The latest visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade top delegates is a part of Venezuela’s efforts to expand and grow the national tourism industry. The visit of the world tourism institution representatives to Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is the most significant event for the country since in 2005, when President H. Chavez government established the Ministry of Tourism, with the objective of developing the tourism industry in the country.Venezuela invited for a familiarization and discovery trip a high level delegation of European Council on Tourism and Trade and started preparing for a candidature of Caracas, the capital city, to the international title of WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

(TRAVPR.COM) BELGIUM - October 16th, 2017 - European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, has accepted the invitation from Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, for a familiarization visit with the realities of the Latin American country.

 The visit European Council on Tourism and Trade took place between 15 to 22 September 2017 and is part of a broader strategy of the Nicolas Maduro government to develop Venezuela’s tourism industry and to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce dependence on oil income.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, ECTT President remarked: Venezuela has one of the most diverse climates, with ice capped Andean mountains to the west, Amazon jungle to the south, wide rivers and tall waterfalls surrounded by tabletop mountains and unusual rock formations to the southeast, and a gorgeous, pristine Caribbean coast to the north that has some of the world’s finest and exclusive beaches, such as Los Roques and highest waterfalls on the planet, Angel Falls.

During the week-long visit, the high-level European Council delegates hold extensive talks with various officials like: Juan Bautista Arias Palacio – Minister for Basic and Strategic Industries and Socialist Development, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister of Tourism.

Agreements regarding economic cooperation, tourism promotion, TV travel documentaries and bilateral information exchange and cooperation for SDG completion in the framework of Parliamentary Assembly for Sustainable Development Goals where tabled.

Cooperation in the field of tourism promotion and ECTT technical support for Caracas drafting a coherent plan to obtain the election as World Capital of Culture and Tourism was also agreed.

The highlights of the visit, where the two memorable encounters with President Nicolas Maduro.

On 17 September 2017, the delegates part take in the President TV Show: Sundays with Maduro! together with Evo Morales, Bolivian President.

During the discussions, the tourism and cultural connections between the two countries were tabled and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has given as gifts to the two President’s his latest book on Interference of Civilizations in European Union Project.

On 19 September 2017, in the conclusion of The International March of Solidarity with Venezuela, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea was invited for a photo session with President Nicolas Maduro, signed the Honorary Book at Miraflores Palace and has given an interview to the Miraflores TV Channel, expressing his support for Bolivarian Revolution role in forging a free and democratic Latin America. 

The cultural program of the visit included discovery trips to Natural Sanctuary of Waraira Repano, a tour of Caracas landmarks like The Cathedral of Caracas, Saint Francis, Simon Bolivar birthplace etc.

A special day was dedicated to offering respect for Venezuelan history major figures, with a visit to National Pantheon and a stop to Simon Bolivar funeral monument and Francisco Miranda tomb.

An emotionally charged moment was the visit to Mountain Quarter (Quartel de la Montana) the place where the architect of the Bolivarian Revolution and the apostle of the poor`s: Commander Hugo Chavez is laid for eternal rest surrounded by world gratitude and love.

The delegates witnessed the changing of the guard and where hart struck by the powerful words of remembering for the fallen hero: Chavez lives!

The ECTT delegation visit to Venezuela has given a new impetus to the relations between nations and their attendance to the world solidarity movement with Venezuela has being registered with gratitude by the people of the Caribbean nation, proudly building a revolution of freedom and dignity.

 Venezuela it is blessed with an impressive diversity of natural treasures including crystalline beaches, dense jungles, expansive savannas and imposing mountains and we hope that the beautiful city of Caracas will have a fighting chance in WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competition, stated ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea.

It will be an incredible boost for all Caribbean region concluded the President. 

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