Category: EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY DIRECTOR OFFICE

ACADEMICIAN WALTER MZEMBI DECIDED TO PROMOTE AFRICAN TOURISM FROM UNWTO TOP CHAIR

7/25/2016

Minister Walter Mzembi is savouring his success at ZIMBABWE WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 ceremony between President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and President Dr. Anton Caragea of European Council on Tourism and Trade.

Dr. Walter Mzembi, the first african minister elected as member of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY is on the road to register another record becoming the first african elected as United Nations Tourism Organisation leader.

The Executive Council of the African Union — comprising the continent’s foreign affairs ministers — decided to endorse Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Dr Walter Mzembi as the continent’s sole candidate for the post of United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary-General.

The endorsement comes two days after the AU Committee on Candidature and International Deployment accepted Dr Mzembi’s application for approval as the continent’s candidate.The Executive Council has now asked African Heads of State and Government to approve Academician Walter Mzembi’s endorsement at the ongoing AU Heads of State and Government Summit here.

“The Executive Council takes note of the Ministerial Committee of African Candidates within the international system and approves election to the post of Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation, the selection process of which starts October 2016, the candidature of Dr Eng Walter Mzembi of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” read a statement released yesterday afternoon.
The Hon. Dr. Walter Mzembi, Ph.D., member of European Tourism Academy has been the current Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for the Republic of Zimbabwe since 2009.He has also been a member of Parliament for the Masvingo South Constituency since 2004 and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa Chairperson from 2013 to date.

Mzembi’s experience in the world of tourism includes: the successful bid of Zimbabwe for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION award in 2014 and designation as FAVOURITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for the same year.
Other strong points for his candidature are: his international positions as Chairman of the Southern Africa Development Community Committee of Tourism Ministers in 2015, UNWTO Executive Council Member from 2009 to 2013, UNWTO Co-President in Session 20 of the General Assembly from 2013-2015, as well as President of the Africa Travel Association (New York-based) 3 times.

Academician Walter Mzembi received many global honors:

– African Tourism Minister of the Year (2011): African Investor Tourism Investment
Awards
– Africa Leadership Awards (2012), Mauritius
– Brand Leadership Award (2012)
– Mark of Excellence Award (2012)
– Africa Leadership and Inspiration Award (2012)
– TouchRoad Sino – Africa Investment Excellence Awards (2011), Shanghai, China
– Africa Travel Association-Outstanding Service to the Association (2012), USA
– Special Recognition for Excellence Award: African Achievers Awards (2012), Nairobi, Kenya
– Africa Travel Association Presidency Appreciation Award (2012-2014), USA
Additionally, he has received recognition in the domestic arena as well:
– Public Service Manager of the Year (2011), Zimbabwe Institute of Management
– Tourism Personality of the Year (2011), Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe
– Tourism Personality of the Year (2012), Zimbabwe Council for Tourism
– Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture in Zimbabwe (2012), Zimbabwe Farmers Union
– Most Consumer Focused Executive-Service Excellence Awards (2014), Customer Contact Centre
– Tourism Image Builder of the Year (2014), Megafest Tourism Awards
– Exceptional Contribution to Marketing (2015), Marketers Association of Zimbabwe
– Customer Service Executive of the Year-Service Excellence in the Public Sector (2015), Marketers Association of Zimbabwe
-Registered Professional Engineer with the Zimbabwe Engineering Council
-Member of both the Zimbabwe and Zambia Institute of Engineers
-Fellow of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers

Dr. Walter Mzembi is receiving the insignia of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY in Harare, 2014, Zimbabwe-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014.

PRESIDENT DR. ANTON CARAGEA MARKS AFRICA DAY

6/7/2016

2016-AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION`S carved by European Council on Tourism and Trade

ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has hosted the 2016 Africa Day celebration, on June 1st at the Diplomatic Club, a moment that is the culmination of the celebrations of Africa month in May 2016, across Europe and European Council on Tourism and Trade member countries.

Africa Day is celebrated annually on 25 May, within the African continent to mark the formation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963 and the African Union in 2002 and the progress made by the continent since then to advance democracy, peace, stability and socio-economic development via tourism betterment.

The ceremony, held under European Council on Tourism and Trade banner, has brought together representatives from tourism institutes, research centers, diplomatic centers from across the continent.

Nigeria, Benin, Mali, Sudan, Senegal and Congo Brazzaville are among the countries that have sent delegates to the celebration.

European Council on Tourism and Trade joined the efforts to foster the trade and tourism exchanges between the continent and the international community.

“Africa Day provides an opportunity for us to celebrate our African efforts in promoting tourism in the continent, to foster development, to insure the tourists that Africa is a safe, astonishing and welcoming destination.

We will always love Ethiopian people and support Ethiopian tourism development and country growth and affirmation in the world.” said President Caragea.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria Ambassador express clearly the feelings of the participants: We love ECTT-European Council on Tourism and Trade! for what opportunities and occasions had brought to Africa.

More than 100.000 jobs are now created in the last two years, in African tourism sector, and all this is a recognition of the efforts carved out by European Council on Tourism and Trade to promote our continent.Not only Ethiopia and Zimbabwe benefited, but all the nations of the region have being encouraged in developing tourism and tourist were enlisted in discovering African continent!Thank you Professor Caragea !, concluded the ambassador.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea surrounded by the heads of institutions from Nigeria, Benin, Senegal

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea surrounded by the heads of institutions from Nigeria, Benin, Senegal

The group of ladies, expert`s from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, poses with ECTT President-Dr. Anton Caragea

ANTON CARAGEA-EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM and trade president receives european academy report on world best tourist destination candidates appraisal

6/1/2016

The call for applications for the European Council on Tourism and Trade- Awards for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION is now closed, announced Academician Mircea Constantinescu head of European Tourism Academy.

The ECTT Award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2016 is celebrating, this year, the round number of 20 million tourists, that visited countries placed on the list of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in the last five years.

The Awards for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, established in 2000, are the flagship recognitions for national and the global tourism.

They recognize cultural achievements, tourism potential, social role of tourism, knowledge incorporated in tourism development, in accordance with European Council on Tourism and Trade committment for the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.

The name of winner nation of the European Council on Tourism and Trade – Awards for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION will be unveiled on Friday, 10 June 2016, in a gala dinner in Bucharest, Romania.

Last year, the ceremony hosted 220 high-level participants from more than 27 european countries, including ministers, ambassadors and tourism industry CEOs.

The European Council on Tourism and Trade – Awards for FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION, to be held on 10th June 2016, will highlight the importance of culture, historical patrimony and artistic creation in tourism and showcase the knowledge and achievements of all ECTT Awards finalists.

European Tourism Academy leader hand it to European Council on Tourism and Trade President his office recommendation regarding the name of the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 contest.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE PRESIDENT OUTLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM FOR WORLD DEVELOPMENT

12/19/2015

World Capital of Culture and Tourism and World Best Tourist Destination prizes continues to bring international awareness, national branding and country branding opportunities say`s an European Market and Research study.

IRS Market and Research Company outlined the impressive results of the countries that marketed themselfs or their main tourist cities as capitals of culture and tourism or as world best tourism destinations.

Receiving the report, European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea remarked that: I am so happy to see how previously unknown and un-marketed destinations receive mass media limelight and are pro-pulsed as emerging tourist destination.Diplomats from this nation`s are having their tasks made easier, as their countries are propelled on the top nations stage and economic growth and investment.

Development and country branding are coming as the result of a long-term program based on World Best Tourist Destination or World Capital of Culture and Tourism prizes and designation.

I receive countless expression of gratitude for our support from leaders, politicians and ambassadors, who are finding their exertions much facilitated by tourism seal of approval of ECTT, but the most moving are the stories of the people`s who find jobs and opportunities, that other ways would have not existed.But now their life are richer and more dignified, this is the transforming power of country branding via culture, history and tourism.

This is internationalization and nation branding achieving their best results!

Ashgabat-World Capital of Culture and Tourism and Turkmenistan capital received an impressive mass media coverage in television spots and printed press and radio shows in value of more than 16 million euros and Dushanbe, Tajikistan capital, obtained a media coverage of more than 21 million euros, reflecting their cultural achievements and world capital of culture and tourism status.

World Best Tourist Destination status brings also free publicity in articles, television of more than 50 million for Laos People`s Democratic Republic, around 30 million for Zimbabwe and the top is lead by Ethiopia who benefited of a publicity coverage of more than 60 million euros.

What is more important than just the figures, mentioned in the marketing report, is the fact that: these countries will benefit for years and years to come by their achievements as world best tourist destination or world capital of culture stated Mr. Radu Alexandru, communication unit chief of European Council on Tourism and Trade.

The reports finding are limited to october 2015, while tourism promotion and branding is an ongoing process that can never be fully accounted for declared the european official.

Laos-World Best Tourist Destination for 2013. Glamorous ceremony in Vientiane!

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE CHAIRMAN AND EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY DIRECTOR PRESENT THE OFFICIAL MESSAGE FOR 2015 WORLD TOURISM DAY

9/28/2015

This year’s European Council on Tourism and Trade Academy celebrates World Tourism Day 2015 by highlighting the powerful role of tourism in creating causeways of international understanding and mutual respect.

European Tourism Academy considers that there is no better way to learn about a new culture than to experience the magic of tourism.

Traveling outside your comfort areas offers wonderful occasions to discover new cultures and communities.

This interaction is destined to promote dialogue and interaction.

This personal meetings mediated by traveling experiences between people of different backgrounds is the very foundation for tolerance and dialogue.

In a world building yet a peaceful coexistence, tourism can build bridges and contribute decisively to peace.

Tourism’s contributions to economic development are a part of building a new common market and a new global solidarity.

Today in the times of economic crisis, tourism is proving his steadfast ability to generate socio-economic occasions and help reduce the gap between rich and poor nations, and this result is becoming more significant than ever.

European Tourism Academy is tacking this global opportunity to encourage all the stakeholders involved in tourism to embrace the key principles of the European Council on Tourism and Trade.

These guidelines for sustainable, ethic and global tourism development, approved by the European Council on Tourism and Trade President, are based on the scientific and cultural analyses made in our academy and are based on the connections between tourism and peace, human rights and inter-cultural/ inter-religious dialogue.

World Tourism Day 2015 is an opportunity for tourism community under the leadership of European Council on Tourism and Trade to reflect on the importance of tourism to global development and environment protection.

We encourage you to travel, to discover the charm of engagement with other cultures, religions and civilization and celebrate human accomplishment`s during history.

President of European Council on Tourism and Trade-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, MA, FINS, EDA

European Tourism Academy Director-Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu

LAOS PLANS TO SCORE ANOTHER VICTORY IN WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION COMPETITION

8/26/2015

After being elected WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2013 and Favorite Cultural Destination in 2013 Laos has become a beacon of tourism in the Indochina region.

Already 40 hotels, including five international chains, are scheduled to open in Laos over the next five years as the country becomes a more popular tourist destination.

Yang Fu Ning, general manager of Don Chan Palace, a luxury hotel in Vientiane, said international brands Ramada, InterContinental, Crown Plaza, Sofitel and Marriott were set to open hotels in the capital by 2019.

Three global brands - Mercure, Ibis and Best Western - have already opened their doors in Vientiane, and one regional brand has entered the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang to cash in the World Best Tourist Destination status of the country.

Furthermore, 25-30 three- and four-star hotels are set to open in the capital, with some in other tourist cities.

In the first year after receiving World`s Favorite Cultural Destination " we registered 3.7 million arrivals last year, generating income of US$600 million.

The government aims for 3.9 million tourists this year.

The number of arrivals should reach 10 million within five years but we need another success in WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION to consolidate our status.

The number of American and European tourists has significantly increased in recent years.

Currently, seven foreign airlines, including Thai Airways International, AirAsia and Bangkok Airways, and two local carriers are operating in and out Laos. Some of these airlines run charter flights during high season.

Two years ago, the European Council on Tourism and Trade named Laos the "World's Best Tourist Destination for 2013", which put the country on the global tourism map especially for its rich history, culture, traditions and natural beauty.

DOCUMENTARY ABOUT LAOS-WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION FOR 2013-Documentary that received European Academy Award

PRIME MINISTER HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN EXPRESS OPTIMISM IN HIS DECLARATION FOR ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015

8/17/2015

On the rostrum of World Best Tourist Destination for 2015 Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has held a powerful speech expressing his confidence in Ethiopia`s tourism sector development.

On this important world tourism ceremony H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn was recognized by European Tourism Academy as a World Leader of Tourism and a member of honor of European Tourism Academy by Academician Mircea Constantinescu and in the presence of European Council on Tourism and Trade President.

The Premier received the insignia`s of European Council on Tourism and Trade from European President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea at a public function held at the National Palace yesterday.

ECTT declared Ethiopia as the perfect winner of World Best Tourist Destination and Favorite Cultural Destination Distinction for 2015.

“This grant further motivates Ethiopia to offer more noteworthy social and vacation destinations and administrations to sightseers over the world,” PM Hailemariam said subsequent to accepting the grant.

The legislature of Ethiopia is resolved to ensure and safeguard authentic and social legacies and “we trust it is in this acknowledgment of this one of a kind game plan in addition to other things that ECTT chose to stretch out to Ethiopia the world best traveler destination recompense.”

The stream of vacationers to Ethiopia has developed altogether amid the most recent decade as the nation had the capacity give better administrations that urged travelers to invest longer energy and investigate Ethiopia’s surprising and wonderful attractions, he said.

Ethiopia will keep on developing the tourism area and utilization it as a methods for political participation with different nations, he said.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn accepted for him the honorary membership of European Tourism Academy insignia and on behalf of people of Ethiopia accepted the diploma and the globe as official signs of World Best Tourist Destination and Favorite Cultural Destination designation.

The world tourism ceremony for 2015 was organized by Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia and by European Council on Tourism and Trade.

Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia-Amin Abdulkadir presents to the press the main features of World Best Tourist Destination ceremony for 2015.

KAZAKHSTAN PRESIDENT PREPARES A REVOLUTION IN CENTRAL ASIAN TOURISM WITH EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE SUPPORT

8/4/2015

Kazakhstan Ambassador Daulet Batrashev and ECTT President- Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

European Council on Tourism and Trade work will be connected with the implementation of the concept of development of the tourist industry by 2020 and establishment of regional tourist clusters: “Astana – the Heart of Eurasia”, “Almaty – Kazakhstan’s Free Cultural Zone”, “Unity of Nature and Nomadic Culture”, “The Pearl of Altai”, “Restoration of the Great Silk Road”, “the Caspian Gates”.

Kazakhstan Ambassador meet with European Council on Tourism and Trade President(ECTT), Professor Dr. Anton Caragea for an official presentation of the 100 steps reform plan of Kazakhstan President.

The Ambassador outlined the significance and the importance of the message in a dialogue with ECTT President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and requested the academic analyses and an official point of view on the content of the document, that will be submitted for Kazakhstan people appreciation.

The document titled: 100 concrete steps set out by President Nursultan Nazarbayev to implement five institutional reforms is a concrete plan, proving the Kazakhstan President determination to carve out the creation of a developed state, for all people of Kazakhstan.

This will be achieved by developing a professional civil service, ensuring rule of law, offering bases for industrialisation and economic growth and fostering national unity and identity by developing a patriotic act named Mangilik El (Eternal Nation).After perusing the document,ECTT President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea express his complete acquiescence,to the program enunciated by H.E. Kazakhstan President-Nursultan Nazarbayev and highlighted the main features of what he called „a perfect program for a modern nation, a state belonging to XXI century”.The academic staff of European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade, in agreement with other institutions and European academies, will start a process of complete and thoroughly examination and recommendations, so that the Five Institutional Reforms Program outlined by President Nursultan Nazarbayev to be recognized as a document of universal value and significance and to be offered as a template for development and national building across the world.

The program and documents, submitted by H.E. Kazakhstan Ambassador-Daulet Batrashev for Europe and world analysis, are reflecting the peerless manner in which President Nazarbayev is conducting the construction of an enlighten and modern state in Kazakhstan of today and his proposals can be considered as a document of world significance and authoritative development plan, concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

European Council on Tourism and Trade work will be connected with the implementation of the concept of development of the tourist industry by 2020 and establishment of regional tourist clusters: “Astana – the Heart of Eurasia”, “Almaty – Kazakhstan’s Free Cultural Zone”, “Unity of Nature and Nomadic Culture”, “The Pearl of Altai”, “Restoration of the Great Silk Road”, “the Caspian Gates”.

The meeting held between HE. Kazakhstan Ambassador-Daulet Batrashev and President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea was the first official presentation of the Five Institutional Reforms Program of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to a world academic body.

The implementation of a number of technological projects is envisaged, with European Council on Tourism and Trade expertise and support.This include the creation of the large-scale internet project “Encyclopedia of Kazakhstan”,with European Tourism Academy high level competencies involved which will enable citizens and foreign tourists to discover more about the country.

The portal will include 3D video tours of Kazakhstan, information on history and culture of the country, as well as interesting events.The portal will act as Kazakhstan’s “business card”, as well as a national guide, a national wall of fame of citizens and a platform for online discussion on the model of European Journal of Tourism and Trade.

President Professor dr. Anton Caragea during his trip to Kazakhstan-April 2015.

2015 COMPETITION FOR WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CLOSE-UP. THE WINNER WILL BE DECLARED ON 26 JUNE

6/17/2015

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

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

This countries and personalities represent some of the best examples of tourism leaders from around the world, that through their exceptional actions and potentials initiatives have placed themselves and their nations on the rostrum of the sector.European Tourism Academy Director-Academician Mircea Constantinescu, officially announced the closing of competition for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015.

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

We are sure that this year, like the previous year`s, our decision will elicit the enthusiasm of travelers from all around the world and we hope that the winner for 2015 will enjoy the same popularity asLaos: who received more than 3 million tourists in the last period and Zimbabwe, who become the best African destination, surpassing in growth all the heavy weights of tourism in the region, concluded Academician Mircea Constantinescu.In total 31 countries placed their bids for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015 and 16 cities placed their hope on being designated as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AN TOURISM.

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

INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON SILK ROAD TOURISM FUTURE

5/5/2015

In the period of 20 to 29 April 2015 a European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) high level mission has toured Kazakhstan, in order to help transforming the heart of Central Asia, as Kazakhstan is better known, in the new Frontier of Silk Road experiences.

European Council on Tourism and Trade is the promoter of Silk Road concept in Europe and the world, with an accent on presenting the historical and tourist potential of Silk Road nations of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.The ECTT President and his tourism and diplomatic delegation had start the Silk Road discovery tour in Almaty, the city apples as is world renowned, the candidate city for World Winter Olympics in 2022.

The local and international mass media has covered every step of ECTT tour on Silk Road

In an interview with Khabar Television, President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea praised Almaty development as the perfect gate for tourists wanting to enjoy the rich culture of Kazakhstan and to basket on perfect tourism facilities offered by city hotels.The tour continued into the province of Chimkent (Shymkent), where the delegation visited the historical landmarks, holds constructive dialogues with provincial governors and inspected tourist facilities of the area.

European Council on Tourism and Trade is visiting the splendors of Kazakhstan (from left to right): Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Monument ( from XIV century) in Turkestan, Aisha Bibi Monument ( from XIII century) in Taraz and Cathedral of Our Saviour in Almaty (XIX century)

The highlight of the visit was the on-site discovery tour of incredible city of Turkistan (24-26 April) with the world famous Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, Friday Mosque, Otrar ancient city archeological site, the splendid Aristan Bab Mosque, and participation in a special ceremony honoring one of Kazakhstan spiritual fathers (Aristan Bab) and Baba Ragham Mosque.Professor Dr. Anton Caragea highly praised in a Television interview Turkistan incredible mixture of culture, tradition, historical patrimony and perfect tourism potential.

Aristan Bab monument from XIV century, an architectural landmark and religious lynchpin in Kazakhstan

Turkistan is incredible, is vast and rich in everything that a cultural program can offer to you and is well preserved.The tourists should flock to this place, as this is the main stop over on Silk Road and Turkistan monuments had served as templates for all later Silk Road construction.One cannot say: I visited Silk Road, without spending quality time in Turkistan, concluded President Caragea.

The European tourism body-ECTT tour experience concluded in Almaty, with a press conference, highlighting the importance of European-Kazakhstan tourism cooperation and opportunities for Kazakhstan to join European Council on Tourism and Trade.

Kazakhstan had embarked in a huge promotion campaign on world tourism stage, in preparation of World Expo 2017 to be held in Astana, and Silk Road program developed with European Council on Tourism and Trade can be extremely beneficial for the country tourist potential, suggested the European Tourism Academy Director-Mircea Constantinescu.

This is even more relevant, as European Council on Tourism and Trade support was instrumental in Astana successful bid for World Expo 2017 and today this cooperation is continuing and enriching in perspective.European and Kazakhstan, shoulder to shoulder in tourism promotion, can develop and give a world resonance to the Silk Road Program for XXI Century, was the opinion of European Council on Tourism and Trade leader-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

European Delegation leaders at the gates of Turkistan and touring the ancient city of Taraz

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