Education and diversification recognized as key to future of tourism in Asia and the Pacific

• All Regions
• 28 Jun 2024

Diversifying tourism across Asia and the Pacific, alongside promoting more and better education, will be key to building a more resilient and sustainable sector.

According to UN Tourism’s data, the sector is experiencing a rapid recovery in Asia and the Pacific, with arrivals reaching 82% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, boosted by the re-opening of many destinations throughout 2023. Now, with full recovery on the horizon, the latest joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Commission for Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and its Commission of South Asia (CSA), focused on the challenges and opportunities for creating a positive and lasting transformation.

As our data shows, tourism’s recovery is close to complete here in Asia and Pacific. We worked together to face the crisis head on.

Guiding transformation and building resilience  

The 36th meeting of the CAP-CSA welcomed more than 130 delegates from 25 countries and territories. All Members were provided with a comprehensive overview of UN Tourism’s work and achievements since the last meeting, with key priorities then presented for the years ahead.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “As our data shows, tourism’s recovery is close to complete here in Asia and Pacific. We worked together to face the crisis head on. And now we must work together to focus on our priorities for the future. That means supporting education, driving investments into our sector and further strengthening the ties between public and private to build resilience and advance sustainability and inclusive growth.” 

Education the top-level tourism priority  

Reflecting the high-level support given to tourism and to UN Tourism’s mission to guide the sector forward, Commission host the Philippines was represented by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, at the meeting. In his opening remarks President Marcos commended UN Tourism’s focus on education and training for the sector and stressed his commitment to wider sustainability efforts. “Education is always going to make any industry better and certainly tourism is no different,” President Marcos said. “We need to raise the standards and practices in this crucial sector by investing in education, training, and skills upgrading of all the personnel who are working in this industry.” 

Emphasising his Government’s recognition of the importance of education, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed interest in opening a new Academy in Collaboration with UN Tourism in the Philippines. The institution would add to UN Tourism’s growing network of Academies, with education centres focusing on the specific needs of regions or on key skills needed for the future of tourism.  

Resilience via green transformation  

Within the framework of the joint Commission meeting, Member States in the region tabled a thematic discussion on product development emphasizing the need for green transformation to enhance the tourism sector’s competitiveness, while bolstering its resilience through the promotion of innovative and green solutions.  

Untapping Gastronomy Tourism’s Potential   

In Cebu, the spotlight was put on gastronomy tourism as one of the sure routes to progress product diversification to add value to the sector and accelerate  recovery in the region. Here, UN Tourism hosted its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific, connecting public and private sector leaders with top entrepreneurs and leading chefs from the region and beyond. Discussions concluded with the Cebu Call to Action on Gastronomy Tourism, urging public and private leaders to integrate gastronomy tourism into policy, foster cross-sector cooperation, namely with agriculture and creative industries, support small businesses, and promote sustainable practices. 

Secretary-General Polikashvili challenged tourism players to further capitalize on the region’s growing reputation as both a destination and leader in the field of gastronomy tourism. “My proposal is to leave a legacy… to create something an education center or gastronomic center here in Cebu,” he said.  

Looking ahead to Indonesia 

The meetings concluded with Members agreeing to accept Indonesia’s offer to host the 37th Joint Meeting of UN Tourism’s 2 Asian Commissions in 2025. The exact dates will be confirmed in due course. 

Education and diversification

Cebu, Philippines

Education and diversification

Cebu, Philippines

Education and diversification

Cebu, Philippines

Education and diversification

Cebu, Philippines

Education and diversification

Cebu, Philippines

Education and diversification

Cebu, Philippines

Education and diversification

Cebu, Philippines

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• First Gastronomy Tourism Forum for Asia and Pacific Unites Governments, Businesses and Top Chefs
• 36th CAP-CSA and First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific
• UN Tourism Academy

UN Tourism Commits to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

• All Regions
• 4 Jun 2024

UN Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the sector’s resilience and increasing its importance for inclusive development in Small Island Developing States. 

At the Fourth International Conference for SIDS (Antigua and Barbuda, 27-30 May), UN Tourism joined government leaders and fellow UN agencies to identify a shared pathway towards resilient prosperity. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), with tourism at its core.   

Tourism and SIDS: A vital economic pillar  

According to UN Tourism data, the SIDS received 36 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, representing 91% of pre-pandemic levels worldwide, meaning recovery rates outpaced the global figure of 89%. Although SIDS represent only 3% of all arrivals in the world, tourism is a life line in Small Islands Developing States SIDS where the sector accounts for 38% of all exports (excluding Singapore), going up to 85% in the cases of some countries.  

There is nevertheless a pressing need to transition into a sustainable and resilient tourism model that places people and planet at the core. Localizing the supply chain to reduce leakages, de-risking investments and protecting biodiversity are fundamental for resilience, as outlined in the ABAS.    

UN Tourism pledges support to SIDS 

Both at the Plenary discussions and during the Interactive Dialogue on Revitalising SIDS Economies, UN Tourism’s Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic expressed its commitment to support SIDS through ongoing initiatives and programmes. A call was made to support productive sectors (manufacturing, agrifood, fisheries, creative industries); prioritise local, formal job creation; develop social protection mechanisms; integrate circularity as a core business model; protect and restore ecosystems; support climate action; and explore innovative finance in connection with blue carbon. 

Rethinking tourism policy and finance  

UN Tourism organized a side-event on “Regenerative Tourism: Policy, Practice and Finance”, in connection with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. The Ministers of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Sint Marteen, as well as the local Ministry of Saint Kitts, presented their policies and practices. The Pacific Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Tourism Organization and experts from Sustainable Travel International, TUI Care Foundation and NOAH ReGen also took part in the discussions, especially addressing the need for collaboration and finance. The Ministry of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda and the destination of Saint Kitts became signatories of the Glasgow Declaration. 

In collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), University of Oxford SDG Impact Lab, Catalytic Finance Foundation and Pegasus Capital Advisors, UN Tourism co-organized the virtual side-event "Better data for a better tourism in SIDS". The event highlighted the role of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism in providing guidance for more harmonized and meaningful metrics to measure tourism's impact, dependencies and growth ‘beyond GDP’ as well as the role of market intelligence on creating relevant knowledge for action, and the importance of measuring tourism projects and initiatives at all levels, by using tools such as Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Tourism – Toolkit of Indicators for Projects (TIPs) or STAR - Self-assessment Tool to Assist Rural Destinations. 

Discussions took also among UN Heads of Delegations regarding the implementation of ABAS and an inter-agency nexus dialogue on Tourism in SIDS  titled “Advancing Sustainable Development of SIDS through Tourism: Fostering Sustainable and Circular Consumption and Production” was organized within the framework of the One Planet network involving FAO, ILO, UNDP, UNEP, UNFCCC and UN Tourism. 

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity
• Glasgow Declaration - Regenerative tourism for resilience: Policy, practice and finance. | One Planet network
• “Better data for a better tourism in SIDS”
• Advancing Sustainable Development of SIDS through Tourism: Fostering Sustainable and Circular Consumption and Production | One Planet network

UN Tourism launches its first regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in the Philippines

• All Regions
• 13 Jun 2024

The First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific will take place in Cebu, The Philippines, on 26-27 June 2024. Organized in conjunction with the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific & the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia (36th CAP-CSA), it will mark the first time that the Gastronomy Forum is taken to the regional level.

First Regional Forum on Gastronomy Forum for Asia and the Pacific 

Following its global success, the Forum, annually organized by UN Tourism and its Affiliate Member, the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), is now set to make its regional debut. Hosted by the Government of the Philippines, this inaugural regional edition promises to serve as a meeting point for experts and member states dedicated to enhancing the role of gastronomy tourism in destination development. 

• The Forum will host a Ministerial dialogue to discuss policies to advance a roadmap on gastronomy tourism in the region. 
• Underscoring the significance of preserving local traditions and protecting the land and products for the development of sustainable gastronomy tourism, a panel debate will discuss innovative strategies with examples from Japan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The event will also welcome the participation of destinations and experts actively engaged in the advancement of gastronomy tourism as a tool for social inclusiveness, such as UN Tourism Ambassador  Chef Margarita Fores, as well as Chef Vicky Cheng from Hong Kong (China); Lionel Dabbadie, the FAO representative for the Philippines, along with representatives from JTB Corporation – the largest travel agency in Japan – and representatives from Jeju Tourism Organization (Republic of Korea), to present on two of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, Sehwa and Dongbaek. 
• Additionally, as part of an ongoing effort to promote sustainability, participants will explore cost-effective and environmentally responsible strategies to maximize the use of local sourcing and minimize food waste through prevention, circularity, and initiatives to combat climate change within gastronomy tourism. 
• Set to welcome around 200 participants, this Forum will be also livestreamed. Registrations will be open until 16 June 2024.  

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific
• 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific & the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia

UN Tourism Hosts First Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• All Regions
• 10 Jun 2024

UN Tourism is to host its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, advancing its work to make gastronomy tourism a pillar for sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.

The Forum will be held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on 26-28 July 2024. Hosted under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and co-organized with Basque Culinary Center, it aims to harness the transformative power of gastronomy tourism for the benefit of local communities and territories in the African continent. 

Developing a strategy for African Gastronomy 

With gastronomy tourism as one of the pillars of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the Forum aims to build towards a roadmap for a common agenda for African Gastronomy Tourism. African Tourism Ministers and the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe will take part in discussions on developing a strategy to propel African gastronomy onto the global stage, how to build adequate polices to enhance gastronomy tourism and enhance its role as a driver of development. In addition to forum discussions, the event will include organized technical visits to various locations throughout the region. 

Highlighting the importance of innovation, the Forum will include a pitch challenge where entrepreneurs will present scalable solutions to address regional challenges in the gastronomy and tourism value chains. Additionally, keynotes and panel discussions will emphasize sustainable practices in gastronomy tourism, exploring topics such as local sourcing and minimizing food waste.  

Supporting rural development and progressing skills and education 

At the Forum, Experts and chefs, including Chef Fatmata Binta, UN Tourism Ambassador for Responsible Tourism, representatives from the Ghana Food Movement, Chef Adenike Adefila from Nigeria, Chefs in Africa (Rwanda), and Chef Mounir El Arem from Tunisia, will present their initiatives and discuss their impact on local communities, emphasizing their role in fostering positive change and progressing education and skills. 

On the sidelines of the Forum, the UN Tourism Youth Photo Contest titled "A Journey through Zimbabwe´s Gastronomy" will offer Zimbabwean communities a unique opportunity to express their perspective and capture the essence of Zimbabwe's gastronomic heritage. The call for participation will open from 10 June to 1 July. 

Highest level support for tourism in Zimbabwe  

Zimbabwe’s engagement towards positioning gastronomy as a key pillar for the sustainable development of tourism in Africa has been showcased through the launch of several initiatives endorsed by Zimbabwe’s First Lady as the National Tourism Patron, such as the Regional Traditional Gastronomy Festival taking place every year since 2019. Zimbabwe has also been an active participant in previous editions of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.  

Related links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa

UN Tourism Welcomes 39 New Affiliate Members

• All Regions
• 14 Jun 2024

UN Tourism announces the addition of 39 new entities from the private sector to its growing network of Affiliate Members.

The new members combine a wide range of profiles with diverse backgrounds and types of business: 3 Destination Management Organization (DMOs), 14 for-profit companies, 10 associations and NGOs, and 7 education and research institutes, and 5 others. In terms of geographical distribution, the newly admitted members come from all the regions: 6 from Africa, 10 from the Americas, 3 from Asia and the Pacific, 13 from Europe, and 7 from the Middle.
 
“The integration of these new leading entities reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Affiliate Membership and create a diverse and inclusive network capable of significantly contributing to the UN Tourism mission. We remain committed to enhancing Affiliate Members' satisfaction and fostering a sense of belonging through effective, mutually beneficial, win-win engagement in the Organization's key activities and projects,” said UN Tourism Director of the Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department, Ion Vilcu.

Governments and National Tourism Administrations are increasingly partnering with UN Tourism to promote Affiliate Membership in their own countries to further invigorate their local tourism sectors and to have their leading entities connected within the largest network of its kind in tourism, which currently includes a total of 500 entities.

The 39 new Affiliate Members are:

• Altezza Travelling Limited    (United Republic of Tanzania)
• Amsa Hospitality Company (Saudi Arabia)
• Asociación de Hoteles y Turismo de la República Dominicana, Inc. - ASONAHORES – (Dominican Republic)
• Asociación del Deporte Español (Spain)
• Banco de Reservas de la República Dominicana (Dominican Republic)
• Banco Popular Dominicano, S.A. Banco Múltiple (Dominican Republic)
• Batterjee Medical College (Saudi Arabia)
• Booking.com B.V. (Netherlands)
• Cámara de Comercio de Medellín para Antioquia (Colombia)
• Conseil québécois des ressources humaines en tourisme-CQRHT (Canada)
• Decanter Enterprises (Zimbabwe)
• Ethiopian Tour Operators Association – ETOA (Ethiopia)
• Federation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism Rio de Janeiro – FECOMÉRCIO-RJ    (Brazil)
• Focus Brand, S.L. (Spain)
• Forward Data, S.L. (Spain)
• Hoteliers Association of Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan)
• IFP Qatar (Qatar)
• Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism – IGCAT (Spain)
• Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional – INFOTEP (Dominican Republic)
• Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía, S.A. (Spain)
• International Tour Management Institute, Inc. (United States of America)
• Ishraq Hospitality (United Arab Emirates)
• JLL Americas Inc. (United States of America)
• Jordan Hotels Association    (Jordan)
• Jordan Restaurant Association (Jordan)
• Klook Travel Technology Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
• MADCUP, S.L. (Spain)
• Namibia University of Science and Technology    (Namibia)
• New Perspective Media FZ LLC (United Arab Emirates)
• Pakistan Association of Tour Operators - PATO (Pakistan)
• Palacio de Ferias, Congresos y Exposiciones de Marbella S.L. (Spain)
• PT Indonesia WISE    (Indonesia)
• Radisson Hospitality Belgium, B.V. (Belgium)
• Rijeka Tourist Board (Croatia)
• Scientific Research Institute for Tourism Development -TDI (Uzbekistan)
• Viristar LLC (United States of America)
• Zagreb School of Economics and Management    (Croatia)
• Zambia Institute for Tourism & Hospitality Studies (Zambia)
• Zambia Tourism Agency (Zambia)

Under the current admission procedure, the candidatures were submitted for consideration and approval of the Executive Council after being previously reviewed and endorsed by the Committee on Matters related to Affiliate Membership (CMAM), during its 5th meeting that took place on 6 June. These candidatures are the results of the implementation of the expansion strategy of the Affiliate Membership, aiming at improving the quality and geographical balance of the Affiliates network.

The admission of these new members was endorsed during the 121st Session of the Executive Council, which took place in Barcelona, Spain, on June 10-11.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• Affiliate Members
• Executive Council - 121st session

Category tags

UN Tourism Welcomed to German Bundestag and Strengthens Bilateral Relations

• All Regions
• 7 Jun 2024

UN Tourism and the German Federal Government have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on gender equality, sustainability and greater safeguarding of tourists.

On an official visit to Berlin, UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili met with the Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, Mr. Dieter Janecek, and participated in a session of the Committee on Tourism of the German Bundestag. 

In the bilateral meeting with the Federal Coordinator, discussions focused on following priority areas: 

• Protection of Tourists: The Secretary General and the Federal Coordinator addressed the importance of safeguarding tourists in the context of global challenges. They emphasized the need for robust frameworks to ensure the safety, consumer protection and well-being of all travellers. 
• Sustainability: Both parties underscored their commitment to sustainable tourism practices. The Secretary-General invited Germany to use the organization’s platforms to in the field to share its extensive knowledge and expertise leading the global efforts to preserve natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations, including a strong focus on climate action.  
• Women empowerment: The Secretary-General reported on the success of the Centre Stage initiative, which was launched and piloted with the support of German authorities and in collaboration with UN Women. Empowering women across tourism sector and at all levels was identified as a common priority for future collaboration as the project is scaled up and implemented in other countries. 
• Rural Development: Both parties exchanged their experiences with the various initiatives that promote rural destinations as the vehicles of sustainable development. The Secretary General highlighted the potential of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism supporting rural destinations. 

Sharing UN Tourism achievements  

Following the bilateral meeting, the Secretary General attended a session of the Committee on Tourism of the German Bundestag. He provided a comprehensive report on the recent achievements of the organization, which included: 

• Post pandemic recovery: Detailing efforts to support the tourism sector’s recovery from the pandemic through the development of policy guidance, safety protocols and technical cooperation projects on the ground. 
• Strengthening organizational capacity: Consolidating stable and reliable financial contributions through the collection of membership fees and arrears as well as through voluntary contributions and partnerships with the private sector; 
• Advancements in sustainable and responsible tourism: Highlighting initiatives that promote environmental conservation, such as the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, and inclusion in the tourism sector, highlighting the Centre Stage project and the San Marino Action Agenda for Accessible Tourism for All; 
• Multilateral cooperation: Strengthening the organization's role as a platform for exchange of knowledge and expertise, emphasizing Germany’s potential to contribute to the process. 

The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude for Germany’s active role in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to address the evolving challenges faced by the global tourism industry. 

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• German Bundestag: UN Secretary-General for Tourism visits the Bundestag
• Centre Stage initiative
• Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism
• Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
• San Marino Action Agenda for Accessible Tourism for All

UN Tourism Executive Council Meets to Place Tourism in Global Economic Agenda

• All Regions
• 12 Jun 2024

Tourism leaders from across the world have met again to shape the sector’s future, emphasizing the sector’s vital economic importance while also placing it firmly on the political agenda.

The 121st session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism welcomed representatives of 47 countries, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, to advance the Organization’s vision for the sector as it achieves full recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. According to UN Tourism data, around 285 million tourists travelled internationally in the first quarter of 2024, 20% more than the same period of last year, while international tourism receipts grew back to USD 1.5 trillion in 2023.   

At the same time, we must ensure tourism’s growth benefits people everywhere, above all by expanding access to education and job opportunities and harnessing the power of new technology.

Investments and education remain priorities for sector  

Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, stressed the need to embrace innovation and grow and direct investment into the sector in order to drive its positive transformation. “With tourism having bounced back from the biggest crisis in its history, now is the time to channel our energy into building greater resilience against any future shocks,” he said. “At the same time, we must ensure tourism’s growth benefits people everywhere, above all by expanding access to education and job opportunities and harnessing the power of new technology.”  

The Secretary-General then presented his report to Members, summarising the Organization’s achievements since the Council last met, again with a special emphasis on the shared priorities of investments into tourism, education and accelerating innovation across the sector. Also, Members adopted the Work Plan for the UN Tourism Agenda for Europe, including three projects focused on the future of winter travel destinations, the regulation of short-term rental platforms, and strategies to mitigate the effects of green investments on tourism SMEs.  

Chairman of the Executive Council of UN Tourism and Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb said, "Chairing the UN Tourism 121st Executive Council Meeting was a monumental moment for us, uniting global leaders to tackle the pressing challenges in tourism and progress the industry forward. This gathering underscored our collective vision for a dynamic and flourishing global tourism sector, fuelled by innovation, investment, growth, and strategic partnerships." 

First Tourism Law Observatory Added to Growing Global Presence  

In Barcelona, the Executive Council took a significant step forward in UN Tourism’s commitment to creating a harmonized legal framework for the global sector in order to boost confidence in international travel. At the most recent meeting of the Organization’s Regional Commission for the Americas (Varadero, Cuba, 30 April 2024) Members supported the candidature of Uruguay to host the "Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and  the Caribbean" in Montevideo. The Executive Council approved the decision for the groundbreaking legal hub, setting in motion work to add to UN Tourism’s growing portfolio of Regional and Thematic Offices as it continues to move closer to its Members on the Ground.  

In Barcelona, the Executive Council was updated on the planned Regional Office for Africa, to be opened in Marrakesh, and the Regional Office for the Americas, to be located in Rio de Janeiro. Keeping this momentum going, the UN Tourism leadership signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism of Greece to establish a Research and Monitoring Centre for Coastal and Maritime Tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.  

Urban tourism agenda  

Recognizing the management of urban tourism as one of the “pressing challenges” referenced by the Chair, UN Tourism commended Spain’s leadership in advancing sustainable tourism, and Barcelona for taking the lead in shaping responsible and inclusive urban tourism practices. Meeting with UN Tourism Secretary-General Pololikashvili and Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu, on the sidelines of the Executive Council, Mayor Collboni underscored the importance of tourism for Barcelona, while also outlining plans to manage the sector’s growth and potentially place limits on visitor numbers.  

Mayor Collboni also set out plans to organize a special forum for city leaders from across the world to meet to debate the key themes relating to urban tourism and the need to boost private sector involvement. Also Minister Hereu announced that the Government of Spain will present its 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Tourism at the next meeting of the Spanish Tourism Council, to be held in the coming weeks.  

Looking ahead to next Executive Council sessions  

To conclude, Members confirmed the hosts of the next meetings of the Executive Council. The 122nd session will be held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The 123rd will be hosted by Spain in the first semester of 2025, and the 124th session by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the second semester of 2025.  

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF