ACROFAN

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THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES BRINGS THE WORLD'S BEST RUNNERS TO NORWAY

6TH AUGUST 2022, 11am start, 25 km, 1,700 m elevation gain STRANDA, NORWAY ANNECY, France, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Trail World Series went to a Nordic country for the first time in its history! This weekend, the Stranda Fjord Trail Race was the 3rd leg of the world trail cup. A physically and technically demanding race that attracted the world's best athletes to Scandinavia for the event. The best trail runners in the world have rubbed shoulders at the terrible Nordic terrain! (©Philip Reiter) "Shine a spotlight on trail running in Norway"Anders Kjaerevik (Salomon team, Norway) was really looking forward to this Norwegian. He lives a few hours from Stranda. For him, the arrival of GTWS in his country is a real opportunity for local trail running and its development. "It's fantastic! When I heard that there was going to be a race in Norway, I couldn't believe it. Trail running isn't very popular here. Sport is really focused on cross-country skiing. But we have some very good runners. Just look at Stian Angermund (winner of the 2021 GTWS). But few of them will race against the best European runners because logistics are complicated and they don't have time to manage all the travel arrangements. I think having an event like this with the best runners attending will help shine a spotlight on trail running and help it grow here. I hope that the Golden Trail series will stay here a few years, especially seeing as we have the perfect terrain for the races! " Jonathan Albon (The North Face team, GB) agrees. He moved to Norway 7 years ago and won the race thanks in particular to his perfect knowledge of the terrain. "I decided to enter the race a week before. I thought I couldn't miss the one time the best runners were coming to Norway. It was fun to see them here even if different qualities are required because the trails are very technical. It showcases trail running here and that's great." 20 nationalities in the top 50!Looking at the top 50 women and men who crossed the finish line, there are 20 different nationalities, proof that the Golden Trail Series is achieving one of its key objectives: bring the world's best athletes together for each leg. There are European runners of course, as well as athletes from the Untied States, Mexico, Columbia, Morocco, Australia and New Zealand. The final in Madeira may be even more international as other athletes, from Africa for example, could qualify. "I think it's because the Golden Trail Series has found the right compromise that all athletes like, avoiding lots of series and lowering the standard," Anders Kjaerevik explains. "It's excellent and that's why so many athletes want to take part. " Next stop: Switzerland We've barely time to enjoy victories for Jonathan Albon and Sophia Laukli (Salomon team, USA) in Stranda before the Golden Trail World Series heads to the next leg in Switzerland: Sierre-Zinal. This 4th leg will take place on 13th August. Results Men JONATHAN ALBON (GBR – THE NORTH FACE): 02:24:02 MANUEL MERILLAS (ESP – SCARPA): 02:26:45 BART PRZEDWOJEWSKI (POL – SALOMON): 02:26:59 FRÉDÉRIC TRANCHAND (FRA – SCOTT): 02:27:40 DAVIDE MAGNINI (ITA – SALOMON): 02:29:48 Women SOPHIA LAUKLI (USA – SALOMON): 02:57:36 ÉLISE PONCET (FRA – SIDAS X MATRYX): 03:00:13 EMELIE FORSBERG (SWE – NNORMAL): 03:01:34 BLANDINE L'HIRONDEL (FRA – EVADICT): 03:01:50 SARA ALONSO (ESP – SALOMON): 03:03:52 All the 2022 Stranda Fjord Trail Race listings are here: https://live.eqtiming.com/58214#result:216250-1-1165745-1-1- Find the Golden Trail World Series 2022 general ranking here: https://goldentrailseries.com/series/gtws.htm Available photos and press elementsPassword: GTWSpress2022Please use the copyrights @GoldenTrailSeries | @"name of the race" | @"name of the photographer" Golden Trail TV: goldentrailseries.com/gttv/Website: goldentrailseries.comFacebook: Golden Trail SeriesInstagram: Golden Trail SeriesYouTube: Golden Trail SeriesE-mail: contact@goldentrailseries.com CONTACT: press@goldentrailseries.com

Antaisolar established a global R&D center in Europe, writing a new chapter of global layout

XIAMEN, China, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In August 2022, Antaisolar established a global R&D center in Madrid, Spain, which is a new milestone for its technical R&D and business development and symbolizes a new chapter of Antaisolar's global layout. This R&D center is the first overseas global R&D center of Antaisolar, based on the European sales center and global support center, and it is also the fourth global R&D center of Antaisolar after Shanghai, Xiamen, and Zhangzhou. The initial team is composed of several senior R&D personnel, with experienced experts who have managed well-known companies in the solar industry, which reflects the importance Antaisolar attaches to the European and international markets. Currently, this R&D center takes a strategic part in the development of Antaisolar's technology innovation, with research on the core algorithm of tracking systems, Wind Tunnel Test, etc. It is responsible for the R&D upgrade and technical management of multi-scene products including tracking systems and mounting systems, aiming to meet market demand and explore new technology routes. Based in Europe and supporting global business, the new global R&D center will take advantage of the strong research atmosphere and talent resources in Europe, to optimize products, technologies, and services. In the future, Antaisolar will still insist on a future-oriented strategy and international vision, to help the global zero-carbon future and promote clean energy transformation. https://www.antaisolar.comsales@antaisolar.com

WITH 40+ NEW INSTALLATIONS, QATAR PRESENTS MORE THAN 100 MAJOR WORKS OF PUBLIC ART AHEAD OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022(TM)

New Works Include Creations by Jeff Koons, Ugo Rondinone, KAWS, Rashid Johnson, Yayoi Kusama, Katharina Fritsch, Simone Fattal, Shua'a Ali, and Shouq Al Mana DOHA, Qatar, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Qatar Creates, the year-round national cultural movement that curates, promotes, and celebrates the diversity of cultural activities in Qatar, Qatar Museums today announced the installation of 40 major new works of public art, on view in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Installed from the desert to Doha's bustling Souq Waqif, the added works bring to a total of more than 100 the public artworks that have transformed the nation into a vast outdoor museum experience. Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, said: "Public art is one of our most prominent demonstrations of cultural exchange, where we present works from artists of all nationalities and backgrounds. These works further our mission to make art more accessible, engage our publics, celebrate our heritage, and embrace the cultures of others." Highlights of the new public artworks include: Maqam I, Maqam II, Maqam III (2022) in the Zubarah desert by Lebanese artist Simone Fattal Dugong (2022) by American artist Jeff Koons, on view at Al Masrah Park Temporary sculptures and installations by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama on the grounds of the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park A site-specific artwork in the desert by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson German artist Katharina Fritsch's Hahn (2021) at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Commissioned works by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, including an installation in the Qatari desert KAWS's site-specific commission THE PROMISE (2022) for the future Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar Doha Mountains by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, on view along Doha's Ras Abou Aboud beachfront A mosaic installation (2022) by American artist Rashid Johnson Doha Modern Playground (2022), by London-based artist Shezad Dawood at Al Masrah Park A light installation by Indian artist Shilpa Gupta at Stadium 974 Qatari artist Shua'a Ali's Tawazun (2022) in Msheireb and Milestones (2022) in Grand Hamad Plaza Gekröse (2011), one of Austrian artist Franz West's largest works, at Al Masrah Park Iraqi artist Adel Abidin's light installation on the façade of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Qatari artist Shouq Al Mana's Egal (2022), along the Lusail Marina Promenade Making art a part of everyday life, Qatar became one of the first countries in the Gulf to create a comprehensive contemporary public art programme. Highlights to date include major works by Richard Serra, Tom Claassen, Ghada Al Khater, Bruce Nauman, Damien Hirst, and Dia al-Azzawi. Press Contact:Alli Steinberg, Polskin Arts: Alli.Steinberg@finnpartners.com / +1 212 583 2754

A TROPICAL ESCAPE WITH ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, BALI

Indulge in an all-in experience with The Ritz-Carlton Escape stay package DENPASAR, Indonesia, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- An award-winning beachfront resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali located on the pristine white sandy beach of Nusa Dua introduces an ultimate holiday package, "The Ritz-Carlton Escape". Through this package, guests are invited to enjoy luxurious accommodations, savor world-class culinary delights, and rejuvenate body and mind with a relaxing Spa treatment. A return airport transfer is also included in this package. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali in Nusa Dua "We have curate The Ritz-Carlton Escape package offer to elevate the traveler's experience while staying at our resort," said John Woolley, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. "This package is created for guests to fully experience our resort's accommodation, dining, wellness journey, as well as our legendary service from the Ladies and Gentlemen," he added. With a minimum of four (4) night stay, guests may opt to experience their stay at one of the suites or villas such as Sawangan Junior Suite (100 sqm.) with or without pool access, The Ritz-Carlton Suite (145 sqm.) with or without pool access, The Pool Pavilion Villa (120 sqm.), The Garden Villa One-Bedroom (359 sqm.), The Cliff Villa One-Bedroom (282 sqm.), The Sky Villa One-Bedroom (159 sqm.) or The Sky Villa Two-Bedroom (258 sqm.). Guests are entitled for daily breakfast, daily one-time lunch or dinner (three-course meal), one time aperitif or digestif cocktail, one time Spa treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and return airport transfer. All the above inclusions are valid for two people on one-bedroom suites and villas, and valid for four people on two-bedroom villa. For more information, visit www.ritzcarltonbali.com and join the conversation on social media with #RCMemories. ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, BALI. Built on a sprawling 12.7 hectares white beach front and elevated cliff top settings, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali feature 313 oceanfront suites and villas, enjoying the unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean and the resort's lush garden. Completing the experiences, a glass elevator connects the cliff and the beach-front, five restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and meeting facilities, two wedding chapels, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is proudly presents the timeless charms of Indo-Balinese hospitality. ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 88 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR)

Popeyes® and Cartesian Announce Entry into Non-Binding Term Sheet for Exclusive Development Rights in China

MIAMI and NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Popeyes® brand and Cartesian Capital Group, LLC ("Cartesian") are excited to announce they have entered into a non-binding term sheet for the exclusive development of the Popeyes brand across the People's Republic of China in the coming years. The consummation of the transaction is subject to execution of definitive documents, customary due diligence and approvals of the parties. "We are proud to grow the Popeyes brand in China and to bring its famous Chicken Sandwich and iconic products to guests in this exceptionally dynamic market," said Peter Yu, Managing Partner of Cartesian. "We are excited to build on our long-standing and successful relationship with RBI, spanning over a decade and most recently including our rapid development of more than 450 Tim Hortons cafes across China." Cartesian is committed to offering a seamless in-store experience to serve guests in the iconic hospitable way that is characteristic of the Popeyes brand. Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has more than 50 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring the iconic chicken sandwich, spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items. Popeyes uses proprietary seasonings and techniques developed by an in-house culinary team of chefs that makes its fried chicken a point of reference for Michelin Chefs and celebrities. The brand's passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes to become one of the world's largest chicken quick-service restaurants with over 3,850 restaurants in over 30 countries around the world. Today's announcement contributes to the brand's growth strategy to increase its presence in key markets across the world. Since 2021, Popeyes has announced agreements to enter South Korea, France, Romania, the United Kingdom and India, and to expand in Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Other international expansions over the past years include Spain, Philippines, Brazil, Switzerland, and Sri Lanka. About Restaurant Brands International Inc. Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with more than $35 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 29,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES® and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities. About POPEYES® Founded in New Orleans in 1972, POPEYES® has more than 50 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items. The chain's passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes to become one of the world's largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 3,600 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world. About Cartesian Capital Group, LLC Cartesian Capital Group, LLC is a leading global private equity firm with a demonstrated ability to grow companies internationally. With funds comprising more than $3 billion in capital commitments, Cartesian's team has helped to build 60 companies operating across 40 different countries. Cartesian has a distinctive practice in supporting the growth of iconic brands across the world, including in China, where it is the founder and majority shareholder of TH International Limited, the exclusive master franchisee for RBI's Tim Hortons brand throughout China. For more information, please see www.cartesiangroup.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, which reflect RBI's management and Cartesian's management current beliefs and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include statements about expectations that RBI and Cartesian will be able to execute a definitive master franchise and development agreement governing exclusive development of the Popeyes brand across the People's Republic of China. RBI wishes to caution readers that these forward-looking statements may be affected by the risks and uncertainties in the Popeyes' business as well as other important factors that may have affected and could in the future affect the ability or willingness of either RBI or Cartesian to consummate the transaction and expand development of the Popeyes brand across the People's Republic of China. With respect to these expectations, these factors include RBI satisfactorily completing due diligence, the ability of RBI and Cartesian to successfully negotiate definitive documents, the ability to receive required regulatory and other approvals for the exclusive development arrangement, political and macroeconomic terms that could affect the willingness or ability of either party to consummate the exclusive development arrangement, the ability and willingness of each party to fulfill their respective closing conditions and their contractual obligations and Cartesian having sufficient liquidity to fund the development milestones set forth in any definitive agreements. For more information, please contact: Investors: investor@rbi.com Media: media@rbi.com Cartesian:Public RelationsICR, LLCBrad.Burgess@icrinc.com

ARTOTELGroup Opens ARTOTEL in Batam, Riau Islands of Indonesia

The closest island to Singapore and Malaysia, Batam is a significant player in attracting foreign investment to set up business in Indonesia –thanks to its strategic location in the international shipping route. This industrial city is also known as the third-busiest entry port to Indonesia after Bali and Jakarta. With those key advantages, ARTOTEL Group proudly collaborates with PT Hotel Ozon International to launch ARTOTEL Batam, which officially opens its doors today on 9 August 2022. Combining the concept of art and lifestyle, ARTOTEL Batam is an art inspired boutique hotel that targets both young holiday and business travellers. A hotel with great art, ARTOTEL Batam displays various artworks in every corner of the hotel facilities: public spaces such as the lobby area, and in every guest room. In decorating the interior, ARTOTEL Batam worked together with four young Indonesian artists: Katon Bagaskara, Mohammad Taufiq, Nus Solomon, and Tempa, who collaborated in creating a contemporary artwork with the theme ‘Silk Road’. It tells a story about a vital trade route between the East and the West. The artwork is embedded with traditional elements of Indonesia, such as the shadow puppets, batik, and also the country’s flora and fauna. ARTOTEL Batam is strategically located in the Penuin Centre shopping area on Batu Selicin street, which is known as the business and trade area in Batam City. It is just 30-minutes drive from Hang Nadim International Airport and 10-minute away by car from Harbour Bay & Batam Centre Port. ARTOTEL Batam features 138 artsy guest rooms in two different types: Studio 30 and Studio 45. The hotel has two F&B outlets, such as EATSPACE and BARSPACE which will become the new hangout destination in Batam which serves various modern food and beverages, as well as live entertainment. In addition, ARTOTEL Batam also offers three meeting rooms MEETSPACE which can accommodate up to 120 people, as well as ARTSPACE as an art gallery –a dedicated space available in every hotel with the ARTOTEL Brand. ARTSPACE will host regular art exhibitions where guests and the local community will be able to admire the artworks made or created by Indonesian artists, especially those who are from Batam. Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, Chief Operating Officer for ARTOTEL Group says, “The pandemic is not fully over yet but we all know that it is more controlled now. It is great to see the borders are opening up and people start travelling again. As we recover stronger, ARTOTEL Group celebrates another milestone with the opening of ARTOTEL Batam. As an industrial city and the closest island to Singapore and Malaysia, Batam needs more hotels for tourists and business travellers. And as part of ARTOTEL Group, we want to offer a unique boutique hotel concept and a different stay experience through the touch of art and lifestyle, In addition, we can encourage local artists to grow by actively promoting them through our art and creative activities at our facilities: ARTSPACE, EATSPACE, and BARSPACE. Hakim, Director of PT Ozon Hotel International says,”As the tourism sector slowly recovers and the borders open up, we are delighted to announce the opening of ARTOTEL Batam today. It is a great collaboration between our company and ARTOTEL Group –an experienced hotel operator in Indonesia. The first artsy hotel in Batam ARTOTEL Batam is a fantastic showcase of art-infused hotel that represents a diverse array of Indonesian culture. With our spacious rooms and facilities, we look forward to delivering an exceptional stay experience to both holiday and business travellers.” Located in the lobby area, ARTSPACE hosts its inaugural art exhibition today on the opening day of ARTOTEL Batam. It is a collaborative art exhibition by six local artists: Katon Bagaskara, Mohammad Taufiq, Tempa, Syam Terrajana, Abang Seni and M. Syobirin. Syam is an artist from Yogyakarta, while Abang Seni and M. Syobirin are from Batam. The theme for this first art exhibition is ‘Reflection’, which is an invitation for the audiences and art enthusiasts to reflect on what we, as human beings, have been through for the last two years. Through the artworks, the artists encourage guests to hope for a brighter future. During this opening period, ARTOTEL Batam offers a special rate of Rp 598,000 per room for Studio, which includes breakfast and dinner for two people. This offer is valid throughout August and for direct booking over the phone and website. For reservation, please call +62 778 488888 or +62 811 7218 881 (WhatsApp) or visit www.artotelgroup.com. An additional 10% off will be given to members of ARTOTEL Circle, a loyalty program of ARTOTEL Group, which is available on IOS and Android.

Business travelers set to see air fares rise by 8.4%, hotel rates by 8.2%, and car rental charges by 6.8% in 2023

This is on top of a predicted full year 2022 increase in air fares of 48.5%, hotel rates of 18.5%, and car rental charges of 7.3% MINNEAPOLIS, Aug.10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global travel prices are predicted to continue to increase in the remaining months of 2022 and throughout 2023, according to the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast, published today by CWT, the B2B4E travel management platform, and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry. Rising fuel prices, labor shortages, and inflationary pressures in raw material costs are the primary drivers of the expected price growth, according to the report, which uses anonymized data generated by CWT and GBTA, with publicly available industry information, and econometric and statistical modeling developed by the Avrio Institute. Year-on-year changes in travel pricing (actual) 2020 (actual) 2021 (estimated) 2022 (estimated) 2023 Air fares (12 %) (26 %) 48.5 % 8.45 % Ground transportation (4.9 %) 5.1 % 7.3 % 6.8 % Hotel rates (13.3 %) (9.5 %) 18.5 % 8.2 % Source: 2023 Annual Global Business Travel Forecast "Demand for business travel and meetings is back with a vengeance, of that there is absolutely no doubt," said Patrick Andersen, CWT's Chief Executive Officer. "Labor shortages across the travel and hospitality industry, rising raw material prices, and greater awareness for responsible travel are all having an impact on services, but predicted pricing is, on the whole, on par with 2019." "What we are seeing now are multiple factors coming into play when corporate travel buyers and procurement officers model their travel programs. This eighth joint annual forecast marries statistical travel data and trend analysis with macroeconomic influences to provide a cornerstone reference point for their corporate business travel planning ahead," said Suzanne Neufang, Chief Executive Officer of GBTA. Macroeconomic influencesThe world economy shrank 3.4% in 2020 in one of the worst declines since World War II. Service sectors, including travel and hospitality, were hit especially hard, but the global economy recovered briskly, rising off the lows of 2020 and increasing 5.8% in 2021. Economic growth is moderating as the recovery lengthens, although another recession is a growing concern. The current base case scenario for 2022 is for 3% growth, followed by 2.8% growth in 2023. Cautionary notes also highlighted in the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast, highlight the three main forces exerting pressure on the economy and the business travel industry. These include Russia's invasion of Ukraine coupled with other geopolitical uncertainties, inflationary pressures that are pushing costs higher, and the risk of further COVID outbreaks that could restrict business travel. Conversely, with businesses ranking sustainability among their top priorities and reflecting the accelerated importance of combating climate change, the report highlights greater visibility at the point of sale for greener travel options, as well as carbon foot-printing, and environmental impact assessment is an opportunity for the travel industry to actively assist in responsible choice-making. Meetings and EventsPrices have increased in all regions across most categories of spend, fueled by pent-up demand, a desire to build company culture and an uncertain economic outlook. The cost-per-attendee for meetings and events in 2022 is expected to be around 25% higher than in 2019, and it's forecast to rise a further 7% in 2023. Alongside pent-up demand, corporate events are now competing with many other types of events that were cancelled in 2020. And, with many companies having given up office space during the pandemic in favor of remote working, they are now booking meeting spaces when staff gather in person, further fueling demand. Shorter lead times for events, varying from one to three months versus six to 12 months, are also contributing to this perfect storm, perhaps underscored by corporate concerns that the situation they face today could change very rapidly. This is particularly noticeable within Asia Pacific, which has been slower than other regions to re-open post-pandemic, with ongoing restrictions in China prompting clients to make sure their events can go ahead, and as quickly as possible. AirBusiness travel airfares fell over 12% in 2020 from 2019 followed by an additional 26% decline in 2021. Economy ticket prices fell over 24% from 2019 to 2021, while premium tickets fell 33%. Prices are expected to rise 48.5% in 2022, but even with this steep price increase, prices are expected to remain below pre-pandemic levels until 2023. Following an increase of 48.5% in 2022, prices are expected to rise 8.4% in 2023. Rising demand and continued price rises on jet fuel, which have seen prices more than double in some markets to over $160/barrel according to S&P Global, are putting upward pressure on ticket prices. Premium class tickets comprised over 7% of all tickets purchased in 2019. The share of premium class tickets fell to 6.5% in 2020 and to 4.5% in 2021 but have started to rise in 2022. Through the first half of the year, premium tickets made up 6.2% of all tickets purchased. A rising share of premium class tickets will result in higher average fares as average ticket price comprises economy and premium. International and cross border bookings are recovering across most regions which will result in a higher share of international ticket bookings and a corresponding higher average ticket price despite uncertainties caused by the war in Ukraine. Following two years of minimal to no expenditure, business travelers are likely to be willing to spend more on tickets, especially as availability reduces due to labor shortages. This upward trend is largely due to widespread vaccine rollouts and border re-openings. HotelHotel prices fell 13.3% in 2020 from 2019 and a further 9.5% in 2021, however the report expects them to rise 18.5% in 2022 followed by an 8.2% lift in 2023. Hotel prices have already eclipsed 2019 levels in some areas such as Europe, the Middle East & Africa and North America and are expected do so globally by 2023. Hotel rates have risen sharply in parts of the world including a 22% rise in North America - and a forecast 31.8% across Europe, the Middle East & Africa - driven by an accelerated recovery coupled with continued capacity constraints. Hotel rate increases were initially driven by strong leisure travel in 2021 but group travel for corporate meetings and events is improving and transient business travel is similarly gaining healthy pace, putting further pressure on average daily hotel rates. Ground transportationGlobal car rental prices fell 2.5% in 2020 from 2019, before rising 5.1% in 2021. Prices are expected to increase 7.3% in 2022, hitting new highs, and rise a further 6.8% in 2023. The vehicle industry remains capacity constrained and rental agencies which reduced fleet sizes in the wake of the pandemic, have not yet fully recovered - due in part to component shortages and supply chain disruptions that have reduced global auto production. Rental agencies have reverted to buying used vehicles to increase fleet sizes and are keeping their vehicles longer. Some agencies are also buying vehicles from auto-makers outside of their historically supported brands. Skyrocketing prices, vehicle shortages and the need for visibility into carbon emissions from door-to-door are driving corporate travel managers to factor ground transport into full trip planning from the beginning. This is especially true when factoring in the inclusion of electric vehicles, and while widespread adoption may still be a few years away, personal preference should not be underrated. For more detailed information, including geographic breakdowns and greater in-depth insights into trends and analysis, please visit the report online here, where you can also download a PDF version of the 35-page report. NOTES TO EDITORS 1. About the 2023 Global Business Travel ForecastProjections in the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast involved: Statistical models developed by GBTA Evaluation of historical price behavior and forecasts on air, hotel and ground categories by research, strategy and market and economic research firm, Avrio Institute The market-specific expertise and travel industry knowledge of CWT Information sourced from the International Monetary Fund Research Department, IATA, the World Travel and Tourism Council, the United Nations, and other leading organizations Projections are based on anonymized transaction data from CWT's global client portfolio, including anonymized client travel patterns, over the past ten years. Key macroeconomic and per-country indicators, such as current and expected GDP growth, the consumer price index, unemployment rates and crude oil prices, were used in the statistical model, as well as key supply-side drivers sourced from OAG and STR Global. All air statistics represent point of origin and include all trip types. Learn more about the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast and the price projects and trends that lie ahead in 2023 during an education session at GBTA Convention 2021 (room 20D) on Monday, 15 August 2022 at 10:00hrs hours (PST). 2. About GBTAThe Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's largest business travel and meetings trade organization representing the $1.4 trillion business travel industry. With operations across four continents, GBTA's members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, professional development, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. Visit www.gbta.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. 3. About CWTCWT is a Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management platform. Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected – anywhere, anytime, anyhow – and, across six continents, we provide their employees with innovative technology and an efficient, safe, and secure travel experience. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 4. About Aviro InstituteAviro Institute is a trendcasting and research firm that helps clients navigate technological shifts, differentiate from competitors and identify new markets and opportunities. Derived from the Greek Αύριο meaning, "tomorrow," Avrio helps leaders from Fortune 100 and Global 1000 companies, scrappy start-ups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations prepare for uncertain, divergent futures. Contact:CWT Public Relationscorepr@mycwt.com

Elite Havens welcomes the return of global travel with stunning new villas in Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan

Asia's leading luxury villa rental company unveils enticing new properties in Phuket, Bali, and Niseko – with a focus on families and discerning multigenerational travellers. BANGKOK, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia and a subsidiary of Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, has responded to the global resurgence in travel demand by adding outstanding new properties across Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan to its meticulously-curated global portfolio of almost 300 luxury havens. Veyla Natai Residences, an award-winning estate of family-friendly villas next to the gorgeous Natai Beach, Phuket, Thailand In line with the company's vision to offer tailored personal service and unparalleled experiences in the world's most desirable destinations, the new villas and chalets have been hand-picked to provide the utmost comfort, privacy, and convenience for discerning travellers of all ages. The new additions include Veyla Natai Residences, an award-winning estate of family-friendly villas next to the gorgeous Natai Beach, Phuket, Thailand; Villa Nini Elly, a swanky new villa outfitted with the latest technologies and designed for multigenerational families, right in the beating heart of Canggu, Bali, close to all the beach clubs; and Sakura Lodge in Niseko, a three-bedroom chalet in Hokkaido's Niseko area, complementing Elite Haven's stylish portfolio in Japan's Niseko Village and Hirafu. Elite Havens already offers 20 stunning private homes for rent in Phuket's Natai Beach, a ten-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand, only 25-minutes by car from Phuket Airport. Veyla Nata Residences adds another four stunning sea view villas to this exclusive set, each offering three bedrooms, modern conveniences, digital luxuries, and an impressive contemporary design that was recently recognised as a winner at The International Architecture Awards (IAA) 2020 organised by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. Ideal for families, reunions and small gatherings, the absolute beachfront havens can also be rented in various combinations to accommodate larger groups. Private chefs, alfresco dining, jaw-dropping sea views, and private pools are among the highlights. Over in Bali, meanwhile, the newly built Villa Nini Elly in the heart of Canggu offers the ideal holiday home for multigenerational families travelling with children and seniors. Custom-built for the owner's personal use, the villa is outfitted with super-luxury amenities and fittings. It also features an infinity pool stretching the entire width of the villa. What makes this property extra special are its accessibility features. A rare facility in Bali, Nini Elly has ramp access throughout the ground level, allowing groups with elderly and those with mobility issues to holiday together with ease. With six bedrooms spread over two levels, there's plenty of space for everyone. Elite Havens is also preparing for the resurgence of travel in Japan, particularly in Niseko, where it offers 27 stylish chalets in the town's beautiful Soga district. The latest addition to this collection, Sakura Lodge, offers three levels of luxurious living space ideal for families looking to hit the slopes during ski season, with a free shuttle to ski lifts. It is also great all year round, with incredible mountain views to be enjoyed in summer. The lodge is now accepting bookings from December 2022 onwards. While 2022 has been an exciting year for the travel industry, Elite Havens says that longer-term booking trends indicate confidence to travel and hunger for new experiences will see even more rapid growth in 2023. "We're delighted to see that our guests can't wait to return to their favourite Elite Haven after a long hiatus," said Maya Rigg, CEO of Elite Havens. "There is nothing like a private villa for reconnecting with family and friends. We are seeing traveller confidence bouncing back strongly, and 2023 bookings indicate that travellers feel more relaxed about thinking long-term and getting back to planning holiday experiences that stay with them long after they return home. It is what we promise to deliver, and it's why people keep coming back to stay with us. Fully leveraging our latest additions, we look forward to welcoming the surge in demand as travellers book for the festive seasons and in advance for next year." For more information about Elite Havens and its new additions, please visit elitehavens.com About Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals and Management Havens aren't places to shelter from the world. They're places to embrace it. From beautiful spaces and cultural adventure, to exquisite service and fine dining, every carefully considered moment creates the space for guests to reconnect with what's really important; the extraordinary experience of life. For more than two decades, Elite Havens has offered discerning travellers a respite from routine life. Today, we embrace close to 300 private luxury villas and chalets across Asia's most awe-inspiring locations. Feel cocooned in some of the most beautiful places in the world and let us wrap our service around you. For all press, media enquiries or a full suite of high-resolution photos, please contact Elite Havens' PR team at pr@elitehavens.com. About Dusit International Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services. The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of six brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification. For more information, please visit dusit-international.com.Images can be downloaded via medialib.dusit.com.

LIVE EXQUISITELY AT THE MOST GLAMOUROUS DESTINATIONS WITH ST. REGIS HOTELS AND RESORTS ACROSS ASIA

Bask in the Luxury of Bespoke Retreats from Private Island Buyout and Exclusive Yacht Rides to Penthouses and Exclusive Art Collections Across Urban and Leisure Locales in Asia HONG KONG, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As travel continues to evolve with a desire to elevate travel experiences to new heights, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts across Asia is inspiring travelers to explore exquisite leisure locales at the finest address in Maldives, Bangkok, Langkawi, Bali, Osaka, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur with tailored and luxury experiences. Honouring the brand's spirit of invention and cherished traditions, with the anticipatory and signatory personalized St. Regis Butler Service, guests can take part in a rich celebration of storied history with signature rituals such as Evening Ritual with the art of sabrage over sunset or celebrate the art of play with Family Traditions offering engaging activities and thoughtful experiences tailored to younger guest. Take Luxury Retreat to a New Height with Private Island Experience at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Take luxury retreat to the next level with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort's private island experience. Surrounded by the aquamarine waves of the Indian Ocean in the Dhaalu Atoll, the buy-out experience accommodates up to 154 guests premier access to the transcendent signature villas and one of the most expansive overwater villas in the Maldives, the John Jacob Astor Estate. Dedicated St. Regis Butler round the clock will ensure a well curated stay from dolphin cruising and snorkeling excursions aboard the resort's own luxury yacht, Norma, an Azimut flybridge 66 for guests to charter at their leisure, or an ayurvedic healing treatments at the award-winning Iridium Spa with one of the largest hydrotherapy pool in the Maldives, the sunset celebration at the uniquely designed The Whale Bar, for the St. Regis evening ritual of champagne sabering followed by a barbecue dinner by the beach. Luxurious Living in Bangkok, Langkawi, and Bali Penthouse living at The St. Regis Bangkok A landmark in downtown Bangkok, The St. Regis Bangkok sits on the best address with unobstructed sightlines of the city skyline and the verdant greenery of The Royal Bangkok Sports Club. The hotel offers a two-story, three-bedroom Owner's Penthouse that redefines the art of urban living in Bangkok and features arts and antiques as well as a 23-foot infinity pool with unparalleled panoramic view at 44 floors above street-level. Enjoy a leisurely Afternoon Tea ritual overlooking the Sports Club or indulge in a unique sharing concept meal offered at the Michelin-rated, IGNIV Bangkok in the hotel – the first outlet ever IGNIV outside of Switzerland. Enjoy the Sunset of the Andaman Sea at The St. Regis Langkawi Nestled between centuries-old rainforest and glimmering views of the Andaman Sea, The St. Regis Langkawi sits on the southern tip of Langkawi island also known as 'the Jewel of Kedah'. The hotel blends a relaxing retreat with opulence and sophistication. The Sunset Royal Villa, a lavish four-bedroom over-water villa with a private pool offers the best overwater and stunning sunset experiences at the villa. Guest can choose to dine in or out at the Bill Bensley designed overwater restaurant, Kayuputi, breath-taking ocean views from every corner of the restaurant serving Asian-inspired haute cuisine infused with French cooking techniques. Head early to the Kayuputi and wind down at one of the cosy hammocks and sunbeds for guests to be mesmerized by the best sunset views with a pre-dinner aperitif or tempting array of sophisticated cocktails. Private Beach Villa at The St. Regis Bali Resort Step into The St. Regis Bali Resort's rainforest gate and be transported to a world of exquisite living. The Strand Residences in The St. Regis Bali Resort is a private and exclusive two-story residence with three and four luxurious bedrooms each with an oversized ensuite bathrooms. Each of the residences offers direct access to the beach where sun lounges await by the crystal blue Indian Ocean. Celebrate the art of play with Family Traditions, the resort and the dedicated Children Learning Center offers engaging activities and thoughtful experiences tailored to younger guest and families to explore Bali's exotic beauty and culture. Create memories with a whimsical Tiny Afternoon Tea at the Villa or an evening outdoor cinema at Cloud Nine Terrace, as the sun sets and sky filled with twinkling stars. Art Appreciation in Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore Garden in the Sky at The St. Regis Osaka In the heart of the beautiful Midosuji, The St. Regis Osaka resides in the Champs Elysées of Osaka. The iconic hotel is a subtle blend of Japanese design reimaged with Western architectural details with artworks playing a major part in the design philosophy. Guests will be greeted by the spectacular crystal tree upon entrance at the lobby and at The St. Regis Bar, a specially commissioned mural painting provides the backdrop to the bar counter, where hidden details of Osaka castle, satellites and mystical animals will surprise guests as they sit at the bar. On the 12th floor of the hotel is Champagne Eden, a newly introduced experience where guests can enjoy free-flowing champagne amidst a private Japanese garden terrace with views of the city beyond. Sublime Art at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, set against one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods, houses one of the best curated private art collections. Part of the special commissions of epic proportions include a monumental horse sculpture by Master Fernando Botero at 3.6m tall, leather murals by Mark Evans and a 300-piece three-dimensional Birds and Butterflies artwork by Barnaby Hosking inspired by Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur's largest park. Guests can immerse in the art pieces and spend their afternoon over an exquisite Afternoon Tea ritual in The Drawing Room admiring the Botero horse. Thereafter, guests can visit the Astor Bar for a tipple or two and enjoy a Decanter Dinner Series in Decanter, the private wine cellar with domed ceiling adorned with Italian gold tiles. Immerse in the Private Art Collection at The St. Regis Singapore Offering private access to the world's premier collections, The St. Regis Singapore houses over 70 original works of art including original paintings and sculptures by world famous artists such as Fernando Botero and Marc Chagall. Guests will be able to enjoy a daily interactive 30-minute tour of this premium art collection to learn more about the lives and works of the world's most celebrated artists. In the hotel's elegant Astor Bar, guests can indulge in free-flow New York cocktail during the Cocktail Brunch and take in Pablo Picasso's Toros Series of 10 lithographs on the art of the bullfighting line the walls. High-resolution images are available at this link. About St. Regis Hotels & ResortsCombining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at nearly 50 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. About Marriott Bonvoy®Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy® Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy®, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Nobu Hospitality Expands its Footprint in Asia Pacific

Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences to Launch in Danang, Vietnam NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, in partnership with Viet Capital Real Estate (VCRE) and Phoenix Holdings, leading luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel and dining brand, Nobu Hospitality, announces the first Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in Vietnam whilst both groups explore further development within Vietnam. Crafted as a luxury beachfront urban resort, the Nobu Danang destination will provide a vibrant lifestyle situated in the heart and beachfront of Danang. Guests will find elegantly designed interwoven spaces, realigning the traditional beach hotel with a destination urban resort embracing the needs and desires of guests whether there for vacation, entertainment, or business. Phoenix Holdings is the family investment office and parent organization which manages an array of thriving enterprises, including Viet Capital Real Estate, Viet Capital Bank, Viet Capital Asset Management, Viet Capital Securities (listed HOSE: VCI), and many other prominent investment projects. The Chairman of Phoenix Holdings, Henry Nguyen, is the Vice Chairman and Founding Owner of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in Major League Soccer and is the CEO of Timo Digital Bank. Danang is a beach city on the South-Central Coast of Vietnam, flanked by the beautiful Pacific sea waters to the east and the Annamite Mountain range to the west, known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. The city is near several UNESCO sites including the Imperial City of Hue, the Old Town of Hoi An, and the My Son ruins. Situated along Danang's legendary My Khe beachfront on Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Nobu is set to command the city's skyline with an iconic 43-story tower, the tallest building in the city, and will offer a world-class dining and entertainment destination with some of the most spectacular views anywhere in the region. The hotel will also offer 200 guest rooms, including 18 luxurious suites, expansive meeting and event space ideally suited for weddings and important social events, and a state-of-the-art wellness and fitness facility. In addition, there will be 271 stylish residential units offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations as well as two spectacular, skyline penthouse units, adding to Nobu Hospitality's growing portfolio of private residences. The Nobu destination will uniquely combine modern, forward-thinking design touches, Nobu's signature elegance and minimalism and the traditions of Japanese design. Situated below the hotel and residences, the Danang City Centre podium will offer high-end retail shopping, an upscale Chinese restaurant, a modern Vietnamese fine-dining restaurant, and an American steakhouse. A cocktail bar and lounge will be positioned on the rooftop of the building, offering stunning views for sunset drinks and after-hours entertainment in Danang. Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer Nobu Hospitality says, "We are excited to further expand into the Asia Pacific region and bring Nobu to the Vietnam market, a rapidly growing tourist destination, with one of the most beautiful and desirable locations in Danang. Our partners at VCRE are passionate supporters of the Nobu brand and share our commitment in growing Nobu Hospitality in other destinations in Vietnam. We are confident that the Nobu brand will attract visitors both locally and from around the world to stay and become residents of Nobu Danang which will be crafted as dynamic urban resort." Vo Thanh Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Viet Capital Real Estate, adds, "We are extremely excited to be partners with Nobu Hospitality in Vietnam. With the first Nobu project in Danang, we are proud to bring a whole new level of world-renowned fine dining and luxury lifestyle experiences to the Vietnam market. Danang is one of the most attractive destinations for tourism in both the domestic and global markets. As the tourist and economic center of Central Vietnam, this city will continue its rapid ascent and growth, and Nobu will be another important destination that will bring more interest and visitors to Danang. Nobu Hospitality's unique approach and lifestyle will continue to elevate the service and experience that the most discerning travelers demand today. The Nobu project in Danang will be one of the most unique and luxurious destinations in Vietnam." www.nobuhotels.comwww.vcre.com.vn

Quest Global Becomes Arm Approved Design Partner

Accreditation is a testament to the organization's prowess in silicon design engineering SINGAPORE, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Global, one of the world's fastest growing engineering services firms, announced it has joined the Arm® Approved Design Partner program. This recognition further enables Quest Global to better support the organizations, by combining its expertise in designing ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and Custom SoCs (Systems on Chip) with Arm's powerful IP catalog. As an Arm Approved Design Partner, Quest Global will have select access to Arm's vast library of IP, tools and models, as well as roadmap updates. This partnership will further strengthen Quest Global's reputation as a partner of choice by providing access to its team of extraordinary silicon engineers and offering Arm customers with design support to deliver Arm-based SoCs specifically augmented for target markets. Speaking on the occasion, Satish Bagalkotkar, CTO, Semiconductor at Quest Global, said, "It is a very proud moment for all of us. This association will allow us to support our customers with ASIC development, helping them fast track their projects to market. Our international presence, wide range of expertise, brilliant team of engineers and our ability to deliver on our commitments no matter how challenging, will further enhance our capabilities to solve challenges faced across industries." The organization currently supports designs up to 3nm and 60% of its silicon engineers work on 7/6/5/4/3 nm technology nodes. The semiconductor team at Quest Global has already supported 300+ custom SoC tape-outs in the last five years delivering organization specific requirements, achieving desired design frequency and low power performance targets at the target technology nodes. "The Arm Approved Design Partner program was built to connect industry leading organizations with customers looking to successfully implement custom designs based on Arm IP," said Ciarán Dunne, vice president and general manager, Partner Enablement at Arm. "Our partners can now confidently approach Quest Global to help them with the required expertise and know-how to build Arm-based ASICs and SoCs." About Quest Global: We are Quest Global. We're in the business of engineering, but what we're really building is a brighter future. It's not just what we do, but why we do it that makes us different. We believe engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world's hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, we live and work in 17 countries, with 56 global delivery centers, driven by 13,000+ extraordinary employees who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global brings deep industry knowledge and digital expertise to deliver end-to-end global product engineering services. We bring together technologies and industries alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most important and large-scale challenges across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy, Hi-Tech, Healthcare, Medical Devices, Rail and Semiconductor industries. Media Contact: Quest Global - Anubhuti.Agarwal@quest-global.com

ILT20 Franchises secure over 50-International-Players

ILT20's six-franchises begin contracting players through 'Direct Acquisition' option DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UAE's International League T20 (ILT20), has today announced a stunning line-up of super-stars who have been signed-on to participate in the Inaugural event. Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman, UAE ILT20, said, "Over the past weeks, ILT20's six franchises have started discussions and engaged with players, and players' agents, to exercise their 'Direct Acquisition' rights, and we are extremely delighted to be in a position today to announce the first set of players who will compete in UAE's Inaugural (T20) League." Marquee Players who have signed to appear and compete in the Inaugural ILT20: Moeen Ali Andre Russell Dawid Malan Wanindu Hasiranga Sunil Narine Evin Lewis Colin Munro Fabien Allen Sam Billings Tom Curran Alex Hales Dushmantha Chameera Shimron Hetmyer Akeal Hosein Chris Jordan Tom Banton Sandeep Lamichhane Chris Lynn Rovman Powell Bhanuka Rajapaksa Mujeeb Ul Rahman Commenting on the team-structure, Mubashshir Usmani, Emirates Cricket's General Secretary, said: "It's exciting to see how well the squads are shaping up for the first season of ILT20. Each team will consist of 18 players including 4 UAE players and 2 other players from ICC Associate countries. The quality of the names announced today is outstanding and so is the interest in our league from top global players." Further international players will be announced by the league later this week, and then the process to sign the 4 UAE players for each team will commence. Emirates Cricket remains cognisant of its role to inspire the existing member-unions, as well as to provide sustainable and effective opportunities to bolster UAE National-team players through continued investment in their development. "One of the key objectives for ILT20 is to provide opportunities for players from the UAE and other Associate nations to perform on the big stage, and, the ECB extends its deep appreciation to the six-franchises for their support of our vision to grow our game and create stronger, more competitive players," added Usmani. Global cricket stars such as Lahiru Kumara, Seekugge Prassanna, Charith Asalanka, Colin Ingram, Paul Stirling, Kennar Lewis, Ali Khan, Brandon Glover, Ravi Rampaul, Raymon Reifer, Isuru Udana, Blessing Muzarabani, Niroshan Dickwella, Hazaratullah Zazai, Frederick Klassen, Sikandar Raja, George Munsey, Dan Lawrence, Dominic Drakes, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, David Wiese, Qais Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, James Vince, Noor Ahmed, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Navin Ul Haq, Sherfane Rutherford, Saqib Mahmood, Ben Duckett, Benny Howell, Ruben Trumpelman will also be part of the League. Making its debut in January (2023), the inaugural ILT20, which has received multi-year ICC approval, will be played in a 34-match format across the UAE's exemplemtary, world-class Cricket facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Chengdu Cultural Tourism Video Exhibition "East Asian Cultural Capital - Park City under the Snowy Mountains" Opens in Seoul

CHENGDU, China, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by GoChengdu: On August 5, the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Broadcast-tv,and Tourism, Chengdu Media Group and Chengdu International Media Co., Ltd. hosted the "East Asia Cultural Capital - Park City under the Snowy Mountains" Chengdu Cultural Tourism Video Exhibition (Seoul Station), which was officially opened at the Lotte Tower Art Museum in Seoul, Korea. The guests delivered speeches and cut the ribbon for the photography exhibition "Happiness" and snowy mountains together Chengdu-Seoul "immersive" exchange mode with images "Chengdu, known as 'The land of abundance', has a history of more than 4,500 years of civilization and 2,300 years of city building, is the capital of Sichuan Province of China, the financial center of western China, a famous historical and cultural city, the birthplace of ancient Shu civilization, the UNESCO-certified World Capital of Gastronomy, and a popular tourist destination city for global visitors." At the opening ceremony, the representative of the Chinese Tourism Office in Seoul said to the guests that China and South Korea have been neighbors since ancient times, and their cultural traditions are similar to each other. Seoul City and Chengdu City also have a deep historical relationship. As the exchanges and cooperation between the two cities in the field of tourism continue to strengthen, the number of mutual visits of tourists is growing rapidly, and the scale of two-way tourism exchanges between the two countries continues to expand. This exhibition features 40 photographs taken by 15 photographers in Chengdu and is presented to Korean audiences. Through three separate and intersecting sections: "In Chengdu, looking at the snowy mountains", "The land of abundance", and "The city, the fireworks, and the happiness of Chengdu", the exhibition allows Korean friends to see a beautiful and livable city that people around the world aspire to, and opens a new window for the world to perceive and understand Chengdu. Promote mutual appreciation of civilization through culture Korean guests praise Chengdu's "East Asian Cultural Capital" Guests at the event watch the photography exhibition "China and South Korea are separated by the sea. This year is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, as well as the 'Year of Cultural Exchange between China and South Korea', and China-South Korea relations are facing new opportunities for development." Deputy Director of the Seoul Chinese Cultural Center, Mr. Li Shaopeng, said in his speech that Chengdu is one of the most popular Chinese cities for Korean tourists and is playing an active and important role in Sino-Korean exchanges and Sino-Japanese cooperation after being elected as the 2023 East Asian Cultural Capital. I look forward to the "Park City under the Snowy Mountains" Chengdu Cultural and Tourism Video Exhibition to show the Korean people the charm of Chengdu's splendid cultural and tourism and its humanistic flavor. We hope that through this event, we can further strengthen the ties of friendship and exchange between Chengdu and Korea, enhance Korean people's understanding and love of Chengdu, promote people-to-people contact, jointly build the "East Asia Cultural Capital" in 2023, so that cultural and tourism cooperation can drive more fields and bear fruit of exchange, and promote China-Korea relations to a higher level. In his speech as the guest of honor at the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition, Dr. Shougen U, Director of the Korea Institute of East Asian Studies and School of Politics and International Relations of East China Normal University, said, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, and this photo exhibition is particularly special for both countries as it is held in the far-reaching August 2022. The exhibition also has the significance of wishing Korea, China and Japan to strengthen cooperation in the field of culture. "The year 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of the 'East Asian Cultural Capital'. The three East Asian countries, including Korea, China and Japan, have very deep roots and are like friends with a long history." In his speech, Professor Joo Do-yang of the Department of Fine Arts of Dongguk University wished the city of Chengdu to become a world-class cultural city soon and wished it success in the construction of the "East Asian Cultural Capital". He congratulated the success of the "Park City under the Snowy Mountains - Chengdu Cultural and Tourism Image Exhibition" and wished that the long and deep friendship between Korea and China would continue forever, just like the "friendship in trouble". According to the organizers, the video exhibition will be launched on August 5 and end on August 18, and all Seoul residents are welcome to visit the exhibition.

Dusit bringing ‘hybrid hospitality’ to Nairobi’s affluent Westlands neighbourhood

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has continued its global expansion with the opening of a unique hybrid property in Nairobi – Dusit Princess Hotel Residences – which features 100 spacious deluxe hotel rooms and apartments in the city’s prime Westlands neighbourhood, just 40 minutes by road from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via the newly built Nairobi Expressway. Designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, the new upper-midscale property is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style and offers superior in-stay essentials for short and long-stay guests. Throughout its 14 deluxe hotel rooms, 30 studio apartments, and 56 one-bedroom apartments, guests can expect highly comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, high-pressure showers, and thoughtful working spaces complete with USB charging ports and complimentary high-speed internet access. The one-bedroom apartments also feature a kitchenette and dining area with a built-in fridge, microwave oven, a four-plate induction cooker, and a washing machine with dryer. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for plenty of natural light and stunning views of the city’s skyline. Alongside Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, artfully blended with Kenyan culture and heritage, guests will enjoy a wide range of facilities, including a heated swimming pool, an ultra-modern rooftop gym, and five state-of-the-art meeting rooms whose combined capacity can seat up to 150 guests in theatre style. For dining, guests can choose from an efficient, convenient grab-and-go outlet and two exciting additions to Nairobi’s food and beverage scene – The Olive Restaurant and The Aviary Lounge Bar. The Olive Restaurant is a modern Italian-inspired all-day dining outlet whose décor bears the colours and images of harvested grapes and olives. Alongside buffet breakfast, it offers a carefully curated variety of international cuisines and local favourites. The new rooftop hangout The Aviary Lounge Bar, meanwhile, is a vibrant place to meet, mingle and relax in a modern, stylish setting inspired by the life of birds, flora and fauna. Decorated with elegant bird cages and featuring sweeping views of the city, The Aviary Lounge elevates the bar experience even further with its wide range of classic, innovative cocktails, creative bar snacks, and atmospheric beats from an in-house DJ. Guests and residents at Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi will also benefit from the property’s unique local connections offering numerous opportunities to explore the rich heritage of Kenya’s capital and the natural wonders of its broader surrounds. The Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world within a capital city, is only a 45-minute drive from the property. A day trip gives guests the opportunity to spot big game such as lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and more. “Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi has all the elements to deliver comfort and convenience at excellent value for international guests and locals alike,” said the property’s General Manager, Mr Franco Rienzo. “Our prime location in the exclusive Westlands neighbourhood is only five kilometres from the CBD, and our unique blend of one-bedroom apartments, studio apartments, and deluxe hotel rooms ensures we are the ideal base for short trips and extended stays – a great option for anyone looking to work remotely from the hotel in style. “With global travel rebounding and Kenya’s tourist arrivals on the rise, we look forward to welcoming the world to discover Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality at Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi, an exciting new addition to Nairobi’s hospitality industry.” To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi is offering a special room package starting from only USD 3,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and USD 120 per day for the entry-level room (deluxe room with breakfast). The offer is inclusive of all taxes and valid from 1 September to 31 December 2022. For more information, please visit www.dusit.com/dusitprincess-hotelresidencesnairobi

Saudi Arabia to Bid for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced its intention to bid for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. This is a landmark moment for women's football in Saudi Arabia and Asia. The bid builds on many recent developments to grow women's football in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Football Department was established in 2019. The Kingdom's first women's Regional League was launched in November 2021, followed by a National Championship in January 2022. The Women's National Football Team was established in 2021 and played its first official international friendly match in February 2022 in a tournament in the Maldives. The Women's Futsal National Football Team was established in 2019 and has participated in three competitions since. In 2022, the Kingdom hosted the 3rd West Asian Football Federation Women's Futsal Championship. Saudi Arabia established the 1st Football Regional Center for female players U17. 40 D License Coaching Courses have been delivered in schools around the Kingdom, awarding 857 teachers coaching certificates. In addition to 15 Referee Courses, 544 teachers were qualified as referees, all in preparation to launch The Girls Schools League in September 2022. There are 100+ C Licensed Coaches in the Kingdom. 1st AFC B License Coaching Course concluded in February 2022. There are two international coexisting coaching programs for female coaches, both held in Spain. There are online educational workshops in cooperation with the Spanish and Brazilian Football Federations. Qualification courses have been established for new female referees, with 63 referees approved under SAFF. The first female Saudi referee will participate in the 4th AFC Referees Academy course. Growing the grassroots of women's football will be central to the bid. Inspiring women's football across Asia will be built into a Saudi-hosted 2026 competition. From players to coaches and fans to officials, Saudi Arabia is committed to developing and growing women's football to take the game to the next level. Lamia bin Bahian, Board Member of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: "We have huge ambitions for the development of the women's game in Saudi Arabia, and the recent progress has been incredible. We really are entering a new and exciting era for women's football." Monika Staab, manager of the Saudi Arabian women's national team, said: "Saudi Arabia has embraced women's football. When I speak to girls across the Kingdom, I see their excitement for the game. The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup is an unprecedented opportunity to inspire a generation of girls to achieve their football dreams." Yasser Almisehal, President of SAFF, said: "The future of women's football in Saudi Arabia is bright, and we are committed to growing the game here and throughout Asia. More and more young girls are playing football in this country, and we want to inspire them further. Hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 would be a great occasion for our players and would be made memorable by the passion of our fans." There has recently been a huge increase in the profile of the women's game: More than 1.2 billion viewers watched the 2019 Women's World Cup. The 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup was held in India, with the People's Republic of China emerging as champions with a 3-2 victory over the Republic of Korea in the final, securing a record ninth title. More than four goals were scored per game in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup: the highest in any major international football tournament in the past 50 years.

Exclusive priority booking for DISNEY IN CONCERT now is available on Trip.com

HONG KONG, Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DISNEY IN CONCERT is back this December – 5 months after the previous four concerts received an overwhelming response. This time, the theme of DISNEY IN CONCERT is the Spotlight Edition – Heroes and heroines, villains and their friends will bring people into the fantastic world of Disney through music and stories. In addition to new elements and a new repertoire, four Broadway-class singers from the United States will perform in Hong Kong. You won't want to miss it. The concert will be held on 10 - 11 December 2022 at Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre with only four live performances. For those who love Disney, welcome to a magical journey of stories and music. Exclusive Priority Booking now is available on Trip.com. Better seats available for priority sales in each category of tickets will be arranged according to booking order (seats will be allocated by system). Successful priority ticket buyers will enjoy HK$0 handling fee and the first 200 orders will enjoy 5% off. Tickets are from HK$266. What's more, the users who book with Mastercard can enjoy HK$50 off on purchases of HK$500 and above. Four Broadway-class singers will bring people into the fantastic world of Disney through a perfect combination of well-loved music and original film clips during the Spotlight Edition. The first half of the concert will tell the stories of Disney's most famous heroes and heroines, villains and their friends through songs from Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, Moana, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, The Lion King, and other films. The second half of the concert will put a "spotlight" on songs from Disney's most popular animated film, Frozen, which has won major awards worldwide. Please join us as we travel to Arendelle where sisters Elsa and Anna conquer the mysterious icy power with true love. Concert and Ticket Information DISNEY IN CONCERT: Spotlight Edition Date: 10-11 December 2022 Showtimes: 15:00 & 19:30 Duration: Approximately 110 mins (including 15-min intermission) Location: 3rd Floor, Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon Ticket Prices: HK$580, $480, $380, $280 (The first 200 orders enjoy 5% off) Ticketing website: https://hk.trip.com/things-to-do/detail/37678423/?language=HK&locale=en_hk

Dusit International brings 'hybrid hospitality' to Nairobi's affluent Westlands neighbourhood

The new Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi features a unique hybrid collection of one-bedroom apartments, studio apartments, and deluxe hotel rooms in the leafy commercial hub of Westlands in the city of Nairobi. BANGKOK, Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, has continued its global expansion with the opening of a unique hybrid property in Nairobi – Dusit Princess Hotel Residences – which features 100 spacious deluxe hotel rooms and apartments in the city's prime Westlands neighbourhood, just 40 minutes by road from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via the newly built Nairobi Expressway. Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi Kenya Designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, the new upper-midscale property is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style and offers superior in-stay essentials for short and long-stay guests. Throughout its 14 deluxe hotel rooms, 30 studio apartments, and 56 one-bedroom apartments, guests can expect highly comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, high-pressure showers, and thoughtful working spaces complete with USB charging ports and complimentary high-speed internet access. The one-bedroom apartments also feature a kitchenette and dining area with a built-in fridge, microwave oven, a four-plate induction cooker, and a washing machine with dryer. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for plenty of natural light and stunning views of the city's skyline. Alongside Dusit's unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, artfully blended with Kenyan culture and heritage, guests will enjoy a wide range of facilities, including a heated swimming pool, an ultra-modern rooftop gym, and five state-of-the-art meeting rooms whose combined capacity can seat up to 150 guests in theatre style. For dining, guests can choose from an efficient, convenient grab-and-go outlet and two exciting additions to Nairobi's food and beverage scene – The Olive Restaurant and The Aviary Lounge Bar. The Olive Restaurant is a modern Italian-inspired all-day dining outlet whose décor bears the colours and images of harvested grapes and olives. Alongside buffet breakfast, it offers a carefully curated variety of international cuisines and local favourites. The new rooftop hangout The Aviary Lounge Bar, meanwhile, is a vibrant place to meet, mingle and relax in a modern, stylish setting inspired by the life of birds, flora and fauna. Decorated with elegant bird cages and featuring sweeping views of the city, The Aviary Lounge elevates the bar experience even further with its wide range of classic, innovative cocktails, creative bar snacks, and atmospheric beats from an in-house DJ. Guests and residents at Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi will also benefit from the property's unique local connections offering numerous opportunities to explore the rich heritage of Kenya's capital and the natural wonders of its broader surrounds. The Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world within a capital city, is only a 45-minute drive from the property. A day trip gives guests the opportunity to spot big game such as lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and more. "Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi has all the elements to deliver comfort and convenience at excellent value for international guests and locals alike," said the property's General Manager, Mr Franco Rienzo. "Our prime location in the exclusive Westlands neighbourhood is only five kilometres from the CBD, and our unique blend of one-bedroom apartments, studio apartments, and deluxe hotel rooms ensures we are the ideal base for short trips and extended stays – a great option for anyone looking to work remotely from the hotel in style. "With global travel rebounding and Kenya's tourist arrivals on the rise, we look forward to welcoming the world to discover Dusit's unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality at Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi, an exciting new addition to Nairobi's hospitality industry." To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi is offering a special room package starting from only USD 3,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and USD 120 per day for the entry-level room (deluxe room with breakfast). The offer is inclusive of all taxes and valid from 1 September to 31 December 2022. For more information, please visit www.dusit.com/dusitprincess-hotelresidencesnairobi About Dusit International Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services. The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of six brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification. For more information, please visit to www.dusit-international.com

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