Ukrainian President Invites Investors to Share in Euro 2012 Legacy
Government Builds on Tournament Opportunity With Investment Incentive Package
A major event to capitalise on Ukraine’s status as host of football championship Euro 2012 will take place in Kiev on Monday (31 May). President Viktor Yanukovych will meet with representatives of the global hotel industry at a specially arranged international conference to outline the investment incentives aimed at expanding the country’s hospitality sector and stimulating economic growth in a potentially huge market for tourism.
Vice Prime Minister Borys Kolesnikov, head of National Agency 2012, charged with delivering the tournament in Ukraine, said: “Ukraine’s economic growth and stability is back on track and Euro 2012 provides us with a perfect opportunity to show the world how much we have to offer, from our rich cultural heritage, to the natural beauty of the country itself.
“That President Yanukovych is personally leading our commitment to deliver a world-class Euro 2012, and a lasting legacy beyond that, clearly demonstrates the importance Ukraine places on delivering a secure environment for investors. Together we look forward to making Ukraine a better place for business; and that starts here through developing strong, viable relationships with the world’s leading hotel providers.”
Ukraine, the second-largest country in Eastern Europe, already welcomes over 20 million tourists each year and is expecting a major influx of new visitors for Euro 2012. The government’s attractive package sets out hotel investment incentives including tax efficiencies, streamlined construction permit procedures, and gaming licences. Read more
ESPN Deportes Kicks off Safari Mundial Consumer Promotion
Initiative will Take 10 Winners to Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando for 3D Viewing of ESPN’s Telecast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final
ESPN Deportes is giving sports fans nationwide reasons to demonstrate their passion for futbol. The network unveiled “Safari Mundial,” a consumer promotion that will take 10 lucky fans to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for a five day VIP experience which will culminate with a viewing of ESPN’s 3D telecast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
“We are very excited to partner with Walt Disney World® Resort to offer sports fans what we know will be an unforgettable experience,” said Michelle Bella, vice president, sales and consumer Marketing, ESPN Deportes. “Other than being in South Africa, I can’t think of a better way to experience the thrill of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.”
– Participants can enter the sweepstakes entry form by visiting safarimundial.espndeportes.com or via their mobile phone at m.espndeportes.com.
– Ten grand-prize winners will be chosen. Each will receive roundtrip airfare, transfers in Orlando from the airport to the Animal Kingdom Lodge where they will stay for five days and four nights.
– Each winner can bring up to three guests as long as they all depart from the same airport.
Read more
World’s Elite Runners to Help Children in Africa
Team World Vision To Compete in South Africa’s Comrades Marathon Their Goal – Find Sponsors for 1,500 Children
Grueling 56-Mile Foot Race May 30th Then They’ll Meet Children Whose Lives They Changed
The Comrades Marathon in South Africa is known as one of the most grueling endurance foot races on earth. On Sunday, May 30 (the 85th anniversary of the race) 20,000 athletes from all over the world will start the 56-mile foot race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. For 18 of them, this race marks the start of something more than just glory. 17 men and one woman will run as part of Team World Vision, a program of humanitarian relief organization World Vision and meet the children in Africa whose lives they have helped change forever.
The Ultimate Cause: While training for The Comrades Marathon, Team World Vision runners have a goal of finding 1,500 sponsors for children living in extreme poverty. Two days after the race, they will travel to South Africa and Kenya to meet the children for whom they found sponsors. They’ll also talk with community leaders and elite Kenyan runners in hopes they will become ambassadors for work World Vision is doing in their communities. Read more
2010 FIFA World Cup Card Fraud Warning
Give Fraudsters the Red Card in South Africa
Payment card fraud is a global phenomenon. International travellers can be particularly at risk as they find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. Having prevented payment card fraud in South Africa for the last decade and with just a few days before the South AfricaSouth Africa, Retail Decisions (ReD), the world leader in payment fraud prevention, gives some tips to fans going to South Africa, so that they are not fouled while playing away from home.
Carl Clump, CEO of ReD comments, “We must expect that fraudsters will go to South Africa and look to prey on the forecasted 480,000 travellers predicted to follow the tournament across the country. Tourists are prime targets as typically they carry cards with high credit limits.”
Hot spots for card fraud are likely to be in major cities including, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elisabeth, where many of the fixtures are scheduled. Travellers and merchants must remain alert.
In order to safeguard travellers from fraudsters, ReD advises the fans to follow the following 6 simple suggestions: Read more
HDNet Fights: Mark Burnett Presents King of the Cage – Honor
Three Title Fights Highlight Network’s LIVE coverage – Friday, May 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET
HDNet will feature LIVE coverage of “HDNet Fights: Mark Burnett Presents King of the Cage – Honor” from the Inn of the Mountain Gods in New Mexico this Friday, May 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
In the main event of the evening, King of the Cage Light Heavyweight Champion Tony “Kryptonite” Lopez (18-3) puts his title on the line against Mike Kyle (15-7-1). Lopez is looking to rebound from his first loss in over two years after being upset by Tony Johnson for the King of the Cage Heavyweight title in his last outing. He faces what might be the toughest test of his career in the form of Kyle, who enters this bout on a three fight winning streak, eager to capture his first title.
The KOTC title will also be on the line in the Flyweight division as Abel Cullum (17-3) defends his title against Josh Montoya (5-3). In the Bantamweight division, Angelo Sanchez (8-2) defends his title against interim champion Donald Sanchez (19-10) in a rematch that has been more than a year in the making. Both men enter the bout riding winning streaks of six and four fights, respectively. Read more