Latest news with #competitividad
ABC News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Sexy Spanish series Olympo brings drama and intrigue to the world of elite young athletes
Spanish TV show Elite garnered many fans for the way each season based itself around a whodunnit murder mystery, all while probing dynamics of gender, class, race and sexuality with a cast of impossibly good-looking high school students. What: An utterly ridiculous soap by the same producers behind Spanish smash hit series Elite. Starring: Nira Oshaia, Clara Galle, María Romanillos, Agustín Della Corte, Nuno Gallego Where: Streaming now on Netflix. Likely to make you feel: Incredulous Olympo transplants the action — with many of the same actors who starred in later seasons of Elite — from a private school into an exclusive High-Performance Centre (HPC) in the Pyrenees. Top-performing athletes are hand-picked and arduously trained with the end goal of qualifying for world championships. "A cage full of sharks, snakes and vultures disguised in perfect bodies," in one character's words, should be a stage primed for the exploration of the same themes as Elite, but with the competitiveness, drive to succeed and rancour dialled to 10. Unfortunately, the show flounders in crucial ways. Eponymous clothing brand Olympo is the shady, morally corrupt entity that rules over the HPC. They have three prestigious sponsorships to hand out and every athlete is vying for them. Olympo is the inscrutable central antagonist of the show, but far too poorly run and comical to truly inspire fear. Zoe (Nira Oshaia) is our initial window into this world. Carrying repressed memories of a traumatic accident involving her best friend, Zoe is a heptathlete who was accepted into HPC for her latent athletic abilities. Supposedly more chill and well-adjusted than her soon-to-be peers, Zoe is immediately confronted by the bitchiness and tight-knit insularity of the athletes. The only one to extend any generosity to her is Nuria (María Romanillos), a kind synchronised swimmer who must contend with the ultra-competitiveness of her teammate and best friend Amaia (Clara Galle). This noxious dynamic culminates in Amaia challenging Nuria to 10 flying leg spins — a big deal in the world of synchronised swimming — which causes her to almost drown. It's arguably a high point of tension and excitement before the series devolves. Elite was a mystery centred on a dead body, but no-one dies in Olympo. Rather, the mystery revolves around one of the most maligned aspects of elite sport: doping. There's an endemic performance-enhancing drug problem at the HPC and Amaia is convinced Nuria has been caught up in it. She spends the rest of the season doggedly trying to uncover the extent of the scandal, making many enemies in the process — not least of all, Olympo. Parallel storylines start to emerge. Star rugby captain Roque (real-life rugby player Agustín Della Corte) is openly gay and challenges the homophobia of a sport that prides itself on its toxic masculinity. The curious muteness of Zoe's fellow heptathlete Renata (Andy Duato) masks the fact that she's undergoing treatment for an unspecified condition. Amaia's boyfriend Cristian (Nuno Gallego) is kicked off the rugby team for underperforming but returns seemingly a few days later looking extremely ripped, and catches the eye of Amaia's teammate Fatima (Najwa Khliwa). The setting of the HPC may have been a captivating one if it was believable in the slightest. No-one, least of all the recalcitrant Zoe, is ever pictured training. The pressure of the impossible expectations placed on these budding athletes may have been more plausible if we were ever gifted a glimpse of their rigorous training schedules and difficult coaches. As it is, all we witness them doing is shirking training, partying, drinking and having sex. Where Elite excelled in depicting the shifting loyalties and incestuousness of a friendship group, Olympo tries to do the same to varying results. Characterisation is inconsistent at best, unfathomable at worst. Friends betray friends without reason, people hook up without the slightest demonstration of prior rapport or chemistry, one-dimensionally evil characters are devoid of nuance or complexity, plot holes abound. Nothing makes sense, even by the show's own rules. The antidote to this all is the incredibly well-formed character of Amaia, who buckles under the pressure of a cruelly demanding mother — a former synchronised swimmer herself — and illustrates the difficulty in forming friendships with people who are first and foremost your competitors. Her athleticism is seamlessly weaved into her everyday being in a way that is missing with the others. We see her effortlessly do the splits while speaking on the phone, or contort herself into positions that would be impossible for mere mortals as she does her morning stretches. Our first glimpse of her as she treads water at the bottom of a pool carrying 6kg weights in both hands is stupefying. The selection of sports spotlighted in Olympo is interesting in and of itself. Never have the stakes in synchronised swimming felt so high — Olympo has convinced me of the sheer mastery involved in a way I hadn't comprehended before. Cycling and heptathlons are arguably the less flashy sports of the continuum, but here they are front and centre. Olympo has made headlines for its graphic depictions of sex and for good reason. If you like to watch incredibly toned, sculpted people in various states of undress, this is the show for you. There are corny slow-motion shots of athletes sailing over hurdles, leaping in the air for balls, twisted upside down as they pirouette underwater. There are rippling muscles, beads of sweat rolling down exceedingly chiselled bodies, and the suggestion of a blow-job in a rugby formation. Hammy lines to the effect of "you have to ask yourself how far you're willing to go" further compound the melodrama. It's all extremely silly. At times, Olympo comes close to illuminating the thornier aspects of sport and the way athletes are demonised for transphobic reasons, harking back to the controversy that engulfed Imane Khelif. A line that Nuria delivers towards the end — "When has sport ever been fair?" — could've been the central thesis of the show if it had further delved into the inequities built into competitive sports. But where Olympo is most gripping is in the increasingly complex web of deceit, lies and compromises the junior athletes find themselves embroiled in. This entire silly season is almost worth watching for the way it thoroughly sticks the landing with a twist ending that I did not think it was capable of.
Reuters
17-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
EIB at work on AI, semiconductor investment plan to boost EU competitiveness
MILAN, May 17 (Reuters) - The European Investment Bank is working on a new project to enhance European capabilities on artificial intelligence and semiconductors, with the aim of raising 70 billion euros ($78 billion) by 2027, its head said on Saturday. The blueprint is part of the European Union's efforts to increase its competitiveness against China, the United States and other major economies. The new blueprint, named 'Tech EU' aims to attract a total of 250 billion euros in investments over the long term, EIB president Nadia Calvino told Italian daily Corriere della Sera, without giving details. The 'Tech EU' project will also focus on health technologies and critical commodities, she said. The EU also needs market integration, investment and simplification to strengthen its competitiveness, Calvino said. ($1 = 0.8958 euros)
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EIB at work on AI, semiconductor investment plan to boost EU competitiveness
MILAN (Reuters) -The European Investment Bank is working on a new project to enhance European capabilities on artificial intelligence and semiconductors, with the aim of raising 70 billion euros ($78 billion) by 2027, its head said on Saturday. The blueprint is part of the European Union's efforts to increase its competitiveness against China, the United States and other major economies. The new blueprint, named 'Tech EU' aims to attract a total of 250 billion euros in investments over the long term, EIB president Nadia Calvino told Italian daily Corriere della Sera, without giving details. The 'Tech EU' project will also focus on health technologies and critical commodities, she said. The EU also needs market integration, investment and simplification to strengthen its competitiveness, Calvino said. ($1 = 0.8958 euros)
Travel Daily News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
FITUR 2026 announces the new Knowledge Hub
FITUR strengthens its contribution to the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry with the Knowledge Hub. MADRID – FITUR, the International Tourism Fair, convenes the global tourism market from January 21 to 25, 2026 at IFEMA MADRID, in a context of growth that enables the definition of the foundations of a tourism sector that generates wealth and employment within a sustainable framework. In this context, FITUR 2026 announces the creation of the Knowledge Hub, which strengthens its leadership with the addition of Hall 12 at the Madrid venue as the epicenter of debate and innovation in tourism. During the professional days – Wednesday 21, Thursday 22, and Friday 23 – experts from around the world will gather in hundreds of sessions to present proposals, share experiences, and disseminate best practices that are setting trends in the tourism industry. In addition, the dissemination of knowledge and technology available to companies and professionals in the sector will be promoted. The Knowledge Hub, which concentrates the Fair's innovation and technology content, will have direct access from IFEMA MADRID's South Entrance and will be interconnected with the rest of the pavilions through Hall 4, in a layout that allows the expansion of the fair and optimizes visitor flows. The Knowledge Hub, which will bring together highly current and relevant content, will host the sections FITUR TechY, FITUR Know-How & Export, FITUR Sports, the FITURNEXT Observatory, and the Travel Technology area, as well as new specialized content aligned with the industry's challenges, enhancing the conference offerings of the International Tourism Fair. FITUR 2026 continues to grow in service of driving the tourism industry forward The 46th edition of FITUR will occupy a total of nine halls — 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 — where the most pioneering global offering from across the entire tourism value chain will be presented. It will bring together public and private institutions linked to destinations, accommodation, agencies and tour operators, technology companies, transportation providers, and other sector services, as well as the latest innovations, trends, and research that are defining the direction of an industry which, according to UN Tourism forecasts, is expected to grow between 3% and 5% in international arrivals in 2025 with an estimated spending of 2.1 trillion dollars. Hall 3 will bring together proposals from the Americas; Hall 4 will group together Europe and FITUR Cruises; Hall 5, 7, and 9 will house Spain, along with FITUR LGBT+ in Hall 9; Hall 6 will feature the Middle East and Africa; Hall 8, Asia-Pacific and Global Companies; Hall 10, Global Companies along with FITUR 4all, FITUR Lingua, FITUR Screen, and FITUR Woman; and the Knowledge Hub, Hall 12, will include FITUR TechY, FITUR Know-How & Export, FITUR Sports, the FITURNEXT Observatory, and the Travel Technology area. María Valcarce, Director of FITUR, emphasized that 'after a 2025 edition in which the Fair exceeded expectations with record figures, in 2026, with Mexico as Partner Country, we are taking a new step that will reinforce FITUR's global leadership; its relevance in activating the global tourism market; and its role in promoting knowledge and innovation oriented toward a renewed and sustainable tourism model.' FITUR 2026 will be held from January 21 to 25 at IFEMA MADRID.
Hospitality Net
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Tourism Competitiveness in Argentina: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Responses
Currently, Argentina faces significant challenges regarding its competitive position in the global tourism sector. The recent devaluation of the peso has intensified barriers to attracting international visitors, while also highlighting the crucial importance of each destination's unique value proposition within the country. The first quarter of 2025 reflected a 25% decline in the influx of international tourists compared to the same period last year. Europe remains the leading source region, accounting for 20% of total visitors, followed by Brazil with 16%. This impact has not been uniform across all segments. Some, such as business tourism, ecotourism, and certain luxury trips, display less sensitivity to price fluctuations and have maintained a degree of demand stability. Additionally, the origin of visitors has shifted: Argentina now receives significantly fewer Brazilians, while European arrivals are increasing. These changes influence behaviors related to average length of stay, preferences, and expenditure, among other factors. A detailed understanding of these aspects is essential to adapt and refine value propositions effectively. On the other hand, destinations with a robust offering, strong cultural or natural identity, and well-established positioning continue to attract tourists and remain preferred options. Conversely, less differentiated destinations or those in early development stages face greater difficulties in attracting and retaining visitors in an increasingly demanding market. Compounding these challenges, the hotel industry is grappling with rising operating costs, which have increased sharply in recent months. This escalation directly impacts profitability and the ability to maintain competitive pricing in a volatile and competitive environment. Efficient cost management and business optimization are therefore vital for ensuring operational sustainability and hotel competitiveness. To improve efficiency and profitability, relying solely on creative ideas is not enough; it is essential to have the support of specialized professionals capable of conducting thorough business analysis and providing expert guidance. Key Challenges for the Tourism Sector: Pricing and Promotion Optimization: Developing packages and offers that deliver value-added benefits, encouraging bookings through discounts and exclusive advantages. Infrastructure and Service Enhancements: Investing in delivering a differentiated experience that justifies the destination's value. Promotion of Cultural and Natural Identity: Highlighting the country's diversity and uniqueness to attract travelers seeking authentic, high-quality experiences. Digital Marketing Strategies: Enhancing targeted digital campaigns, leveraging social media platforms and analytical tools to reach ideal audiences. Specific Challenges for Hotels: Strategic Revenue Management: Adjusting rates based on local and international market conditions to maintain competitiveness without compromising profitability. Segmentation and Differentiation: Focusing on niche segments, customizing services and promotions to match their specific needs. Enhancing Guest Experience: Training staff and improving services to create memorable stays that foster loyalty and generate word-of-mouth recommendations. Strategic Alliances: Building partnerships with tour operators, travel agencies, and digital platforms to increase visibility and customer acquisition. Innovation and Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable and technological practices to add value and stand out in a competitive landscape. Conclusion The decline in Argentina's tourism competitiveness, driven by exchange rate fluctuations and rising hotel operating costs, requires an integrated strategic response. Since the impact varies across different segments and regions, it is crucial to tailor strategies to the specific characteristics of each niche and destination. Addressing these challenges and seizing opportunities will demand more than mere creativity or boldness—it calls for a well-planned, adaptable, and expert-driven approach. Diego Rodriguez Managing Director, Buenos Aires, Argentina Horwath View source
