Andy Kong (Left), Director of Brand and Marketing, Asia Pacific, Marriott International with Huang Xuan
Westin Hotels & Resorts Announces the Appointment of Huang Xuan as New Well-being Brand Advocate of Greater China
Westin Hotels & Resorts Announces the Appointment of Huang Xuan as New Well-being Brand Advocate of Greater China
estin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, has announced the appointment of Huang Xuan as the new well-being brand advocate for Greater China. As part of his appointment, Huang Xuan will be featured in a new brand campaign video available in-room at all Westin hotels in China. The collaboration aims to further underscore the Westin brand’s approach to wellness and encourage an active lifestyle, helping guests prioritize well-being even on the road.
Andy Kong, Director of Brand and Marketing, Asia Pacific, Marriott International, is thrilled about the collaboration: “Westin ensures all aspects of the guest experience is designed with well-being in mind – from the iconic Heavenly Bed and Gear Lending program, to partnerships with TRX(Total Resistance Exercise)SUSPENSION TRAININGTM . As one of our well-being advocates in Asia Pacific, Huang Xuan’s mantra to wellness mirrors perfectly the brand values of Westin Hotels & Resorts. Through this collaboration, we hope to inspire our guests to stay active and feel their best.”
Actor Huang Xuan has always had a positive public image, maintaining a healthy fitness regime around a fast-paced, demanding career. He received dance training from a young age, the experience helps him maintain a healthy workout routine and has became a way for him to relax and unwind, enabling him to take on various acting challenges in a good mental and physical state, and handle life’s unexpected situations with confidence. In 2017, he won the Best Action Movie New Performer award at the Jackie Chan Action Movie Awards for his role in a crime thriller film.
Huang Xuan said: “My work requires me to give it my all, physically and mentally, which means I need a healthy body and a strong mind to support me through this process. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial in ensuring great performances in front of the camera. I am delighted to collaborate with the Westin brand; and hope to inspire others to lead a wholesome lifestyle. When traveling, I find it particularly important to choose a hotel where I can work out and unwind, it helps me maintain my well-being,” said Huang Xuan.
The collaboration between Westin and Huang Xuan includes a new brand campaign video inspired by the Move Well pillar, one of the brand’s six pillars of Well-Being. It encourages guests to join Huang Xuan and get active anytime and anywhere at a Westin Hotel. From showcasing facilities, such as the well-equipped Westin WORKOUT®Fitness Studios to the swimming pool – facilities that encourage guests to move, Huang Xuan also presents alternative options such as doing simple stretches in rooms or even using every day amenities such as water bottles as mini weights to work out. The video also highlights some of the Westin brand’s signature programs such as RunWestin that features the best route to explore the surroundings on foot; and the Gear lending program in partnership with New Balance that allows guests to pack light and stay fit. The overall thematic of the video encourages travelers to break free from physical spaces and experience an active lifestyle across every aspect of a Westin hotel stay, a fitness studio on the move.
Last year, Westin introduced a global campaign called Let’s Rise, taking on the distractions and unpredictability of travel and empowering people to regain control of their well-being when they need it most, while traveling. Westin aims to expand its portfolio to more destinations in China by 2022 including Haikou, Wenzhou, Qingdao, Changsha, Suzhou, Nanchang, Dalian and Nanning while also evolving its programs and partnerships, addressing how wellness is integrated into consumers’ lives through the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.
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About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade, empowers guests and associates to embrace well-being and be their best selves through the brand’s six pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. At more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience offerings that include the iconic Heavenly Bed, RunWESTIN and Westin Gear Lending with New Balance, delicious and nutritious SuperFoodsRx™ and more. To learn more, visit www.westin.com. Stay connected to Westin: @westin on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/Westin.
NOW EXPLORE MAGICAL DINING IN ORLANDO
100+ Restaurants Offer Great Rates through Visit Orlando’s Magical
Dining Month Sponsored by American Express
19 New Additions for 2018; Plus First-time Vegan Options
ORLANDO, Fla. – Starting today, foodies can begin making reservations
for Orlando’s most popular restaurant month: Visit Orlando’s Magical
Dining Month, sponsored by American Express. The program returns Aug. 24
– Sept. 30 with several “firsts” including:
• 19 new participating restaurants including numerous diverse cuisines;
• vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu options
The program was designed by Visit Orlando to showcase the wide variety
of upscale and diverse dining throughout the destination, while also
helping children in need.
More than 100 restaurants across the destination participate, with each
offering a three-course, prix fixe dinner menu for just $35 per person.
And, one dollar from every meal served is donated to a local charity.
“Our Magical Dining program has become so popular that we now have
visitors and residents wanting to make reservations well over a month in
advance, just to ensure they get their top choices,” said Visit Orlando
President and CEO, George Aguel. “We are delighted to see that people
are eager for the program to kick off. That’s good news as it helps
spread the word about Orlando’s incredible dining options, and also
gives back to children in our local community.”
The updated website OrlandoMagicalDining.com launches today, which
includes the full list of participating restaurants, menus and – for the
first time – designated options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free
diets. OpenTable reservations are also available now.
The wide range of venues spans areas from Disney Springs to Restaurant
Row near the convention center, as well as burgeoning neighborhood
districts in downtown Orlando, Winter Park and beyond.
Through Visit Orlando, one dollar from every meal served during Magical
Dining Month is donated to children in need. This year, the program will
help children affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities,
though donations to Best Buddies and The Down Syndrome Association of
Central Florida.
For more information, go to OrlandoMagicalDining.com.
About Orlando Dining
From internationally renowned chefs to home-grown venues, Orlando is a
destination where the culinary possibilities are both fresh and
seemingly endless. Theme parks restaurants keep Central Florida on the
map with award-winning dining, and independent restaurateurs bring fresh
concepts to the table. Whether locally owned or part of expanding
franchises, many of the destination’s newest restaurants mirror the
national trends: American cuisine, farm-friendly menus and simple food
with regional accents. Nationally, Orlando has emerged as a prominent
dining destination, and continues to grow in both quantity and quality
of flavors
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for the most visited
destination in the United States, with representation in more than a
dozen countries around the world. Visit Orlando, together with its 1,200
member organizations, represents the area’s leading industry.
Contact : SHIKHA MISHRA
shikha@thinkstrawberries.com
+91-9871104464
www.visitorlando.com
As More Tourists Take to the Seas, Alpha Destination Management Eyes Greater Growth in the Segment
The cruise industry has long boasted of its value compared to land vacations. And now according to a new report from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, cruise tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of Dubai’s tourism industry with the city being among the world’s leading winter cruise destinations. Alpha Destination Management offers an enchanting choice of cruising experiences from alluring voyages to exciting on- and off-board excursions as well as luxury yacht charter services.
The global cruise industry continues to grow rapidly with 27 million cruisers expected in 2018. By 2030 more than 40 million people worldwide will travel on cruise ships annually. Dubai is well-placed to be a global cruise tourism hub.
Mr. Samir Hamadeh, General Manager of Alpha Destination Management, attributes this tremendous growth to, “The variety and diversity in cruise brands and experiences in UAE, outstanding infrastructure with the most modern and the largest dedicated port facility, multiple-entry UAE visas exclusively for cruise tourists, reduction in port charges at Dubai Cruise Terminal by 50 per cent for the upcoming season, plans to build new cruise terminals that will transform Dubai into a fully integrated maritime tourism hub with a capacity to accommodate six cruise ships at the same time and world-class safety and comfort of the travellers. Moreover, the customer base has both broadened and expanded with many more young travellers taking to the seas.”
Despite the rise of online bookings in leisure travel, the cruise association estimates that around 85 per cent of all cruise bookings are made via travel agents. Mr. Hamadeh, said, “When it comes to cruising people are looking for more unique and interesting experiences tailored to their requirements that are created by experts specialised in the sector. We are witnessing continued growth in our cruise and yacht charter services and the upcoming season looks quite promising given the increasing demand. Often people like to do something different when celebrating a birthday, wedding anniversary, family reunion or corporate event. The broad variety of cruise options means there is a cruise for everyone combined with a wide choice of activities and excursions. At Alpha we offer the best available products and packages.”
According to Cruise Arabia and Africa, the number of cruise passengers in Dubai increased to 625,000 in the 2016/2017 season compared to 320,000 in the 2013/2014 cruise season representing a 95 per cent growth rate. Over the next cruise season 2018/2019, the tourism board of Dubai expects to see 725,000 cruise tourists and 825,000 cruise tourists in the 2019/2020 season.
For more information or to book your trip call +971 4 701 9111
#AlphaTours #AlphaToursDubai #AlphaDMC #AlphaToursAe #Dubai #VisitDubai #Dxb #MyDubai #luxurystyle #picsdubai #ilovedubai #travelgram #cruise #cruiselife #CruiseDays #CruiseTime #CruiseTravel #Yachts #YachtLife #YachtParty #YachtStyle #YachtCharters
About Alpha Destination Management
Founded in 1996, by Mr. Ghassan Aridi and his partners, Alpha Destination Management is the leading destination management company and a pioneer in the tourism sector in the Arabian Gulf. Over the last two decades, the company has established itself as one of the most credible and reputed brands not only in the Gulf region but also in the international tourism industry. Controlling a significant market share of the lucrative tourism sector in the GCC, Alpha Destination Management is a market leader in the region with the largest annual turnover and wide network of international partners offering the highest levels of service and innovative and exciting experiences. Our extensive global and local knowledge and network, outstanding expertise and sound reputation is the key to success for us and all our partners.
For more information about Alpha Destination Management visit http://www.alphatoursdubai.com
For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com
Apple Kyoto Opens Saturday on Shijō Dori
Apple will open its first store in Kyoto, a cultural and technological hub for Japan, Saturday on Shijō Dori. The street, surrounded by many of Kyoto’s famous shrines and temples, has served as the city’s main shopping corridor since the 1600s.
Apple Kyoto’s architecture takes inspiration from local design and materials, with the upper levels clad in a translucent envelope inspired by Japanese lanterns. The use of lightweight timber frame and special paper on the upper facade also draw reference to the country’s traditional houses. The building is centered around a multi-level atrium that is also where the store will offer free Today at Apple sessions daily on photography, music, coding and more.
Japan was home to Apple’s first store outside the US, opening in Tokyo in 2003. Apple is in the midst of a retail expansion in the country, opening several new stores, and remodeling many others, in the coming years.
Press Contacts
Sally Hamandi Apple hamandi@apple.com 8000 444 19291
Swiss-Belhotel International To Eliminate Plastic Straws
DUBAI – Following up on Swiss-Belhotel International’s global initiative to enhance the sustainability of its operations and reduce plastic consumption, the group has announced plans to eliminate the use of disposable plastic straws from its existing and upcoming properties across the Middle East and Africa region.
Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We are constantly striving to reduce our environmental impact where we operate and are committed to putting a complete ban on single-use (throw-away) plastics gradually. As part of the policy we are actively seeking to source non-plastic alternatives where possible and reducing our reliance on plastic. Removing disposable plastic straws from our hotels is going to be the first step in that direction. We know there’s a lot more ground to cover but every single action counts.”
According to industry reports the ‘throw-away’ culture is doing a catastrophic damage to the environment. An estimated eight million tons of plastic waste enter oceans every year and research projects that plastic in our oceans could triple in a decade. The scale of the plastic problem is evident from these figures: 480 billion plastic bottles were sold worldwide in 2016; one trillion single-use plastic bags were used every year; more than half a million plastic straws were used every day around the world. If the world continues to generate plastic waste at the current rate approximately 12 billion tonnes will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050.
#SwissBelHotel #SwissBelHotelME #CleanSeas #TravelWithoutPlastic #BeTheChange #NoMorePlastic
For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com
For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com
About Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 150* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-belhotel.com
*Numbers may fluctuate
First Central Hotel Suites Adds New Meeting Facilities
First Central Hotel Suites in Barsha Heights has recently expanded its events facilities adding two new meeting rooms designed to offer greater choice to its guests for small-to-medium-sized events.
Wael El Behi, General Manager of First Central Hotel Suites, said, “It is the little things that make all the difference, hence our aim is to add more value to meetings. We anticipate our client’s needs and deliver what matters most so that the attendees are relaxed, recharged and ready to work. Our elegantly appointed meeting facilities inspire success. Combining creative and flexible spaces, exceptional catering and outstanding services, the First Central Hotel Suites is an ideal venue for intimate business and social gatherings.”
Equally superb are the hotel’s meeting packages that bundle a range of business amenities together with an inclusive price. These include comfortable meeting spaces for up to 30 people, Wi-Fi, flip chart, audio-visual equipment, exciting coffee breaks, snacks and meal options. Rates start from AED 70 per person and are subject to hotel’s booking terms and conditions.
Centrally located within easy reach of the emirate’s key business and leisure hubs, First Central Hotel Suites is 524 hotel suites with large, spacious, and modern apartments, equipped with top-notch facilities and cozy ambiance. In close proximity to the hotel are Dubai Internet City Metro Station, Dubai Media City, Dubai Marina, Montgomerie, Emirates Golf Club, and Mall of the Emirates.
For hotel inquiries & reservations:
Call: +971 4 454 4900 or email reservations.fc@central-hotels.com
Follow Us on
@FirstCentralAE
#FirstCentalAE #CanalCentalAE #CentralHotels #StayFresh
About Central Hotels
Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE and Turkey as the primary markets for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations in the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Novotel The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai, as well as Valley Central Bursa, and Valley Central Trabzon in Turkey.
For more information visit www.central-hotels.com
For Media Contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com
Last-minute Eid escapes with Holidays by flydubai
With the Eid Al Adha holidays just around the corner, it’s not too late to book your perfect getaway with Holidays by flydubai.
To see the exciting destinations on offer, simply visit the Holidays by flydubai website. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of our favourite places to explore*:- Three-night packages to Thessaloniki including flights and hotels start from AED 3,699 per person
- Three-night packages to Baku including flights and hotels start from AED 2,599 per person
- Three-night packages to Tbilisi, including flights and hotels start from AED3,299 per person
- Three-night packages to Bucharest, including flights and hotels start from AED 3,299 per person
Emirates launches destination sale to over 70 global destinations
Emirates has launched one of its biggest sales yet with special fares to over 70 global destinations within its network. Passengers can still plan a short getaway before the summer season ends to destinations in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and the Far East. The offer applies to bookings made today until 20th August 2018 for travel between 1st September 2018 and 31st March 2019.
Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares to Beirut starting at AED 945, Mumbai starting at AED 995, Bangkok starting at AED 2,345, Lisbon starting at AED 2,945, Mauritius starting at AED 2,995, Los Angeles starting at AED 4,835 and Santiago starting at AED 5,105. Business Class passengers can enjoy fares to Mumbai starting at AED 2,795, Beirut starting at AED 5,245, Bangkok starting at AED 9,795, Mauritius starting at AED 9,975, Lisbon starting at AED 15,415, Santiago starting at AED 20,925, and Los Angeles starting at AED 21,275. Travellers can also book with Emirates Holidays and enjoy a five-star holiday experience for an additional spend starting at AED 300 per person for Economy Class passengers and AED 500 per person for Business Class passengers, exclusive of the airfare. Family members can now pool up to 100% of Skywards Miles earned on Emirates flights with Emirates Skywards rewarding programme, ‘My Family.’ The programme allows travellers to redeem rewards faster than before in over 100 programme partners including airlines, hotels and retail outlets. Passengers on Emirates flight can enjoy the airline’s award winning in-flight entertainment system with up to 3,500 channels and up to 20MB complimentary on-board Wi-Fi, as well as regionally inspired meals on-board prepared by award-winning chefs. For more information on Emirates, including how to book flights and a complete list of terms and conditions, visit www.emirates.ae, travel agent or through the local Emirates Sales Office. Terms & conditions apply.Celebrate Eid Al Adha in Style at Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad
Eid Al Adha is round the corner and to make your celebrations truly special, Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, has created fabulous stay and dining promotions. Escape to this luxurious hotel in Downtown Baghdad for a memorable family holiday and experience the finest traditions of Arabic hospitality. Make your room bookings now to take advantage of the hotel’s unbeatable accommodation offers including the most romantic package for honeymooners from 22nd to 25th August 2018.
Equally enticing are the dining offers at the hotel including the sumptuous family Eid Brunch buffet featuring a rich selection of Arabian and international specialties.
Mr. Emad Al Obeidi, General Manager of Babylon Warwick Hotel, said, “Babylon Warwick Hotel is a destination by itself in Baghdad with an incredible array of dining, recreation, relaxation and entertainment options combined with the most luxurious accommodation and indulgent services. Eid Al Adha is a very special time for families and we have got an exciting range of activities and promotions lined up for everybody that will make it an unforgettable celebration for all. Our talented and experienced team of chefs are busy preparing an elaborate feast offering the ultimate mix of local and international dishes. Moreover, knowing that it is going to be long break as Eid Al Adha falls just before the weekend, we have created excellent value-added accommodation offers.”
Exclusive Eid Al Adha Room Promotion
Book the ultimate family Eid Al Adha stay and enjoy a relaxing break including a delicious buffet breakfast.
- Stay in a Deluxe Room for USD 150 per room per night including breakfast for 2 adults & one child below 6 years
- Promotion valid from 22 to 25 August during Eid Al Adha
- Rate valid for minimum 2 nights stay, subject to availability
- Check- in at 2pm & check-out at 12pm
- Terms & conditions apply
- To book call +964 750 522 3333 or email reservation.babylon@warwickhotels.com
- Stay in the luxurious Superior King Room (River View)
- IQD 350,000 on half board basis for 2 adults
- Romantic set-menu dinner in the exclusive Sky Palace restaurant, which is the highest dining venue in Baghdad situated on the 14th and 15th floors of the hotel offering spectacular views of the Tigris River and the surrounding area.
- Promotion valid from 22 to 25 August during Eid Al Adha
- Check- in at 2pm & check-out at 12pm
- Terms & conditions apply
- To book call +964 750 522 3333 or email reservation.babylon@warwickhotels.com
- At Shanashil Restaurant
- 11:00am – 4:00pm
- From 22 – 25 August 2018
- IQD 35,000 per person
- Special Discount for Groups of 10 people and above
- Children below 6 years dine free & from 6 to 12 years enjoy 50% discount
- Terms & Conditions Apply
- To book call +964 750 522 3333 or +964 772 696 8018 or email babylin@warwickhotels.com
- Iraqi Kids Ambassador Hashim Salman’s daily entertainment for children
- 6.00pm to 9.00pm
- From 23 – 25 August 2018
- Venue: Hotel Gardens near the tennis court
- Programme includes DJ, magic games, songs, family entertainment & giveaways
- Special Kid’s Corner: cupcakes, English cake, donuts, canned juices, popcorn, ice-cream & water
- IQD 20,000 per child, parents’ entrance free of charge
- Terms & Conditions Apply
- To book call +964 750 522 3333 or +964 772 696 8018 or email babylin@warwickhotels.com
Central Hotels Appoints General Manager at Canal Central Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai
Central Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Shady Dawad as General Manager of Canal Central Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai. Shady is an experienced hotelier with over 10 years spent in the UAE working with a number of prestigious brands.
Ammar Kannan, Group General Manager of Central Hotels said, “We are delighted to welcome Shady as the General Manager of the luxurious Canal Central Hotel Business Bay. Shady has extensive management experience and wealth of knowledge, particularly in the GCC region, which covers all key areas in terms of operations. I am confident that he will successfully lead the team at this stunning hotel and orchestrate its strong market positioning with his proactive leadership and strategic approach”.
Upon joining Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, Shady commented, “I am thrilled to join Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, a distinctive 5-star Hotel overlooking the spectacular Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal. The beautiful hotel offers exceptional facilities and unique experiences with the signature ‘Stay Fresh’ concept including atmospheric dining venues. I look forward to working with the team in positioning the hotel as a preferred destination for both local and international travelers.”
An Egyptian national, Shady began his career in 2004 at the Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi joining the front office. Subsequently, after completing a number of pre-openings for an acclaimed local brand, he moved to Millennium & Copthorne Hotels and Resorts in 2008 as Rooms Division Manager. He held several key positions within the front of house before working his way through to executive assistant manager at the Millennium Plaza Hotel, Dubai in 2017. He then went on to join Lavender Hotels, Dubai as Hotel Manager until mid-2018.
About Canal Central Hotel
Canal Central Hotel in Business Bay is superbly located only a few minutes away from The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. Equipped with the finest amenities each of the Canal Central’s 278 spacious rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the Dubai Canal or Burj Khalifa. Completing the experience is a hand-picked selection of dining outlets, flexible meeting spaces, state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa, a stunning infinity swimming pool and salon.
Follow Us on
@CanalCentralAE
#CanalCentralAE #CentralHotels #StayFresh
About Central Hotels
Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE and Turkey as the primary markets for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations within the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Novotel The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay and Island Central in Dubai. Valley Central Bursa and Valley Central Trabzon will both be located in Turkey.
For more information visit www.central-hotels.com
For Media Contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 5667355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com