BRUSSELS: Representative Tashi Phuntsok, Bureau du Tibet, Brussels visited Luxembourg from September 13-15. Organised and hosted by`Luxembourg for Tourism, the National Tourism Board of Luxembourg and Cluster of MICE Luxembourg, the 3-day exclusive familiarisation trip showcased the rich heritage and modern stature of the only Grand Duchy in the world.
As a part of a select group of 12 participants from Belgium, the UK, France and Germany, representing different associations and international organisations, the visit facilitated the discovery of Luxembourg as a prime destination for international events with its first class infrastructure, diversity, safety and security and as one of the three capitals of the European Union.
On the first evening, after a 2-hour tour around the city centre and its accompaniment historic sites, the group was hosted a splendid dinner by the main organisers, principally represented by Ricky Wohl, Secretary General for Tourism in the Ministry of Economy, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Romain Weber, President of Luxembourg for Tourism and Anne Hoffmann, Director General for Luxembourg for Tourism. Other representatives of the the Cluster of MICE were also present.
The group was introduced to the Luxembourg-Kirchberg plateau, the new city centre boasting of all and every new institutes and international business centres in box-like modern utilitarian convention centres or glassy sky scrappers. The Luxembourg Convention Centre, which hosts EU Council Meetings and the Philharmonic Theatre adjoining it were elegant and graceful. The Family of Man, the UNESCO classified exhibition of Edward Steichen’s photography of the post-war years at Clervaux Chateau was another highlight.
On the final day the group toured SCHENGEN Village, bordering Germany and France. It was here the the namesake Treaty was signed which heralded open border with then first signatories, Benelux as one party and France and Germany as other two parties. Today it has extended to over 20 countries amongst which there is open border across the length and breadth of Europe. It is one of the many wonderful fruits of the European vision – after the horrors of the two wars.
On the sidelines of the visit the Representative also met with Pierre Baumann and Florence Burette of Les Amis Du Tibet, Luxembourg, the Tibet Support Group in the country.
The group invited him to visit Luxembourg again in November to participate in an Environment Event to highlight issues on Tibetan environment. The Group will also organiser other activities to bolster awareness on Tibet.
The meeting was useful to reconnect and redouble efforts for Tibet. He has had long association with the group from his earlier posting in Europe and has visited the country twice before.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels –