WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD
INFORMATION`S ABOUT WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD
H.E. European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea announces to the world community the victory of CAMBODIA as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2016 and crowned the country with the title of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2016 ( Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, June 2016)
H.E. Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia, Academician Hun Sen receives on behalf of people and Government of Cambodia the Crystal Trophy, the symbol of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD from European Council on Tourism and Trade high ranking delegates
(Phnom Penh, June 22, 2016)
WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is recognized as a creator of peace, harmony and development flagship in the world and receives the coveted designation of GLOBAL MESSENGER OF PEACE.
H.E. Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Academician Hailemariam Desalegn and Government of Ethiopia receiving WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD from European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation ( Addis Ababa, July 2015)
ETHIOPIA IS WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 !
H.E. Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Academician Hailemariam Desalegn and Government of Ethiopia receiving FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2015 from European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea
( Addis Ababa, July 2015)
H.E. President of Zimbabwe Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Government of The Republic of Zimbabwe receiving WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD from European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation ( Harare, June 2014)
Government of Republic of Zimbabwe lead by Minister of Culture of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe tourism Authority CEO-Karikoga Kasege receiving FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2014 AWARD from European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation (Harare, June 2014)
Government of Laos receiving WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD from European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation ( Vientiane , May 2013)
The WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION is the highest honor to be awarded for a country for achievements in tourism .
This award is offered to the countries that are complying with World Tourism Institution: European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) principles on fair tourism, ethical tourism and safety standards and historic preservation of cultural sites.
Historical background.
In 2006 a collective of international specialists in tourism , tourist education, tourism regulation experts and academics from European member countries decided that the new century requires a special prize dedicated to influence and support development of tourism in non European countries , cultural tourism , historical sites preservation and to direct tourism towards countries of social and cultural values .
On this occasion was decided the title and the methodology of the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD.
According to 2006 decision of Board of European Council on Tourism and Trade the Prize should be awarded under such considerations as : This award must be offered to the countries that are embracing tourism as a resource for cultural and social development, who respect ethics of human relations and preserve cultural and natural heritage as the receivers cities and countries must prove their commitment towards sustainable development, fair tourism and historical preservation .
The title should act as a booster for tourism in that place but in according with international tourism accepted laws and regulation as decided by European Council on Tourism and Trade .
Among the reasons for awarding this title the Board should have under consideration : the promotion of a free and fair tourism , safety of tourists , facilities offered, access to historical and cultural significance sites, the amount of investment in historical sites preservation, cultural protection investment , use of tourism income for the creation of an economic social balanced climate , historical value etc.
Through is programs: World Best Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism, The EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE (ECTT) was recognized as an integral part of the FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION project.
ECTT is giving a voice in world tourism, cultural potential and development to all the nations of the world being a global supporter of FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.
Nomination criteria and selection.
Every year the Academic Board of European Council on Tourism and Trade specifically invites qualified tourism academics, experts in tourism , European Union`s and world tourism policy makers, personalities, former recipient of the award to submit nominations for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD .
These nominators are selected each year by decision of Board of European Council on Tourism and Trade :
– Members of European Union`s Tourism Organizations and National tourism Organizations from European Union
– Other members of national parliaments and national governments of European union`s members country`s
– Present members of Board of European Council on Tourism and Trade are ex officio participating
– Former members of Board of European Council on Tourism and Trade are participating by base to base invitation only
– University professors from fields of history , tourism , international relations, from European Union
– Important international personalities form tourism environment.
Nominations are usually submitted until 1 of August of the year in question but the update and new name are accepted until the completion is closed. The statues of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD guarantee the secrecy of nominations, procedure, considerations and investigation for a period of 50 years after the prize have being awarded.
The nominations are not representing anything else than the opinion of the nominators and are not involving the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade in any way. Only the final public decision is endorsed by the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade .
Selection.
Nominations are evaluated and consider on a year round basis by the Academic Committee until a short list of candidates is created and circulated. In the final stage each of the prior recipients of the award are requested to offer their opinion on the short listed candidates in 20 days. The decision is ideal if is a unanimous one but this is not always achievable so the largest consensus will be the base for final decision. There is not final date to announce the winner and no pressure on the committee in order to insure that they just and correct decision was taken.
Awarding the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD.
The President of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade presents the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in the presence of a delegation of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade in the capital or city that is obtaining the status WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD.
The WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD receives a diploma of honor, a scroll certifying the authenticity of the title and a special trophy.
International personality’s opinions on WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD.
During the years many international personalities expressed their high regards and esteemed in connection with WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD here are some of the reactions:
President of Republic of Zimbabwe-ROBERT MUGBE
WE ARE EXUDING WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE FOR EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE !
The full speech presented on this privileged moment can be read here:
Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe;
The Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Joice Mujuru;
Members of the Politburo;
All Cabinet Minister and Members of the House of Assembly and the Senate;
President of the Chiefs Council and all Chiefs here present;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA speech at WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD for Zimbabwe.
As always, the ceremony for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the embodiment of an idea and the universal proclamation of a country that succeeded in materializing this idea to the fullest.
Last year we concentrated on the idea that in the world of today, tourism is a causeway uniting knowledge and friendship, peoples and countries, a way to promote peace and understanding, a road that leads towards a better future for all.
We see the recipient of the WORLD BEST TOURISM AWARD, ZIMBABWE, not only standing for the idea of a resurrection of Africa and African people, but also symbolizing Africa’s determination to undertake the long journey to global significance.
We have also noted with great satisfaction that Zimbabwe has persistently viewed tourism as one of the pillars of its economy, going forward. Your successive economic blueprints, right up to the current one, the ZIMASSET, recognize the critical value-adding role that the tourism sector can play in your economy.
Your Excellency, we are aware that in 2013 you signed the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Golden Book of Tourism. We must congratulate and commend you highly for signing that book. Yours was the 29th signature by various world statesmen throughout the globe, who have pledged their support for global tourism, with its critical role of promoting both the economic, as well as the social wellbeing of the world. Needless to say, tourism can do a great deal of social and economic good for Africa, including Zimbabwe.
Mr. President, in our consideration for whom to give this award to, we learnt, amongst many other facts about your country, of your economic model ensuring that local communities participate and benefit from enterprises that exploit and benefit from the conservation of bio-diversity of both flora and fauna, was born here. We are here to urge you along this course, because that makes Zimbabwe a steward of the earth’s flora and fauna, in its pristine condition, for the benefit and enjoyment of all humanity including Zimbabwe’s own posterity.
Your government’s well placed recognition of tourism as an important sector is also evident in your decision to create a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, back in 2009.
Even more fundamental for us, is your acknowledgement that tourism is a peace sector, constantly building bridges amongst the various peoples of the world.
Your recognition of this truth is evidenced, in part, by the support you have given your Minister of Tourism to travel the world, east and west, ensuring that this bridge between your country and the rest of the world remains intact and promote real people-to-people warmth and friendship.
It is not only for these philosophical reasons that we found your country worthy of this award, the fact is your country if well-endowed with historical and cultural features of great worth and value to all humanity. These range from the massive long-standing architectural structures of Great Zimbabwe monument, and others like it all over your country, to rock paintings and artefacts that symbolize early human civilization. Zimbabwe is indeed a destination of global note and the recognition of many of your country’s features as UNESCO Human Heritage sites says as much.
We did explain in great detail in our 3rd of May Press Release that we put out for this purpose, why we found Zimbabwe a deserving recipient of these awards, but my address would be amiss if I failed to refer to the well-known hospitality and peace- loving nature of the Zimbabwean people. It is quite appropriate that you position your people as one of the Seven Wonders that characterize Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans, both at home and in the diaspora, are generally well-known for their hard-work and cheerfulness – they are a wonder indeed.
H.E. President of Zimbabwe-Robert Mugabe and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA at WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD ceremony for Zimbabwe.
Last but not least, Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not only in Zimbabwe that we have found a naturally and culturally well-endowed destination, but it is here that we find an exceptional combination of peace and security, combined with a crime-free environment and an exceptionally hospitable people. Visitors here are bound to feel welcome, safe and secure, and that is probably the reason why the United Nations World Tourism Organization decided to hold the 20th Session of its General Assembly, which turned out to be its most successful, here in Zimbabwe at the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Your Excellency Mr. President, it is my great honor and privilege to hand over this title as an international recognition for all the people of Zimbabwe, all united in the service of protecting and preserving the historical and cultural heritage of your country, leveraging tourism and culture, in the service of the people of Zimbabwe.
This title is also a challenge because we now expect your country and people to hold what you have in trust on behalf of world culture and tourism. May this award be used to enhance the international standing of the Republic of ZIMBABWE-A WORLD OF WONDERS. It is my privilege and honour Mr. President, to handover to Your Excellency, as the representative of your country and tourism, the Award for theWORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014.
Honorable Prime Minister of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Pershad Bissessar
Date: Wednesday October 19, 2011
Venue: Regency 4, 5 &6 of Hyatt Regency Trinidad
Time: 12.30pm
I am indeed truly humbled and deeply honored to be standing here today to accept, on behalf of the People of Trinidad and Tobago, the World’s Best Tourism Destination Award for 2012 from the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade. A non-governmental organisation, this body has a wide ranging membership of tourism representatives within the European Union.
We were also declared the World’s Favourite Cultural Destination in 2012 by the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade.
It is my understanding that this award was unanimously given to Trinidad and Tobago primarily for our history of impressive cultural festivals, environmental conservation and biodiversity protection amongst other factors.
It is not an award that is traditionally given to well-established tourism destinations but it is the highest honour awarded to non-European Union countries that have embraced sustainable tourism as a tool for cultural and social development and that respect and preserve their cultural and natural heritage.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade for having us join other distinguished winners of this award such as the United Arab Emirates, Syria and South Koreea.
But moreover, I thank the Council for recognising what most of us fail to acknowledge and value. And this is … Trinidad and Tobago is brim-full with tourism potential.
We are not the traditional sun, sea and surf destination. What differentiates us from the rest of our Caribbean neighbours is our diverse and rich natural, cultural and built heritage.
This People’s Partnership Government is seriously committed and dedicated to the development of the tourism industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Tourism is an incredibly important pillar in our national economic diversification effort.
We are not paying “lip service” to the industry as some may have done in the past. For too long tourism has been looked down on as a second class service sector.
We recognise that tourism is a business and fiercely competitive. Tourism requires skills, talent, enterprise and more importantly the support of government.
The award of World’s Best Tourist Destination for 2012 is important for several reasons.
Firstly, it facilitates the formation of closer linkages with Europe for tourism, trade and investment possibilities. The European continent, as in its colonial past, is a formidable trading partner especially with the fall of communism and the rise of new economic powers.
Europe is, and will certainly continue to be, a cornerstone for our international business.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The economic and social advancement of this beautiful twin island Republic of ours depends to a large extent on how well we develop and harness our resources. And one such untapped resource is that of tourism.
The award of World’s Best Tourist Destination will significantly assist in branding destination Trinidad and Tobago globally. We must change the perception of our country in the overseas markets. We must celebrate our country and work hard to sell our country abroad.
It is anticipated that this award will open us to untapped European markets that are perhaps weary of the traditional leisure destinations and desire a more exciting vacation experience.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
An important opportunity that this award presents is a platform to advance the commitments of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
As many of you may or may not be aware, in 2008 Trinidad and Tobago, along with its neighbours in the rest of the region, embarked upon a reciprocal trade agreement with one of our largest trading partners – the European Union (EU). The signing of the EPA signalled a shift in our trade and economic development.
We are now required to open our markets to Eastern Union manufacturers and service providers; but the EPA also provides market access for our country’s export of services to the European Union.
The Economic Partnership Agreement also speaks to specific disciplines on tourism services because of its importance to the social and economic development of the European Union and the Caribbean. These rules are complemented by a commitment to legally binding open market conditions for each other. For instance, the Europe Union has made commitments for travel agencies, tour operators, tourist guides services.
Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, have made commitments in relation to hotels and restaurants, marina services and spa services.
The EPA also includes measures that would make it easier for European Union investors to invest in the Trinidad and Tobago. This award, then, will provide a platform to attract increased investment and to promote growth and development in the tourism sector.
The Economic Partnership Agreement is, therefore, rendered more relevant, more strategic and more focused on deliverables.
Honorable Prime Minister Kamla Pershad Bissessar receives WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD for 2012.
The World’s Best Tourism Destination award will, moreover, engender a measure of national pride amongst our citizenry and raise the level of public confidence in Trinidad and Tobago as a tourist destination.
We should be proud of our country and its tourism potential. We have so much to be proud of, so much to share with each other, and so much to show off to the rest of the world. Let us not doubt or question our intrinsic value.
In closing, ladies and gentlemen, I must take a moment to publicly acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices of our tourism community … the stakeholders in our midst. The last few years have been quite challenging for all in the tourism industry.
But rest assured that the tourism industry will get the backing it needs.
But we cannot do it alone. We have all to work together. The private sector in the lead but with government acting as a facilitator; supporting every step of the way.
I want to urge you to continue working with commitment, energy and enthusiasm for the betterment of the tourism industry.
I thank you. God`s richest blessings on us all.
Academician Bosengkham Vongdara
Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of Lao PDR
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 honorable prize, which demonstrates the great achievements of tourism development in Laos. Laos offers impressive tourist attractions and services for tourists from across the world.
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.
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.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu, had participated in the awarding ceremony for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD .
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu congratulated Turkey citizens on receiving the diploma of the title of honor of “WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD ” of European Council on Tourism and Trade and Professor Anton Caragea presence and the great success of the international forum dedicated to the national holiday. In this regard, the distinguished guest said that Turkey was proud to be one of the first states to receive this high honor of being declared WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION .
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Republic
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mamedyarov, who had arrived Ankara to participate in the International Conference on Tourism : Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister congratulated the Turkey leader on receiving the prestigious title of “WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION ” , of European Council on Tourism and Trade and Professor Anton Caragea presence. He said that European Council on Tourism and Trade, is one of the major research centers in tourism in the world.
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION HAND OVER CEREMONY HELD IN VIENTIANE-LAOS
LAO PDR BECOMES WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2013
Between 5 to 10 May 2013 a high ranking official delegation of European Council on Tourism and Trade, under the leadership of H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on Tourism and Trade ( ECTT) was invited for a working visit in People`s Democratic Republic of Lao( Lao PDR).
The Government of LAO PDR and ECTT delegation at the handower ceremony for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2013.
The delegation had also the outstanding task of presenting to the people and Government of Lao PDR the highest honor in tourism: the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2013.
The visit has being encompassed in the rapid developing bilateral relation between Europe and Laos, in a rapid evolving dialogue and a reciprocated desire to establish an extensive and consolidate partnership, Laos being presently the main partner of our European Council on Tourism and Trade in the South-East Asia area.
In the framework of H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea visit an inclusive discussion was held with H.E. Thongsing Thammavong -Prime Minister of Lao.
H.E. Thongsing Thammavong -Prime Minister of Lao PDR and H.E. President of Dr. Anton Caragea in an inclusive discussion.
Tabled at the meeting where the extension of bilateral exchanges in areas such as economy, tourism, culture and political dialogue.
H.E. Thongsing Thammavong -Prime Minister of Lao has outlined for European delegation an extensive presentation of the Laos economic situation as a country in full and ample development, with a rate of annual economic growth of 4 to 7%, and an expansion rate of incoming tourists of more than 20% annually and being counted amongst economic tigers of the area.
Also the Prime Minister had expressed the sincere appreciation of the Government and People of Laos for the instrumental role played by Professor dr. Anton Caragea in promoting Laos image in the world and in bestowing the WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION title for Lao.
On his turn, professor dr. Anton Caragea had emphasized the strong points of Lao: political stability, impressive economic development and the clear express desire to extend the bilateral relation.
The visit H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea lead delegation had included also an extensive dialogue with H.E. Dr. Bosenkham Vongdara, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Information, and H. E. Vice-Prime Minister Asang Laoly and Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith-Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Tabled at the meetings where issued such as the establishment of a Council for Business and cooperation, Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Consulates and other structures destined to enhance the economic , cultural and political partnership.
H.E. Dr. Bosenkham Vongdara, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Information in a fruitfull dialogue with H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
H.E. Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Information expressed his appreciation for the Professor dr. Anton Caragea support for Laos in championing at European level with considerable influence and energy the country as a WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.
During the discussion with Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara , professor dr.Anton Caragea had presented the arguments for Lao PDR being considered as a world power in culture and tourism , noting that in XXI century that values of a nation is encompassing the cultural and historical patrimony and in this regard Lao PDR is an outstanding country.
At the end of the meeting, professor dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy had bestow the title and insignia and certificate of European academician to H.E. Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Information for his unremitting efforts in promoting tourism as a tool for peace and development.
Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy bestow academician insignia to Academician Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara.
The program of European delegation headed by H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea also included a strong cultural element like visiting UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang, That Luang National Stupa, Vat Siseket temple, Vat Xiang tong, UNESCO classified monuments such as: Vat Vixun, Vat Phat Tai, Royal Palace of Luang Prabang, Phusi and Xieng Tong temple ad National Museum Kaysone Pomvihan etc.
Also a special program was carved off for professor dr. Anton Caragea as WORLD AMBASSADOR OF NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS to visit special natural; monuments situated along the banks of Mekong river.
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had highly praised the decision`s taken by the Government of Lao PDR to protect natural patrimony, environmental protection and sustainable development for this important touristic areas.
On 9 May 2013 in an impressive ceremony full of pomp and paraphernalia the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2013 was bestow to the people and Government of LAOS.
The ceremony reuniting leaders of Government of Lao PDR, diplomats, academicians, business community, cultural and media representatives had included the presentation of the AWARD FOR WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2013, the presentation of the main landmark beauties and scenic spots for tourism in Lao an emotional charged speech of H.E. Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Information and concluding a large area of fashion presentation, music and dance spectacle that impress favorable the numerous assistance.
By the outstanding organizing the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CEREMONY in Vientiane, the Government of Lao PDR had proved his extraordinary capacity to host international events and to organize high resounding world meeting.
The successful and felicitous visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation , the high level and inclusive dialogue with the relevant authorities of Lao PDR, the reciprocated vision of rapid evolving relations, the clearly marked economic, touristic and cultural opportunities are all testament`s of the desire to further extend the dialogue.
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARDED TO PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS FOR 2013
THE HIGHEST TOURISM HONOR
WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARDED TO PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF LAOS FOR 2013
Professor dr.Anton Caragea opens the European Council on Tourism and Trade session to elect WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013.
On 26th of April 2013 in a public séance of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, gathering representatives of tourism organizations from European continent has debated the list of candidates for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2013.
Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of Tourism Academy had presented a report on the last year situation of the Award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION that was dedicated to Trinidad and Tobago and it was used accordingly with rules and regulations and have being proving highly efficient in attracting new tourists and investor`s. In 2012 Trinidad and Tobago had reverse the downward spiral in number of tourists and revenues provided by tourism and was the ONLY country in the Caribbean region that registered an increase in number of visitors despite economic crisis.
Increase in investment, increase in tourism potential and number of foreign visitors was the positive outcome of awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION to Trinidad and Tobago concluded professor Mircea Constantinescu.
Mr. Petru Lificiu, Minister and Vice-President of European Council on Tourism and Trade read out and presented the candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD 2013.
On the debate for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2013 professor dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade ( ECTT) presented the report titled : LAOS : A TOURISTIC AND CULTURAL PARADISE proposing LAOS as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013.
President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Professor dr. Anton Caragea presents the reasons for selecting LAOS as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION.
Among the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 to LAOS the report outlined:
– 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.
– 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.
– 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.
– 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.
Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, Director in European Council on Tourism and Trade.
After hearing the report, Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, from Romanian Parliamentary and Director in European Council on Tourism and Trade had express the feeling`s of all present at the gathering declaring that: LAOS is a strong candidate, with a perfect record of promoting clean, ecological and social oriented tourism and that only a unanimity vote in favor of LAOS could express the European tourism and economic community decisive action in favor of such a world model.
Mr. Mark Doda, representing Balkan countries at the meeting had also stated the desire of peoples of South-East Europe to support a new model of tourism in the present economic climate, a community based tourism on Laos example.
In the end of the debate European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 TITLE TO LAO PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to declare TO LAO PEOPLE`S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC -FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATIONS in 2013.
Delegates from 30 european countries voted in WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION competition.
It was also presented the Official Invitation, on behalf of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of LAO for a delegation of European high ranking official of European Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Vientiane, in person, to His Excellency Minister of Tourism Professor dr. BOSENGKHAM VONGDARA.
European Council on Tourism and Trade conference on WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2013.
Awarding the highest tourism distinction of European Council on Tourism and Trade, accepting the invitation for an working visit of high ranking members of European Council on Tourism and Trade in LAOS, are estimated all tourism experts as a good example of close tourism relations and mutual consensus between Europe and Laos, said at the end of the meeting Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade.
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