On 24 April 2012, in the luxurious surroundings of Palace of Geology, the Official Opening of the Exhibition ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE took place.

The exhibition organized by Embassy of Republic of Kazakhstan in Romania and European Council on Tourism and Trade is destined to express European support for Astana candidature to host EXPO 2017 International exhibition.

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Members of Romanian Parliament and Romanian Government, members of Diplomatic Corp accredited to Romania and countless Romanian and foreign diplomat’s, academicians, personalities of culture and art etc.

In the opening speech, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT ) had underlined that ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE Exhibition is destined to offer the official support of European Council on Tourism and Trade and of Parliament and Government of Romania to the bilateral strategic relationship between Europe and Kazakhstan and for the candidature of city of Astana for EXPO 2017.

″Astana must be the host of EXPO 2017 as it is the most dynamic city in the Asia region in term of economic development and is the symbol of geopolitical shift towards Asia as the main engine of economic growth and also because Astana is enjoying political support and economic investments of 20 billions euro for holding EXPO 2017 in the best circumstances. Electing Astana is the practical thing to do, is the common sense and the most successful choice″, concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

Taking the floor, Deputy Viorel Palasca, President of Romania-Kazakhstan Friendship Parliamentary Group had conveyed Parliament support for Astana: ″ I assure you of all our support, a traditional one I must add, for Astana receiving a new and deserved international recognition as the host of International EXPO 2017 in a new, dynamic, modern capital that is combining in an outstanding manner the architectural values and the creator spirit of inhabitants of republic of Kazakhstan ″.


Finally, the Deputy V. Palasca had address his warmest congratulations and appreciations for the effort in impeccable hosting and organizing this event to H.E. Talgat Kaliyev- Kazakhstan Charge d`affairs and to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President.

Deputy Ahmet Aledin, Vice-Chairman of Parliamentary Commission for Culture had express the general sense of unity among opposition and power alike in the Parliament in supporting the strategic relationship Romania-Kazakhstan.

Senator Trifon Belacurencu had express the Romanian Senate salute and support for the exhibition, testifying that the Romanian decision to support Astana as host of EXPO 2017 is just an episode in a long history of bilateral support and friendship.

Also he conveyed the Senate congratulation for peerless hosting and organizing this event to H.E. Talgat Kaliyev-Kazakhstan Charge d`affairs and to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President .

The rest of the main dignitary’s present at the exhibition such as Sali Negiat- Secretary of State of Romanian Government, Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, director of European Tourism Academy had underlined the staunch support for Kazakhstan –Romanian friendship and support for Astana as host of EXPO 2017.


A special moment was the speech of Mayor Nicolae Ontanu, in thunderous applause, announcing that Astana is having a street named after in the heart of Bucharest.

Equally warm was received the letter signed by President of Cultural Committee Mrs. Raluca Turcan expressing his pledge in supporting all Kazakhstan initiatives in Romania.

Finally emotion overwhelmed H.E. Charge d`affairs of Kazakhstan Talgat Kaliyev took the stand and express his appreciation for the showered praises and feelings of support express toward his country. This solidarity and the desire of building an improved connection is a guarantee that the present day perfect political bilateral relation and economic investments of Kazakhstan in Romania of more than 3 billion dollars are just the beginning.

In the end H.E. Talgat Kaliyev had presented a short movie about Astana preparations to host EXPO 2017 and stated that the EXPO 2017 in Astana will be a universally shared success.


The final moments of the ceremony where dedicated to a stroll along 20 huge photos of today’s Astana landmarks and then the guest had enjoyed a huge cake named in honor of Astana and patrimony campaign, made specially available for this event.

The Exhibition ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE was broadcasted by 6 European televisions’ (TVR Cultural, TVR Info, TVR 1, National TV, N24 Plus and Travel Mix) and receives dozens of favorable reviews in the press supplementary emphasizing the strong impression left by Kazakhstan to European public.

The Exhibition ASTANA-CAPITAL OF THE FUTURE, the most important cultural event hosted by Europe in 2012, remained opened between 23 and 27 of April 2012 receiving more than 18.000 visitors in this period of time, witnessing the powerful impression left by Astana to Romanian public.

A European delegation, headed by Professor dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT ) was invited for an official working visit to Republic of Kazakhstan between 19-25 November 2012.

The high level ECTT delegation has being invited to visit Astana-capital of the Kazakhstan and Aktau city –main center of the Kazakhstan on the sea tourism program.

The main objective of the visit was to convey the message of friendship and the desire of the European side to strengthen the bilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan in the areas of tourism, economy, culture and mass media.

The Kazakhstan side had expressed his interest in the further development of the bilateral relations with ECTT and the desire to fulfill the basic principles of the strategic relations forged between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Kazakhstan.

The program of the visit was dense and extremely significant in the desire of the two sides to commit the necessary resources in building an economic correspondent of the existing excellent political relations.


The European Council on Tourism and Trade headed by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea held meetings with President of Kazakhstan Trade and Industrial Chamber Mr. Tabyr Esembekov.

During this meeting was presented the opening of Romanian-Kazakhstan Business Council and the parties decided on the opening of the Kazakhstan counterpart to Romanian based Business Council, also where tabled the main topics of the bilateral economic agenda and decided on the visit to ECTT of a delegation of Kazakhstan business leaders in February 2013 and the was decided upon holding the Romanian –Kazakhstan Business Forum during the visit of H.E. President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Romania.

Professor dr. Anton Caragea held discussion with Mr. K. Burkhanov, Deputy of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan who welcomed the visit of the European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation as a landmark visit in the development of the bilateral relations.


Mr. K. Burkhanov expressed also his appreciation for the European Council on Tourism and Trade role in the development of economic relations between Europe and Kazakhstan.

The meeting also underlined the significance of extending economic relations between the two countries and established a calendar of the visits in the next period.

The European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation also held meetings at the Talgo Factory, destined to be the first factory of locomotives in Central Asia and open discussion at the Ministry of New Technologies and Trade and at National Investment Company of Kazakhstan.

In the cultural part of the program, carved by Kazakhstan authorities, for the European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation in the city of Aktau , professor dr. Anton Caragea visited State University of Aktau and the famous historical and religious site of Shakpak Ata.


During his visit to State University of Aktau, professor dr. Anton Caragea and ECTT delegation held talks with romanian professor`s working there on common educational programs and meet the Rector of the University-Dr. Abzhapparov Abdumutalip.


Professor dr. Anton Caragea appreciated the European Council on Tourism and Trade role in establishing joint educational program at Aktau University and express his proud that European Council on Tourism and Trade had constructed with Kazakhstan support a perfect model of educational institution.

Rector of Aktau University- Abzhapparov Abdumutalip asked for European Council on Tourism and Trade in having more professors for finance, economy, engineering and other areas stating that European Tourism Academy professors are among the best in the world.

Than European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation visited museums and cultural and touristic objectives in Aktau area , the main being the sacred place of Shakapak Ata, a special historical and religious significance sanctuary for people of Kazakhstan.

Professor dr. A. Caragea delegation visit to Kazakhstan proved to be instrumental in the development of the bilateral relation between the two states and extremely efficient in fostering the strategic relations existing between the two countries.

Connected things is the best hope for progress, and for successful and peaceful existence in the generation to come.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum-Ruler of Dubai


On 4 April 2013, the cultural and political community of Europe under the high patronage of European Council on Tourism and Trade is celebrating the tremendous achievements of city of DUBAI, from United Arab Emirates, in the impressive Exhibition: DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO.

The Exhibition: DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO is designed to express the European cultural and political community support for the Dubai`s bid for hosting EXPO 2020 and to present to european public the new, lofty and impressive capital of Emirate of Dubai, a part of United Arab Emirates.

Dubai is one of the greatest mega polis in the world and has rapidly turned into one of the most beautiful, energy efficient, visionary and environmental friendly capital of the world.

We must also emphasize that Dubai is priding himself as being uniquely situated, as a bridge between the rapid emerging Chinese market, the opportunities offered by Indian market and by rapidly developing Latin America`s economies.

The natural venue of contact between the wealth of Europe and the emerging markets, Dubai is perfectly situated as the natural leader of WORLD EXPO competition.

Encompassing more than 200 nationalities, ranked as the first center for finance in the region, hosting more than 10 million visitors annually and more than 51 million transit passenger’s and being constantly listed as one of the first 10 cities in the world in term of tourism, Dubai is emerging as the top of WORLD EXPO 2020.

The generous theme, selected by Dubai for WORLD EXPO entitled: CONNECTED MINDS, CREATING THE FUTURE! is offering a large area of opportunities for the participant countries to host themes ranging from environmental protection, to economic development, tourism and ways to build tolerant environment for cultures and religions etc.

Supplementary, Dubai is representing not only a paramount fruition and an outstanding effort of the Emirati, but also an example of world cooperation in the city construction, an ambitious and peerless project: a capital for the future.

Bucharest, capital of Romania, is hosting the Exhibition DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO also to impress upon the strategic dimension of United Arab Emirates -Europe bilateral relations and to state about the brotherhood feeling between the cities of Bucharest and Dubai. Also the exhibition is stressing the feeling that European Council on Tourism and Trade and United Arab Emirates are building a common destiny of friendship and cooperation.

During the Exhibition DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO, the messages of European Romanian support for Dubai candidature to WORLD EXPO 2020 will be read out by Mr. Valeriu Zgonea, President of Romanian Parliament-Chamber of Deputies, Professor dr. Anton Caragea- President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, Representatives of European tourism Academy, representatives of Senate of Romania, representatives of Economic and Cultural Commission, Environment, Tourism and Culture Ministers, academic and cultural institutions and representatives of all political parties represented in the parliament.

It is a moment of unity, destined to celebrate a city often referred to as: a world miracle.

A city build by the greatest architects of the millennium (British architect Norman Foster-one of the builder`s of Astana-capital of Kazakhstan and host of WORLD EXPO 2017 was also involved in Dubai planning), a city that geo-strategic is marking the center of a New silk Road and of South-South Economic Road, that is representing almost 50% percent of the world GDP.

Even more important, Dubai had emphasized his role as a world decision maker choosing a daring theme: CONNECTED MINDS, CREATING THE FUTURE! for the EXPO 2020 international exhibition.

The Exhibition DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO is also the second public display of a Capital city for Romanian public; it is the first city from Middle East and Arabic Golf ever presented internationally and is one of the most important cultural event dedicated to a city, in the last 30 years, in Romania.

The visitors will have the occasion to see world appreciated building, such as: Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa ( who was visited by more than 54 million visitors in 2012) old town of Dubai and Dubai creek, Dubai Financial Center, Dubai Trade Center-Jebel Ali and a series of other famous sites that made the city to be inscribed among top 10 cities in the world.

DUBAI- CAPITAL OF WORLD EXPO exhibition under European Council on Tourism and Trade high patronage is waiting to be discovered for a week (4-11 April 2013) in the heart of Bucharest, as a symbol of the friendship that is uniting Europe and Asia, Romania and United Arab Emirates.

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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.

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

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

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

Distinguish guests ,

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,


We traveled here to bring to you, the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, our message of friendship, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding, a message from the very heart of the European Union.

This spring, The European Council on Tourism and Trade awarded the highest tourism prize, the World Best Tourist Destination for 2013 to the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos.

60 years ago a well known scientist predicted that up to the end of the last century the world will become global, and that all the people in the world will be living in “the global village”.

It seems indeed that we are living now in a global world, where all the nations are called to solve complex problems of international, national, confessional, environmental and social nature.

And Laos is indeed a part of this global village. The strategic perspective and the wise and balanced approach adopted by your government and by your country’s leadership is a wonderful example. Your country is connected to the world with care and confidence, step by step, keeping a balance between the international and the national perspective.

This means respect for the national identity of Laos, a realization of the importance of the country’s image in the world, as well as a need for a sincere and positive cooperation with other countries for the progress and well-being of mankind.

When we study the realities of Laos and place of Laos in the modern world we discover that your country is from a certain point of view the “melting pot” that the same scientist predicted, a place and a nation where interethnic, interracial, inter-confessional problems are solved peacefully, with a careful approach to the environment, people, ancient and modern culture, national and global economy.

Here is a typical example of the wise manner in which the country’s leadership is solving complex problems and situations.

The leaders of Laos, in accordance with the needs and expectations of the Laos society and people decided that the activities of information, culture and tourism are gathered under the same umbrella, in the same ministry, underlying the importance of the three activities, their national importance, as well as their strong interconnection.

Information is vital for any human activity, for any nation involved in the process of multilateral development. The last century could be described as the beginning of the information age. It seems to be a never-ending story. Recent studies revealed the too much information from too many sources could be harmful. The individual effort of looking for information sources, receiving and decoding, selecting and interpreting may require too much effort. Too much and too divers information could be confusing. Spending too much time inside the virtual world keeps us from living in real life: to work, to spend quality time with family and friends, to meet new people and to enjoy the nature. From ancient times, teaching was the basic method of censorship and selection, of passing important information from one generation to another.

Culture is the heart of every nation, of every group of people related by place, time and political context. Again, almost 40 years ago, the new leadership of your country took a wise and strategic decision to the build the identity of the Lao nation, the present and the future of the country on the heritage of the past. Wisdom and tolerance, firmness and balance, were the concepts that guided the building of a nation, proud of its past and confident in its future.

The collaboration with UNESCO in identifying and carefully preserving the heritage of the Lao people is at the same time a token of admiration and respect of the whole world for the treasures of the Lao nation. As you may know, the most precious treasure of your country, are the people! They are friendly and their hospitality is already known around the world. They seem to live according to other time measures, and I am sure that the English idioms “take your time” and “take it easy” have their ancient roots in Lao!


We may thank you for reminding us that there is life beyond stress, morning rush, crazy schedules and endless meetings…..

And at last, the most complex task of all: tourism. It involves resources and money, smart managers and nice people, a cultural heritage and an enchanting nature, along with good food, good transportation, good housing and most of all, good will.

Taking a look at the progress made by Laos’s tourism, we may affirm that Laos has all the above incentives, and may become many years from now, a preferred tourist destination for millions of people from all over the world.

Dear friends,

It is so easy for me to bring to you all the good words from the European Union. I would like to congratulate once again your great leaders, their leadership teams and all the Lao people, men and women that contributed to building together a proud nation, admired and respected by the entire world.

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

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 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.

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. Bosengkham 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. 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.

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.

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

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


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


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

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

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