WHY IS TRINIDAD TOBAGO THE WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION ? by Honorable Kamla Pershad Bissessar –Prime Minister of Government of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The award of World’s Best Tourist Destination will significantly assist in branding destination Trinidad and Tobago globally. We must change the perception of our country in the overseas markets. We must celebrate our country and work hard to sell our country abroad. It is anticipated that this award will open us to untapped European markets that are perhaps weary of the traditional leisure destinations and desire a more exciting vacation experience.

Honorable Kamla Pershad Bissessar –Prime Minister of Government of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 

Date: Wednesday October 19, 2011

Venue: Regency Hall-  Hyatt Regency Trinidad

Time: 12.30pm

I am indeed truly humbled and deeply honoured to be standing here today to accept, on behalf of the People of Trinidad and Tobago, the World’s Best Tourism Destination Award for 2012 from the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade. A non-governmental organisation, this body has a wide ranging membership of tourism representatives within the European Union.

We were also declared the World’s Favourite Cultural Destination in 2012 by the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade.

It is my understanding that this award was unanimously given to Trinidad and Tobago primarily for our history of impressive cultural festivals, environmental conservation and biodiversity protection amongst other factors.

It is not an award that is traditionally given to well-established tourism destinations but it is the highest honour awarded to non-European Union countries that have embraced sustainable tourism as a tool for cultural and social development and that respect and preserve their cultural and natural heritage.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade for having us join other distinguished winners of this award such as the United Arab Emirates, Syria and South Koreea.

But moreover, I thank the Council for recognising what most of us fail to acknowledge and value. And this is … Trinidad and Tobago is brim-full with tourism potential.

We are not the traditional sun, sea and surf destination. What differentiates us from the rest of our Caribbean neighbours is our diverse and rich natural, cultural and built heritage.

This People’s Partnership Government is seriously committed and dedicated to the development of the tourism industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Tourism is an incredibly important pillar in our national economic diversification effort.

We are not paying “lip service” to the industry as some may have done in the past. For too long tourism has been looked down on as a second class service sector.

We recognise that tourism is a business and fiercely competitive. Tourism requires skills, talent, enterprise and more importantly the support of government.

The award of World’s Best Tourist Destination for 2012 is important for several reasons.

Firstly, it facilitates the formation of closer linkages with Europe for tourism, trade and investment possibilities. The European continent, as in its colonial past, is a formidable trading partner especially with the fall of communism and the rise of new economic powers.

Europe is, and will certainly continue to be, a cornerstone for our international business.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The economic and social advancement of this beautiful twin island Republic of ours depends to a large extent on how well we develop and harness our resources. And one such untapped resource is that of tourism.

The award of World’s Best Tourist Destination will significantly assist in branding destination Trinidad and Tobago globally. We must change the perception of our country in the overseas markets. We must celebrate our country and work hard to sell our country abroad.

It is anticipated that this award will open us to untapped European markets that are perhaps weary of the traditional leisure destinations and desire a more exciting vacation experience.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

An important opportunity that this award presents is a platform to advance the commitments of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

As many of you may or may not be aware, in 2008 Trinidad and Tobago, along with its neighbours in the rest of the region, embarked upon a reciprocal trade agreement with one of our largest trading partners – the European Union (EU). The signing of the EPA signalled a shift in our trade and economic development.

We are now required to open our markets to Eastern Union manufacturers and service providers; but the EPA also provides market access for our country’s export of services to the European Union.

The Economic Partnership Agreement also speaks to specific disciplines on tourism services because of its importance to the social and economic development of the European Union and the Caribbean. These rules are complemented by a commitment to legally binding open market conditions for each other. For instance, the Europe Union has made commitments for travel agencies, tour operators, tourist guides services.

Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, have made commitments in relation to hotels and restaurants, marina services and spa services.

The EPA also includes measures that would make it easier for European Union investors to invest in the Trinidad and Tobago. This award, then, will provide a platform to attract increased investment and to promote growth and development in the tourism sector. The Economic Partnership Agreement is, therefore, rendered more relevant, more strategic and more focused on deliverables.

Honorable Prime Minister Kamla Pershad Bissessar receives WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD  for 2012.

The World’s Best Tourism Destination award will, moreover, engender a measure of national pride amongst our citizenry and raise the level of public confidence in Trinidad and Tobago as a tourist destination.

We should be proud of our country and its tourism potential. We have so much to be proud of, so much to share with each other, and so much to show off to the rest of the world. Let us not doubt or question our intrinsic value.

In closing, ladies and gentlemen, I must take a moment to publicly acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices of our tourism community … the stakeholders in our midst. The last few years have been quite challenging for all in the tourism industry.

But rest assured that the tourism industry will get the backing it needs.

But we cannot do it alone. We have all to work together. The private sector in the lead but with government acting as a facilitator; supporting every step of the way.

I want to urge you to continue working with commitment, energy and enthusiasm for the betterment of the tourism industry.

I thank you. God’s richest blessings on us all.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2012

On 9^th of October 2011 in a public séance of the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade gathering, representatives of tourism organizations from EU members country it was debated the list of candidates for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2012.

Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy, had presented a report on the last year situation of the Award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION that was dedicated to United Arab Emirates and it was used accordingly with rules and regulations and have being proving highly efficient in attracting new tourists and investor attentions as United Arab Emirates was the ONLY country in the region that registered an increase in number of visitors despite tensions in the region.

On the debate for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION  AWARD FOR 2012 professor dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade ( ECTT) presented the report titled : TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO : A SUCCESS STORY IN TOURISM proposing TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012.

Among the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012to TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO the report outlined:

   -  Respecting cultural patrimony and traditions in offering to tourists a possibility to participate in impressive paraphernalia festivals such as: Holi, Hosay, Divali, Corpus Christi, Eid Al Fitr and special Tobago Heritage Festival Tobago Fest and Trinidad GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH etc.

Keeping alive spiritual traditions , integrating tourist and visitors in the atmosphere of the islands , offering possibility of an enriching cultural experience are achievements that transform Trinidad and Tobago in a spiritual destination of first hand.

-                      Promoting Trinidad and Tobago environmental protection, especially East Coast natural patrimony of wetlands, beaches and ecological and geographical biodiversity that make Trinidad and Tobago unique in the region. Supporting a new concept of tourism friendly to nature, with low nature impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest eco-climate.

-                      Offering to tourists not only cultural experience or relaxation opportunities but also the possibility to explore nature , to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to observed in Tobago the impressive Forest Reserve are model achievements in ecological tourism that must be world appreciated.

-                      The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Trinidad and Tobago, the transformation of Port of Spain in an historical center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture of Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean heritage.

-                      Offering to the tourist a large area of cultural and ecological impressive programs such as: Wildlife Photography in places such El Tucuche Reserve, Valencia Wildlife Sanctuary, Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Cave exploration(in splendid places such as Gasparee Caves).Cycling, Hiking (Argyle Waterfall –a special destination), Kayaking (Paria bay and Tobago area).

For all this reasons European Union Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012 TITLE TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO and to declare TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO- FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATIONS in 2012.

It was also presented the Official Invitation, on behalf of Ministry of Tourism of TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO for a delegation of European high ranking official of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Port of Spain, in person, to His Excellency Minister of Tourism DR. RUPERT GRIFFITH.

Awarding the highest tourism distinction of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade, the invitation for an working visit of high ranking members of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade in TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO are estimated by European tourism experts as a good example of close tourism relations and mutual appreciation   between European Union and Trinidad and Tobago, said at the end of the meeting Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade.

LARA LIFE MED CLINIC : OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC PARTNER FOR ROMANIAN INTERNATIONAL IMAGE

On 22 September 2011 it was unveiled the latest European standards clinic: Lara Life Med and it was publicly signed the partnership in providing high quality medical services between Lara Life Med and MedNord Klinik from Munich.

The presentation was enjoyed by a huge assistance of personalities of medicine research and practitioners, journalists, business men, members of Lara Life Med administration board and in the presence of diplomatic corp accredited to Romania and with special presence of ambassadors accredited to European Union.

Mrs. Laura M. Ciuhu – General Director and stockholder of LARA MED LIFE CLINIC receiving the prestigious title of official partner of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation

On this joyful occasion Mrs. Laura Ciuhu , director of prestigious Lara Life Med Clinic had presented the main tasks on future agenda of development of this impressive medical project including: importing latest generation equipment , providing top quality medical assistance and in the near future opening an european standard hospital.

On this occasion Mrs. Laura Mihaela Ciuhu had received the international and diplomatic recognition of high quality standards of services rendered by Lara Life Med, by receiving the official quality title of diplomatic partner of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania.

An impressive assistance applauded Mrs. Laura Mihaela Ciuhu commitment in offering high quality medical service for Romania. 

The Director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had presented the reasons for awarding the prestigious title and encouraging distinction for lofty initiatives to Lara Life Med Clinic.

Lara Life Med is representing a high standards in medical world by service provided , by large area of medical specializations and by latest medical technology amalgamated in the project and by providing support for Romanian medical school development , had underlined among the reasons prof.dr.Anton Caragea , director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation.

For now one has announced prof.dr.Anton Caragea , Lara Life Med will be included in diplomatic presentations tours of Romania , in programs of medical exchanges and in institutional exchanges and by being presented as a first hand diplomatic partner in fostering a favorable image of Romania.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation, holding the opening speech of LARA MED LIFE CLINIC -the most modern medical project in Romania

The emotional ceremony of bestowing the title of official partner of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania to Lara Med Life was followed by the high quality medical lecture offered by Prof.dr. Norbert Pfuetzenreuter who based on impressive image and eloquent description emphasize the progress of endoscopic surgery, minim invasive, that are allowing to patient a quick health restoration and a rapid return to normal life (no blood loss, no major trauma etc.)

Prof.dr. Ralf Senner had presented in his outstanding report on morbid obesity treatment and collateral affections, that had offered hopes to hundreds of romanians in difficult situation today.

An impressive moment was also the testimony of Beppe Iuliano  , creator of success business and institutions, that prevailed over his personal drama of a poliomyelitis that left irreversible trauma`s and became a man with a valuable contribution to society.

His example had raised the audience for a standing ovation for a lesson on courage and will, offered by Beppe Iuliano.

Finally a video presentation of the latest medical gadgets operating in clinic had aroused the curiosity and enthusiasm of the audience who understood that Lara Life Med is beyond doubt a european level clinic that is providing to Romanians the opportunity of high quality medical care.

The ceremony of inauguration of Lara Life Med was held under the High Patronage of  Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania.

Honored guest at the LARA LIFE MED inauguration(left to right ) : Dr. Petru Lificiu-ANRE President , Mrs. Norbert Pfuetzenreuter , Prof.dr.Norbert Pfuetzenreuter, Mrs. Laura M. Ciuhu , Prof.dr.Ralf Senner

Dear guests : H.E. Ambassador of Algeria- Habib Chawky Hamraoui 

Dear guests at the inauguration ceremony : H.E. Ambassador of Nigeria-Mba Ama Mba

Mrs. Laura M Ciuhu – Director LARA LIFE MED addressing the public  

UN NOU PARTENER DIPLOMATIC PENTRU REPREZENTAREA INTERNATIONALA A ROMANIEI : CLINICA LARA LIFE MED

In data de 22 septembrie 2011 a avut loc inaugurarea Clinicii Lara Life Med si prezentarea publica a parteneriatului pentru realizarea de acte medicale de inalta calitate intre Clinica Lara Life Med si Clinica MedNord  din Munchen.

Doamna Laura Mihaela Ciuhu – Director si actionar LARA LIFE MED primeste prestigiosul  titlu de partener oficial al Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica

Prezentarea a avut loc in fata unei impresionante asistente formate din personalitati ale medicinii romanesti, jurnalisti, oameni de afaceri, membri ai actionariatului Lara Life Med  si a reprezentantilor corpului diplomatic acreditat la Bucuresti si cu prezenta speciala a ambasadorilor acreditati la Uniunea Europeana.

Cu aceasta ocazie doamna Laura Ciuhu, directoarea prestigioasei Clinici Lara Life Med, a prezentat principalele coordonate ale dezvoltarii acestui impresionant proiect medical incluzand : importarea de echipament de ultima generatie, ingrijiri medicale de cea mai buna calitate si in viitor dezvoltarea unui spital de standard european.

Cu aceasta ocazie, doamna Laura Mihaela Ciuhu a primit recunoasterea internationala si diplomatica a calitatii serviciilor oferite de Lara Life Med, prin calitatea oficiala de partener diplomatic al Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica.

O sala plina a aplaudat discursului Directoarei LARA LIFE MED : Laura Ciuhu promitand servicii medicale de calitate in Romania

Directorul Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica, prof.dr.Anton Caragea a prezentat motivele pentru care aceasta prestigioasa distinctie si metoda de incurajare a initiativelor meritorii a fost oferita clinicii Lara Life Med.

Astfel Clinica Lara Life Med reprezinta un etalon pentru lumea medicala prin serviciile de calitate oferite, prin gama larga de specializari ce pot fi gasite in acelasi spatiu, prin inalta tehnologie medicala incorporata in proiect si prin sprijinul acordat medicinii romanesti, a apreciat prof.dr.Anton Caragea, directorul Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica.

De acum inainte, a anuntat prof.dr.Anton Caragea ,  Clinica Lara Life Med va fi inclusa in turneele de prezentare diplomatica a Romaniei , in programele de schimburi medicale si in schimburile institutionale, fiind un partener diplomatic de prima marime in creionarea unei imagini favorabile a Romaniei .

Profesor Dr. Anton Caragea, directorul Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica,  adresandu-se audientei la inaugurarea celui mai modern proiect medical din Romania: LARA LIFE MED

Emotionanta ceremonie, a decernarii titlului de partener oficial al Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica pentru Lara Med Life , a fost urmata de prezentarea medicala, de inalta tinuta, sustinuta de prof.dr. Norbert Pfuetzenreuter care a prezentat cu imagini impresionante si elocvente progresele chirurgiei endoscopice, minim invazive, care permit astazi bolnavului ca : fara traume majore, fara pierderi de sange si cu o recuperare rapida sa se bucure de sanatate.

Prof.dr. Ralf Senner a prezentat, la randul sau, un raport despre Tratamentul obezitatii morbide si a afectiunilor colaterale, ce a dat sperante pentru sute de romani aflati in situatie dificila.

Un moment impresionant a fost prezenta si marturia omului de afaceri Beppe Iuliano, creator de institutii si de firme de succes, care si-a depasit trauma personala a unei poliomelite cu sechele locomotorii si a devenit un om ce si-a adus o contributie de valoare   la societate.

Exemplul sau a smuls ropote de aplauze unei asistente ce a invatat puterea exemplului  si a vointei ce a facut din Beppe Iuliano un motiv de mandri pentru noi toti.

In final prezentarea video a clinicii ultra-moderne a starnit curiozitatea si entuziasmul audientei ce a inteles ca Lara Life Med este fara indoiala o clinica de nivel european, ce ofera romanilor sansa unei ingrijiri medicale de calitate.

Ceremonia inaugurarii Clinicii Lara Life Med a avut loc sub Inaltul Patronaj al Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica.

Oaspeti de onoare la ceremonia de inaugurare ( de la stanga l;a dreapta ): Dr. Petru Lificiu- Presedinte ANRE  , Doamna . Norbert Pfuetzenreuter , Prof.dr.Norbert Pfuetzenreuter, Doamna  Laura M. Ciuhu , Prof.dr.Ralf Senner

Oaspeti dragi la inaugurare : Excelenta Sa Ambasadorul Algeriei – Habib Chawky Hamraoui

Oaspeti dragi la ceremonia de inaugurare : Excelenta Sa Ambasadorul Nigeriei -Mba Ama Mba

D-na. Laura M Ciuhu – Directoare LARA LIFE MED se adreseaza publicului prezent la inaugurare

LARA LIFE MED – UN PROIECT MEDICAL DE AMPLOARE SE DESCHIDE IN ROMANIA

In data de 22 septembrie 2011 va avea loc  inaugurarea celui mai ambitios proiect medical din Sud-Estul Europei , stabilirea parteneriatului intre LARA LIFE MED CLINIC si MED NORD KLINIK din Munchen.

LARA LIFE MED- o clinica de nivel european.

Ceremonia oficiala, a realizarii celei mai moderne clinici din Romania, va avea loc sub Inaltul Patronaj al Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica ( IRICE ) , in prezenta prof.dr.Anton Caragea director IRICE si in prezentarea doamnei Andreea Marin , Ambasador UNICEF .

Ambitiosul proiect isi propune sa uneasca experienta extraordinara a firmei MED NORD KLINIK, in domeniul chirurgiei non-invazive ( fara sange, fara operatii complexe ) si in domeniul tratarii cu succes a bolilor nutritionale, cu experienta medicala romanesca, recunoscuta international.

Institutul de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica a acceptat sa isi ofere Inaltul Patronaj evenimentului tocmai pentru ca noua clinica reprezinta un exemplu de cooperare in cadrul Uniunii Europene, slujeste acordarii unei asistente medicale de specialitate si de inalta calitate si fiind destinata imbunatatirii starii de sanatate a populatiei Uniunii Europene si reprezentarii internationale a inaltului standard de calitate atins de  medicina romaneasca.

Partea stiintifica a conferintei va fi sustinuta de Prof.Dr. Norbert Pfuetzenreuter , fondatorul clinicii MEDNORD KLINIK din Munchen, care va prezenta noile evolutii in endoscopie – baza chirurgiei minim invazive si Prof.Dr. Ralf Senner de la Institutul de Chirurgie Interdisciplinara si Tratamentul Obezitatii din Munchen, ce va prezenta ultimele noutati in domeniul tratamentului pentru pacientii suprapoderali.

(de la stanga la dreapta) Dl.Petru Lificiu-Presedinte ANRE, d-na Laura Ciuhu -Director LARA MED LIFE, prof.dr.Anton Caragea, director IRICE, Ambasadorul Nigeriei -Mba Ama Mba

Conferinta se va finaliza cu prezentarea echipei manageriale a acestui important proiect medical realizata de catre doamna Laura Ciuhu, responsabila pentru acest succes deosebit al medicinii romanesti.

Deschiderea clinicii LARA LIFE MED CLINIC, sub Inaltul Patronaj al  Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica, reprezinta nu doar un success medical deosebit si oportunitatea pentru cetatenii romani si est-europeni de a beneficia de cele mai inalte standarde medicale europene, dar si o oportunitate pentru Romania de a se afirma in lume ca un furnizor de asistenta medicala de inalta eficienta .