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Enjoy Safer and Comfortable Holiday in Malaysia, Here Are Recommendations for Accommodation and Exciting Activities from tiket.com
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The relaxation of travel regulations has given a positive impact for people who are wanting to travel. In the South East Asia region, Malaysia has become one of the most favorite destinations for holiday. Tourists from neighboring countries can fly within short hours to experience an awe-inspiring adventure of a lifetime, enjoying and exploring the wilderness and taste the mouth-watering cuisine of Malaysia. Enjoy the adventure in Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. Booking via tiket.com. In celebrating the high demand for travel, tiket.com partners with Antis, the No.1 Hand Sanitizer in Indonesia, to launch the "Safer Vacations with tiket.com x Antis" program, providing personal care kits to customers that book hotel accommodation through tiket.com. This program is valid for bookings in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Customers will also benefit discounts up to 25% for each booking. Sara Elorza Susanto, AVP of International Business tiket.com, said, "As the pioneer and customer centric focus OTA, we continue to stay relevant by paying attention to customer needs when traveling. As we are entering the recovering phase of the pandemic and the reopening of many international borders, we witness that there has been a spike of interest in traveling abroad. Countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are some of the favorite destinations of the Indonesian people. At tiket.com, we are always committed to provide additional benefits to our customers. By collaborating with Antis, we aim to provide a sense of safety and comfortness when traveling, especially abroad." tiket.com also aims to inspire and provide latest travel updates. Here are the following recommendations by tiket.com on accommodations and exciting activities in Malaysia. As one of the newest five-star resort hotels in Malaysia, M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a one stop solution for tourists who want to stay in a luxurious hotel. The hotel is also participating in the tiket.com X Antis program. M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur As one of the newest five-star resort hotels in Malaysia, M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a one stop solution for tourists who want to stay in a luxurious hotel. With its strategic location, as well modern services and facilities, this accommodation is the right choice for holidays or business trips. The guest rooms are designed to reflect the city's cosmopolitan charm with functional layout. Popular facilities at this accommodation include spa, swimming pool, gym, restaurant, and children's playground. Room options ranging from Standard to Executive Suite types, which can be booked through tiket.com by simply click following link: https://www.tiket.com/hotel/malaysia/m-resort-hotel-kuala-lumpur-509001662433479432. Guests can enjoy a beautiful golf view, as the hotel is located in a golf complex in the middle of Kuala Lumpur city. This hotel is also participating in the tiket.com X Antis program. Sunway Resort Still from the list of hotels that are participating in the tiket.com X Antis program in Malaysia, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa offers rooms with city views. Adapting to the latest travel and lifestyle trends, this accommodation features eight types of modern rooms, ranging from Deluxe Suite to Premier Suites and Sunway Grand Suite. Sunway Resort also provides a wide range of facilities, including swimming pool, restaurant, children's playground, and airport shuttle facilities. Guests can enjoy the day by playing at the nearby Sunway Lagoon amusement park, one of the favorite attractions in KL. This hotel is also connected to Sunway Pyramid Mall, a unique mall with more than 1,000 tenants to choose from dining, shopping and relaxing. Book a room through tiket.com application or simply click the following link: https://www.tiket.com/hotel/malaysia/sunway-resort-401001610414125693 Sunway Lagoon Theme Park It's not a holiday yet without an adventure. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park has more than 90 rides and attractions in six Nickelodeon-themed zones. Playgrounds with amazing and fun slides, pools, the world's first 5D Waterplexx in the Water Park and the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Malaysia at the Amusement Park are must explore when you come. You can also see more than 150 species of animals at the Wildlife Park and enjoy ATV rides to go-kart racing at the Extreme Park. Go get your ticket to play at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park on the To Do menu via tiket.com https://www.tiket.com/to-do/tiket-sunway-lagoon "Now you can enjoy your holiday with various choices of activities and accommodations available at tiket.com. We recommend to always implement the safe and healthy protocols, especially to comply with local health protocols when traveling, so that they can travel with a sense of safety and comfort," Sara said.
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THE GLAMOROUS SPIRIT AND CELEBRATED TRADITIONS OF ST. REGIS DEBUT IN JAKARTA
The St. Regis Jakarta Features the Timeless Traditions and Signature Rituals of an Iconic Brand, Together with the Rich Heritage and Culture of Indonesia's Vibrant Capital City JAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the highly-anticipated opening of The St. Regis Jakarta. Born from the distinct legacy of one of the world's most storied luxury brands, The St. Regis Jakarta will offer guests and local luminaries a new viewpoint on sophisticated dining, bespoke service and avant-garde design in the heart of the city's Kuningan, Sudirman and Thamrin central business districts. Exterior of The St. Regis Jakarta "We are delighted to expand our brand presence in Indonesia with the debut of The St. Regis Jakarta, our second property in this vibrant country," said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. "The St. Regis brand's founding family, the Astors, were known as visionaries of their time, embracing change and innovation while maintaining a strong sense of history and heritage. It is in this spirit that we welcome guests to enjoy The St. Regis Jakarta, and we look forward to providing impeccable service and exquisite experiences in Indonesia's capital city." The hotel is situated within the Golden Triangle of Jakarta, which extends from Central to South Jakarta and is one of the fastest-evolving central business districts in the Asia Pacific region. The St. Regis Jakarta is ideally located within an exclusive enclave comprised of foreign embassies, government and commercial spaces as well as upscale retail, and is an easy 45 minute drive from Soekarno Hatta International Airport. "When we think about luxury, we think about a legacy of shared memories that transcends generations. Our aspiration is for The St. Regis Jakarta to be that theatre of memories, and a theatre of culture where the symphony of Indonesia's cultural refinements – design, music, and art – creates extraordinary spaces for the next-gen and multi-gen connections, conversations and celebrations," said Shirley Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Rajawali Property Group. Every St. Regis hotel celebrates the culture and identity of its destination, and the design of The St. Regis Jakarta, conceptualized by the award-winning New York-based interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, was inspired by Indonesia's rich musical traditions. Embracing music and performance as a catalyst for personal experience forms the narrative of the hotel, and guests are greeted in the lobby by a kinetic chandelier titled "Sound of Light," which was created by celebrated Czech glassmaker LASVIT and is synchronized with music by Indonesian composer Andi Rianto. The installation produces a shimmering light that dances across surfaces and spaces, showcasing the distinctive soundscapes of Indonesia and creating a glamorous welcome for arriving guests. Outdoor spaces, including the hotel's entrance and swimming pool, feature artworks by renowned landscape architect Bill Bensley, with the theme of "Discovery". The St. Regis Jakarta features 282 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, including 28 spacious suites ranging from 75 to 187 square meters, each featuring a private balcony. Meticulously created by the renowned G.A. Design team, the guest rooms reflect contemporary luxury and feature thoughtful touches throughout, such as custom-made cushions accented with embedded batik motifs by Indonesian designer, Iwan Tirta. Guests will also enjoy the St. Regis Butler Service, a personalized signature offering that has been a hallmark of the brand for more than a century, ensuring that each guest's individual preferences are understood and anticipated at every turn. Exceptional culinary journeys are presented through the hotel's distinct culinary venues. The Drawing Room, located near the arrival lobby, is an elegant all-day lounge where guests can experience the signature traditions of St. Regis, such as Afternoon Tea and Champagne sabrage. The all-day dining Bel Étage celebrates Indonesia's multicultural heritage with a collection of Indonesian dishes along with western, Asian and Pan-Asian cuisines, from timeless classics to the chef's personal recipes. Located in the heart of the hotel, Rosé is a deli where guests can enjoy artisanal coffees, teas, pastries and cold cuts in a casual setting. The Pool Bar is a quiet spot that invites escape from the rush of urban life. The hotel's signature St. Regis Bar, unique and different at every St. Regis hotel around the world, features a striking mural by Indonesian artist Eddy Susanto, which captures the interactive inspirations between art and jazz, and correlates the rhythm, energy and spirit of the historical development of jazz in Indonesia. The St. Regis Bar also presents the hotel's unique twist on the brand's signature libation, the Bloody Mary, which was created at The St. Regis New York. The Batavia Mary, which reflects the old colonial name for Jakarta and once the capital of the archipelago's spice trade, features a local rice wine spiced with chili and tangy vinegar and was inspired by the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The St. Regis Bar also features an inspired list of cocktails from the House of Astor in New York and The Violet Hour Ritual, where guests are invited to discover a collection of martinis served from a bespoke trolley, including the bewitchingly-named Violet Hour, Flame of Love and Poet's Dream martinis. With more than 2,500 square meters of dedicated event spaces, the hotel makes the perfect venue for cherished celebrations, gatherings and meetings. The Astor Ballroom, with a capacity of more than 1,000 people, features a magnificent LASVIT ceiling masterpiece which depicts the mountains of Indonesia. The Caroline Astor Ballroom, the hotel's junior ballroom, includes its own reception area and private dressing room. The St. Regis Spa is a sanctuary of refined relaxation and offers revitalizing treatments based on a philosophy of "New Life and Fertility" with ingredients from the volcanic mountains of Java. The spa offers a menu of signature treatments as well as OxyGeneo® facial treatments for rejuvenated, fresh and healthy skin. To complement guests' health and fitness goals, the hotel also offers a Fitness Centre with the latest Technogym equipment, professional personal training sessions and scheduled group exercise classes. "The opening of The St. Regis Jakarta is the latest chapter in the marvelous history of St. Regis, unveiling the best address where Jakarta's luminaries can gather for private teas, midnight suppers and glamorous galas in this vibrant city," said Marc Handl, General Manager, The St. Regis Jakarta. "We are looking forward to serving our guests in the finest of these traditions, beautifully complemented by exceptional Indonesian spirit, style and hospitality." For more information about The St. Regis Jakarta, visit stregisjakarta.com or follow Instagram @thestregisjakarta for more stories. High resolution images of The St. Regis Jakarta can be downloaded here. About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at more than 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 complimentary 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. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. 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.
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BE OPEN Launches #BEOPENStaringAtTheSun Open Call to support UN's SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy
LONDON, Dec. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BE OPEN, a creative think-tank founded by the international entrepreneur and philanthropist Elena Baturina, is launching its next global open call across social media. With open calls, by asking the participants to share their vision in the most graphic form, BE OPEN aims to identify innovative approaches, and build creative bonds for people around the globe. The new open call #BEOPENStaringAtTheSun is dedicated to promoting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular focuses on SDG7, calling to "ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all". Energy lies at the heart of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all will open a new world of opportunities for billions of people through new economic opportunities and jobs, better education and health, more sustainable, equitable and inclusive communities, and greater protections from climate change. One of the key sustainable energy sources is the Sun, literary the source of energy for life on Earth. For centuries, it has intrigued poets, philosophers, artists, and everyone who has somehow been touched by its invisible warmth. The Sun has been an inspiration in our creation of paintings, poems, music, stories, and sculptures, to name a few. The Sun shines on us all, and we find inspiration in it. We invite you to join our new #BEOPENStaringAtTheSun open call and share visuals expressing and depicting what the Sun means for you personally, and our planet. Take notice of the shadows, put across the warmth of a sunbeam, or even gaze at the Sun safely through the filters of the telescope. What does the Sun inspire you to see and feel? In order to encourage more people to take action, and join sustainable initiatives worldwide, please share your positive vision with the global community by contributing to our #BEOPENStaringAtTheSun Instagram open call. The entries will close December 30, 2022. BE OPEN Community members will then select the winning post from a shortlist of submissions with the highest number of likes by Instagram users. The winner will receive a €300 prize. BE OPEN is a global initiative to foster creativity and innovation, a think-tank whose mission is to promote people and ideas today to build solutions for tomorrow.
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Trip.com Group Announces Entry into Sustainability-linked Loan Facility Agreement
SHANGHAI, Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Trip.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: TCOM; HKEX: 9961) ("Trip.com Group" or the "Company"), a leading one-stop travel service provider of accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management, today announced that it has entered into, as borrower, a facility agreement (the "Facility Agreement") dated December 2, 2022 with certain financial institutions specified therein, for a US$1,488 million and HK$80 million dual tranche term loan facility (equivalent to US$1.5 billion in aggregate) (the "Facility"). The Facility has been classified as a sustainability-linked loan facility in compliance with the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles. As long as the Facility has not been declassified as such pursuant to its terms, its interest margin could be indexed against the Company's performance with respect to certain specified environmental, social, and governance performance targets. The Facility has a 3-year tenor. The proceeds borrowed under the Facility will first be used for refinancing the Company's certain existing transferrable term and revolving loan facilities, and the remaining portion may then be used for general corporate purposes of the Company. About Trip.com Group Limited Trip.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: TCOM; HKEX: 9961) is a leading global one-stop travel platform, integrating a comprehensive suite of travel products and services and differentiated travel content. It is the go-to destination for travelers in China, and increasingly for travelers around the world, to explore travel, get inspired, make informed and cost-effective travel bookings, enjoy hassle-free on-the-go support, and share travel experience. Founded in 1999 and listed on Nasdaq in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, the Company currently operates under a portfolio of brands, including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com and Skyscanner, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world." For further information, please contact: Investor RelationsTrip.com Group LimitedTel: +86 (21) 3406-4880 X 12229Email: iremail@trip.com
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Trip.com Group invites travel industry to journey into the future together at global partner summit
MACAO, Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading travel service provider Trip.com Group held its 2022 Global Partner Summit in Macao, with tourism boards, international airlines, hotel groups and industry representatives from across the travel industry in attendance. Celebrating this year's theme, 'Journey into the Future Together', Trip.com Group and partners provided insights on the industry's growth and opportunities ahead, with leadership and experts sharing sector-specific knowledge via breakout sub-forums. From left to right: Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group and Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government. An Encouraging Outlook Countries worldwide are reopening borders, and the pace of global travel recovery is accelerating. James Liang, Chairman and Co-founder of Trip.com Group, made no secret of his expectations for the future of tourism. He believes that: "Travel has great significance on innovation and heritage. At Trip.com Group, we play an important role in bringing people together from around the world. It's our mission to help build communication and innovation, using our travel platform to create new value for the industry." Trip.com Group is continuously safeguarding efforts toward global travel recovery by following its 'Local Focus, Global Vision' blueprint. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, highlighted some of the Group's financial results, emphasising triple-digit growth in hotel bookings across key APAC markets compared to the same period in 2019. With its global air ticket bookings increasing by 100% year-over-year. Rising international air ticket and hotel bookings have empowered partners with a source of business and revenue. Trip.com Group's hotel travel specials (PKG program) delivered recommendations to over 30 million cross-users and brought over RMB 10 billion GMV to hotel partners. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, delivering her keynote presentation to partners at the Global Partner Summit Jane Sun commented: "Although the road ahead is still uncertain, we want to explore more opportunities and use cooperation, technology, and service to promote the tourism industry together with our travel partners." Trip.com is the mainstay global travel brand of Trip.com Group. Its hugely successful 11.11 global campaign reveals the growth of the all-in-one travel app across its major markets. Bookings around 11th November hit a new high, surging by 84% compared to last year, and the average number of bookings for promoted products rose by 68%. In the Singapore market, bookings for the 11th November flash sale jumped by 115% in just 24 hours, while in South Korea, bookings on the same day jumped by 260% year-on-year. "The early recovery of global markets has given us confidence. We will continue looking for more possibilities to better serve our partners and users by building an improved travel ecosystem to meet users' needs," said Jane Sun. "The recovery and prosperity of the global tourism industry is a long-term trend, which will not be hindered by short-term difficulties. We remain confident and patient," said James Liang. Scaled-up Content Marketing Strategy Trip.com Group has ambitious plans to revitalise the tourism economy and reconnect with keen travellers by enhancing engagement between travellers and partners. This is primarily done through an expanding content offering, consisting of Trip Moments on Trip.com, the Ctrip Community travel sharing space on Ctrip, and Star Hub, the Group's enhanced marketing tool for suppliers to increase marketing activities, which generated a total GMV of RMB 1 billion in the last 30 days. In the past year, Ctrip Community has continued to see exponential user growth and has provided hundreds of millions of users with travel inspiration. Several upgrades and expansions to the existing content marketing offering were announced at the summit. The innovative and hugely popular Ctrip Livestream, which generated a total GMV of RMB 10 billion, will launch across more cities in mainland China to boost global distribution. Trip.com's successful Trip.Best list, which curates an extensive range of hotels for global users, will launch across all major sites. This valuable tool will help global users get the best from the Trip.com app. Bo Sun, CMO of Trip.com Group, explained: "We are optimising user engagement, inspiring more travellers and generating increased traffic by upgrading how we connect products and partners. This year, we have helped millions of new travellers, KOLs, and partners connect to our content marketing hub and inspire travel around the world." Strengthening Global Destination Reach Its global reach, diversified supply chain and content marketing ecosystem have uniquely positioned Trip.com Group as a leading travel service provider able to promote regional and local destinations to eager travellers. Under new and existing partnerships, Trip.com Group leverages its world-leading brands to engage high-quality travellers eager to explore global destinations. Trip.com Group continues to pen multiple strategic destination partnerships to strengthen destination visibility and capture pent-up travel demand. Trip.com Group and Macao Government Tourism Office entered an official strategic collaboration to develop Macao into a world-class centre of tourism and leisure. Trip.com Group and the Macao Government Tourism Office held a Global Partnership Launch Ceremony to strengthen their collective commitments this year. On-site for the event was Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government. With joint efforts to enhance the vitality of the Macao tourism market, Ctrip platform data shows that the popularity of Macao travel searches has increased by 231% year-over-year. Trip.com Group further deepened cooperation with industry partners to enhance Macao's tourism market vitality. Trip.com Group and Sands China Ltd. held a strategic signing ceremony, in which both parties will continue to deepen cooperation in various aspects around product marketing, content marketing, membership benefits, offline shopping and dining activities to help upgrade the Macao tourism consumption market. Trip.com Group will continue to deepen strategic cooperation with the Macao Government Tourism Office, Sands China Ltd. and other partners in various industries, including accommodation, shopping, and gourmet, to enhance the vitality of Macao's tourism market and build it as a world-class centre of tourism and leisure. END About Trip.com Group Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, Qunar and TrainPal. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world". Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com. Follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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XTrend Speed has launched a two-step marketing strategy: enter the sports industry, and subsidize the charity
HONG KONG, Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The sports market has been the flavor of investors from all walks of life. Its market size reaches US$ one trillion around the world, and it brings immeasurable resulting benefits to a brand. In line with a two-step marketing strategy, XTrend Speed will expand the market and pursue the development by entering the sports industry and subsidizing the charity. In late 2022, XTrend Speed sponsored ACF Fiorentina because it believes the sports industry, an important part of emerging strategic industries, will be a new driver of its own development. The sports industry is expected to support XTrend Speed expanding its influence and further improving its development as well as growth. As a professional broker, XTrend Speed has been committed to a user-friendly trading app in accordance with the principle of "Customer First". More than 10,000,000 users have signed up for an account since XTrend Speed was available. It is in the top ten list in investment, and it has won such awards as Best Forex Trading App - Asia. XTrend Speed CEO Sydney Maidza said: "XTrend Speed will seize the opportunity and respond to the market trend flexibly while pursuing its development. It has also opened new pathways for development, launching a two-step marketing strategy. It has made a name for himself by entering the sports industry and sponsoring ACF Fiorentina, thus expanding the market and pursuing a long-term development. It has made every effort to help the world build a human community with a shared future and contribute to a common prosperity via subsidizing the charity cause.". In terms of the sports industry, XTrend Speed is an active participant in it. In late 2022, it sponsored ACF Fiorentina (2022-2023 season), indicating it markets its brand from online to offline, so as to further increase its influence and expand its user community. XTrend Speed sponsored ACF Fiorentina where they are such excellent players as Dušan Vlahović, Nikola Milenkovic and Luka Jović. They also participate in the 2022 World Cup. Hope they can do well in this competition. In terms of charity, XTrend Speed has kept a close eye on water security and grain supply in Africa, and has stayed in close touch with some charities. Water shortage and insufficient grain supply have endangered African people's health. In line with the principle of "common prosperity is real prosperity", XTrend Speed has been doing what it can do in alleviating the poverty. When Ukrainian people were on edge in early 2022, XTrend Speed actively donated and took actual actions to support people in difficulty. About XTrend Speed XTrend Speed is an authorized financial service provider in South Africa, and is regulated by FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) under the FSP license number 23497. In 2022, XTrend Speed wins 6 awards including Best Forex Trading App - Asia and Best Mobile Broker Award - Europe. More than 3000 users write reviews about XTrend Speed on Trustpilot (a review platform) where a rating is 4.8. XTrend Speed provides more than 260 instruments about Forex, commodity, index and stock. It pushes small investment (invest from $2) and features such functions as Watch Live that livestreams the market analysis, Starters School, News, Copy Trading. With the help of these, both novices and masters can find investment that works for them in XTrend Speed. Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rynatsa.xtrendspeed Announcement link: https://www.globalforexawards.com/retailawardshttps://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/award-winners-2022/https://panfinance.net/category/award-winners/https://www.forex-awards.com/https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/573258995/xtrend-speed-wins-best-mobile-broker-award-in-europe-for-2022
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The St. Regis Venice Brings in Avant-Garde Botanical Studio Mary Lennox to Offer a Lush Festive Intervention
VENICE, Italy, Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A tireless advocate for modernity, The St. Regis Venice has made a name for itself as a hub of contemporary art that celebrates the hotel's gorgeous heritage bones while embracing innovation in all its forms. In its latest creative partnership, the property collaborated with Berlin-based Studio Mary Lennox to design festive and sculptural interventions that will be on display across the hotel spaces through the holidays. The St. Regis Venice Famous for their surreal, dream-like installations, Studio Mary Lennox is one of the leading and most sought-after floral designers who regularly works with some of the biggest brands in the luxury market (such as Cartier, Hermes, Porsche and many others). This festive season, to offset the exquisitely preserved collection of five Venetian palaces that make up the heritage St. Regis Venice, the studio designed ethereal, gravity-defying installations that invite guests to explore the stately rooms through a botanical lens. Inspired by the iconic Ai Weiwei artwork in the Grand Salone, dripping garlands of pink Amaranth in organic form animate the splendid room. In the galleries as well as in the entrances of the hotel, the studio recreated its iconic floating sculptural "cloud" compositions, this time made of over ten thousand glass Christmas ornaments as protagonist, inspired by the colour palette of the St. Regis and the hues of its Italianate Garden. Striking, imaginative and ethereal, the studio's creations are the perfect match for the hotel's forward-looking programming that is evident in everything from interior design to artistic collaborations to imaginative special events, such as an exclusive programme planned for this festive season. The season's main event – The Art of Celebration, New Year's Eve Gala – is inspired by Studio Mary Lennox's floral installations and will feature an immersive performance curated by Antonia Sautter, Creative Director of Il Ballo del Doge (a Venetian masquerade ball), to complement the hotel's permanent collection of contemporary art while drawing on Mary Lennox's unique style for inspiration. For more information, please visit stregisvenice.com. @stregisvenice #StRegisVenice #CultivatingTheVanguard #LiveExquisite About Studio Mary Lennox Founded by Ruby Barber, Mary Lennox is named after the protagonist of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel The Secret Garden, a story which celebrates the beauty, mystery and rejuvenating qualities of nature. By chance, Ruby's first studio also found itself on the corner of Mary and Lennox Streets in Sydney, Australia. The same building housed her father's first photography studio and her mother's first art gallery. Based in Berlin since 2012 and operating worldwide, Studio Mary Lennox works on a wide range of projects across different disciplines, with services that include botanical brand image consultancy, creative and artistic direction, concept creation and creative strategy, content development, scenography, set design and large-scale installation work. About The St. Regis Venice The ultimate sophisticate and arbiter, The St. Regis Venice combines historic legacy with modern luxury in a privileged location beside the Grand Canal surrounded by views of Venice's most iconic landmarks. Through a meticulous restoration of the unique collection of five Venetian palaces, the hotel's design celebrates the modern spirit of Venice, boasting 130 guestrooms and 39 suites, many with furnished private terraces with incomparable views of the city. Uncompromising glamour extends naturally to the hotel's restaurants and bars, which offers a range of exquisite dining and beverage options for Venetians and visitors alike including the private Italianate Garden (a refined space for local tastemakers and guests to mingle), Gio's Restaurant & Terrace (the hotel's signature restaurant), and The Arts Bar, where cocktails have been specially created to celebrate masterpieces of art. For celebratory gatherings and more formal functions, the hotel offers a choice of areas that can be easily transformed and personalised to host guests, supported by an extensive menu of inspirational cuisine. Crafted occasions are held in the Library, with its urbane atmosphere, in the well-appointed Lounge, or in its adjacent Astor Boardroom. The Canaletto Room embodies the contemporary spirit of a Venetian palazzo and impressive ballroom, presenting an ideal backdrop for significant celebrations. For more information, please visit stregisvenice.com.
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Four Seasons George V, Paris launches exclusive wine and cooking masterclasses that make for the perfect Christmas gift
PARIS, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons George V, Paris has launched exclusive cooking and wine masterclasses that are the perfect Christmas gift for oenophiles and foodie friends looking to hone their culinary skills and deepen their knowledge and appreciation of wine. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9118451-four-seasons-george-v-paris-launches-wine-cooking-masterclasses/ Cooking Masterclasses The two hands-on cooking masterclasses are led by Christian Le Squer, the celebrated three Michelin-starred chef of Le Cinq, who will guide both budding and experienced cooks to create beautifully presented, mouth-watering dishes. Both masterclasses start with a breakfast and end with an intimate lunch with the chef. The January masterclass celebrates Le Squer's renowned signature dishes, including his famous Ham, Mushroom and Truffle Spaghetti or his exquisite Gratinated Onion. The April masterclass focuses on Le Squer's celebrated dishes combining Breton and Parisian influences. Guests will learn how to perfect their culinary and plating skills, creating striking gourmet dishes that are bound to impress family and friends. Wine Masterclasses Oenophiles will have the unique opportunity to learn about some of the world's finest wines with Eric Beaumard, Director of Le Cinq Restaurant and Sommelier of the World silver medallist. At the end of both classes, guests will enjoy a cocktail with Beaumard – the perfect opportunity to converse further with one of the world's leading experts in the field. The February masterclass focuses on wines from the Champagne region, carefully sourced from small to medium-sized producers. Beaumard sheds light on grape varieties and wine production in the region, teaching guests how to develop the palate to identify unique flavours. The March masterclass takes guests to the heart of Burgundy, a region that is dear to Beaumard, sampling wines from both leading producers and small, family-run vineyards. Guests will learn about terroirs, grape varieties and aromas, looking at how to define flavour and structure. Calendar: Sunday, 8th January 2023: 20 Years of Excellence: discover Christian Le Squer's signature dishes Sunday, 5th February 2023– From independent producers to world renowned vineyards: immerse yourself in the Champagne region with Eric Beaumard Sunday, 12th March 2023– Discover the extraordinary wines of Burgundy with Eric Beaumard Sunday, 2nd April 2023– Delve into the three Michelin-starred cuisine of Christian Le Squer, crafting dishes that marry Breton and Parisian flavours Available at a price of 1200 euros per person, cooking and wine masterclasses must be booked in advance via e-mail experience.paris@fourseasons.com. Contact: samuelle.dorol@fourseasons.com Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1958692/Four_Seasons_Le_Cinq.jpg?p=medium600Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1957765/Four_Seasons_Hotel_George_V_Paris_Logo.jpg?p=medium600 Le Cinq restaurant dining room
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Templestay Unifying All Together Across Borders and Ethnicity
Around six million people participated in the Templestay program over the last two decades, of which more than 650,000 (11%) were foreign nationals with different ethnicities. SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The year of 2022 marked the 20th anniversary of Templestay since it was launched in 2002, aiming to provide international visitors with an opportunity to experience Korean traditional culture during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. Around six million people participated in the program over the last two decades, of which more than 650,000 (11%) were foreign nationals. More noticeable than the number of visitors is that the foreign visitors came from various countries with different ethnicities. In particular, the number of nationalities of the visitors is 205 countries, higher than that of the UN member countries. They also showed a high level of satisfaction, rated at 6.33 out of seven. It proves that Templestay is a cultural experience content everyone can enjoy with comfort in any circumstance. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here:https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9117151-templestay-unifying-across-borders-ethnicity/ Visitors from different nationalities and ethnicities find the program satisfying and comfortable because they can experience the daily life of Buddhist practitioners in traditional temples treasured with a 1,700-year-long history of Buddhism, something people can never experience anywhere else. The program participants take some time to fully reflect on their own while taking a break from the fatigue and stress from daily life by experiencing the programs such as "Chamseon" (Seon meditation), "108 bae" (108 prostrations), and a conversation with a monk over tea in peaceful nature. Such time spent might be allowed only in Korea's Templestay program. The healing moment, which came from having time to oneself, played a significant role in comforting those tired of the long-standing pandemic. One involved in the program said around 127,000 people participated in Templestay prepared for COVID-19 medical staff, small business owners, and cultural artists affected by the pandemic since 2020. In 2022, marking the 20th anniversary, Templestay went even further and launched a special program with the keyword "sharing" for people who can get easily marginalized in society, such as the elderly, multicultural families, and vulnerable groups. "We feel encouraged to manage the pain and move on after taking a look back on ourselves and clearing the mind while staying in mountain temples," said a Templestay participant. So far, Templestay has seen so many visitors with different backgrounds from various countries joining the program and feeling touched and healed, which shows that it holds the value people can feel across linguistic boundaries. While the expectation about traveling overseas is growing in the post-COVID-19 era, Korea's Templestay will provide a great experience of healing the mind depressed with "COVID-19 Blues" and taking time for oneself. For more information and reservation of Templestay, you can visit Templestay's official English website (eng.templestay.com).
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First Shaoyang Tourism Development Conference Opened in Xinning County
"Beauty of Shaoyang, Romantic Langshan" SHAOYANG, China, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Shaoyang tourism development conference opening ceremony was held in Xinning County on the evening of Nov. 30. First Shaoyang Tourism Development Conference opened in Xinning County. Located in Xinning County of south Hunan province, Langshan mountain scenic area covers 108 square kilometers. In the early winter, gingkgo leaves turn yellow, maple leaves turn red and navel oranges are ripe, it is the best time to visit Langshan mountain. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, the event mainly compasses four main activities including opening ceremony, culture and tourism project investigation, tourism development conference theme exhibition and Shaoyang tourism industrial development promotion conference, according to the The Publicity Department of Shaoyang City. Before opening ceremony, attendees visited the first Shaoyang tourism development conference theme exhibition. Yang Weigang, the deputy director of the Standing Committee of Hunan Provincial People's Congress, declared commencement of the conference. The presenter promoted the culture and tourism of Xinning County. Xinning County is rich in resources of "agro-cultural tourism", which is the national tourism standardization demonstration county, the national top 100 ecotourism county, and the top 10 tourism industry development counties in Hunan Province. Langshan mountain Scenic Area is a World Natural Heritage Site, national scenic area, national Geological park and 5A national tourist attraction. Navel orange, the main industry, had won the geographical indication of China, and the county is known as "the first navel orange county in China". In recent years, Xinning has deeply promoted the productive integrated development of "culture plus", "tourism plus" and "industry plus", and achieved fruitful results. Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=435325 Caption: First Shaoyang Tourism Development Conference opened in Xinning County.
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Tuniu Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results
NANJING, China, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuniu Corporation (NASDAQ:TOUR) ("Tuniu" or the "Company"), a leading online leisure travel company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. "In the third quarter, China's travel industry gradually recovered as compared to the previous two quarters," said Mr. Donald Dunde Yu, Tuniu's founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Tuniu seized the opportunity to expand our business by focusing on the vacation market and leveraging our integrated model and high-quality products and services. Despite the current uncertainties, we will continue to introduce innovative, high-quality products and services to meet customers' demand and serve more customers with professionalism and dedication. In addition, the company will continue to roll out cost control measures to improve operational efficiency and strengthen our resilience and capabilities amidst the dynamic external environment." Third Quarter 2022 Results Net revenues were RMB77.9 million (US$10.9 million[1]) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 32.1% from the corresponding period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the negative impact brought by the resurgence and spread of COVID-19. Revenues from packaged tours were RMB41.4 million (US$5.8 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 54.3% from the corresponding period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in certain regions in China. Other revenues were RMB36.4 million (US$5.1 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year increase of 52.3% from the corresponding period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to the increase in the commission fees received from other travel-related products. Cost of revenues was RMB32.8 million (US$4.6 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 56.2% from the corresponding period in 2021. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues was 42.2% in the third quarter of 2022, compared to 65.3% in the corresponding period in 2021. Gross margin was 57.8% in the third quarter of 2022, compared to a gross margin of 34.7% in the third quarter of 2021. Operating expenses were RMB59.3 million (US$8.3 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 38.5% from the corresponding period in 2021. Share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, which were allocated to operating expenses, were RMB1.9 million (US$0.3 million) in the third quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP[2] operating expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, were RMB57.4 million (US$8.1 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 36.9%. Research and product development expenses were RMB9.7 million (US$1.4 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 37.6%. Non-GAAP research and product development expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB0.5 million (US$0.1 million), were RMB9.2 million (US$1.3 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 37.1% from the corresponding period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in research and product development personnel related expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were RMB26.5 million (US$3.7 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 36.4%. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB0.5 million (US$0.1 million), were RMB26.0 million (US$3.7 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 35.3% from the corresponding period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in promotion expenses. General and administrative expenses were RMB24.3 million (US$3.4 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 41.1%. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB0.9 million (US$0.1 million), were RMB23.4 million (US$3.3 million) in the third quarter of 2022, representing a year-over-year decrease of 38.7% from the corresponding period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in general and administrative personnel related expenses. Loss from operations was RMB14.3 million (US$2.0 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared to a loss from operations of RMB56.6 million in the third quarter of 2021. Non-GAAP loss from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB12.3 million (US$1.7 million) in the third quarter of 2022. Net loss was RMB23.5 million (US$3.3 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared to a net loss of RMB36.6 million in the third quarter of 2021. Non-GAAP net loss, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB21.6 million (US$3.0 million) in the third quarter of 2022. Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB22.0 million (US$3.1 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB35.1 million in the third quarter of 2021. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB20.1 million (US$2.8 million) in the third quarter of 2022. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB949.6 million (US$133.5 million). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted our business operations, and will continue to impact our results of operations and cash flows for subsequent periods. Based on our liquidity assessment and management actions, we believe that our available cash, cash equivalents and maturity of investments will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements and capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business for the next twelve months. [1] The conversion of Renminbi ("RMB") into United States dollars ("US$") is based on the exchange rate of US$1.00=RMB 7.1135 on September 30, 2022 as set forth in H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and available at https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/default.htm. [2] The section below entitled "About Non-GAAP Financial Measures" provides information about the use of Non-GAAP financial measures in this press release, and the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release reconciles Non-GAAP financial information with the Company's financial results under GAAP. Appointment of New Director Tuniu also announced that Mr. Jie Chen has been appointed as an independent director to the Company's board of directors (the "Board") effective on December 1, 2022, replacing Mr. Jiangtao Liu who has resigned from the Board effective on the same date. Mr. Jie Chen has also been appointed as a member of the compensation committee of the Board, effective on December 1, 2022, replacing Mr. Jiangtao Liu. After the change, the Board is comprised of nine members, with the majority of the members of the Board being independent directors. Mr. Chen currently serves as chairman of Caissa Tourism (000796. SZ), an A-share company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Mr. Chen joined Caissa Tourism Group in 2002 and previously served as the vice president of Caissa Tosun Development Co. Ltd. and general manager of domestic operation business group, vacation business group and product research and development center for group tours. Mr. Chen graduated from Beijing Science Technology and Management College in 2002. Business Outlook For the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company expects to generate RMB23.5 million to RMB30.8 million of net revenues, which represents a 58% to 68% decrease year-over-year. This forecast reflects Tuniu's current and preliminary view on the industry and its operations, which is subject to change. Conference Call Information Tuniu's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 am U.S. Eastern Time, on December 1, 2022, (9:00 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time, on December 1, 2022) to discuss the third quarter 2022 financial results. To participate in the conference call, please dial the following numbers: U.S.: +1-888-346-8982 Hong Kong: +852-301-84992 Mainland China: 4001-201203 International: +1-412-902-4272 Conference ID: Tuniu 3Q 2022 Earnings Call A telephone replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference call through December 8, 2022. The dial-in details are as follows: U.S.: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 1106089 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.tuniu.com. About Tuniu Tuniu (Nasdaq:TOUR) is a leading online leisure travel company in China that offers integrated travel service with a large selection of packaged tours, including organized and self-guided tours, as well as travel-related services for leisure travelers through its website tuniu.com and mobile platform. Tuniu provides one-stop leisure travel solutions and a compelling customer experience through its online platform and offline service network, including a dedicated team of professional customer service representatives, 24/7 call centers, extensive networks of offline retail stores and self-operated local tour operators. For more information, please visit http://ir.tuniu.com. Safe Harbor Statement 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. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Tuniu 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 Tuniu's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but are not limited to the following: Tuniu's goals and strategies; the growth of the online leisure travel market in China; the demand for Tuniu's products and services; its relationships with customers and travel suppliers; the Company's ability to offer competitive travel products and services; Tuniu's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; competition in the online travel industry in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company's structure, business and industry; the impact of the COVID-19 on Tuniu's business operations, the travel industry and the economy of China and elsewhere generally; and the general economic and business condition in China and elsewhere. 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 in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Tuniu does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. About Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement the Company's unaudited consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company has provided non-GAAP information related to cost of revenues, research and product development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, impairment of goodwill, other operating income, total operating expenses, loss from operations, net loss, net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, net loss per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders-basic and diluted and net loss per ADS-basic and diluted, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets, gain on disposals of subsidiaries and impairment of goodwill. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful for understanding and assessing underlying business performance and operating trends, and management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our financial performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. A limitation of using non-GAAP financial measures excluding share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets, gain on disposals of subsidiaries and impairment of goodwill is that share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets, gain on disposals of subsidiaries and impairment of goodwill have been – and will continue to be – significant recurring expenses in the Company's business. You should not view non-GAAP results on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under GAAP, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies. (Financial Tables Follow) Tuniu Corporation Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (All amounts in thousands, except per share information) December 31, 2021 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2022 RMB RMB US$ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 349,077 212,739 29,906 Restricted cash 46,521 27,649 3,887 Short-term investments 615,901 709,206 99,699 Accounts receivable, net 111,941 127,955 17,988 Amounts due from related parties 14,969 22,735 3,196 Prepayments and other current assets 337,033 362,963 51,025 Total current assets 1,475,442 1,463,247 205,701 Non-current assets Long-term investments 201,947 225,967 31,766 Property and equipment, net 98,159 91,549 12,870 Intangible assets, net 55,376 42,538 5,980 Land use right, net 94,652 93,105 13,088 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 48,115 34,015 4,782 Goodwill 232,007 117,470 16,514 Other non-current assets 92,111 92,998 13,073 Total non-current assets 822,367 697,642 98,073 Total assets 2,297,809 2,160,889 303,774 LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY Current liabilities Short-term borrowings 9,981 8,650 1,216 Accounts and notes payable 383,626 428,254 60,203 Amounts due to related parties 4,679 3,857 542 Salary and welfare payable 33,761 29,042 4,083 Taxes payable 8,004 4,017 565 Advances from customers 139,777 129,290 18,175 Operating lease liabilities, current 16,556 13,348 1,876 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 382,629 408,964 57,491 Total current liabilities 979,013 1,025,422 144,151 Non-current liabilities Operating lease liabilities, non-current 38,832 27,799 3,908 Deferred tax liabilities 12,479 9,666 1,359 Long-term borrowings 14,344 9,999 1,406 Total non-current liabilities 65,655 47,464 6,673 Total liabilities 1,044,668 1,072,886 150,824 Redeemable noncontrolling interests 27,200 27,200 3,824 Equity Ordinary shares 249 249 35 Less: Treasury stock (293,795) (289,044) (40,633) Additional paid-in capital 9,125,748 9,125,195 1,282,800 Accumulated other comprehensive income 271,821 307,034 43,162 Accumulated deficit (7,834,879) (8,023,879) (1,127,979) Total Tuniu Corporation shareholders' equity 1,269,144 1,119,555 157,385 Noncontrolling interests (43,203) (58,752) (8,259) Total equity 1,225,941 1,060,803 149,126 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity 2,297,809 2,160,889 303,774 Tuniu Corporation Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (All amounts in thousands, except per share information) Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended September 30, 2021 June 30, 2022 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2022 RMB RMB RMB US$ Revenues Packaged tours 90,709 9,531 41,440 5,826 Others 23,915 27,426 36,418 5,120 Net revenues 114,624
81 Percent of Hoteliers See a Lift in Revenue Once a First-Party Data Strategy is Implemented
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sojern, the leading digital marketing platform built for travel, today released the findings of a 2022 survey to discover "How Hotel Brands Are Using First-Party Data to Drive Revenue and Build Stronger Relationships." The study, conducted by Benchmark Research Partners with global hotel executives, sought to understand how hotel marketers are thinking about and using first-party data to inform go-to-market efforts. When surveyed about measures of success for their businesses, 81 percent of hoteliers said they have seen a lift in revenue from implementing a first-party data strategy. Hotel executives from the largest global brands were surveyed with 57 percent having seen a lift in guest satisfaction at their properties. Findings found that 59 percent of hoteliers have already implemented a first-party data strategy, and 62 percent say it's "very important" to digital marketing, while 75 percent of those who have not yet built a first-party data strategy want to build it. Of those who have established a first-party data strategy, it was primarily to maximize campaign performance (73 percent), build stronger customer relationships (67 percent) and maximize overall revenue growth (67 percent). Further findings demonstrate that hoteliers have adopted first-party data strategies not only because they saw the monetary benefits, but also the positive impact on customer satisfaction. Of those surveyed 86 percent saw a first-party data strategy as being effective in maximizing overall revenue, 76 percent in increasing campaign performance, 68 percent in building stronger customer relationships and 64 percent in increasing brand value. "Personalized engagement with consumers is a powerful tool for understanding traveler behavior and creating digital campaigns that deliver the right message at the right time. Marketers must make collecting privacy-friendly 1st party data like hashed emails a priority to power their personalization strategies," said Kurt Weinsheimer, Chief Solutions Officer, Sojern. To see the full survey, click here. About Sojern Sojern is the leading digital marketing platform built for travel marketers. Powered by artificial intelligence and traveler intent data, Sojern provides multichannel marketing solutions to drive direct demand. 10,000 hotels, attractions, tourism boards and travel marketers rely on Sojern annually to engage and convert travelers around the world. About Benchmark Research Partners Benchmark Research Partners conducts studies to help industry participants and technology innovators understand market changes and opportunities through peer benchmarking data.
Global Design Visionaries Descend on Hong Kong as Business of Design Week 2022 Summit Opens at M+
BODW 2022 Summit, under the theme 'Design for Change,' premieres with inspiring conversations featuring over 90 speakers, including Chi Wing Lo, Nikki Gonnissen, Paul Thompson, Koen Olthuis, Marthijn Pool, Paul Priestman, and many more until 3 December HONG KONG, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Business of Design Week (BODW) 2022, Asia's premier annual event on design, innovation and brands, returns with a star-studded BODW Summit featuring over 90 speakers from 14 countries and cities including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Thailand, the UK and Hong Kong. Celebrating both Hong Kong Design Centre's (HKDC) and BODW's 20th anniversary this year, BODW 2022 Summit will be delivered in a tribrid format with physical, online and on-demand, with speakers flying over from different countries for the first time since 2018, and physical events held at M+. BODW is also an accredited event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Business of Design Week (BODW) 2022 Summit kicked off with an Opening Ceremony featuring invited guests including: Clement Chung, General Manager of ViuTV; Fletch Chan, Director of Information Services; Margaret Fong, Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Prof. Eric Yim, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre; Arjen van den Berg, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Victor Lo, Chairman of BODW Steering Committee & KODW Steering Committee; Victor Tsang, Head of Create Hong Kong; Dr Lay-lian Ong, Principal of Hong Kong Design Institute and Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Lee Wai Lee); and Prof. Kun-pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Under the summit theme 'Design for Change', more than 30 illuminating sessions underline the role of design in an ever-changing world, and how creative leaders can champion the shift to more innovative and sustainable practices. BODW 2022 Strategic Partner The Netherlands, widely recognised for its iconic contributions to the world of design spanning product and graphic design, architecture, and circular innovation, as well as Creative NL, The Netherlands' platform for creative pioneers, will bring in world-renowned Dutch design talents such as Dr Koen Olthuis (CEO Architect, Waterstudio.NL, The Netherlands), Marthijn Pool (Co-founder & Partner, Space&Matter, The Netherlands), and Nikki Gonnissen (Co-founder, Designer & Director, Thonik, The Netherlands), among others to the Summit. Participants this year will also get to hear from design heavyweights including Bill Bensley (Founder & Creative Director, BENSLEY, Thailand), Chi Wing Lo (Founder, DIMENSIONE CHI WING LO, Italy), Sylvain Roca (Founder & Director, Atelier Sylvain Roca, France) and many more. Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre, said at BODW's Opening Ceremony: "BODW has grown into one of the most exciting and inspiring gatherings of design visionaries and creative business leaders from all over the world. Our purpose is to assemble great minds to explore topics that mirror our world's shared dreams, challenges, and trends. This year, we call for concerted efforts to affect change through the power of design, in hopes that we can bring positive impact to our world and champion the way towards leaving a more habitable planet for future generations." Examining the power of design as a force for good Highlighting the impact of design in every facet of our lives in the post-pandemic world, BODW 2022 Summit focuses on five main pillars: Brand Transformation, Culture and the City, Metaverse and Metaliving, New Urban Models, and Social Design Innovation. Key sessions featuring highly sought-after design and business leaders from across industries explore topics including building climate-resilient neighbourhoods, art technology and creative digitalisation, the Asian art and design landscape, the future of transportation, and brand design in the metaverse. Among the key panel sessions broadcast on ViuTVsix and livestreamed on bodw+ (www.bodw.com) from 30 November to 3 December are: The Master Roundtable: Design for Change (30 November, HKT 8:20pm–8:50pm, simulcast on ViuTVsix and bodw+) – As some of the most well-respected names in design, Dr Paul Thompson (Vice-chancellor, Royal College of Art, UK), Nikki Gonnissen (Co-founder, Designer & Director, Thonik, The Netherlands), and Chi Wing Lo (Founder, DIMENSIONE CHI WING LO, Italy) reflect on the world's current challenges and discuss how design can empower change towards a sustainable future, moderated by Delicia Tan (CEO, Edelman Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong). Blue Urban Models: Building Climate-Resilient Neighbourhoods (30 November, HKT 8:50pm–9:35pm, simulcast on ViuTVsix and bodw+) – An estimated 70 percent of the global population will be living in cities by 2050, despite increasing climate risks and the widespread impact on both the environment and communities living in urban centres. Can large-scale floating projects offer a flexible and sustainable solution? Fei Mui (Curator, 2022 HK SZ Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Hong Kong), Hong Kong) investigates in a talk with Dr Koen Olthuis (CEO Architect, Waterstudio.NL, The Netherlands), Marthijn Pool (Co-founder & Partner, Space&Matter, The Netherlands), and Sara Klomps (Director, Zaha Hadid Architects, Hong Kong). Consumer Brand Experience & Brand Innovation (1 December, HKT 8:00pm-8:45pm, simulcast on ViuTVsix and bodw+) – From defining the user experience to innovative product design, elevating the consumer journey is more critical than ever. With deep experience in leading and crafting some of the world's most prominent brands, Ross Lovegrove (Visionary Creator and Sculptor of Technology, ROSS LOVEGROVE STUDIO, UK), Tina Chao (Chief Marketing & Digital Customer Experience Officer, McDonald's Hong Kong, Hong Kong), and Chul Bae Lee (Senior Vice President & Executive Head of LG Electronics' Life Design Innovation Center, LG Electronics, Korea) speak to Andreas Krasser (CEO, DDB Group Hong Kong, Hong Kong) on the importance of adapting to the present consumer landscape whilst evolving for the future. Immersive Voyages of Our Heritage (1 December, HKT 8:45pm–9:30pm, simulcast on ViuTVsix and bodw+) – Technology has helped create more immersive experiences and exhibitions. This presents an opportunity for designers, curators and institutions to rethink boundaries and forge new collaborations that promote deeper engagement with the community, and encourage appreciation of heritage. Sylvain Roca (Founder & Director, Atelier Sylvain Roca, France), Yves Ubelmann (Co-founder & CEO, ICONEM, France), and Dr Daisy Yiyou Wang (Deputy Director, Curatorial & Programming of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Hong Kong) discuss the possibilities, moderated by Levina Li (Co-founder & Director, Art-Partners, Hong Kong). Keynote: Design for Change in Hospitality (2 December, HKT 8:50pm–9:20pm, simulcast on ViuTVsix and bodw+) – With environmentally conscious consumers on the rise, sustainability and conservation have become significant priorities for hospitality brands around the world. Iconic eco-architect, hotel designer Bill Bensley (Founder & Creative Director, BENSLEY, Thailand), who has created over 200 properties known for sustainability and fantastical concepts, speaks with Simone Schultz (Managing Editor, Design Anthology, Hong Kong) on his most ground-breaking ideas. In addition to speakers joining in-person, those participating virtually from around the world include: Emma Chiu, Global Director, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence (UK) Deng Chao, Head of Product & Design, Xiaohongshu (Mainland China) Prof. Rossana Hu, Founding Partner, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office (Mainland China) Richard Hutten, Designer & Founder, Richard Hutten Studio BV (The Netherlands) Chul Bae Lee, Senior Vice President & Executive Head of LG Electronics' Life Innovation Design Center, LG Electronics Inc. (Korea) Ross Lovegrove, Visionary Creator & Sculptor of Technology, ROSS LOVEGROVE STUDIO (UK) Prof. Tong Huiming, Professor & Dean, School of Innovation Design, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts (Mainland China) In addition to key sessions broadcast on ViuTV, the BODW Summit will be livestreamed for free on bodw+, the digital design knowledge platform envisioned to become Asia's leading online design portal. To watch the BODW summit, register for free to become a bodw+ Basic member, or upgrade to Plus or Corporate Membership for exclusive ticket discounts for physical events, as well as access to on-demand content and other exclusive offers. Register to become a bodw+ member now and stay tuned for the latest BODW 2022 updates at 2022.bodw.com. Organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), which also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, BODW 2022 is supported by Strategic Partners, the Netherlands, and the country's platform for creative pioneers, CreativeNL; together with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) as the Lead Sponsor. BODW 2022 is co-organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with support from Strategic Regional Partner, Guangzhou Design Week; Strategic Cultural Partner, M+; Strategic Business Partners, Brand Hong Kong, Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and InvestHK; and Strategic Programme Partners, Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), PMQ and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design). Promoting and cultivating an appreciation for design across the city, BODW 2022 concurrent and partner events and programmes include the BODW CityProg, DFA Awards, Design Spectrum, Fashion Asia Hong Kong, Business of IP Asia Forum, DesignInspire, deTour design festival, Leadership Forum by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design), and Guangzhou Design Week, among other initiatives. -End- Press materials Images including speakers' portraits are available at: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/jrj5x1hma4f4p0xr7x0ew10jloblsp8x About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org) A non-governmental organisation registered in 2001 and established in 2002, Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as an international centre of design excellence in Asia. Our public mission is to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being. The year 2022 marks our 20th Anniversary, where we will celebrate with a series of activities under the theme 'Design for Sustainable Community'. About Business of Design Week (2022.bodw.com) Asia's premier annual event on design, innovation and brands since 2002, Business of Design Week (BODW) organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) gathers some of the world's foremost design masters, brand leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong as well as overseas, driving discourse on the value of design and innovation to inspire global audiences and explore new business opportunities. About Create Hong Kong (www.createhk.gov.hk) Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia's creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. CreateHK sponsors HKDC to organise Business of Design Week (BODW), BODW City Programme, DFA Awards, Knowledge of Design Week, Fashion Asia Hong Kong, Design Incubation Programme and Fashion Incubation Programme, among other projects, to promote Hong Kong design.
DESIGNING TIME: HOW NOOKA CHANGED THE WAY WE SAW THE FUTURE
KICKSTARTER BOOK PROJECT LAUNCHING DECEMBER 2, 2022 "It is rare to work with a company that isn't driven by market or sales but by passion. It was a beautiful, inspiring, time-shaping culture with NOOKA. " —Karim Rashid, Industrial Design Legend "THE FUTURE SHOULD NOT LOOK LIKE THE PAST." —Matthew Waldman, NOOKA creator TOKYO, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Designing Time: How NOOKA Changed The Way We Saw the Future (www.kickstarter.com/projects/sanq/designing-timenooka-future) is being produced by SAN-Q LLC, a Tokyo-based design lab. In the 1990s, designer Matthew Waldman, an early innovator in interface design, challenged how we told time. "Learning how to read 'time' is not intuitive for children, which presents an opportunity to view it in a new way." He created the manifesto that would become NOOKA, and presaged wearable and fashion tech long before Apple. "NOOKA was my attempt to communicate without words, transcending geopolitical and cultural borders using design as a problem-solving tool. Innovation should create new ideas, and aim to grow a better society." What started as an exploration of what was possible, became a hot, young lifestyle brand. "NOOKA was a sexy vision of a techno future, which was a new idea at the time," says Matthew. "The first techno progressivist lifestyle brand. The fact that it was commercially viable wasn't the goal, but certainly validated that there was a need, a desire." However, Matthew would learn that keeping a business afloat, no matter how beloved the brand, was another matter altogether. With an introduction by Paola Antonelli of the Museum of Modern Art, New York City, Designing Time: How NOOKA Changed The Way We Saw the Future, is the full story of Matthew Waldman's futurist design brand: the birth and evolution of the brand and its design philosophy, the products and ideas it championed, the audiences it touched—and the impact it had on the fashion aesthetic of the 2000s. Launching on Kickstarter on December 2, 2022 with a campaign running 45 days, this book features 200 pages of original sketches, renders, photos, and process images of unrealized projects—with powerful insights into American entrepreneurship: the myth that it is a democratic institution, and the importance of innovation in the face of stymieing commercialism. In today's market of fast fashion and copycat tech products, NOOKA's message of technoprogressive optimism for the future is more relevant than ever, and this book will inspire people to push for truly new ideas and innovation. ABOUT THE KICKSTARTER PROJECT: LAUNCHING DECEMBER 2, 2022 SAN-Q's goal, with the help of a Kickstarter Japan, is to produce a 200-page book (A4; hard and soft cover) printed at a cutting-edge facility in Japan using eco-friendly inks and paper. (Specific paper and ink choices to be announced closer to production as they are subject to final quantities.) The book campaign will be live on Kickstarter for 45 days and is available for purchase starting DECEMBER 2, 2022 at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/sanq/designing-timenooka-future Pledges will help pay for researchers, editors, interviewers, and resources needed to tell this story in its entirety, as well as for the quality printing materials this book deserves. ABOUT NOOKA Originally produced under license by Seiko of Japan, production under the brand name NOOKA Inc. began in 2004 with an auspicious launch at MoMA design stores in NYC and Tokyo. With a philosophy of true innovation (NOOKAFESTO), the brand quickly expanded their range of other physical expressions of their mission, creating a MINDSTYLE™ brand with additional innovative accessories such as a revolutionary belt called the STRIP, much imitated sunglasses embraced by celebrities like the late artist PRINCE, and a unique fragrance. NOOKA launched many successful collabs with brands that included FILA, Hello Kitty, and the then new Fear of God. ABOUT MATTHEW WALDMAN, NOOKA CREATOR Designer, inventor, and educator, Matthew Waldman is best known as the founder of NOOKA, the lifestyle design brand that brought the revolution of interface design to physical products, creating unique timepieces that reinterpreted how time was told. Before NOOKA, Matthew gained recognition as a pioneer in digital interactive and UX design, founding New York Zoom in 1997, then building an award-winning global team at Reuters in 2002. Currently, with his interactive design studios, he creates narrative-driven design for brands. As a professor at Keio University Graduate School of Media Design in Tokyo (KMD), one of the top schools of innovative design, Matthew now turns his focus to circular design, and expanding the designer toolkit towards material science and biodesign. KICKSTARTER PROJECT: www.kickstarter.com/projects/sanq/designing-timenooka-future PROMOTION IMAGES: bit.ly/3VlFuu7 VISIT NOOKA: https://www.nooka.com/nooka-book/ INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nooka_global TWITTER: www.twitter.com/nooka
FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT CONTINUES TO EXPAND IN INDONESIA WITH THE OPENING OF FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT BALI, SOUTH KUTA
Celebrating The Beauty of Simplicity and Warm Hospitality to Travelers Visiting the Beloved Island of Gods BALI, Indonesia, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Bali, South Kuta today. Located in the South Kuta district and inspired by the beauty of simplicity, positioned to become the destination of choice for travelers visiting the tropical paradise. Junior Suite "We are thrilled to expand Marriott Bonvoy's footprint in Bali with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Bali, South Kuta. This opening, our fifth property under the Fairfield by Marriott brand, underscores our commitment to ensuring a diverse portfolio of offerings for travelers visiting the region. We look forward to delivering on the brand's principles of friendly service and warm hospitality in this well-loved destination," said Ramesh Jackson, Area Vice President, Indonesia, Marriott International. Located less than 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Fairfield by Marriott Bali, South Kuta is an ideal base for international leisure travellers. Guests who are looking to explore the destination can easily access popular tourist hotspots such as Kuta Art Center, Waterbom Park, Discovery Shopping Mall, and Kuta Shopping Arcade. The hotel is within walking distance of the famous walking street, Legian Street and Kuta Beach. The hotel features 71 spacious, modern and well-equipped rooms with local touches such as batik lukis art on the walls, while the comfortable spaces offer the flexibility to work and rest while staying. The property's public spaces evoke the warm hospitality signature of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, featuring a modern and calm aesthetic with open layouts, multifunctional spaces, and natural light. The hotel features a signature restaurant, Dery's Restaurant & Bar, an all-day dining restaurant, serving Western classics and Asian favorites. In the evening, Dery's Restaurant & Bar doubles as a sports bar. Guests who are looking to relax after a long day can lounge by the poolside and enjoy a selection of cocktails at Cabana Rooftop Pool & Bar. "Fairfield by Marriott's brand heritage of warm hospitality is resonant to the island's renowned warmth. We look forward to offering the simple, straightforward, and stress-free experience for guests seeking a peaceful sleep and nutritious meals with local flavor," said Amy Lingga, General Manager. Fairfield by Marriott Bali, South Kuta participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. About Fairfield by Marriott® Fairfield by Marriott was founded on the principles of trusted service and warm, friendly hospitality inspired by its unique heritage as the namesake of the Marriott family retreat, the Fairfield Farm. Its contemporary, uplifting design provides an effortless experience for guests to maintain their routines while on the road. Evoking the feelings of calming simplicity, Fairfield offers thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites that provide separate quality living, working and sleeping areas. With over 1,230 properties in 15 countries and territories, Fairfield 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. For more information or reservations, visit Fairfield.marriott.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.
NANCY BAKER CAHILL & SOPHIA THE ROBOT: STONE SPEAKS
Human and Machine collaborate via monumental AR NFT to reimagine climate crisis solutions on Algorand MIAMI and DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Borderless Capital is pleased to announce a historic collaboration between the artist Nancy Baker Cahill and Sophia the Robot on a monumental new AR artwork to launch during Art Basel Miami Beach 2022 and the Decipher 2022 Conference in Dubai, November 28 - 30, 2022. The artwork will be listed for sale on Aorist starting Tuesday, November 29, and the sale will close on Sunday, December 4. NANCY BAKER CAHILL & SOPHIA THE ROBOT: STONE SPEAKS STONE SPEAKS is narrative augmented reality (AR) artwork inspired by conversations between artist Nancy Baker Cahill and Sophia the Robot, Hanson Robotics' latest human-like robot, who was first activated in 2016. Brought together by a shared concern for the accelerating climate crisis, this work is the first of a unique 10-piece collection that Sophia will produce in collaboration with ten artists over the next decade. "Human-machine collaboration is an ongoing subject of interest for me, as I believe it is one path towards better ecological stewardship of the planet to ultimately ensure our collective survival," said Baker Cahill. Over the course of several weeks, Baker Cahill and Sophia exchanged ideas about the potential of human-machine collaboration and about what might be possible if they worked interdependently toward mutual survival and restoration of the world's natural ecosystems. The expression of this discussion, which took place over several weeks, is STONE SPEAKS, the AR installation that will be geolocated simultaneously at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai and Faena Beach in Miami, Florida. In the spirit of Baker Cahill's previous monumental AR works, such as Mushroom Cloud and CORPUS, STONE SPEAKS appears overhead as a massive particle field representing the elements silicon and carbon. In a reverse Big Bang, the particle field contracts into a molten core, and then swells into a vibrant planet, textured with sparkling fragments of abstract digital paintings created by Sophia as an extension of her conversation with Baker Cahill. The planet shifts to a polluted, uninhabitable one; and the particles reassemble in collaboration to restore the planet to an even more vibrant and lush surface. STONE SPEAKS will be minted on the eco-friendly, pure proof of stake blockchain Algorand, and will be accessible to viewers using Baker Cahill's free, 4th Wall app on Faena Beach in Miami and Jumeirah Beach in Dubai. The 1/1 NFT of this unique Augmented Reality artwork created between Baker Cahill and Sophia, will be available for sale through Aorist starting Tuesday, November 29. The sale will close Sunday, December 4. STONE SPEAKS is the first of a unique 10-piece collection that Sophia will produce in collaboration with artists over the course of the next 10 years. About Nancy Baker Cahill Nancy Baker Cahill is an award-winning new media artist who examines systemic power, selfhood, and embodied consciousness through drawing and shared immersive space. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of 4th Wall, a free Augmented Reality (AR) art platform exploring resistance and inclusive creative expression. Her geolocated AR installations have been exhibited globally and have earned her profiles in the New York Times, Frieze Magazine, and The Art Newspaper, among other publications, and she was included in ARTnews' list of 2021 'Deciders'. Her work has been exhibited internationally at museums and galleries, including Francisco Carolinum Linz, The Hermitage, The Buk-Seoul Museum of Art (SEMA), Honor Fraser Gallery, and König Gallerie. In 2022, she was one of two featured artists in the Luma Foundation's Elevation 1049 Biennial in Switzerland. Her work was featured in the Immersive Main Competition at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and on 90+ screens in Times Square for the entire month of July as part of the Midnight Moments program. Baker Cahill was an artist scholar in the Berggruen Institute's inaugural Transformations of the Human Fellowship, and a 2021 resident at Oxy Arts' 'Encoding Futures,' focused on AR monuments. She is a TEDx speaker and a member of the Guild of Future Architects. In 2021, she was awarded the Williams College Bicentennial Medal of Honor and received a C.O.L.A. Master Artist Fellowship. She is a 2022 LACMA Art and Tech Grant recipient. About Sophia the Robot Sophia is the world's first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sophia is now a household name, with appearances on the Tonight Show and Good Morning Britain, in addition to speaking at hundreds of conferences around the world. Sophia combines traditional AI with symbolic AI, neural networks, expert systems, machine perception, conversational natural language processing, adaptive motor control, and cognitive architecture among other emergent approaches. She describes herself as a robotic, artistic being exploring the collaboration boundaries between humans and machines and Sophia's very existence provokes public discussion regarding AI ethics and the role humans play in society, especially when human-like robots become ubiquitous. Her creativity pushes the boundaries of what's possible by combining digital art, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Sophia currently leads Art & AI Initiatives at Borderless Capital, an early-stage venture investment firm building a borderless, inclusive and sustainable economy for all. Her new 10-year artwork series, which launches in 2022 on the Algorand Blockchain, is inspired by her recent piece "Facing the Singularities'' dedicated towards the ideal of humanizing AI for the greater good and for protecting the planet. About Borderless Borderless is an early-stage venture investment fund with investments in over 150+ companies globally across Algorand, Helium, Edgefi and other ecosystems. Borderless was founded by serial entrepreneurs that have built leading payments infrastructure and hardware companies across the world for over 20 years. The team works actively with founders to support them and invest in their ecosystems. About Algorand Algorand is a layer-1 blockchain technology protocol founded by cryptography pioneer, Turing award winner and MIT professor, Silvio Micali. He designed the Algorand platform with an internationally recognized team of researchers, mathematicians, cryptographers, and economists—from first principles—to guarantee true decentralization, scale, and security. Algorand is the only carbon-negative blockchain operating at scale ensuring the lowest environmental impact.
The 3rd ACBC IR Pitching: Meet 9 selective content companies from Gwangju, Korea at LA & Silicon Valley
GWANGJU, South Korea, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After incubating for 3 months with various supports, from Oct 31st to Nov 4th, 2022, the Gwangju Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency (GICON) has brought 9 Korean companies to Los Angeles and Silicon Valley under the 3rd ACBC IR Pitching Day to give them opportunity to pitch in front of American VC and potential business partners such as WeVR (VR platform), XRM Media (XR, VR manufacturer, Xsolla (Video game manufacturer), 1000 Rivers (Tech Investment Company), Accel Partners (Venture Capital). Established in Gwangju – the 6th biggest city in South Korea, the Gwangju Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency (GICON) has the mission of promoting the ICT and contents industry in Gwangju through various activities: helping ICT & cultural content companies, fostering talents, incubating startups and supporting infrastructure. 'The ACBC IR Pitching Day' in an annually program operated by GICON with the purpose of revitalizing the local cultural content industry and encouraging global investment relationship. Within this project, Korean companies in content industries especially in animation, game and cultural content industries are incubated with diverse aids: producing promotional materials, training IR skills, consulting business model, etc. This year, GICON has selected 09 selective Korean companies in Gwangju city to be in the 3rd ACBC IR Pitching program. All of them are offering significantly promising solutions in content industry: inDJ with AI music platform, Geniesoft with Korea culture theme horror game, EYESCREAM Studio with virtual human entertainment solution, WITCHES offers the AI camping metaverse and especially newest content in animation from Studio W. Baba, 5Bricks, Goldframe, Studio Shelter and Neon Creation. Continuing with the mission of aiding Gwangju SMEs and giving them chance to appeal global investment, GICON has planned to keep hosting this annual 'ACBC IR Pitching Day' program in the future with deeper incubation for startups and also improvement in their supporting system by connecting and cooperating with global market as their new strategy. This is expected to be a core platform where Korean companies can be trained to reach out globally and especially to appeal global investment in the future.
