On 22 June 2016, at the Peace Palace of the Prime Minister’s Office, while bestowing upon Cambodia “the World’s Best Tourism Destination” for 2016, and promulgating the first “hospitality” contest, the European Tourism Academy of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) also presented Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen the title of Academician Member of Honor.
Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of the European Tourism Academy, said on that occasion that Samdech Techo is a person with magnificent characteristics at national and international levels, who, in the past as well as in the present, continues to drive for prosperous future of Cambodia as well as world destiny as a whole. Dr. Mircea stressed on outstanding actions of Samdech Techo over the past nearly five decades in close relation to history, struggle, existence, and hope of the people of Cambodia. These actions, he affirmed, have reflected that from a country destroyed by war and hunger, the past glory of Cambodia has restored today with the presentation of award to be the world’s favorite cultural tourism destination.
On behalf of the Royal Government and people of Cambodia, Samdech Techo also asserted that this has indeed reflected truly the real situation of current Cambodia and its wonder as a tourist “cultural and natural” destination. Cambodia has become a heart and a new tourist destination of Asia and Southeast Asia, where there is growing tendency of tourism based on potential of culture, history and nature./.