TRAVEL NEWS
GUIZHOU, China, April 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A media tour highlights the southwestern province as a place where ancient culture, a pristine environment and modern narratives meet, Elliot Maldonado reports.
Clouds drift over Guizhou's Bawang Valley in a breathtaking aerial view.
In the mountains of Southwest China, the China Storyteller Partnerships launched an action-packed media tour for content creators and journalists from around the world, featuring an immersive itinerary balancing intangible cultural heritage with natural beauty.
Beginning in Tongren, Guizhou province, on March 27, the dozen members fortunate enough to be part of this profound opportunity — including me — experienced all aspects of the region, from Fanjing Mountain's ancient history high above the clouds to love ballads sung in Lizhi Gorge, leaving us with stories to tell long after we had left.
Our journey began with a night in Zhaisha Dong village, where local women dressed in intricate clothes were clearly excited to welcome their guests.
"From the very beginning, the warmth and sincerity of the local welcome created a strong emotional connection with all members of the international delegation," said Pakistani Zamir Assadi, of Lord Media Network in Islamabad.
The people from the Dong ethnic group had prepared a bamboo "dance" that serves as a fusion of tradition and tourism: a signature experience to welcome global visitors with open arms. The square erupted in cheers as we carefully hopped and leaped over the bamboo sticks moving on the ground.
Matching the rhythmic energy of our generous hosts, our tour group enthusiastically joined in traditional activities, and soon social lines and cultural divides became blurred as villagers, stage performers, and visitors joined hands to dance around a crackling bonfire.
The excitement continued as the tour bus wound through the mountains and pulled up to a basketball court set in a cave in Yanhe Tujia autonomous county for a game that would certainly test our skills.
Fortunately, for our less-than-coordinated team, the full-court game against a local side was just for fun, and we were rewarded for our efforts with the surreal experience of running, dribbling and shooting beneath a rock ceiling.
Exhausted, we came off the court to thunderous applause, the energy of the audience turning the moment into an unforgettable highlight.
"This feels to me like a once-in-a-lifetime memory. I have never seen anything like this before. The crowd was electric. The cave felt magical. I can't wait to share this with everyone," said Luke O'Farrell, a content creator from Ireland.
From there, our journey continued into the mist-shrouded Wuling Mountains, where we hiked through clouds to reach the sacred summit of Fanjing Mountain.
Here, at this UNESCO World Heritage site, gravity-defying formations like the "Mushroom Stone" left us awe-struck, standing as natural wonders formed over millennia.
Even more astonishing were the pair of temples perched high upon a stone pillar, leaving us asking how ancient monks could have ever built such structures, hauling timber and stone to the top of a seemingly unscalable peak before modern infrastructure made access possible.
Surrounded by shifting clouds hanging over deep valleys below, one could only be fascinated by how magical and otherworldly the heart of Guizhou really is.
The province's current tourism theme, "Colorful Guizhou", is part of the local authorities' efforts to tell the world about the region's multifaceted soul, and that it goes beyond ethnic diversity and fields of flowers.
Xie Nian, deputy head of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China's Guizhou Provincial Committee, says that initiatives continue to enhance the province's environment, cultural vitality and overall visitor experience.
That commitment was evident in Lizhi Gorge, where we boarded a pavilion-inspired boat and glided silently through emerald waters framed by towering cliffs. The water's clarity and the pristine scenery were testament to the value placed on the environment and its ecology.
The tour concluded in Guiyang, the capital city of the province, to attend the opening ceremony of the 20th Guizhou Tourism Development Conference.
Surrounded by shops, with architectural elements inspired by the province's diverse ethnic groups, it became apparent that Guizhou's vision is forward-looking while integrating its cultural heritage.
If tourism is a form of storytelling, then Guizhou has found a voice that speaks clearly, honestly, and earnestly.
Many of our fondest memories of this trip — Guizhou's unique natural wonders and the vibrant traditions of its ethnic groups — are the direct result of decadeslong environmental preservation, careful planning and a respect for heritage. Together, they reflect a province that is not only safeguarding its past but also planning for its future.
With cameras and phones full of epic experiences, our group of international storytellers returned home with a profound sense of connection and hundreds of reasons to say, "See you soon, Guizhou", rather than "Goodbye".
HONG KONG, April 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DPC Dash Ltd – Domino's Pizza China ("DPC Dash" or the "Company", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (1405.HK), Domino's exclusive master franchisee for the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, continued to unlock the potential of China's underpenetrated pizza market amid a complex and evolving consumption landscape in Q1 2026. Backed by its proven 4D strategy – Development, Delicious Pizza at Value, Delivery, and Digital – the Company delivered simultaneous progress in store expansion and operational quality, underscoring its robust business resilience and long-term growth potential.
In terms of store development, DPC Dash continued to follow a disciplined "go broader, go deeper" expansion strategy, strategically "deepening" penetration in existing cities to enhance market share and "broadening" its reach into new markets. According to DPC Dash's First Quarter 2026 Investor Fact Sheet ("Investor Fact Sheet"), as of March 31, 2026, DPC Dash's total store count reached 1,462 stores across 72 cities, representing a net increase of 147 stores and expansion into 12 new cities compared to the end of 2025. On January 24, DPC Dash opened its 1,405th store in Sanya, Hainan Province, marking a symbolic milestone as the store count matched the company's stock ticker on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). As of March 31, the Company's net new stores, stores under construction, and stores signed represent 65% of the full-year 2026 store opening target, with the pace of expansion far exceeding expectations. Non-Tier 1 cities have become the Company's main growth engine, while Tier 1 cities continue to provide a resilient, high-quality revenue base with proven unit economics.
Newly opened stores in new markets continued to deliver strong performance. DPC Dash now holds all of the top 50 positions for first 30-day sales among Domino's network of more than 22,100 stores globally, fully demonstrating the enormous potential of the Chinese market and the Company's outstanding operational capabilities. In terms of store count, the Chinese Mainland market has remained the 3rd largest international market within Domino's Pizza's global system.
In terms of its Digital strategy, the Company has significantly broadened its consumer base while deepening its understanding of consumer preferences. In the first quarter of 2026, DPC Dash continued to drive product innovation, introducing new global flavors including the Year of the Horse New Year limited-edition Yak Beef Matsutake Ham Fortune Pizza, the classic upgraded Bolognaise Plus Pizza, the innovative Snowball Cheese Margherita Pizza, and the Quadruple Cheese Grand Slam Pizza catering to cheese lovers, while also iterating the product portfolio with two new rice and pasta dishes, offering customers greater choice and enhanced value. These new offerings resonated strongly with consumers, effectively supporting consumer preference and sales growth even in a soft consumption environment and highly competitive market.
In terms of marketing activities, the Company brought back the classic "Mega Week" promotion and extended the "Crazy Tuesday & Wednesday" offer through Thursday, further boosting customer visits and order volume via value-driven promotions. Meanwhile, the Company collaborated with the Dunhuang Museum to offer exclusive Chinese cultural and creative (C&C) products, integrating traditional cultural elements into the brand experience, further strengthening brand affinity and cultural identity.
The expansion of the Company's loyalty program validates the success of its digital strategy. As of March 31, 2026, the loyalty program membership exceeded 38.8 million, compared to 27.2 million in the same period of 2025. Over the past 12 months, 17.6 million new customers placed their first orders with Domino's Pizza China. The accumulated user data helps the Company to achieve personalized recommendations, precision marketing, and efficient operations, further enhancing user stickiness and repeat purchase rates.
With further strengthened brand equity and rising brand momentum, DPC Dash will continue to execute its 4D strategy, planning to add approximately 350 net new stores during the full year 2026 to further enhance market penetration.
DPC Dash has gained inclusion in major indices including the Hang Seng Composite Index and Stock Connect programs, demonstrating capital market recognition of the Company's development prospects. With its strong execution track record, attractive store economics, and operational efficiency, the Company continues to deliver robust performance in a dynamic and competitive environment, creating sustainable, long-term value for shareholders.
About DPC Dash – Domino's Pizza China
DPC Dash is Domino's Pizza's exclusive master franchisee in the Chinese mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. Domino's Pizza, Inc., DPC Dash's global franchisor, is one of the most widely-recognized global consumer brands and the world's largest pizza company. Led by a seasoned and visionary management team, DPC Dash is a market leader that differentiates from competitors with, among others, a continually innovated and localized pizza-focused menu, unique expertise and leadership in delivery, technology focus and scalable and replicable store economic model. As of March 31, 2026, DPC Dash operates 1,462 stores in 72 cities in the Chinese Mainland.
For more information, please visit: www.dpcdash.com
For official company announcements, please visit: www.hkexnews.hk
Contacts
Investor Relations:
DPC Dash Ltd
IR@dominos.com.cn
SHANGHAI, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HOTEL & SHOP PLUS Shanghai organized by IM Sinoexpo concluded successfully at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from March 31 to April 3, 2026. Far beyond a conventional trade show, this flagship platform served as a crystal ball for the industry, previewing tomorrow's landscape across hotels, commercial properties, offices, and public spaces. Through an integrated value chain of "New Products × Competitions × Forums × Special Exhibitions," the event decoded the definitive roadmap for digital transformation, sustainable innovation, and experiential economy. Product launches delivered transformation tools. Competitions redefined service excellence. Forums ignited breakthrough thinking. Immersive exhibitions previewed the future of consumption.
Power Brands Unleashed
Spanning 210,000 sqm, the exhibition featured 2,000+ exhibitors and 135,682 visitors. International attendance rose by 25.84%, with 10,886 visitors from 176 countries, led by Russia, South Korea, Australia, Mongolia, and others, boosting the event's global influence. Highlights included innovative products and technologies from top brands like JOMOO, COSO, GREE, TCL, SIDEFU, GROUP GM, LIONKING, Laffey Electric, VINEKO, Guest Supply, ABSOLUTE LIFESTYLE, and more, redefining smart space solutions.
Driving Industry Transformation Through Innovation
The exhibition has shifted from "static displays" to "immersive experiences," capturing new consumer trends. Highlights include " Hotel Investment and Franchise Zone," the " Aroma Nest" for emotional and olfactory needs, the "PLC Technology Zone" for green solutions, and the "Gen-Pet Wonderland" for family inclusivity. The " Eastern Life Aesthetics" and "Super Hotel Mall" showcase scenarized artistic experiences, envisioning future hotels as "livable art galleries."
Global Minds, Local Impact
Industry leaders convened to discuss trends and share insights through keynotes, roundtables, and competitions. Forums like the China International Building & Interior Design Forum and Shanghai International Architecture Festival drove innovation. Notable speakers, including Lyu Huanzheng (goa), Chris Godfrey (HBA), and Cedric Jaccard (Avalon Collective), addressed topics such as "Spaces for the New Human Era," "Hotel Experience Design," and "Hotel Revitalization." Highlights included the Hotel Uniform Show and Housekeeping Competition, featuring uniforms that blend brand storytelling with embroidery and 3D tailoring.
Global Connections & Major Deals
The fair hosted over 500+ matchmaking sessions, linking 150+ exhibitors with 100+ global buyers from countries like Romania, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and Cameroon, resulting in successful collaborations and large orders, with participants expressing high satisfaction.
Mark Your Calendars:
2026 Hotel & Shop Plus Shenzhen will take place from 13–15 October 2026 at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre. 2027 Hotel & Shop Plus Shanghai will take place from March 30–April 2, 2027, at SNIEC. Stay tuned for further event news! Explore more, visit our website: https://www.expohsp.com/?lang=en
CONTACT: Caroline Cao, caroline.cao@imsinoexpo.com
BEIJING, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 28, iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, announced plans to develop iQIYI LAND in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province. Set within the Hanyangzao Cultural and Creative Industry Park, the park is the company's first project integrated into an urban renewal initiative, which positions iQIYI LAND as a new cultural and tourism landmark for the city, combining homegrown IP with technology-driven immersive experiences.
Slated to open in 2027, the park is iQIYI's fourth theme park development and the first in Central China, in partnership with Wuhan Urban Construction Group. It will bring iQIYI's most beloved Chinese IPs to life through immersive theaters, immersive experiences, immersive stage performances, iconic film-and-TV scene photo spots, live character interactions, and social games, alongside cultural tourism experiences developed around Wuhan's local heritage. The result is a destination designed not just to entertain, but to deepen the emotional connection audiences already have with iQIYI's content.
The announcement reflects a broader shift underway in China's cultural tourism industry, where content and emotional resonance, rather than just scenery and ticket sales, are becoming the primary draw. "IP and technology are the accelerators of this transition," said Gong YU, founder and CEO of iQIYI. "Powered by technology, we will use IP as our core thread, delivering emotional value through dramas, animation, and variety shows online, and through theme parks and IP-based consumer products offline."
Building on the Proven Results of iQIYI LAND Yangzhou
The new iQIYI LAND in Wuhan builds on a strong start at iQIYI LAND Yangzhou, which opened on February 8, 2026, and has since earned ratings above 4.9 out of 5 on Dianping, Meituan, and Ctrip, driven by its blend of drama IP experiences and technology-powered immersion. Recent programs include a costume exhibition featuring wardrobe pieces from iQIYI's shows such as "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" and "FEUD," as well as upcoming events including an offline promotional event for other upcoming dramas that turns the shows' streaming momentum into a physical draw.
iQIYI LAND locations in Beijing, China's Capital in the north, and Kaifeng, a city in eastern Henan Province in Central China, are currently under construction and expected to open later this year. As the network grows, so does iQIYI's ability to bring the same stories audiences watch at home into spaces they can physically experience.
Contact: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com
SINGAPORE, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reports that faith and tradition remain key drivers of travel in India. Its 2026 Travel Outlook Report shows that Indian travellers are the most likely in Asia to plan trips for spiritual purposes this year. Nearly one in five Indian travellers (19%) expect to take a spiritually motivated trip in 2026, the highest share among Asian markets surveyed. India ranks first, followed by Indonesia in second and Malaysia in third, with Japan and Thailand completing the top five underscoring the strong link between faith and travel among Indian travellers.
This trend is reflected in how travellers respond to major spiritual events and festivals. In 2025, Prayagraj recorded a 233% increase in accommodation searches on Agoda during the return of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The event, held every twelve years, is one of the world's largest religious gatherings and draws pilgrims and travellers from across India and abroad.
India's festival calendar also plays an important role in shaping travel demand. More recently during Holi, destinations known for temple rituals and celebrations saw a rise in travel interest – with Pushkar recording a 195% rise in accommodation searches, followed by Vrindavan (126%) and Mathura (109%). Such destinations continue to draw visitors seeking both spiritual significance and immersive cultural experiences.
Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, "Spiritual travel has long been part of India's travel culture, and the findings from Agoda's Travel Outlook Report reflect how faith continues to influence travel decisions across the country. From major pilgrimage gatherings to festival-linked travel, many Indian travellers plan journeys that combine cultural traditions with opportunities to explore different destinations. Agoda helps make these journeys more enriching by offering great deals across a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities."
While the report highlights how Indian travellers are planning their journeys, it also points to a growing opportunity for traditional and spiritual destinations to enhance how they connect with travellers through digital tools. Expanding access to real-time information such as opening hours, ticketing, and visitor guidelines can make trip planning smoother, particularly for international visitors. Greater digitisation through online platforms can also streamline bookings and improve discoverability.
Through its platform, Agoda offers access to more than 6 million holiday properties worldwide, over 130,000 flight routes, and more than 300,000 travel activities, which can be booked through a single platform. Travellers planning visits to spiritual destinations or other locations can explore options and make bookings through www.agoda.com and mobile app.
A Next-Generation Wellness Destination on the North Shore of Kauaʻi
KAUAʻI, Hawaiʻi, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay announces the debut of Nature's Wellness Sanctuary, a trailblazing wellness concept on the North Shore of Hawaiʻi's most magical island, the Garden Island of Kauaʻi. Opened in 2023, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the Hawaiian flagship for 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by Barry Sternlicht. Nature's Wellness Sanctuary marks a significant evolution in the brand's philosophy of living a life in balance with nature, wellness, nutrition, and fitness. The program brings together serious strength training, advanced recovery, cutting-edge diagnostics, and restorative spa therapies, with the healing power of the natural world.
"1 Hotels was built on the idea that the natural world is wonderful and holds the secret to health and well-being for the body and the mind," says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "With Nature's Wellness Sanctuary, we took that philosophy and applied it more wholeheartedly, creating an experience where everything works together. It's a more thoughtful, more connected approach to well-being, rooted in nature and designed to support strength, recovery, and lasting health."
Nature's Wellness Sanctuary: The Four Pillars
Designed for guests who want measurable results, Nature's Wellness Sanctuary is structured around four pillars:
Performance and Strength: Advanced physical performance is a foundational pillar of Nature's Wellness Sanctuary. Expert Body Architects lead elite-level training sessions personalized for every guest. The 10,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor award-winning Anatomy Fitness facility is equipped with high-tech training tools and performance testing, including InBody analysis and VO₂ max assessment.
Recovery and Restoration: Restoration is another core pillar, supporting both performance and overall well-being. In the first Hawaiian outpost of the premier sustainable Bamford Wellness Spa, biophilic treatment rooms and botanical therapies promote deep relaxation and renewal. In addition, a range of touchless therapies incorporates equipment rarely found in resorts, including flotation therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infrared sauna and cold plunge, cryotherapy, compression therapy, and meditation pods.
Science-Backed Health Optimization: Through Vitality Kauaʻi, Nature's Wellness Sanctuary integrates science-backed diagnostics to provide a personal journey to support long-term health and longevity. Guests have access to a comprehensive lineup of innovative services, including IV therapy, medical aesthetics, and body composition analysis utilizing DEXA technology.
Nature as Training Ground: Set between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the resort implores guests to explore the spectacular natural setting. Hiking, biking, swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water training are woven into daily programming, making movement in nature an essential part of the journey.
Trusted Experts, One Integrated Experience
To bring Nature's Wellness Sanctuary to life and create a fully integrated wellness experience, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has partnered with leaders at the forefront of fitness, spa, and integrative health. Bamford Wellness Spa was founded by Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. Anatomy Fitness is led by former NFL player Marc Megna, whose cutting-edge approach is grounded in elite sports performance and strength conditioning. Vitality Kauaʻi is the brainchild of Dr. Betty Dilley, a board-certified physician who left emergency medicine to develop a state-of-the-art approach to metabolic health and longevity.
"Many wellness destinations excel in one area," says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Nature's Wellness Sanctuary brings together leaders at the top of their fields and designs the experience so guests can move seamlessly between them. It's not just a collection of offerings; it's a carefully curated ecosystem, guided by wellness experts who help synchronize the experience in a way that amplifies results."
Signature Wellness Retreats
The framework of Nature's Wellness Sanctuary is focused on multi-day Retreats. Curated itineraries combine healing spa rituals, mindful movement, metabolic support, restorative time in nature, personalized healthy cuisine, and reflective practices. Each guest is paired with a Wellness Coach, a personal guide dedicated to supporting them before, during, and after their stay. Every Retreat is designed for four nights, with extra nights available. Guests of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay can also tap into services from this trailblazing wellness programming on an à la carte basis.
Healing Through Nutrition
Nature's Wellness Sanctuary nourishes both mind and body. Our culinary philosophy embraces food as a curative, and the joy of eating the freshest ingredients. As you arrive, you're welcomed with a rejuvenating elixir, carefully crafted to your own personal needs. Across six restaurants and bars, guests can enjoy tailored menu options designed to support their wellness goals.
Nature-Led Activities
The setting is not just a backdrop at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: It's an integral part of the guest's experience. Set on Kauaʻi's iconic North Shore, the resort offers access to nature's wonders, from pristine beaches to lush landscapes. It's perfect for swimming alongside turtles in the crystal-clear waters, exploring hiking trails and waterfalls in the verdant green mountains nearby, learning to surf in the world-renowned Hanalei Bay, and basking in the serenity of the infinity pool while enjoying unforgettable sunsets. A fleet of cruisers and e-bikes invites guests to explore the island.
Immersive Daylife Experiences
Nature's Wellness Sanctuary is extended through the resort's signature Daylife programming, which is designed to support physical vitality, cognitive health, and emotional well-being through experiences such as:
Cultural Practices: Hands-on arts activities such as lei making, hula, and ʻukulele sessions connect guests with the local culture and help rebuild neurons and improve longevity.
Outdoor Movement: Guided hikes, sailing canoes, swimming, and e-bike tours encourage endurance and connection to nature.
Mindful Fitness: Pilates, yoga, boxing, and golf strength training build mobility and balance.
Creative Expression: Playful offerings such as Paint & Sip workshops invite relaxation and creative flow.
Education: Talks on sleep, nutrition, and environmental responsibility support informed, healthier living.
Restorative Spaces
When you participate in Nature's Wellness Sanctuary, every guest room is an extension of your Retreat. Designed with 1 Hotels' nature-led aesthetic, each space is shaped by the extraordinary landscape just beyond your window. Soft, organic textures ground the senses, while the biophilic design with native woods and stone offers a calming connection to the outdoors.
Nature's Wellness Sanctuary may be experienced in any room or suite category across the resort, from the entry-level king rooms to the sprawling signature suites. The signature suites include the 1,798-square-foot two-story Puʻu Poa Ocean Loft, the 1,800-square-foot Nāpali House Suite, and the 2,400-square-foot two-bedroom Makana Penthouse.
The Results
Together, the Wellness Retreats, programming, and the very essence of Hawaiʻi converge to create Nature's Wellness Sanctuary at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, an unmatched experience that is setting a new standard in wellness.
ABOUT 1 HOTEL HANALEI BAY
With expansive views of Hanalei Bay and the soaring cliffs of Mount Makana on Kauaʻi's north shore, the 23-acre 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the flagship property of 1 Hotels and Resorts. The resort includes 252 rooms and suites, more than 20,000 square feet of spa and fitness facilities, and three oceanfront pools. Six restaurants and bars work in partnership with local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food producers to nourish guests with farm and ocean-to-table fare. The property is also home to Nature's Wellness Sanctuary, a comprehensive program that integrates spa therapies, mindful movement, metabolic support, and nature-led experiences to guide guests toward mind-body-spirit balance. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a sustainable sanctuary committed to inspiring, supporting, and educating through regenerative traveler experiences. Additional information can be found at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
ABOUT 1 HOTELS
As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauaʻi) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; Seattle, Melbourne (Australia) and Copenhagen in 2025; and Tokyo in 2026. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), and Hudson Valley (NY). Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com.
Natures_Wellness_Sanctuary_at_1_Hotel_Hanalei_Bay
Natures_Wellness_Sanctuary_at_1_Hotel_Hanalei_Bay
Natures_Wellness_Sanctuary_at_1_Hotel_Hanalei_Bay
Napali_Penthouse_Natures_Wellness_Sanctuary_at_1_Hotel_Hanalei_Bay
Bamford_Wellness_Spa_Relaxation_Room_Natures_Wellness_Sanctuary_at_1_Hotel_Hanalei_Bay
Natures_Wellness_Sanctuary_at_1_Hotel_Hanalei_Bay
Natures_Wellness_Sanctuary_at_1_Hotel_Hanalei_Bay
BANGKOK, ngày 9 tháng 4 năm 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kết hợp sức hấp dẫn của di sản văn hóa Thái Lan với phong cách sống đương đại, sự kiện nâng tầm lễ hội biểu tượng của Thái Lan lên quy mô toàn cầu, theo ý tưởng "Điểm đến giải trí - văn hóa lễ hội Songkran mang tính biểu tượng", diễn ra xuyên suốt tháng 4 tại trung tâm Bangkok.
centralwOrld tái khẳng định vị thế là điểm đến lễ hội Songkran đẳng cấp quốc tế với đại lễ "Songkran Culturtainment 2026".
Lễ hội bắt đầu tại Central Court, Tầng 1, với Chương trình trình diễn văn hóa Thái Lan đẳng cấp thế giới từ ngày 11 đến 15 tháng 4 năm 2026. Chương trình nghệ thuật chọn lọc này quy tụ các loại hình biểu diễn văn hóa Thái Lan đặc sắc và hiếm có trong cùng một không gian — từ Khon, Hun Lakhon Lek (múa rối truyền thống Thái Lan), múa rối bóng Nang Yai, đến các tiết mục mang hơi thở đương đại như màn trình diễn thời trang "Sabai with Jeans". Trải nghiệm còn được nâng tầm hơn nữa với các buổi hòa nhạc nhỏ của những nghệ sĩ T-Pop đang nổi cùng Cuộc diễu hành Mascot sôi động với hai linh vật voi "Chuenjai–Chaiyo" được yêu thích, lan tỏa niềm vui khắp lễ hội. Du khách cũng có thể tham gia các hoạt động phước lành như nghi thức tắm Phật "Maha Song Nam Phra", với sự hiện diện của các tượng Phật linh thiêng từ năm quốc gia, cùng hoạt động Snap & Refresh, nơi khách tham dự có thể lưu lại khoảnh khắc để có cơ hội nhận voucher từ các thương hiệu hàng đầu trong trung tâm.
Sức nóng của sự kiện tiếp tục được đẩy lên cao trào với điểm nhấn chính, "PEPSI Presents THAI LIZM 2026" diễn ra từ ngày 11 đến 13 tháng 4, biến quảng trường centralwOrld thành một Summer Beach Club ngay giữa lòng thành phố. Hòa quyện cùng văn hóa nhạc pop Thái Lan đương đại, sự kiện tạo nên "Trải nghiệm tiệc bãi biển Songkran" độc đáo với hơn 100 nghệ sĩ, bao gồm JOEY BOY, TaitosmitH, PROXIE, PERSES, BNK48 và F.HERO. Trải dài trên bốn khu trải nghiệm — sân khấu biểu diễn, khu vui chơi té nước, khu thư giãn và đường trượt nước khổng lồ đầy kích thích PEPSI Giant Slider cao hơn 12 mét — lễ hội mang đến nguồn năng lượng không ngừng nghỉ trong suốt ba ngày.
Một điểm nhấn nổi bật khác là Cuộc diễu hành Songkran kéo dài ba ngày liên tiếp, đánh dấu lần đầu tiên xuất hiện tại trung tâm thành phố. Đoàn diễu hành do Hoa hậu Thế giới 2025 Opal Suchata Chuangsri dẫn đầu tôn vinh vẻ đẹp văn hóa Thái Lan trước khán giả toàn cầu, cùng sự góp mặt của các nghệ sĩ nổi tiếng mang đến bầu không khí sôi động cho từng ngày lễ hội.
Các hoạt động lễ hội tiếp tục với "FWD Music Live Fest 5" từ ngày 17 đến 19 tháng 4, cùng The Summer Club 2026, tiếp tục khuấy động đời sống âm nhạc và nhịp sống sôi động của thành phố.
Mùa Songkran này, centralwOrld không chỉ là nơi tổ chức lễ hội — mà còn là điểm đến trải nghiệm đẳng cấp thế giới, nơi giải trí, văn hóa và Sức mạnh mềm Thái Lan (Thai Soft Power) hội tụ trong một không gian mang tính biểu tượng.
Park Hyatt Changsha Earns Prestigious Accolade;
Ratings Showcased on ForbesTravelGuide.com
CHANGSHA, China , April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG"), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, recently announced its 2026 Star Awards. Park Hyatt Changsha earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
Occupying the top floors of Changsha IFS Tower 2, situated within one of the city's most iconic shopping and commercial complexes, Park Hyatt Changsha is a stylish and sophisticated residence that harmoniously combines breathtaking views, cultural heritage and curated aesthetics with impeccable service. The interiors of Park Hyatt Changsha inspired by the natural colors and materials of Hunan province - famed for its caves, waterfalls, and soaring quartzite sandstone columns as well as the contemporary spirit and dynamism of Changsha as a commercial, manufacturing, and transportation hub. True to the Park Hyatt brand's renowned connection to the arts, Park Hyatt Changsha is adorned with original paintings and sculptures that are deeply rooted in the context of their location.
Park Hyatt Changsha houses 230 modern rooms, including 24 suites with panoramic views of the city and Xiangjiang River starting from the 54th floor. The natural beauty of Hunan's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the timber slats and sage green palette, and the spacious rooms include a lounge area and walk-in-wardrobe. Spanning the hotel's entire 62nd floor, Lilan is the dining and drinking destination, featuring five unique venues, each with its own distinctive décor and ambiance. Lilan's attentive butlers provide impeccable service tailored to each guest's preferences. Led by Executive Chef Zhang Wenwen, the culinary team at Park Hyatt Changsha showcases innovative Hunan cuisine that inherits traditional flavors, utilizing the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients. With a prized location in the heart of the city, evocative interiors and excellent culinary offerings, Park Hyatt Changsha is well-positioned to stage spectacular events, and has its sights set on being the city's preeminent location for successful gatherings, big or small. Furthermore, the fitness center on the 48th floor, inspired by the concept of body-mind balance, offers an urban wellness retreat, complete with unique hydrotherapy facilities, providing a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant city, reflecting an understated luxury approach to hospitality.
"With its elegant interiors, exquisitely landscaped gardens, charming floral arrangements, and inspirational contemporary art, says Albert Hong, general manager, Park Hyatt Changsha. "We aim to offer unparalleled comfort and exceptionally attentive service to its worldly guests seeking reprieve from their extensive travels."
Forbes Travel Guide's highly anticipated 68th annual Star Awards list covers more than 95 countries.
"Forbes Travel Guide's Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality," said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. "This year's list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today's discerning guest."
To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.
Close to 170 destinations served across 73 countries.
Long-haul capacity is set to grow by 2% in summer 2026, driven mainly by North and South America.
Extension of the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, and Riyadh, and ongoing addition of capacity to Asia due to strong demand in the context of the Middle East crisis, with additional flights and the use of larger aircraft to Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Tokyo, and Osaka.
Launch of a new direct route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Las Vegas starting April 2026. Doubling of flight frequencies to New York-Newark starting June 2026.
Continued roll-out of the new La Première suite, now available on flights to and from New York-JFK, Singapore, Los Angeles and Tokyo-Haneda, and coming soon on flights to and from Abidjan and San Francisco.
Implementation of the plan to restructure domestic service from Paris, with all Air France flights to Toulouse, Nice, Marseille and French overseas territories departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
SINGAPORE, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Long-haul network: increased capacity, focus on the Americas
Long-haul capacity will continue to grow, with a 2% increase in available seat-kilometres compared to summer 2025. This growth is mainly driven by the expansion of services to North and South America.
The summer season will see the launch of a new direct route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Las Vegas, operating three times a week by Airbus A350-900 starting April 15, 2026. Las Vegas will be Air France's 19th destination in the United States and its 26th in North America.
Further east, Air France will add a second daily service to New York-Newark starting June 2026. By summer 2026, Air France will be offer up to 11 daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York's JFK and Newark airports, in partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Middle East Crisis: ongoing suspension of services to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh; continued increase in capacity to Asia
Due to the security situation at destination and the closure of certain airspaces, Air France has suspended its services:
To and from Dubai and Riyadh until May 3, 2026 inclusive (until May 4, 2026 for flights departing from Dubai).
To and from Tel Aviv and Beirut until May 3, 2026 inclusive.
Since the start of the crisis, Air France has been deploying additional capacity to its most in-demand Asian destinations. Extra flights have been added to Bangkok, Singapore and Delhi. Larger aircraft have also been operated on select flights to Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai and Tokyo.
This increase in capacity will continue throughout the 2026 summer season, with additional flights scheduled to Bangkok, Singapore, Bengaluru, Tokyo and Osaka, and the use of larger aircraft on certain flights to Delhi and Mumbai.
Move upmarket: continued roll-out of the new La Première cabin and free high-speed Wi-Fi
Air France is continuing to roll-out its new La Première suite. Currently available on routes between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York-JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, Singapore and Tokyo-Haneda, it will be introduced this summer on flights to Abidjan and San Francisco.
The roll-out of free ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi is also continuing across the entire Air France fleet, including regional aircraft. By the end of March 2026, 40% of aircraft will already be equipped, with the aim of extending this service to virtually the entire fleet by the end of 2026.
Short- and medium-haul network: over 90 destinations served
This summer, Air France will operate up to 630 daily flights to more than 90 destinations across its short- and medium-haul network.
To better meet seasonal demand, the airline will significantly expand its flight schedule between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and several major European and Mediterranean cities, thereby offering its customers greater choice and flexibility.
The airline will operate up to four daily flights to Dublin and launch a new route to London-Gatwick, with two daily flights. Further south, both Marrakech and Rabat will be served up to four times a day (compared to three previously). Naples will benefit from up to four daily flights, while Seville and Porto will be served twice daily.
Implementation of the domestic network restructuring plan: refocusing of Air France's operations at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub
As announced in autumn 2023, from summer 2026 onwards, Air France will centralize all its Paris operations at its Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub, with the exception of flights to and from Corsica under the current Public Service Obligation.
Within this framework, services between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Toulouse, Nice and Marseille will be increased, with 12, 12 and 10 daily flights respectively. All flights to French overseas territories – Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Saint-Denis de la Réunion and Cayenne – will also operate from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. This refocusing of operations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle will facilitate international connections and strengthen connectivity between the French regions and overseas territories.
At the same time, Transavia is set to become the Air France-KLM Group's flagship carrier operating out of Paris-Orly. Starting March 29, 2026, Transavia will launch routes between Paris-Orly and Toulouse, Nice and Marseille, with 8, 8 and 2 daily flights respectively.
Transavia France, the low-cost subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, will operate 230 routes to 109 destinations in 33 countries this summer, consolidating its position as the leading low-cost carrier on departure from Paris.
For the full flight schedule, operating days and fares, visit airfrance.com and transavia.com.
This flight schedule is subject to change depending on developments in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
BANGKOK, ngày 9 tháng 4 năm 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thái Lan chuẩn bị chào đón du khách toàn cầu đến với một trong những lễ hội thú vị nhất thế giới khi Songkran, lễ hội té nước nổi tiếng toàn cầu đồng thời là Tết cổ truyền của quốc gia này, đánh dấu sự trở lại với quy mô toàn quốc chưa từng có.
Thái Lan công bố "Lễ hội Songkran lớn nhất thế giới", định vị Central Pattana là điểm đến lễ hội toàn cầu quanh năm
Dưới sự dẫn dắt của Central Pattana, "Lễ hội Songkran lớn nhất thế giới" sẽ diễn ra tại 28 điểm đến trên khắp cả nước, biến các thành phố trọng điểm bao gồm Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya và Samui thành những trung tâm lễ hội sôi động. Chương trình bao gồm hơn 1.000 sự kiện và quy tụ hơn 400 nghệ sĩ, thu hút trên 10 triệu người tham gia mỗi năm.
Được thiết kế như một trải nghiệm du lịch, lễ hội biến mạng lưới trung tâm thương mại trên toàn quốc của Central Pattana thành những điểm đến không thể bỏ qua, nơi du khách có thể tận hưởng trọn vẹn cả trải nghiệm khám phá văn hóa và các hoạt động giải trí quy mô lớn tại cùng một địa điểm.
Điểm nhấn năm nay là sự xuất hiện mang tính lịch sử của Opal Suchata Chuangsri với tư cách là "Hoa hậu Songkran" đầu tiên của Thái Lan, kết hợp giữa sức hút của các đấu trường nhan sắc toàn cầu và di sản văn hóa Thái tạo nên một dấu ấn thu hút sự chú ý của cộng đồng quốc tế.
Du khách có thể trải nghiệm những truyền thống giàu bản sắc của Thái Lan thông qua múa mặt nạ Khon, nghệ thuật trình diễn Nora, các loại hình nghệ thuật cổ truyền Thái và múa rối truyền thống, cùng với nghi thức tắm Phật linh thiêng. Các hoạt động trình diễn văn hóa được tổ chức phối hợp với Bộ Văn hóa, bao gồm võ thuật truyền thống và các trải nghiệm di sản vùng miền.
Song song đó, lễ hội trở nên sôi động với các sân khấu âm nhạc, chương trình biểu diễn trực tiếp và các hoạt động té nước, tạo nên bầu không khí sôi động dành cho cả khán giả trong nước và quốc tế.
Không chỉ dừng lại ở Songkran, Central Pattana đang xây dựng một nền tảng lễ hội toàn cầu diễn ra quanh năm, tổ chức các lễ hội theo mùa, các sự kiện văn hóa và trải nghiệm giải trí trên khắp Thái Lan - định vị các điểm đến của mình là nơi du khách có thể du lịch, hòa mình vào lễ hội và kết nối suốt cả năm.
Bằng cách kết hợp văn hóa, giải trí và du lịch ở quy mô lớn, Songkran của Thái Lan đang dần phát triển thành một trải nghiệm lễ hội đẳng cấp thế giới, đưa quốc gia này sánh ngang với những lễ hội mang tính biểu tượng nhất thế giới và củng cố vị thế là một điểm đến lễ hội hàng đầu toàn cầu.
SINGAPORE, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Agoda Services Co. Ltd welcomed employees to its new home at One Bangkok this month, marking a significant milestone in the company's continued investment in Thailand as a global technology hub. Spanning more than 26,000 square meters over seven floors, the new office brings nearly 4,000 Thailand-based employees under one roof - designed to foster greater collaboration, innovation, and connection across teams.
Agoda office
Maintaining a strong presence in the heart of Bangkok, while bringing teams together in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built hub, was a key driver behind the move to One Bangkok. The new office reflects Agoda's long-term commitment to the region and supports ongoing business activities, from tech and innovation to strengthening regional business functions that support a network of over 6 million properties and hundreds of thousands of flight routes and experiences.
The campus-style office is designed around how Agoda's teams work. The space features purpose-built rooms that support the operation of a global technology platform, including a dedicated Network Operations Center (NOC) Zone for systems monitoring, connected collaboration rooms designed to enable fast, coordinated response, and a professional studio and audio room for content production. One Bangkok's built-to-suit arrangement allowed Agoda to tailor the environment to its requirements, with a focus on tech, collaboration, and employee well-being.
Omri Morgenshtern, CEO at Agoda, shared: "We're excited to open this new space at One Bangkok designed to support how our teams innovate, collaborate and grow. The state-of-the-art facilities reflect our investment in creating an environment where people can do their best work and continue building world-class tech that delivers exceptional travel experiences."
One Bangkok, the real estate development project under the Frasers Property group, together with Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited, is a holistically integrated district located at the corner of Wireless and Rama 4 Roads in Bangkok. The development holds LEED Platinum certification for Neighborhood Development and WiredScore and SmartScore certifications for digital connectivity and smart building technology, with direct access to Bangkok's mass transit systems.
Agoda Services' move to One Bangkok supports the continued growth of the digital travel platform that offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app or visit Agoda.com.
DHAKA, Bangladesh, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia Healthcare Week in Dhaka 2026 has officially commenced, bringing Malaysia's healthcare expertise directly to Bangladeshi patients, partners and industry stakeholders as demand for overseas medical treatment continues to rise across the country.
Organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) as part of the ongoing initiatives under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026), the week-long engagement highlights Malaysia's growing role as a trusted healthcare destination for Bangladeshi patients seeking specialised medical care abroad. The initiative comes at a time when Bangladesh's medical travel landscape is undergoing a noticeable shift. With disruptions affecting traditional treatment corridors, many Bangladeshi patients are increasingly exploring alternative destinations for specialised care abroad. Malaysia has emerged as a compelling option, offering internationally accredited hospitals, specialised medical expertise and seamless patient support services within a convenient four-hour flight from Dhaka.
Guided by its "Healing Meets Hospitality" positioning, Malaysia Healthcare showcases the country's unique healthcare value proposition, where advanced medical treatment is complemented by Malaysia's culture of warmth, compassion and personalised patient care. Combined with competitive treatment costs and strong air connectivity between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia continues to strengthen its reputation as an accessible and trusted healthcare destination for Bangladeshi patients and their families.
Malaysia Healthcare's engagement with the Bangladesh market has also shown encouraging momentum in recent years. Revenue from Bangladeshi health travellers to Malaysia reached approximately RM10.4 million in 2025, the highest figure on record and with more than 10,800 Bangladeshi health tourists recorded as at February 2026, reflecting year-on-year growth and deepening trust in Malaysia's healthcare ecosystem. Malaysia Healthcare Week commenced with an exclusive networking dinner in Dhaka, organised in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and attended by leading travel agencies, medical tourism facilitators, representatives from Bangladesh's healthcare and travel sectors, officials from the High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka, and members of the diplomatic community.
The event also marked the official introduction of the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026) initiatives in Dhaka, while providing an opportunity to showcase participating Malaysian hospitals and their core specialities, and to foster engagement and potential collaboration between Malaysian healthcare providers and Bangladeshi stakeholders.
Throughout the week, Malaysia Healthcare is also participating in the Dhaka Travel Mart, where a dedicated Malaysia Healthcare Pavilion showcases the country's medical expertise and specialised treatment capabilities. The pavilion serves as a platform to strengthen engagement with Bangladeshi stakeholders while raising greater awareness of Malaysia's healthcare offerings. Leading Malaysian healthcare providers, including IHH Healthcare Malaysia, KL Fertility Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, KPJ Healthcare and the National Heart Institute (IJN), recipient of the Medical Excellence and Medical Technology Distinction accolades at the Malaysia Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital 2025 (FMTH) awards, are presenting their specialised healthcare services and treatment capabilities to industry partners and stakeholders in Bangladesh. Their participation further supports Malaysia Healthcare's efforts to deepen collaboration opportunities and strengthen its presence within Bangladesh's growing medical travel landscape.
Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), said the initiative represents an important step in strengthening healthcare collaboration between Malaysia and Bangladesh. "Malaysia Healthcare Week in Dhaka represents an important step in bringing Malaysia's healthcare ecosystem closer to the Bangladeshi community. Beyond showcasing Malaysia's medical expertise, this platform allows us to build meaningful partnerships with local healthcare facilitators and industry stakeholders while providing Bangladeshi patients greater access to trusted treatment options in Malaysia." said Suriaghandi. As Malaysia continues to drive momentum for the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026), initiatives such as Malaysia Healthcare Week in Dhaka reinforce Malaysia's commitment to expanding cross-border healthcare collaboration and improving access to quality medical care for patients across the region.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
+603 8776 6168
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my
Muhammad Rasydan Ma'at
Asst. Manager, Communications
+603 8776 6168
rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my
About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the "Malaysia Healthcare" brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia's healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 80 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation's first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia's world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry's significant contribution to the national economy.
More information can be found at https://www.malaysiahealthcare.org.my/.
PARIS and NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB), a NYSE and SGX-ST dual-listed company and a subsidiary of AMTD Group Inc., today announced that it plans to declare and distribute stock dividends by way of shares of its listed subsidiaries to shareholders and holders of American depositary shares of AMTD IDEA Group (the "Proposed Distribution").
Since its initial public offering on the NYSE in 2019, AMTD IDEA Group has expanded its operations and businesses significantly, evolving into the parent company of various other listed entities. A key subsidiary, AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) – a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France that provides a one-stop digital solutions platform – consummated its initial public offering on the NYSE in 2022. The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), a subsidiary of AMTD Digital Inc., consummated its business combination with Black Spade Acquisition II Co (Nasdaq: BSII), a special purpose acquisition company ("SPAC"), in June 2025 and is currently listing its shares and warrants on the NYSE and NYSE American, respectively. The Generation Essentials Group is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services, comprising L'Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. As part of its growth strategy, AMTD IDEA Group has also established an initiative to sponsor and control SPACs, with the intention that these vehicles will raise capital from public markets and subsequently acquire operating businesses through business combinations. In furtherance of this strategy, The Generation Essentials Group has acted as the sponsor of TGE Value Creative Solutions Corp, a SPAC which successfully completed its initial public offering of 15,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit on the NYSE on December 23, 2025, resulting in gross proceeds of $150,000,000.
Whether any Proposed Distribution will be made, and the record date, timing, form and amount of the Proposed Distribution, are subject to further deliberation and determination of the board of directors of AMTD IDEA Group. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to, the performance of AMTD IDEA Group and the relevant listed subsidiaries and the overall market conditions. The Proposed Distribution remains in an exploratory stage and is subject to uncertainties; there can be no assurance that any Proposed Distribution will be made.
About AMTD IDEA Group
AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions conglomerate group, connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients' diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") at @AMTDGroup.
About AMTD Digital Inc.
AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital's announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.
About The Generation Essentials Group
The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L'Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties. Also, TGE is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsor manager, with its first SPAC successfully raised and priced on December 18, 2025.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and AMTD IDEA Group does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For more information, please contact:
IR Office
AMTD IDEA Group
EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com
SHANGHAI, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987, "Yum China" or the "Company") today announced that it has published its 2025 Sustainability Report. This report outlines the achievements and ongoing progress on the Company's sustainability commitments across the entire value chain over the past year, centered on the Company's three long-standing priorities – Food, People, and Environment.
Key highlights from the report include:
Food safety is the cornerstone of Yum China's business. As the business scales and AI technologies advance, the Company is increasingly using digital and intelligent tools to strengthen its food safety and quality controls. In the supply chain, the Company deploys early-warning systems that monitor regulatory updates and even social-media trends. In restaurants, AI-powered camera systems are shifting the Company from sample-based checks to real-time operational oversight across thousands of kitchens. This has materially raised our responsiveness to new scenarios and helped maintain consistent execution across our stores.
Yum China upheld its "One System" principle amid accelerated franchise expansion, ensuring that every restaurant – whether company-owned or franchised – operates under the same high standards in food safety and quality. The Company's digital platforms equip franchisee partners to meet these expectations from day one, ensuring consistency and control at scale.
Staying close to the needs of its frontline employees is fundamental to Yum China's "People First" philosophy, and active listening is where it starts. The senior leadership team and the CEO regularly visit restaurants across the country to hear directly from Restaurant General Managers (RGMs), while the online RGM Voice platform gathers feedback year-round to help identify issues early and address them promptly.
Yum China piloted its RGM One-Stop Service Center to integrate support services into a single interface, with each RGM request managed end-to-end by a dedicated case manager. This "keep it simple for restaurants" approach enables RGMs to focus on better serving customers and coaching their teams.
Yum China is advancing a low-carbon and circular future. In 2025, average electricity consumption per restaurant declined about 5% year over year. The Company's own renewable energy use rose by 84% year over year while its suppliers' usage increased 37%.
To further reduce value chain emissions, the Company formed the "Yum China Value Chain Green & Low-Carbon Alliance" with over 40 key suppliers and jointly committed to emissions reductions across both energy and the broader Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) domains. To enhance transparency and accountability, the Company works with major suppliers to set emission reduction targets, and will begin tracking their progress through its digital platform in 2026.
Yum China remains dedicated to creating lasting impact in its communities with a long-term commitment. The Company's "One Yuan Donation" program, now in its 18th year, has cumulatively raised over RMB 280 million, provided over 60 million nutritious meals, and modernized kitchen equipment in more than 1,600 rural schools.
In 2025, Pizza Hut launched the "Little Red Hat" youth volunteer program, encouraging young people to participate in environmental and community service activities.
"As we look ahead, our focus is clear: to grow with purpose, lead with responsibility and create long-term value across our ecosystem," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "Whether it is safeguarding food safety, empowering our employees, or driving decarbonization across the value chain, we strive to strengthen the connection between sustainable development and business performance. This alignment has been and will continue to be a core competitive advantage for us. We are confident in our ability to deliver meaningful and lasting impact for our stakeholders and for society."
Yum China continued to receive external recognition for its sustainability initiatives in 2025.
The Company was ranked industry No.1 in S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for the sixth consecutive year.
The Company also attained an "AA" rating in the MSCI ESG assessment.
The Company was named a certified Top Employer by Top Employers Institute for the eighth consecutive year, ranking first in China's restaurant industry for the fifth year in a row.
To learn more about Yum China's ESG efforts, please visit: https://www.yumchina.com/sustainability/en/home/Index
Read the full 2025 Sustainability Report Here
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook," "commit" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Numerous factors could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results.
About Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company operates over 18,000 restaurants under six brands across over 2,500 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.
Contacts
Investor Relations Contact:
Tel: +86 21 2407 7556
IR@YumChina.com
Media Contact:
Tel: +86 21 2407 3824
Media@YumChina.com
Park Hyatt Changsha Earns Prestigious Accolade;
Ratings Showcased on ForbesTravelGuide.com
CHANGSHA, China, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG"), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, recently announced its 2026 Star Awards. Park Hyatt Changsha earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
Occupying the top floors of Changsha IFS Tower 2, situated within one of the city's most iconic shopping and commercial complexes, Park Hyatt Changsha is a stylish and sophisticated residence that harmoniously combines breathtaking views, cultural heritage and curated aesthetics with impeccable service. The interiors of Park Hyatt Changsha inspired by the natural colors and materials of Hunan province - famed for its caves, waterfalls, and soaring quartzite sandstone columns as well as the contemporary spirit and dynamism of Changsha as a commercial, manufacturing, and transportation hub. True to the Park Hyatt brand's renowned connection to the arts, Park Hyatt Changsha is adorned with original paintings and sculptures that are deeply rooted in the context of their location.
Park Hyatt Changsha houses 230 modern rooms, including 24 suites with panoramic views of the city and Xiangjiang River starting from the 54th floor. The natural beauty of Hunan's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the timber slats and sage green palette, and the spacious rooms include a lounge area and walk-in-wardrobe. Spanning the hotel's entire 62nd floor, Lilan is the dining and drinking destination, featuring five unique venues, each with its own distinctive décor and ambiance. Lilan's attentive butlers provide impeccable service tailored to each guest's preferences. Led by Executive Chef Zhang Wenwen, the culinary team at Park Hyatt Changsha showcases innovative Hunan cuisine that inherits traditional flavors, utilizing the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients. With a prized location in the heart of the city, evocative interiors and excellent culinary offerings, Park Hyatt Changsha is well-positioned to stage spectacular events, and has its sights set on being the city's preeminent location for successful gatherings, big or small. Furthermore, the fitness center on the 48th floor, inspired by the concept of body-mind balance, offers an urban wellness retreat, complete with unique hydrotherapy facilities, providing a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant city, reflecting an understated luxury approach to hospitality.
"With its elegant interiors, exquisitely landscaped gardens, charming floral arrangements, and inspirational contemporary art, says Albert Hong, general manager, Park Hyatt Changsha. "We aim to offer unparalleled comfort and exceptionally attentive service to its worldly guests seeking reprieve from their extensive travels."
Forbes Travel Guide's highly anticipated 68th annual Star Awards list covers more than 95 countries.
"Forbes Travel Guide's Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality," said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. "This year's list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today's discerning guest."
To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.
To learn how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.
Connect with Forbes Travel Guide:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ForbesTravelGuide
X: www.twitter.com/ForbesInspector
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ForbesTravelGuide
About Forbes Travel Guide:
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, cruises and their restaurants. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world's best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.
About Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt's legacy spans over 45 years of being the luxury choice for discerning global travelers, offering refined and exceptional accommodations in the world's most desirable cities and resort destinations. Each property is thoughtfully designed to deliver residentially inspired elegance through architecture, housed world-class art, and curated immersive culinary experiences—all complemented by an intuitively personalized level of service. Guests enjoy carefully appointed rooms, acclaimed design, and signature restaurants led by award-winning chefs—creating experiences as personal as they are memorable. For more information, visit parkhyatt.com. Follow @ParkHyatt on Facebook, X and Instagram, and tag your moments with #LuxuryIsPersonal.
BANGKOK, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Blending the charm of Thai cultural heritage with a contemporary lifestyle, the event elevates Thailand's iconic festival onto the global stage under the concept of a "Festive Iconic Landmark of Songkran Culturtainment Destination" in the heart of Bangkok throughout April.
centralwOrld reaffirms its position as a world-class Songkran landmark with the grand celebration “Songkran Culturtainment 2026.”
The celebration begins at Central Court, 1st Floor, with World-Class Thai Showcases from April 11–15, 2026. This curated program brings together rare and remarkable Thai cultural performances in one place—from Khon, Hun Lakhon Lek (traditional Thai puppetry), and Nang Yai shadow play, to contemporary interpretations such as the "Sabai with Jeans" fashion showcase. The experience is further enhanced with mini concerts by rising T-Pop artists and a vibrant Mascot Parade featuring beloved elephant characters "Chuenjai–Chaiyo," spreading joy throughout the festival. Visitors can also take part in auspicious activities such as the "Maha Song Nam Phra," featuring sacred Buddha images from five countries, along with Snap & Refresh, where guests can capture moments for a chance to receive vouchers from leading brands within the center.
The excitement continues with the key highlight, "PEPSI Presents THAI LIZM 2026," from April 11–13, transforming the centralwOrld Square into a Summer Beach Club in the heart of the city. Infused with modern Thai pop culture, the event creates a one-of-a-kind "Songkran beach party experience" featuring over 100 artists, including JOEY BOY, TaitosmitH, PROXIE, PERSES, BNK48, and F.HERO. Spanning four experience zones—concert stage, water play zone, chill-out area, and the thrilling PEPSI Giant Slider soaring over 12 meters high—the festival delivers non-stop energy across three full days.
Another standout moment is the three-day consecutive Songkran Parade, marking its first-ever appearance in the city center. Led by Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Miss World 2025, the parade showcases the elegance of Thai culture to a global audience, alongside renowned artists who bring vibrant energy to each day of the celebration.
The festivities continue with "FWD Music Live Fest 5" from April 17–19, along with The Summer Club 2026, further amplifying the city's music and lifestyle scene.
This Songkran, centralwOrld is more than just a place to celebrate—it is a world-class destination for experiences, where entertainment, culture, and Thai Soft Power come together in one iconic location.
BANGKOK, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand is set to welcome global travelers to one of the world's most exciting celebrations as Songkran, the country's world-famous water fight festival and traditional New Year, returns on an unprecedented nationwide scale.
Thailand Unveils ‘World’s Biggest Songkran Festival,’ Positioning Central Pattana as a Year-Round Global Festival Destination
Led by Central Pattana, the "World's Biggest Songkran Festival" will take place across 28 destinations nationwide, transforming key cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Samui into vibrant festival hubs. The program features more than 1,000 events and over 400 artists, attracting more than 10 million participants annually.
Designed as a travel experience, the festival turns Central Pattana's nationwide network of shopping centres into must-visit destinations where visitors can enjoy both cultural discovery and large-scale entertainment in one place.
A highlight this year is the historic appearance of Opal Suchata Chuangsri as Thailand's first-ever "Miss Songkran," blending global pageantry with Thai cultural heritage in a moment that has captured international attention.
Visitors can experience Thailand's rich traditions through Khon masked dance, Nora performances, classical Thai arts and traditional puppetry, alongside water-pouring rituals at revered Buddha images. Cultural showcases are presented in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, including traditional martial arts and regional heritage experiences.
At the same time, the festival comes alive with music stages, live performances and water celebrations, creating a dynamic atmosphere for both local and international audiences.
Beyond Songkran, Central Pattana is building a year-round global festival platform, hosting seasonal celebrations, cultural events and entertainment experiences across Thailand-positioning its destinations as places where people can travel, celebrate and connect throughout the year.
By combining culture, entertainment and tourism at scale, Thailand's Songkran is evolving into a world-class festival experience, placing the country alongside the world's most iconic celebrations and reinforcing its status as a leading global festival destination.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vietnamese coffee is gaining international recognition as Fine Robusta emerges as a new standard of quality within the global specialty coffee industry. At the Global Coffee Awards 2025 (Origin Edition), held in Houston, Texas, United States, Every Half Coffee Roasters was named Gold in Filter Coffee (Robusta Category) for its Fine Robusta from Cu M'gar, Dak Lak.
Every Half’s roastery in Ho Chi Minh City, powered by solar energy
The Global Coffee Awards, organized by Perfect Daily Grind and the Producer & Roaster Forum, evaluate coffees through blind tasting, recognizing excellence in sourcing, processing, and roasting. The Origin edition specifically highlights roasters based in coffee-producing countries, bringing greater visibility to quality developed at origin.
Vietnam produces approximately 30 million bags of Robusta annually, making it the largest producer in the world. Historically, up to 95% of this output has been exported as green coffee, limiting value capture at origin. The rise of Fine Robusta reflects a shift toward quality-driven production, where selective harvesting, controlled fermentation, and improved processing methods result in a more refined and expressive cup profile.
Well-produced Vietnamese Fine Robusta is characterized by a dense body and natural sweetness, with flavor notes of dark chocolate, cacao, roasted nuts, and caramel, complemented by citrus brightness such as grapefruit or orange peel. This structure offers both intensity and clarity, distinguishing it from traditional perceptions of Robusta.
Every Half Coffee Roasters is part of a new generation of companies working to elevate Vietnamese coffee through an integrated farm-to-cup model. By partnering directly with farmers and investing in post-harvest innovation, the company focuses on developing high-quality coffee while expanding its presence through retail and international markets.
As climate conditions continue to impact global coffee production, Robusta's resilience is becoming increasingly important. The recognition of Vietnamese Fine Robusta at a global competition highlights its potential not only as a sustainable crop, but as a category capable of delivering quality and complexity at an international level.
ABOUT EVERY HALF COFFEE ROASTERS
Every Half Coffee Roasters is a Vietnam-based specialty coffee company focused on redefining Vietnamese coffee through quality, innovation, and sustainability. The company works directly with farmers and develops products across retail and consumer channels, with the goal of bringing Vietnamese coffee to a global audience.
HONG KONG, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 40th ITE Leisure & 21st ITE MICE will be held from June 11–14, 2026 at HKCEC Halls 1. A proven international sourcing platform for Asia travel trade and affluent travelers, it keeps separate days, promotions and programs for trade and public.
Highly successful, ITE2025 drew 502 exhibitors from 64 countries and regions (1/3 outside Asia); 7626 buyers & trade visitors (33% from Chinese Mainland, 20.2% overseas); 70212 public visitors (80% prefer traveling FIT or Private Tours.
Each year, China's official pavilion, which organized by Ministry of Culture and Tourism of P.R. China and includes many provinces and cities, remains the largest.
Also, ITE draws 70% of its trade buyers from the Greater Bay Area (GBA), including Guangdong cities' trade delegations and individuals. In 2024, GBA had a combined GDP of US$2.09 trillion – comparable to the Tokyo Bay Area and larger than San Francisco – and a combined population of over 87 million.
Hong Kong, with 7.5 million people, was the world's 14th largest outbound travel market by spending in 2024 (US$28.9 billion). Resident departures totaled 117 million in 2025, up 12.3%, and reached 3 million during the 2026 Spring Festival, up 22%.
How do ITE visitors react to the geopolitical uncertainties? ITE's mid-March online survey of 688 respondents found them frequent and affluent travelers. They choose to spend more, not cutting back on travel:
74.6% took multiple outbound holidays in 2025
62.5% plan to increase travel budget; 25.3% maintain, only 12.2% reduce
42.3% will avoid affected areas; 29.7% may do so when planning 2026 holidays
Over half are university educated.
At ITE2025, over 10,000 visitors attended 100+ public seminars, and survey then found 43% interested in on-site booking often via mobile—strong buying signals. Exhibitors can generate more revenue by promoting discount codes and online booking, not direct selling
ITE offers B2B/B2C services like Business Matching for seller quick-dating buyer; assisting exhibitor hold trade seminar; speaking opportunity; KOL Networking, Public Seminars and Pre/Post Show Promotion etc.
Despite global inflation, organizer TKS has held space rental frozen since 2019, increasing just 2.19% to US$470 per SQM for 2026.
For full version, please click:
https://www.itehk.com/travelexpo/doc/press/ITE26-GlobalUncertainty-VisitorSpendingMore-Apr26-full-en.pdf
For exhibiting / visiting:
Email travel@tkshk.com WhatsApp: +852 94008444 Website: https://www.itehk.com
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past year, Viet Nam has sustained a strong recovery trajectory, emerging as a standout performer amid the gradual rebound of global tourism. The country welcomed 21.1 million international arrivals, a 20.4% increase that significantly outpaced the broader Asia-Pacific region's 5% growth. Notably, this was the first time Viet Nam surpassed Thailand as the leading destination for Chinese leisure travellers.
To provide the latest updates on Viet Nam's real estate and hospitality markets, as well as regional developments, the MTE HCMC 2026 conference brought together more than 60 international speakers and over 1,400 senior industry leaders. Attendees included real estate developers, hotel owners, architects, design and project consultants, hotel operators, general managers, and industry experts from across Southeast Asia. The event reinforced MTE's position as a premier platform for industry exchange, leaving participants inspired and better equipped to navigate the next phase of growth.
Within the wider Southeast Asian context, the hospitality sector continues to benefit from strong economic fundamentals, supporting travel demand and ongoing hotel development. Viet Nam has emerged as a solid performer, underpinned by RevPAR growth of 15% compared to 2024, rising occupancy rates, and shifting source markets. These factors further strengthen the country's position as one of the region's leading destinations.
Looking ahead, the country is targeting 25 million international visitors this year, an expected 18.1% YoY growth, supported by sustained demand across key source markets. This momentum is underpinned by ongoing government efforts to enhance competitiveness, including visa policy liberalisation, expanded international air connectivity, infrastructure improvements, and strengthened destination marketing initiatives.
Impact of current geopolitical tensions
Despite this positive momentum, recent geopolitical tensions are introducing short-term challenges to global travel flows. The Middle East plays a key role as a global transit hub, connecting Europe and Asia-Pacific destinations and supporting a significant share of global intercontinental transit traffic. Disruptions affecting these hubs are therefore expected to impact inter-regional travel patterns.
At the MTE HCMC 2026, the region's largest annual real estate and hospitality conference held in HCMC, Mauro Gasparotti, Senior Director, Southeast Asia at Savills Hotels comments, "While Viet Nam remains a fundamentally resilient destination, recent geopolitical tensions are already causing short-term disruption to travel demand, with increasing cancellations, postponements, and re-routed itineraries across key international markets. Although global disruptions are affecting overall travel flows, the country expects to be comparatively less impacted due to its lower reliance on Europe and Middle East inbound markets and its strong positioning within short-haul demand from North Asia, particularly South Korea and China, where travellers may increasingly favour closer, more accessible destinations."
Mauro Gasparotti, Senior Director, SE Asia, Savills Hotels at MTE HCMC 2026.
Jesper Palmqvist, Regional Vice President, Asia-Pacific at STR CoStar, notes, "Viet Nam's hotel market continues to demonstrate resilience, with positive performance trends observed across multiple segments. The ADR displays YoY growth across luxury, upper-midscale, and economy categories, with the extent of improvement varying by segment. Compared with several regional markets, Viet Nam has maintained relatively strong momentum. Destinations such as Phu Quoc and Da Nang are gradually improving their market positioning as they mature and develop further."
Phu Quoc fuelled by APEC preparation
From a supply perspective, future hotel development in the next three years will remain concentrated in coastal destinations, with Da Nang and Phu Quoc leading in pipeline volume. Phu Quoc is seeing accelerated development in preparation for APEC. According to Savills Hotels, more than 10,000 keys, equivalent to 70% of existing inventory, are currently under development and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 to support the anticipated influx of international demand tied to the event.
Mauro adds, "While APEC presents a significant demand catalyst, its success will depend not only on the delivery of new hotel supply, but also on the readiness of connectivity, local infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and the effective coordination across the broader tourism and service ecosystem."
Rethinking residential and hospitality for long‑term growth
As Viet Nam enters this next phase, attention is increasingly shifting from cyclical recovery to deeper structural reforms required to support long-term stability and demand creation across residential and hospitality sectors.
Hieu Do, CEO of VinaLiving, explains, "To move the real estate market forward, we must return to fundamentals and address structural issues with practical solutions. Residential affordability can only be solved through long-term financing mechanisms and transparent buyer support policies. In hospitality, the focus must shift toward disciplined supply management and value-chain–driven zoning, where content, culture, and activities become core products, helping destinations generate sustainable demand and overcome seasonality."
Urban branded residences gain momentum
Branded residences are receiving higher global interest, underpinned by sustained demand growth and expanded brand participation across key markets. Globally, the branded residence segment continues to build a strong presence, recording a compound annual growth of 10.9%, doubling the pace of hotel and real estate markets. By the end of 2025, 910 global projects were operational, with the top 10 hotel operators collectively managing portfolios of more than 400 branded collaborations.
In Viet Nam, the market has recently seen an increase in branded developments across the two key urban centres. These projects are also becoming more diversified in terms of positioning, expanding beyond the traditional luxury segment.
Uyen Nguyen, Associate Director, Savills Hotels, adds, "Viet Nam's branded residence market is reaching an important turning point, with a strong shift from resort developments to urban projects in HCMC and Ha Noi. The growth of this model is driven by several factors, especially the expansion of high-net-worth individuals and the strong trust buyers place in developments backed by international brands. As a result, branded residences are emerging as a key long‑term strategy for developers anticipating changing buyer profiles."
The conference program also featured a series of insightful keynote presentations and panel discussions from leading industry players, including Accor Hotels Group and Boutique Corporation, QUO, 10design, Mizumi.ai, GroupGSA, Club Med, Amadeus, RH1, and The PuLi, covering key themes across hospitality, real estate, design trends and technology.
The event was co-hosted by An Cuong and Savills Hotels, in partnership with Vietceramics, SALTO, and in collaboration with Hafele, Techcombank, Technal, Nha x Philippe Starck, BOSCH, Gaggenau, Cat Tuong, Hettich, HSBC, Atlas Concorde, Gessi, D-edge, TEKA, Matrix, LQ International, Precor, Syndacast, Unios, Zennio, alongside F&B partners and media partners.
For more information about the event, please contact: Ms. Lisa via Host@wehubyou.com.
Vision Asia Pacific is a registered company which owns WeHub and organizes many event series, including the MTE conference and the HoSkar Night networking event.
PR Newswire is the Official Media Partner of MTE HCMC 2026.
SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda unveils a selection of trail running destinations across Asia, appealing to those seeking adventure and natural beauty. In 2026, trail running continues to gain popularity as more people embrace outdoor activities that combine fitness with exploration. Agoda's curated selection of destinations provides both unique terrains and cultural experiences, making them ideal for trail running enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves while discovering new environments.
Moc Chau, Vietnam is a trail runner's paradise with its diverse landscapes, including lush orchards, expansive tea plantations, and remote areas that remain largely unexplored by tourists. The region's natural beauty is complemented by the warm hospitality of local villagers, who often cheer on runners. The occasional marathons held here add to its appeal, and present organized events that allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and stunning scenery.
Selangor, Malaysia features the challenging terrain of Gunung Nuang, the highest peak in the region. The dense jungle, steep inclines, and diverse wildlife create an adventurous environment for trail running. Runners can expect to encounter a variety of flora and fauna, adding an element of excitement to their journey. The natural beauty and occasional sightings of wildlife make it a compelling destination for those seeking both challenge and serenity.
Victoria Peak in Hong Kong provides a unique trail running experience with its stunning panoramic city views and accessible location. The narrow forest paths offer a challenging yet rewarding run, with the added convenience of being close to the bustling city center. The area is known for its well-organized races, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners who wish to enjoy the blend of urban and natural landscapes.
Siem Reap, Cambodia offers trail runners the chance to explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Angkor archaeological site. The area's picturesque rice fields, quaint villages, and the majestic Angkor Temples provide a scenic and culturally rich backdrop for running. Local marathons enhance the experience, allowing runners to connect with the region's deep historical roots while enjoying the support of enthusiastic local communities.
Betong, Thailand, a border town near the Thailand-Malaysia border, plays host to trail running races such as the Amazean Jungle trails. The steep ascents and breathtaking views make it a captivating destination for trail runners seeking a more rugged experience. The presence of wildlife, including playful monkeys and exotic birds, adds to the allure of this natural setting.
Jeju Island in South Korea is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and lush forests, providing a diverse terrain for trail running. The island's mix of rocky paths and serene forest trails offers a unique running experience that challenges and delights runners. The occasional trail races on the island attract participants eager to explore its natural wonders, from dramatic cliffs to tranquil beaches, all while enjoying the island's refreshing sea breezes.
Jun Dong, Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, "Trail running is a fantastic way for seasoned runners and beginner enthusiasts alike to explore Asia's diverse landscapes. At Agoda, we are passionate about helping travelers discover these hidden gems, offering them the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of each location. With our extensive network of accommodations and travel options, we make it easy for runners to plan their adventures and find the best deals."
Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For more information on these trail running destinations, visit Agoda's website and find the best deals on Agoda's mobile app.
TOKYO, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Osaka is one of Japan's most popular destinations for international travelers. Historically a thriving merchant city, Osaka is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, the warmth of its people, and a rich, diverse culinary scene. From local favorites like "takoyaki" and "okonomiyaki" to world-class shopping and entertainment, the city offers an accessible and exciting experience that draws visitors from across the globe. Of course, being home to the world-renowned theme park, Universal Studios Japan, is another major reason travelers flock to this city.
Japan itself is highly regarded worldwide for its safety, well-organized society, and the spirit of omotenashi (heartfelt hospitality). Visitors can enjoy a unique blend of traditional culture, modern aesthetics, and beautiful cityscapes. Furthermore, the recent trend of the weaker yen has made Japan an even more attractive and economical choice for international tourists.
For those looking for the perfect base to explore Osaka in May (Golden Week) or during the summer holidays, Oriental Hotel Universal City is highly recommended. Located just steps away from Universal Studios Japan, this official hotel offers the ideal location and a comfortable environment for travelers looking to make the most of their theme park adventure and their stay in Osaka.
Oriental Hotel Universal City
Official Hotel of Universal Studios Japan
As an official hotel of Universal Studios Japan, Oriental Hotel Universal City offers a special stay tailored specifically for park guests. Located just a stone's throw from the gates, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location as a hub for sightseeing and leisure. After a full day of excitement at the theme park, you can return to the comfort of your room in no time.
The Welcome Lounge: A Colorful Start to Your Journey
Upon arrival, guests have exclusive access to our Welcome Lounge. This relaxing space allows you to kick off your trip in style while enjoying a selection of soft drinks and light snacks. This service is highly rated by our guests as the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a long journey, ensuring your stay in Osaka starts on a high note.
Details: https://universalcity.oriental-hotels.com/concept/5/
A Signature Breakfast Experience
Osaka is famously known as "Japan's Kitchen," celebrated for its incredible culinary depth. At Oriental Hotel Universal City, our breakfast is a highlight of the guest experience, designed to let you savor Japan's unique food culture from the moment you wake up. We offer a diverse buffet featuring both Japanese and Western specialties, providing the perfect energy boost for a day of exploring Osaka or a thrilling adventure at Universal Studios Japan. Our breakfast is a hit with international travelers and consistently ranks as a top reason for guest satisfaction.
Details: https://universalcity.oriental-hotels.com/restaurant/
For those looking to make the most of their Osaka trip and Universal Studios Japan, we highly recommend our Breakfast Included Plan.
https://bookings.oriental-hotels.com/?chain=32041&hotel=45684&&Filter=FXBF
Your Safe and Secure Base for an Unforgettable Osaka Journey
Japan is globally renowned as one of the safest countries to visit, offering travelers true peace of mind. From its unique cultural heritage and picturesque streetscapes to the world-famous spirit of omotenashi, Japan offers endless captivating experiences for visitors from around the world. When you visit Osaka, we invite you to make Oriental Hotel Universal City your home away from home. Together with the excitement of Universal Studios Japan, we look forward to providing you with a truly special stay.
Oriental Hotel Universal City
Opened in 2021 as an official hotel of Universal Studios Japan, Oriental Hotel Universal City was designed around the concept of "Charge from Nature." We offer a diverse range of accommodations to suit every travel style and group size, from standard double and twin rooms accommodating up to four guests to triple rooms that can house up to six. For larger families or groups, we provide connecting rooms for up to eight guests, as well as our flagship 54-square-meter Premier Twin rooms for those seeking extra space and luxury. Each room features a functional layout with a calming design rooted in earth tones, and every guest can enjoy a superior night's sleep on a premium Simmons bed.
Our buffet restaurant, GREEN WALL DINING, brings to life the concept of "A Refreshing Morning" within an airy, open space inspired by lush greenery. The menu is carefully crafted to revitalize both mind and body, providing the perfect energy boost for the day ahead. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of hearty and delicious options, including our signature juicy, thick-patty burgers and the Croffle Benedict—an innovative twist on Eggs Benedict that combines a crispy, buttery croissant-waffle texture with classic flavors. Paired with our freshly squeezed orange juice, our breakfast offers everything you need to kick-start your adventure in Osaka.
Hotel Information and Location
Location: 6-2-78 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 554-0024
Number of Rooms: 330
Facilities: Parking, Luggage Storage, Restaurant, Banquet Rooms
Access: 1-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, 1-minute walk from JR Universal City Station
Operator & Management Company: Hotel Management Japan Co., Ltd.
Official Website: https://www.universalcity.oriental-hotels.com
Oriental Hotel Universal City is an official hotel of Universal Studios Japan.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. CR26-1350
SHENZHEN, China, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 30, Delonix Group presented two new initiatives at its 2026 strategy conference: Genie AI, embedded in its Betterwood App, and a customer experience framework known as the Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches Model.
Delonix Group 2026 Strategy Conference
Individually, they resemble product and service upgrades. Taken together, they suggest something more structural: an attempt to replace the logic on which the hospitality industry has operated for decades.
For most of its modern history, the sector has been governed by a simple equation—growth through physical expansion. More rooms, better locations, higher occupancy. Scale was both strategy and moat.
That equation is beginning to break.
Chairman Zheng Nanyan framed the shift not as cyclical, but structural. The convergence of maturing consumer expectations and rapidly deployable AI systems is eroding the effectiveness of asset-led growth. Standardization, once a tool for efficiency, now produces indistinguishable experiences. Capital intensity, long tolerated, is becoming a constraint.
What is emerging in its place is not a more efficient version of the same model, but a different organizing principle altogether: demand, not supply, as the system's point of origin.
From Capacity to Interpretation
In this emerging model, the central problem is no longer how to build and fill capacity, but how to interpret and respond to fragmented, real-time customer intent.
This is where Delonix is positioning Genie AI.
Unlike most applications of AI in hospitality—which tend to sit at the interface level—Genie AI is designed to sit in the middle of the system, between intent and execution. It does not simply respond to requests; it structures them.
A guest interaction—whether through app input or voice—is translated into a sequence of executable tasks, routed through a centralized decision layer, and distributed to the nearest available human resource, before feeding back into the system as data.
The technical architecture is not unprecedented. What is notable is the ambition to make it foundational.
If it works as intended, service ceases to be a function of individual responsiveness and becomes instead a property of the system itself. Variability, historically managed after the fact, is designed out at the level of coordination.
In that sense, AI is no longer augmenting service. It is defining its boundaries.
Standardization Was the Solution. Now It Is the Constraint.
The industry's previous growth model depended on standardization: replicable rooms, predictable services, consistent delivery across locations. This enabled scale, but at the cost of differentiation.
As consumer expectations evolve, that trade-off is becoming less acceptable.
Delonix's response is not to abandon standardization, but to layer variability on top of it— systematically.
The Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches Model introduces a framework in which products and services are no longer fixed configurations, but evolving modules. Customer interaction becomes an input into how the product itself is iterated over time.
The implication is subtle but significant.
Hotels are no longer static assets with service attached. They become adaptive systems, where the product is continuously reshaped by usage.
For customers, this promises a form of progression—an experience that accumulates rather than resets. For operators and investors, it suggests a shift from one-off capital deployment to ongoing, incremental reconfiguration.
In both cases, the underlying assumption is the same: value is not embedded in the asset, but generated through interaction.
Control Shifts to the System Layer What ties these elements together is not technology alone, but control.
In the traditional model, control resided in assets—ownership, location, physical scale. In the emerging model, it moves upward, into the system layer that interprets demand, allocates resources, and continuously adjusts the product.
This shift has implications beyond efficiency.
A system that can interpret intent, coordinate execution, and learn from outcomes begins to set the terms of competition. The advantage no longer lies in having more assets, but in having a better system for deciding how those assets are used.
In that sense, AI is not just infrastructure. It is governance.
An Industry at the Edge of Repricing
China's broader push to integrate AI into industrial and consumer systems provides the backdrop for this shift. Policy frameworks such as the State Council's "AI+" initiative are accelerating deployment, but the more consequential changes are happening at the level of business models.
Hospitality is one of the more exposed sectors.
As the marginal return on physical expansion declines, and as customer expectations become more fluid, the industry is moving toward a repricing of what constitutes value. Scale, once the primary moat, is becoming easier to replicate and harder to defend.
What replaces it is still being defined.
Delonix's approach offers one possible direction: treating demand as a continuously generated input, and building systems capable of capturing and compounding it. Whether this model proves durable remains to be seen. But its premise is clear.
The future of hospitality may depend less on how hotels are built, and more on how they think.
About Delonix Group
Delonix Group is a leading international hospitality and experiential consumption group in the Asia-Pacific region. Ranked 14th globally, the Group partnered with Marriott International to launch the world's first dual-branded luxury property: MajesTang Hotel • A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, while independently creating MaisonLee, a Tang-inspired premium business travel brand. As one of the first Chinese hotel groups to expand overseas, Delonix has established a presence in high-potential markets such as Japan and Indonesia, with a footprint spanning more than 200 cities worldwide. Its portfolio includes Model J, hotel MONday and an investment in IHI that owns Swiss-Belhotel and Artotel, positioning the Group at the forefront of building a next-generation global platform for high-end hospitality and culturally immersive travel.
Thời gian nhận hồ sơ từ ngày 8 tháng 4 dành cho các nhà sáng tạo muốn chia sẻ trải nghiệm với JINRO qua góc nhìn bản địa độc đáo.
SEOUL, Hàn Quốc, ngày 8 tháng 4 năm 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JINRO, thương hiệu soju số 1 thế giới, chính thức khởi động tuyển chọn cho chương trình supporter quốc tế JINRO GLOBAL AGENT. Đây là chương trình được thiết kế để đưa những người yêu mến JINRO trở thành những người kể câu chuyện thương hiệu theo cách riêng của mình. Vượt qua khuôn khổ các chiến dịch ngắn hạn mang tính đơn lẻ, chương trình hướng đến việc xây dựng cộng đồng gắn với phong cách sống, bằng cách đưa JINRO hiện diện tự nhiên trong đời sống thường ngày và các câu chuyện văn hóa của người tiêu dùng toàn cầu.
JINRO chnh thc khi ng tuyn chn cho chng trnh supporter ton cu JINRO GLOBAL AGENT t ngy 8 thng 4. Chng trnh mi gi cc nh sng to chia s tri nghim vi JINRO qua gc nhn a phng c o ca ring mnh.
JINRO GLOBAL AGENT không chỉ đơn thuần là một chương trình giới thiệu sản phẩm. Thông qua việc chia sẻ trải nghiệm với JINRO từ góc nhìn cá nhân, người tham gia sẽ đóng vai trò là cầu nối giữa thương hiệu và cộng đồng địa phương, góp phần tạo nên những nội dung gần gũi, dễ đồng cảm và mở rộng thêm các điểm chạm của JINRO trên toàn cầu.
Ông Hwang Jung-ho, Giám đốc bộ phận Kinh doanh Quốc tế của HiteJinro, cho biết: "JINRO GLOBAL AGENT không chỉ là một chương trình hợp tác quảng bá, mà còn là sáng kiến thúc đẩy sự tương tác hai chiều giữa thương hiệu, người tham gia và cộng đồng mà họ đang gắn bó. Thông qua đó, chúng tôi cũng có thể thấu hiểu những insight thực tế cần thiết để xây dựng và củng cố mối quan hệ lâu dài với người tiêu dùng trên toàn thế giới."
Thông tin về chương trình JINRO GLOBAL AGENT
Các Agent được tuyển chọn sẽ tham gia chương trình kéo dài khoảng ba tháng với nhiều hoạt động sáng tạo nội dung khác nhau. Chương trình bao gồm các nhiệm vụ toàn cầu được triển khai đồng bộ tại nhiều thị trường và các nhiệm vụ địa phương được thiết kế phù hợp với đặc điểm riêng của từng khu vực.
Nhiệm vụ toàn cầu: Được xây dựng nhằm truyền tải nhất quán thông điệp cốt lõi của thương hiệu JINRO.
Nhiệm vụ địa phương: Được thiết kế riêng theo xu hướng mùa vụ, sắc thái văn hóa và bối cảnh phong cách sống của từng thị trường.
Thông qua các nhiệm vụ này, người tham gia sẽ giới thiệu JINRO từ chính góc nhìn của mình, tạo ra những nội dung tự nhiên và chân thực hơn. Sau khi hoàn thành nhiệm vụ, các Agent sẽ nhận được nhiều quyền lợi như cơ hội trải nghiệm sớm các sản phẩm mới của JINRO, hỗ trợ phát triển kênh cá nhân và các phần thưởng dành cho những nhà sáng tạo có thành tích nổi bật.
Cách thức đăng ký
Cổng đăng ký sẽ mở từ ngày 8 tháng 4 trên trang chính thức của JINRO GLOBAL AGENT. Bất kỳ ứng viên đủ độ tuổi hợp pháp để sử dụng đồ uống có cồn và đang hoạt động tích cực trên các nền tảng mạng xã hội chính đều có thể đăng ký tham gia. Ứng viên sẽ được đánh giá dựa trên nhiều tiêu chí như chất lượng nội dung, tính nhất quán và sự phù hợp với thương hiệu. Đợt tuyển chọn hiện tại dành cho các ứng viên tại Việt Nam, Philippines và Nhật Bản, đồng thời các thị trường khác cũng có thể được xem xét trong tương lai.
Để biết thêm thông tin chi tiết và đăng ký, vui lòng truy cập: www.jinro-global.webflow.io/agent-en
Về JINRO
Không chỉ đơn thuần là một thức uống, JINRO soju còn là cầu nối văn hóa, gắn kết con người từ nhiều quốc gia, cộng đồng và những câu chuyện khác nhau. Danh mục sản phẩm đa dạng của JINRO bao gồm JINRO IS BACK, ORIGINAL, FRESH, cùng dòng hương vị trái cây nổi bật như JINRO soju Bưởi, JINRO soju Nho, JINRO soju Mận, JINRO soju Dâu, JINRO soju Đào, JINRO soju Chanh Vàng, JINRO soju Dưa lưới (Phiên bản giới hạn).
Cng ng k cho chng trnh JINRO GLOBAL AGENT s m t ngy 8 thng 4. Cc nh sng to c tuyn chn s chia s cch JINRO kt ni vi i sng thng ngy v vn ha ti th trng a phng ca h.
Applications open April 8 for creators to share their JINRO experiences through a unique, local lens
SEOUL, South Korea, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JINRO, the world's No. 1 soju brand, is calling for participants in its JINRO GLOBAL AGENT, an international supporter program designed to turn fans into storytellers. Moving beyond traditional one-off campaigns, the program focuses on building lifestyle-driven communities by integrating JINRO into the daily lives and cultural conversations of global consumers.
JINRO launches recruitment for its global supporter program, JINRO GLOBAL AGENT, starting April 8. The program invites creators to share their JINRO experiences through a unique local lens.
The JINRO GLOBAL AGENT program is about more than just the product. By sharing JINRO experiences through their eyes, it will serve as a bridge between the brand and local communities, creating relatable content and expanding JINRO's global touchpoints.
Jung-ho Hwang, Head of Overseas Business at HiteJinro, said, "JINRO GLOBAL AGENT is more than a promotional collaboration; it is about sparking two-way communication between the brand, our participants, and the communities they thrive in. This also provides us with real-world insights needed to build and strengthen our long-term relationships with consumers worldwide."
JINRO GLOBAL AGENT Details
Selected Agents will participate in a three-month long program, engaging in a range of content creation. These include global missions shared across markets and local missions tailored to the characteristics of each region.
Global Missions: Designed to consistently communicate JINRO's core brand message.
Local Missions: Tailored to local seasonal trends, cultural nuances, and lifestyle contexts.
Through these missions, participants will introduce JINRO from their own perspectives, creating content that feels natural and authentic. Agents will receive benefits upon mission completion, including early access to new JINRO products, support for channel growth, and additional incentives for outstanding performance.
How to Apply
Applications open April 8 via the official JINRO GLOBAL AGENT page. Anyone of legal drinking age who actively manages major social media channels is eligible to apply. Applicants will be evaluated based on various factors including content quality, consistency, and overall brand fit. The current application round is open to applicants in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan, with additional markets potentially considered in the future.
For full details and to apply, visit www.jinro-global.webflow.io/agent-en.
About JINRO
Far beyond just a drink, JINRO soju is a cultural connector—bringing people together across countries, communities, and conversations with a diverse portfolio that includes JINRO IS BACK, ORIGINAL, FRESH, and a vibrant fruit range of GRAPEFRUIT, GREEN GRAPE, PLUM, STRAWBERRY, PEACH, LEMON.
Applications for JINRO GLOBAL AGENT open April 8. Selected creators will share how JINRO connects with everyday life and culture in their local markets.
NORWALK, Conn., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LBB Specialties (LBBS), a North American distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients providing technical solutions with a customer-first approach, today announced a new partnership with DMC Biotechnologies (DMC), a U.S.-based ingredient supplier pioneering sustainable fermentation technologies. Through this agreement, LBB Specialties will serve as the distributor of DMC's KeyPura™ fermented myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in the United States and Canada — two next-generation ingredients produced through precision fermentation — serving the Human Nutrition, Food, Personal Care, and Life Science markets.
"This collaboration brings to market a cleaner, more sustainable, and more reliable source of inositols. As essential compounds, inositols play critical roles in hormonal balance, reproductive health, infant brain development, blood sugar regulation with improved insulin sensitivity, and overall metabolic health," said Jerry Whelan, Senior Vice President, Food & Nutrition at LBBS. "DMC leverages their proprietary precision fermentation technology to produce bio-identical ingredients without solvents, with greater purity and consistency, and with a significantly lower environmental footprint than traditional chemical production methods."
"Together, LBBS and DMC are shaping the future of ingredient innovation," said Rusty Pittman, Vice President of Business Development at DMC. "This partnership underscores our shared commitment to high-purity, naturally derived ingredients with proven health benefits – responsibly sourced and sustainably produced. The partnership further strengthens LBBS's growing portfolio of functional and sustainable ingredient technologies that empower brands to meet the next generation of consumer expectations, without compromising performance, purity, or planet."
For more information about DMC's KeyPura™ fermented inositols, please contact LBB Specialties today.
About LBB Specialties
LBB Specialties (LBBS) is a dedicated provider of specialty chemicals and ingredients, specializing in sales, marketing, and distribution across North America. LBBS provides technical solutions with a customer-first approach, serving diverse end-markets through five industry and market business units: Care, Food & Nutrition, Industrial Specialties, Life Sciences, and Canada. www.LBBSpecialties.com
Media Contact:
Ahmed Hanafy
media@lbbspecialties.com
About DMC Biotechnologies
DMC Biotechnologies is a U.S.-based biomanufacturer redefining how the world produces specialty chemicals and ingredients. Through precision fermentation and synthetic biology, DMC creates sustainable, bio-based alternatives that reduce carbon emissions, enhance quality, and improve global supply chain resilience. The company's proprietary Dynamic Metabolic Control™ platform enables predictable, scalable, and efficient fermentation processes that unlock a new era of low-impact ingredient manufacturing. Learn more at www.dmcbio.com
Media Contact:
Megan Hopkins
media@dmcbio.com
A nationwide initiative is linking tourism, retail, and small businesses to turn local consumption into a coordinated economic stimulus
SEOUL, South Korea, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid evolving global economic conditions, South Korea is exploring a distinctive approach to economic stimulus – one that goes beyond traditional fiscal or monetary measures, and instead focuses on mobilizing consumption.
Myeong-dong, one of the busiest shopping areas in Seoul
At the center of this approach is the Donghaeng Festival (K-Shopping Festa or 동행축제 in Korean), a nationwide initiative led by Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups, literally meaning a "shared journey" or collective participation. What began as a seasonal sales campaign has evolved into a nationwide mechanism designed to channel spending toward small businesses and local economies.
A Nationwide Consumption Framework
The April 2026 edition illustrates the scale of this effort. Over a 30-day period, the festival brings together more than 33,000 SMEs and micro businesses across approximately 200 distribution channels, while connecting consumption to more than 50 regional festivals nationwide.
Scale alone does not explain its significance.
The Donghaeng Festival operates as a coordinated system. Travel, cultural events, and retail promotions are not run in parallel – they are structurally linked. Visitors are drawn into regional areas through festivals and tourism programs, and that movement is then converted into local spending across traditional markets, neighborhood stores, and small business networks.
The result is a deliberate circulation of demand – redirecting consumption away from concentration in major urban centers toward a broader economic base.
Government as Market Catalyst
This level of coordination does not emerge organically. It is actively enabled by the government, which brings together central ministries, local authorities, and private-sector platforms into a single operational framework.
Rather than acting as a direct market participant, the state functions as a catalyst – aligning incentives, lowering participation barriers, and synchronizing fragmented actors. Discount schemes, digital vouchers, and partnerships with major retailers and financial institutions are designed to accelerate consumer spending while ensuring that it reaches smaller businesses.
In effect, policy is used not to replace the market, but to organize it.
Impact on Small Businesses
For small and micro enterprises, the effects are immediate.
Many operate with limited financial buffers, making short-term demand fluctuations critical. The festival creates concentrated periods of high visibility and purchasing activity, allowing businesses to generate revenue, improve cash flow, and stabilize operations within a relatively short timeframe.
This is particularly significant outside major metropolitan areas, where local businesses are more exposed to declines in foot traffic and consumer demand.
Measured Economic Effects
The economic impact is increasingly measurable.
In 2025, three rounds of the Donghaeng Festival generated substantial sales volumes:
KRW 313.5 billion (USD 209 million) in March
KRW 702.2 billion (USD 468 million) in May
KRW 1.39 trillion (USD 927 million) in September
Notably, indirect sales – reflecting spillover effects into surrounding commercial areas – account for a significant share of total activity. This suggests that the festival's impact extends beyond official sales channels, stimulating broader local economies.
Local Economies, Tangible Effects
At the regional level, the outcomes are more modest in scale but highly concentrated.
Previous editions drew tens of thousands of visitors to local events, including around 18,000 visitors to Jeju Island, one of Korea's primary tourism destinations, and approximately 9,000 visitors to Gwangju, a major regional city in the southwest.
For participating businesses, sales generated through these regional programs ranged from KRW 708 million (USD 470,000) to KRW 2.017 billion (USD 1.34 million) per cycle.
Such figures may appear limited in aggregate terms, but they represent meaningful gains for small merchants and local producers – where incremental revenue can directly affect business continuity.
Expanding Market Access
Another defining feature is the integration of distribution channels.
Participating firms are able to access a wide range of platforms simultaneously – from e-commerce and live commerce to department stores, hypermarkets, and convenience retail networks. This reduces structural barriers that typically limit small businesses' access to larger markets.
The result is not just increased sales, but expanded visibility.
Beyond Short-Term Stimulus: A Model for Consumption-Led Growth
The Donghaeng Festival also serves a broader function in revitalizing domestic consumption. By aligning retail promotions with tourism and cultural experiences, it encourages both Korean consumers and international visitors to participate in local spending across regions.
For domestic households, the festival lowers the threshold for consumption through coordinated discounts and incentives, creating timely opportunities to re-engage with everyday spending. For international visitors, it offers structured entry points into Korea's local economies – connecting travel experiences with neighborhood markets, regional products, and small businesses.
In this way, the initiative reinforces consumption not as a one-off response, but as a more sustained pattern of spending – linking short-term demand activation with a more resilient domestic consumption base.
Beyond its immediate impact, the model also carries broader policy implications on how consumption can be effectively mobilized.
The Donghaeng Festival demonstrates how domestic demand can be activated in a targeted and inclusive way – by integrating tourism, culture, and retail into a unified system that engages both residents and visitors. Rather than treating consumption as a passive outcome, it is actively designed and guided toward sectors and regions where its impact is most needed.
This approach builds growth not through isolated interventions, but through coordinated participation at scale – where individual spending, whether by local consumers or international tourists, contributes to a broader economic effect.
In a period defined by uncertainty, it offers a practical proposition: that strengthening domestic consumption – supported by both local demand and visitor spending – can provide a more stable foundation for economic resilience.
Rather than relying solely on large-scale policy shifts, the Donghaeng Festival suggests that growth can also be built through coordinated, everyday spending – distributed across regions, sectors, and communities.
Exclusive Luxury Rental Portfolio Launches Across Premier Global Destinations. Family Office Appoints Dallas-Based Icon Global to Lead International Marketing Campaign
DALLAS, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amasé is a privately owned collection of exclusive luxury escapes in extraordinary places. Each residence is situated within destinations defined by landscape, culture and a distinct way of life informed by season and setting.
Aspen. Vail. Telluride. Hamptons. Jackson Hole. Santa Fe. Steamboat. Park City. Whitefish. Kauai. Maui. Belize. Bahamas …and more.
Amasé Director of Guest Experience, Robi Bhattacharya stated:
"Many of our locations are accessed via private FBO. Short-term rentals range from $5,000 to $40,000 per night with other non-published, fully private location options available for guests seeking complete anonymity. From private chefs and expert guides to fully customized concierge services, AMASÉ delivers tailored experiences — whether for intimate escapes, multi-family gatherings, or corporate retreats accommodating more than forty guests."
The Amasé rollout will include high-profile activations in Dallas and Fort Worth, highlighted by its presence at the 2026 NCHA Celebrity Cutting, presented by Icon Global on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
This widely attended charitable event benefits UT Southwestern Medical Center and is co-chaired by Nicole Sheridan. It features professional cutting horse competitors paired with celebrity riders from husband, producer/director, Taylor Sheridan's hit productions, including Landman, The Madison, Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown, Yellowstone, and more.
Simultaneously, AMASÉ will be showcased during the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals and FEI Dressage World Cup™ Finals, taking place April 8–12 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.
The launch will also feature the Amasé retreats alongside Icon Global's portfolio of premier ranches, polo properties, and equestrian estates. These will be presented within the exclusive Reliant Club, hosting international family offices, dignitaries, and high-net-worth clientele.
"The global communities within English and Western equestrian sport — including show jumping, dressage, cutting, and reining — along with international polo team owners and networks, represent a natural alignment with our target clientele." added Bhattacharya.
Icon Global represents extraordinary people, who own extraordinary properties in extraordinary places.
"Amasé, (ah-ma -Say), which simply means 'amazing', is exactly that." stated Icon Global's Bernard Uechtritz. "This collection represents an extraordinary portfolio of architecturally significant, private legacy estates located in globally recognized resort destinations, as well as select, discreet off-market locations for those seeking complete privacy. With our deep expertise in marketing one-of-a-kind assets, Icon Global is proud to represent AMASÉ on the global stage."
About Amase.
Amasé is a privately owned collection of luxury residences in extraordinary destinations. Each home is situated within places shaped by landscape, culture, and a way of life defined by season and setting. Amasestays.com
AMASÉ - all properties
AMASÉ + AN ICON GLOBAL ALLIANCE
AMASÉ + AN ICON GLOBAL ALLIANCE (60)
AMASÉ + AN ICON GLOBAL ALLIANCE (30)
About Icon Global
Icon Global designs and implements strategic, tactical, national and global marketing campaigns for Iconic real estate, and additionally provides specialty advisory and portfolio services for owners of unique assets across the USA, parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Icon represents banking and governmental institutions, and high net worth individuals', as well as corporations and family offices globally, in the acquisition, management and disposition of property in all asset classes. Icon Global was founded by complex deal maker and International real estate advisor, Bernard Uechtritz.
HOI AN, Vietnam, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For a destination long defined by its preserved old town and cultural charm, Hoi An has rarely been positioned on the global stage of contemporary luxury. That narrative is beginning to shift. With its recent recognition at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards as Best Luxury Heritage Resort, Grand Signature Resort Hoi An by M Village marks a significant milestone - becoming the first resort in Hoi An to be honored in the luxury heritage category.
Grand Signature Resort Hoi An by M Village Earns Global Recognition
A Peaceful Heritage Village for a Soulful Retreat
Set within the heart of Hoi An, just moments from the ancient town, Grand Signature Resort introduces a distinct concept: a "Peaceful Heritage Village" designed for a more soulful kind of retreat. Here, heritage is not presented as something to observe, but something to live within. The experience is shaped around a holistic sense of balance, where body, mind and spirit are gently restored through a slower, more intentional rhythm of living.
Designed to Be Lived, Not Just Experienced
Inspired by the traditional villages of Quang Nam, the resort unfolds through timber structures, tiled roofs and serene landscapes. Guests move through the space on foot or by bicycle, mirroring the rhythm of a local neighborhood.
Positioned near some of the region's most beloved cultural villages, it draws from the craft of Kim Bong woodwork, the earthiness of Thanh Ha pottery, and the greenery of Tra Que - long favored by international travelers seeking a deeper connection to Hoi An's living heritage.
 
Discover Hoi An's First Luxury Heritage Resort
A Slower Rhythm of Travel
What defines the experience is not a list of activities, but the way time is felt. Mornings arrive softly, with natural light filtering through garden spaces. Days stretch between moments of movement and stillness - whether wandering through the surrounding streets or retreating into private corners. Evenings settle into a calm, unhurried atmosphere, where the boundaries between space, culture and personal experience begin to dissolve.
A serene village retreat set in the heart of Hoi An
Hospitality Rooted in Human Connection
At the heart of the resort is its service philosophy, "Villager Care," which reimagines hospitality as something more intuitive and human. Guests are welcomed not as visitors passing through, but as part of a living community - where care is personal, unforced, and rooted in a genuine sense of belonging.
Redefining How Hoi An Is Experienced
This approach sets Grand Signature Resort Hoi An apart within Hoi An's increasingly competitive hospitality landscape. Rather than offering a curated version of heritage, it presents a living environment shaped by culture, rhythm and connection. In doing so, it shifts the perception of Hoi An from a destination to visit briefly, into a place that invites a deeper, more sustained way of experiencing.
More information and booking
Stay update with M Village via Instagram or Facebook
Asian protein producer goes live across nine plants, expands rollout to increase margins and improve operational control
JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RELEX Solutions today announces that Japfa Food Indonesia, a subsidiary of Japfa Group, a leading pan-Asian industrial agri-food company, is upgrading its supply chain planning with RELEX's unified planning platform for retailers and manufacturers. Japfa Food Indonesia has already gone live with RELEX across nine plants in primary processing and is rolling out the solution to six additional plants by June 2026.
With a strong presence across the Indonesian livestock and protein industry, Japfa Food Indonesia manages more than 2,000 SKUs across 15 primary processing plants and 23 distribution centers, serving one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the region. As demand for protein continues to rise, Japfa Food Indonesia identified the need to replace spreadsheet-based planning processes with a more integrated and scalable approach.
With RELEX, Japfa Food Indonesia is implementing demand planning, master planning, distribution planning, and inventory planning within a unified platform. The solution supports more accurate short- and long-term forecasting using machine learning, aligns production and cut planning with real demand, and improves visibility across plants and distribution centers.
In the first phase, RELEX supports planning across Japfa Food Indonesia's live bird operations, including optimizing cut plans to better match supply with customer demand and reduce surplus. By aligning demand, production, distribution, and inventory planning, Japfa Food Indonesia aims to improve delivery service, reduce margin erosion, and limit manual intervention in daily planning processes.
From the second half of 2026, Japfa Food Indonesia will expand the implementation to its further processing division, covering 7 plants and 58 distribution centers. The operational scope will mirror the current implementation, extending demand, master, distribution, and inventory planning capabilities across the broader network.
"RELEX experience in poultry supply chain planning stood out to us," said Nathan J. Ramadhan, Deputy Head (AVP) Supply Chain Downstream at Japfa Food Indonesia. "The team demonstrated a clear understanding of the protein industry and the complexity involved in balancing yield, service levels, and margins."
"Japfa Food Indonesia operates in one of the most complex supply environments in food production," said Stefano Scandelli, General Manager, Manufacturing and Senior Vice President, Sales at RELEX. "By connecting demand signals to production and distribution planning in one platform, the company gains the control and responsiveness needed to support growth across Indonesia."
About PT JAPFA Food Indonesia
PT JAPFA Food Indonesia is part of the JAPFA Group and provides a wide range of animal protein products, from primary protein sources such as poultry, beef, fish, and dairy, to value-added products including processed meats, yogurt, sauces, and seasonings. Through its products and services, JAPFA Food is committed to meeting the nutritional needs of the community while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
About RELEX Solutions
RELEX Solutions provides a unified supply chain and retail planning platform that aligns and optimizes demand, merchandising, supply chain, operations, and production planning across the end-to-end value chain. We help retailers and consumer goods companies like UNFI, ADUSA, AutoZone, Coles, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, and The Home Depot drive profitable growth across all sales and distribution channels, leading to higher product availability, increased sales, and improved sustainability. Learn more at: https://www.relexsolutions.com/customers/
BANGKOK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TaoKaeNoi Food & Marketing PLC, Thailand's leading seaweed snack brand, is elevating the fan experience through the "TaoKaeNoi x Chen Zheyuan: A Global Journey of Flavor" event, marking the official introduction of Chen Zheyuan as Global Brand Ambassador. This collaboration celebrates the vibrant role of snacking in modern lifestyles, brought to life through Chen Zheyuan—an artist and a true face of the "New Asian Wave". With his magnetic presence and Positive Energy, he continues to resonate with fans across Asia and beyond, making him a natural extension of the TaoKaeNoi brand.
Chen Zheyuan Global Brand Ambassador TaoKaeNoi
As a Thai brand that has evolved into a global name across more than 50 countries, TaoKaeNoi continues to strengthen its position in the healthy snack category through two core strategies: Hyper-Localization, which adapts products to local tastes and behaviors, and Cultural Synergy, which builds meaningful connections through globally relevant ambassadors and voices. Together, these strategies reflect the brand's commitment to delivering the "Goodness of Seaweed" through a balance of health, taste, and global accessibility.
The partnership with Chen Zheyuan represents more than a collaboration—it reflects a shared vision. His dedication, passion, and Positive Energy closely mirror TaoKaeNoi's brand DNA. Just as he continuously strives for excellence in his craft, TaoKaeNoi is driven by a strong commitment to deliver high-quality products to consumers around the world. This alignment marks a step forward in evolving TaoKaeNoi from a beloved snack brand into a Global Lifestyle Brand.
The collaboration connects with a new generation of global consumers who value both great taste and a meaningful brand experience. By integrating TaoKaeNoi into everyday lifestyles, it goes beyond short-term trends to build lasting engagement and emotional connection. It invites consumers to be part of the brand's journey, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening a global community around TaoKaeNoi.
Today's consumers are seeking more than just a healthy snack—they are looking for moments of "Guilt-Free Indulgence" that align with their lifestyle. TaoKaeNoi continues to evolve to meet this need, delivering "Seaweed Goodness" that combines enjoyment, confidence, and balance in everyday moments. Guided by this vision, the brand brings together quality, lifestyle, and Positive Energy to connect with modern consumers, reflecting a health-conscious and forward-looking identity that resonates across markets.
#TaokaenoiXChenZheYuanAGlobalJourneyofFlavor #TaoKaeNoi
In the news release, "When Demand Becomes the System: Delonix and the Rewriting of Hospitality's Operating Logic", issued on April 1, 2026 by Delonix Group over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that there is an update on the boilerplate of the release. Complete, corrected release follows:
When Demand Becomes the System: Delonix and the Rewriting of Hospitality's Operating Logic
SHENZHEN, China, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 30, Delonix Group presented two new initiatives at its 2026 strategy conference: Genie AI, embedded in its Betterwood App, and a customer experience framework known as the Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches Model.
Delonix Group 2026 Strategy Conference
Individually, they resemble product and service upgrades. Taken together, they suggest something more structural: an attempt to replace the logic on which the hospitality industry has operated for decades.
For most of its modern history, the sector has been governed by a simple equation—growth through physical expansion. More rooms, better locations, higher occupancy. Scale was both strategy and moat.
That equation is beginning to break.
Chairman Zheng Nanyan framed the shift not as cyclical, but structural. The convergence of maturing consumer expectations and rapidly deployable AI systems is eroding the effectiveness of asset-led growth. Standardization, once a tool for efficiency, now produces indistinguishable experiences. Capital intensity, long tolerated, is becoming a constraint.
What is emerging in its place is not a more efficient version of the same model, but a different organizing principle altogether: demand, not supply, as the system's point of origin.
From Capacity to Interpretation
In this emerging model, the central problem is no longer how to build and fill capacity, but how to interpret and respond to fragmented, real-time customer intent.
This is where Delonix is positioning Genie AI.
Unlike most applications of AI in hospitality—which tend to sit at the interface level—Genie AI is designed to sit in the middle of the system, between intent and execution. It does not simply respond to requests; it structures them.
A guest interaction—whether through app input or voice—is translated into a sequence of executable tasks, routed through a centralized decision layer, and distributed to the nearest available human resource, before feeding back into the system as data.
The technical architecture is not unprecedented. What is notable is the ambition to make it foundational.
If it works as intended, service ceases to be a function of individual responsiveness and becomes instead a property of the system itself. Variability, historically managed after the fact, is designed out at the level of coordination.
In that sense, AI is no longer augmenting service. It is defining its boundaries.
Standardization Was the Solution. Now It Is the Constraint.
The industry's previous growth model depended on standardization: replicable rooms, predictable services, consistent delivery across locations. This enabled scale, but at the cost of differentiation.
As consumer expectations evolve, that trade-off is becoming less acceptable.
Delonix's response is not to abandon standardization, but to layer variability on top of it—systematically.
The Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches Model introduces a framework in which products and services are no longer fixed configurations, but evolving modules. Customer interaction becomes an input into how the product itself is iterated over time.
The implication is subtle but significant.
Hotels are no longer static assets with service attached. They become adaptive systems, where the product is continuously reshaped by usage.
For customers, this promises a form of progression—an experience that accumulates rather than resets. For operators and investors, it suggests a shift from one-off capital deployment to ongoing, incremental reconfiguration.
In both cases, the underlying assumption is the same: value is not embedded in the asset, but generated through interaction.
Control Shifts to the System Layer
What ties these elements together is not technology alone, but control.
In the traditional model, control resided in assets—ownership, location, physical scale. In the emerging model, it moves upward, into the system layer that interprets demand, allocates resources, and continuously adjusts the product.
This shift has implications beyond efficiency.
A system that can interpret intent, coordinate execution, and learn from outcomes begins to set the terms of competition. The advantage no longer lies in having more assets, but in having a better system for deciding how those assets are used.
In that sense, AI is not just infrastructure. It is governance.
An Industry at the Edge of Repricing
China's broader push to integrate AI into industrial and consumer systems provides the backdrop for this shift. Policy frameworks such as the State Council's "AI+" initiative are accelerating deployment, but the more consequential changes are happening at the level of business models.
Hospitality is one of the more exposed sectors.
As the marginal return on physical expansion declines, and as customer expectations become more fluid, the industry is moving toward a repricing of what constitutes value. Scale, once the primary moat, is becoming easier to replicate and harder to defend.
What replaces it is still being defined.
Delonix's approach offers one possible direction: treating demand as a continuously generated input, and building systems capable of capturing and compounding it. Whether this model proves durable remains to be seen. But its premise is clear.
The future of hospitality may depend less on how hotels are built, and more on how they think.
About Delonix Group
Delonix Group is a leading international hospitality and experiential consumption group in the Asia-Pacific region. Ranked 14th globally, the Group partnered with Marriott International to launch the world's first dual-branded luxury property: MajesTang Hotel • A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, while independently creating MaisonLee, a Tang-inspired premium business travel brand. As one of the first Chinese hotel groups to expand overseas, Delonix has established a presence in high-potential markets such as Japan and Indonesia, with a footprint spanning more than 200 cities worldwide. Its portfolio includes Model J, hotel MONday and an investment in IHI that owns Swiss-Belhotel and Artotel, positioning the Group at the forefront of building a next-generation global platform for high-end hospitality and culturally immersive travel.
SINGAPORE, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lim Traders Pte Ltd, a long-established meat importer, processor and distributor in Singapore, has launched its new direct-to-consumer platform, The Halal Meat Specialist, marking a strategic expansion into retail while reinforcing its position as a trusted provider of halal-certified meat products.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Lim Traders continues to evolve to meet growing demand for convenient access to high-quality halal meats across Singapore.
Expanding from Wholesale to Retail
The launch of The Halal Meat Specialist (https://www.thehalalmeatspecialist.com/) represents a key milestone in Lim Traders' growth, enabling the company to serve not only businesses but also individual consumers.
Through this platform, customers can conveniently browse and purchase a wide range of halal-certified products, including poultry, beef, lamb, seafood and ready-to-cook items.
This move bridges the gap between wholesale supply and everyday consumer needs, making premium halal meats more accessible to households across Singapore.
Backed by a Fully Integrated Halal Supply Chain
Lim Traders operates across the entire value chain, from importation and processing to storage and distribution, ensuring strict quality control at every stage.
All products are certified halal by MUIS (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura), providing assurance to customers that every purchase meets recognised halal standards.
The company also holds certifications such as SS590:2013 and BizSafe Level 3, reinforcing its commitment to food safety, operational excellence and compliance.
Strong Logistics Network Supporting Islandwide Delivery
To support its retail expansion, Lim Traders leverages its robust logistics network to provide islandwide delivery across Singapore, excluding selected restricted zones.
Customers can enjoy:
Free delivery for orders above $100
A $15 delivery fee for smaller orders
Delivery time slots between 8:30am and 6:00pm
A self-collection option at its facility in Chin Bee Road
This ensures reliable, efficient delivery while maintaining product freshness and quality.
Continuous Investment in Facilities and Capabilities
In 2023, Lim Traders expanded into a new facility equipped with enhanced capabilities, including a central kitchen that supports customised food solutions.
This allows the company to offer value-added services such as:
Meat marination and seasoning
Customised cuts and processing
Ready-to-cook and ready-to-heat products
These capabilities enable Lim Traders to better serve both businesses and retail customers with evolving needs.
Over Four Decades of Industry Experience
Established in the 1980s and incorporated in 2003, Lim Traders has built a strong reputation as a dependable halal meat supplier in Singapore.
From its beginnings as a neighbourhood distributor, the company has grown into a full-service provider serving customers islandwide, while maintaining its core values of quality, integrity and customer service.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of The Halal Meat Specialist, Lim Traders is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for halal-certified products in Singapore.
By combining its decades of expertise with digital accessibility and operational strength, the company continues to set new standards in halal meat distribution.
About Lim Traders Pte Ltd
Lim Traders Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based importer, processor and distributor of halal-certified meat products. With over 40 years of experience, the company provides a full range of services including supply, storage, processing and distribution of poultry, beef, lamb and seafood. Lim Traders is committed to delivering quality products with strict adherence to halal standards and operational excellence.
Resumes services to Fukuoka, Japan from September 2026 after nearly two decades
Expands China footprint with new direct services to Shenzhen and Changsha, commencing July 2026
"MAG Arena" showcases Asia's Largest Airline Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2026, featuring the region's premier sports partnership activation by an airline
Increases frequencies across ASEAN, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand and Europe to further strengthen global connectivity
SINGAPORE, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia Airlines is significantly expanding its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, China. Commencing between July and September 2026, these additions bring the airline's China network to nine key gateways and reinforce its commitment to providing greater travel flexibility across the region.
Malaysia Airlines Strengthens East Asia Network with Return to Fukuoka, Launch of New Routes and Increased Frequencies Across Key Markets
As part of this expansion, the airline will introduce new services between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) in China, alongside the resumption of services to Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan, which the airline last operated in September 2006. With the launch of these destinations, Malaysia Airlines consolidates its presence across a total of nine strategic destinations in China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). Ticket sales for the new services commence today, supporting the growing travel demand and strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and these high-growth regional hubs.
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, "This expansion reflects our strategic focus on scaling our presence in key growth markets across East Asia while cementing Kuala Lumpur's position as a key strategic gateway. Both Shenzhen and Changsha align perfectly with our network strategy, driven by robust demand across both business and leisure segments. The return to Fukuoka further enhances our network depth. As the only carrier operating direct flights on this route, we are proud to offer passengers a seamless non-stop experience that eliminates the need for transit. These developments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to optimising our network and delivering a more integrated travel experience for our customers."
Beyond the East Asia expansion, Malaysia Airlines is increasing flight frequencies across key routes namely Brisbane, Australia; Manila, Philippines and Colombo, Sri Lanka to meet rising demand while supporting growing tourism and trade links. In addition, the airline will operate ad-hoc Kuala Lumpur–London flights on 18 and 22 April 2026 to accommodate passengers affected by recent Middle Eastern carrier disruptions.
As the returning Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor of MATTA Fair 2026, MAG unveiled its most ambitious presence yet with the launch of the MAG Arena, recognised by both the Asia Records and ASEAN Records as Asia's Largest Airline Trade Pavilion at a consumer travel fair.
Spanning approximately 46,000 square feet, nearly three times the scale of its participation in September last year, the expanded pavilion transforms the MATTA Fair experience into a fully immersive destination showcasing curated experiences and next-generation travel technology that brings journeys to life before travellers even board the aircraft. Visitors will be able to explore destinations, discover travel innovations and experience the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality through interactive engagements designed to inspire their next journey.
In addition, the pavilion will host Asia's largest sports partnership activation by an airline, celebrating Malaysia Airlines' collaborations with global clubs like Manchester United and national sporting icons Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and others. The dedicated sports experience zone will allow football fans and travellers to engage with legends and their favourite sports personalities — reinforcing how sport and travel connect people across borders and generations.
Through the expansion of its network and increased flight frequencies, the airline continues to strengthen Kuala Lumpur's position as a key gateway to Asia and beyond, while supporting Malaysia's tourism ambitions under Visit Malaysia 2026 and advancing its journey towards becoming one of the world's Top 10 global airlines by 2030.
-ENDS-
New Routes
Airline
Route
Frequency
Date Open for Sale
Inaugural Flight
Malaysia Airlines
Kuala Lumpur –
Shenzhen (SZX)
7x weekly
(Mon-Sun)
3 April 2026
1 July 2026
Kuala Lumpur –
Changsha (CSX)
7x weekly
(Mon-Sun)
3 April 2026
8 July 2026
Kuala Lumpur -Fukuoka (FUK)
5x weekly
(Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
3 April 2026
2 Sept 2026
Malaysia Airlines' Additional Frequencies
Region
Route
Frequency
(Before Increase)
Frequency
(After Increase)
Effective Date
Europe
KUL/London (LHR)
14x weekly
16x weekly
18 & 22 Apr 2026
Australia and New Zealand
KUL/Brisbane (BNE) vv
5x weekly
6x weekly 7x weekly
16 Aug 2026
25 Oct 2026
ASEAN
KUL/Manila
(MNL) vv
21x weekly
28x weekly
1 Jul 2026
South Asia
KUL/Colombo (CMB) vv
7x weekly
8x weekly
9x weekly 10x weekly
3 Apr 2026
3 May 2026
20 May 2026
About Malaysia Aviation Group
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three core business portfolios: Airline Business, Loyalty & Travel Services, and Aviation Services.
The Airline Business portfolio serves global, domestic, and segmented markets through Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier; Firefly – the regional airline focused on connecting communities across Malaysia and ASEAN; and Amal by Malaysia Airlines – the leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.
The Aviation Services portfolio offers a full suite of capabilities, comprising MAB Engineering, the maintenance, repair and overhaul services provider; MASkargo, the cargo and logistics solutions provider; AeroDarat Services, the ground handling services provider; MAG Culinary Solutions, overseeing all F&B-related strategies, operations and services across MAG; and MAB Academy, the centre of excellence for aviation and hospitality training.
The Loyalty & Travel Services portfolio delivers end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programmes, strengthening MAG's core expertise in airline and aviation services. It includes Journify – an integrated digital platform offering travel and lifestyle experiences; Enrich – Malaysia Airlines' award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty programme; and MHholidays – the Group's dedicated flight and hotel package platform.
With its clear business portfolios, MAG is committed to realising its vision of becoming Asia's Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group by delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a culture that empowers its people, and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth.
For more information, visit www.malaysiaaviationgroup.com.my
Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group.
SHANGHAI, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 3rd, Tourism Plus Shanghai 2026 came to a successful close. With 5 collective exhibitions, a total exhibition area of 700,000 square meters, and over 6,000 exhibitors, the expo welcomed nearly 450,000 visitors from 189 countries and regions over a 6-day exhibition period, among which the number of overseas visitors increased by nearly 50% compared with last year! The display of hundreds of thousands of new products, various new cultural tourism consumption scenarios and solutions presented the deep integration of "tourism + various industries" from multiple perspectives, showcasing the vigorous vitality of high-quality development of the cultural and tourism industry.
From March 29 to April 3, Tourism Plus Shanghai 2026 was held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), and the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The five collective exhibitions include: Thematic Pavilion of Tourism Plus Shanghai, China (Shanghai) International Boat Show & The Lifestyle Show Shanghai, Shanghai Modern Concept World Expo, HOTELEX Shanghai – International Hospitality Equipment & Foodservice Expo, and Hotel & Shop Plus – Shanghai International Hotel, Shop, Office and Public Space Expo, covering a total of 16 industrial categories and 58 exhibition sections.
The matchmaking meetings in 19 vertical fields held concurrently with the expo — totaling 31 sessions — were included in the 2026 Shanghai Culture & Tourism Investment Promotion Week. The meetings invited over 800 professional buyers from both domestic and international markets and facilitated interaction between buyers from different exhibitions. The arrival of numerous buyers and investors from home and abroad helped position Shanghai as a gateway for tourism investment in Asia.
The platform effect of this expo was particularly significant in creating new cultural tourism consumption scenarios and integrating culture and tourism with daily lifestyles. The creation of 35 lifestyle festivals and special exhibitions, along with numerous new scenario solutions brought by participating merchants, provided trend references and supply chain vendors for tourism destinations seeking to create host-guest shared tourism lifestyles. The lifestyle festivals and special exhibitions covered topics such as intangible cultural heritage in ancient towns, self-drive travel destinations, internet-famous scene creation, water sports and lure fishing, coffee, CHA tea drinks, bread, candy and chocolate, bars and alcoholic drinks, small appliances, Fair Field, architecture, design and oriental aesthetics hotels, pet-friendly concepts, hotel brand investment and franchising, homestay intangible cultural heritage, hotel uniforms, floral art, and fragrances.
22 international and domestic competitions covered areas including food and beverage production skills such as coffee, trendy drinks, cooking, baking, ice cream, chocolate, and bartending; hotel service skills such as table setting, housekeeping, and cleaning; as well as hotel uniform competitions and lure fishing tournaments. Through these competitions, various talents were supplied to the industry, while also leading the trend of professional skills development.
In more than 190 professional forums held concurrently with the expo, over 1,000 speakers from various industries shared insights with audiences on trends and solutions in fields including tourism investment development, road trip ecology, metaverse and cultural tourism industry integration, cultural-business-tourism integration, boat industry development, future marine lifestyles, fishing gear brands and industrial cluster development, new retail development, functional health food and beverages, food design, Fair Field, catering industry development, chain franchising, food delivery industry development, hotel digital intelligence, cooking robot ecology, local cuisine development, coffee and tea beverage development, Chinese cuisine development and going global, local cuisine development, catering equipment and supply chains, central kitchen construction, cultural-business-tourism investment, hotel investment, hotel brand innovation, regional hotel development, hotel procurement and supply chains, AI and the future of hotels, urban planning, landscape design, architectural design, hotel and commercial space design, commercial and office space design, commercial district renewal, lighting design, cultural tourism landscape light and shadow design, wellness design, sleep and great health, healing design, pet-friendly spaces, hotel and tourism innovation, retail digitalization, stone care, cleaning under ESG drivers, hotel and property technology innovation, driverless cleaning robots, aerial cleaning, cleaning equipment, laundry industry development, and restroom sanitation. The expo also held over 100 roadshows, new product launches, product promotions, catwalks, award ceremonies, dinners, and other events.
Moreover, across all tourism elements — "food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment" — exhibitors brought the latest products and system solutions based on AI, large language models, robots, intelligent control, green energy, and green materials. Leading exhibitors also presented comprehensive solutions for smart application scenarios, injecting technological momentum into industrial upgrading.
The expo also achieved linkage with Shanghai's urban events: outdoor sports lifestyle festivals were linked with "Dynamic Pudong," the special exhibition on commercial aesthetics extended to the surrounding World Expo Tian Di area, and the food and beverage exhibition was linked with the "2026 Shanghai Global Food Festival." The comprehensive linkage of culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions significantly enhanced the attention and participation of professional visitors and citizens/tourists in Shanghai's cultural tourism consumption scenarios, and notably boosted consumption in surrounding areas such as hotel accommodation, dining, and shopping during the exhibition period.
"United Sectors, Boundless Journeys" — Tourism Plus Shanghai 2026 saw a significant increase in both the number of source countries/regions and the number of overseas buyers, with increases of 27.7% and nearly 50%, respectively. This demonstrates the growing global influence of Tourism Plus Shanghai, as well as the promising prospects for the supply chain of China's tourism industry to go global. Shanghai is also becoming a cradle for global tourism industry chain innovation and the construction of new tourism scenarios!
Let us meet again from March 28 to April 2, 2027, at Tourism Plus Shanghai, organized by Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co., Ltd.!
50+ Countries and regions and Nearly 500 Booths with HK$1 Offers
Targeting Attendance to Surpass 260,000
HONG KONG, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Organized by the Exhibition Group, the "Hong Kong International Food Tasting Festival 2026" (the "Expo") officially opened today at Halls 1ABCD of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event runs until 7 April 2026 (Tuesday), spanning five days over the Easter holiday and bringing a brand-new gourmet consumption experience to citizens across Hong Kong. Following a successful comeback last year that attracted close to 260,000 visitors, this year's Expo builds on that momentum with a comprehensive scale-up, bringing together international specialty ingredients, popular souvenir foods and authentic delicacies from over 50 countries and regions. With nearly 500 booths, the event offers a wide variety of dining choices, highlighting the concept of "Taste Before Purchase". The exhibits cover a diverse range of categories, including frozen seafood, meat and vegetarian products, halal foods, premium ingredients, snacks, dairy products, health and organic foods, assorted teas and beverages, grains, and a variety of wines and spirits. Complemented by multiple themed zones and a rich program of activities, the Expo is poised to become the must-visit food and shopping carnival of the Easter holiday season.
"Hong Kong International Food Tasting Festival 2026" Opens Today
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Ms. Scarlett Mok, representative of The Club, HKT's digital investment business; Ms. Lana Wong, Artist; Ms. Candy Wong, Executive Director of Power Angels Social Enterprise Limited; Mr. Martin Kwok, Director of T Cube Culture and Education Limited; Mr. Patrick Li, Founder of Meilok Store; Ms. Emily Ng, Chief Operating Officer of EeMee Productions; Mr. Andy Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Hong Kong Singer Channel; Dr. Purple Li, Founder of Purple Music World, and Mr. Carl Wong, Chairman of Exhibition Group Limited.
Mr. Carl Wong, Chairman of Exhibition Group, said: "Following its comeback last year, the Expo set new records in both attendance and sales despite the challenges of cross-boundary spending and outbound travel among Hong Kong residents, earning the media accolade of the 'Easter Miracle.' This proves that Hong Kong consumers' purchasing power remains robust and the market's appeal has never faded. This year, the Expo debuts several all-new themed zones, including Hong Kong's first-ever 'Popular Cartoon Characters Food & Fun Pavilion' and the '1 Belt 1 Road on Silk Road Zone,' while also presenting 'The World of Whimsy Carnival' and 'The Silver Mic Concert' among a rich array of entertainment programs. Our goal is to create an integrated platform blending food, culture, entertainment and bazaar experiences, ensuring that every visitor — adults, children and seniors alike — can eat, shop and play to their heart's content. Through fresh and diverse culinary experiences, we aim to attract more local residents as well as visitors from the Greater Bay Area and beyond to come and savour Hong Kong's gastronomic charm. We hope to entrench this as a signature annual food festival for every Hong Kong resident and a hallmark of the city's brand, boosting local retail and supporting economic uplift."
"1 Belt 1 Road on Silk Road Zone", Connecting Global Food Cultures
This year, the Expo features the "1 Belt 1 Road on Silk Road Zone," bringing together specialty halal foods from numerous countries and regions along the Belt and Road. Highlights include lamb, dried fruits and ready-made dishes from Xinjiang and Guangzhou in Chinese mainland; natural apricot products and Himalayan rock salt from Hunza — Pakistan's famed "Valley of Longevity"; national-banquet-grade Kabsa (Arabian hand-eaten rice) ingredients and seasonings from Saudi Arabia; Dhal Puri (lentil-stuffed flatbread) from Mauritius; classic Tagine spice and sauce sets from Morocco; Jollof Rice cooking kits from Nigeria; olive oil and traditional "sand-brewed coffee" from Turkey; Osh (hand-pulled pilaf) from Uzbekistan — inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list; halal-certified coffee from Vietnam; and Kazakhstan's national dish Beshbarmak. The zone offers visitors a one-stop journey through diverse halal food cultures, showcasing the rich culinary heritage and trade opportunities along the Belt and Road.
20 Beverage Brands All Under One Roof, $1 Coffee and Chill Handcrafted Drinks
The "Yum Yeah Market" gathers approximately 20 popular local and international beverage brands, serving a wide variety of coffee, tea and handcrafted drinks, allowing visitors to savour an array of flavours all in one place. Local favourite "Milk Tea Foodie" presents a range of Hong Kong-style handcrafted milk teas, including its award-winning signature "Prize-Winning Milk Tea." Health-focused local handcrafted beverage brand MR. PROTEIN debuts an exclusive new "Apple Cinnamon" flavour on-site at a special tasting price of $17 per cup. Popular coffee brand Flow Float offers a Dirty-variation coffee crafted using ultra-freeze technology at −86°C, with a daily $1 drink deal limited to just 20 cups on a first-come, first-served basis. Popcorn specialists POPPOP RANGERS bring 13 distinctive popcorn flavours along with the new "Chill Burst Handcrafted Series" POPPOP drinks — purchase any Chill Burst Handcrafted Series drink to add a cup of popcorn for just $9.90 (limited to 30 servings per day, while stocks last), perfect for snacking on the go.
Hong Kong's First-Ever "Popular Cartoon Characters Food & Fun Pavilion", Integrating Food, Photo Spots, and Interactive Experiences
This year's Expo debuts Hong Kong's first "Popular Cartoon Characters Food & Fun Pavilion", curated by creative concept unit Yamashita Kashi. The pavilion brings together beloved cartoon characters from Japan, Europe, the Americas and across Asia, including Monchhichi, Snoopy, Panda Friends and Cardcaptor Sakura. By fusing four key elements: characters, food, photo spot and retail, the pavilion completely reinvents the traditional booth format, delivering an all-round upgrade of gustatory, visual and interactive experiences, alongside a range of exclusive, event-limited merchandise. The pavilion is divided into multiple themed zones, each featuring signature character-inspired treats and photo spots. Highlights include the "Monchhichi" Ice Cream Dream Factory serving Monchhichi-themed desserts, the "Snoopy" Hong Kong-Style Chill Street Kitchen featuring classic egg waffles, the "Panda Friends" Dim Sum Parlour offering panda-shaped Chinese buns, and the "Cardcaptor Sakura" Sweet Shop. The pavilion also features capsule toy machines, limited-edition flash cards and other interactive elements — making it a must-visit destination for families and young collectors alike to eat, play, snap and enjoy.
Traditional Snacks, Cheung Chau Food Culture Zone, Multiple Themed Zones for a Diverse Culinary Experience
This year, the Expo presents several major themed zones: the "Cheung Chau Food Culture Zone," the "Meilok Store Vintage Photo Zone," "Taste of Jazz" and the "Joyful Ageing Zone."
In a first-time collaboration with T Cube Culture and Education Limited, the Expo debuts the "Cheung Chau Food Culture Zone", featuring a 3.5-metre-tall miniature inflatable bun tower for photo opportunities, alongside iconic Cheung Chau delicacies such as Peace Buns and Jumbo Fish Balls, promoting Hong Kong's unique food heritage to the public and tourists alike.
The "Meilok Store Vintage Photo Zone" showcases over 30 classic snacks, toys and memorabilia from Hong Kong's 1970s and 80s, including retro sweets and novelty trinkets, bring visitors back good memories from childhood. The zone also features a fun "Grab-All-You-Can" game — spend $50 or more at Meilok Store to play for just 50 cents and grab as many candy treats as you can in one handful (limited to 50 participants per day), reliving the joys and flavours of childhood.
The "Taste of Jazz" themed zone brings together a curated selection of specialty restaurants and bars, offering an array of premium cuisine and fine wines. Food offerings include traditional Hong Kong dim sum, street-style tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), Taiwanese snacks and more, while the wine and spirits selection spans red and white wines, champagne, whisky, brandy and gin. A live jazz band performs a repertoire of jazz standards throughout the event, delivering an elegant and unforgettable multi-sensory experience for visitors.
All-New "Joyful Ageing Zone" to Promote Inclusive Dining for All Ages. In response to evolving social demographics and the rise of cross-generational consumer trends, this year's Expo introduces the "Joyful Ageing Zone" for the first time, comprehensively addressing the needs of different age groups for safe and healthy dining options. Designed specifically for elderly visitors and individuals with special dietary requirements, the zone focuses on those with swallowing difficulties, showcasing a range of minced and soft-textured meals and other health-care food products. On-site tasting experiences are available, offering innovative dietary solutions for seniors and their families, and promoting an age-friendly food culture that supports social inclusion.
Exclusive Deals Starting from $1, "Roasted Pork Giveaway" Revives Hong Kong's Local Delicacies
The Expo presents the "Roasted Gold Pork Giveaway" campaign. During the Expo, the first 1,000 visitors on opening day and the first 500 visitors on each subsequent day will receive a complimentary roasted pork redemption card, which can be exchanged for a serving of roasted pork at a designated booth within a specified time. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year's Expo brings together a multitude of exhibitors, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and food enthusiasts. Wah Yuen Foods (Hong Kong) Limited (Booth: 1A-U31) offers exceptional vegetarian deals: starting at 12:00 noon daily, a limited run of $1 vegetarian roast goose (10 packs per day), a $10 gift pack (exclusive to the first 3 customers daily), and a $150 gift pack with a complimentary premium item. Hoptai Marine Products Company Limited (Booth: 1C-K01) features seafood specials: the first 10 customers can enjoy a premium Buddha Jumps Over the Wall for just $10 per bowl; canned abalone (425g) at $100 for 3 cans; and 4/6-head braised abalone (200g) at $100 for 7 cans — limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis. Purelife (Booth: 1C-H02) presents a wellness soup set promotion: the Ching Luk Soup Set, originally valued at $495, is available daily for just $1 (limited to 5 sets per day). Jenzet Limited (Booth: 1B-Q02) brings LELEK Crispy Fish Balls at a show-exclusive price of $10 per pack (originally $20, limited to 50 packs per day), as well as Multi-Potato Mash Cups at 6 for $50 (originally $10 per cup, limited to 50 sets per day).
Health-conscious visitors may wish to take note of the following: Wah Yue Tong (1972) Company Limited (Booth: 1A-U07) showcases its Cinagro Organic Superfood series, including organic golden roasted flaxseed, cold-pressed flaxseed oil and five-black nourishing powder. Selected products are available daily at limited-quantity prices from as low as $1 and $10 (limited to 10 units per item per day), on a first-come, first-served basis. Juwan Trading Co Ltd (Booth: 1B-M31 & M32) presents a selection of healthy snack deals, including Taiwanese candied dried fruit at a daily flash price of $1 for designated flavours (limited to 20 packs per day), and 10x concentrated organic kale powder at a special price of $10 per box from 12:00 noon daily. Wine lovers should not miss Chelsea International Limited (Booth: 1B-N17), offering Australian Flemington Carnival Red Wine (750ml) at just $10 per bottle — limited to 40 bottles daily from 12:00 noon. For lovers of traditional delicacies, Yip Cheong Food Company Limited (Booth: 1C-K17) presents authentic Shunde fish balls (250g) at a flash price of $1 per box, available from 11:00 am daily throughout the Expo (limited to 20 boxes per day, one box per person), while stocks last.
Non-Stop Festive Fun, Embrace the Easter Holiday Spirit
Coinciding with the Easter long weekend, visitors can immerse themselves in festive entertainment alongside the culinary delights. The venue features a "The World of Whimsy Carnival" blending nostalgic and modern tech elements, with a variety of games and amusement facilities including classic arcade games such as ring toss and horse racing machines, VR motion-sensing games and claw machines — fun for the whole family. The Expo also hosts the "The Silver Mic Concert" on the main stage, featuring over a dozen singers including Ivan Lo Yat-hin, Gavin Tao Ka-yiu, HY Leung Ho-yin, Cristovao Ngai Ka-shun, Nelo Andrea Lau Ho, Angus Ting Man-chun, Jacky Chu Pok-man, Jenny Li Ka-lam, Sean Sim Chung-yin, Norman Cheung Lap-ki, Lana Wong Ha-wai, Cheung Mo-hau (Big AL), Kan Mok Chun-yin, Simon Chung Wai-keung, Bo Luk performing beloved golden hits. The program also includes children's music, dance and saxophone performances, creating a vibrant and joyful festive atmosphere.
$1 Admission and Free Entry for Seniors, Mastercard Scratch Card Lucky Draw with Prizes Worth Over $230,000
To enable more citizens to share in this food carnival, the organizer offers a range of admission promotions. Each day during the Expo, the first 1,000 on-site ticket purchasers can buy an admission ticket for just HK$1 (limit of one ticket per person). To further promote "silver consumption", the organizer continues to offer free admission for persons aged 65 or above upon presentation of a Senior Citizen Card or Hong Kong Identity Card, actively fostering an age-friendly consumer environment and supporting the development of the silver market.
The Expo features the "Mastercard Scratch Card Lucky Draw". For every HK$200 spent on a single receipt using a Mastercard at designated booths within the venue, customers receive one lucky draw chance — HK$400 earns two chances, and so on, up to a maximum of 10 chances per receipt. With a total prize pool valued at over HK$230,000 and more than 6,000 prizes including return flights to Tokyo for two, Ocean Park admission tickets, cordyceps and supermarket vouchers. Participants can collect a scratch card at the designated redemption counter for an instant-win result. (Licence No.: 061188, 061189) Furthermore, the Exhibition Group will continue to partner with The Club, under HKT, to roll out its "Point2Purchase Consumption Vouchers". Since its launch last year, the program has been piloted at multiple exhibitions to positive reception. The Club's over 4 million members can convert accumulated points into Expo-exclusive consumer vouchers via the app, redeem physical vouchers at a dedicated counter within the venue, and use them instantly at participating booths further promotes "local consumption," and creating a win-win situation for exhibitors and consumers.
Hong Kong International Food Tasting Festival 2026
Date
3–7 April 2026 (Friday to Tuesday)
Time
3–6 April (Fri–Mon): 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
7 April (Tue): 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Venue
Halls 1ABCD, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Exhibition Centre Station Exit B3 or Wan Chai Station Exit A5)
Admission
HK$10 (Free admission for persons aged 65 or above with Senior Citizen Card or HKID, Persons with Disabilities Registration Card holders, and children under 1 metre in height)
Website
https://www.exhibitiongroup.com.hk/exhibitions/foodexpo2026
About Exhibition Group
Exhibition Group Limited is one of Hong Kong's renowned exhibition companies. Our core team has been assembled since 2003, bringing together a group of innovative, experienced, and professional exhibition talents. As a leading event management company, specializing in the planning and operation of world-class public exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs, covering a wide range of industries. With years of industry experience, we are committed to the development of exhibition and marketing businesses, gaining a prestigious reputation within the exhibition industry.
Our company organizes a variety of themed exhibitions and marketing projects, which not only receive substantial support from the business community and exhibitors but also effectively attract a large number of public participants. Each event has garnered rave reviews, resulting in a win-win situation for exhibitors in both product promotion and sales. Notable exhibitions include the Pet Show, In-Home Expo, Premium Pet Supplies Expo, Hong Kong Cat Expo, Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo, Extracurricular Activities Festival cum Teaching Materials and Supplies Expo, and Hong Kong Outdoor & Sports Expo, among others. In recent years, our company has been honored with several awards, including the "Outstanding Award for Pandemic Resilience," "ESG Commendation Awards," and "Innovative Exhibition Planning," recognizing our business development achievements across various sectors.
This press release is distributed by Market Hubs Holdings Limited.
For Media Enquiry,
Market Hubs Holdings Limited
Lierence Li
Debbie So
+852 3998-4900
+852 3998-4900
lierence@markethubsgroup.com
debbie@markethubsgroup.com
A limited-edition release blending natural sweetness with JINRO'S signature clean, crisp profile
SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JINRO, a leading soju brand by HiteJinro, proudly announces the launch of its latest soju, JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION.
JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION Product Image
JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION captures the sweet essence of melon while retaining JINRO's signature clean finish for a brighter, refreshing experience. With a subtle melon aroma and a smooth finish, it is curated to naturally fit into casual occasions or grand celebrations with 13% alcohol by volume (ABV) in each bottle.
A standout feature of this release is the packaging. Differentiating from its regular flavoured soju lineup, it takes on a sleek black colour palette that leans into a premium and trend-forward appeal.
Jung-ho Hwang, Head of Overseas Business at HiteJinro, said, "JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION was developed to harmonise melon's distinctive flavour with JINRO's clean finish, making it easy for global consumers to enjoy. With a trend-forward design, we hope to bring an elevated sense of enjoyment through JINRO, and we will continue to drive brand outreach through approachable yet innovative products and marketing."
This limited-edition soju will be rolled out across more than 20 countries, including the United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and the United Kingdom. With this launch, JINRO aims to deliver a sense of novelty and strengthen consumer affinity across the globe.
In addition, JINRO will continue to engage global consumers by releasing product-related content through its official social media channels.
About JINRO
Far beyond just a drink, JINRO soju is a cultural connector—bringing people together across countries, communities, and conversations with a diverse portfolio that includes JINRO IS BACK, ORIGINAL, FRESH, and a vibrant fruit range of GRAPEFRUIT, GREEN GRAPE, PLUM, STRAWBERRY, PEACH, LEMON, and the JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION.
Connect with JINRO via:
Official website: jinro-soju.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@JINROGlobal
Instagram: instagram.com/jinro_global/
Facebook: facebook.com/jinro.global
Key JINRO SOJU Product Lineup Image
SINGAPORE, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund, a partnership between Agoda, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore, and the UnTours Foundation, has announced its second round of investments alongside early impact results from the Fund's inaugural cohort.
Livingseas foundation
Designed to provide affordable, flexible financing to small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, the Fund supports businesses that integrate environmental restoration, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development into their core operations. Indonesia-based Livingseas Asia and Bambike Ecotours in the Philippines are the beneficiaries of the new investments. Each new investee receives USD 25,000 in loan capital to expand impact-driven initiatives across the region.
In Indonesia, Livingseas Asia combines dive tourism with coral reef restoration in Padangbai, Bali. Its nonprofit arm, the Livingseas Foundation, has restored more than 7,300 square meters of degraded reef, deploying artificial reef structures and planting over 320,000 coral fragments, with measurable biodiversity recovery. The Fund's investment will support the construction of modular housing for staff and trainees near the restoration site. This will expand Livingseas Asia's hosting capacity and strengthen the Foundation's ability to deliver marine education, conservation training, and reef restoration activities.
Bambike Ecotours in the Philippines connects bamboo agroforestry, fair trade bicycle manufacturing in rural communities, and regenerative tourism experiences. The loan will support the development of Ligtasin Cove in Batangas, a bamboo-built tourism destination that will include coastal ecotours and a bamboo nursery for reforestation and erosion control. The initiative aims to create local jobs while expanding lower-carbon tourism experiences that connect travelers with community-led environmental restoration.
Bambike Ecotours
"At Agoda, we believe the future of travel depends on the resilience of the destinations we serve," said Timothy Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Development at Agoda. "These investments support local pioneers integrating environmental restoration and community well-being into their operations, demonstrating the potential of impact-driven travel."
Six months after the Fund's initial investments, early results across Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines demonstrate encouraging environmental and community impact.
Across Southeast Asia, three organizations advanced community-led tourism in meaningful ways. In Thailand, Local Alike expanded its Travel With Care initiative to 10 destinations, launching 16 regenerative tourism activities and securing partnerships with national parks and tourism authorities to develop a white paper on regenerative tourism. In the Philippines, Ecohotels grew its Bahay Farms initiative by onboarding 22 farmers, planting 500 mango trees, increasing plant-based menu offerings from 35% to 50%, and launching its Green Warriors workforce program, with 5 of 15 trainees already placed in hospitality roles. In Indonesia, Sejiva introduced heritage walking tours and coral restoration experiences across West Java and Jakarta, while scaling its #travelpositive campaign to reach broader audiences.
"We are incredibly encouraged by the impact created so far by our inaugural cohort," said Sarah Payne, Senior Director of Impact at the UnTours Foundation. "These businesses are expanding regenerative tourism models, strengthening local livelihoods, and embedding measurable environmental outcomes into their growth. Their progress shows how flexible financing can translate into tangible impact on the ground."
The Fund is part of Agoda's broader sustainability strategy and builds on its partnership with WWF-Singapore through Agoda's Eco Deals program. Through Eco Deals, Agoda works with hotel partners across Asia to offer travelers discounted stays while directing a portion of proceeds to WWF's conservation initiatives. Those funds also support the Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund, extending conservation impact to small tourism enterprises, strengthening ecosystem health and community resilience at the destination level.
Tourism enterprises across the region advancing conservation, climate resilience, sustainable mobility, and community-led economic development are encouraged to apply for the next round of funding at: https://untoursfoundation.org/sustainable-tourism-impact-fund.
- Domestically, accommodation searches for Goyang and Busan following the announcement of the BTS world tour increased by 8x and 47%, respectively
- Internationally, Kuala Lumpur saw the highest increase in searches among South Korean travelers for a BTS concert hosting city in APAC
SEOUL, South Korea, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has witnessed a rise in travel demand to South Korea's Goyang and Busan, as well as to several destinations across APAC hosting BTS concerts, among South Korean travelers following the announcement of the K-Pop group's world tour dates. This marks BTS's first tour in four years, with fans ready to "spring day" into action to catch their favorite group live.
The day of the announcement, Agoda observed a nearly 8x increase in accommodation searches to Goyang, where BTS's tour will kick off on April 9 and continue April 11-12, compared to the week before. Busan, where the concert will take place on June 12-13, also saw a 47% increase, as fans prepare to "run" to these iconic concert destinations.
The announcement ignited a wave of excitement among BTS fans across Asia, with the highest demand for South Korean tour destinations coming from Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and China. Notably, searches to Goyang and Busan from the Philippines increased by over 7x, while Hong Kong recorded a 145% rise. Meanwhile, searches from China more than doubled, with fans "burning up" to experience BTS live, given the absence of a planned stop in their market.
Beyond Goyang and Busan, other APAC cities also experienced a "mic drop" in search activity among South Korean travelers. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) topped the list with a 22% rise in accommodation searches after the announcement, followed by Melbourne (Australia) (16%), Bangkok (Thailand) (15%), Kaohsiung (Taiwan) (10%), and Singapore (9%), rounding out the top five.
BTS concert fever was not limited to the announcement day. Agoda's data also shows that accommodation searches for Goyang for the actual concert dates rose nearly 185x among fans in the region, with the strongest demand driven by travelers from Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. Searches from domestic travelers for the Goyang concert dates also increased nearly 44x, underscoring the scale of the BTS effect in South Korea.
Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, said, "Following the announcement of BTS's world tour, we are seeing a 'dynamite' increase in both inbound and outbound travel demand, as fans are willing to travel far and wide to see the group reunite after a four-year hiatus. Agoda is thrilled to help them experience the 'euphoria' of catching the K-pop group live at these exciting tour destinations. With Agoda, fans can easily plan their trips and ensure they don't miss a beat of the BTS magic, all while enjoying great deals on accommodations and flights."
As fans prepare to "go go" on their BTS journey, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For the best deals, fans are encouraged to check out Agoda's mobile app or visit Agoda.com.
































