PRESIDENT DR. ANTON CARAGEA TO OPEN 2019 WORLD TOURISM DAY MANIFESTATIONS

January 8, 2019

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of Global Tourism Institutions (European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy) will open the 2019 YEAR OF TOURISM and will attend the WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 celebrations.

The high level attendance is designed to emphasize the importance of world tourism in development of the today`s world and to support the activities of global tourism and cultural institutions.

This come in line with the decisions taken on the Autumn 2018 Meeting of European Council on Tourism and Trade and the official celebrations for WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 that had taken place at the headquarters of global tourism institution.

 

The events had taken place under the leadership of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President and a string of key decisions for tourism and culture future in 2019 had being taken.

 

 

 

The main issues debated where the selection of the 2019 host cities for World Tourism Day, and the announcement of official theme of the next year tourism celebration for European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade.

 

This theme will be instrumental also in the selection of new candidates for hosting world tourism awards ceremonies in 2019.

 

 

 

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Main world tourism and culture awards ceremonies slated for 2019:

World Capital of Culture and Tourism

World`s Best Tourist Destination Award

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Phnom Penh, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia and Djibouti city, the capital of The Republic of Djibouti were selected as the official model cities for World Tourism Day celebrations and official hosts of global tourism events.

 

 

Both Djibouti and Phnom Penh where in previous years selected as World`s Capital of Culture and Tourism and globally recognized as centers of heritage, tourism and culture.

 

The city of Phnom Penh has also obtained WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status in 2016 and hosted the World Tourism Awards ceremonies the same year establishing himself as a powerful tourism and cultural center of Indochina.

 

 

 

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Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

Read more:

♦ THE GUIDE AROUND PHNOM PENH

♦ PHNOM PENH: THE CITY OF WATERS!

♦ A VISIT TO PHNOM PENH! HIGHLIGHT OF A PERFECT CITY! 

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Cambodia and Djibouti have won the honor to be global examples in the tourism and cultural world for 2019.

 

 

On the venue of the same event the WORLD TOURISM DAY 2019 theme was decided to be History and Tourism: A symbiotic relation!

 

The theme is destined not only to enliven tourism during 2019, but also to emphasize that tourism is inextricably linked with historical legacy.

 

History is the main attraction that is creating tourism demand and visitors expectation is linked with the existence of historical and cultural heritage.

 

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More information on Djibouti tourism potential and strategy can be extracted from these sources:

DJIBOUTI: WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

SIX ARGUMENTS THAT BODE WELL FOR DJIBOUTI`S TOURISM FUTURE

WHAT YOU DIDN`T KNOW ABOUT DJIBOUTI

AFRICAN TOURISM ON THE RISE

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Tourism must also be organized in such a manner to not impede conservation efforts, to support raising awareness on historical monuments and to help to acquire the financial support necessary for historical preservation activities.

 

 

Tourism and history are inseparable, are growing from the same tree: the sapling  of culture and civilization.

 

History is the root of tourism development and tourism must feed and nurture historical preservation as leaves are feeding the tree said Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-global tourism president.

 

The next year celebration for World Tourism Day will take place in 27 September 2019, placing under the spotlight the culture and civilization as an integral part of tourism growth and role in the sustainable development goals agenda.

 

 

The European Council on Tourism and Trade was established as the voice of global tourism and culture for European nationsand has gradually evolved since 2005 in the main driver of world tourism development.

 

It is focused on member countries’ politics and statal agenda in terms of tourism and trade and produces strategies, research and studies on tourism and cultural development implemented  worldwide.

 

Its membership includes state actors, private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.

For more information you can access:

CAMBODIA-HOST OF 2019 WORLD TOURISM DAY

DJIBOUTI-HOST OF 2019 WORLD TOURISM DAY

NATIONS HOSTING OF 2019 WORLD TOURISM DAY


PRESIDENT ANTON CARAGEA DECLARATION FOR NEW GLOBAL TOURISM AMBASSADOR: PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA: ACADEMICIAN HUN SEN

December 24, 2017

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea held the distinct honor to keep the opening speech for the nomination of the first GLOBAL TOURISM AMBASSADOR named for a full term mandate for the period of action of Sustainable Development Goals Agenda until 2030.

 

On this occasion in recognition of the role of paragon of development of H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, the leaders of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals, European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy elected him as the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

Tourism is in the world of today a linchpin in achieving and enhancing world development, creating much-needed employment and opportunities for growth and social inclusion and creating much needed economic resources to be used to protect and promote the cultural heritage.

Tourism in the world of today is the new form of diplomacy, bringing people, nations, creeds and religions together, in order to foster mutual respect and tolerance.

(Professor Dr. Anton Caragea)

 

The world has a voice in the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: ACADEMICIAN HUN SEN, PRIME MINISTER OF CAMBODIA.

 

 

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President in Cambodia in 2017 – WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and PHNOM PENH – WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

 

 

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, European Council on Tourism and Trade President held a key note and empowerment speech explaining the main reasons for this election of Cambodia`s Prime Minister as a world leader in development and as a key figure in the global fight for sustainability and growth.

 

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE PRESIDENT

PROFESSOR DR. ANTON CARAGEA

 

 

DECLARATION FOR GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

FOR

HIS EXCELLENCY SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO

HUN SEN,

PRIME MINISTER OF KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA

EUROPEAN ACADEMICIAN

 

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

Your Excellency Mr. 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,

We are meeting today for a historic moment, the nomination of the newest GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS in the person of H.E. Academician HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia.

 

It is not by chance that we met here in Phnom Penh, recently sacred as World Capital of Culture and Tourism as this is absolutely the correct address to find the world newest global ambassador and the voice supporting world-wide peace and development and fostering tourism as a tool for promoting people to people exchanges, peoples diplomacy and deep-rooted understanding and dialogue.

 

It is absolutely befitting that Cambodia will help the international community to have a voice in development and peace and that Khmer people give us the perfect example in building a new world, a better one.

 

It is not the first time that the world is looking to Cambodia for leadership and a path to glory and growth.

 

Fourteen centuries ago the world looked in awe to Khmer Empire for guidance, for a world example of civilization.

 

Angkor become a university for all the people of Asia and Indochina, from here spring up the giant temples, the powerful legends about daring goods protecting humanity, here was carved the delicate art of dance that will charm and enticed the world and become known across the ages as the Khmer civilization and made Cambodia to act as a beckon of culture and light to the world.

 

Prime Minister Hun Sen is a son of this proud history and in my long discussions with him I always appreciated his interest and desire in keeping alive the ancient cultural traditions and protecting the world heritage sites of Cambodia ( I will remember you all his determination in liberating the ancient temple of Preah Vihear and restoring it to The Kingdom of Cambodia patrimony without shedding a drop of blood, only by diplomatic skills and passion).

 

His love for the people of Cambodia, his tireless dedication for their well being made Cambodia what it is today: a center of world economic development with an annual growth rate of  7%, the most attractive market for investors, the most rapid job creator economy in the region and a country that has become a leader in tourism development.

 

Phnom Penh has been transformed from the ghost city of 1979 into the host of  World Economic Forum for 2017 and elevated to the status of World Capital of Culture and Tourism.

 

A country than in 1979 has received zero tourists was transformed into the Kingdom of Wonder, World Best Tourist Destination of today, a welcoming home to more than 5 million travelers today.

 

If this is not an example in tourism development, then I don’t know what qualifies for one.

Official presentation to the world of the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

 

Cambodia is clearly showing us that in the XXI century what is important is not the size of the territory or the populace, but the will, skill and determination to contribute to the world development.

 

 

 


You can find out more about these topics here:

♦ THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY FOR SDG 

♦ EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY

♦ EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE AND SDG

♦ TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

♦ CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION

♦ GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SDG


 

 

What is more important and maybe sometimes the people of Cambodia may overlook, captured by the unimaginable transformation in their life’s, is that Prime Minister Hun SEN has given them more than national pride, or independence or growth or a stable job or has helped millions to be lifted out of poverty.

 

 

Yes he did all that.. but he did something more for the people of Cambodia, he gives them a sense of direction, of stability in a troubled world, he gives them the conscience that every day will be a better one, that every day things will be done better and more diligent, in a word he gave to the people of Cambodia the diamond of HOPE.

 

This is what we need in the world of today from a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: to help us restore hope to the world.

 

Hope that the reconstruction is possible.

 

There are so many to be reconstructed in the world of today, so many nations plagued by wars, terrorism and destruction or plagued by climate change-related disasters need advice and guidance.

 

And who knows better to rebuild that Prime Minister Hun Sen?

 

I will give you some figures to understand something about the man who has taken Cambodia from zero to hero: from 2 billion GDP in 1979 to 54 USD billions today, from 50 USD per capita to 3.488 USD today, from zero foreign investments to 1,7 billion investment`s yearly.

 

 

From cities reduced to rubble by US bombardments and millions of peoples without home or hope, from abandoned temples and hamlets all needed to be rebuilt, to be restored in the country and with no help, the government led by Prime Minister Hun Sen created this miracle, the Cambodian miracle.

 

Having the shining example of Cambodia of today before our eyes these are the best qualification description and credential for a future GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

Cambodia of today, a country that is rapidly modernizing, that has become a center of encounter and dialogue for all the people for the world, that was transformed in an example of development and that is generously opening his gates for all the nations in search of cultural enlightenment, historical research and patrimony exploration.

 

PHNOM  PENH is today a center for world diplomacy, where crises are settled and statesman’s are finding new ways for cooperation, a center of innovation and inventivity, a place where tradition and new, culture and technology are blending in a perfect way.

 

This is the true calling card for a leader for XXI century, for a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, for a man for whom development goals are not just a piece of paper or words to ring hollow, but are a lifetime work, are part and parcel of his existence and activity.

 

This year in local democratic and free elections, the people of Cambodia have the perfect occasion to pass judgment and express support to Prime Minister Hun Sen vision and they did this admirably, as a testimony of their indelible trust in his foresight.

 

Now we have the privileged and the honor of voting for Prime Minister Hun Sen, the man who created a free and democratic Cambodia, a country where all are equal under the sun of Angkor and where hope still survives.

 

Now we have entrusted him with the highest honor that we can give: to be our voice, to represent humanity aspirations for a better world, to be our world ambassador, leader and creator of visionary policies.

 

I must emphasize that: the recognition as GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS is addressed also to the people of Cambodia.

 

H.E Prime Minister HUN SEN is the democratically elected voice of the people of Cambodia and he represents the will of the Cambodian people, the will of unity, his industriousness, his energy in building a better and powerful and independent Cambodia, this is the marvelous people of Cambodia that we honor today.

 

Last year, I was having a special feeling when I remarked that the world needs Academician HUN SEN exertions and contribution, well this year this appeal becomes more real than ever.

 

In a recent declaration, Prime Minister Hun Sen said he is contemplating staying in the service of his nation for at least ten more years.

 

Well, we need him for at least twenty more, to steer us on the path of development goals completion and fruition and to help us build a better world, a world of peace and understanding, a world of hope.

 

Your Excellency, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Prime Minister HUN SEN we entrust you with the responsibility of GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS reminding you our commitments: to support humanity, to leave no one behind and no one excluded, to build a better world for us all.

 

These are the bonds that unite us, give form to our aspirations, to our belongings, and this is the language of humanism and human dignity, the language of an AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

Prime Minister HUN SEN the world recognized you as THE NEW GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

 

May you lead the world in the right direction!


PRESIDENT PROFESSOR DR. ANTON CARAGEA ATTENDED WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURISM AWARDS FESTIVITY

July 19, 2016

President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea attended the General meeting of world tourism community had celebrated the world level achievers in tourism and culture in a glittering display on 22 june 2016, hosted by the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.

 

President Dr. Anton Caragea officiated over the important moment for world tourism when the Kingdom of Cambodia was officially crowned as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and universally acclaimed as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2016.

 

The full text of the powerful speech delivered by ECTT President can be observed here:

 

WORD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016-CAMBODIA

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

ECTT President-Professor Dr. ANTON CARAGEA

 

 

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

Your Excellency Mr. Thong Khon – Minister of Tourism,

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

Dear guests,

All protocol observed

 

We are all assembled here, on the venue of the most important global cultural event: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARDS, to celebrate the country and the personalities that had contributed outstandingly to humanity evolution.

Humanity, a word that must encompass our greatest achievement: culture, history, development and tourism.

This year theme of world community is concentrated around the role of CULTURE AND HISTORY in shaping our life`s and destinies.

Culture is the bedrock of societies, nations and civilizations.

 

We have to put the world at the right hour: the hour of culture, of history, of civilization!

Culture and history must be recognized not as resource consuming, but as major economic factors, that helps countries to develop and enrich themselves in more ways than just simple economic value.

Countries and peoples are rediscovering themselves by tourism, cultures are resurrected, history is re-lived and people are creating new opportunities by tourism development.

What is a country that is having all of the industrial and technical riches of the world but does not have the cultural contribution, civilization achievements and a history to look after and preserve?

The answer is: nothing!

 

Industrial patrimony is becoming obsolete, technology goes yearly outdated: while the history and patrimony are enriching and are becoming more valuable day after day.

Everything fears time, but time fears history, says a valuable proverb!

This is the answer why rich countries are spending billions in preserving what little history they have, in creating a tradition and a civilization out of nothing!

Because they realize, that by material values alone they will count for little!

ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea declares Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination in 2016

History and culture are the true indicators of a country and a people values and standing in the world.

Today, in XXI century, culture, tourism and historical patrimony are humanity tools of choice for building bridges of information, understanding and cooperation in the world.

In this new world, when tourism is the center of the economy, culture is the heart of a nation and traveling is the new diplomacy that is shaping peoples and nations destiny, there is no more important moment, as the moment when world tourism is choosing his World Best Tourist Destination.

We are fully aware of the importance of our choice, as we have in some years to support tourism as a vector for economic development, others when we have to privilege tourism as factor of unity in the world, but some time we are fortunate to select our winner on the fundamental base: that TOURISM IS WORLD EDUCATOR.

 

ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea on the platform of Cambodia-Favorite Cultural Destination with Royal Opera from Phnom Penh

This, on the account that our decision must lead the way for tourists to discover and rediscover new horizons , to open themselves to new cultures, to immerse in the understanding of new ways of life and creeds.

Our presence here: must be a signal of re-emphasizing our commitment to place history, patrimony and cultural legacy on the world spotlight.

 

We must never let us forget, the simple truth that: our main duty as a world institution is to make tourism a bridge toward culture, a pathway to understanding the world.

In a time when many are preaching dogmatism and narrow mindedness we must insure that by simple act of tourism we touch the soul and the imagination of  the traveler.

This is the rationale, the powerful driving force that etched our decision to universally proclaim THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA as World Best Tourist Destination for 2016.

We could not think at any country more suitable, to teach the world, the real value of culture, the significance of historical patrimony in the resurgence of a nation and in creating a new scale of values in the world.

On the real scale of values, we seldom find a civilization more originally, more splendid and sending a more powerful sentiment of desire to live, to aim the beauty and to never stop striding for happiness and pride as the KHMER CIVILIZATION.

Travelers that will select, this kingdom of wonders and wisdom-Cambodia, as their destination of choice will have the chance of immersing themselves in a magic land, from where humanity learned the values of greatness of ancient Khmer kings, the spirit of beauty of magic Apsaras, carved in the temples of Angkor Watt and Angkor Thom.

Certificate for FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for 2016

 

Here is where the magic never stop`s, the wonder never ceased to astonish us.    Mekong is becoming part of the magic that is Cambodia and the rich waters of the river flow to the plain and by magic they stop their normal course to the Sea and the turn inlands, creating one of the world larges lakes: Tonle Sap, covering1/10 of the territory of Cambodia.

Where can you see such magic: a river that flows upwards?

Only in the land of wonders: THE MAGIC KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA.

Here, in Cambodia, tourists can find themselves and their inner peace and reconnect with God and the world in the magic and wonder of the celebrated WATT of Cambodia.

Here Buddhism will teach you not necessary to become a Buddhist, but to become BETTER: Better Christian, better Free Thinker.

Whatever your religion and creed, Cambodia will educate you, to search for the better in side you and outside: in the world.

This is the wonder of Cambodia!

The striking power of Khmer people, mirrored in the temples of Angkor is  a testimony to the ingenuity and prowess of people of Cambodia enshrined forever   in the stoned Watt`s of the Siem Reap province.

Astonished travelers of XX century, made up stories of extraterrestrial civilizations   coming to build them and as a tourist will see that: these all powerful beings still have a name, a face and an address: is the face of Khmer people, the name of Khmers who labored for ancient kings and the address is only one: Cambodia.

We, in XXI century, we forgot the all conquering power of humans to build, to snatch from nature the materials needed and construct all conquering monuments, that fear neither time, neither decay.

Khmer people and history are here to teach us this valuable lesson: that humanity can do whatever is ambitioning to create!

See Angkor and you will believe!

Today, when we need to be taught also the lesson of humility, of moderation, in our economic and practical goals, the lesson of ecological preservation: Cambodia is also the open book that we need.

 

When all powerful, and all mPresident Anton Caragea and H.E. Prime Minister of Cambodia on the World Tourism awards venueighty, Kings of Angkor conquer all that their ambitions has sought after, they started under the influence of  Buddhist Theravada to moderate their desire, slowly abandoning their cities and create for them a kingdom to conquer, inside their hearts and minds.

When they finish conquering the world, they started to conquer their souls and inner peace!

When nothing in the world tempts them, they started bettering themselves and making the Khmer people in the most splendid of the temples.

I cannot find another civilization, in the realm of history, capable of such a radical change.

Another wonder in the Kingdom of Wonders: Cambodia!

This is making Cambodia the ideal destination for peoples searching their connection with their inner fillings, in quest for their peace of mind and soul; you can never have better allies that Khmer wisdom.

Because thus is Cambodia today: an educator to the world, a provider of wonder, in a century that stopped believing in them, a classical spiritual adventure, a discovery trip in times and places, that is a must see and is richly deserving the appellative of World Best Tourist Destination.

I will not restart the detailed description of all the UNESCO heritage sites existing in Cambodia or perusing the long list of region and cities awaiting their inscription on world heritage list.

I will just emphasize how rare is country that is offering such a diversity of landscapes, climates, cultural and historical beauties as Cambodia.

Educator of humanity, cradle of culture! This is CAMBODIA of today!

We must also mark down Cambodia as a world example in building tourism fair revenue distribution and with H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia, support to the program: ONE VILLAGE/ ONE PRODUCT encourage tourist, travelers or just prospective tourists to invest in local artisans creations.

These revenues are helping community to develop, are helping people restarting their lives, protecting cultural landscape and historical legacy.

Coming as a tourist in Cambodia, is not just a self rewarding adventure, but is also an opportunity to make a responsible tourism, fair trade tourism, supporting local communities and poor rural areas.

We are hailing Cambodia as The Favorite Cultural Destination for 2016 and with good measure also, as we just inscribed as intangible cultural and tourism patrimony heritage the concept of SROK KHMER – the specific Khmer concept of carving a national space and an integrated community of peoples.

The concept of SROK KHMER, offering a special mark of inter-community dialogue and acceptance, of tolerance and friendship, that explains in full how Cambodia can unite peoples and religions, can give them the sense of historical unity and bind them together, in love for a nation and a country.

This concept is also a fundament of Cambodia history and development, a secret to ingratiate in a polite and correct manner, that makes tourist feel at home in this wonderful country.

Cambodia is in itself a World Lecturer in history and civilization, and I could go one for hours, underlining the many reasons why crowning Cambodia today as World Best Tourist Destination, it is just a normal act of recognition of a country so rich in culture and promises of tomorrow that it becomes the embodiment of the tourism for the future, of the tourism for knowledge and experiences, of tourism that is letting us richer in conscience and soul.

 

The story of SROK KHMER continues and is writing today a new and remarkable page: the page of development, tourism and cultural world recognition, the page of CAMBODIA as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016.

ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea declares Cambodia-World Best Tourist Destination in 2016

Your Excellency Mr. Prime Minister and European Academician,

It is with great honor and privilege that I hand over this title, as an international recognition for all the people of Cambodia, all united in the service of protecting and preserving historical and civilization patrimony of your country, in fostering tourism and culture.

I repeat myself in the desire and trust that:  This title must be regarded as a challenge to conquer new barriers, as we are expecting Cambodia future contribution for the development of the world culture and tourism.

I am confident that: our world platform will be transformed in a growing support for the international recognition of THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA, as an open air, open to the world museum of humanity and in a base for further success for A WORLD MIRACLE: THE KINGDOM OF WONDERS- CAMBODIA.

 

It is my privilege to handover to Your Excellency, as the most representative   leader of people and tourism of KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA the award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016.


PROF. DR. ANTON CARAGEA OPENS SUMMER 2016 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE

June 14, 2016

CAMBODIA: THE LAND OF MAGIC- THE PLACE WHERE GOD`S AND KINGS BUILD THE WORLD!

On the framework of the 9th Meeting of the European Tourism organization, held at the Romanian Parliament, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA, presented a tourism analysis and evaluation report titled: CAMBODIA: THE LAND OF MAGIC- THE PLACE WHERE GOD`S AND KINGS BUILD THE WORLD!

CAMBODIA-WORLD BEST OURIST DESTINATION 2016web

The report noted the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION FOR 2016 PRIZE to CAMBODIA:

 

• The excellent preservation of humanity landmarks such as: the Temple of Preah Vihear- the heart of ancient Indochina.
The temple outstanding history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded.
Today the site is particularly well preserved and is offering to the visitors an outstanding vision of grandeur, thanks to his exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.

 

The Siem Reap province is home to the majestically and unique Angkor Archaeological Park – the residence of the Khmer’s Kings from 9th to 15th century.

Angkor Wat Temple before sunset, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Angkor Wat Temple located in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

 

Today this incredible humanity legacy, stretching over some 400 sq.km, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century.

They include the famous Temple of Angkor Watt and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

 

All this sites where recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments.

 

• The rich cultural and historical legacy of Cambodia is not limited to the previous presented list.
In order to fully grasp the natural potential of Cambodia natural parks and natural reservations we must look at the potential of these regions designated in 1993 Royal Decree on the Protection of Natural Areas.

Bayon-Temple

Bayon Temple: one of the humanity landmarks

 

They are encompassing 23 protected areas, which at the time covered more than 18% of the country’s total land area

The royal decree divides the areas into four distinct categories: natural parks (sometimes described as ‘national parks’), wildlife preserves, protected scenic view areas (sometimes described as ‘protected landscapes’) and multi-purpose areas.
Cambodia is also home to rarely and valuable Ramsar sites rated accordingly to RAMSAR CONVENTION of June 1999:

 

A stretch along the Mekong River approximately 37 km long and 14,600 hectares in Stung Treng Province
Boeng Chhmar and associated river system and floodplain, 28,000 hectares in Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces (part of a designated multiple use area)

Koh Kapik and associated islets, 12,000 hectares in Koh Kong province (part of a designated wildlife sanctuary).

Angko Thom

The awe conquering Angkor Thom Temple- a part of humanity legacy.

 

• Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places.

All these regions and national parks are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.

New prominent landmarks are to be added to UNESCO list such as: Angkor Borei and Phnom Da, the former celebrated as the ancient capital of Kingdom of Cambodia under the name of Vyadhapura and pace at the confluence of Mekong and Stun Sla Ku. This is now home to perfect archeological treasures like sculptures and stones star shaped called stelae.

Phnom Da is famous for his caves, the mud tower and the all sought Ashram Maha Rosei, made in long standing stone and celebrated as a model of architectural ingenuity made out of interior monk housing units blending in the exterior wall.

Udong is the former capital of Royal Cambodia in 17th century from 1740 to 1746.

 

Udong is now a perfect example of a sprawling royal city, but also a royal necropolis gathering the funerary temples of kings that offered to Cambodia a chance of survival in the country darkest times.

Udong is the proof of the resilience and endurance of Khmer spirit in time of peril and dangers.

The project ONES VILLAGE/ONES PRODUCT designed to promote social fair tourism, to sustain rural production and to bring about the rebirth of traditional craftsmanship created and promoted by H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia , is a perfect way of sharing revenue, growing income and supporting marginal and rural communities development.

The way in which social-tourism has become the base for local economic development, for empowerment of remote community and supporting educational and vocational projects benefiting the communities, makes social-fair tourism, the lesson that today-the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is offering to the world.

 

• The ongoing development and protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the transformation of Angkor Region into a historical and spiritual center, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Cambodia.

Angkor must be the world center of religious pilgrimage and cultural tourism offering to world tourists the complex healing experience of cultural legacy, religious special atmosphere and faith imbued air.

 

• The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Angkor cultural complex, an ample palatial complex from the 9th Century, offering an incredible sense of magnificence of one of the Asia greatest empire.

UDONG MOUNTAIN

The sacred mountain of Udong-Cambodia

 

• Today, Cambodia offers tourists bound for the country a rich and perfect open air collection with a rare presence of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

• The KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is also a perfect center for river trips and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for this special kind of tourism, and the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker, its safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top adventure river destinations that make the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA as a perfect cultural class destination.

 

In the speech conclusions, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, MA,FINS, ETA proposed CAMBODIA as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and as receiver of the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2016.