strategy is to market each country as a part of Silk Road adventure and to offer the experience each country at a time, giving tourists the time opportunity to learn about the past and the present of these countries. 

All of the landmarks along the route like many other historic monuments are major tourist attractions and should be visited by travelers all the year round. 

Also should be promoted the fact that some of the countries of the region relay strides to offer high-class services for tourists offering developed infrastructure and comfortable hotels. 

This country should be promoted and presented as offering the full experience of SILK ROAD IN XXI CENTURY. 

The visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation from 20 to 29 April 2015 will offer to Kazakhstan the status of the homeland and main stop over on Silk Road re-birth strategy and together with Turkmenistan resurgence as a touristic hub will create a perfect strategy for Silk Road development.

TRAVEL ON SILK ROAD ! DISCOVER THE MAGIC!

SILK ROAD project is getting a major supporter in the presence of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-European Council on Tourism and Trade President and his delegation in a tour around the ancient road of civilization and trade.

The discovery tour and familiarization trip by European Council on Tourism and Trade high level delegation will concentrate on the SILK ROAD in XXI century on the territory of Kazakhstan.

The European Council on Tourism and Trade visit will start on Almaty-the father of apples city

The familiarization trip of European Council on Tourism and Trade will start on the Mountain of Tien Shian slopes where Almaty, former capital of Kazakhstan is bidding for hosting the Olympics Games.

Almaty can become the starting point of a shorter version of Silk Road offering a venue for visiting Taraz, a cultural center connected with Central Asian folklore and the legend of Aisha Bibi and perfect equipped center for visits to the natural reserves of the area: Zhungar gates, Taskarkum, Ili delta, Balkhash, lltyn Emel National Park, Koksu Valley and Khan Tengri.

Kazakhstan has constructed a perfect infrastructure for tourists  to exploit the Silk Road in comfort.

Another stopover for European Council on Tourism and Trade will be the modern city of Chimkent, that can offer to tourist the modern facilities and help them to discover the magic lands of Otrar, Sayram 9the 11 century center of Nestorians faith and the mausoleum and mosque of Aristan Bab.

Aristan Bab Mousoleum- a must see in Silk Road 

The delegation will be hosted for two days in the center of culture and art of Silk Road: Turkistan, home of majestic monuments like Hogea Ahmed Yasawi listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site and Friday Mosque on Kul Tobe hill and the perfect art monument of Rabiga Sultan Begim mausoleum.

Kyzylorda a city of history and leissure: beaches on the river banks 

The familiarization trip will continue towards Sauran-the former capital of White Horde and will be finalized on the ancient wall city of Kyzylorda, on the legendary banks of Syr Daria River.

The ten days familiarization trip of European Council on Tourism and Trade will be the main event in promoting the Silk Road program in 2015 and in offering limelight to the region and the necessary imagistic support for the development of tourism in South Kazakhstan.

CHAIRMAN OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE VISITS TURKMENISTAN SCENIC SPOTS

The month of April 2015 was  witnessing extremely important events in the Central Asia tourism dynamics.

European Tourism Council President received in traditional manner on Ashgabat

Amongst Central Asian nations Turkmenistan is making headway with Ashgabad becoming the first ever WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov named as Academician of European Tourism Academy  and recognized as a World Leader in Tourism (2011).

With European Council on Tourism and Trade support and promotion Turkmenistan registered more than 1 million tourist`s per year.

ECTT President and Minister of Economy of Turkmenistan are holding regular consultation. 

Turkmenistan is also receiving on yearly basis since 2010 an European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation for a familiarization trip.

 

ECTT President-Dr. Anton Caragea is surrounded by the Turkmenistan National Musical Group

The tourism and cultural relations between Europe and Turkmenistan had entered into a new phase with the presence of the 5th European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) delegation in Turkmenistan.

The delegation toured Turkmenistan touristic facilities and hot spots in the framework of the annual ECTT visit during 6 to 12 April 2015.

Under the leadership of H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, the European tourism delegation had marked the continuous development of the tourism cooperation between Europe and Turkmenistan.

 

ECTT delegation tours Konya-Urgench- a world cultural tourism site 

During the latest five cultural delegation` s European Council on Tourism and Trade has contributed with ideas and information’s to important tourism, cultural and academic events held in Turkmenistan under the President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov supervision such as: Oguznama International Conference , Ethnography  Congress of Turkmenistan , International Congress of the 15 Anniversary of Turkmenistan Neutrality , Turkmenistan in the Epoch of New Revival and finally the International Congress dedicated to life and work of world renamed Turkmen poet: Nurmuhammet Andalip.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation visited the world heritage UNESCO site of Kunya-Urgench where they participated at the festivity dedicated to the great Turkmen poet Nurmuhammet Andalip works and visited the world renowned monuments of Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Ahmad and famous Sufi philosopher Nedjmedin Kubra.

 

President Anton Caragea received by the President of Parliament of Turkmenistan 

The European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation was received by Turkmen Parliament Presidency and hold talks at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy of Turkmenistan.

The parties had agreed on intensifying the bilateral relation, the tourism relation`s between Turkmenistan and European Council on Tourism and Trade being considered as excellent and was emphasized the need to foster economical cooperation dimension on bilateral relations.

During the dialogue with Turkmen authorities H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade was presented with the framework of State Committee for Tourism of Turkmenistan, who was established in 2012 and to the significance of the Committee for the Awaza National Tourist Zone.

Awaza tourist facilities created with European vision and Turkmenistan desire to become a touristic hot spot

During next year (2016) visit to Turkmenistan H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade promised that the familiarization trip will concentrate on Awaza tourist potential and will direct an awareness campaign for this region.

Turkmenistan Minister of Foreign Affairs who hosted the European Council on Tourism and Trade familiarization trip to country express his appreciation for the long term support and commitment offered by European Council on Tourism and Trade for tourism activities in Turkmenistan and for promoting the high standing of the country in the world and for promoting Turkmenistan as a safe and cultural first class destination in the world.

CASPIAN SEA VACATION CENTRE PROMOTED BY EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM AND TRADE

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had decided in 2011 to build and international promote a special Caspian Sea, all year round, resort named “Awaza” National Tourist Zone development.

“Awaza” National Tourist Zone: a pole of development for CASPIAN SEA

The plans were supported by the expertise and cooperation of a European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) delegation that visited the country in 2010 and 2011.In the present stage of development , in Awaza has over 30 hospitality objects fully  functioning – comfortable hotels, recreation and health centers, cottage complexes, and other objects of the tourist infrastructure; they are capable to accommodate over 7,000 holiday-makers.

During summer season with European Council on Tourism and Trade promotion support, they are working to full capacity.

Since this year’s summer, with launching of the yacht-club, completely new for Turkmenistan sports – windsurfing, yachting and sailing, other water sports – are opened of the guests of resort.

 

ECTT delegation toured the Caspian Sea riviera

Intensive development of the pastime and amusements industry, the growing increase of the quality and range of services motivate the inflow of tourists to “Awaza” resort, which increases constantly its demand-driven occupancy capacities to meet the demands of various categories of holiday makers.

Thus, the projects of high-class five-star hotels (300-350-seat capacity), a network of economy-class hotels (3,000-seat total capacity), a many-profile sport complex, aqua park and the park with game attractions, new green-zone projects, and the projects of the artificial Awaza River shores landscaping were submitted to the Head of State for consideration.

 

The tourist inflow increase will entail increase of the number of service personnel of different specialization; many new jobs will appear in the course of the resort infrastructure development.

For the tourists travelling by car, one more many-tier parking ground will be built in “Avaza”.In the course of new projects presentation ceremony, the project of one more pleasure boat was submitted to the President of Turkmenistan for consideration.

To advance the marine intercity transport system, construction of marine passenger terminals is projected in the towns of Turkmenbashi and Hazar, and Gyzylsuv settlement .

Having approved the majority of the projects presented, the President of Turkmenistan gave a start for launching them by signing the relevant Resolutions. Thus, in compliance with the documents, in August of 2015, three new high-class (300-seat and more capacity) will be put into operation in the “Awaza” National Tourist Zone.

The European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation will attend the opening of the new resort and will outline new proposal for Turkmenistan President consideration.