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Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
The 'International Mountain Tourism Day 2025' Theme Events Officially Kick Off in Gran Canaria, Spain
On May 29, 2025 local time, the 'International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Theme Events officially kicked off in Gran Canaria, Spain. Centered around the theme 'Embracing Mountains and Seas, Coexisting with Cultures—Mountain Tourism and Cultural Inclusiveness for the Future,' the event brought together a diverse group of prestigious international organizations, government officials, industry leaders, experts, and scholars, and media professionals from around the world. The gathering aims to explore paths of inclusive and reciprocal global mountain tourism and shared development. Scene from the Opening Ceremony A series of activities were held as part of the Theme Events, including the Opening Ceremony, the Theme Forum, the Exchange and Sharing Session of Mountain Culture and Tourism, the China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition, and the 'Night of Gran Canaria' Welcome Dinner. Guests participated in various formats to exchange advanced ideas, discuss frontier issues, and deepen practical cooperation. At the Opening Ceremony, keynote addresses were delivered by Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA); Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña; Antonio Morales Méndez, President of the Government of Gran Canaria, Spain; Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism; and Yang Changqing, Director of the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, was specially designated by H.E. Yao Jing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra, to attend the ceremony and deliver a speech on his behalf. He Yafei, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of IMTA, and Song Xiaolu, Deputy Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, China, also delivered insightful remarks. At the event, Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding, signaling a future of constructive cooperation in promoting innovative governance in mountain tourism and advancing sustainable development. Peter Semone, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), released the Asia-Pacific Mountain TourismDevelopment Report (2025), jointly compiled by IMTA and PATA. The report provides a systematic analysis of the far-reaching impact of sustainable tourism on economic growth, cultural exchange, and ecological conservation. It also offers forward-looking strategic insights and professional recommendations for the development of mountain tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The event also witnessed the release of the Enjoy the Wonder of Mountains, Share the Natural Beauty—The 'International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Gran Canaria Initiative. The initiative, grounded in the concepts of mutual learning among civilizations and integrative innovation, calls on governments, enterprises, communities, and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, actively promote environmentally friendly tourism, and jointly build an open, inclusive, and mutually enriching mountain civilization. Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 'The IMTD has now emerged as a vital platform, not only showcasing the rich and varied values of our mountain regions but also fostering deeper exchanges within our industry and strengthening international collaboration,' said Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA). He emphasized that this year's Theme Events—held against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain—will carry forward the spirit of 'Mutual Understanding among People.' By bringing together the insights and expertise of industry leaders, it will be a powerful force in fostering cultural inclusiveness and deepening the bonds between China and Europe. Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña, noted that mountain tourism is one of the key directions for the future of global tourism. Turespaña is fully committed to promoting the sustainable transformation of Spain's tourism sector, aiming to achieve a balanced development that aligns environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic growth. The goal is to foster a new tourism model that is green, low-carbon, and enhances residents' well-being. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, stated that on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Spain, he expressed hope that mountain tourism, as a unique vehicle, would further deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries. He also invited more Spanish friends to appreciate the grandeur of China's landscapes and the charm of its civilization, and to jointly open a new chapter in China-Spain tourism cooperation. Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, emphasized that mountain tourism is a vital tool for promoting inclusive development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation—particularly through its strong linkages to community empowerment and rural revitalization. She underscored that mountain tourism plays a key role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), directly contributing to multiple targets. Scene from the Panel Discussion The supporting activities were rich and vibrant. The China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition showcased the natural and cultural landscapes of mountain destinations in both countries through fine brush paintings and photographic works. The 'Night of Gran Canaria' Welcome Dinner featured a spectacular blend of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage performances by ethnic minorities and the passionate expressions of Spanish folk art. Together, they created a vivid scene of mutual cultural appreciation and harmonious coexistence between civilizations, set against the backdrop of mountains and seas. The event was co-hosted by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and Turismo de Gran Canaria, with strong support from UN Tourism, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), the Mountain Partnership Secretariat (MPS) hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid, the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, China, and the Foreign Affairs Office of Guizhou Province (Guizhou Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries), China. The 'International Mountain Tourism Day' is an international commemorative day initiated by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance in 2018. Since its first launch on May 29, 2019, the theme events have been successfully held in China, Nepal, Laos, France, and Spain for seven consecutive years. Media Contact Company Name: International Mountain Tourism Alliance Contact Person: Zhang Yijing Email: Send Email City: Guizhou Country: China Website:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Embracing Mountains and Seas, Coexisting with Cultures: The "International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Theme Events Officially Kick Off in Gran Canaria, Spain
Gran Canaria, Spain--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - On May 29, 2025 local time, the "International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Theme Events officially kicked off in Gran Canaria, Spain. Centered around the theme "Embracing Mountains and Seas, Coexisting with Cultures-Mountain Tourism and Cultural Inclusiveness for the Future," the event brought together a diverse group of prestigious international organizations, government officials, industry leaders, experts, and scholars, and media professionals from around the world. The gathering aims to explore paths of inclusive and reciprocal global mountain tourism and shared development. Scene from the Opening Ceremony A series of activities were held as part of the Theme Events, including the Opening Ceremony, the Theme Forum, the Exchange and Sharing Session of Mountain Culture and Tourism, the China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition, and the "Night of Gran Canaria" Welcome Dinner. Guests participated in various formats to exchange advanced ideas, discuss frontier issues, and deepen practical cooperation. At the Opening Ceremony, keynote addresses were delivered by Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA); Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña; Antonio Morales Méndez, President of the Government of Gran Canaria, Spain; Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism; and Yang Changqing, Director of the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, was specially designated by H.E. Yao Jing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra, to attend the ceremony and deliver a speech on his behalf. He Yafei, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of IMTA, and Song Xiaolu, Deputy Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, China, also delivered insightful remarks. At the event, Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding, signaling a future of constructive cooperation in promoting innovative governance in mountain tourism and advancing sustainable development. Peter Semone, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), released the Asia-Pacific Mountain Tourism Development Report (2025), jointly compiled by IMTA and PATA. The report provides a systematic analysis of the far-reaching impact of sustainable tourism on economic growth, cultural exchange, and ecological conservation. It also offers forward-looking strategic insights and professional recommendations for the development of mountain tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The event also witnessed the release of the Enjoy the Wonder of Mountains, Share the Natural Beauty-The "International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Gran Canaria Initiative. The initiative, grounded in the concepts of mutual learning among civilizations and integrative innovation, calls on governments, enterprises, communities, and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, actively promote environmentally friendly tourism, and jointly build an open, inclusive, and mutually enriching mountain civilization. Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) "The IMTD has now emerged as a vital platform, not only showcasing the rich and varied values of our mountain regions but also fostering deeper exchanges within our industry and strengthening international collaboration," said Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA). He emphasized that this year's Theme Events-held against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain-will carry forward the spirit of "Mutual Understanding among People." By bringing together the insights and expertise of industry leaders, it will be a powerful force in fostering cultural inclusiveness and deepening the bonds between China and Europe. Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña, noted that mountain tourism is one of the key directions for the future of global tourism. Turespaña is fully committed to promoting the sustainable transformation of Spain's tourism sector, aiming to achieve a balanced development that aligns environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic growth. The goal is to foster a new tourism model that is green, low-carbon, and enhances residents' well-being. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, stated that on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Spain, he expressed hope that mountain tourism, as a unique vehicle, would further deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries. He also invited more Spanish friends to appreciate the grandeur of China's landscapes and the charm of its civilization, and to jointly open a new chapter in China-Spain tourism cooperation. Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, emphasized that mountain tourism is a vital tool for promoting inclusive development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation-particularly through its strong linkages to community empowerment and rural revitalization. She underscored that mountain tourism plays a key role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), directly contributing to multiple targets. Scene from the Panel Discussion The supporting activities were rich and vibrant. The China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition showcased the natural and cultural landscapes of mountain destinations in both countries through fine brush paintings and photographic works. The "Night of Gran Canaria" Welcome Dinner featured a spectacular blend of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage performances by ethnic minorities and the passionate expressions of Spanish folk art. Together, they created a vivid scene of mutual cultural appreciation and harmonious coexistence between civilizations, set against the backdrop of mountains and seas. The event was co-hosted by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and Turismo de Gran Canaria, with strong support from UN Tourism, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), the Mountain Partnership Secretariat (MPS) hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid, the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, China, and the Foreign Affairs Office of Guizhou Province (Guizhou Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries), China. The "International Mountain Tourism Day" is an international commemorative day initiated by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance in 2018. Since its first launch on May 29, 2019, the theme events have been successfully held in China, Nepal, Laos, France, and Spain for seven consecutive years. Media Contact Company Name: International Mountain Tourism AllianceContact: Zhang YijingEmail: admin@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit


United News of India
3 days ago
- Science
- United News of India
2.5 million tonnes of fish production targeted from mariculture by 2047
Kochi, May 30 (UNI) The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) envisions increased productivity with a target of 2.5 million tonnes of fish production from mariculture by 2047 against the current estimate of a meagre 1.5 lakh tonnes. Aiming to popularise cage farming and seaweed cultivation technologies, Institute Director Dr Grinson George has said effective adoption of innovative technologies will help to achieve this target. The Institute would also focus on boosting start-up enterprises in the sector by offering guidance and technical support, he said. Scientists from the Institute will visit villages to demonstrate and explain advanced practices such as cage fish farming, marine ornamental fish farming, mussel farming, oyster farming, seaweed cultivation, innovative fish breeding technologies, and scientific coastal aquaculture, he added. The community will be given awareness of a range of technologies and the prospects of seaweed farming and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), he explained. He said the ongoing 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign is a significant effort to ensure that scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits for the grassroots. The campaign is being undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in association with state governments. Around 2000 teams comprising scientists and experts from 113 ICAR institutes and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), along with field officers from state-level departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, as well as innovative farmers, will be part of this campaign, which is aimed at reaching around 1.5 crore farmers in the country. In Kerala, CMFRI's outreach teams, comprising 36 scientists, will visit all districts, collaborating closely with the respective KVKs. Similarly, all the Centres of the Institute located in various coastal states will take part in the campaign in respective regions. 'A landmark initiative in connecting scientists and farmers, this direct engagement will greatly help fishery scientists tailor their research work and development efforts to fulfil the community's demands more effectively," George said. Beyond technology awareness, the CMFRI teams will also collect crucial feedback, remarks, and responses from the farming and fishing communities to understand the specific issues and challenges faced by farmers. The scientists will listen to the issues of the stakeholders and foster a strong connection with them. UNI DS ARN


Fashion Value Chain
24-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Exclusive Tailoring Workshop Empowers Future Bespoke Experts
The Indian Master Tailors Association (IMTA) is set to host an exclusive workshop at the National Association for the Blind, tailored for merchant tailors, master tailors, and fashion students passionate about bespoke craftsmanship and pattern drafting. The full-day event will include hands-on training across five key areas: Jacket Pattern Drafting & Making Led by Savile Row Academy students trained under Prof. Andrew Ramroop, this session will explore British pattern-drafting techniques adapted to Indian physiques, including customizations for varied body types. Trouser & Shirt Drafting Techniques Inspired by industry veterans like Mr. Thomas Wong (Singapore), the segment will showcase practical cutting, fabric handling, and construction methods to elevate fit and durability. Solving Fitting Challenges Real-life demonstrations will highlight common fitting issues and offer tailored solutions to achieve precision, comfort, and garment symmetry. CAD Integration in Tailoring Participants will explore how CAD is revolutionizing custom tailoring, through case studies from Indian businesses adopting tech for scalable, accurate fittings. Skin Tone & Body Shape Styling This module will apply the 12-season color theory to guide fabric and pattern choices based on skin tone and body proportions—boosting client confidence through visual harmony. Trainer Highlights: Zulfikar (Zulfi) Shahpurwala of Kachins Bespoke brings 3D scanning, CAD drafting, and digital fittings expertise. Anupama Sachdeva, founder of IMTA & Pezalli Bespoke, bridges tailoring and style consulting using AI and image coaching. Mohammed Nabeel of Nabeel's Bespoke, Chennai, will share his hand-drafting mastery learned under global tailoring icons. M. N. Rao & Vinayak Rao, stalwarts in Mumbai's tailoring community since 1972, will bring intergenerational experience in refining British patterns for Indian clients. This workshop offers a rare blend of tradition, technology, and styling insights, aiming to inspire and upskill India's next-gen tailors.