RECEPTION IN THE TOWN HALL "Tourism is a priority for Kuressaare…"
Because of its impact, an event such as Christmas in Europe is always a very important moment for the host city. Because of this the administration of the town has a legitimate place in the opening ceremony and in this reception in our Kuressaare town hall.
In the Reception Hall of the Town Hall – the participants
listen to the remarks of the Mayor.
Jaanus Tamkivi, Mayor of Kuressaare warmly welcomed the visitors to a lovely reception. He said that he was happy to support these international relationships and to experience within these walls the Christmas traditions of all the participant countries. ‘The residents of Kuressaare have been curious about these traditions for about 1000 years’, he said, making reference to the many different peoples who have lived here, such as the Danes, the Swedes, the Germans and the Russians. He pointed out that the evening’s reception was in a Baroque-style building with its original painted ceiling possessing three centuries of history. Mr Tamkivi equally evoked the arrival of the first tourists to Kuressaare in 1832 and the changes to the city in the last 10 years. "Tourism is a priority for Kuressaare and the quality of the reception offered is determined by this commitment. The Ametikool has done excellent wok to maintain these traditions and to train our young people. I wish all of you an excellent stay and much success to all your schools." Following these remarks, all the participants warmly applauded the chief official of the city.
Jaanus Tamkivi in the centre, addresses the guests.
Louis Robert, President of the AEHT, in the name of all the participants offers his thanks for this lovely reception, stressing that, "There is the impression that Kuressaare is on the edge of the world. Hosting this AEHT event is a tremendous touristic promotion for the town to the ten visiting countries represented here, and from this for all of Estonia in our homes."
Visibly moved by these remarks, Jaanus Tammkivi invited all the guests to the delicious buffet and to a glass of friendship offered by the town of Kuressaare. He hoped that this make possible greater knowledge of the AEHT in general and the president and the Godmother of the Christmas in Europe in particular.
A serious conversation between Neeme Rand, Christiane Keller
and Louis Robert.
A serious conversation between Neeme Rand, Christiane Keller
and Louis Robert.
