Raffles Hainan is Marking its 5th Anniversary with an Extravagant CNY550,000 Package
State-of-the-Art Climate Model funded by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation shows how we can solve the Global Climate Crisis
Hyatt Regency Zhenjiang Welcomes the Young and Young-at-Heart With Joyful Totoro Cartoon Themed Rooms and Accessories
GreenTree Closed Investment in HKSE IPO of Gingko Education
Hilton Malaysia Launches Its First Ever Weddings At Hilton Sale
Celebrating the Year of the Pig at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Enterprise Holdings Announces Intent to Acquire Travel Technology Innovator Deem
A large delegation of leading Chinese painters, photographers and writers visit Zhejiang province's Longquan
Neymar and Tuchel Win First Paris Saint-Germain Camel Race
World Tourism Cities Federation and the Tourism Research Center, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences jointly release "Report on World Tourism Economy T
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Thailand extends visa-on-arrival fee waiver until 30 April 2019
The period Thailand celebrates Chinese New Year in February and Thai New Year (Songkran) in April. BANGKOK, Jan. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the Royal Thai Government has approved the extension of the visa-on-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 countries until 30 April. Previously, the exemption of the visa-on-arrival fee was from 15 November 2018, to 13 January 2019. The decision was announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 11 January, reasoning it as a measure to stimulate and promote tourism as well as to enhance the kingdom's attractiveness among foreign visitors during the high travel season. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the continuation of the stimulus visa-on-arrival measure came at a perfect time as Thailand is set to celebrate Chinese New Year in February and the Thai New Year (Songkran) in April. Chinese New Year celebrations are huge in Thailand, and this year will mark the 15th anniversary of cooperation between TAT, the Chinese Ministry of Culture, and the Chinese Embassy in organising annual Lunar New Year festivities in Thailand. This year's date falls on 5 February. Mr. Yuthasak said: "This year, the Chinese New Year official opening ceremony will be held at Siam Square, one of the most popular shopping areas in Bangkok. We aim to attract more of the younger generation to enjoy the traditional performances." Every year, China sends over 100 traditional Chinese dancers and musicians, martial artists, Chinese opera performers and acrobats from several cities in a cultural exchange. In addition to the opening ceremony, typically held at Bangkok's Yaowarat (China Town), performances are also held in key cities around Thailand where Chinese New Year is celebrated in grand style. In return, TAT organises education tours of Thailand for the performers. For the Thai New Year (Songkran), TAT will continue its strategy to promote Thai traditions and cultural values, the core part of almost all traditional events and festivals in Thailand, according to Mr. Yuthasak. "As usual, TAT will provide support to the organising of Songkran celebrations in various destinations throughout the kingdom." The Songkran Festival, 13-15 April, is an event where boisterous fun and ancient traditions go hand-in-hand. For tourists, the event offers a chance to enjoy a huge celebration where water parties break out in the streets of Thailand's towns and villages. For locals, it is a time when they can spend precious moments with their families and visit the temples to observe ancient rites and make merit. Other notable events and festivals scheduled during the period include the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony on 17 March in Ayutthaya and the uniquely local Poi Sang Long Festival (held during March or April) in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. The list of countries eligible for the visa-on-arrival fee waiver until 30 April: Citizens of Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, mainland China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan will be exempted from the 2,000 Baht visa-on-arrival fee for the purpose of touring in Thailand for not more than 15 days. For more information, please contact the TAT Newsroom team at mailtous@tatnews.org.
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Odakyu Group Starts 2019 Lunar New Year Campaign
- Member Companies of Odakyu Group in Shinjuku, Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura to Join Hands in Welcoming Tourists from Abroad - TOKYO, Jan. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Odakyu Group started a "2019 Lunar New Year Campaign" from Wednesday, January 16, to Friday, February 15, 2019. As part of the campaign, the Odakyu Group presents qualified travelers with coupons worth 500 yen each -- which can be used in Tokyo's Shinjuku district popular among travelers from abroad as well as in the Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura districts -- popular tourist spots along the Odakyu railway lines -- and offers special goods aboard Limited Express Romancecar trains exclusively during the Lunar New Year period. Companies belonging to the Odakyu Group are joining hands in welcoming inbound tourists such as by wearing special "hospitality" badges. Image 1: Posterhttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104691/201901152203/_prw_PI1fl_y7kIYOfE.jpg Campaign website: https://www.odakyu.jp/english/springcampaign/ (English/Simplified Chinese characters/Traditional Chinese characters) The following is the outline of the campaign 1. Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers in Shinjuku to distribute coupons The Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center Shinjuku West and the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center Shinjuku South, tourist information centers for foreign tourists, offer a 500-yen coupon that can be used at designated Odakyu Group facilities to each of customers who purchase the "Hakone Kamakura Pass," a 6,500-yen excursion ticket exclusively for inbound tourists. Coupons are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and their distributions end once they run out. The coupons can be used at the following facilities: Shinjuku area: Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku, HALC, Shinjuku MYLORD, Flags, Odakyu Ace, Shinjuku Southern Terrace, Hotel Century Southern Tower, Hyatt Regency Tokyo. *Some stores in these facilities do not accept the coupon. Hakone area: Hakone-no-Ichi souvenir shop at Hakone-Yumoto Station Enoshima-Kamakura area: Shonan Fujisawa Concierge and Shonan Fujisawa Souvenirs at Fujisawa Station. Image 2: Couponhttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104691/201901152203/_prw_PI2fl_0SOb6w8m.jpg 2. Special goods sold aboard Romancecar trains A "Japanese Sweets Set," filled with charms along the Odakyu lines, is sold aboard Limited Express Romancecar trains during this campaign for 1,000 yen including tax. The set consists of Japanese sweets produced along the Odakyu lines, special chopsticks and a towel, among other items. The Odakyu Group hopes that the set is a good souvenir for inbound tourists. Image 3: Japanese Sweets Sethttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104691/201901152203/_prw_PI4fl_81H2xHCN.JPG 3. Staff members to welcome inbound tourists with "Omotenashi (hospitality) Badge" Staff members at Odakyu railway stations and in the Enoshima and Hakone areas each wear an "Omotenashi (hospitality) Badge" bearing messages such as "Have a nice trip" in six languages. Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto stations are decorated for the Lunar New Year to welcome inbound tourists. Image4: Badgehttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M104691/201901152203/_prw_PI3fl_j05DGZFo.jpg Hakone Kamakura Pass, a discounted excursion ticket exclusively for inbound tourists The Hakone Kamakura Pass allows its holders to enjoy services made available by Hakone Freepass and Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass -- excursion tickets popular with inbound tourists -- as well as unlimited rides on all lines operated by Odakyu Electric Railway. The three-day pass is priced at 6,500 yen for adults. Customers who show the pass at eateries, art museums and other facilities Odakyu has arranged partnership with can receive preferential services. About Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. Odakyu Electric Railway, established in 1948, is one of Japan's major private railway companies. With the "Shinjuku" central transportation terminal in the capital of Japan, Odakyu lines extend to "Hakone," one of Japan's foremost hot spring tourist destinations, and "Enoshima-Kamakura," the historical seaside town close to the city center, and they are used not only for sightseeing but also by two million commuters traveling to work every day. In addition to transportation, Odakyu conducts a variety of other businesses, primarily in the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas, such as department stores, supermarkets, real estate, hotels and restaurants.
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The Chedi Ninghai Opens its Doors on January 18, 2019
SHANGHAI, Jan. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestled in the mountains and forest, The Chedi Ninghai will be a desirable address in the wealthy Jiangnan area of China upon opening on January 18, 2019. The location is know for its idyllic beauty, where art meets nature, fashion meets tradition and soul meets body. The Lobby of The Chedi Ninghai Managed by GHM, the operator that has consistently garnered worldwide renowned for its management of some of the world's most exclusive and luxurious hotels and resorts, The Chedi Ninghai will redefine mild luxury in Jiangnan. The hotel's extraordinarily large public spaces across springs, brooks and mountains, contain suites and villas, bars and restaurants, meeting and catering facilities, a spa and hot spring. The Equestrian Center and The Lawn are designed by an acclaimed team responsible for renowned hotels and resorts around the globe. The Chedi Ninghai is destined to be the accommodation-of-choice for both elites and families at large. With its predominant food and beverage offerings - including a tranquil and Asian-inspired restaurant located inside a bamboo forest, a relaxing lounge overlooking a lake, a hilltop pool and pool bar, The Chedi Ninghai will be an unsurpassed culinary sanctuary. The natural hot spring pool and specially designed outdoor & indoor entertainment and activities provide the hotel guests a perfect choice to embrace an exclusive moment shared with their families and friends all year round. Service at the hotel will be quiet and modest, attentive without being intrusive, unnoticed but accompanied, homely with a casual elegance; the epitome of one's home away from home, The Chedi Ninghai will be a true oasis of bliss and welcomed haven where all guests' needs are orchestrated with a style to remember. Notes to Editor: About GHM Established in 1992, GHM (General Hotel Management Ltd.) is known for conceptualising, developing and operating an exclusive group of hotels and resorts. With an intimate portfolio and projects in the pipeline, GHM prides itself in providing guests with an unrivalled lifestyle experience. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190114/2345628-1
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LONGi Solar sets new bifacial mono-PERC solar cell world record at 24.06 percent
XI'AN, China, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi Solar has announced that it has achieved a new monocrystalline silicon PERC world record conversion efficiency using commercial wafer (M2) dimensions that exceeds 24 percent for the first time, according to tests carried out by the National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality (CPVT) in China. LONGi Solar sets new bifacial mono-PERC solar cell world record at 24.06 percent LONGi Solar's latest breakthrough bifacial PERC solar cells tested by CPVT achieved a conversion efficiency of 24.06%. CPVT tested monocrystalline silicon PERC cell in standard wafer dimension (156.75x156.75mm2) (M2) provided by LONGi Solar. The sample cells were measured under standard test conditions for current-voltage characteristics as a function of load. "LONGi Solar has made great strides in setting world record PERC solar cell conversion efficiencies as we demonstrate the continuing ability to provide high-efficiency products to the global solar market," stated Li Wenxue, President of LONGi Solar. "Our latest record solar cell conversion efficiencies also endorse the success of our R&D investments, which have set the benchmark for the industry in recent years." In April 2017, based on selective emitter technology, which has been widely used in practical mass production, LONGi Solar reported a monocrystalline silicon PERC cell conversion efficiency of 22.17% (tested by CPVT), which effectively supported the supply requirements of the Phase 3 requirements of China's 'Top Runner' solar installation program. In October 2017, LONGi Solar broke the world-record efficiency of monocrystalline silicon PERC cell in commercial dimensions with 22.71%, while the original record was broken by Fraunhofer-ISE with 22.61%. In the same month, in accordance with the MBB technology, the cell conversion efficiency was increased to 23.26% and tested by CPVT, which was the first to breakthrough the 23% efficiency barrier. In August 2018, LONGI Solar achieved the highest efficiency of P-type mono-PERC bifacial solar cells in China with a conversion efficiency of 23.11%. "This is the first time that the efficiency of monocrystalline PERC solar cells in commercial dimensions have exceeded 24%," remarked Dr. Li Hua, LONGi Solar, Vice President of Cell R&D. "In the last three consecutive years LONGi Solar has developed three generations of 'Hi-MO' products based on PERC technology, which are setting the efficiency and reliability benchmark of high-efficiency PERC technology within the industry. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190116/2348806-1 Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181108/2292512-1-LOGO
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China-Finland Year of Winter Sports 2019 Launched in Beijing
A Series of Meetings and Celebratory Events in China's Capital City this week marked the Launch the China-Finland Year of Winter Sports 2019 to strengthen cooperative partnerships between China and Finland in Winter Sports BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Government representatives from China and Finland met this week in Beijing for the official launch of the China-Finland Year of Winter Sports 2019. The joint partnership theme year marks the first of this kind of bilateral cooperation in sports between China and another country. Sampo Terho, Minister for European Affairs, Culture, and Sport of Finland speaking at the China-Finland Winter Sports Industry Seminar In 2022, Beijing will become the first city to have ever hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics. While China has not been traditionally known as a strong winter sports nation, Finland's winter sports culture is deep-rooted into the everyday lives of its people. As China prepares to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, the country has also set the goal of developing 300 million winter sports enthusiasts. The People's Republic of China and Finland have a long history in sport cooperation. Soon after forming diplomatic relations in 1950, China sent a team to the Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games. In order to build a strong winter sports culture, China has allocated resources to develop the infrastructure around winter sports. Major investments are being made in the development of physical education in schools, Sport for All-movement, and mass sports all the way to high-performance sports. Ms. Anne-Mari Virolainen, Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, has led a Business Delegation to the high-level opening week of the China Finland Year of Winter Sports 2019 in Beijing. "I am happy to observe the positive development between Finland and China over the past few years. China is our most important trade partner in Asia and fourth largest trade partner globally. I believe this special year of cooperation can offer many highly interesting opportunities for Finnish and local companies as well their public sectors, leading up to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and beyond." – Anne-Mari Virolainen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland. The China-Finland Year of Winter Sports is a collaboration on many levels between the cities, areas, and businesses of Finland and China. Both sides will collaborate with government representatives, cities and companies as well as sport organizations and sport institutes. The theme year will not only be about sports but also extend to culture, education, research and training. Besides governmental cooperation, the businesses and everyday people are expected to benefit from the collaboration. "For China's goal to reach 300 million new winter sport enthusiasts and to build the infrastructure to support this, Finland has a lot to offer. We may be a small nation, but our expertise and opportunities in winter sports covers a vast array of products and services, especially in training and coaching, sport infrastructure including sustainable, ecological and smart building solutions, sports technology development and production of sports equipment, organizing sustainable major sport events, physical education in schools, recreational winter sports, and increasing winter sport tourism. The cooperation between our countries has already begun to thrive, especially when it comes to coaching and training centers." – Sampo Terho, Minister for European Affairs, Culture and Sports of Finland. In the run-up to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics 2022 and beyond as well as supporting the China-Finland Year of Winter Sports 2019, Business Finland has established a Finland Winter Sports Cluster in order to further develop potential business cooperation and platforms, and to provide comprehensive solutions for supporting the growth of a winter sports culture in China. The Finnish Winter Sports Cluster evaluates business leads in winter sports related projects, finds right partners and organizes events and match makings for Finnish and Chinese companies. "We are very pleased that the winter sports opportunities in China have generated great interest among Finnish companies and cities. This week have already signed over 15 Memoranda of Understanding between Finnish and Chinese partners. Winter sports is an integral part of everything we do in Finland. Finland is committed in long term cooperation with China in its aspirations to reach the top in winter sports both in the success of its winter athletes and in building a strong winter sports culture in China." – Petri Tulensalo, Head of the Finnish Winter Sports Cluster. Tourism to Finland also stands to benefit from the China-Finland year of sports. Finland is already known as a winter destination, famous for the northern lights and Santa Claus, ice and snow. Finland is also a destination of great ski resorts, excellent sporting academies and a number of high quality coaching and sport educational institutes and facilities. Finland has the cleanest air in the world and it offers safety, purity and space for those families, groups and individuals learning to ski. In recent years, the number of Chinese visitors to Finland has grown strongly. In 2018, we expect to have reached 400,000 overnights spent by Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong passport holders up significantly from only 150,000 in 2014. Finland is well connected to China thanks to its geographical location and direct flights between Helsinki and seven cities across China. In 2019, the first Chinese airlines will also begin flights to Finland, with Tibet Airlines opening a new tri-weekly direct flight between Helsinki and Jinan, Shangdong on April 8th and Juneyao Airlines launching daily direct flights between Helsinki and Shanghai on June 28th. In addition, Finnair will launch double-daily flights between Hong Kong and Helsinki in the summer. "During this official winter sports theme year between Finland and China we hope to build Finland as an attractive destination for winter activities and sports for the Chinese market. The future Chinese 300 million winter sport enthusiasts creates a huge touristic opportunity for Finnish ski resorts all over the country, providing work opportunities for professional ski instructors and skiing schools. Finland can offer also low-threshold winter sport teaching by professional skiing instructors in skiing resorts, to beginners of winter sport as hobby." – Paavo Virkkunen, Executive Director, Business Finland Oy & Head of Visit Finland. In order to further inspire China's people to try Winter Sports in Finland during 2019, Visit Finland has appointed Chinese Actor, Mr. Wang Kai as Official Envoy of Finland Winter Travel. Visit Finland will launch a new campaign entitled "Feel the World", with Sina Weibo and Beijing Better Life Media & Communication and featuring Wang Kai's experiences in Finland over China's upcoming Spring Festival. "It is with great honor that I have been chosen as Visit Finland's Winter Envoy, and I hope to encourage many more Chinese to visit Finland and try out Winter Sports. In my time visiting Finland I've grown a deep love for the country and I can't express how wonderful my experience was. Finland is an amazing country to experience in winter and I'm so thrilled to have this remarkable opportunity to share my experiences to my home country of China." – Wang Kai, Official Envoy of Finland Winter Travel. The China Finland Year of Winter Sports 2019 will conclude with official Closing Ceremonies in Rovaniemi, Finland in December 2019. China-Finland Winter Sports Industry Seminar, From Left to Right: Petri Tulensalo, Business Finland, Jusa Susia,Business Finland, Deputy Director General, Finance Department, General Administration of Sport, China, Risto Huhta-Koivisto, Business Finland, Mikko Saarinen, Business Finland Wang Kai, Official Envoy of Finland Winter Travel with traditional Finnish Kuksa, presented to him by Paavo Virkkunen, Executive Director, Business Finland Oy & Head of Visit Finland For more high-res images, please download from below link:https://we.tl/t-C8inS3N5K7 About Business FinlandBusiness Finland is the Finnish innovation funding, trade, investment, and travel promotion organization, headquartered in Helsinki. Business Finland is fully owned by the Finnish Government. Business Finland employs 600 experts in 40 offices globally and in 20 regional offices around Finland. Business Finland is part of the Team Finland network. www.businessfinland.com About Visit FinlandVisit Finland, is a state agency actively promoting Finland as a destination for foreign travelers. Visit Finland works closely with Finnish travel regions, travel businesses, transport companies and ministries, marketing tourism to Finland from abroad.For more information about Visit Finland, please visit: www.visitfinland.com/ The Visit Finland Travel Trade website provides tour operators with easily accessible information and tools when marketing Finland. http://www.visitfinland.com/travel-trade/ Additional materials of Visit Finland: For photos, maps and videos:http://www.visitfinland.com/media/media-bank/ For additional resources, please register for access to our Media Bank:http://imagebank.visitfinland.com/login/Login_visitfinland.aspx?l=EN Meetings & Events Toolkit:http://imagebank.visitfinland.com/meetings Visit Finland offers it's Chinese website for travellers:http://www.visitfinland.com/zh/China Social Social Media: Sina Weibo http://weibo.com/ourfinlandYouku http://i.youku.com/u/UNTU4Nzk3OTAwOfficial Wechat ID: VFChina About Team FinlandThe Team Finland network promotes Finland's external economic relations, the internationalzation of Finnish businesses, Finland's brand abroad and investments to Finland. The network aims to bring all key authorities and organizations under one umbrella, improve the efficiency of their cooperation, and provide customers with an easy access to a wide range of services. The Team Finland network consists of more than 70 local teams around the world and brings together all Finnish authorities, publicly funded organizations and other key parties with ties to Finland. At home, the core members of the Team Finland network are the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Culture - together with agencies operating under their guidance. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190116/2348777-1-aPhoto - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190116/2348777-1-bPhoto - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190116/2348777-1-c Related Links :http://www.visitfinland.com/
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China's Largest Home Sharing Platform Xiaozhu Rides the Train of "The Belt and Road"
BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- China's home sharing platform Xiaozhu.com is riding the train of "The Belt and Road" and accelerating its global expansion. On January 15, Xiaozhu released its 2018 annual data report. According to the report, the company now has over 500,000 listings in over 710 cities across 60 countries and regions. On January 15, Xiaozhu released its 2018 annual data report. According to the report, the company now has over 500,000 listings in over 710 cities across 60 countries and regions. 2018 marks the fifth anniversary of China's "The Belt and Road" initiative. According to Tourism Research Center of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, countries along "The Belt and Road" received 582 million tourists in 2017, representing 44.02% of international tourists. Listings of Xiaozhu platform cover 36 countries along "The Belt and Road". Living in the exotic homes of the local people in "The Belt and Road" countries is expected to become the new trend in China's outbound travel market. Xiaozhu will ride the train of "The Belt and Road" initiative and continue its global exploration, says Chen Chi, CEO of Xiaozhu. Xiaozhu's overseas business is expected to double in 2019 according to Chen. As the home sharing market grows, the relevant service chain supporting it is also maturing. Starting from 2012, Xiaozhu has built an industrial infrastructure internet that provides individual users with services enabling sharing. According to data released by Xiaozhu, the demands for cleaning and photography services are soaring in 2018. There are an average of over 200,000 cleaning service orders per month online. It is also a trend in medium- and high-end listings with smart devices regarding security and experiences. In 2018, Xiaozhu introduced facial recognition-enabled smart door locks, smart smoke detectors and burglar alarms to the industry. According to the report, Xiaozhu is working closely with governments to promote the adoption of smart devices in major cities across China to further improve the safety and security of the home sharing industry. Founded in 2012, Xiaozhu.com is a rising unicorn in the home sharing industry. In 2018, Xiaozhu announced a global strategic partnership with agoda, a member of Booking Holdings, and strategic partnership with Fliggy and Xianyu. In October 2018, Xiaozhu closed its latest 300 million US dolloar financing round led by Yunfeng Capital and Advantech Capital. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-largest-home-sharing-platform-xiaozhu-rides-the-train-of-the-belt-and-road-300779145.html
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Xi'an Hosts Belt and Road International Fashion Week to Promote Cultural Exchange
XI'AN, China, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A premier event in the world of fashion and the garment industry, the third Belt and Road International Fashion Week (BRI Fashion Week) has wrapped up in Xi'an after welcoming leading designers, artists and industry professionals from more than 20 countries. The five-day event has shone a spotlight on the cultural and artistic heritage of Xi'an, and highlighted its important position within China's Belt and Road initiative (BRI), China's globe-spanning infrastructure and cultural development project that retraces the mythical Silk Road trade routes, which originated from this ancient city. Xi’an Hosts Belt and Road International Fashion Week to Promote Cultural Exchange BRI Fashion Week's series of fashion shows featured traditional, contemporary and modern styles, while the "Global Development in Fashion" forum served as a platform for industry leaders to discuss ways to strengthen the industry. With a focus on integrated technology, cutting-edge fashion, culture and economic development, the forum solidified Xi'an as a center of the global fashion industry and facilitated discussions on how the industry can continue to grow not only locally but around the world. "Xi'an is the perfect location to hold BRI Fashion Week, and we are thrilled with the event's success," said Wang Haotian, Chairman of the BRI Fashion Week Organizing Committee. "The city's long history with profound cultural elements inspires designers and artists in the fields of fashion, arts, architecture and more. At the same time, it is moving forward, modernizing through the leveraging of cutting-edge technology and urban planning. It is both an ancient city that stands as a real connection to the ancient Silk Road and a key linchpin in today's globe-spanning BRI. There is no better place to gather together professionals in the areas of art, fashion and textiles to talk about how our industries, through international cooperation, can fulfill the needs of people who live across the developing world." The week's events gathered together well-known designers such as Wang Xiaoxia, President of L'OFFICIEL China; Mao Junjie, APAC Managing Director of MARC JACOBS; Lu Hao; Tony Brown; Arnault Garcia; Ma Qingyun and Laurence Xu. Distinguished guests at BRI Fashion Week included Phinij Jarusombat, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association; Du Yue, UNESCO's Deputy Director Division for Cooperation, Intersectoral follow-up, and Partnership at the Africa Department; and Long Yuxiang, Executive Chairman of the China International Cultural Communication Centre (CICCC), along with ambassadors and representatives from countries such as the U.S., United Kingdom, Nigeria, and Tunisia. For more information, please visit: http://en.xa.gov.cn/ptl/index.html About Belt and Road International Fashion Week Belt and Road International Fashion Week is co-hosted by the China International Cultural Communication Centre and Xi'an Municipal Government. With a focus on fashion culture and industry along the Belt and Road Initiative, the event aims to build an exchange platform to further promote fashion development in China and around the world. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190116/2348639-1
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Sushi Saito (Tokyo) Today Announced as Top Japanese Restaurant in Opinionated About Dining's First Dedicated Top 100+ Japanese Restaurants List
TOKYO, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global restaurant award platform Opinionated About Dining (OAD) has today announced Sushi Saito in Tokyo as the number one restaurant on the inaugural OAD Top 100+ Japanese Restaurants List. A regular inclusion on the annual overarching Asian Restaurants List, Saito is recognized for its consistently flawless execution. A former apprentice at Sushi Kanesaka, Saito is known to produce perfectly balanced and exquisitely formed nigiri, with every piece exactly the same size, shape and temperature. The number two spot goes to Tenzushi Kyomachi-ten in Fukuoka, which features Kyushu mae-style sushi, while Ogata, the groundbreaking kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto is newly at the third best restaurant in Japan. Following several years where Japanese restaurants dominated the OAD Top 100+ Asian Restaurants List, founder Steve Plotnicki has decided that the time has come to make space to more broadly showcase the talent and calibre of restaurants to be discovered in Japan. 2019 marks the launch of the OAD's newly dedicated Top 100+ Japanese Restaurants List. Of this decision, Steve comments:"Given the intense interest in the Japanese scene, I thought it made sense to give our readers as much information about the restaurants in the country as possible." Other restaurants in the OAD Top 100+ Japanese Restaurants List top ten include Hiarsansou in Kyoto, Tokyo's Matsukawa and Yoroniku, and the innovative Den, also in Tokyo. The top ten restaurants in Japan from OAD: Sushi Saito (sushi) Tenzushi Kyomachi-ten (sushi) Ogata (kaiseki) Hirasansou (kaiseki) Matsukawa (kaiseki) Higashiazabu Amamoto (sushi) Yoroniku (yakiniku) Kyo Aji (kaiseki) Kimoto (kaiseki) Den (innovative) The full list of the OAD's top 100 will be available to read online at http://www.opinionatedaboutdining.com/2019/japan.html About Opinionated About Dining: Each year, OAD shares lists of the top restaurants within various global regions, as voted for by the website's knowledgeable reviewers. Based on reviews by over 6,000 voters, the list is the only global restaurant guide that considers a diner's gastronomic background and restaurant reviewing experience, as well as the quality of restaurants they visit, when tabulating the results. In 2019, OAD plans on publishing nine lists according to the following schedule:Top 100+ Japan (announced January 16th 2019 )Instagram: @OADTOP100 Website: www.opinionatedaboutdining.com Contact details for Press and General enquiries: Michelle Mclaughlin - Michelle@wearemuse.co.ukTelephone Number: + 44-782-573-2900
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Qatar Tour 2019: An Action-Packed First Day in Doha for Paris Saint-Germain
DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday 14 January as part of the Qatar Tour, the Paris Saint-Germain players participated in numerous activities organised by the club's and its Qatari partners. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8481251-paris-saint-germain-football-qatar-tour/ Video: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8481251-paris-saint-germain-football-qatar-tour/ The Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) took Neymar Jr., Gianluigi Buffon, Angel Di Maria and Thiago Silva on a trip to the heart of the desert to film an advertisement on athletes' performance, intensity and perseverance. Alphonse Aréola, Thilo Kehrer, Presnel Kimpembe, Thomas Meunier and Christopher Nkunku, were among the first passengers to ride the soon-to-open metro line to Al Wakrah Stadium, and enjoyed an exclusive tour of the arena currently under construction for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Dani Alves, Edinson Cavani, Marquinhos, Kylian Mbappé, and Marco Verratti teamed up at the Kempinski Hotel for the shooting of an advert for the Qatari bank QNB. Coach Thomas Tuchel and Maxwell toured the sports facilities at the Aspire Complex and attended a youth training session alongside the Aspire Academy coaches. Over 300 children were present at the inauguration of Paris Saint-Germain's Doha Academy today. In the presence of the players Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, Moussa Diaby, Stanley Nsoki and Colin Dagba, the children enjoyed taking photos and getting autographs at the Academy located on the Qatar Foundation site. The recent collaboration between Paris Saint-Germain and Indian designer Manish Arora was showcased at the Kempinski Hotel. Marco Verratti and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting lined up alongside fashion models to unveil an international range launched first in Qatar. Qatari fans flocked to a signing session organised at the Paris Saint-Germain boutique in the Villagio shopping centre. Thomas Meunier and Thilo Kehrer shared special moments with the supporters present. On Katara Beach north of Doha, footballers including Christopher Nkunku, Alphonse Areola and Sébastien Cibois tried their luck against Paris Saint-Germain's professional eSports players: Qatari Ahmed Al-Meghessib and Brazilian Rafael Fortes, also known as "Rafifa13". Several key players took part in interviews with many local and international media. And to round off a busy day, a training session was held on the Aspire Zone pitches.
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Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates Chinese New Year with a Magical Take on Traditional Customs and Experiences
The resort welcomes guests to rediscover their childhood excitement and fall in love with the Chinese New Year holiday all over againSHANGHAI, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Disney Resort is ready to usher in an auspicious Year of the Pig and help guests rediscover the joy of this much loved holiday by celebrating Chinese traditions with a special touch of Disney magic. Throughout the entire Chinese New Year period, from January 19 to February 19, the resort will offer guests an unforgettable Chinese New Year experience, with abundant offerings and activities that will celebrate Chinese customs and create fun new memories for families and friends of all ages. From new seasonal entertainment, to exclusive new merchandise, food and beverage delights, and beyond, Shanghai Disney Resort is offering an exciting and magical Chinese New Year experience for guests from near and far. The resort's brand-new holiday festivities were unveiled today during a Chinese New Year event held at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, where a host of celebrities gathered to share their own Chinese New Year memories and traditions. Among those participating were the renowned Shanghainese actress and leading film star, Pan Hong; internationally-recognized pianist, Kong Xiangdong; Olympic sailing champion, Xu Lijia; famous fashion designer, Ji Cheng; and the male lead performer of the Mandarin production of the Beauty and the Beast musical, Sun Dou'er. The wide range of new shows and seasonal offerings across the resort will delight both local guests and those travelling to Shanghai from around the country and overseas. Underlining the celebrations this year will be the incredible Chinese New Year 2019 Firework Celebration: A Feast of Love and Light. On select evenings, special Chinese New Year fireworks will light up the night sky, and the hearts of guests, as beautiful colors and shapes dance overhead. Plus, for the first time ever, this year's guests can bring the entire family to enjoy an unforgettable reunion dinner in the resort's Shanghai Disneyland Hotel on February 4 and 5 - celebrating one of the country's most important traditional meals while surrounded by breathtaking Disney magic. Experience Magical Chinese New Year Customs with Every Step at Shanghai Disney Resort Echoing the time-honored tradition of decorating homes for the New Year, from January 19 through February 19, Shanghai Disney Resort will be decked out in festive décor to create an enchanting New Year atmosphere for guests, complete with vibrant Mickey lanterns, Chinese couplets, floral garlands, peach flowers, paper decorations, and more. Shades of red and gold will be seen throughout the park, the resort, with Chinese New Year melodies completing the immersive New Year experience. Throughout the holiday season, Mickey Avenue will be covered in traditional holiday decorations designed to immerse guests in the festive experience from the moment they begin their holiday adventure at Shanghai Disneyland. Here, guests will also have the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse and his pals, as well as Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni and StellaLou dressed in their newest Chinese New Year costumes, and take pictures together in front of photo backdrops inspired by the New Year. Goofy will also make special appearances in his God of Fortune costume, bringing extra energy and excitement to the festivities. To welcome in the Year of the Pig, and wish guests a prosperous year ahead, Hamm - the hilarious pig from the Toy Story films - will be featured throughout the resort, signifying luck and good fortune. In the Garden of the Twelve Friends, the pig zodiac will also be adorned with golden coins and red couplets, creating a special photo opportunity for guests. A beautiful archway and spinning centerpiece in the Gardens of Imagination will also help create happy holiday memories as guests pose for pictures with family and friends. Disney Magic Adds Extra Fun to Chinese New Year Traditions Ceremonies and performances are an important part of Chinese New Year traditions, and this year, to welcome in the Year of the Pig, on January 25 - 26 and every day from February 4 - 10 and on the Lantern Festival (February 19), the nightly showing of Ignite the Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light will be topped off with the Chinese New Year 2019 Firework Celebration: A Feast of Love and Light. Each morning throughout the entire holiday season, guests can also witness a customary drum ceremony near the Storytellers Statue. Here, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will preside over a daily performance that fills each day with good fortune and happy wishes. At special times throughout the day, Mickey and his pals will also gather in Celebration Square to celebrate the New Year with a special performance of Shanghai Swing. The entertaining dance moment features characters and dancers in vintage Shanghai-style costumes for a high-energy show that encourages guests to swing along. The Wishing Garden will return this year as the Garden of the Twelve Friends undergoes a festive transformation into a special holiday-themed garden, with celebratory decorations centered on Hamm's zodiac mosaic. Here, guests can write their New Year wishes down on wish cards - available in the Wishing Garden and at character meet and greet locations - then hang their cards in set locations around the garden area, sending out their hopes and dreams for a prosperous year ahead. This year, guests can also discover a special Chinese New Year carnival at the Wishing Star Market in Disneytown, where they can continue their celebrations and shopping as they explore the diverse assortment of traditional Chinese snacks, and ornaments on display. In the center of the market, the Wishing Star Skating Rink will also provide fun skating experiences that guests of all ages will remember for years to come. The festive décor and charming photo locations throughout Disneytown will also give visitors another way to capture pictures and celebrate a prosperous Year of the Pig. New Shanghai-inspired Surprises For the Holiday and Beyond Pan Hong, who recorded the Mandarin voiceover for "Once Upon A Time" Adventure, is helping spread the holiday spirit at Shanghai Disney Resort this year with the release of the first-ever Shanghainese narration of the attraction's opening scenes. On February 4 and 5, Pan Hong's iconic voice will greet guest as they begin their Enchanted Storybook Castle adventure, witnessing the renowned story of Snow White set to a once-in-a-lifetime Shanghainese soundtrack. January also sees the roll-out of an all-new Mickey in Shanghai travel collection - the latest addition to the popular Mickey in Shanghai merchandise line unveiled in late 2018. The brand new Shanghai-themed travel collection is exclusive to Shanghai Disney Resort and features classic images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with reflections of Shanghai's distinct culture, including iconic city landmarks, popular local snacks and Shanghainese phrases. From trendy totes, to travel accessories, apparel, home décor, treats, and beyond, the Mickey in Shanghai line, and its just-launched travel collection, provides a great selection of souvenirs to immortalize a visit, and great gift ideas for loved ones this holiday season. Enjoy Family Reunions with Favorite Festive Flavors at Shanghai Disney Resort The reunion dinner is a longstanding tradition in Chinese culture, and is the most important meal of the year for Chinese families. For the first time ever, on February 4 and 5, Shanghai Disney Resort will host special reunion dinners in the Cinderella Ballroom at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, delivering a signature experience for families and friends. Presented in customary style, the sumptuous dinner service will include dishes that not only taste delicious, but are also a feast for the eyes - with beautiful presentations and auspicious overtones. During the meal, children can take a break from the table to enjoy traditional paper-cutting activities, sugar painting, and can even try making their own dumplings. Guests will also be able to relax and enjoy a live screening of the Chinese New Year Gala on televisions throughout the ballroom. Lumière's Kitchen in the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel will also host a Chinese New Year Feast from February 3 to 10. Their magnificent buffet will include a wide range of fresh seafood, meats, traditional Chinese and western dishes and a vast variety of New Year-themed desserts that are sure to satisfy. Throughout the meal, guests will also have a number of opportunities to take family photos with Mickey, Minnie and other Disney friends dressed in authentic Chinese New Year costumes. In the park, Wandering Moon Restaurant is offering a new range of dishes and services for guests looking to satiate their Chinese food cravings. Starting this Chinese New Year, the restaurant will launch a brand new series of Chinese dishes for guests to enjoy, from roasted duck, to BBQ pork, to Mongolian beef, plum pork ribs with garlic, and a wide range of other delectable choices, perfect for every palate. Plus, a new table service is being introduced for those guests looking to enjoy a more full-service dining experience during their park visit. This year, the Royal Banquet Hall will debut a festive family reunion tabletop feast fit for a King or Queen for the Chinese New Year holiday. Designed to pamper guests with royal courtesy and a dash of Disney magic, guests will experience fairy tale delicacies with friends and family, including golden crab seafood soup, special Mickey-shaped braised pork knuckle, braised flounder, and much more, all served within the magical realm of the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Remy's Patisserie and Il Paperino are also releasing a new selection of unique Disney dishes, including Mickey cupcakes and blueberry cheesecake topped with Chinese copper-shaped chocolates, and Mickey cinnamon donuts green tea and red bean ice cream. Chip & Dale's Chocolate Chestnut Skewers and a red bean soup with a cheese topping, available elsewhere in the park, will also provide the perfect remedy for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth during the Chinese New Year season. Bring the Magic Home and Share Best Wishes for a Prosperous Year Ahead At this time of year, many people have fond memories of the new clothes and accessories they were gifted when they were young, as well as the red envelopes filled with auspicious blessings they received from senior family members. This year, Shanghai Disney Resort is honoring these beloved traditions by releasing more than 40 limited-edition Chinese New Year merchandise items that will serve as the perfect gifts for family and friends, with bountiful new items to take home in memory of the 2019 holiday. The new Chinese New Year merchandise collection takes inspiration from customary colors and symbols in the Chinese culture. Vibrant red and gold hues reflect joy and prosperity, while the golden pig, lantern designs, couplets, gold ingots and other traditional elements help create a diverse array of holiday gift choices. Plus, Lucky Bags are back this year, filled with exclusive holiday merchandise inspired by Hamm the pig. Guests purchasing Lucky Bags will have the added chance to win roundtrip air tickets to Hong Kong, sponsored by China Eastern Airlines. Guests can also find collectible new plush dolls, including Mickey, Duffy and their friends, dressed in traditional Chinese costumes. The classic red and gold colors carry over to the resort's trendy new fashion line, with cross-body bags, adult fleeces, stylish New Year Minnie ponchos and brand-new sequined Minnie headbands. The New Year shopping experience continues with exclusive limited-edition Chinese New Year pins, exquisite red packet sets, festive home decor and calendars, and other collectible merchandise that commemorates the New Year in an unforgettable fashion. Extend your Lunar New Year Celebration with a Stay at Shanghai Disney Resort Chinese New Year is the season to spend quality time with the family, and Shanghai Disney Resort is offering a breadth of activities for family and friends to enjoy together for days on end. For guests who aim to make the most of their magical New Year celebration, the resort's two hotels offer the perfect place to stay as guests enjoy a multi-day visit to the resort. At the Toy Story Hotel, character-inspired lanterns adorn the entryway, the lobby, and beyond, with traditional decorations and bright Disney additions creating extra festive fun for guests. A can't-miss sculpture featuring Hamm and a mountain of golden coins delivers a warm welcome, and wishes guests a fortuitous Year of the Pig. At Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, guests will be greeted with impressive red and gold lanterns, gorgeous garlands, firecracker statues, and intricate peach wood decorations throughout the entrance and lobby, plus cheerful surprises including a meet and greet with Goofy in his Chinese New Year outfit and a host of other traditional Chinese New Year activities will be on offer. Guests can also choose to stay in themed rooms fitted with thoughtful decorations inspired by Chinese New Year Mickey and Minnie to complete their immersive holiday stay. Click here to download all high-resolution images and video. About Shanghai Disney Resort Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in Mainland China, is a place where friends and families can escape together to a whole new world of fantasy, imagination, creativity, and adventure. The resort is home to the Shanghai Disneyland theme park, featuring seven lands, as well as two themed hotels - Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, Disneytown, a large shopping, dining and entertainment district, a Broadway-style theatre, Wishing Star Park and other outdoor recreation areas. Shanghai Disneyland is a Magic Kingdom-style theme park featuring classic Disney storytelling and characters but with authentic cultural touches and themes tailored specifically for the people of China. Shanghai Disney Resort offers something for everyone - thrilling adventures, lush gardens where guests can relax together, and enriching interactive experiences, all with the world-class guest service that Disney is known for around the globe. For information about Shanghai Disney Resort: Please visit the official website (http://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/) Follow updates on Weibo (http://weibo.com/u/5200478600) Follow updates on Shanghai Disney Resort Official WeChat (Search WeChat ID: ShanghaiDisneyResort) Follow updates on Shanghai Disney Resort Corporate WeChat Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190115/2347215-1-aPhoto - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190115/2347215-1-bPhoto - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190115/2347215-1-cPhoto - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190115/2347215-1-dPhoto - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190115/2347215-1-e Related Links :http://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com
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Egencia Reveals 2019 Top 100 Preferred Corporate Hotels
Annual awards program recognises top customer focused hotels from around the globe SYDNEY, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Egencia®, business travel from Expedia Group™, announced the winners of this year's prestigious Top 100 Preferred Corporate Hotel awards program. With hundreds of thousands of properties available worldwide through Egencia, this program aims to recognise hotels that are committed to putting the customer's experience first, both through providing the best overall service to business travellers and overall value for corporate clients. Ranging from large hotel chains to independent hoteliers, finalists for the fourth annual awards program were selected based on satisfaction ratings, pricing, desirable amenities for corporate travellers, customer service and overall guest experience in 2018. "A great business traveller experience is just as important to us as providing a great business travel platform here at Egencia, which is why each year we recognise and reward hotels that deliver outstanding customer service, tremendous value for money and popular amenities," said Andrew Dyer, VP of Global Supply at Egencia brand. "This year's honourees go above and beyond what is expected of them to put the needs and comfort of business travellers first, offering conveniences such as complimentary breakfast and loyalty points." Spanning 17 countries across five continents, the 100 top hotels collectively delivered nearly 90,000 room nights with complimentary breakfast and 75,000 room nights eligible for loyalty points to over 145,000 Egencia business travellers in 2018. The complete list of the Top 100 Preferred Corporate Hotels, along with city guides representing top markets with hotels in the awards program, including London, Paris, San Francisco and Tokyo, are available here to help business travellers make the most of their time on the road. About Egencia Egencia, corporate travel from Expedia Group, is reimagining business travel management to make business travellers happier and corporate travel programs more successful. Egencia offers more personalised experiences through curated access to the world's most relevant travel options. Putting our customers at the centre of everything we do, Egencia provides exceptional customer care and innovative travel manager tools to increase savings and compliance. Egencia serves businesses large and small in more than 60 countries. Connect with us on egencia.com.au and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn and see what we're reimagining next on our blog. © 2019 Egencia LLC. All rights reserved. Egencia, and the Egencia logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/729497/Egencia_Logo.jpg Related Links :http://egencia.com.au
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Egencia Reveals 2019 Top 100 Preferred Corporate Hotels
Annual awards program recognises top customer focused hotels from around the globe HONG KONG and SINGAPORE, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Egencia®, business travel from Expedia Group™, announced the winners of this year's prestigious Top 100 Preferred Corporate Hotel awards program. With hundreds of thousands of properties available worldwide through Egencia, this program aims to recognise hotels that are committed to putting the customer's experience first, both through providing the best overall service to business travellers and overall value for corporate clients. Ranging from large hotel chains to independent hoteliers, finalists for the fourth annual awards program were selected based on satisfaction ratings, pricing, desirable amenities for corporate travellers, customer service and overall guest experience in 2018. "A great business traveller experience is just as important to us as providing a great business travel platform here at Egencia, which is why each year we recognise and reward hotels that deliver outstanding customer service, tremendous value for money and popular amenities," said Andrew Dyer, VP of Global Supply at Egencia brand. "This year's honourees go above and beyond what is expected of them to put the needs and comfort of business travellers first, offering conveniences such as complimentary breakfast and loyalty points." Spanning 17 countries across five continents, the 100 top hotels collectively delivered nearly 90,000 room nights with complimentary breakfast and 75,000 room nights eligible for loyalty points to over 145,000 Egencia business travellers in 2018. The complete list of the Top 100 Preferred Corporate Hotels, along with city guides representing top markets with hotels in the awards program, including London, Paris, San Francisco and Tokyo, are available here to help business travellers make the most of their time on the road. About Egencia Egencia, corporate travel from Expedia Group, is reimagining business travel management to make business travellers happier and corporate travel programs more successful. Egencia offers more personalised experiences through curated access to the world's most relevant travel options. Putting our customers at the centre of everything we do, Egencia provides exceptional customer care and innovative travel manager tools to increase savings and compliance. Egencia serves businesses large and small in more than 60 countries. Connect with us on egencia.com.sg and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn and see what we're reimagining next on our blog. © 2019 Egencia LLC. All rights reserved. Egencia, and the Egencia logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/729497/Egencia_Logo.jpg Related Links :http://egencia.com.sg
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Opening on the Island of the Gods: The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Curtain rises on Bali's majestic open-air theatre on the 1st of February 2019 BALI, Indonesia, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Kempinski Hotels is ushering in a new era of first class hospitality with the opening of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, a luxurious haven that captures the essence of Indonesian culture, art and identity. The resort will open on February 1, 2019, in the upmarket Nusa Dua area of Bali, with 475 well-appointed guestrooms, striking suites and discreet villas in a quiet beachfront setting. Six restaurants, bars and lounges allow guests to soak in the sensational natural setting, with sweeping views and indoor/outdoor dining venues that celebrate regional flavours. An immersive ocean-facing spa and fitness centre offers treatments inspired by traditional Balinese healing practices, to promote balance and wellbeing. Other facilities include a 60-metre swimming pool and a separate kids' pool, and an innovative family club creates meaningful shared moments for families of all ages. For events, business meetings and weddings, The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers a 1,076 sq m pillar-free ocean-view Grand Ballroom and a collection of meeting rooms with ocean vistas. jwplayer.key="3Fznr2BGJZtpwZmA+81lm048ks6+0NjLXyDdsO2YkfE=" jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://cdn4.prnasia.com/002071/mnr/video/20190115Apurva.mp4', image: 'http://www.prnasia.com/video_capture/2522598_AE22598_1.jpg', autostart:'false', aspectratio: '16:9', stretching : 'fill', width: '512', height: '288'}); "Spectacular, sensational, curated and serene, The Apurva Kempinski Bali takes the form of a majestic open-air theatre, where centuries of Indonesian culture are distilled and brought to life," says Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer Asia, Kempinski Hotels and Member of the Management Board. "We are excited to welcome this outstanding resort to our Asian hotel portfolio: another masterpiece in the Kempinski constellation." The Apurva Kempinski Bali becomes the second Kempinski property in Indonesia, and follows two other major openings in the past six months: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore and Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai. "I have called this beautiful country home for the past 12 years, and The Apurva Kempinski Bali is truly an embodiment of Indonesian culture and craftsmanship," says General Manager Vincent Guironnet. "Apurva means 'unique and magnificent' in Sanskrit: it's a fitting title for a resort that's like no other." NATURAL CONCEPT The Apurva Kempinski Bali cascades down the hillside like one of Bali's iconic rice paddies, emerging from the cliff tops and gradually making its way down to the Indian Ocean. Award-winning architect Budiman Hendropurnomo of UK-based Denton Corker Marshall drew inspiration from the rice terraces and their centuries-old 'subak' irrigation system to create the concept for the property. Modern Balinese architecture pays homage to the island's natural landscapes and manmade temples, in a symphony of natural-clad stone buildings, bougainvillea-covered terraces and a network of waterways and shimmering pools. Tumbling waterfalls emerge from the lush landscape, flanking the resort's spectacular Grand Staircase. The 250-step walkway, inspired by Bali's sacred Pura Besakih water temple, runs through the centre of the resort, and provides a stage for nightly rituals. DESIGN AND HERITAGE Interior designer Rudi Dodo of Trivium Design Group has imagined opulent interior spaces created by Indonesia's finest craftsmen and artisans, which pay tribute to the country's rich design heritage, while adding modern touches that anchor The Apurva in the present day. At the crown of the resort, the pendopo-style lobby is a wide-open and welcoming space with a soaring tiered roof that draws the eye up to the cosmos. Flourishes like the intricate Javanese hand-carved gebyok partitions are symbolic of Indonesia's prosperous Majapahit kingdom, when the kingdom was a hub of artistic creativity, and the angkringan food cart in Selasar Deli creates a sense of place from the moment guests arrive. In the guestrooms, rich, exotic woods, local fabrics and typical Indonesian motifs create an understated and sophisticated atmosphere that's both luxurious and homely, while the views of the ocean and surrounding landscape tell their own story through wide panoramic windows. A STRATEGIC LOCATION With its cliff top location in the trendy Nusa Dua neighbourhood, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is perfectly located for business and leisure travellers alike. Just 15 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, the resort is close to upscale shopping and entertainment options, and the Bali International Convention Centre is a short drive away. EXQUISITE ACCOMMODATION Starting from 65 sq m, accommodation at The Apurva Kempinski Bali is generously proportioned and guarantees exceptional views. At the upper end, a selection of 43 One-, Two- and Three-Bedroom Exclusive Villas offer up to 1,379 sq m of luxurious space, with private pools and lounge areas, tropical gardens with outdoor showers and access to the exclusive Villa Lounge. Spread across the resort, 162 exclusive cliff top and oceanfront Junior Suites and 14 Specialist Suites have private plunge pools, and guests benefit from access to the Cliff Lounge and it's panoramic pools. The remaining 256 Grand Deluxe Rooms ranging from 65-80 sq m are beautifully appointed, with décor featuring traditional Indonesian patterns and spectacular views. EXTRAORDINARY DINING The Apurva Kempinski Bali is home to a collection of culinary experiences, presenting colourful, flavourful dishes that celebrate the cuisine of Indonesia and the wider Asia region. Coastal delicacies from around the archipelago are on offer at Koral, Bali's first aquarium restaurant, while Japanese flavours are showcased at Izakaya by OKU, an outpost of the award-winning OKU restaurant at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta. In the lobby, Selasar Deli serves refreshments like speciality luwak coffee and jamu herbal tonic; live cooking stations tantalise with local and international flavours at All Day Dining Pala Restaurant & Rooftop Bar; and there's casual oceanfront dining at Reef Beach Club. Guests can also taste an array of refreshing beverages poolside at Kubu Pool Bar. APURVA SPA At the front of the resort, overlooking the ocean, Apurva Spa is a relaxing haven, where body and beauty treatments are inspired by time-honoured Javanese and Balinese wisdom. The philosophy is based on the ancient proverb 'rupasampat wahyabiantara': true beauty is achieved when outer beauty is in harmony with inner beauty. Traditional ointments such as lulur, a herb and spice body scrub, will help achieve outer beauty, while activities such as sunrise yoga and meditation will pave the path to inner harmony and balance. Treatments are tailor-made for each guest based on the four stages of life: teenage, adult, married and post-adult, with different varieties of oil and lulur selected depending on specific individual needs. MEETINGS & EVENTS The Apurva Kempinski Bali's lush beachfront location, just 15-minutes from the airport, and its generous inventory of rooms and suites will make it a popular destination for meetings and events, a wonderful stage for memorable conferences, and a spectacular backdrop for the most elaborate weddings in Bali. The 1,076-sq m pillar-free Grand Ballroom can accommodate 900 delegates for large-scale conferences, and a choice of smaller event spaces and boardrooms provide plenty of choice for meetings. The 2,200-sq m ocean-facing lawn offers a blank canvas for al fresco cocktail receptions or celebrations under the stars, and three wedding chapels provide options for weddings large and small. WEDDINGS The Apurva Chapel is a striking 100-seat glass-fronted venue that boasts mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean, the perfect backdrop for unforgettable weddings. Next door, the Three-Bedroom Nusantara Presidential Villa is spread out over two floors, with 1,379 sq m of living space and an 18-metre infinity pool; the ultimate retreat for newlyweds. About The Apurva Kempinski Bali: Standing atop the majestic cliff of Nusa Dua, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a tropical garden, The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers the epitome of beachfront luxury. This five-star resort in Bali presents itself as a majestic open-air theatre, an embodiment of Indonesian elegance. A collection of 475 iconic rooms, suites and villas are showcased, with 60% of the accommodation featuring its own private plunge pools. From a unique culinary journey and indigenous spa treatments, to the spacious meeting rooms and alluring chapels, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is a spectacular stage where curated experiences are brought to life. www.kempinski.com/bali About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Resorts is Europe's oldest luxury resort group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 77 five-star resorts and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle resorts, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent resort brands. www.kempinski.com -- www.kempinski.com/press -- www.discoveryloyalty.com View videos and images Media Contact: Danti Yuliandari, Director of Marketing, The Apurva Kempinski Bali Tel +62 361 209 2288 - Mobile +62 81558 000829 danti.yuliandari@kempinski.com Mutia Sarie, Public Relations Manager, The Apurva Kempinski BaliTel +62 361 209 2288 - Mobile +62 817 605 2197mutia.sarie@kempinski.com Video - https://cdn4.prnasia.com/002071/mnr/video/20190115Apurva.mp4 Related Links :www.kempinski.com/bali
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Hello Kitty celebrates her 45th anniversary launching a year of special anniversary activities at Hello Kitty Land Tokyo
Sanrio Puroland celebrates Hello Kitty's anniversary with a series of celebrations throughout the year 2019. The start of the festivities coincides with "SWEETS PURO", the first seasonal event of the yearTOKYO, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello Kitty turns 45 and will celebrate in style. Starting from 12th January 2019 until year end Sanrio Puroland, better known as Hello Kitty Land Tokyo (URL: https://en.puroland.jp/), and its sister park Harmonyland will be celebrating the anniversary. Sanrio Puroland celebrates Hello Kitty’s anniversary with a series of celebrations throughout the year 2019. The start of the festivities coincides with “SWEETS PURO”, the first seasonal event of the year. Under the concept of "My First Kitty" new visitors and returning fans are invited to a memorable Hello Kitty experience. Throughout the year Hello Kitty Land Tokyo will launch a series of activities to mark this special year. More information will be forthcoming Every morning (starting 15min after the opening of the park and on for about 30 minutes) visitors can meet and greet Hello Kitty at Lady Kitty House, stylishly decorated in pink and lavender colours. Special anniversary rosettes, designed in 45 popular historical Hello Kitty styles from 1974 to 2017, are available to visitors. Shortly after the start of the Hello Kitty anniversary year Hello Kitty Land Tokyo inaugurates the first seasonal event of the year, Sweets Puro, under the theme of "Sweets and strawberries" running from 18th January until 12th March, 2019. It ties in with the traditional Valentine's Day and most importantly with the season of strawberry picking in Japan, between January and May. Japanese Strawberries are getting increasingly popular in Asia and other parts of the world as a sweet and juicy delicacy. In line with the theme Puroland launches "Ichigo Ichie", a new illumination shows predominantly featuring shades of pink. The name of the show, Ichigo Ichie, meaning "once in a lifetime", but is also a play of words as "ichigo" also means strawberry in Japanese. To mark the event many of Hello Kitty Land's loveable characters will be dressed in strawberry costumes. The theme park offers many beautiful anniversary photo spots as for example a strawberry carriage fully decorated with anniversary presents for Hello Kitty, a balcony on a tower draped with ribbons or a big piece of strawberry sponge cake with MyMelody posing with fans for photos. In addition, at the Puroland Lady Kitty House photo studio visitors will be able to have their pictures taken with Hello Kitty dressed in her special 45th anniversary robe, covered in flower petals. Also, every morning from 12th January until 12th March Hello Kitty's twin sister Mimmy will be there too. "Hello Kitty has been spreading joy for 45 years amongst an ever increasing fan base covering all age groups", conveys Kentaro Kawai of the Sales Department of Sanrio Entertainment Co. Ltd., the Puroland operator. "We are grateful to all fans and visitors and want them to have a wonderful and uplifting experience at Sanrio Puroland and to feel being a part of the spirit of this celebration which is only possible because of them." Link to other images Main Image (http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/main-visual.jpg)Kitty with New Dress (http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kitty_with_new_dress.jpg)Lady Kitty House Kitty45 ver. Image(http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/lady_kitty_house_1.jpg)SWEET PURO Main Visual (http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SWEETS_PURO_Main_Visual.jpg) About Sanrio Entertainment / Sanrio Puroland Sanrio Puroland, operated by Sanrio Entertainment Co. Ltd, is also known as 'Hello Kitty Land', a theme park to meet and experience its much-loved Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty which enjoys worldwide popularity. Considered the "Mecca of Sanrio characters", the park draws great numbers of fans from around the world. Located in the outer districts of Tokyo, Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park, visitors can enjoy regardless of the weather. Sanrio Puroland also runs an outdoor theme park, Harmonyland, located in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. More information about Sanrio Puroland is available at http://en.puroland.jp/. News Release (PDF): http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20190115_SET_Kitty-45anniversary_FNL.pdf Fact Book: http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SET_Factbook_2018.12.pdf Calendar:2019.1-3 http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/201804_201903SanrioPuroland-Calendar.pdf2019.4-9 http://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SanrioPuroland-Calendar1904_1909.pdf Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190110/2343631-1
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Nielsen's Mainland Tourist Study: Hong Kong Continues to Pull at Heartstrings of Mainland Tourists
Over 90% of Mainland visitors said they will return to Hong Kong again within the next 12 months, with a 4% growth in planned spending for the next trip.HONG KONG, Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connection between Hong Kong and other Mainland cities has been strengthened since the recent completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. More Mainland visitors are already travelling to Hong Kong via coach or train compared to 2017. Number of tourists visited Hong Kong in November 2018 surpassed same period in 2017 with a 26% leap*. With the on-going GBA initiatives and the convenience brought by the new gateway access to Hong Kong, the influx momentum is expected to continue. Not only the high-end market of finance, trade, logistics and professional services in Hong Kong will benefit, the new market potentials for tourism related industries, especially retail, will also be underpinned. INCREASED TRAVEL SPENDING ACROSS ALL SECTORS According to the latest Nielsen Annual Mainland Tourist Study, each traveler spent HKD 21,000 per trip in Hong Kong indicating 3% growth vs. 2017. Shopping continues to lead as the highest spend sector (45%) in their trip; accommodation, dining and entertainment each contribute evenly on their overall expenses. Having said so, spending across all four sectors recorded positive uplifts. EXPERIENTIAL RETAIL: STAYING NEW BY CONSTANT RE-INVENTION Though spending power is seen increasing year on year, travel appetite to Hong Kong is facing tough challenge - products are perceived to be similar between Hong Kong and other Mainland cities. It is inevitable for Hong Kong to steer focus beyond product offering to service. Experience helps to establish emotional tide and is always timeless. "Transforming each trip from a shopping mission to an inspiring travel experience can drive repeat visitation and such experience can best be offered through the brick and mortar channel in Hong Kong," said Michael Lee, Managing Director of Nielsen Hong Kong and Macau. "Unlike other destinations with abundant cultural attractions, developing an inspired travel experience in Hong Kong would require a seamless, cross-industries (shopping, accommodation, food and entertainment) collaboration. This helps to turn our cultural similarities with Mainland visitors to an advantage for making the experiential retail a true success," Lee suggested. OMNICHANNEL LANDSCAPE: SEIZING THE E-COMMERCE OPPORTUNITY BY TRANSFORMING BRICK-AND-MORTAR RELATIONSHIP UNDER THE TECH-LED ERA According to the study, almost 30% of Mainland visitors make online purchases in overseas e-commerce platform. Cross-border online shopping has started showing its impact on Mainland visitors' shopping behavior during their trips to Hong Kong. More are claiming spending in the brick and mortars shop during their trip would be lowered as a product is available online. "An integrated omnichannel strategy can help Hong Kong retailers to address the change of traveler purchase behavior as they convert part of their purchase to online," said Lee. *Source: Immigration Department - Visitor Arrival Statistics November 2018 About Nielsen's Mainland Tourist Study Nielsen Mainland Tourist Study diagnosed travel patterns, shopping behaviour, and the visiting experience of Mainland Chinese visitors in Hong Kong on different tourist's attractions and the related since 2010. The research was conducted in August and September 2018, and the latest findings of the survey was based on online interviews of 1,106 mainland visitors from Greater Bay Area as well as other key cities, aged between 18 and 65, who travelled to Hong Kong over the past 12 months. About Nielsen Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. Our approach marries proprietary Nielsen data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what's happening now, what's happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge. For more than 90 years Nielsen has provided data and analytics based on scientific rigor and innovation, continually developing new ways to answer the most important questions facing the media, advertising, retail and fast-moving consumer goods industries. An S&P 500 company, Nielsen has operations in over 100 countries, covering more than 90% of the world's population. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.Related Links :http://www.nielsen.com
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BOI Approves 2 Special Measures to Promote Rail and Tourism Industries in Thailand
BANGKOK, Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) recently approved two new measures aimed at developing the rail industry and further enhancing tourist destinations in the country, particularly those in second-tier provinces. Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Ms. Duangjai Asawachntachit, BOI's Secretary General, said after the meeting chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha that the meeting considered two major investment promotion measures as follows. Rail Industry Development The special measure was designed to support the national infrastructure plan to build more than 6,000 kilometers of the rail network nationwide, including a dual-track train, electric train, and high-speed train, and to address the increasing future demand for rail networks and to reduce dependence on imports of rail systems. The board therefore agreed with the proposed revision of the BOI's current promotion activity list on rail system development and related industries. The revision aims at encouraging more engineering activities and covering a comprehensive range of investments related to rail systems such as train structures, passenger cabins, system control units, bogies, braking systems, electrification systems, and signaling systems as well as rails. As part of this plan to stimulate investment in the rail development and related activities that support the country's future public transport development plan, projects that apply for BOI promotion by 30 December 2021 will be eligible for 50% corporate income tax reduction for another 3-5 years after the expiry of 100% exemption for 5-8 years. This special package is also expected to help kick-start the establishment of a rail production hub in the northeastern region where there are several supporting factors such as existing automotive part and assembly industries, universities, and upcoming development of rail networks. "The new measure will also promote cooperation in research and development, as well as human resource development through cooperation between the private sector and the education sector. In addition, the improved rail system will significantly bring down logistic costs while increasing trade and investment opportunities," said Duangjai. Tourism industry -- more activities covered More tourism and related activities are added to the existing promotion list and some conditions are added to attract more investments in tourism infrastructure-related activities as well as the creation of new tourist attractions, particularly in second-tier provinces. The changes made to the targeted activities in this category are 1) improvement of existing conditions or expanded scope of existing categories e.g. the inclusion of all types of museums, particularly those in second-tier provinces; and 2) creation of new categories eligible for BOI promotion such as (a) cruise terminals which will encourage the development of infrastructure to support cruise tourism, and (b) large-scale tourist attractions with high standards. IRPC investment project approved BOI also approved the investment incentive scheme for IRPC Public Company Limited's paraxylene and benzene production project located at IRPC's industrial zone in Rayong province. This project, with 35.6-billion-baht investment, will use the latest production technology and will supply to both local and export markets which are continuously expanding. For more information, please contact:Thailand Board of InvestmentEmail: thailandinvestmentyear@gmail.com Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111Website: www.boi.go.th Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190114/2345721-1 Related Links :http://www.boi.go.th
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Ringstar Boxing returns with Three Title Fights plus the much-anticipated Ridhwan Ambunda rematch and more on 29 March in Singapore
- Singapore's Muhamad "The Chosen Wan" Ridhwan and Namibia's Paulus "The Rock" Ambunda battle for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title- All-Filipino affair with IBO Bantamweight champ, Michael "Gloves On Fire" Dasmarinas and Kenny "Big Heart" Demecillo for the IBF World Title Eliminator- Showcase of Asia-Pacific's finest boxers across 12 fights, including a women's match SINGAPORE, Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore-based, sports media and entertainment company, Ringstar Boxing (Ringstar) today announced 12 featured fights for its first show of 2019 happening on Friday 29 March at the Singapore Indoor Stadium with the main event featuring the much-anticipated rematch between Singapore's best-ever boxer, Muhamad "The Chosen Wan" Ridhwan (11-1, 8 KOs) and Namibian veteran, Paulus "The Rock" Ambunda (27-2, 11 KOs) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title. Co-main events include an all-Filipino affair with IBO Bantamweight champ, Michael "Gloves On Fire" Dasmarinas (28-2-1, 19 KOs) battling with Kenny "Big Heart" Demecillo (14-4-2, 8 KOs) for the IBF World Title Eliminator and Thai-New Zealander, Nort "The Assassin from Siam" Beauchamp (17-2, 3 KOs) facing-off against rising Indonesian sensation, Defry "The Unseen Hammer" Palulu (20-2-1, 13 KOs) for the WBC Asia Super Featherweight title. The evening will kick off with four, 4-round bouts, including a women's match between Singapore's promising star, Efasha "The Face" Kamarudin (2-0, 2 KOs) and Indonesia's top ranked, Febriyanti Lubis (1-3). Ringstar Boxing - Ridhwan Ambunda: The Rematch This will be Ringstar's sixth promotion since 2017 and the first of three shows in Singapore this year with others slated for July and December and a fourth show planned for Malaysia in October. For the March fight card, fans will be treated to the most impressive array of up-and-coming boxers from Asia-Pacific, all matched up with the Ringstar credo in mind: 50/50, competitive boxing matches with integrity, designed to excite fans around the world - a key step in establishing the company as one of Asia's fastest growing sports media properties. "We are the only fight platform in Asia featuring the best boxers in the region and our March fight card proves this," said Founder and CEO, Scott Patrick Farrell. "Ringstar is already a global broadcast reaching 300 million viewers worldwide and it's just the beginning. With growing numbers of fans, and fighters that are there to win and not just take part, we will change the face of boxing in Asia-Pacific." Tickets range from SGD38 - SGD118 and go on sale 18 January at www.sportshub.com.sg/Ridhwan-Ambunda VIP Ringside Sofa Seats are at SGD1,888 comes with uninterrupted views of the ring and a personalised butler service with free flow drinks. Early Bird discounts of 30% off all tickets till 28 February 2019 with promo code, 'Ringstar'. All fights will be broadcast 'LIVE globally with more details to be announced soon. For Media Kit: Fight Card: https://ringstar-boxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Ringstar-Boxing-March-2019-Fight-Card-1.pdf Commentary: https://ringstar-boxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Ringstar-Boxing-March-Rematch-Title-Fights-Commentary.pdf Ringstar Boxing Backgrounder: https://ringstar-boxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Ringstar-Backgrounder.pdf Founder & CEO, Scott Patrick Farrell Bio: https://ringstar-boxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Ringstar-Boxing-Bio-CEO-Scott-Patrick-Farrell.pdf Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190114/2345468-1 Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190114/2345468-1LOGO Related Links :https://ringstar-boxing.com
