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Kochi "Yosakoi Festival" Draws 70 Dancers from Taiwan, Including Hsinchu County Children
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Sheraton Grand Danang Resort Features Unique Dining Offerings
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The 7th Wuzhen Theatre Festival to Focus on the Concept of "Emerge" with a Lineup of International and Emerging Artists
WUZHEN, China, Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- From October 25 to November 3, 2019, the Wuzhen Theatre Festival ("the Festival") will be hosted in Wuzhen, China, a culturally significant city known for its canals and historic charm located in Zhejiang province. This year, the Festival will utilize unique venues to stage 141 performances of 28 plays from 13 countries and regions. Several works will premiere during the event. The 7th Wuzhen Theatre Festival to Focus on the Concept of "Emerge" with a Lineup of International and Emerging Artists The push for grander productions and cutting-edge drama comes as part of this year's Festival theme: Emerge. The theme is meant to convey the message that theatre is not stagnant, but constantly evolving, growing from stage to stage and performance to performance. The 7th Wuzhen Theatre Festival hopes to provide ample opportunity for performers and directors to embody this theme and for theatre-goers to partake in it with several highlights. The Opening Play to Set the Tone for the Festival Anton Chekhov's classic play "Three Sisters" will be presented by leading Russian director Yury Butusov and the St. Petersburg Lensoviet Academic Theatre. As a renowned contemporary director in Russia, Butusov is known for his poetic and associative directing technique. Rather than focus on the linear progression of the play, his mode of conveying the story is through melody and rhythm. His production of "Three Sisters" will be a fundamental transformation of the exemplary play, providing a jumping-off point for the Festival's other productions. Iconic Theatrical Celebrities and Productions from around the World Along with Yury Butusov, luminaries from throughout the theatre world will oversee productions during the Festival, including Peter Brook, Eugenio Barba, Theodoros Terzopoulos, Konstantin Bogomolov, Philippe Genty, and Michael Thalheimer, the two-time winner of Russia's Golden Mask award and multiple Nestroy-Award winner. These directors will be joined by production teams and ensembles acclaimed for their skill on the stage. The Berliner Ensemble from Germany will make its first appearance in China. In addition, dramas influenced by Russian theatrical greats, Shakespeare, Brecht, Meyerhold, and other dramatic forebears will be on the playbill. Water Theatre to Heighten the Drama Wuzhen's Water Theatre, constructed of 2,300 wooden logs, will provide an enthralling backdrop for several of the Festival's productions. The Water Theatre fans out to provide a panoramic view of the main stage in the middle of the 7,000 square-meter Yuanbao Lake. Surrounded by the lake and Wuzhen's iconic buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, the venue provides the perfect atmosphere to appreciate the transition from the old to the new, further tying into the Festival's theme. New Pioneers with Diverse Works Emerge As theatre is often the birthplace of pioneering ideas and stories, the 2019 Wuzhen Theatre Festival will host a strong showing of rising and groundbreaking directors and productions. Chen Minghao, an emerging director in the Chinese theatre scene, will showcase avant-garde design and performance techniques with a play that will begin at midnight and reach its conclusion at sunrise. In addition, "Where Do We Come From, Who Are We, Where Are We Going 2.0", produced by Théâtre du Rêve Expérimental, will present a mysterious and romantic work in which the intimate setting and audience (only four audience members per showing) will allow the viewers to not only watch the play but also partake in it, as they experience four distinct aspects of a dramatic performance. In addition to theatre works, the Wuzhen Theatre Festival will also present Outdoor Carnival. Actors, directors, and producers with the ability to shock and awe are encouraged to register. The carnival includes the traditional performing arts as well as contemporary avant-garde drama, video and multimedia productions, art installations, music, dance, crossover creativity and other art forms. All creators are invited to join. Registration can be found at: www.wuzhenfestival.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-7th-wuzhen-theatre-festival-to-focus-on-the-concept-of-emerge-with-a-lineup-of-international-and-emerging-artists-300903502.htmlRelated Links :http://www.wuzhenfestival.com
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Dreame is Hosting a Writing Contest to Celebrating Its Anniversary
SINGAPORE, Aug. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- With Dreame ushering in its one year anniversary in August, it is hosting a writing contest -- "Show Your Girl Power" to celebrate such occasion. The contest lasts until 1 November, 2019 and is open to public, but the stories must be written in English to be eligible to claim a prize. Prizes include cash up to 1,000 dollars, book reviews from industry professionals and book promotion. Also, 1,000 dollars will be donated to a charity supporting women on behalf of the first-prize winner. Authors can create their ideal female characters and heroines and enter the prize pool. Looking back, in just one year of development, Dreame has achieved many heartening results. To date, over 10,000 authors have published their stories on Dreame, reaching and engaging with millions of active monthly users. "No progress is made without our authors working on and sharing their creations on Dreame and without the support they receive from their readers," said Samuel Law, Stary CEO. Because of the special reader/author relationship, Dreame, according to the ranking based on revenue on Google Play and App Store, is among the top three reading apps in countries such as United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India and top one in Indonesia and Philippines etc. Dreame has also forged partnerships with over ten publishers and E-book aggregators such as StreetLib, helping them to implement its business model featuring vertical marketing systems and insights into the need of readers. "We have a lot planned for Dreame," said Shaw Suen, Dreame Chief Editor. "For example, writing on the Dreame app and applying for stories to be listed in the "Pay-to-Read" program will be enabled for authors and other improvements concerning the experience of writing and sharing stories on Dreame will also be made. For readers, Dreame will keep optimizing its recommendation algorithm for them to easily find a book to enjoy. At the same time, exciting events will be coming up to reward all Dreame users as well." Moving forward, Dreame is on progress to achieve its goal with readers and writers set to benefit. Stay tuned to find out what Dreame has to offer. About Stary and Dreame STARY is a private equity firm based in Singapore, a holding company for a fiction reading mobile app: Dreame. It strives to build an online platform where information technologies are applied to enable novel lovers to write, read and share great content, and to provide practical solutions to help business partners and writers achieve content monetization. After initiating preparatory work in 2016, Dreame was officially launched in August 2018. It has since gained more than 1 million downloads on both the Google Play and App Store as of March 2019. It is featured as the second highest reading App on the Google Play store, ranked by revenue. Enjoy your reading now on iOS and Android! Official website: https://www.dreame.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/DreameStory/ Instagram Commnunity: https://www.instagram.com/dreamestory/ For media inquiries:Claire Wangclaire@dreame.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreame-is-hosting-a-writing-contest-to-celebrating-its-anniversary-300903384.htmlRelated Links :https://www.dreame.com/
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"Borderline" Becomes Southeast Asia's First Contemporary Artwork to be Acquired by France's Guimet Museum
HANOI, Vietnam, Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vietnamese art installation "Borderline" has become the first Southeast Asian artwork to be acquired by the esteemed Guimet Museum in Paris. Since April 2019, this exclusive collaboration between designer Yen Khe and the Haute-lacquer brand Hanoia has been a part of Guimet's collection - the most extensive selection of Asian art outside of Asia. jwplayer.key="3Fznr2BGJZtpwZmA+81lm048ks6+0NjLXyDdsO2YkfE=" jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://cdn4.prnasia.com/002071/mnr/video/20190814Hanoia.mp4', image: 'http://www.prnasia.com/video_capture/2740218_AE40218_1.jpg', autostart:'false', aspectratio: '16:9', stretching : 'fill', width: '512', height: '288'}); Over the last century, the Guimet Museum has been continually developing its collection to offer visitors a comprehensive view of Asian art history and civilization. The museum has over 50,000 objects on display in a 55,000-square-meter area. Yen Khe is an internationally recognized actress having starred in many movies directed by the award-winner Tran Anh Hung. Throughout her career, she has combined interior architecture and design with her passion for films and has created numerous cinematic designs featuring innovative aesthetics. "Borderline" is a future-oriented Asian art piece. Like lines in a poem, the artwork's design creates an imaginary world using contemporary design to explore Vietnam's traditional culture. On the spire of a non la, a traditional Vietnamese hat, runs a floral motif that blends into the lacquer background, behind which the barbed wire fence is shown with gold leaves. The vivid red and orange colours recall the secular architectural heritage of pagodas while displaying the effervescence of Vietnamese society. Prior to "Borderline", Hanoia has notably worked as the designer and manufacturer of timeless art pieces such as the vintage egg-shelled Vespa in celebrations of Vespa 70th anniversary; or the special gift from Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to former French President François Hollande during his official visit to Vietnam. About Hanoia Well known in Vietnam as the leading Haute-lacquer house, Hanoia is a trusted name by many international luxury brands, including the top luxury houses in Paris. Entrusted with the traditional know-how and a distinct flair for modernity, Hanoia stands out having successfully conjugated Vietnamese ancestral knowledge with contemporary designs. Within each item from masterpieces to everyday artworks, is the soul of Vietnam represented by their unique forms, striking colors and elegant patterns. With eight stores nationwide, Hanoia has been continuously striving since its inception to establish a truly exceptional house of premium Vietnamese craft products. Media contact: Mr. Tai Dinh - PR Manager Email: tai.dc@opalvn.com+84-975298650 Borderline - contemporary art piece, designed by Yen Khe and crafted by Hanoia Video - https://cdn4.prnasia.com/002071/mnr/video/20190814Hanoia.mp4 Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190814/2550444-1?lang=0
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Thailand Tourism Confidence Index holding steady in 2019
BANGKOK, Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The quarterly Thailand Tourism Confidence Index of 600 tourism operators was steady at 100 in the second quarter of 2019 and stood at 100 as predicted in the previous quarter. The projection of the Thailand Tourism Confidence Index for the third quarter of 2019 is also set at 100. The survey is a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) and Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Economics and divided into six parts. These include an overview of Thai tourism, confidence index of tourism operators, testimonials from domestic and international tourists, tourism situation during key festivals, international tourist arrival projections, and recommendations for future action. The index ratings have a range of between 0 to 200: over 100 means better than the normal situation; 100 means normal; and below 100 means worse than normal. The second quarter index survey was carried out in May 2019 using a database of over 600 tourism operators as well as government officials from related agencies. It also interviewed 350 international and 350 domestic tourists, respectively. TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said: "The Thailand Tourism Confidence Index is projecting future tourism trends to share with key travel industry stakeholders so that everyone involved can be prepared to cope with the ever-changing situations that impact travel and tourism in Thailand." The findings in the second quarter of 2019 highlighted both the micro and macro factors affecting Thailand's tourism industry: the slowdown of the world economy as well as Thailand's economic stagnation; the Thai government's stimulus and tax reduction scheme; extension on the visa-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 nations for another six months until October 2019, and the strength of the Thai Baht to a weakening US dollar combined with rising inflation. Both tourism operators and tourists agreed that Bangkok and Chiang Mai are facing over tourism issues that are impacting the destinations, whilst they pointed to Phuket as a destination that can still handle more tourists. The following recommendations were also raised: the need to improve transportation infrastructure between major and secondary cities and make information on all modes of transportation including ticket reservations more available. More transportation improvements like private hire car hailing services, utilising technology to provide clear transportation information, enforcing strict pricing, and improving mass transportation in all destinations were also requested. In addition, respondents wanted to see strict enforcement of licensing for tour operators and tourism establishments, and short- and long-term measures to address the carrying capacity covering all destinations. The Index forecasts that Thailand will welcome 9.7 million international tourists (up 7.06% year-on-year) in the third quarter of 2019. It projects that total arrivals will reach 40.06 million international tourists for all of 2019, up 4.65% over 2018.
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GreenTree Hospitality Group Ltd. Reports Second Quarter of 2019 Financial Results
Revenue Increased by 20% for the Sixth Consecutive Quarter A total of 2,955 hotels with 236,557 hotel rooms in operation as of June 30, 2019, compared to 2,829 hotels and 225,757 hotel rooms as of March 31, 2019. Total revenues increased 21.6% to RMB274.9 million (US$40.0 million)[1] for the second quarter of 2019. Total revenues increased 20.9% to RMB510.2 million (US$74.3 million)[1] for the first half of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) increased 19.1% to RMB173.1 million (US$25.2 million)[1] for the second quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) increased 19.5% to RMB307.0 million (US$44.7 million)[1] for the first half of 2019. Net income increased 35.2% to RMB127.1 million (US$18.5 million)[1] for the second quarter of 2019. Net income increased 46.4% to RMB261.1 million (US$38.0 million)[1] for the first half of 2019. Core net income (non-GAAP) increased 16.9% to RMB125.8 million (US$18.3 million)[1] for the second quarter of 2019. Core net income (non-GAAP) increased 17.4% to RMB218.0 million (US$31.8 million)[1] for the first half of 2019. Net income per ADS (basic and diluted) totaled RMB1.26 (US$0.18)[1] for the second quarter of 2019. Net income per ADS (basic and diluted) totaled RMB2.59 (US$0.38)[1] for the first half of 2019. Core net income per ADS (basic and diluted) (non-GAAP) of the Company totaled RMB1.23 (US$0.18)[1] for the second quarter of 2019. Core net income per ADS (basic and diluted) (non-GAAP) totaled RMB2.14 (US$0.31)[1] for the first half of 2019. The Company expects total revenue for the full year 2019 total to grow 23-28% from 2018. SHANGHAI, Aug. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- GreenTree Hospitality Group Ltd. (NYSE: GHG) ("GreenTree", the "Company", "we", "us" and "our"), a leading hospitality management group in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019. Second Quarter of 2019 Operational Highlights As of June 30, 2019, the Company had 30 leased-and-operated ("L&O") hotels and 2,925 franchised-and-managed ("F&M") hotels in operation in 300 cities across China, compared to 26 L&O hotels and 2,408 F&M hotels in operation in 267 cities as of June 30, 2018. The geographic coverage increased by 12.4% year over year. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company opened 134 hotels, increased by 30 comparing to 104 newly opened hotels in the second quarter of 2018. Among the hotels opened, one was in the luxury hotel segment, 21 were in the mid-to-up-scale segment, 60 were in the mid-scale segment, and 52 were in the economy segment. Geographically speaking, 7 hotels were in Tier 1 cities[2] 34 were in Tier 2 cities[3] and the remaining 93 were in select Tier 3 and other cities in China.During this quarter, the Company closed 35 hotels, 26 due to their non-compliance with the Company's brand and operating standards, and 8 due to property related issues. The remaining one that was closed for brand upgrade. The Company added a net opening of 99 hotels to the portfolio. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had a pipeline with a total of 596 hotels contracted for or under development, among which 47 hotels were in the luxury hotel segment, 117 in the mid-to-up-scale segment, 239 in the mid-scale segment, and 193 in the economy segment. The average daily room rate, or ADR, for all hotels in operation, was RMB172 in the second quarter of 2019, an increase of 4.8% year-over-year. The occupancy rate, or OCC for all hotels in operation was 81.1% in the second quarter of 2019, compared with 82.6% in the second quarter of 2018. The revenue per available room, or RevPAR, which is calculated by multiplying our hotels' ADR by its occupancy rate, was RMB139 in the second quarter of 2019, representing a 2.9% year-over-year increase. As of June 30, 2019, the Company's loyalty program had more than 36 million individual loyal members and over 1,380,000 corporate members, compared to approximately 33 million and over 1,320,000 corporate members as of March 31, 2019. The Company had approximately 93.8% of room nights sold directly. "We are proud to have delivered a 6th consecutive quarter of improved operating and financial performance. During the quarter, we further improved the quality of our hotels, our RevPAR and market share. We will continue to focus on enhancing our value proposition to deliver better service and support to our customers and franchisees, and, as a result, deliver solid growth for the long run." said Mr. Alex Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GreenTree. Second Quarter of 2019 Financial Results Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Revenues[3] Leased-and-operated hotels 51,305,036 60,510,976 8,814,417 Franchised-and-managed hotels 174,724,851 214,419,775 31,233,762 Total revenues 226,029,887 274,930,751 40,048,179 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Revenues Leased-and-operated hotels 96,920,132 112,336,802 16,363,700 Franchised-and-managed hotels 325,068,200 397,887,057 57,958,785 Total revenues 421,988,332 510,223,859 74,322,485 [3] On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 606 by using the full retrospective method and restate the comparable periods Total revenues for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB274.9 million (US$40.0 million)[1], representing a 21.6% year-over-year increase. The increase was primarily attributable to the addition of 134 hotels to our current network, improved RevPAR, contribution from membership growth, and the consolidation of the Argyle's results of operation into our statement. Growth was partially offset by the renovation of 9 L&O hotels during this quarter. Total revenues for the first half of 2019 were RMB510.2 million (US$74.3 million)[1], representing a 20.9% increase. Total revenues from leased-and-operated hotels for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB60.5 million (US$8.8 million)[1], representing a 17.9% year-over-year increase. The increase was primarily attributable to increasing RevPAR, moderate sublease revenue growth; and was partially offset by the renovation of 9 L&O hotels during the quarter. Total revenues from leased-and-operated hotels for the first half of 2019 were RMB112.3 million (US$16.4 million)1, representing a 15.9% increase. Total revenues from franchised-and-managed hotels for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB214.4 million (US$31.2 million)[1], representing a 22.7% year-over-year increase. Initial franchise fees increased by 8.0% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2019, primarily due to the gross opening of 134 hotels in the second quarter of 2019 as compared to 104 hotels opened in the second quarter of 2018. The 23.8% increase from the second quarter of 2018 in recurring franchisee management fees and others was primarily due to the new openings, RevPAR growth of 2.8% as well as growth in central reservation system ("CRS") usage fees, annual IT and marketing fees and hotel manager fees, which in turn resulted from the increased number of hotels and hotel rooms in operation. Total revenues from franchised-and-managed hotels for the first half of 2019 were RMB397.9 million (US$58.0 million)[1], representing a 22.4% increase. Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Initial franchise fee 12,261,211 13,243,838 1,929,183 Recurring franchise management fee and others 162,463,640 201,175,937 29,304,579 Revenues from franchised-and-managed hotels 174,724,851 214,419,775 31,233,762 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Initial franchise fee 21,104,652 25,996,787 3,786,859 Recurring franchise management fee and others 303,963,548 371,890,270 54,171,926 Revenues from franchised-and-managed hotels 325,068,200 397,887,057 57,958,785 Total operating costs and expenses Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Operating costs and expenses Hotel operating costs 64,206,723 78,939,817 11,498,881 Selling and marketing expenses 10,919,269 16,353,634 2,382,175 General and administrative expenses 25,150,930 39,768,385 5,792,918 Other operating expenses 35,330 65,350 9,520 Total operating costs and expenses 100,312,252 135,127,186 19,683,494 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Operating costs and expenses Hotel operating costs 127,952,267 158,939,661 23,152,172 Selling and marketing expenses 21,388,124 41,029,736 5,976,655 General and administrative expenses 45,551,787 65,500,871 9,541,278 Other operating expenses 178,592 107,974 15,728 Total operating costs and expenses 195,070,770 265,578,242 38,685,833 Hotel operating costs for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB78.9million (US$11.5 million)1, representing a 22.9% increase from the second quarter of 2018. The increase was mainly attributable to costs associated with the expansion of our F&M hotels including staff costs; higher rents, consumables, depreciation and amortization associated with the 4 new L&O hotels added to our portfolio in the third quarter of 2018, 1 new L&O hotel opened in the first quarter of 2019; as well as the operation costs of Argyle. For the first half year of 2019, hotel operating costs were RMB158.9million (US$23.2 million)1, representing a 24.2% increase. Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Rental 17,660,357 19,039,168 2,773,368 Utilities 5,104,337 4,891,420 712,516 Personnel cost 7,937,739 8,495,301 1,237,480 Depreciation and amortization 3,714,393 7,174,031 1,045,015 Consumable, food and beverage 4,602,750 6,931,925 1,009,749 Costs of general managers of franchised-and-operated hotels 15,729,674 23,045,469 3,356,951 Other costs of franchised-and-operated hotels 5,990,938 7,306,217 1,064,271 Others 3,466,535 2,056,286 299,531 Hotel Operating Costs 64,206,723 78,939,817 11,498,881 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 RMB RMB US$ Rental 35,292,424 39,647,433 5,775,300 Utilities 10,215,337 11,045,983 1,609,029 Personnel cost 15,169,589 17,289,575 2,518,511 Depreciation and amortization 8,534,806 13,698,236 1,995,373 Consumable, food and beverage 9,039,387 13,769,076 2,005,692 Costs of general managers of franchised-and-operated hotels 31,315,282 45,490,112 6,626,382 Other costs of franchised-and-operated hotels 11,375,446 12,992,800 1,892,615 Others 7,009,996 5,006,446 729,270 Hotel Operating Costs 127,952,267 158,939,661 23,152,172 Selling and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB16.4 million (US$2.4 million)[1], representing a 49.8% year-over-year increase. The increase was mainly attributable to the operation of our two newly-added brands, as well as increased advertising and promotion expenses to improve our brands' market recognition, and increased personnel, compensation and other costs. Selling and marketing expenses for the first half of 2019 were RMB41.0 million (US$6.0 million)[1], representing a 91.8% increase. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB39.8 million (US$5.8 million)[1], representing a 58.1% year-over-year increase. The increase was primarily attributable to the consolidation of Argyle's G&A expense, as well as increased share-based compensation expenses, consulting fee, and travelling expenses. General and administrative expenses for the first half of 2019 were RMB65.5 million (US$9.5 million)[1], representing a 43.8% year-over-year increase. Gross profit for the second quarter of 2019 was RMB196.0 million (US$28.5 million)[1], representing an increase of 21.1% from the second quarter of 2018. Gross margin in this quarter was 71.3%, compared to 71.6% a year ago. The decrease of the margin resulted from increased operating costs caused by rising staff numbers and one-time costs related to the renovation of 9 L&O hotels. Gross profit for the first half of 2019 was RMB351.3 million (US$51.2 million)[1], representing a 19.5% year-over-year increase. Income from operations for the second quarter of 2019 totaled RMB141.4 million (US$20.6 million)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 2.5%. The operating margin, defined as income from operations as percentage of total revenues, for the second quarter of 2019 was 51.4%, compared to 61.0% a year ago. Income from operations for the first half of 2019 totaled RMB253.2 million (US$36.9 million)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 0.1%. Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the second quarter of 2019 was RMB173.1 million (US$25.2 million)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 19.1%. The adjusted EBITDA margin, defined as adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) as a percentage of total revenues, was 63.0% in the second quarter of 2019, compared to 64.3% in the second quarter of 2018. Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the first half of 2019 was RMB307.0 million (US$44.7 million)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 19.5%. Net income for the second quarter of 2019 was RMB127.1 million (US$18.5 million)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 35.2%. Net margin in the second quarter was 46.2%, compared to 41.6% a year ago. The year-over-year increase in net income and net income margin was mainly attributable to the Company's expanded hotel network and the improved RevPAR. Net income for the first half of 2019 was RMB261.1 million (US$38.0 million)1, representing a year-over-year increase of 46.4%. Core net income (non-GAAP) for the second quarter of 2019 was RMB125.8 million (US$18.3 million)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 16.9%. The core net margin, defined as core net income (non-GAAP) as a percentage of total revenues, was 45.7% in the second quarter of 2019, compared to 47.6% one year ago. Core net income (non-GAAP) for the first half of 2019 was RMB218.0 million (US$31.8 million)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 17.4%. Earnings per ADS (basic and diluted) for the second quarter of 2019 was RMB1.26 (US$0.18)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 35.5%. Core net income per ADS (basic and diluted) (non-GAAP) was RMB1.23 (US$0.18)[1] for the second quarter of 2019, representing a year-over-year increase of 16.0%. Earnings per ADS (basic and diluted) for the first half of 2019 was RMB2.59 (US$0.38)[1], representing a year-over-year increase of 40.6%. Core net income per ADS (basic and diluted) (non-GAAP) was RMB2.14 (US$0.31)[1] for the first half of 2019, representing a year-over-year increase of 11.5%. Cash flow. Operating cash inflow for the second quarter of 2019 was RMB85.0 million (US$12.4 million)[1], due primarily to improved operating performance across our hotel portfolio. Operating cash inflow for the first half of 2019 was RMB207.2 million (US$30.2 million)[1]. Investing cash outflow for the second quarter of 2019 was RMB295.0 million (US$43.0 million)[1], which was primarily attributable to acquisitions, increase of long-term time deposits, loans to franchisees and partially offset by proceeds from disposal of investments in equity securities. Investing cash outflow for the first half of 2019 was RMB401.5 million (US$58.5 million)[1]. Financing cash outflow for the second quarter of 2019 was nil while net financing cash outflow for the first half of 2019 was RMB197.6 million (US$28.8 million)[1]. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, investments in equity securities[4] and time deposit[5]. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had a total balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short term investments, investments in equity securities and time deposit of RMB2,053.7 million (US$299.1 million)[1], as compared to RMB2,180.8 million as of March 31, 2019, primarily due to cash outflow due to acquisitions, offset by operating cash inflow and loan to third parties and franchisees. Recent Developments During this quarter, the Company continued to develop its mid-scale segment and luxury brands, including GreenTree Eastern, GMe, GYa, VX, Deep Sleep Hotel[6], and two newly-added brands Argyle and Ausotel, to expand the scope of its distribution network and hotel portfolio in order to offer more diversified choices for both franchisees and customers. The Company also integrated membership programs with its partners including but not limited to Da Niang Dumplings and Yibon Hotel Group. This will enable members to use membership points and benefits interchangeably. In the meantime, the Company is continuously developing and improving its systems to better serve its clients and franchisees. Guidance For the full year 2019, the Company expects organic growth in total revenues of 23-28% compared to 2018. The guidance set forth above reflects the Company's current and preliminary view based on our estimates, may not be indicative of our financial results for future interim periods and the full year ended December 31, 2019 and is subject to change. Conference Call GreenTree's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on August 16, 2019 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on August 16, 2019). Dial-in numbers for the live conference call are as follows: International 1-412-902-4272 China 4001-201-203 US 1-888-346-8982 Hong Kong 800-905-945 or 852-3018-4992 Singapore 800-120-6157 Participants should ask to join the GreenTree call, please dial in approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the call. A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call until August 23, 2019. Dial-in numbers for the replay are as follows: International Dial-in 1-412-317-0088 U.S. Toll Free 1-877-344-7529 Canada Toll Free 855-669-9658 Passcode: 10133916 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at http://ir.998.com. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures We believe that Adjusted EBITDA and core net income, as we present it, is a useful financial metric to assess our operating and financial performance before the impact of investing and financing transactions, income taxes and certain non-core and non-recurring items in our financial statements. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and core net income should not be construed as an indication that our future results will be unaffected by other charges and gains we consider to be outside the ordinary course of our business. The use of Adjusted EBITDA and core net income has certain limitations because it does not reflect all items of income and expenses that affect our operations. Items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and core net income are significant components in understanding and assessing our operating and financial performance. Depreciation and amortization expense for various long-term assets, income tax and share-based compensation have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA. Each of these items should also be considered in the overall evaluation of our results. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA and core net income does not consider capital expenditures and other investing activities and should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity. We compensate for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of our depreciation and amortization, interest expense/income, gains/losses from investments in equity securities, income tax expenses, share-based compensation, share of loss in equity investees, government subsidies and other relevant items both in our reconciliations to the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures and in our consolidated financial statements, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance. The term Adjusted EBITDA and core net income is not defined under U.S. GAAP, and Adjusted EBITDA and core net income is not a measure of net income, operating income, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. When assessing our operating and financial performance, you should not consider this data in isolation or as a substitute for our net income, operating income or any other operating performance measure that is calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, our Adjusted EBITDA and core net income may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA and core net income or similarly titled measures utilized by other companies since such other companies may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA and core net income in the same manner as we do. Reconciliations of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA and core net income, to the consolidated statement of operations information are included at the end of this press release. About GreenTree Hospitality Group Ltd. GreenTree Hospitality Group Ltd. ("GreenTree" or the "Company") (NYSE: GHG) is a leading hospitality management group in China. As of June 30, 2019, GreenTree had a total number of 2,955 hotels. In 2018, GreenTree ranked among the Top 12 worldwide in terms of number of hotels in "World's Largest Hotel Companies: HOTELS' 325", published by HOTELS magazine, and was as well the fourth largest hospitality company in China in 2018 based on the statistics issued by the China Hospitality Association. The Company has built a strong suite of brands including its flagship "GreenTree Inns" brand as a result of its long-standing dedication to the hospitality industry in China and consistent quality of its services, signature hotel designs, broad geographic coverage and convenient locations. The Company has further expanded its brand portfolio into the mid-to-upscale and luxury segments through a series of strategic investments. By offering diverse brands, through its strong membership base, expansive booking network, superior system management with moderate charges, and fully supported by its operating departments including Decoration, Engineering, Purchasing, Operation, IT and Finance, GreenTree aims to keep closer relationships with all our clients and partners by providing a brand portfolio featuring comfort, style and value. For more information on GreenTree, please visit http://ir.998.com. Safe Harbor Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," "confident," "future," or other similar expressions. GreenTree may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about or based on GreenTree's current beliefs, expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry, are forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: GreenTree's goals and growth strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; trends in the hospitality industry in China and globally; competition in our industry; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and other regions where we operate; the regulatory environment in which we and our franchisees operate; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided, including the forward-looking statements made, in this press release are current as of the date of the press release. Except as required by law, GreenTree undertakes no obligation to update any such information or forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the information is provided or statements are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. [1] The conversion of Renminbi ("RMB") into United States dollars ("US$") is based on the exchange rate of US$1.00=RMB6.8650 on June 28, 2019 as set forth in H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and available at https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/H10/hist/dat00_ch.htm. [2] "Tier 1 cities" refers to the term used by the National Bureau of Statistics of China and refer to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. [3] "Tier 2 cities" refers to the 32 major cities, other than Tier 1 cities, as categorized by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, including provincial capitals, administrative capitals of autonomous regions, direct-controlled municipalities and other major cities designated as "municipalities with independent planning" by the State Council. [4] Investments in equity securities include securities and investment in Gingko and New Century which is recorded in Long-term investments account. [5] Investments in equity securities include securities and investment in Gingko and New Century which is recorded in Long-term investments account. [6] Time deposits are the time deposit certificates last over three months. [7] Wumian Hotel changed its brand name to Deep Sleep Hotel in the second quarter of 2019, while its English trademark is currently being registered. ---Financial Tables and Operational Data Follow— GreenTree Hospitality Group Ltd.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31
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Pushing for Systemization and Standardization of Korea’s Chiropractic
The term ‘Chiropractic’ may yet be an unfamiliar word to most of the population. Over 30 years have passed since chiropractic was first introduced to Korea, however, it lingers in a shameful state where non-experts still practice indiscriminately while experts from other medical fields distort the terms, causing misinformation to spread to the public. On top of that, doctors and Korean oriental Medical Doctors who apply chiropractic knowledge still maintain a defensive position on institutionalizing chiropractic and are further building a confrontational stage. Amidst this confusion, Chairman An Jun Yong of the Korean Chiropractic Association, who previously practiced medicine as the director of the Center for Advancement of Immunity-Spinal Nerve Research Center, is taking on his fourth year as Chairman to continue his efforts in globalizing Korea’s chiropractic practices. Chairman An Jun Yong, Korean Chiropractic Association ■ Institutionalization of Chiropractic Based on Professionalism Remains Absolute Necessity The single biggest issue associated with the domestic chiropractic field would without doubt be institutionalization. Korea’s chiropractic history boasts over 30 years of practice and research; however, experts are yet restrained from active proactive practice due to the lack of legal evidence “Chiropractic doctors are constantly struggling with the pressure of criminal suits because they’re not protected by legal evidence. This harsh reality makes it very difficult to call together professionals into a single organization. With the environment being so unfavorable, it’s hard to ask these doctors to stand up for the larger cause when their own livelihoods are on the line.” While spending years actually curing many patients that modern and Korean medicine gave up on, Chairman An naturally began questioning the legal environment that was unusually harsh on chiropractic. “Our members and I have always wished for our patients to live with health and happiness. However, it’s truly regrettable how we are being treated as criminals just for the fact that there is no legal evidence for chiropractic as a medical practice.” On the other hand, doctors who use chiropractic knowledge and techniques are ironically under strong, legal protection. “The government’s explanation is that “The use of chiropractic by doctors who are experts in the human body is safe.” However, Chairman An’s response is that the explanation is nonsensical when domestic chiropractic doctors are required to study over 4,200 hours for their Chiropractic degree whereas the doctors that the government and law support only go through a 30-hour short-term course. This goes against the WHO’s report of guideline for chiropractic safety in 2006 which advises that chiropractic doctors should complete at least 2,200 hours of chiropractic education for their practice to be safe for the patients. Chairman An stating his hopes for chiropractic doctors’ expertise to be acknowledged and backed by official legal medicinal evidence ■ Illegal for Expert with 4,200 Hours of Education, but Legal for Doctor with Nothing? As its definition explains, chiropractors practice personalized physical examinations and diagnoses that fit each patient. On top of that, with rehabilitative and nutritional counsel included, chiropractic care is nothing short of a new field in general medicine. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between minimum required hours for a U.S.-based chiropractic degree or a MD (Medical Degree) shows that a chiropractic degree requires around 150 hours more than a MD with 4,822 hours and 4,667 hours, respectively. If these standards are applied when chiropractic is brought into Korea, there is no reason to refute the professionalism and expertise of chiropractors. Also, a study published on the February 15, 2015 issue of Spine, a medical journal, presented the odds of patients between ages 66 and 99, who visit their doctor for issues in their musculoskeletal system, suffering from injuries in either the head, neck, or torso within 7 days of visitation. According to the study, patients who were cared for by chiropractic doctors rather than general practitioners saw 76% lower odds of injuries. For an accurate picture of the safety of a doctor’s practice and treatment, one only needs to observe the medical malpractice insurance premiums in countries where lawsuits are common- for example, the U.S. In 2011, ordinary doctors spent on average $24,500 per doctor on malpractice premiums while gynecologists spent $46,400 on average per doctor. On the other hand, chiropractors were only subject to $1,500 on average per doctor. In other words, there is no real basis for the misguided claims of unprofessionalism and threat of malpractice regarding chiropractic treatment. “The KCA’s position is simple. Doctors and Korean Medical Doctors must be legally subject to 2,200 hours of education, as recommended by WHO, to use chiropractic treatment. Furthermore, the government must acknowledge the professionalism of chiropractors and thereby provide legal backing as official medical practitioners. The current laws and policies are ignoring experts and putting the safety and health of citizens at risk.” The core of Chairman An’s claims is that “A wide range of options must be guaranteed for people to protect their own happiness and health.” Not everybody wishes for drug and surgical treatment. There are many who wish to use chiropractic treatment that promotes peace and dignity. Chairman An strongly believes that, even just to protect these people’s rights, the government must establish a strong, legal standard for the professionalism of chiropractic. The KCA was first established in 1993 and joined the WFC (World Federation of Chiropractic) as a member in that same year. Since then, he has diligently contributed to the chiropractic community by participating in seminars, international competitions, academic exchanges, bills and petitions, community service, and more. “The WFC headquarters is located in Ontario, Canada. It holds official relations with the WHO. As a proud association officially acknowledged by the WFC, KCA strictly follows the guidelines provided by the WFC and WHO.” Chiropractic is a new field that is undergoing dynamic changes ■ Personalized Care for Each Patient. A New Cure to Lead Society into Centenarian-Age It has been noted that chiropractic care researches and applies optimal responsive care for patients regardless of age, gender, or disease, while also providing counsel regarding diets, posture, and walking posture for cases where physical therapy is not necessary. “Modern chiropractic has long evolved from the skeletal-correction level of care of the past. Now, chiropractic is establishing itself as a medical philosophy that promotes a healthy life through physical, physiological and emotional balance. In developed countries, such as Canada, spinal surgeries are required to be preceded by consultation and care from a chiropractor. The purpose is to prevent social loss through unnecessary procedures. That illustrates just how much chiropractors are being acknowledged.” Opening the Future of KCA Through Education Business Chairman An has a big dream. Of course petitions need to be consistently raised in the National Assembly in order for chiropractic to be admitted as a legal medical field in Korea, however, Chairman An believes that autonomous business activities for capacity enhancement are a bigger priority. For this, Chairman An plans to establish chiropractic curriculums in every domestic metropolitan city and build infrastructure that provides the entire population to acquire theoretical and practical chiropractic knowledge in a systematic and sophisticated way. He has already established an institution in Seoul to train personnel and experts to carry out his plan. “Our goal for the future is not only to discover potential chiropractors in Korea and across the globe, but also to straighten out the distorted knowledge and prejudices of chiropractic and establish a strict manual. While the current environment lacks physical conditions for the Korean chiropractic curriculums to be level with foreign chiropractic degree curriculums, if these curriculums and courses could help young candidates find their path and grow into experts practicing in chiropractic-developed countries such as the U.S. or Canada, that would be enough.” This curriculum is set on a 2-year, 2,500 hour long standard and curriculum inquiries are currently being made in large numbers. “The current issue is perhaps rooted on pains from the past. Now is the time for the Korean Chiropractic Association to look to the future and march. For the next generation of chiropractors and for the ideological, theoretical, and clinical advancement of Korea’s chiropractic, this type of curriculum is an absolute necessity.” ■ Korean Chiropractic Association Leads Way to Globalization Representing South Korea as well as KCA, Chairman An attends the WFC Congresses, the largest event and conference in the global chiropractic world, that are held all over the globe biennially. The 15th Congress of its kind was held this year in Berlin, Germany. Each country presents their national report and Chairman An received wide support after sharing the dynamic progress and current status of South Korea’s chiropractic field. Chairman An states, “KCA is the only domestic association that is consistently keeping up with global professional standards. Based on that, we are seeing a steady increase in our member count. We have been active in our ‘Proper Chiropractic Awareness’ campaign, which aids more and more patients in receiving safe chiropractic treatment, and we also plan to continue our volunteer work throughout 2019.” He further stated his claims to lead the way in uprooting short-term, illegal chiropractic technique seminars and to set the right example country-wide. By determining the authenticity and legality of currently active seminars both domestic and foreign, he plans to give out warnings to improper seminars, followed by member expulsions and license cancellation requests when no corrective actions are taken. He expects such efforts to promote a quicker globalization of chiropractic- not to mention being the quickest route in South Korea becoming a global leader in the field. Furthermore, he plans to raise the level of management and testing to maintain a strict qualification system that allows the temporary CSC (Chiropractic Standardization Course) to achieve success in South Korea. He anticipates the day when his work is answered by the government in the form of admittance of chiropractic as an official and legal alternative medicine. He hopes for his country to catch up to global medical systems that have already admitted chiropractic as an institution, providing their citizens with a wider range of benefits and treatments. KCA (Korean Chiropractic Association) announced their will to endure the realities of current domestic medical environment and grow into a global level chiropractic association ■ Meeting Chiropractic for First Time After Facing Severe Pain Chairman An recollects the time when he suffered from a severe spinal injury. He was a young worker and his life had just started going down in a vicious spiral. “I had graduated from Konkuk University, College of Livestock, and started working in a large-scale farm. I got into an accident and hurt my back and the pain was so severe that I couldn’t event sit down. The hospital kept saying that they couldn’t find a way to relieve the pain and went on repeating meaningless tests. Spending every day in pain and agony really depleted by self-esteem. My life was falling apart. When I was heading for my worst, I accidentally ran into chiropractic. It didn’t get rid of all the pain but slowly my symptoms were getting better. After that, I enrolled in a chiropractic college based in the U.S. with the purpose of ‘Fixing my body, living my life.’” “The college I studied at strictly forbade any practical training for students outside of the regulations. It was to prevent any immature procedures that could actually end up hurting the patient more. One of the most memorable things was the reasons to why my classmates enrolled. They told me reasons and goals that closely resembled that of a medical student back at home. It was proof that ‘chiropractor’ had already settled in the States as a respectable profession.” Ever since he returned home after his study abroad, Chairman An spent his days curing patients and relieving their pains. His only goal was to minimize a patient’s pain, costs, and time spent in agony when it could otherwise be spent on his talents and achievements. “South Korea’s chiropractic has changed dramatically in recent years. It is under rapid systemization and is undergoing refinement as an academic field. That is why I believe chiropractic offers the young generation a great opportunity in their future careers. There is a huge difference in not choosing due to lack of knowledge and choosing another path. One of my main goals in the coming years is to increase the awareness of chiropractic among students through education businesses and public activities to give them a fair chance in getting to know the field properly, which in turn will offer them a fantastic new path in their lives.” In the closing of the interview, Chairman An emphasized ‘professionalism.’ He shed light on the current status of Korean chiropractors’ clinical experience and level of theoretical knowledge surpassing those of other medical doctors. Then, he stressed again his plans to initiate education businesses and academic exchange businesses that pass on these know-hows academically. Around the country, there is an air of bright anticipation for very tangible and definite progress in return for Chairman An’s efforts in promoting far-sighted, wholesome policies that solve the long-overdue issues at hand.
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Artprice by Art Market: Latest Auction Records in Photography
Auction turnover from Post-War and Contemporary Art photographs PARIS, Aug. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Although Photography currently accounts for just under 2% of the total value of the global secondary art market, the medium has become a permanent feature of the art world after a lengthy process of acceptance that dates back to the end of WWII and which has markedly accelerated in the last two decades. Today, the world's most influential galleries all devote energy and space to the photography medium. David Zwirner, for example, officially represents 66 artists, of whom nine are photographers. Auction turnover from Post-War and Contemporary photographs Being a relatively recent art form, the world's top-selling artists in the photography segment are not contemporaries of the world's top-selling early 20th century artists in other media (painting, sculpture or print). They are much closer to us... and in most cases are our contemporaries. thierry Ehrmann, Artprice's founder/CEO, sees extraordinary potential: "Photography's share in the Art Market is not yet fully developed so it still offers exceptional opportunities for young art-lovers to start their collection. As the medium has morphed from analog to digital, an entirely new market has emerged with its own codes, its own references and even its own specific museology. This new market has managed to encompass the iconic photos of the major press agencies along with photographs created as art. The market recognises that as soon as the personality of a photographer permeates his/her work, the author of that oeuvre may be considered an artist. Artprice – the world leader in the collection and distribution of Art Market information since its creation in 1987 – has always considered photography an artistic medium in its own right. In the 1980s and 1990s it was still considered a 'distant relation' to Contemporary art." In historical terms, photography's artistic maturity is happening now! That is why international events like the Rencontres d'Arles are so important and significant and why we are seeing the emergence of a number of new photographers whose market prices are moving very rapidly. Top 5 new records for photographers under 45 in H1 2019 © artprice.com 1. Richard MOSSE (b. 1980) - Nowhere to Run (Infra series) (2010) $48,000 – 16 May 2019 - Phillips London 2. Kourtney ROY (b. 1981) - Sorry, No Vacancy 7 (2017) $30,500 – 16 May 2019 - Phillips London 3. Erik MADIGAN HECK (1983) - Dior Couture (2014) $30,500 – 16 May 2019 - Phillips London 4. ZENG Yicheng (b. 1975) - The Silent Sermon (2018)$26,300 – 27 May 2019 - Holly Hong Kong 5. Mario MACILAU (b. 1984) - Untitled, Project (10) $14,500 – 15 May 2019 - Piasa Paris The four pillars of the market Photographers whose works regularly fetch 7-digit sums (in USD) at auction can be counted on one hand. There is the German, Andreas Gursky, the Americans, Richard Prince and Cindy Sherman, and the British duo, Gilbert & George. Born in the 1940s and 1950s, these artists are represented by the prestigious galleries Gagosian, Skarstedt, Thaddaeus Ropac and White Cube who continue to show their new works. At the 2013-2014 highpoint in global auction sales of photographs, these four top-selling signatures accounted for 38% of the segment's total auction turnover. But their performances have substantially contracted over the past four years, as indeed have sales of all Post-War photography around the world. To a large extent, the results of these four photographers reflect the appetite of collectors for photography in general. Nevertheless... the photography market is still four times bigger than it was twenty years ago. New records Some 19 photographers, other than Gursky, Prince, Sherman and Gilbert & George, have generated at least one result above the 1 million-dollar threshold over the last 20 years. Among these we find Hiroshi Sigimoto (4), Jeff Wall (2), Piotr Urlanski (1). Earlier this year, the American fashion photographer Helmut Newton also crossed this symbolic threshold for the first time. Top 5 new records for Post-War photographers in H1 2019 © artprice.com 1. Helmut NEWTON (1920-2004) – Sie Kommen, Paris (1981) $1,820,000 – 4 April 2019 – Phillips New York 2. Helena ALMEIDA (1934-2018) – Dentro de mim (2000) $128,400 – 20 February 2019 – Veritas Lisbon 3. Richard MISRACH (b. 1949) – Untitled #328-02 (2002) $125,000 – 2 April 2019 – Christie's New York 4. Consuelo KANAGA (1894-1978) – Profile of a Young Girl (1948)$106,2505 – 4 April 2019 – Phillips New York 5. Peter HUJAR (1934-1987) – David Wojnarowicz (1985) $106,250 – 20 June 2019 – Swann New York Helmut Newton died in 2004 at the age of 84 and his prices are continuing to climb. He was in fact the top-selling photographer at auction in the first half of 2019 thanks to the sale of Sie Kommen, Paris (1981), a quadriptych measuring 193 by 88cm from an edition of 3, the first of which reached $1.8 million on 4 April 2019 at Phillips in New York. That result set a new personal record for Helmut Newton, but, more significantly, it was the year's highest photography result so far. Demand for work by Portuguese photographer Helena Almeida is also growing rapidly, albeit in a lower price range. A retrospective in Paris in 2016 and her death last autumn have largely contributed to inflating the prices of her works. On 20 February 2019, her Dentro de mim (2000) reached $128,000 in Lisbon, a posthumous consecration for an artist who twice represented Portugal at the Venice Biennale, in 1982 and again in 1995. Asian photography Photography remains a niche market in Asia... with the exception of Japan, of course, which clearly established itself as a world leader of the photography industry and has produced some of the most famous Post-War and Contemporary photographers, including Nabuyoshi Araki (b. 1940) and Hiroshi Sugimoto (b. 1948). Chinese artists seldom choose to work exclusively in the photographic medium, but some use it occasionally like the artist Liu Wei (b. 1972). Recognized by the 2016 Award of Art China (AAC), he is famous for his futuristic oil paintings, as well as his videos and installations. But Liu Wei also produced one of the few Chinese photographs that has ever sold above $100,000 at auction. On 1 April 2019, one of five prints of his very large 5-part work entitled Landscape – shown for the first time at the Shanghai Biennial in 2004 – fetched $191,000 at Sotheby's in Hong Kong. Excerpt from an article published in Artco & Investment magazine in August 2019 by Artprice Copyright ©2019 thierry Ehrmann – www.artprice.com – www.artmarket.com About Artprice: Artprice is listed on the Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Founded by thierry Ehrmann (see Who's who certified Biography ) (c) https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2019/03/2019-bio-whoswho-thierry-ehrmann.pdf). Dicover Artprice in video: https://www.artprice.com/video Artprice is the global leader in art price and art index databanks. It has over 30 million indices and auction results covering more than 700,000 artists. Artprice Images® gives unlimited access to the largest Art Market resource in the world: a library of 126 million images or prints of artworks from the year 1700 to the present day, along with comments by Artprice's art historians. Artprice permanently enriches its databanks with information from 6,300 auctioneers and it publishes a constant flow of art market trends for the world's principal news agencies and approximately 7,200 international press publications. For its 4,500,000 members, Artprice gives access to the world's leading Standardised Marketplace for buying and selling art. Artprice is preparing its blockchain for the Art Market. It is BPI-labelled (scientific national French label) Artprice's Global Art Market Annual Report for 2018 published last March 2019: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2018 Artprice is associated with Artron Group the Chinese leader in the Art Market, its solid institutional partner. About the Artron Group: Partners since 2009, in 2018, Artron and Artprice signed a historic agreement to create a "New Silk Road for Art". This initiative is perfectly coherent with China's "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) or "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) launched in 2013 and known in Europe as the "New Silk Road". "Artron Art Group (Artron), a comprehensive cultural industrial group founded in 1993 by Wan jie, is committed to inheriting, enhancing and spreading art value. Based on abundant art data, Artron provides art industry and art fans with professional service and experience of quality products by integrated application of IT, advanced digital science and innovative crafts and materials. Having produced more than 60,000 books and auction catalogues, Artron is the world's largest art book printer with a total print volume of 300 million a year. It has more than 3 million professional members in the arts sector and an average of 15 million daily visits, making it the world's leading art website." Artron's Web: www.Artron.net Artprice's Contemporary Art Market Annual Report for 2018 - free access at:https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2018 Artprice's press releases:http://serveur.serveur.com/Press_Release/pressreleaseen.htm https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom Artmarket News: https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom & https://twitter.com/artmarketdotcom https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom 4,4 million subscribers http://artmarketinsight.wordpress.com/ Discover the Alchemy and the universe of Artprice http://web.artprice.com/video, which headquarters are the famous Museum of Contemporary Art, the Abode of Chaos: https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013 https://vimeo.com/124643720 The Contemporary Art Museum The Abode of Chaos https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 3.9 million subscribers Contact: thierry Ehrmann ir@artprice.com Related Links :https://www.artprice.comwww.artprice.com
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Kahala Hotel & Resort, Prestigious Luxury Resort Located in Hawaii, to Open Most Innovative Luxury Hotel in Yokohama, Japan, on June 17, 2020
YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kahala Hotel & Resort, a prestigious luxury resort located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, announced on August 16 that it will open the Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama, the first "Kahala" brand hotel outside of Hawaii, on June 17, 2020, in Yokohama's Bay Area, surrounded by picturesque scenery in the cosmopolitan Japanese city. By combining Hawaii's intellectually stimulating and sensual Aloha spirit with Yokohama's reverence for and history of adopting world cultures, the Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama, as a completely new luxury hotel unique in the world, will offer guests a very special "Kahala" experience it hopes they will treasure. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, situated in Honolulu's exclusive residential area of Kahala -- a tranquil neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of the city, just a short drive past Diamond Head, regarded as the most scenic spot on the island. Since its opening in 1964, the hotel has welcomed American presidents (starting with Lyndon B. Johnson), royalty, heads of state, countless movie and rock stars, and prominent members of the literary world, and continues entrancing many people today. Photo1: Hotel exteriorhttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103122/201908149679/_prw_PI1fl_3hsppll2.jpg Photo2: Guest room: The Kahala Suitehttps://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103122/201908149679/_prw_PI2fl_0s2mzK45.jpg Online reservations: The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama official website:https://thekahala.jp/en/yokohama/ Hotel conceptTo blend harmoniously with the hotel's location at the Minato Mirai seaside, the building's exterior design evokes the image of a shore where waves break and recede, with a dazzling radiance that sparkles like light reflecting on the water's surface. The interior concept is "Crystal Modern," featuring stylish, elegant spaces filled with the brilliance of bracing light shining on crystals. Hotel locationName: The Kahala Hotel & Resort YokohamaAddress: 1-8-1 and 1-8-9 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan Details - By car: Approximately six minutes from the Higashi Kanagawa exit or approximately four minutes from the Minatomirai exit on the Kanagawa Route 1 Yokohane Line, Metropolitan Expressway- By train: Approximately eight minutes on foot from Shin-takashima or Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line, approximately six minutes by taxi from Yokohama Station on the Tokaido Main Line, approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Shin-Yokohama Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen*About 100 minutes from Narita International Airport, about 30 minutes from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)- Size: One belowground floor, 14 aboveground floors- Number of guest rooms: 146- Restaurants: Italian restaurant, Japanese restaurant (with attached "teppanyaki" restaurant), lounge and bar- Facilities: Large public baths, approximately 20-meter-long pool (heated), beauty salon, gym, ballroom- Opening date: June 17, 2020Related Links :https://thekahala.jp
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Discover Artists from Around the World at the 15th Asia Contemporary Art Show
Hong Kong, August 15, 2019: Returning this Fall with its 15th edition, the Asia Contemporary Art Show at the Conrad Hong Kong opens on October 4 until October 7. As the longest-running and most intimate hotel art fair in Asia, the Show will present artworks from countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Lebanon, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and many others. Beginning on Friday, October 4th, arts patrons and select guests will be welcomed at the exclusive Private View. This will be followed by an invitation-only VIP Collectors Preview. General admission opens on Saturday, October 5th and continues with regular show hours until Monday, October 7th. “Aiming to present the best of contemporary art from a diverse selection of galleries, the Show responds to a growing trend where galleries are looking for immersive ways of showing art and for audiences seeking something more intimate and experiential. The Show brings a world of art to Hong Kong at accessible prices, giving collectors and art buyers the opportunity to browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture, and photography from some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists – from emerging to mid-career artists, to those who have already achieved recognition in private and public collections, and at auction.” remarked Show Director Mark Saunderson. “Among other artists, the 15th edition will feature Lee Dongsu from South Korea whose works capture the essence of bigger and higher concepts with very oxymoronic crude and simple visualization, and Chinese sculptor and painter Wu Qiong whose art resonates with the cartoon aesthetic of a generation absorbed by comic imagery, online gaming and computer worlds. His work makes “political stress release” and cynicism, ideals which were once so characteristic of contemporary Chinese art, seem generations away.” The Asia Contemporary Art Show is delighted to welcome back Connecting Myanmar in their charity exhibition and sale of Aung Myint’s works at the Show. A very well-known Burmese artist whose works are collected by notable institutions such as the Guggenheim, the exhibition will include pieces from his famous Mother and Child series, which uses single, unbroken lines of black acrylic to evoke the intimate physical connection between the two figures. Connecting Myanmar, a registered charity in Hong Kong, aims to inspire young people to think critically with an empathetic lens by connecting Myanmar and Hong Kong youths. Proceeds from the exhibition will go toward scholarships supporting Myanmar students in their studies abroad. FEATURED SURREALIST WORKS Lau Chun Tao, Hong Kong — Accidental Art, Room 4221 Lau Chun Tao (b.1994) is an artist born and raised in Hong Kong. Lau is known for distorting objects through texture and pattern by using ink, acrylic and screen print. His artworks are inspired by his observation of everyday life. The artist attended the Academia di Belle Arti di Bologna in Italy and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts from the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University. Roger Dean, United Kingdom — Trading Boundaries, Room 4226 Roger Dean (b.1944) is an internationally recognised artist and designer, whose evocative and visionary images with associated graphics, logos, and lettering, created a new genre of work. Best known for his album covers for groups such as Yes, Asia, and Osibisa, Dean has worked in many fields from painting and architecture to typeface, furniture, and stage design, inspiring generations of students and artists. "Pathways" by Roger Dean, Trading Boundaries, United Kingdom, Room 4226 Yoo, Sun-Tai, South Korea — Galerie GAIA, Room 4306 Yoo, Sun-Tai (b.1957) is one of Korea's most widely recognized contemporary artists. While studying in Paris (PH.D), the artist developed his now well-known style of three-dimensional painting. Yoo is obsessed with objects utilised as a means of metaphors of life elements, their meanings depending on personal imagination or interpretation. Yoo’s surreal paintings feature Korean letters that interact with the objects in the works, giving it a meditative and poetic sense. GALLERIES AND ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Gao Xiao Yun, China, Room 4322 Gao Xiao Yun (b.1977) pursues stillness and motion, and objectivity and subjectivity. Gao paints spontaneously and flexibly to achieve an effect that appears at once “dense and light, quick and slow, hard and soft, cold and warm”. Gao graduated from the Department of Oil Painting at the China Academy of Fine Art. In the high pressure of modern society, Gao aims to use his art to create a harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Gao participated in the development of the Shanghai Pudong Artist Village and Puxi Art District. Lin Kuo-Wei, Taiwan — All Animal Art, Room 4118 Lin Kuo-Wei (b.1985) uses his own art language to vocalize environmental issues in the series “NO.∞”. By combining human and animal shapes and by using heavy mechanical woodcarving techniques, the artist wants to promote environmental protection in his efforts to contribute to the society and the environment. Aung Myint, Myanmar — Connecting Myanmar, Room 4323 Burmese artist Aung Myint (b.1946) is known for his Mother and Child inspired drawings, drawn with a single unbroken line of black acrylic. A self-taught artist, he works with painting and installation and is regarded as one of the pioneers of performance and experimental art in Myanmar. He experiments with different mediums to explore the themes of cultural identity and personal memories. Elizabeth Langreiter, Australia, Room 4210 Elizabeth Langreiter’s art journey began in a rather unusual way. Langreiter had zero interest in art before being hit on the head with a tennis ball during a competition and then had the sudden urge to start painting. The artist connects this to “Acquired Savant Syndrome” which is a condition where “dormant savant skills emerge after a brain injury or disease...where few such skills were evident before.” Adeline Buenaventura, France, Room 4106 Self-trained artist Adeline Buenaventura (b.1971) is passionate about colours and graphics that are inspired by Pop Art. Buenaventura designs, draws, and paints freehand using bright and eclectic colors on her cheerful resin and fiberglass sculptures. Infused with voluptuous roundness and sensual lines and an elaborate glazed surface, the ultimate originality of her work is in the smoothness of each sculpture, which looks as if they are blown glass or porcelain. Lee Dongsu, South Korea — Khalifa Gallery, Room 4321 Lee Dongsu (b.1965) tries to reconstruct a part of the world; not by reconstructing objects themselves, but by presenting objects as the world. Lee’s works, a simple China and a bowl embodies silence and emptiness, representing winds in a subtle way. Without flamboyant visualization, one could feel the smooth touch of zephyr by looking at his paintings. Jeff Murray, United Kingdom, Room 4126 Jeff Murray (b.1986) takes inspiration from his personal experiences and interests, with the world and its wonders being the main subject matter. His “visual journals” capture the way he sees the world and what it means to him. Focusing heavily on architecture, landscapes, history and nature, his art speaks to all art lovers so that they can connect with each and every piece in a different way. Murray likes to test the viewer by hiding things within each piece. He often hides these things in multiples of 7, which is a unique and personal number to him. These “Easter eggs” show his playful side and how his mind works with wanting to discover more. "New York" by Jeff Murray, United Kingdom, Room 4126 Wu Qiong, China – M & T ART, Room 4315 Sculptor and painter, Wu Qiong (b.1981) creates art that represents the childhood that he and many others of his generation remember and in doing so, creates touching and amusing portraits that are distinctly contemporary in the Chinese art scene. The artist’s fairytale visions of childlike figures against stark backgrounds and pastel skies sets him apart from his contemporaries. In 21st century China, Wu resonates with the cartoon aesthetic of a generation absorbed by comic imagery, online gaming and computer worlds. Coplu, Turkey — V’ Art Space, Room 4203 Coplu (b.1958) is a self-taught artist. Exploring different forms of visual art, he developed his own distinctive style of painting. The subjects of Coplu's paintings are always directly linked to human relationships and the different environments they are connected to, mirroring the feelings, beliefs, thoughts, fears and experiences that we all encounter during our journey through life.
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IHG® Hotels & Resorts Serves Up One-of-a-Kind Experiences at 2019 US Open
IHG® activations include spa-inspired experience at Flushing Meadows, outdoor viewing party at Kimpton® Hotel Eventi, and IHG® Rewards Club perks with Andy Roddick ATLANTA, Aug. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2019 US Open will be unlike any before, teeming with an unforgettable and sensational set of events created by hotel and hotel loyalty sponsor IHG® Hotels & Resorts, a leader in luxury travel. From celebrations at its New York City hotels hosted by tennis legend Andy Roddick and live entertainment from GRAMMY® award winning artist Leon Bridges to luxury travel-inspired pampering, IHG® is amplifying this global sporting event in the first of a multiyear partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8591751-ihg-2019-us-open/ Andy Roddick, Former World No. 1 Professional Tennis Player and US Open Champion, said: "I'm excited to partner with IHG at the US Open. When you're traveling and focused on performance, it's necessary to have a hotel you can rely on – one that anticipates your needs and cares for its guests, no matter where you are in the world. And that's exactly the kind of service I know I'll receive at an IHG property." Just as US Open athletes perfect their game through years of dedication, passion and service to their craft, IHG pushes the boundaries of hospitality to provide an unmatched level of service at its more than 400 luxury and boutique hotels across five distinct brands: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent® Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, and Hotel Indigo®. This year, IHG provides unparalleled service at the US Open for tennis fans and IHG Rewards Club members through the following: Arthur Ashe Kids' Day (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center), Aug. 24 – Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts, the official hotel sponsor of Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, gives families the opportunity to experience the excitement of the US Open first-hand with on-court and hands-on activities. The Holiday Inn brand was the first in its category to offer "Kids Stay and Eat Free" – in line with one of the hallmarks that make a Holiday Inn property so special. The brand will provide Kids Eat Free meal vouchers in partnership with Honest Juice® throughout US Open Fan Week and Arthur Ashe Kids' Day. The IHG Experience at Flushing Meadows (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center) from Aug. 26 – Sept. 8 – A complimentary wellness and spa-inspired experience for all US Open attendees offers refuge from hot temperatures, temple massages, a sampling of infused waters and more. The "digital daydream" experience provides a sensory encounter with some of IHG's finest properties around the world. Visitors select their desired destination, while a massage therapist provides a cooling towel infused with property-inspired scents. IHG Hotels & Resorts Sponsorship Day at Flushing Meadows (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center) Aug. 30 – A day dedicated to IHG Hotels & Resorts at Flushing Meadows, two lucky fans will receive an upgrade to courtside seats and win a five-night stay at the all-new InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort – the first and only all-Club InterContinental Resort where guests will experience personalized touches and complimentary benefits – opening Sept. 1. The winner will receive a stay in Lagoon Pool Villa, culinary experiences, afternoon tea and more. InterContinental® Ambassador Tennis Clinic at Flushing Meadows (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center) Sept. 7 – InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador loyalty members will participate in an exclusive clinic hosted by Andy Roddick. This invite-only experience will include in-person coaching and tennis drills, doubles points, a meet-and-greet session and more. Live Finals Viewing at the Big Screen Plaza located at Kimpton Hotel Eventi (851 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001) Sept. 8 – The public is invited to watch the Men's finalists serve, swing, volley and smash their way through the match on a 30-ft., outdoor HD screen. The official 2019 tournament schedule is available here. Claire Bennett, Chief Marketing Officer, IHG, said: "Our new partnership with one of the world's premier Grand Slam tennis tournaments underscores the importance we place on creating unforgettable moments for our guests and loyalty members, whether in New York for the US Open or staying at one of our 5,700 hotels or resorts across the world. We've got an exciting set of activities happening at Flushing Meadows and across New York to celebrate the best of the US Open. We can't wait to have our customers and tennis fans experience everything we have to offer." Loyalty Perks Throughout the US Open, IHG will also provide IHG Rewards Club members opportunities to experience the tournament in unique ways through the IHG® Access auction site, such as post-match press conference access, stays at InterContinental New York Barclay and InterContinental Times Square, breakfast in the player's dining area, box seats and suite hospitality, and meet and greet passes. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to bid on tickets to Legends, Unmatched on August 21 – an opening celebration with appearances from former US Open champion and legend Andy Roddick and a performance by GRAMMY award winning artist Leon Bridges. Legends, Unmatched attendees will also have the chance to give back by participating in a silent auction for high-value experiences and items with proceeds benefitting the USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the United States Tennis Association. USTA Foundation empowers youth to excel through free or low-cost programs with academic support and access to the life-changing sport of tennis. To learn more and participate in IHG's unmatched experiences throughout the 2019 US Open, visit ihg.com/usopen or follow the fun at #ExperienceIHG. About USTA: The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with more than 655,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking seven summer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA's philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. About IHG®: IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN® Hotels, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, voco™, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, Holiday Inn Resort®, avid™ hotels, Staybridge Suites®, Atwell Suites™,and Candlewood Suites®. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,700 hotels and nearly 856,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with over 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 400,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: https://twitter.com/ihgcorporate, www.facebook.com/ihgcorporate and www.linkedin.com/company/intercontinental-hotels-group.Related Links :http://www.ihg.com
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REC Group Plans Strategic Collaboration With Swiss Solar Technology Leader Meyer Burger
MUNICH, Aug. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the successful launch of REC Group's groundbreaking Alpha solar panel at Intersolar in Munich in May 2019, the leading European brand for solar photovoltaic panels today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic collaboration with the Swiss technology leader, Meyer Burger. As a front running innovator leading the pack in solar technology, REC Group is looking to further leverage on the already existing collaboration. REC Alpha Series Datasheet Based on the cutting-edge technology equipment by Meyer Burger, REC's Alpha module achieved groundbreaking efficiencies. As the world's most powerful 60-cell solar panel, the announcement of Alpha was met by immediate interest and demand by the market and is expected to be a game-changer in the industry. REC intends to now increase its 600MW heterojunction technology (HJT) and SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™) production capacity for Alpha, using equipment from Meyer Burger, to multiple GW in cooperation with a potential strategic partner. REC is actively reviewing potential partners for the expansion. In exchange for adequate exclusivity protection for specific HJT and SWCT technology, REC is in principle prepared to enter into a profit-sharing agreement with Meyer Burger. The terms for this are to be agreed by the companies and their respective Boards. Building on the leading expertise that Meyer Burger brings to the table, REC is confident that this intense collaboration will create significant long-term company value for both parties and will reshape the market. REC Group's CEO Steve O'Neil states: "Together with Meyer Burger, REC developed the industry's flagship panel, the Alpha. We are confident that strengthening our partnership with Meyer Burger will further drive innovation and higher efficiencies, the only way to strongly empower consumers with clean and affordable solar energy and accelerate energy autonomy of communities worldwide." "As the leading premium and integrated non-Chinese solar panel manufacturer, and with its reputation for operational excellence, REC is the ideal partner to continue the commercialization of Meyer Burger's high efficiency PV technologies," comments Hans Brändle, CEO of Meyer Burger. About REC Group: Founded in Norway in 1996, REC Group is a leading vertically integrated solar energy company. Through integrated manufacturing from silicon to wafers, cells, high-quality panels and extending to solar solutions, REC Group provides the world with a reliable source of clean energy. REC's renowned product quality is supported by the lowest warranty claims rate in the industry. REC Group is a Bluestar Elkem company with headquarters in Norway and operational headquarters in Singapore. REC Group employs 2,000 people worldwide, producing 1.5 GW of solar panels annually. Find out more at recgroup.com and on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rec_/Twitter: https://twitter.com/RECGroupMediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RECGroupSolar/ For further information please contact: Agnieszka Schulze Head of Global PR, REC Group Tel.: +49 89 54 04 67 225 E-mail: agnieszka.schulze@recgroup.com REC Solar EMEA GmbH Leopoldstraße 175 80804 Munich, Germany Managing Director: Cemil Seber Court of Registration: Munich HRB 180306 VAT ID-No: DE266243545 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/961128/REC_Alpha_Series_Datasheet.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/961129/REC_Logo.jpg
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Equip&Dine Asia and SEAsia Cafe Expo serve up the future of multi-sensory dining in Singapore this August
These culinary events bring the latest food & beverage (F&B) concepts to the table with new technology and innovations for restaurant and cafe operationsSINGAPORE, Aug. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of the region's leading multi-sensory foodservice events organised by Reed Exhibitions are kicking off this month, bringing the latest innovations to regional visitors from the restaurant and cafes sector. Located at hall A and B of Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre from August 28-30th 2019, visitors can attend Equip&Dine Asia, a holistic showcase of food service solutions, dining wares and industry trends that address the experiential needs of modern-day diners, and SEAsia Cafe Expo, which shines a spotlight on the region's thriving cafe culture through equipment, accessories and quality ingredients used in the preparation of coffee, tea and gelatos. During these events, visitors can experience two timely conferences and four interactive hospitality and culinary competitions, a contemporary central kitchen set-up for multiple F&B operations, and a state-of-the-art experiential studio for bespoke dining experiences. Kicking off the event is The Business of Innovation conference, where F&B owners and investors will shed insights on navigating industry challenges and technological innovations through real-world practices. The Dangerous Liaisons: Foodservice Now conference continues the following day, featuring a fresh lineup of veterans and rising stars from the culinary world who will share their experiences on staying ahead of the curve in foodservice strategies and operations. Present at these sessions are prominent industry names, including Chef Janice Wong, Impossible Foods' Henry Woodward-Fisher, KOI's Chef Reynold Poernomo and more. Those who love to play host will delight in Equip&Dine Asia's Most Gracious Host Challenge, which sees passionate home cooks serving an unforgettable experience with a 3-course menu. Be inspired to jazz up your own tables at home, as catering and banquet operations professionals representing major hotel chains in the region work their magic to deliver impeccably set tables at the Table Dressing Challenge. "Gone are the days where you had to queue up for restaurants, because private dining is really on the rise now in Singapore. Everyone can enjoy a nice meal prepared by the home chef, in a very cozy environment. There's no corkage fee, sometimes there's free parking and there's no pressure to make room for the next group that's coming in. So, you have your own space, your own time, your own freedom to really just enjoy the night and enjoy the food," said Luke Lee, Dine Inn, at the media preview event of Equip&Dine Asia and SEAsia Cafe Expo. Dive into the world of gelato at the Singapore Gelato Championship, jointly hosted by SEAsia Cafe Expo and the Dessert Association Singapore (DAS), to get the scoop on Singapore's finest gelato chef's as they whip up flavours unique to Singapore. Be sure to also catch baristas in action at the Barista Redefined Challenge, as they use automated milk texturing technology to create beautiful latte art without the need to manually steam and froth the milk. "The customer experience also includes being able to get my cup of coffee in time and we are no longer willing to wait over ten minutes for our coffee. In the current trend of being artisanal, a lot of new players tend to fall into that pothole where they focus on quality and not speed," said Keith Loh, Director, Caffeine Solutions and the organiser for Barista Redefined Challenge. Chiming in on these consumer expectations, Sharon Tay, President, Dessert Association Singapore also said: "People are now also asking for desserts which are vegan, free of gluten, dairy and other allergens, or are made for ketogenic diets. High-fat, low-carb desserts are also catching on quickly. As a result, dessert and gelato shops are constantly innovating, trying to come up with fresh new ideas and concepts." The events also feature a comprehensive mix of end-to-end solutions for front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant and cafe operations. At Equip&Dine Asia, Italian manufacturer Tecnoinox will launch TAP, an automated touchscreen smart oven for greater reliability in food preparation, while hospitality supplier Westlink Marketing Services will carry Churchill's reputable tabletop products and other brands including Bragard and Victorinox. Demonstrating how startups can improve the productivity of their kitchen operations with easy-to-use technology solutions from Rice Robots to Maruzen noodle boilers, Frank Quek, Sales & Marketing Lead, TY Innovations said: "The problem with setting up a restaurant or food stall in Singapore now is that in order to design, to build, to bring your own concept is so hard. You have to spend so much effort and time to get it going. That's why you need people like us to help. We help shorten the time it takes for your concept to be fulfilled. So, in that case, convenience is what we want to bring to our customers." Likewise, at SEAsia Cafe Expo, do not miss out on Boncafe's award-winning Bean Ground & Drunk - organic coffee beans that preserve the natural aromas and essence of unadulterated coffee. Common Man Coffee Roasters will also impress with their new PuqPress, a precision coffee tamper that provides a fast, automated solution for absolute consistency when you tamp. Drawing inspiration from Italian F&B concepts, 'The Italian Summer' by LEVELS Studio, an experiential hospitality design studio, will showcase how restaurant operators can deliver bespoke and multi-sensory experiences across different customer touchpoints. The LEVELS experience will be brought to life alongside industry partners Electrolux, Celli, Hobart, Precision, T&S, Williams, and Qson. "When talking about dining trends, we look at dining as a whole experience rather than just what goes on the plate. Whether you like it or not, it's focusing on everything - because that's what you see on Instagram. Our challenge is to design something and ask, 'Will this look good when somebody is taking that photo?' Instagram is always very influential," said Ben Gregoire, Principal, LEVELS Studio as he shares how dining trends are quickly shaping the experiential demands of today's consumers. "The food and dining experience is so intrinsic to Singapore and our ASEAN neighbours that we felt it was important to create an event that both celebrates and advances the foodservice industry in the region. Through this event, attendees can get a first-hand look at the latest F&B concepts and equipment, which will be used to deliver multi-sensory dining experiences. This will be coupled with a lineup of renowned industry players across both events' conferences and competitions," said Ms Ting Siew Mui, Project Director, Equip&Dine Asia and SEAsia Cafe Expo. Mr Justin Aow, President, Food and Beverage Management Association, added: "We're extremely honoured to be partnering with Equip&Dine Asia and the SEAsia Cafe Expo to help bring together professionals in the regional F&B industry to share and discuss the latest advancements in our industry. We are confident that this inaugural event will not only support F&B veterans, but also inspire new players in our fast-moving industry." For more information, please visit websites for Equip&Dine Asia and SEAsia Cafe Expo. Official News Release Distribution Partner - PR Newswire Asia About Reed Exhibitions Reed Exhibitions is the world's leading event organiser, with over 500 events in over 30 countries. It is experienced in running hospitality events globally, having organised events such as Bakery China, Cafe & Brasserie Indonesia, EquipHotel Paris, Equipotel San Paulo, Maison&Objet, Seoul International Cafe Show, and more. In 2017 Reed brought together over seven million event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 38 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries.www.reedexpo.com Media ContactIvan TanMutant Communicationsivan@mutant.com.sg+65 9111 4899 Phyllicia GanMutant Communicationsphyllicia@mutant.com.sg+65 9720 0841Related Links :https://www.reedexhibitions.com
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iQIYI Sports Strengthens Sports Offerings Through Exclusive Broadcasting Rights to LaLiga 2019/20
BEIJING, Aug. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- iQIYI Sports, a joint venture between iQIYI, Inc. (NASDAQ:IQ) ("iQIYI" or the "Company"), an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China, and Super Sports Media, will be live streaming exclusively the 2019/20 season of LaLiga Santander ("LaLiga") for the China market. LaLiga is the top professional football division of the Spanish football league system that is known for producing top-rated football clubs including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Aside from live streaming all 380 matches of the 2019/20 LaLiga season, iQIYI Sports will also produce and release original content on match information, match highlights and behind-the-scene footages throughout the entire season. iQIYI Sports Strengthens Sports Offerings Through Exclusive Broadcasting Rights to LaLiga 2019/20 In addition to live streaming, iQIYI Sports is dedicated to applying its resources and technological innovation to enhance its users' overall viewing experience of LaLiga. For example, PangHu, Rapper of iQIYI's new-gen virtual band RiCH BOOM has been appointed as iQIYI Sports' ambassador for iQIYI Sport's LaLiga livestreams and will interact with football players in post-match interviews. Additionally, matches will be streamed at 50 frames per second, providing its viewers with the best sports viewing experience not just in content, but also in playback clarity and smoothness. Viewers will also be offered a wide commentator selection that covers well-known veteran sports commentators to up-and-coming millennial commentators, in order to watch matches with personalized commentator combinations according to their preference. iQIYI has also engaged actors and artists from iQIYI's original dramas and reality shows such as The Big Band and The Rap of China 2019 as iQIYI Sports' Ambassadors for the LaLiga opening ceremonty to produce creative LaLiga-related videos. This allows fans to combine sports-watching with their iQIYI online viewing experience. "iQIYI Sports' goal is to maximize the value of sports entertainment by leveraging the content value of top sports tournaments and further enhance it through content promotion, marketing and membership services," said Yu Lingxiao, CEO of iQIYI Sports. "We believe this integration between entertainment and sports is key to having iQIYI Sports become the industry's leading sports entertainment service provider." Since its establishment in August 2018, iQIYI Sports has evolved into a multi-sport content ecosystem. Focusing on major sporting events and trends as well as original sports content, iQIYI Sports' content database currently offers livestreams of more than 6,000 sports matches from 30 major sport tournaments, over 200 sports documentaries and 20,000 sports-related video clips, covering football, tennis, golf, and many other sports. iQIYI Sports is also working on expanding its content selection to include the Australian Open, Wimbledon Championships, UEFA Euro 2020 and many other popular world-class sporting events. iQIYI Sports also plans to add street dance, extreme sports, combat sports and documentaries about sports stars to its content selection in order to meet the diverse needs of smaller audience groups. Going forward, iQIYI will continue enhancing its content selection and user experience through innovative methods, so as to become China's leading sports entertainment provider. About iQIYI, Inc. iQIYI, Inc. is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. Its corporate DNA combines creative talent with technology, fostering an environment for continuous innovation and the production of blockbuster content. iQIYI's platform features highly popular original content, as well as a comprehensive library of other professionally-produced content, partner-generated content and user-generated content. The Company distinguishes itself in the online entertainment industry by its leading technology platform powered by advanced AI, big data analytics and other core proprietary technologies. iQIYI attracts a massive user base with tremendous user engagement, and has developed a diversified monetization model including membership services, online advertising services, content distribution, live broadcasting, online games, IP licensing, online literature and e-commerce. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iqiyi-sports-strengthens-sports-offerings-through-exclusive-broadcasting-rights-to-laliga-201920-300902283.htmlRelated Links :www.iqiyi.com
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Delta Future Industry Summit 2019 Drives Ideas to Power ASEAN Smart City Transformation
Unique open platform empowers regional leaders moving the needle in digital, industrial and green solutionsBANGKOK, Aug. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL. hosted the second Delta Future Industry Summit to offer its stakeholders opportunities to connect and share ideas for industry development in ASEAN under the theme-Powering ASEAN's Urban Transformation. Held at the Renaissance Bangkok Hotel, this event brought together key decision-makers to discuss and explore smart city solutions including: E-mobility, Solar Energy, Industrial Automation, Industrial Power, Data Center Power, Smart Ventilation and Energy Storage. Unique open platform empowers regional leaders moving the needle in digital, industrial and green solutions The annual summit's unique focus on a stakeholder-centric experience sets it apart from major corporate events. "We believe in bringing people together around our shared values and that's why we decided that this event will be an open platform. Delta believes that everyone's success is important because in today's connected world we can do so much more together," Mr. Jackie Chang, Delta Thailand Vice President, said. "At Delta we always embrace changes as opportunities for new and more sustainable growth. From early on, we leveraged our core competencies in power and thermal management to develop solutions that address global mega-trends. This makes us the perfect partner to transform businesses in the Industry 4.0 era." With Thailand taking the role of 2019 ASEAN chairman, the government presents its Thailand 4.0 policy as way to harness technology and drive local innovation. Mr. Panuwat Triyangkoonsri, Inspector General at the Ministry of Industry, said, "Our Big Brother Project connects Thai SMEs with large innovative companies to enhance their competitiveness. This year, we signed an MOU with Delta to join to offer SMEs with the latest automation technology and business advice. We believe Delta and other companies with a proven track record of sustainable development will play a key role in our aim to have world-class local businesses." Collaboration among residents, local administrations, and relevant private sectors is crucial to achieving widespread adoption of smart city solutions. "Livable and sustainable are the two keywords that spell success when planning smart city development in the diverse ASEAN region," Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Executive Vice President of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), said. He emphasized that increased connectivity and sharing data can support the rollout and optimization of localized smart solutions. However, ASEAN's high growth and rapid urbanization is creating an air pollution crisis in major cities. In a panel discussion on intelligent solutions to tackle air pollution, experts discussed ways to reduce and protect customers from both outdoor and indoor pollution. Mr. Peter Galli, Vice President of Communications at Nissan Motor Thailand Co., Ltd., shared key considerations for the automotive industry in tackling outdoor air pollution including reducing emissions, EV fleet and reuse of EV batteries. On the subject of indoor air quality, Dr. Manisa Pipattanasomporn, Associate Professor Smart Grid Research Unit at Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Annop Kingkachee, Deputy Managing Director of Operations at EEC Engineering Network, shared the smart building industry's latest trends and solutions for PM2.5 filtration and energy-saving smart HVAC. In addition, Mr. Pasakorn Thamwittayakorn, Delta Senior Manager, detailed how Delta's Indoor Air Quality Solution leverages DC fan technology, heat exchanger core and HEPA filters to save energy and deliver cool clean air throughout the entire home. Mr. Galli also highlighted the Nissan's electrification strategy in a keynote speech that spotlighted the importance of advancing EV adoption through collaboration. "Thailand is entering a new era of mobility with opportunities built around a robust EV ecosystem via private-public partnerships," he said. "Our ability to provide a comprehensive charging and support system around the all-new Nissan LEAF In Thailand is due to key partnerships with government organizations like the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and private companies like Delta Electronics." Meanwhile, surging electricity demand to power EVs, industry and digital business requires creative energy solutions. In the second panel discussion, experts explained how to leverage energy storage to secure reliable and efficient power across grids. Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Executive Vice President of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Mr. Kittisak Ngoenngokngam, Delta's SEA Business Director, and Mr. Manat Aroonvatanaporn, Assistant Director of R&D, Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Director, and Mr. Pongsakorn Limpakarnwech Snr. Section Manager Smart City Development, Amata Corporation PCL., introduced the basics of energy storage and applications in smart energy grids. Started in 2018, the Delta Future Industry Summit is an invitation-only event where Delta partners and stakeholders enjoy exclusive access to a wealth of industry-specific data and networking opportunities. Delta's collaboration and commitment to a sustainable future help it fulfill its brand promise: Smarter. Greener. Together. About Delta Electronics (Thailand) Public Company Limited Founded in 1988, Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL. is a global producer of power and thermal management products and solutions. The company is a subsidiary of Delta Electronics Inc. Its mission statement, "To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow," reflects the company's strong belief in sustainable development especially with issues related to the environment. As an energy-saving solutions provider with core competencies in power electronics and innovative research and development, Delta's business categories include Power Electronics, Automation, and Infrastructure. The company's global presence is supported by its sales offices in key regions around the world; manufacturing facilities in India, Slovakia and Thailand; and several R&D centers located in Thailand, India, Germany and other countries. Delta continues to earn numerous recognitions for its achievements in the region and domestically. Some awards won include the prestigious ASEAN Business Award, Stock Exchange of Thailand's Best Company Performance Award and the coveted Prime Minister's Best Industry Award. For detailed information about Delta Thailand, please visit: www.deltathailand.com Tel: +66 (0)2709 2800 ext. 6303, 6381Email: det.marketing@deltaww.com Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190815/2553001-1?lang=0Related Links :http://www.deltathailand.com
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Ctrip's Secret to 210x Growth Revealed
SHANGHAI, Aug. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The secret to how Ctrip grew in value by 210x was revealed by Jane Sun, CEO of Ctrip.com, International Ltd. (Nasdaq: CTRP), during the Aspen Action Forum in Aspen, Colorado, USA where she was joined on stage by David Rubenstein, Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, who previously invested in the company in 2003. Ctrip CEO Jane Sun (left), in conversation with Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, David Rubenstein The successful American financier invested in Ctrip shortly after the company's listing on NASDAQ in 2003, at the time with a valuation of around USD $100 million, which he would later sell for a four-to-five hundred percent profit. "At the time, we thought how brilliant are we? The company is today worth USD $21 billion. I guess I sold too soon, right?", he quipped. In the time since Mr. Rubenstein's initial investment in 2003, Ctrip's market capitalization has grown exponentially, becoming the largest online travel agent in China and Asia. Ms. Sun explained that the secret to Ctrip's success is not in stamping out competition, but rather in listening to its users, and working incessantly to improve their travel experience. "Rather than focusing on competition, we should always listen to our customers, and focus on serving them," she said. As the CEO of Ctrip, Ms. Sun leads her team to implement innovative and intuitive solutions to everyday issues encountered by its users, ranging from its highly efficient SOS emergency mechanism which allows Ctrip to respond to urgent requests in an average of 17 seconds, to its automatic alternative routing and reissuing service for customers whose flights are cancelled. "We aim to make travel more pleasant," Ms. Sun said. Having spent almost 20 years in the USA, Ms. Sun's story is an amalgamation of both the American Dream, and a Chinese Dream. As a member of the first batch of Mainland Chinese students to study in the US, she feels fortunate, she explained, to have had the opportunity of studying in America. "I thought that my background and bilingual, bicultural skills could be better utilized in China, and that I could be a bridge between China and the rest of the world," she said. In her unique role as the only female CEO in the Chinese Internet industry, Jane Sun has been an active advocate for women's rights. She has also established a scholarship named after her professors at the University of Florida, as a way of both giving back to society, and inspiring the next generation of young leaders in the same way she was as a student. Ctrip also plays an important role, she says, in bridging the two countries, and contributing to global peace and understanding. "I feel travel not only brings joy to lives, but also serves as a kind of diplomacy, as a way of bringing people together and promoting a common global understanding and cultural exchange. In today's sometimes fractious environment, this is particularly important," she said. Although Mr. Rubenstein may regret selling his Ctrip stock, Ms. Sun assured him that as the company enters its next phase of development, the best is yet to come. "I'm sure that the travel industry will continue to grow, and Ctrip will capitalize on those opportunities," she said. "And I hope we can live up to the expectations of promoting the global economy and global peace." About Ctrip.com International, Ltd. Ctrip.com International, Ltd. is a leading travel service provider of accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management in China. It is the largest online consolidator of accommodations and transportation tickets in China in terms of transaction volume. Ctrip enables business and leisure travelers to make informed and cost-effective bookings by aggregating comprehensive travel related information and offering its services through an advanced transaction and service platform consisting of its mobile apps, Internet websites and centralized, toll-free, 24-hour customer service center. Ctrip also helps customers book vacation packages and guided tours. In addition, through its corporate travel management services, Ctrip helps corporate clients effectively manage their travel requirements. Since its inception in 1999, Ctrip has experienced substantial growth and become one of the best-known travel brands in China. For further information, please contact: International PRCtrip.com International, ltd.Tel: (+86) 21 3406 4880 ext 196455Email: Pr@ctrip.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ctrips-secret-to-210x-growth-revealed-300901646.html
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1 Hotel Toronto To Open Summer 2020, Debuting First-Ever Location In Canada
1 Hotel Toronto to be a newly designed, sustainable-living city retreat. NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Founder and CEO & Chairman of Starwood Capital Group, announced plans today for its newest property, 1 Hotel Toronto, inspired by Canada's natural beauty, the vibrant character of King Street West and the Toronto marketplace. The hotel is being developed in partnership with Mohari Hospitality, a global real estate investment company and owner of the building which is currently operated as the Thompson Toronto. The downtown property will undergo an extensive transformation into a relaxing luxury sustainable 1 retreat. 1 Hotels brings its sustainable vision to life by incorporating nature in its design and culinary collaborations, connecting with the local community to make a meaningful impact in the way people travel, eat, live and work. 1 Hotels purposefully reuses existing structural and reclaimed materials gathered from the local community, including timber, driftwood and local limestone. The hotel's design balances refined elements with a comfortably curated atmosphere, inspired by the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists, builders, chefs, and others. Our operating philosophy reflects our commitment to sustainability. 1 Toronto is not just a place to stay; it's a place to get inspired, focus, grow, connect and recharge. "1 Hotel Toronto will introduce the city to a new standard for an eco-conscious luxury experience, and is the first of its kind in Canada," said Sternlicht. We look forward to sharing our mission to inspire conscious consumption with guests from across the globe as well as the local community. Our partnership with Mohari is key to the re-development of the project, and we are pleased to be collaborating with them." Mark Scheinberg, founder of Mohari Hospitality, said: "We're excited to be partnering with 1 Hotels to open this luxury hotel and brand in the heart of Toronto. At Mohari, we look for innovative projects that are changing the hospitality market and 1 Hotel Toronto perfectly fits that mould." 1 Toronto will be enhanced by a level of luxury and personalization that puts guests in an urban oasis. It's a place to unwind, connect, eat well, and discover warmth and community in an environment which embraces nature, making it a luxurious and welcome respite for business travelers and world wanderers alike. The hotel will remain open and operating as the Thompson until the renovation begins. About 1 Hotels As a 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. 1 Hotels, which launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on Pier 1, in February 2017, and 1 West Hollywood, on Sunset Boulevard, in June 2019, is inspired by a simple idea: those that travel the world also care about it. 1 Hotels upholds this vision by channeling nature through design and culinary partnerships, while connecting with the local community and taking sustainable steps to make a big difference. 1 Hotel Central Park and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge claimed Conde Nast Traveler's #2 and #13 spots respectively in the Top 50 Hotels in New York City and 1 Hotel South Beach was awarded #7 in the top 10 Hotels in the United States. The brand is set to expand with properties under development in Nashville, Sunnyvale, Hanalei Bay, Cabo San Lucas, Paris, Haitang Bay, and Melbourne. Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com. About Mohari Hospitality Mohari Hospitality, founded in 2017 by entrepreneurial investor Mark Scheinberg, is a global investment company that engages in a broad range of real estate investment activities, with emphasis on luxury hospitality in prime urban and resort markets. Mohari's investments include equity and debt in both development and operating assets and Mohari invests both independently and with partners. Mohari's existing investments include Peninsula Papagayo, a 2,200-acre sustainable master development, located in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province and anchored by a Four Seasons luxury resort; The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a new ultra-luxury cruise line launching in 2020 and; Centro Canalejas, a group of seven adjoining historical buildings in the center of Madrid, currently undergoing a major redevelopment to include the first Four Seasons branded hotel in Spain. Mohari seeks to protect the cultural heritage and natural environments of all areas related to its projects and is committed to identifying and contributing to philanthropic projects in each location where it does business. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/958530/1Hotels_Logo.jpgRelated Links :http://www.1hotels.com
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Minelab Extends USA Rugby League Sponsorship For World Nines
World leader in metal detection technology continues its title sponsorship of US Hawks ADELAIDE, Australia, Aug. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Minelab is excited to continue its title sponsorship of the US Hawks, the USA Rugby League as they travel to compete in the Downer World Nines in Sydney, Australia, at Bankwest Stadium on Oct. 18 and 19, 2019. Minelab first sponsored the team in 2018 when the US Hawks played in the Rugby League World Cup Americas region qualifying series. "We are pleased to partner with the USA Rugby League and support their efforts in the World Nines," says Minelab General Manager for ANZ/East Asia, Fraser Kendall. "This is an exciting year in the international rugby league calendar and for Minelab. As the world's best rugby players come to Australia to compete at the Rugby League World Nines, Minelab continues to develop, innovate and deliver the world's leading metal detecting technology." The event kicks off with an opening ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Oct. 18 followed by 28 men's and women's games over the two-day period. The US Hawks are scheduled to play Papua New Guinea (PNG) at 9:25 p.m. on Oct. 18. They will play Australia at 2:10 p.m. and New Zealand at 4:50 p.m. on Oct. 19. The day will end with semi-final and final games to determine the winners. ABOUT MINELAB: Minelab is an Australian, multi-award winning business that has successfully scaled world markets to command global leadership in its key areas of operation. Based in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, with regional offices in Cork, Ireland, Dubai, UAE, Chicago, U.S., and Itajai, Brazil the company specializes in advanced electronic technologies. Since its origins in 1985, Minelab has been the world leader in providing metal detecting technologies for gold prospecting, treasure hunting and landmine clearance. Through devotion to research and development and innovative design, Minelab is today the major world manufacturer of hand-held metal detector products. Over the past 30 years, Minelab has introduced more innovative and practical technology than any of its competitors and has taken the metal detecting industry to new levels of excellence. Minelab is a Codan Limited company. To learn more about Minelab, visit minelab.com. About the Rugby League World Cup 2021 The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle event in international rugby league. Like no other form of the game, players compete with the pride of their nation at the heart of every performance. In 2021 more teams than ever will compete to be crowned Rugby League World Cup Champions with four pools of four nations competing in up to 14 stadia across England. All quarter finalists from the preceding World Cup (RLWC2017) automatically qualify to compete. The remaining eight nations are decided by a qualification process based on global regions determined by the Rugby League International Federation. See below. All competing teams will be known by November 2019. View the qualifying process: https://www.rlwc2021.com/the-tournament/men Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/827911/minelab_Logo.jpg Related Links :https://www.minelab.com/
