Category: Holidays

  • Water in Europe’s preferred tourist destinations failing EU standards

    Some of Europe’s prime tourist destinations are failing EU water laws, new research shows.

    As millions of folk plan their summer holidays, Pisa in Italy, parts of Halkidiki in Greece, Balaton in Hungary and Ayia Napa in Cyprus was identified as among 6,311 European towns and cities which aren’t meeting the EU’s environmental standards.

    Popular city break destinations corresponding to Bucharest (Romania), Sofia (Bulgaria), Madrid (Spain), Budapest (Hungary) and Rome (Italy) have also been revealed as having sub-standard water.

    Even Brussels itself, the house of the european, is failing the desired tests.

    Particularly worrying for the ecu tourist industry are the failures in Spain, Italy and Greece, that are many of the most often visited destinations for holidaymakers throughout Europe.

    Experts said these water failures could put the health of millions of individuals in danger should and render European taxpayers accountable for fines of over €1 billion a year in total.

    The UK was a number of the countries that have been fully compliant with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, a section of legislation which came out inside the 1990s to enhance water standards, that applies to the gathering, treatment and discharge of domestic and industrial waste water.

    Some MEPs and experts are campaigning for improvements to water infrastructure around Europe in the course of the EU Cohesion Fund, which was arrange in 1994 to offer funding for environmental and infrastructure projects. Decisions on its latest round of spending are expected within months.

    Victor Bostinaru, a Romanian MEP, who presented the findings in Brussels, said: “This report demonstrates the size of the matter that exists around the 27 EU member states. The standard of water in lots of countries has to enhance and the cash ought to be found to make it happen – starting with town of Brussels, wherein the eu Union’s institutions are based.

    “As we prepare to commit billions of euros of investment to infrastructure projects, throughout the EU Cohesion Fund, we must demand improvements from these failing cities, regions and countries.”

    Hach Lange, one of the vital world’s leading providers of instrumentation for water quality testing and treatment optimisation, considered the consequences as leading analytical experts on European water.

    Lance Reisman, President of Hach Lange, said: “Clearly some parts of Europe have issues that need addressing, but the excellent news is that solutions are available.

    “Our experience in working across Europe has proven that investment reaps significant benefits.”

    The worst five country offenders are:
    Romania: 2,476 failures
    Spain: 1,148
    Bulgaria: 901
    Hungary: 631
    Italy: 443

  • Southall Travel agrees major sports sponsorship sort out IPL

    Long-haul travel specialist Southall Travel has agreed a tremendous sports sponsorship cope with IPL, the Indian Premier League, the pro league for Twenty20 cricket championship in India.

    Broadcast daily on UK network’s ITV4 over 49 days, the IPL is likely one of the most spectacular sports tournaments on this planet watched by millions of individuals and featuring stars together with Sachin Tendulkar, Adam Gilchrist and England’s Eoin Morgan.

    Southall Travel adverts might be shown on 15 second bumper adverts going into each live game.

    Top Indian and international players participate in IPL and it’s considered to be the world’s showcase for Twenty20 cricket, a shorter format of cricket consisting only 20 overs per side

    Jaymin Borkhatria, sales director of Southall Travel, said: “For cricket fans here is one of several biggest tournaments on earth and it’s exciting and fun to look at for the full family.  It gives our brand high visibility each day until the tournament ends on 16 May and asserts our position to our audience because the #1 holiday firm for long-haul travel.”

    “This sponsorship is a significant investment in building our brand as we continue to expand our business.”

    Southall Travel already has a powerful association with cricket following its sponsorship of the ICC World Twenty20 three years ago which was shown continue to exist Sky Sports.

    Southall Travel specialises in worldwide flights and tailor-made travel arrangements. Its combination of unbeatable flight prices to all major long-haul destinations and primary class service has ensured the corporate has gained a name for providing a superior value.

  • New Zealand marine industry goes social

    New Zealand’s marine sector goes global and social with a networking initiative linking expat-Kiwis and their pool of connections, expertise and reputation to lift the local industry.

    Launched by the recent Zealand Marine Industry (NZMI), the hot social network shall be open to Kiwis working within the marine sector all over the world who would like to support their home industry.

    The collection of expat-Kiwis engaged on superyachts and within the supporting marine industry abroad is estimated at 1000’s, and their combined connections and good reputation are seen as a valuable resource in driving new business home.

    The new initiative ‘Friends of NZ Marine’ is aimed toward harnessing those Kiwi connections through social media networks to aid boost future business. The brand new Zealand marine industry currently has NZ$1.7 billion turnover consisting of NZ$650m in exports – from a workforce of 8000 employees including 450 apprentices.

    The aim is to double exports inside the next seven years.

    Emirates Team New Zealand
    NZ Marine Industry executive director Peter Busfield said Friends of NZ Marine was launched on the Auckland Emirates Team New Zealand base, because they’re probably the most New Zealand industry’s most dynamic ambassadors.

    “Emirates Team New Zealand is the best example of what Friends of NZ Marine is all about. It’s high profile, has a name for the best quality and is made of a collection of people that have many, many connections worldwide.”

    At the time of the announcement the ETNZ base was being dismantled and loaded into containers, along side the enormous AC72 catamaran to be shipped to San Francisco for the forthcoming 34th America’s Cup.

    New Zealand could have a robust presence both off and on the water in San Francisco, and Busfield believes Friends of NZ Marine would be well positioned to take maximum benefit of Emirates Team New Zealand’s high profile. The initiative may also be aimed toward international boat shows, conferences and the networks of NZMI’s 450 member companies.

  • MyCEB: Southeast Asia is decided to witness the wrath of Barca

    For the 1st time, the highly acclaimed FC Barcelona will make its option to the shores of Malaysia as component of the FC Barcelona Asian Tour 2013.

    Organised by B.S.C.S.R.L. DTO. Futbol (M) Sdn Bhd (BSC) and supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the team will battle the Malaysian Tigers on 10 August 2013 at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. The development is anticipated to host 80,000 spectators and draw over 8,000 fans from around the region to Kuala Lumpur. The anticipated national economic impact generated throughout the event is greater than RM 115 million.

    Mr. Tony Nagamaiah , General Manager of International Events Unit (IEU), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) said, “We are excited that Malaysia was chosen for FC Barcelona’s debut tour to Southeast Asia. That is indeed a historic moment for the throngs of fans in the region especially fans from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Australia, India, Myanmar and Vietnam who’re expected to make their technique to Kuala Lumpur this August. We’re certainly delighted to bring these heroes to town because Asia represents over 40% of the fan base of this legendary football club. With approximately 145million fans within the region, the anticipation leading as much as the development may be nothing in need of exhilarating.”

    He added, “Malaysia is increasingly recognised as a destination of choice for such major events with the provision of worldwide-class airports, venues, facilities and never to say the nice and cozy, hospitable spirit of Malaysians. With years of hosting major events, Malaysia has certainly caught the world’s attention.”
    “We are constantly in search of avenues to drive tourism into the rustic to support the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia’s promotional campaign of Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Last year, Malaysia managed to draw RM916million in tourism spend from tourists visiting Malaysia for major events and with our support of FC Barcelona Asian Tour 2013, we are hoping to draw much more this year,” concluded Mr. Nagamaiah.

    MyCEB’s International Events Unit (IEU) is a tender, vibrant division of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism that aims to successfully attract, stage and sustain exciting major events in Malaysia.

  • South African Tourism unveils landmark What’s Your BIG 5 Campaign

    South African Tourism North America will unveil its ground-breaking campaign, What’s Your BIG 5 on NBC’s hit series, “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” this Sunday, April 21st at 9/8PM Central.  A year inside the making, the multi-faceted What’s Your BIG 5 platform aims to extend awareness and travel to South Africa by educating travelers in the course of the spectrum of distinct experiences offered only by this destination, beyond its iconic safari. 

    Sunday’s episode will bring to life the colourful culture of South Africa to an astounding six million viewers.  In tandem with the displaying, viewers may also enter to win two exclusive VIP tickets to the show’s finale via Visit South Africa on Facebook, view an advantage video featuring certainly one of this season’s celebrity contestants, and book an “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” travel package exclusively on www.southafrica.net.

    “South Africa has become a highly sought-after travel destination, breaking tourism records with double-digit growth during the past three years,” said Ms. Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism North America.  “High-profile partnerships like ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice’ are one of many many driving forces catapulting our destination into mainstream consciousness, fueling conversations and travel to South Africa like never before.” 

    “South Africa is an excellent destination,” said Mr. Donald Trump , executive producer and star of ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.’  “This Sunday’s episode will highlight the magnificence of the rustic, and that i should be going to South Africa soon, it’s one in every of my favorite places.”

    With seven contestants left, watch teams Plan B and gear go head-to-head in this Sunday’s task as they convey South Africa’s rich and numerous travel experiences to millions of houses around the country.  Catch an advantage video of 1 of the All-Stars living the episode’s electrifying task first-hand in South Africa after Sunday’s airing at 11PM EST on www.southafrica.net. Captivated viewers could also learn more about South Africa’s incredible culture, diversity and friendly people at the website, while booking their own “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice & What’s Your BIG 5” travel package.

    Additionally, one lucky viewer participating within the show’s launch of “What’s Your BIG 5” campaign via Visit South Africa on Facebook or @SouthAfrica on Twitter, will win a visit to Ny city on May 19th and two VIP tickets for the live finale taping.  The winner and a guest can also be invited to rub elbows with Mr. Trump and the All-Star cast and crew on the exclusive finale after-party. Sweepstakes starts on April 21st and ends on April 29th.

    The genesis of the What’s Your BIG 5 campaign starts with the proverbial “BIG 5” of South Africa’s safari animals, a well-recognized term coined for the destination’s wildlife. South African Tourism North America is re-defining “BIG 5” to underscore the broad range of authentic and distinct experiences South Africa has to provide for travelers of every age, greater than safari.  The face of the What’s Your BIG 5 story is a loveable giraffe character named Zandi, who’s the embodiment of South Africa—vibrant, colorful, warm, and friendly.  The campaign officially launches on Sunday with a 360-degree platform including advertising, year-round public relations, trade marketing, and consumer-driven events all year long.