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Russia to use Fan-IDs (again) as visas for 2020 UEFA Euro Cup visitors

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Upper house of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council, have passed on Monday a bill allowing foreign tourists with Fan-IDs to travel to Russia without entry visas for matches of the 2020 UEFA Euro Cup.

Last week, the bill was passed in the third and final reading by lawmakers from the State Duma, the parliament’s lower house, and following today’s approval by the senators, it must be signed into law by the Russian president.

“Within the period, which begins 14 days prior to the first match of the 2020 UEFA Euro Cup in Saint Petersburg and ends on the day of the last match [in St. Petersburg], the entrance to Russia for foreign citizens and stateless persons, who come to Russia to watch 2020 UEFA Euro Cup matches, will not require issuance of visas based on identification documents,” according to the explanatory note.

Addressing a government’s session in mid-March, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that the country planned “to employ the same mechanism we used in the past regarding the issuance and operational rules of Fan-IDs.”

Russia came up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with an innovation, which was the so-called Fan-ID and was required for all ticketholders. This innovation was successfully tested during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia and earned high marks from the world’s governing football body of FIFA.

The Fan-ID played an important security role during the major football tournament in Russia as it granted admittance to the stadiums and also served as visa for foreign visitors to enter the country.

A Fan-ID holder was allowed to enter the country without having a Russian visa and stay for the duration of the global football tournament. Fan-IDs were obligatory, in addition to purchased tickets, in order to attend matches of the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia.

2020 UEFA Euro Cup

The matches of the 2020 Euro Cup will be held at stadiums in 12 different cities across Europe, namely in London (England), Munich (Germany), Rome (Italy), Baku (Azerbaijan), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Bucharest (Romania), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Dublin (Ireland), Bilbao (Spain), Budapest (Hungary), Glasgow (Scotland) and Copenhagen (Denmark).

Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg was granted the right to host three group stage matches and one of the quarterfinals of the 2020 UEFA Euro Cup.

The decision to hold the 2020 Euro Cup, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary that year, in various European countries instead of in one or two hosting countries was made at the UEFA Executive Committee’s meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on December 6, 2012.

A total of 24 national football teams will be playing in the final tournament of the 2020 Euro Cup. All 55 UEFA national member teams, including 12 teams from the hosting countries, will have to play in the qualifying matches to vie for the berth in the final 24-team lineup of the quadrennial European football championship.

It is possible that some of the national teams from the hosting countries of the 2020 Euro Cup will not be playing on home soil in case they fail to clear the qualifying stage.

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Seychelles receives honor of hosting FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019

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The excitement was palpable at Beau Vallon Beach on Saturday, April 13, 2019, almost a month before the Seychelles hosts for the second consecutive year the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019.

This year’s event is being held in collaboration with Chinese based company CNSG and Seychelles is once again the second leg in the series of eight.

The organizing committee’s partners including the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), officials and local swimmers gathered at Beau Vallon Beach where a trial run was organized to test out the facilities, the technical requirements and of course, the local swimming talents.

Principal Secretary for Sports, Fabien Palmyre present at the trial run mentioned his satisfaction to see that the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is materializing with the support of all local partners.

“I am excited to again, be part of such an event. I am proud of all our young swimmers who have made an effort to be present today. I am grateful to all the partners and volunteers and I am definitely looking forward to this year’s event,” said PS Palmyre.

15 swimmers competed in the Beau Vallon waters in three main races, 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km. According to the Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA) officials, the reasoning behind the distances selected is to enable the swimmers to test out their abilities to see which category would suit them best for the May 11, 2019 event, which will be opened for the public and other swimming enthusiasts.

The 2019 Mass Open Water event will take place on Saturday May 11, one day prior to the Elite event.

The May 11 Mass event will comprise of four distances, Group A (500 m), Group B (1 km), Group C (3 km) and Group D (5 km). The only age restriction will be for Group A where students aged 13 years and under can participate. The others will be open to all ages and there will be two races, a male and a female race for each distance.

“Mass participation is crucial in making the Mass event a success and the Seychelles Swimming Association is calling on all swimmers to register for the event,” said David Vidot, SSA Chairperson.

Mr. Vidot indicated that the forms for registration are available on the SSA Facebook page and website. The deadline to return the registration form to the Swimming Association is May 1, 2019.

The Seychelles is honored this year to have four Seychellois swimmers qualified to take part in the Elite 10 km race, which will take place on Sunday May 12, 2019.

Joining the 2018 swimmers, brothers Bertrand and Damien Payet, will be Matthew Bachmann and Alain Vidot, both of whom completed the 7.5 km race finishing second and third consecutively behind Damien who crossed the finishing line on Saturday first.

The Elite event which is broadcast to a global audience via the FINA network, exposes Seychelles in another light, similar to that of the annual Eco-Marathon event, which strengthens Seychelles’ potential as a Sports Tourism destination.

“It is such a privilege to be hosting the event again on our shores; as announced earlier this year, STB is committed to promote Seychelles as an ideal sports destination. Our collaboration with Seychelles Swimming Association and other partners for FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is an ideal platform for us to showcase our beautiful destination and its pristine waters,” said Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive.

In May 2018, open water swimming made its debut in Seychelles, as the small island nation became the second host in the FINA World Cup Series 2018. The iconic Beau Vallon beach was the chosen venue to launch Seychelles in the open water swimming world, making it the first country in Africa to host an event of this caliber.

As part of the FINA mandate, the host country is required to host a mass event alongside the elite 10k m event, in order to encourage and mobilize the local community to appreciate and take part in the sport.

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Seychelles Tourism Board participation at EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 – Dubai UAE

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The Seychelles has been seen on the Dubai Social scene this March as the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) participated in the EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 which took place at the InSportz Indoor Cricket in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 22 and 29 2019 respectively.

The STB representative, Ms. Aliette Esther was present at the event on both days and seized the opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Seychelles Islands.

The EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 – Dubai UAE, which is affiliated to Emirates, was organised for the 5th year and implicates cricket tournaments targeting the front staff/travel consultants of travel agencies across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The event, which provides the travel trade professionals with the occasion to compete against each other as well as participate in team building activities, is  attended by more than 50 teams, 500 players, comprising of the front-line travel agents and over 1000 guests.

Ms. Aliette Esther expressed her satisfaction to have been part of the event. She further explained that the STB’s participation in the Cricket Mania enabled the destination’s brand to be visible along other partners.

She reiterated on the importance of STB’s association with such events, as cricket is one of the biggest sports in countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which are very important markets for Seychelles.

“The STB’s participation in the EmQuest event has contributed in providing a platform for the tourism board to interact directly with the players, their families, the other sponsors and exhibitors at the event. The event definitely profited the Seychelles by increasing its reach and exposure to new clientele in the UAE market,” said Ms Esther.

Visitors included the travel agents, exhibitors, sponsors, families and other guests, were all welcome to the Seychelles kiosk. A video of the destination was played throughout the 2-day event displaying enticing activities taking place in the Seychelles.

The STB participation to the EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 has unquestionably enhanced brand awareness and increased media exposure for the destination.

Seychelles andEmQuest have collaborated in previous events to increase the destinations visibility and the last event together was the “Sell Seychelles See Seychelles “campaign with Ethiopian Airlines and Constance Group of Hotels.

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Skate & Style event coming to Munich Airport

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Top-flight professional skateboarding is a breathtaking spectacle. At the new Skate & Style event, now coming to Munich Airport, spectators will witness dazzling displays of tricks, spins and jumps. From April 24-28, the airport’s MAC Forum will be turned into a skateboarding hotspot as it hosts the South German championships in this exciting sport.

In the Club of Skaters (COS) Cup, competitors will face off in three categories, with the winners qualifying for the national final at the end of November at Europapark Rust, Germany’s biggest theme park. Spectators at Skate & Style who are up to the challenge are also welcome to grab a board and test their own skills on the 800 square meter park terrain.

The four-day event will feature numerous highlights, including a program of entertainment and fun activities. As fans watch, Germany’s skateboarding elite will attack the ramps and obstacles and showcase their best moves. And between rounds of the 2019 COS Cup, local heroes will go head to head in the Titus Locals Only Competition (LOC) Cup.
Registration for COS and LOC contestants will take place during the first open practice sessions on Friday April 27.

On Saturday, starting at 1 pm, things will then heat up as participants start vying for spots in the final. The semifinal and final rounds will take place on Sunday starting at 11 am. Before the awards ceremony, a special attraction awaits at 5 pm: the Ravenol Barrel Jump. In this test of skill, skateboarders accelerate towards a row of barrels, jump off at the last second, and try to make a clean landing on a board positioned at the other end.

On all four days of the event, the park terrain will be open not only to competitors, but also to passengers and airport visitors keen to give this exciting sport a try. Every day from 10 am to 6 pm, Skate & Style will host free open sessions and workshops, with instructors offering tips for the parcours or miniramp. Skateboards, helmets and pads can be borrowed at no cost. Visitors to Skate & Style can park free of charge for up to five hours in the P20 car park.

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Official Hotel of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics coming with new agreement

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Shougang Group and Shangri-La Group has announced a cooperation on a new hotel project at Shougang Park in Beijing. This is a strategic venture to develop an international luxury hotel at the Shougang industrial site. The hotel will be designated as the Official Hotel of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and it will host the Olympic event reception.

The hotel project is located in the central area of Shougang Park and is closely connected to the grand ski ramp of the 2022 Winter Olympics and the training center of the National Teams, known as the “Four Ices,” for ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and curling. It is scheduled for completion and operations at the end of 2021.

Shougang Group and Shangri-La Group Signing on Shougang Park Hotel Project Cooperation (left to right: Liang Jie, Deputy General Manager of Shougang Group; Wang Shizhong, Deputy General Manager of Shougang Group; Ke Yongguo, Deputy Chief of Shijingshan District Government; Guo Huaigang; Director of General Administration, The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games; Zhang Gongyan, Chairman and General Manager of Shougang Group; Hui Kuok, Chairman of Shangri-La Group; Wang Yue, Deputy Chief of Beijing Culture & Tourism Bureau; Lim Beng Chee, Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group; Paw Chuen Kee, Executive Vice President – Operations, North China.

Attending the signing ceremony were Zhang Gongyan, Chairman and General Manager of Shougang Group, Hui Kuok, Chairman of Shangri-La Group, Guo Huaigang, Director of General Administration, The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Wang Yue, Deputy Chief of Beijing Culture & Tourism Bureau, and Ke Yongguo Deputy Head of Shijingshan District Government. The hotel management agreement was signed between Liang Jie, Deputy General Manager of Shougang Group and Lim Beng Chee, Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group.

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Hawaii Tourism: Los Angeles Rams to play Dallas Cowboys at Aloha Stadium

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The Los Angeles Rams will host the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 4PM HST at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, it was officially announced today. Tickets are now available on TheRams.com/Hawaii and can be purchased on-site at Aloha Stadium.

The preseason matchup will be the first time the NFL has played an exhibition game at Aloha Stadium on Oahu since 1976. Before moving to Orlando in 2016, Aloha Stadium served as the host site for the Pro Bowl every year with two exceptions since 1979.

Through the support and partnership of Hawaii’s tourism industry, the Rams will provide various community engagement opportunities for youth in the islands. In advance of the preseason matchup, Rams players and staff will host an 11-on-11 Tournament & Skills Competition that will feature 16 Hawaii high school football teams. The event will include a character education session and will aim to build camaraderie and promote the game of football in Hawaii. During the week leading up to the game in August, Rams cheerleaders and mascot, Rampage, will visit local schools to host PLAY 60 events and create lifelong memories while encouraging youth to be active for the recommended 60 minutes every day.

In addition, as part of the Rams’ year-round military appreciation efforts, the team will bring its PLAY 60 Military Base Tour to the islands to support the military community and to honor, empower, and connect with Hawaii-based service members, veterans and their families.

In November 2018, the Rams began partnering with Hawaii’s tourism industry, which included a special Hawaii-themed presenting sponsorship of the Rams-Seahawks game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

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St. Maarten Heineken Regatta raises over $40,000 for local foundations

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Organizers of the St Maarten Heineken Regatta are pleased to announce that a total of $41,900 was raised during the event for local foundations. The raffle was used to drive the event’s “Green” initiatives benefiting sustainability efforts for the island and various projects from local foundations.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and Heineken worked in collaboration with the Rotary Club of St Maarten, Rotary St Maarten-Mid Isle, and Motorworld, by selling raffle tickets to raise funds for a Beach Cleaning vehicle, an initiative launched last year by the Rotary.

Motorworld joined as a new presenting sponsor for the 39thSt Maarten Heineken Regatta, making a fully-loaded Hyundai Creta available to be raffled. During the week of the Regatta this car, in addition to a selection of other popular brands, were on display in the Regatta Village showcasing the wide variety of cars available for sale on the island. The display was encouraging people to purchase raffle tickets and have a chance to win the new Hyundai Creta, in support of the island’s various environmental projects.

“We are proud to be partners in this great joint-initiative by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, St Maarten Heineken Regatta and Heineken corporate. Working together, we have successfully organized another memorable and enjoyable St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. We congratulate The Rotary clubs and everyone for their involvement and of course the winner, Mr. Soons. With the current promotions on the New 2019 Hyundai Creta, everyone can be a winner. Visit our showroom and our dedicated Sales Team can work out a great deal for you!” mentioned Tariq Amjad, Managing Director, Motorworld Group of Companies.

“The car raffle was a tremendous addition to the Regatta and this is a wonderful prize to take home. It will be a pleasure to drive the Hyundai Creta.” says winner Mr. Soons.

Rotary Club of St. Maarten’s President John Caputo says: “The Island is now one step closer to having a proper beach cleaning machine and this car raffle fundraiser almost gets us there. The Rotary Clubs of St. Maarten are working diligently to help make St. Maarten a better place to live or visit and we certainly thank all those who purchased a ticket in support of this endeavor. Even if you didn’t win the car, you have helped ensure that our beaches will remain pristine for decades to come,” said John Caputo, the President of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten.”
President of the Rotary Club St. Maarten-Mid Isle, Denise Antrobus adds: “On behalf of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle, I would like to congratulate Mr. Soons on winning the car raffle. A big thank you goes to Motorworld who sponsored the Hyundai Creta for this raffle. It was wonderful to work with this partnership of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, I look forward to seeing the beach cleaner in use on St. Maarten.”

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Canada’s Tourism Minister to speak about importance of sport tourism at Ottawa event

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The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, will talk about the importance of sport tourism to Canada’s economy at the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance’s Sport Events Congress, the largest annual gathering of the sport tourism industry in the country.

the Minister will also discuss Canada’s upcoming federal tourism strategy.

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