ACROFAN

New Book Property Tax in Asia Provides the First Comprehensive Analysis of the Property Tax Across the World's Largest Continent

Charming Changsha: Celebrate National Day in Changsha

TCL, FIBA announce winners of 'Break & Believe'

OCT Subsidiary Recognized as Outstanding Contributor of Siem Reap Cultural Development

Dusit Hotel & Suites - Doha makes its grand debut

Marriott Bonvoy Brews Special Offerings to Celebrate International Coffee Day

China Clean Expo 2022 Concludes Successfully in Nanjing, China

THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES SETS OUT TO CONQUER AMERICA

Representatives from 90 nations join hands to revive the Modern Pythian Games organized by Delphic India Trust

"Foreign PhD candidate" experiences intangible cultural heritage items in Shanting

Jim Thompson signals the beginning of a new chapter

BANGKOK, Sept. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jim Thompson, Thailand's iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok's must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter. Inclusive of the original Jim Thompson House Museum, it features a new "Museum About the Man", a Home Furnishings Exhibition, a café and a new Iconic Store. Jim Thompson, Thailand’s iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok’s must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter. The walkway - Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter Local and international visitors will get to soak in the rich history and stunning architecture of what was once the residence of Jim Thompson and explore the beauty of Thai culture, silk traditions and the Thai spirit of innovation as well as discover exhibitions about the life and work of the "Silk King". Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson explains, "We are excited about this new chapter. This is not just any lifestyle brand; it was founded by an iconic man who revived the Thai silk industry. The project will be 100% completed by April 2023 with the opening of a restaurant, a bar and a multifunctional hall, all reflecting the spirit of Jim Thompson." Jim Thompson House Museum Comprising of 6 teak houses sourced by Jim Thompson from all over Thailand, his residence also became home to an extensive collection of Southeast Asian art. After his disappearance in Malaysia in 1967, his home was carefully preserved and turned into a museum. Museum About the Man Drawn from the archives of The James H.W. Thompson Foundation, "The Man Himself" highlights the critical milestones in Thompson's life, from his early years to the last day that he was seen. The exhibition also charts the journey of Jim Thompson fabrics from Vogue to Broadway and on to becoming Thailand's only global lifestyle brand. Home Furnishing Exhibition 'The Evolving World of Jim Thompson Textiles' is an exhibition that unveils the story of the Thai Silk Company Limited and the prominent creative figures behind the company's successes in the textile and fabric world after the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967. The Iconic Store Visually stunning, the store offers over 6,000 products and exciting collaborative projects including menswear, womenswear, bags, knick-knacks, accessories, homeware, and exclusive collections only available at this location. The Jim Thompson Art Center The Art Center is a place where ideas and stories are shared through creative experiences. It is also a gathering ground for cultural communities to come together, learn, discover and exchange dialogues. For more information, please visit www.jimthompsonheritagequarter.com

Reborn-Art Festival 2021-22 Second Term

ISHINOMAKI, Japan, Sept. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Reborn-Art Festival Executive Committee is pleased to announce details of the second term of the Reborn-Art Festival (*) 2021-22. Marking the tenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the third edition of the festival is held over two separate periods in consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under the theme of "Altruism and Fluidity," the Reborn-Art Festival is organized in two terms, summer 2021 and summer 2022 (till Oct. 2). Image: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107381/202209277204/_prw_PI1fl_96ztn1fp.jpg At a time when the globe is once again assailed by new uncertainties caused by a disastrous war, the Committee aspires to present a new world vision never seen before by sharing a wide range of artistic expressions. (*) Reborn-Art Festival:Mainly held in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, the Reborn-Art Festival is a comprehensive festival of art, music, and food. Based on the concept of "Reborn-Art" as a means of living, it started in 2017 in the area devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Message from Takeshi Kobayashi, Chair, Reborn-Art Festival Executive Committee:The word "altruism" might lose its meaning once it is explicitly stated. COVID-19, now in its third year, is still pushing us into unknown territory. The Reborn-Art Festival is taking place again, I believe, in order to feel all forms of life and connections to the source of life, and to find new perspectives beyond these difficulties. Photo: Takeshi Kobayashi, Chair, Executive Committeehttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202209277204-O2-edPSSlK7 Reborn-Art Festival 2021-22 Second Term Overview Period: August 20 (Sat.)-October 2 (Sun.), 2022 Venue: Ishinomaki City (Central Ishinomaki, Memorial Park area, Watanoha) and Oshika Peninsula (Momonoura-Oginohama, Ayukawa), Miyagi Prefecture Hours (JST):Ishinomaki City area: 10:00am-5:00pmOshika Peninsula area: 10:00am-4:00pm on weekdays, 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturdays/Sundays*Admission will close 30 minutes prior to closing time.*Hours may differ depending on the facility and work. Programshttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202209277204-O5-naT5J6NB.pdf Area Maphttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202209277204-O2-sbysw0aN.pdf Ticketshttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202209277204-O3-e0nIM5qf.pdf Anti-COVID Measureshttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202209277204-O4-eys9x2nI.pdf

Tainan City Bureau of Tourism prepares for recovery of Tourism in Tainan

Popular Locations from "Someday or One Day" are set to ignite a Boom in Tourism BUSAN, South Korea, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Trip Barometer Global Report indicated that 57% of travelers pay more attention to the local history and culture and 42% of Asian travelers prefer countries rich in culture and the humanities, which would refer to cities like Kyoto, Chiang Mai and Tainan. Exposure from Outdoor Advertisement in South Korea's Busan Tainan, located in the southern part of Taiwan, is where everything started for Taiwan and has a long history and culture and the City has also been named by Michelin as a "food capital." Tainan is only 80 minutes on the HSR from the Taoyuan International Airport to Tainan and only a 50-minute drive from the Kaohsiung International Airport. At the end of 2019, the Taiwanese TV series "Someday or One Day" was broadcast in various Asian countries and generated a viral wave of 1990s Tainan. There was a lot of discussions about the filming locations and the Bureau of Tourism used the filming locations to create advertisements in South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia to spark tourism in Tainan after the borders have been reopened. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-zhe said that Tainan is the capital of tourism and the city has been actively making improvements to match international tourism. Even with the impact of COVID-19, Tainan is still one of the few cities with improving tourism. Kuo Zhen-hui, director of the Tainan City's Bureau of Tourism, remarked that Netflix has announced the remake of the Korean film "Someday or One Day." Most of the classic scenes in the original Series were filmed in Tainan and traveling there allows visitors to relive those romantic moments and enjoy Tainan's delicious delicacies. Tainan is an ancient food capital and is rich in history and culture and many popular snacks and tourist attractions have been discussed internationally as business visas are already available to visitors and Taiwan is expected to issue tourism visas soon. The Tainan City Government has not only worked hard to promote its tourism online, but also locally promoted the City in various countries to showcase Tainan and welcome tourists once the borders are reopened.

5 Halls, 5 Colors, 5 ConstantVirtues - 2022 China (Qufu) International Confucius Cultural Festival and Eighth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations Held

5 Halls, 5 Colors, 5 Constant Virtues QUFU, China, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from iqilu: The 2022 China (Qufu) International Confucius Cultural Festival and the Eighth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations is being held at Mount Nishan, also known as Nishan Sacred Land, from Sept 26 to 28 in Qufu, Jining, Shandong province. Confucius (551-479 BC) was a teacher and philosopher from China's Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) who has had a lasting impact on Chinese culture. Today he is recognized internationally for his writings and sayings. Confucian thought has been influential through much of China's long history, and continues to be held in high esteem. The Confucian School regards "benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and fidelity" as being at the core of its ethical system.

KOTRA Call Indonesian Companies to Boost Economic Cooperation

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 28, 2022, KOTRA, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Indonesia, and KADIN host the 'Indonesia-Korea Future New Industry Business Plaza 2022' at the Hotel Fairmont in Jakarta. The event includes a Future Industry Cooperation Forum between Indonesia and Korea, a Business Showcase, and one-on-one B2B meetings. More than 300 people from Indonesia and South Korea will attend. The Future Industry Cooperation Forum kicks off with opening remarks from the President of Southeast Asia-Oceania Head Office of KOTRA, Lee Jong-seob. It will be followed by welcoming remarks by Agus Tjahajana Wirakusumah, Special Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. Park Tae-song, Ambassador of the Korean Embassy to Indonesia, will convey the congratulatory speech. Last but not least, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Bernardino M. Vega, will deliver a speech as well. Seizing Indonesia's G20 Presidency momentum, Indonesia-Korea Future Industry Business Plaza 2022 seeks to create a space where cooperation between the two countries can be accelerated. By sharing insight and bridging opportunities, the event offers in areas concerning three main pillars for Indonesia's G20 2022 Presidency, namely: sustainable energy transformation, global health architecture, and digital transformation. Director General KOTRA Jakarta, Lee Jang-hee said that KOTRA Jakarta acts as a bridge for South Korean companies and Indonesian companies to establish economic cooperation, especially in export, import, and investment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused transformations in business, such as digital adoption and creating a sustainable economy. "The Indonesia-Korea Future Industry Business Plaza 2022's goal is to overcome challenges and obstacles in the new shape of trade and investment environment following the COVID-19 pandemic," Lee said. The presence of the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IK CEPA), which was signed in 2020, is also expected to increase the value of trade and investment cooperation of two countries. The agreement had been ratified by South Korea since June 2021 and Indonesia in August 2022. IK CEPA is estimated to enter into force in 2023. Lee Jang-hee optimist IK CEPA will create deeper cooperative system amid global economic uncertainty such as inflation threat, disruption to global supply chain, trade war, and geopolitical conflict. South Korea eliminates 95.5% of tariff posts which cover 97.3% of the value of imports from Indonesia. At the same time, Indonesia also eliminates 93.0% of tariff posts, covering 97.0% of Korean imports. "Korea will continue to collaborate in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, and secondary batteries as part of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) area to support Indonesia's sustainability policy," added Lee. Indonesia is one of the important partners in for South Korea especially in the ASEAN region. South Korea and Indonesia's trade value reached USD 15.3 billion from January to July 2022. This figure increased by 49.3% over the same period the previous year, which was 10.2 billion. This achievement elevates Indonesia to the second-largest ASEAN country in terms of international trade with South Korea. The two countries' main commodities traded are (1) mineral fuels, minerals oils and product of; (2) electrical machinery and equipment; (3) iron and steel; (4) ores, slag, and ash; (5) plastics and articles thereof. About the Indonesia-Korea Future Industry Business Plaza 2022: The Future Industry Cooperation Forum is divided into three sessions. The theme of the first session will be climate response for a sustainable economy. Three speakers will be presenting at this session: (1) Yahya Rachman Hidayat, Acting Director of Energy, Mineral Resources, and Mining, Ministry of National Development Planning; (2) Taeyoung Kim, President Director, PT Prism Nusantara International (a subsidiary of SK E&S); and (3) Onasis Wahju, Director, CJ Indonesia Group. The discussion will continue in the second session with Jowel Tacata, President Director, IQVIA Indonesia, on the theme of the post-pandemic health care industry in Indonesia. Iwan Setiawan, CEO of Marketeers, will be the keynote speaker at the final session of the Indonesia-Korea Future Industry Cooperation 2022. In the Business Counselling showcase and one on one meeting, there are 48 future Korean innovative technology companies will participate online and offline to conduct face-to-face meetings/consultations with 100 potential partners such as leading Indonesian companies, project owners, venture capitalists, and others to introduce their product. The meeting is also explored the potential of new deal business in the future. As a side event, the Expo promotion booth will be open to explain Korea's willingness and readiness to host Busan Expo 2030. Hyundai Kefico's booth will enliven the KOTRA event in the future mobility area by promoting two-wheel electric vehicle solutions. Poonglim Pharmatech, KOGENE BIOTECH, Humanscape, MEMBRARE, AQUACELL, NANOOM ENERGY, Kevin LAB, VIDEO MONSTER, and others will also be present at the exhibition. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Idea Concert and PT MNC Pictures will also be signed at the event. About KOTRA Jakarta: The Korea Trade Investment promotion Agency (KOTRA) is a non-profit government organization under the direct auspices of the Minister of Commerce, industry and Energy, Republic of Korea. Within the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia, KOTRA Jakarta is charged as the commercial section under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. KOTRA's role is to assist Korean SMEs in strengthening their global competitiveness and expanding their operations in Indonesia's market. The main activities are international trade and investment promotion, exhibitions, business matching, and networking with stakeholders. For further information:Kennedy KurniantoSpecialist at KOTRA JakartaEmail: kennedy.k@kotrakbc.or.kr Fitri Nur ArifenieSpecialist at KOTRA JakartaEmail: ari.fenie@gmail.com / arifenie@kotra.or.kr

Klook leads Asia Pacific travel recovery with strong 300% QoQ revenue growth as it celebrates its eighth year of operations

Klook outlines a strong growth trajectory as it sees accelerated cross-border travel momentum and the relaxation of APAC border restrictions Doubling down on inspiring travel with new experiences, marquee events, and enhancements to the platform From 30 September to 14 October, consumers can enjoy a slew of joyful travel deals and win attractive prizes on Klook SINGAPORE, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Klook, a leading travel and experiences platform, announced today that it is seeing accelerated cross-border travel growth in Asia Pacific with one of its strongest quarters (over 300% QoQ growth) as it celebrates its eight anniversary. As part of the celebrations, Klook's customers can look forward to a slew of joyful deals as well as new travel features on the platform. With the recent relaxation of border measures across top APAC destinations, Klook aims to ride this trend and help consumers rediscover their joy for travel and to discover the best of what a destination has to offer. Klook's Destination Discovery Feed With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, travel interest remains high with Klook seeing more than 140% year over year increase in searches on the platform. Not only has the company quadrupled its bookable services, destinations such as Singapore, Korea, Australia and Malaysia are also seeing strong recovery, with Klook exceeding its pre-covid cross-border revenue by 40% for its best performing markets. Klook has seen an incredible surge in interest since Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan reopened their doors to tourists, indicating high demand and excitement from travelers. Since Japan's reopening announcement, the company has seen a ten times increase in searches for Japan, with Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore travelers driving this demand. "As Asia's leading travel and experiences platform, we are constantly pushing boundaries and striving to be the catalyst for tourism recovery in the region. Aside from exceeding pre-pandemic revenue in many of our markets, our strong 2Q demonstrates the strength of the brand and the industry in which we operate," said Ethan Lin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Klook. "In fact, as we celebrate our eighth anniversary, I'm proud to say that we've emerged much stronger and more resilient over the last two years, and the best is yet to come." Klook has also been collaborating with tourism boards on multi-faceted partnerships to rebuild travel confidence and accelerate tourism recovery. These collaborations include creating engaging content to rekindle wanderlust, co-curating and co-developing new and unique experiences to cater to changing consumer behaviors, and creative regional marketing campaigns to encourage and capture consumers' desires to travel again. Among the most recent partnerships formed by the company are those with the Singapore Tourism Board, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Korea Tourism Organization, and Tourism Australia. Inspiring the Next Generation of Travelers "After more than two years of the pandemic, many travelers are excited to travel again. That is why we are doubling down on bringing the best experiences and marquee events to the platform such as Avatar: The Experience in Singapore to inspire and ignite wanderlust. The future of travel looks promising as we seize this opportunity to empower the next generation of travelers and bookable experiences," said Eric Gnock Fah, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Klook. As travel recovers, experiences may soon become the currency of the future with travelers looking for authentic and quality experiences to share. In order to cater to evolving consumer habits and make the process of discovering and booking experiences more seamless, Klook will introduce several platform upgrades. One notable feature is the re-engineering of the destination discovery feed powered by user generated content (UGC) from Klook's repository of over 7 million verified user reviews. With so much to explore in new and old destinations, both locally and overseas, customers can expect to see local recommendations from others on the best of what a destination has to offer. Klook will also introduce a new Trips feature, which allows users to automatically generate personalized trip itineraries that they can share easily with friends and family. Joyful Deals for Travelers Klook is partnering with its merchants to bring attractive prizes and the best travel deals for consumers. From 30 September to 14 October, consumers can participate in activities such as the Klook Joy Roulette, 8pm Flash Deals, Daily Destination Deals and more. The Klook Travel Fest is also back in full force, and travelers can expect an extended week of deals and offline events across Southeast Asia featuring fun games, special deals, entertainment and destinations booths to inspire and help consumers re-discover the joy of travel. For more information on Klook's 8th anniversary travel deals, kindly visit https://www.klook.com/blog/exciting-things-klooks-8th-birthday. About Klook Klook is Asia's leading travel and experiences platform. We curate the most joyful experiences so that users can satisfy their relentless curiosity for adventure and experiences at home and around the world. With our website and app, users can experience a world of joy, from attractions, tours to local transportation and hotels. Founded in 2014, we are here to inspire and enable more moments of joy through over 490,000 activities in over 1,000 destinations. Press assets may be downloaded here.

September 30: Celebrate Table Tennis with Chengdu

CHENGDU, China, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2022 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Chengdu (hereinafter referred to as "World Team Table Tennis Championships") will be held in the western Chinese city of Chengdu on September 30, 2022. According to the Organising Committee of 2022 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Chengdu, the slogan of this tournament "Celebrate Table Tennis With Chengdu" not only highlights the passion for table tennis in Chengdu, but also expresses the aspirations of the International Table Tennis Federation to enhance in-depth exchanges with the city. Chengdu has forged strong ties with world table tennis competitions. In step with the positioning of Chengdu into a world-famous city for sport competition, important events such as China Open and ITTF Women's World Cup have already been hosted successively by the city. This upcoming World Team Table Tennis Championships will unequivocally be remembered as another milestone event in Chengdu. The tournament will be held from September 30 to October 9 at the Chengdu High-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, and this multi-functional gymnasium completed just last year will usher in its first international sports event. ITTF President Petra Sorling said, "The most distinguished players in the world will converge in Chengdu, which is both exhilarating and hard-earned." To Liu Guoliang, Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Director and Chairman of World Table Tennis (WTT) Council and President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), Chengdu is not only an acclaimed sports city, it is also a metropolis that merits appreciation and exploration. He said, "Chengdu is a charming, vogue city that is full of vibrancy, and one that has garnered the endearments of the Chinese people. With the presence of the world's top athletes here, table tennis will no doubt become a new calling card of this time-honored city. Friends from all over the world who descend on Chengdu can experience the delicious cuisine, enchanting scenery and warm hospitality that the city offers." China has previously hosted five World Table Tennis Championships, and this upcoming tournament marks the first time that the event has come to a city in West China. Thus, it is with utmost enthusiasm that the exuberant and hospitable Chengdu welcomes the world's most esteemed table tennis athletes. Sun Yingsha, Chen Meng, Wang Manyu, Wang Yidi and Chen Xingtong will comprise the Chinese women's table tennis team, while the star-studded lineup of the Chinese men's table tennis team will consist of Fan Zhendong, Ma Long, Liang Jingkun, Wang Chuqin and Lin Gaoyuan. Members of both teams are eager to win the Swaythling Cup and the Corbillon Cup for the 22nd time. As a world-renowned city of gastronomy, Chengdu is particularly appealing to Fan Zhendong, the celebrated table tennis athlete who is also described as a foodie. He laughed and said, "After the tournament, I really hope I get the chance to enjoy the wide range of delicious foods that Chengdu is so well-known for." But flavorful and delightful food is by no means the only thing worth savoring in Chengdu. Accompanying the hosting of major international sports events such as the World Table Tennis Championships and World University Games, the city's environment for fitness and exercise has been endowed with a strengthened foundation conducive to further growth. The city of Chengdu is vigorously radiating the vitality of sports with a multitude of new sports arenas and spaces including all kinds of gymnasiums, greenways, parks and community sport corners. In 2021, the total number of citizens regularly participating in physical exercises in Chengdu reached nine million. Large sports venues such as Dong'an Lake Sports Park and Fenghuangshan Sports Park constitute the "landmarks" shared among citizens. At present, Chengdu is home to over 59,000 sports venues of various sorts, and citizens can get into the full swing of health and fitness with just a few steps. The fervent rise in popularity of a variety of sports including table tennis, basketball, tennis, ice hockey, three-on-three football, skateboarding, frisbee have enhanced Chengdu's urban sport atmosphere, consequently enabling the city to rank first in the evaluation of public sports service quality in China. The fact that the design of the medals of this tournament have been inspired by the giant panda, a unique feature of Chengdu, has further raised the expectation of participating athletes. The medals will incorporate the cute giant panda with the traditional jade pendant design and the silhouette of the table tennis paddle, conveying to the world the cultural characteristics of Chengdu and the charms and essences of Chinese heritage.

Sweden spellbinds travellers with new chilling audio story

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The vast forests of Sweden possess both beauty and tranquillity – but also drama and mystique. Visit Sweden invites travellers to discover the country's myth filled forest in a spellbinding audio story, only available in the Swedish forest, home to some of the world's most famous folkloric beings. The short story is written by international bestselling author John Ajvide Lindqvist. See a video trailer of the story: https://youtu.be/X2nLmi6dCIE Literary adventure in Sweden's forestThe new audio story Kiln brings the mythic Swedish nature to life, seducing listeners deeper into the forest. The story is experienced in first person, inviting listeners to walk in the footsteps of a character who encounters the enchanting huldra, a forest nymph. However, those looking to experience the haunting story for themselves can only do so if present in the Swedish forest. A geo-restriction has been applied to make the story fully immersive, inviting the listener to discover the mystery of Sweden with all their senses. "The supernatural has always played an active role in Swedish culture. It is more than just a backdrop to the crime stories and Nordic noir movies that have made the country famous, says John Ajvide Lindqvist. Now, the world is welcome to discover it for themselves in a truly immersive experience. As a horror author, when I enter a forest, I only need a glimpse of the dark side of a stone or the knots of a tree to trigger my imagination. Nature seems to come alive and lures you to come after it." The myths and legends behind Visit Sweden's challenging invitation The audio story brings Sweden's rich folklore history to life. More and more people travel to Sweden, attracted by its unspoilt natural landscapes and progressive lifestyle, as depicted in so many popular TV series, books and films. "Looking at what travellers are seeking when planning a holiday, many have a desire to discover something new. We want to inspire the world to come and experience something completely different, says Nils Persson, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Sweden. The Swedish forests have historically been home to many fascinating creatures, now we want to introduce the world to their spellbindingly beautiful home... if you dare." For those who dare, the geo-restricted audio story is available for free on Visit Sweden's website. On the website, visitors can also discover the best locations for experiencing the story and information about different mythological creatures from Swedish folklore. For inspiring press imagery: https://bit.ly/spellboundbySweden Learn more about the experience: https://visitsweden.com/spellbound-by-sweden/ Contact Visit Sweden: viveca.burkhardt@visitsweden.com Phone: +494032551321

SAUDI ARABIA IS THE FASTEST GROWING TOURISM DESTINATION IN THE G20

Saudi sees +121% pre-pandemic recovery sector growth, according to UNWTO Tourism Barometer Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb: "Through continued leadership and commitment, we have made incomparable progress." UNWTO Barometer reports +60% global tourism sector pre-pandemic recovery RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi is the fastest growing tourism destination in the G20. Saudi Arabia's exponential sector growth has seen an extraordinary +121% increase from pre-pandemic international tourism levels as recognized by the newly published UNWTO Tourism Barometer. The substantial tourism recovery recognizes not only Saudi's considerable investment in tourism, but also the country's pioneering leadership in future-proofing its tourism sector. UNWTO Barometer Saudi was swift in its response to the pandemic and rolled out vaccines to ensure high immunization rates quickly which accelerated the easing of restrictions and the reopening of the country to tourists. The government also implemented several measures aimed at supporting companies and employees working in the tourism sector thereby mitigating the effects of the pandemic. Tourism is a key pillar of Saudi's transformative Vision 2030 and the country has ambitious goals to ensure that tourism contributes 10% of the country's GDP by 2030, with one million jobs created along the way. According to the UNWTO Tourism Barometer, the global tourism sector saw international tourist arrivals almost triple from January to July 2022 (+172%) compared to the same period of 2021. This means the sector recovered to almost 60% of pre-pandemic levels. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, and Chairman of the Board of Saudi Tourism Authority said: "Recognition of Saudi's achievements in the UNWTO Tourism Barometer is a key milestone in our extraordinary recovery and much of the success lies in our leadership's multipronged approach to managing the pandemic and accelerating the sector's pace of recovery. Saudi opened to the world in September 2019 and through continued leadership and commitment, we have made incomparable progress toward realizing our ambitious Vision 2030 tourism goals. We are invested in a sustainable future for tourism, and today I am proud of Saudi's position as the fastest growing tourism destination in the G20." In 2020, Saudi Arabia's G20 leadership shaped strategies for recovery to foster a more sustainable and resilient sector, and today, Saudi Arabia has outperformed the G20 countries in pre-pandemic tourism recovery. A core pillar of Saudi's transformative Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap for the future, building a resilient tourism ecosystem is fundamental to the Kingdom's economic diversification strategy, with people at its core. In line with the National Tourism Strategy, Saudi has ambitious goals to ensure that tourism contributes 10% of the country's GDP by 2030, with one million jobs created along the way. About Saudi Tourism Authority Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi's tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination's offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country's unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi's destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices around the world, serving 38 countries. About the UNWTO Barometer The UNWTO Barometer monitors short-term tourism trends on a regular basis to provide global tourism stakeholders with up-to-date analysis on international tourism. The report is published four times a year and includes an analysis of the latest data on tourism destinations and source markets. The Barometer also includes a Confidence Index based on the UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts survey, which provides an evaluation of recent performance and short-term prospects for international tourism. Infographic - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1908947/Saudi_Tourism_Authority_1.jpg?p=medium600

Hisense Unveils Its FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ TVC "Perfect Match" Ahead of Tournament

QINGDAO, China, Sept. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With only about two months left before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ kicks off, Hisense, a leading global home appliance and consumer electronics brand, has unveiled its TVC under its new campaign "Perfect Match", to celebrate the passionate journey of global football fans and customers. &amp;amp;nbsp; "Perfect Match" is the official theme for the Hisense FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ global campaign, referring to the World Cup matches with every exciting and unforgettable moment of global customers in front of TV, as well as counterparts with equaling mission, aspiration and quality, representing the perfect relationships of Hisense, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and global fans. In the TVC under the theme of "Perfect Match", Hisense showcases its latest products with advanced technology and top standard product quality, including Laser TV, ULED TV, refrigerator, etc., which are ready to provide global consumers and football fans with enjoyable viewing experience during this World Cup tournament. Hisense's Latest Innovation Empowers the Global Fans for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Earlier this year, Hisense was announced as the official sponsor of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and promoted its complete, award-winning and innovative range of TVs and smart home appliances. Hisense is committed to creating an immersive match-viewing experience for the biggest celebration of international football, enhancing the power of sport, bringing together the global community in new and innovative ways, and helping the global fans express their personal happiness, enjoyment and passion. In the past few years, Hisense, as the official sponsor for two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, has insisted on elevating worldwide recognition and improving top-tier product recognition through sports marketing. "For this year, our purpose is to celebrate and enhance the exciting moments of connection for football fans through the global campaign 'Perfect Match'", added by Candy Pang, Deputy General Manager of Brand Management Department of Hisense Group. Hisense's newly-released TVC will be one of the many ways to promote its World Cup 2022 campaign. In the months leading up to the opening game and throughout the entire tournament, Hisense is expected to roll out a series of events aiming at bringing every football lover perfect matches with a life-like vivid viewing experience in this global sporting feast.

Qiongzhong Women's Football Team: Steel Roses Blooming in Splendor

HAIKOU, China, Sept. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 23, the quarter-finals of the First China Youth Football League were held in Suzhou. The Qiongzhong U15 Women's Football Team from China's Hainan Free Trade Port, despite the injury of the main player Huang Weiwei, eventually won the sixth place after several tough fights, according to Convergence Media Center of Qiongzhong County. Qiongzhong women's football team members are training on the field. Since 2006, the government of Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County has been promoting the "integration of sports and education". Up to date, football classes have been available in more than 10 schools, where every student can receive training, education and accommodation, all for free. Huang Weiwei, from a disadvantaged background, seized this opportunity to study and play football at the same time. With her outstanding gift in football, Huang Weiwei became a daring "striker" girl on the field, winning 8 championships and 4 runner-ups with her teammates across China, Sweden, Denmark, etc. She has also won the honorary title of "Best Scorer" in many tournaments. She said she wished to enter a university via special enrollment programs for her football skills and achievements in the future and join the Chinese national team to compete for our country. Many other girls share the same experience. Football has taken them to the world outside the mountains and onto the global stage, transforming their destiny. Since the first women's football team was established in Qiongzhong in 2006, more than 30 players have been enrolled in the university through independent recruitment for sports talents, 56 have been rated as the Chinese National First-Level Athlete and 90 as the Second-Level. In this China Youth Football League, two players from Qiongzhong Women's Football Team were selected into China U15 Women's National Training Team for their excellent performance. Image Attachments Links:Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=430414Caption: Qiongzhong women's football team members are training on the field.

K-pop group P1Harmony joins Gemie, Asia's Leading Entertainment Metaverse, as "Gemstars"

Nominated for "Artist of the Year" by Mnet Asian Music Awards, the K-pop group P1Harmony joins Gemie as "Gemstars" Gemie is an Asian entertainment-focused metaverse platform that aims to revolutionize fan engagement through immersive digital experiences and digital assets that carry online and offline benefits The project will work with A-list celebrities in Asia, including TV/movie stars, singers, musicians, models, and KOLs, and bring them closer to their fans SINGAPORE, Sept. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gemie is delighted to announce that P1Harmony will join as Gemstars to bring K-pop fans to the metaverse. The breakout stars will leverage Gemie's team and platform as another touchpoint to connect with fans through interactive digital experiences and collectibles. P1Harmony Joins Gemie Metaverse as GEMSTAR Despite debuting in the midst of a pandemic, P1Harmony is making strides in the industry with their ability to dominate the stage in live performances. With the release of their first EP, DISHARMONY: STAND OUT, movie, and latest hit "Gotta Get Back" in collaboration with Pink Sweat$, the group has captured the attention of Korea-based and international fans with their talent and charisma. P1Harmony has a strong interest in engaging with their fans in unconventional ways, making them the perfect addition to the Gemie talent roster. Equipped with decades of experience in the entertainment and gaming industries, Gemie's team strives to use its metaverse platform as a bridge between traditional entertainment players and the world of Web3. By bringing their merchandise and experience concepts to life, Gemie will offer a one-stop solution for artists and celebrities to realize their virtual ambitions. With Gemie, artists and celebrities will be able to launch collections with exclusive rewards for holders and host virtual events with stunning designs, activities, and games in the metaverse. P1Harmony has said, "We've received tremendous support and enthusiasm from our fans in the past two years, and we've been trying to find the right channel to show our appreciation. Even though it's still difficult for us to see many of our international fans in person, we believe that Web3 solutions will be able to bring us closer together. We are very excited to join Gemie as Gemstars and to explore the different opportunities it offers to improve how we can engage with fans - we can't wait to meet our beloved fans in the metaverse!" John, the co-founder of Gemie has said, "We've always believed that it should be easier for the global audience to access the unique entertainment content offered by Asian talent, and we hope that Gemie will become the platform to make that happen. The Gemie metaverse will help Asian celebrities and artists create their ideal worlds to connect more closely with their fans, and we are so enthusiastic about having P1Harmony onboard to represent rising talent in the K-pop scene and explore the numerous opportunities at the intersection of K-pop and Web3." To bring this all to life, Gemie is connecting with major players in the Asia entertainment landscape. According to the founding team, they are currently in discussions with other K-pop and J-pop idols to bring them into the metaverse. They have also accelerated the development of their platform and marketing. For instance, Gemie has recently launched Alpha, allowing early users to create their own custom avatars, decorate their own Gemie Rooms, and explore the Gemie Town Square to complete missions and earn rewards. Click here to check out more about Gemie Alpha. About GemieGemie is an Asia-based celebrity metaverse platform. Founded in 2021, Gemie aims to reinvent the entertainment industry by directly connecting celebrities and fans through customized virtual planets and digital collectibles. Official Links Website | Twitter | Discord | Medium | Telegram (P1Harmony bio) The six-member boy group P1Harmony, composed of KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL, and JONGSEOB (ranging from ages 16 to 20), entered the mainstream music market with their breakout EP "DISHARMONY : STAND OUT and its title track 'SIREN' on October, 2020, with all five tracks written or co-written by the band. P1Harmony made their debut in historic fashion with the release of the box-office production film 'P1H: A New World Begins', co-starring some of the biggest names in Korean Entertainment. The sci-fi film hit Korean cinemas and smashed the box office even with COVID-19 restrictions. 'P1H: A New World Begins' stars P1Harmony members and tells the story of P1Harmony's newly created K-POP cinematic universe of boys from different dimensions who gather together to find the 'Star of Hope'. A 20-minute highlight version of the movie was premiered through Amazon Music's Twitch channel which was followed by an exclusive interview with well-known KPOP journalist Jeff Benjamin. Their album created mainstream buzz and the group was selected as one of '2021's New K-POP Stars To Listen To' by Vogue magazine while the single "Siren" also hit TOP 10 in the US iTunes K-POP chart and earned the group recognition from various media outlets. The band also performed live on 'Rolling Stone on Twitch' and received coverage of their promo tour in the States with international outlets such as Rolling Stone, Time, Billboard, New York Times, Forbes, Vogue/Teen Vogue, NME, Refinery29, BuzzFeed, Allure, Popcrush, Billboard and more. In addition, P1Harmony has continued to make waves by covering well-known songs such as 'Maniac" by Conan Gray, Billie Eilish, "good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo, and recently "At My Worst" by Pink Sweat$'. Their first-ever online fan meeting in January, 2020 reached over 300,000 viewers from 136 countries with top audiences coming from USA. More recently, P1Harmony completed their first ever concert tour from March ~ May, 2022, in the US with all 11 tour dates selling out in less than 30 minutes. Last but not least, the band made another surprise by collaborating with R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Pink Sweat$ with the song "Gotta Get Back", released on May 26, 2022. With their fast-growing stardom and greater-than-ever success into 2022, P1Harmony is looking to continue its momentum and reach new career heights as well as global recognition through an aggressive promotion strategy in the US. They have already established themselves as one of the more dynamic and exciting K-POP groups with high quality music and scene-stealing performances and will continue to build on that momentum with a keen focus on connecting with International audiences. Media contact: Name: John F.email: john@gemie.io

Sustainable Travel Consumer Report from Trip.com Group reveals deeper understanding of the sustainable trip, identifies opportunities for travel indus

8 in 10 travellers recognise the importance of sustainable travel COVID-19 greatly fueled people's appetite to travel sustainably 67.7% of travellers are open to paying more for sustainable options SHANGHAI, Sept. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, today released its inaugural "Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2022", celebrating the annual World Tourism Day. This report sheds light on the increased acceptance of sustainable travel and its implications for the travel industry and the wider world. Across the globe, sustainable travel as a concept and practice has moved from the back of travellers' minds to claim a dominant position in the decision-making process, with close to eight in 10 travellers (78.7%) acknowledging its importance. Sustainable Travel an Increasingly Accepted Idea Based on a survey of 7,705 respondents across 11 markets in Asia and Europe, the report finds that the impact of travel has topped the list of reasons why travellers are increasingly drawn to sustainable travel. Some 50.5% of respondents said they care about the impact of travel on future generations, a third (26.8%) cited its role in improving the travel experience, another 13.2% perceived it as trendy, and 8.4% admitted people opted for sustainable travel due to societal pressure. Perception of sustainable travel also varies among the respondents. The report indicates a growing proportion of travellers now approach the term more holistically, emphasising the economic, cultural and biodiversity aspects in addition to the usual environmental considerations. The more diversified understanding of sustainable travel manifests itself through several ways that travellers consider conducive to tourist destinations. About 30% of respondents recognise the benefit of supporting local businesses and livelihoods, and a striking 43% believe respecting the culture and heritage of local destinations is also part and parcel of sustainable travel. The Rising Awareness of Sustainable Travel The pandemic is a key driver of a stronger desire to travel sustainably because of the shift in consumer mindset and behaviour. The report points out that over two-thirds (67.8%) of respondents named COVID-19 as a catalyst for their increased appetite to choose sustainable options. About 38.3% said travel restrictions enhanced their appreciation for nature, and another 30.4% yearned to travel closer to home. The pandemic has led many travellers to discover short-haul journeys and realises how it can help reduce their carbon footprint. One of the report's highlights is that it allows a glimpse into how Asian and European travellers understand and practise sustainable travel differently. Notably, 21.3% of Europe-based respondents stated that people opt for sustainable travel because "it is trendy", while the portion of Asian travellers who took this view is much smaller, at 7.1%. They also differed in their attitudes towards paying a higher price for sustainable options, with 39.1% of European travellers reluctant to pay extra for them, compared to 29.5% among their Asian counterparts. Despite the regional disparities, however, it's clear from the report that more and more people have practised sustainable travel in multiple forms. Amid heightened sustainability awareness, more than half (59.2%) of respondents demonstrate a tendency to pay for carbon offsetting to reduce the impact of their travel. A significant opportunity for OTAs Notwithstanding a spike in the popularity of sustainable travel, only 20% of respondents didn't report any barrier to sustainable travel, while the rest encountered various obstacles. Inadequate visibility of sustainable options poses a significant barrier to their wider adoption. Travellers blame this on the difficulty of accessing information about sustainable travel products, with 32.9% stating there is a lack of sustainable options and 25.4% saying these are not clearly marked. Accordingly, a little over half of them (50.7%) believed Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) should clearly label sustainable options, followed by 41.5% who called upon OTAs to make it easier to find these options, and 39.4% who suggested OTAs offer incentives. While 67.7% of travellers are open to paying more to include sustainable options in their trips, they display varying levels of price sensitivity to the higher costs it usually entails, with only around 10% of them would be willing to pay over 10% of the total price for a sustainable option. Against this backdrop, online travel agencies and booking platforms have a significant opportunity to tap into this by showcasing their sustainable travel credentials and endearing themselves to like-minded users. The report shows that an overwhelming 93.0% of respondents would consider booking via OTAs that provide sustainable options. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, said: "The results reaffirm our vision to educate travellers better and provide a greater volume and variety of reliable, sustainable travel options. Our findings are a clarion call to ourselves as to our allies in the travel sector. "In the future, we will join hands with partners, travellers and other stakeholders to venture towards a more sustainable world." Read and download the "Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2022", here Sustainability Travel Consumer Report 2022

Sustainable Travel Consumer Report from Trip.com Group reveals deeper understanding of the sustainable trip, identifies opportunities for travel indus

Localized "Hangzhou Expats" Posted on Social Media Showcase Hangzhou' s Inclusiveness, Attractiveness

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "Hangzhou Expats", a series of videos depicting the lives of foreigners in Hangzhou, become a hot topic on a group of social media accounts of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism. The compelling short videos, aiming to showcase Hangzhou's inclusiveness, has garnered a large number of views on the Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms. Romanian entrepreneur Ileana Maier said living in Hangzhou is like living in the future. For Benjamin Saltzman, a teacher from Los Angeles, Hangzhou is the perfect combination of tradition and modernity. They all have their own reasons to live in Hangzhou, according to "Hangzhou Expats". Taking the Hangzhou lifestyle as its backdrop, the eight-episode video series showed how foreigners view the city, and their passionate living experiences in the city. Tosimitsu Takao, an IT technician from Japan, has lived in Hangzhou for 5 years. He was occasionally invited to join in a Hangzhou-based Chinese-Japanese band. During his training and performances, he made many friends sharing similar musical taste. Takao also discovered a Japanese bar where he could grab a drink after work. " Gaining weight with friends" is the "evidence" of his happiness Hangzhou life. Canadian rock climber Joe Langwald married a Hangzhou girl and has lived in Hangzhou for 20 years. He has spent 10 years developing Lion's Head Mountain into the largest climbing area for both bouldering and sport climbing base in eastern China. Langwald loves Hangzhou green tea and Lin' an bamboo shoots. "Don't ask me if I like here, time tells all," he told. "Hangzhou Expats" has attracted attention on social media immediately after its first seven episodes, which resulted in 350,000 views. " Nardus Smith left a comment: "I recently started rock climbing in Hangzhou and it's been so wonderful being part of a community where foreigners and locals truly get along," and his comments were echoed by others such as "I really want to live there, Hangzhou is so beautiful, ". Whether the city is inclusive or not? The expats living there have the final say. For overseas viewers who have never been to Hangzhou, "Hangzhou Expats" give them an objective presentation of the city. They can even imagine their future life in Hangzhou simply by watching these videos. Among the first group of Chinese cities to promote tourism overseas via social media platforms, Hangzhou has committed to developing international communication through cultural exchange and interactive communication in the past ten years. Hangzhou has shown its Chinese style, local charm and internationalization to the world by hosting a series of promotion activities, such as "Modern Marco Polo -Dr. Hangzhou"global recruitment campaign, Hangzhou Global Tour, and Hangzhou Global Qipao Festival. By the end of August 2022, over 1.3 million people followed the Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism, with over 35 million annual impressions and over 1.74 million annual interactions (including video views). A series of ongoing and upcoming activities, like Mid-Autumn Festival Photography Contest, interactive comics Su Dongpo's New Life in Hangzhou, "Hello Hangzhou" video collection on social media and traditional Chinese festivals celebrations, Asian Games and other hot topics, have offered overseas fans valuable chances to participate in Hangzhou's global culture and tourism endeavor. For more information, visit Hangzhou on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

It's All Upgrades and Giveaways For ENGWE

Explore A New Way With The Best Electric Bike Brand Around! NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For close to a decade, ENGWE has been on the cutting edge of design and performance in the e-bike industry. In fact, their 2022 flagship model (the X26) raised a whopping $1,000,000 on Indiegogo in July. To further bolster their brand awareness – and to inspire more people to pursue healthier living – ENGWE is set to release their new Engine Pro Limited Edition: Aurora (100pcs). ENGWE engine pro giveaway activity As their biggest giveaway yet, customers are invited to enter the competition by visiting ENGWE's EU or US sites. Drawing inspiration from the principle of automated power, ENGWE is devoted to designing unique, high quality, and affordable electric bikes. Their hope is for more people to engage in the ultimate, personalized sport and short travel experience so they can embark on a new journey in life. As a result of their mission – to help people simplify and streamline short trips – ENGWE's e-bike models have been well-received and recommended by their customers and the media alike. Their Engine Pro Aurora limited model is ENGWE 's next best step in green travel. But more than this,the Aurora carries with it a new vision and brand image. Much like the design of their logo, which features a pair of wings that symbolize the freedom to chase dreams, the vibrant colors of their Aurora model also promote dreaming big and breaking barriers. With the intention of producing better products that help customers pursue better lives, the Aurora concept encompasses dreaming big and embarking on a new beginning. As a promotional activity for their new Limited Edition Pro Aurora e-bike, ENGWE is holding a 100pcs giveaway for customers who have shown consistent support for the ENGWE brand and its mission. The Giveaway Will Include: 1.10 Engine Pro – Aurora e-bikes2. 25 Large Cycling Bags3. 40 Small Cycling Bags4. 25 $100 ENGWE Coupons The giveaway will take place between September 26th and October 10th. To enter, simply visit ENGWE online at US site or EU site to take part in the activity. With the achievements ENGWE has achieved around the e-bike industry track for almost 10 years,we can't wait to see what the future of electric bicycles holds. For media inquiries contact: VikeyEngwe Bike PR Leadvikey@engwe-bikes.com

Mastercard expands decades-long football legacy through GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with Luis Figo

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Please watch the video here. World record set with game played at 20,230 ft (6166.1 m) in zero gravity by football legend Luis Figo and a team of football heroes from across the globe Mastercard's new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title recognizes the world's most popular sport as a celebration of the human spirit, igniting passion and pride for millions every day Mastercard has set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the 'Highest Altitude Game of Football (Soccer) on a Parabolic Flight' alongside football legend Luis Figo and a diverse team of football heroes from across the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The first-of-its-kind football game was played at an altitude of 20,230 ft (6166.1 m) in zero gravity conditions, taking the game to a place where no match has gone before. Through this campaign, Mastercard is celebrating the world's love for football by taking fans' passion for the beautiful game to unprecedented heights. The out-of-this-world game between two four-player teams was played on 20 August 2022. Football legend Luis Figo was on board with seven other players selected to earn their place on the historic flight. The record was presented by an Official Adjudicator from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ and verified by two witnesses as Figo effortlessly dribbled the ball across a 75 square meter football field specially set inside the aircraft. "Football is not just a game – as the world's most popular sport, it is a celebration of the human spirit, igniting passion and pride for millions every day. This is a historic moment for Mastercard as we take the world's love for the sport to extraordinary new heights. What better way to recognize the beautiful game than by creating an out-of-this-world Priceless Surprise as we continue to connect people to their passions," said Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and President Healthcare, Mastercard. Luis Figo, a Mastercard ambassador, has been part of several Priceless surprises around the world, captivating audiences with his experiences as a top player. Figo, the 2000 Ballon d'Or recipient, played for some of Europe's best clubs including Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, winning 127 caps for the Portugal national team. "Football transcends boundaries and unites people around the world. I have played in stadiums where the electric atmosphere sparks emotions that cuts across cultures and nationalities; this was the exact same experience I had playing this beautiful game at 20,000 feet above ground with a group of fearless football fanatics taking their passion for the sport to unprecedented heights," remarked Figo. "Football continues to be a sport enjoyed in every corner of the world. At Guinness World Records™, we meet people with different backgrounds every day. By declaring this new achievement Officially Amazing™, we hope it will contribute to bringing communities together through the shared love of the sport and the excitement of seeing incredible records being broken," said Shaddy Gaad, Senior Marketing Manager – Guinness World Records™. Mastercard has a rich history of connecting people to their passions, their enthusiasm for sport, and bringing them once-in-a-lifetime experiences. During Expo 2020 Dubai, Mastercard hosted its Priceless Surprises series to connect guests to their passions at the global event. Among its hero activities, the company presented football enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to meet Luis Figo as well as a chance to see the UEFA Champions League Trophy, bringing football fans closer to the sports icon. Mastercard partners with a range of organizations across sports, music, fashion, arts and entertainment around the world. Mastercard's partnership with UEFA Champions League dates back to 1994 and the brand has been an active supporter of women's football for more than 25 years. Log on to Priceless.com to learn more and discover the range of priceless experiences around the world made possible by Mastercard. The 'Highest Altitude Game of Football on a Parabolic Flight' game can be watched here. About Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere, by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all. Mastercard expands decades-long football legacy through GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with Luis Figo Mastercard expands decades-long football legacy through GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with Luis Figo Mastercard expands decades-long football legacy through GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with Luis Figo Mastercard expands decades-long football legacy through GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with Luis Figo

Industry	Economy	TECH	GAME
Society	Comfort	AUTO	MEDIA