The visit of ECTT delegation was held between 25 November 2013 until 2 December 2013 and offered a high level political and cultural program destined to offer a large area of information’s to the visiting party.

On the occasion of the 42 celebration of United Arab Emirates National Day, an important European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation participated at the impressive manifestation of solidarity and admiration for the extraordinary achievements of the UAE.

On 14 November, 2013 a friendly and cooperation meeting between President of European Council on Tourism and Trade and Ambassador of Cuba had taken place.

Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea expressed his amicable fillings and friendly interest towards the recent evolution`s in Cuban tourism sector. Tourism is consolidating Cuba’s economic development, is supporting the poverty alleviation programs and creates a platform for a higher standard in the world for Cuba.

H.E. Cuban Ambassador Ms. Ileana Hernandez made a presentation of the latest achievements in tourism sector and bilateral relations: opening new tourism resorts, hotels, adopting a brand promotion strategy, adopting a regional development strategy for different sectors of economy and increasing state support for tourism activities all this are building new bridges of understanding between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Cuba.

On this note, Cuban Ambassador present his country candidature for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 emphasizing that Cuba wants to be the first Caribbean country to be presented on the competition as a sign of recent development in his touristic activities.

The parties had appreciated that between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Cuba are large areas of common interests, designed to forge a good understanding between the two organisms. The European Council on Tourism and Trade- Cuban relationship must be an example for a better relation between Europe and Caribbean region.

If in the last decade the bilateral dialogue with this area was faltering, now it is an auspicious moment for reconstructing and rebuilding this framework of dialogue and friendship.

The dialogue had continued on concrete aspects and analyses of economic, tourism, political and cultural bilateral relations and on ways of fostering this dialogue on to the future.

Professor dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism had express his appreciation for Cuban desire to obtain the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD IN 2014 and declared that Cuba is one the most important contenders to the title and have`s a lot of arguments in his favor and this candidature will be reviewed and will be considered in due time with all the attention.

The discussion led the foundations of continuing the dialogue and fostering the relations between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Cuba.

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.