​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

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 

One may think that in a large and complex country like Zimbabwe, being a Minister of Tourism may be much easier than in other areas of activity. But what the international tourist visiting Zimbabwe nowadays might see is only the tip of the aisberg. Practically all the Zimbabwe economy is benefiting from and contributing to a successful tourism, making the tourism the third largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product, after mining and agriculture sectors.

Dr. Walter Mzembi’s expertise in all these areas was extremely useful.

Mother Nature was generous with Zimbabwe. The numerous natural reservations represent a valuable asset and create a legal framework for preserving the natural resources and wonderful landscapes, as well as building a tourism structure. After our working trips and evaluations of many countries of the world, we know that only the beauty of a scenery does not make a tourist attraction and does not bring revenues to the people.

You need modern infrastructure, need people to provide services and stewardship, need financial and human resources, need communication and good will, and above all you need to be proud of your country.

Dr. Walter Mzembi knows all that, and since 2009 he and his team, with the support of the entire Zimbabwe government, developed and implemented a successful strategy for the Zimbabwe tourism.

Dr. Walter Mzembi is a born communicator and diplomat.

And this is not a pure laudation. The recognition of his merits in this area are confirmed by the appreciation of the Institute of Public Relations, by the African Travel Association, by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, by the Institute Of Cultural Diplomacy, and by many other national and international professional bodies.

But there are not the titles and diplomas that finally count, but the results, and Dr. Walter Mzembi, as Minister of Tourism of Zimbabwe got remarkable results since 2009. He realized that a continuous development of domestic tourism will not be enough. The tourism of Zimbabwe, as the entire Zimbabwe nation must be reconnected to the world.

It was not an easy task for a country that has been confronted with an unlawful isolation for more than a decade. The president Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwe Government and Parliament, supported by all the Zimbabwe people, played and essential role in installing again Zimbabwe into the great concert of the nations.

Dr. Walter Mzembi was part of this continuous effort of communication and diplomacy inside and outside the country, and his role as Minister of Tourism was important and with remarkable results.

So there is almost no surprise that with remarkable personalities like Dr. Walter Mzembi, Zimbabwe was nominated as the 2014 Best Tourist Destination by the European Council on Tourism and Trade, award handed over by President Dr. Anton Caragea during an official ceremony.

As a recognition of his contribution to the development of Zimbabwe tourism, we are proud to hand over the title of Academician member of Honor and to bestow the Medal Of Honor to his Excellency Dr. Walter Mzembi, Minister of Zimbabwe tourism, and to congratulate his as the newest academician of our European Tourism Academy.

On the debate for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2014, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) presented the report titled: ZIMBABWE: THE PERFECT AFRICAN DESTINATION. A SEVEN WONDER IN TOURISM AND CULTURAL POTENTIAL proposing ZIMBABWE as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 and as receiver of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2014.

Among the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 to ZIMBABWE the report outlined:

-                      The peerless organization of World Tourism Organization General Assembly in 24-30 August 2013, the world gathering of tourism experts comprising more than 120 countries.

The successful organizing of this world event, despite tremendous logistic and economic challenges, proves without a doubt the capacity of Zimbabwe authority and tourism industry to organize world level events and to host all level of tourism.

After the perfect support and creative vision in carving a successful world tourism meeting,  ZIMBABWE has unequivocal demonstrated that is a safe, open and perfect managed tourism power house.

-                      The promotion and support offered to a new concept of community natural protection supporting tourism friendly to nature, with low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest south-African eco-climate.

Community based ecotourism protection carved by Minister Walter Mzembi is a perfect way to share revenues and income, to support rural communities in prospering and presenting their foodstuff and handicrafts to the world and to make eco-tourism as the base for an economic local development.               
Sharing tourism benefits to all the population, offering eco-friendly tourism it is a lesson that REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is offering to the world.

-                      Offering to tourists and outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to visit extraordinary space such as: the unique landscape of Victoria Waterfall, the National Parks as: Mana, Eastern Highlands from Manicaland, Mana Basins from West Mashonaland, Exfoliated Hills from Matebeland, Chilojo Cliffs, and Matobo Hills from Bulawayo etc.

All this regions and natural parks 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 Republic of Zimbabwe, the transformation of Harare in a historical and spiritual center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of  people’s of Zimbabwe

-                      The preservation of an outstanding historical and cultural patrimony that comprises wonderful sites such as: cultural, historical and rich legacy of Great Kingdom of Zimbabwe, the preservation of the former capital of Shone Kingdom-Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo area with a world-class fortification system and palatial complex from 12th century, this are offering a rare insight  for tourists into one of the greatest civilization of pre-colonial Africa and a rare window into traditions of centuries.

-                      Today, REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is creating and offering for tourists an open air museum, a rare collection of historical and archeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

-                      – The preservation of  cultural and natural sites of world significance and value such as: Great Zimbabwe National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Khami Ruins National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Matobo Hills (added to UNESCO list in 2003), Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas (added to UNESCO list in 1984), Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls and UNESCO candidate regions as: Ziwa national monuments dating from Stone Age period with an incomparable contribution to world legacy.

-                      The REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is today a hot spot for adventure tourism offering a large area of regions suitable for this special kind of tourism and the necessary infrastructure to welcome adventure sicker, the safety structures and natural potential to rank amongst the top world adventure spots.

-                      Keeping alive spiritual tradition, integrating tourist`s and visitors in the atmosphere of the REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE people, offering possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that transform REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE in a spiritual first class destination.

After hearing the report, Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, from Romanian Parliament and Director of European Parliamentary Committee in European Council on Tourism and Trade had express the feeling’s of all present at the gathering declaring that: REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE  is the perfect candidate, with a perfect record of promoting eco-friendly tourism, ecological and social oriented tourism and that only a unanimity vote in favor of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE could express the unwavering European tourism and economic community support in favor of such a world model.

Mr. Victor Deleanu, ECTT  rapporteur,  presented also a report on ZIMBABWE: HOT SPOT OF ADVENTURE TOURISM reiterating the highest praises for the country safety record and infrastructure and hospitality industry achievements that are making Zimbabwe the perfect destination in Africa.

Mr. Mihai Prundianu, Chairman of Trade Mission of ECTT also highlighted the importance that today, when Africa is celebrated 50 years of African Unity, Europe must express his commitment and appreciation for Africa by crowning ZIMBABWE as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014.

In the end of the debate European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2014 TITLE TO REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE and to declare REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE -FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2014.

It was also presented the Official Invitation, on behalf of Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE for a delegation of European high-ranking official of European Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Harare, in person, to His Excellency President of REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE –ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE the most outstanding personality of today Africa.

Awarding the highest world tourism prize of European Council on Tourism and Trade, accepting the invitation for a working visit of high-ranking members of European Council on Tourism and Trade in REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE, are all momentous and felicitous occasions that are offering the symbol of admiration that    all tourism experts are having for the potential and future of tourism in REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE  concluded at the end of the meeting Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade.

On 2 May 2014, Zimbabwe was selected from 27 candidate countries as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2014.

The group of experts of European Council on Tourism and Trade considered that Zimbabwe is encompassing safety for traveler`s with natural treasures and cultural legacy constituting the country in THE PERFECT AFRICAN DESTINATION. A SEVEN-WONDER DESTINATION IN TOURISM AND CULTURAL POTENTIAL.

The list of astonishing beautiful places that can be find in WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2014 -ZIMBABWE comprise:

Visit incredible museums. In search of wealth of history and heritage

Zimbabwe is one of the few African countries that invested heavily in promoting and conserving the richness of history and tradition in the country.

With a long history that dates back to over 30 000 years Zimbabwe has created world famous museums such as: The Natural History Museum in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences in Harare, Mutare Antiquities Museum and Gweru Military & Police Museum.

Visit the African rock paintings

A special attention must be paid to the world renowned ancient African rock paintings scattered all over beautiful Zimbabwe. The National Museums and Monuments has recorded over 2 000 known painted caves and sites, with the most beautiful being the Nzwatugi Caves in the Matopos. What of the numerous monuments and heritage sites that you can visit to totally absorb the meaning of being Zimbabwean from as far back as the 16th century. 


Witness the magic of Victoria Falls

Present on the list of all major natural monuments in the world and even in the less orthodox “Things You Must Do Before You Die” lists it is a visit to the incredible Victoria Falls.

Being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Mosi-oa-Tunya as is known by the local tribes, the place is a World Natural Heritage Site of incomparable beauty. It is considered as the adventure capital of Africa, with more than 50 activities available for tourist leisure and activity. Lunar rainbows otherwise known as Moonbows at the Victoria Falls are a special spectacle to enjoy. It is an amazing and romantic sight for weeding celebration and vacations.

The indelible Great Zimbabwe — The Medieval Palace Complex

The name Zimbabwe derives from the ancient kingdom of Shona words “Dzimba dzamabwe” directly translated “houses of stone”. The heritage of the “Stone City” is the treasure of pride and achievement that has been handed down from an astonishing civilization that once has towered over south of Africa.

Once you are there you can take a trip in time and history, back to the medieval era and experience the rich history of Zimbabwe.

Millions of tourist has crowded over the ages to witness and enjoy this spectacular place of legends and fantastic stories.

You can see firsthand the preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Shona Kingdom, the Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo, a fortified palatial complex from the 12th Century, offering a rare insight into one of the greatest pre-colonial civilizations of Africa, and a rare window into century’s old traditions.

Today, Great Zimbabwe Monument offers tourists an open air museum with a rare collection of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

It is time for you also to discover it !

Go on safari on pristine wildlife and nature

Wilderness safaris in Zimbabwe’s game parks are a great thrill because of the high encounter possibility with the Big Seven. Hwange National Park is one of the leading game reserves in the world and largest in Zimbabwe. It is home to over 100 species of mammals and over 400 bird species.

Mana Pools National Park is another exquisite natural park in Zimbabwe that can be visited on foot and without a guide. Imagine the thrill of close wild animal sightseeing in the wild, b but take the necessary precautions as is not uncommon to come across lions and even some of the last remaining black rhinos.

Visit the Eastern Highlands

Here is where one can find the most stunning landscapes in Africa. The Eastern Highlands mark the peak of Zimbabwe with the highest point being the Mount Nyangani. The weather is mostly pleasant throughout the year, but can get a bit too chilly during winter.

The Eastern Highlands abound in scenic spots views, like the cascading Nyangombe Falls, or the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe being the two-tier Mtarazi Falls, or the Vumba Mountain overlooking Mozambique, and it is also the home of some of the finest hotels in Africa, world class golf ranges and is offering an opportunity to encounter the blue duiker and to enjoy the pine breeze.

Meet the Lake God: Nyaminyami  

Africa abounds in stories of fearsome god`s and deities but none so famous as the Mythical River God of Kariba, (one of the largest man-made lakes in the world). According to the local folklore Nyaminyami – the protector and guardian of the Lake, who had the body of a snake mixed with a fishes head, made occasional appearances above the water surface and offers food to the locals in time of need.

For those disappointed by the search of monster of Loch Ness searching for the lost God of Kariba could be a well spend time if it is mixed with watching the spectacular African sunset on lake water-front, or viewing the famous house-boats will sure leave an indelible memory.

The “Mighty Zambezi” is Africa’s fourth largest river. It crosses over the boundaries of six countries and is Africa’s only major importance river to flow eastwards into the Indian Ocean.

Adrenalin seekers should never miss an opportunity to try out the extreme activities available on the wild Zambezi River.

Popular activities include the famous white water rafting, kayaking, and canoe trips, in fact the list is endless.

Enjoying life in Tourism based community.

Supporting a rural community development via tourism and insuring the survival of sustainable tourism, with its low ecological impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species in Southern Africa it is another time well spent travel experience.

Keeping alive indigenous traditions, allows tourists and visitors to be part of the Zimbabwe people’s social fabric, which offers the possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that make the REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE a first class destination.

Community based ecotourism is a perfect way of sharing revenue that supports rural communities’ prosperity through opportunities to market their foodstuffs and handicrafts to the world. The way in which eco-tourism has become the base for local economic development, providing benefits to communities, makes eco-friendly tourism the lesson that the REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is offering to the world.

See the Exfoliated Hills.

Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places such as: the unique landscape of Victoria Falls; the National Parks such the Eastern Highlands in Manicaland; the Mana Pools in Mashonaland West; Exfoliated Hills from Matebeland; Chilojo Cliffs in Masvingo and the Matobo Hills near Bulawayo etc. All these regions and national parks are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.

In search of humanity most acclaimed places.

Once in Zimbabwe don’t forget to put on your to do list a visit to at least 2-3 major historical sites of world significance and value such as: Great Zimbabwe National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Khami Ruins National Monument (added to UNESCO list in 1986), Matobo Hills (added to UNESCO list in 2003), Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas (added to UNESCO list in 1984), Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls and UNESCO candidate regions as: Ziwa National Monuments dating from the Stone Age period, make destination Zimbabwe to offer an incomparable contribution to the world legacy.

The REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE is today a hot spot for first class tourism, offering large areas suitable for tourist to enjoy and discover and completed with the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker while its conditions of safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top destinations.

Welcome to Zimbabwe-World Best Tourist Destination to discover in 2014 !

On 14 April 2014 the Office of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade informed us that Professor Dr. Anton Caragea received on behalf of a European Union delegation of parliamentarians the EUROPEAN AWARD FOR DIPLOMATIC ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2014.

In the last period of time Professor Dr. Anton Caragea received two times the title of MAN OF THE YEAR for United States Biographic Institute, Romanian Senate MEDAL OF HONOR FOR INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS and 20 medals and decoration from around the world for his commitment in promoting a new diplomacy for XXI century.  

The parliamentarian committee had decided to award him for his key role in promoting European unity, in creating efficient and real democratic oriented organizations that are offering today world models of activity and for his instrumental role in carving a new image of Europe in the world.

The EUROPEAN AWARD FOR DIPLOMATIC ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2014 comes in recognition of this role in opening dialogue and friendly relations with Central Asian countries like Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, in chairing and supporting election supervision bodies that supervised the democratic electoral process and progress in Kazakhstan parliamentary and presidential elections, in supporting the democratic reform in Syria, in promoting the message of peace and reconciliation of peoples of Europe across the world , in promoting the reform and the democratic process in international bodies such as United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and supporting the plans for a general confederation between Europe and Asia in the framework of Eurasia Security and Cooperation Plan and to reform the 1975 Helsinki Treaty.

In all his actions, the voice of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea supported the direct democracy, the social agenda, the true national development and the freedom of speech and the necessity of engagement with the world area without preconditions, false and covered agenda and imperialist and hegemonic pretentions.

The Europe of today owes a great deal of gratitude to Professor Dr. Anton Caragea declared Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei.

Other parliamentarians like: Steliana Miron, Florin Constantinescu Constantin Popa, Dan Ionita, Daniel Fenechiu etc.   stated that:     

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea is widely recognized as a main European intellectual and lofty personality that is full heartedly engaged in promoting new concepts of international diplomacy, European unity, world natural areas protection offering by his lofty personality a wise leadership for Europe of today and tomorrow.  

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea accepted the EUROPEAN AWARD FOR DIPLOMATIC ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2014 with gratitude and declared that the prize is a sign of confidence on behalf on intellectual and true European believers, People that believes that Europe must not preach, must not threat, must not impose sanctions and consider himself as a power against the people. The Europe of today and of tomorrow must support real and direct democracy, must rebuke the imperialist cover agenda, the exploitation of people and must lead by example and by respecting the main principle’s   of international law: respect for suzerainty and territorial  integrity, refuses the involvement in internal affairs of independent nations, to relinquish the threat of war or the war as instruments of foreign policy, promoting the mutual respect between nations indifferent to the size or population number, economic or military power  all countries have the same rights and obligations. Making the base of diplomacy the mutual respect, bilateral interest, equality among nations and totally refuse the use of human right as a tool for promoting imperialist agenda and horrible crimes against humanity.

This are the ideal`s that guided and will guide my activity in the field of diplomacy and international cooperation into the spirit of development and brotherhood among nations and peoples stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea accepting the diplomatic prize.