A global plan to save coral reefs from complete eradication caused by climate change, pollution and poor fishing practices launched today at The Economist World Ocean Summit in Bali. The initiative, called 50 Reefs, brings together leading ocean, climate and marine scientists as well as conservation practitioners from around the world to develop a list of the 50 most critical coral reefs to protect.
50 Reefs will be the first global plan to save the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet. The final list and corresponding initiatives, to be announced later this year, will raise awareness of the increasing severity of climate change impacts on the ocean and catalyze the global action and investment required to protect these important reef systems for the future.
The launch comes at a perilous moment for coral reefs, as current estimates indicate that 90 percent will disappear by 2050. A unique philanthropic coalition of innovators in business, technology and government are supporting 50 Reefs, led by Bloomberg Philanthropies with The Tiffany & Co. Foundation and The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, with the aim of preventing the worst economic, social, and environmental impacts of this enormous crisis.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8043751-the-ocean-agency-50-reefs-initiative-coral-conservation/
In the U.S., Americans’ perception of Mexico has reached a 10-year high, according to a recent Gallup, Inc. poll. The statistic further highlights the country’s record-breaking 2016 tourism year that saw more than 35 million international visitors - up 9% from the year prior - enjoying its world-class beaches and cultural offerings, according to the Mexico Tourism Board.
Credit for the country’s recent successes in tourism is largely due to the Mexican people - widely recognized as some of the friendliest and most welcoming in the world, and their centuries-old spirit of hospitality. Mexico Tourism Board’s internal consumer tracking studies showed more than 94 percent of visitors reported an experience that “exceeded their expectations” and 86 percent said they would “like to come back again” in the next six months– some of the highest scores in the industry, attesting to the popular Mexican adage, ‘mi casa es su casa’ (my home is your home).
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8086151-mexico-tourism-gallup-poll/
Mexico has seen rapid growth in its meetings industry, reporting a 10.4% increase of business in the first two months of the year when compared to the same period in 2016, announced the Mexico Tourism Board. According to the International Association of Congresses and Conventions (ICCA), Mexico now ranks 5th in the Americas in terms of the number of hosted events, which have now reached 182 world congresses and more than 300,000 meetings in 2016. These numbers are a direct result of Mexico’s global initiative to position and promote Mexico as Latin America’s leader in the world congress arena.
“Our world-class conference facilities, accommodations, and welcoming community are the drivers behind Mexico's continued growth and its recognition as a top global industry player in the meetings and events space,” remarked Hector Flores, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board. “Additionally, Mexico's strong commitment to increasing air connectivity allows us to facilitate travel from all corners of the world.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8128751-mexico-tourism-meetings-conferences/
This year Krakow will host the UNESCO World Heritage Committee session, the European Lotteries Congress and the European Congress of Transplantology Nurses. Adding prestige to Krakow are industry awards, with no other venue receiving the Meetings Star Award two years running. This year’s event schedule will determine the fortunes of Krakow in years to come.
According to a Polish Tourism Organisation study, Krakow is the #1 location in Poland in terms of the number of congresses and conferences. At the heart of the meetings industry is the ICE Kraków Congress Centre, which has just won its second consecutive title of best congress centre of New Europe.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8035651-krakow-host-unesco-world-heritage-committee/
There is only one place to be on St. Patrick’s Day and that’s Ireland. The St Patrick’s Festival is truly one of the great spectacles of the world — a week-long celebration of music, dance and outdoor shows culminating in the stunning St. Patrick’s Day parade through the historic streets of Dublin on March 17th.
One can also celebrate at the ‘Home of St Patrick’ in Northern Ireland where a stunning new calendar of events launched this year, set around Downpatrick and Armagh where St Patrick lived when he was in Ireland and where he is buried.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8049251-tourism-ireland-st-patricks-day-globalgreening/