Fintech PR
Embarking on 2024: Trip.com Group reveals top travel trends, AI revolution, and sustainable journeys
SHANGHAI, Dec. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As the sun sets on 2023, Trip.com Group, a global leader in online travel services, reflects on the dynamic landscape of travel over the past year, offering insights into the trends set to shape the journey in 2024.
China’s border reopening sparks global travel surge
With the opening of China’s borders, travel was greatly boosted by a wave of Chinese travellers with a pent-up demand for overseas travel. Trip.com data unveils a significant rise in outbound travel bookings, showcasing a six-fold increase compared to 2022. This trend is especially prominent during holiday periods, such as the 8-day Golden Week in October which witnessed an eightfold surge in outbound travel. This is a compelling prelude to a robust New Year Holiday season from 31 Dec 2023 to 3 Jan 2024, which recorded a 240% increase in bookings year-on-year from 2022.
The data also revealed that Chinese travellers have a strong interest in visiting Southeast Asia, with many of these countries topping the list of preferred outbound destinations in 2023:
Top 5 destinations for Chinese travellers in 2023
- Thailand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
The thriving interest in outbound travel is expected to persist in 2024. Besides outbound travel, China’s inbound travel is also showing steady signs of recovery. In 2023, Trip.com saw four-digit growth in visitor numbers as compared with the same period in 2022 – surpassing 60% of pre-pandemic levels.
According to Trip.com data, China’s top source markets for inbound tourism include South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the United States, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Germany. These visitors’ preferred destinations in China are Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Zhuhai, Hangzhou, Foshan, Xiamen, Zhongshan, and Chengdu. In fact, seven out of ten hotel bookings made by overseas tourists are for Shenzhen.
Furthermore, Trip.com’s “China Travel Guide”, a comprehensive guide that provides inbound visitors to China with hotel, transport, payment and other travel-related information, has served nearly 100,000 overseas visitors since its launch in September.
We also partnered with e-payment service providers such as Alipay to simplify payment for overseas visitors, helping international tourists navigate their travels in China.
AI takes centre stage in predictive planning for 2024
As we venture in 2024, the travel landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by the widespread integration of AI. Leading this transformative change is TripGenie, an advanced AI travel assistant that is integrated into the Trip.com mobile app.
Leveraging cutting-edge large language model technologies, TripGenie, launched in 2023, has evolved into a personalised travel companion. It is reshaping the way we plan our journeys, from crafting bespoke itineraries, enabling instant bookings and delivering lightning-fast responses to user queries. For example, if you enquire “How do I plan a 5-day trip to Bangkok?” The travel assistant swiftly creates a personalised editable inquiry in under a minute, recommending tourist spots, shopping destinations and even provides booking links, images and city maps.
In the latter part of 2023, TripGenie’s user searches unveiled a rising interest in content related to “travel guide”, reflecting a growing demand for comprehensive travel-related information. Other popular searches were related to “flight”, “hotel”, “itineraries” and “attractions”.
Expanding beyond TripGenie, Trip.com introduced AI-powered curated lists to enhance the booking experience for users. “Trip.Best” that recommends the best travel options, “Trip.Deals” that shows top flights, accommodations, and other travel deals, and “Trip.Trends” which features the most popular travel topics and events based on user searches. These dynamic compilations are finely tuned to user preferences derived from real-time data, providing a sneak peek into the future of travel planning in 2024.
For instance, in the “Trip.Deals” list, global users have shown particular interest in the following top 5 destinations:
- London
- Bangkok
- Amsterdam
- Paris
- Hong Kong
Music festivals and theme parks lead the way for 2024’s global attractions
As we set our sights on 2024, the world of travel is embracing the fun trend of event tourism, with festivals and iconic theme parks emerging as the cornerstones of trips.
Theme parks specifically are poised for a stellar rise, having witnessed an impressive 65% increase in bookings in 2023 compared to 2019 levels. According to Trip.com data, these are the top 10 theme parks in 2023 globally:
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Universal Studios Japan
- Ocean Park Hongkong
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Everland, Korea
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- LEGOLAND, Malaysia
- Adventure Cove Waterpark
Theme parks also made five of the top ten most popular attractions globally in 2023, with Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, The Peak, S.E.A Aquarium, and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan also making the top 10 list.
The arena of live entertainment, concerts and music festivals transcend borders, captivating audiences from every corner of the world. In our inaugural year of venturing into the concert category in 2023, Trip.com has already witnessed extremely positive outcomes. The category of “event+ticket” has become one of the most sought-after products on our platform. Globally, concerts and music festivals such as Jay Chou’s Carnival World Tour in Bangkok and Wang Leehom’s ONE concert in the same city were the top two most popular concerts respectively.
During Jay Chou’s Carnival World Tour in Bangkok, the search volume for Bangkok hotels experienced a notable surge of 175% in the week following the concert announcement (8-14 September), compared to the preceding week (1-7 September). Simultaneously, searches for air tickets to Bangkok exhibited a substantial increase of 213%. Furthermore, the number of hotel stay bookings in Bangkok on December 9 spiked by 129% when comparing the same two weeks. Additionally, flight bookings from China recorded a significant rise of 118%.
Concerts featuring international acts are anticipated to sustain their prominence as the most sought-after global events, promising a thrilling 2024 filled with unforgettable cultural experiences.
Here are the top 5 concerts and music festivals in 2023:
- Jay Chou Carnival World Tour Bangkok
- Wang Leehom ONE concert Bangkok
- Rolling Loud Pattaya
- Jacky Cheung Macau
- JJ Lin Hong Kong
The rise of sustainable travel and event tourism in 2024
Peering into the crystal ball for 2024, two pivotal trends look to be shaping the travel landscape: Sustainable travel and the ascent of event tourism. More than a numerical projection, these trends signify a shift in traveller consciousness and preferences.
According to Trip.com Group’s latest ESG report, more than 16 million customers have opted for low-carbon travel options, signalling a rising interest in eco-friendly exploration.
Trip.com Group’s low-carbon hotel standard initiative was also launched in 2023 with promising results. With over 1,500 partners shortlisted as low-carbon hotels, this suggests that sustainable accommodation is set to become a major trend.
Event tourism, encompassing concerts, festivals, and sporting events, is poised to gain momentum in 2024. With the eagerly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the “ticket+hotel” category is expected to be a sought-after product, underscoring the growing importance of events in shaping travel choices.
As the story of travel evolves in the year ahead, Trip.com Group stands at the forefront, poised to guide adventurers into an era marked by exploration, innovation, and sustainability – to pursue the perfect trip for a better world.
About Trip.com Group
Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. 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.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/embarking-on-2024-tripcom-group-reveals-top-travel-trends-ai-revolution-and-sustainable-journeys-302023107.html
Fintech PR
Uniswap Kicks Off $35M UNI AirDrop Amid Trump’s Bold Crypto Vision for the USA
NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Uniswap, the world’s leading decentralized exchange in the DeFi ecosystem, has announced the Official $UNI AirDrop. This groundbreaking $35M distribution marks a significant milestone in its journey toward decentralized financial empowerment. This exciting initiative coincides with the Uniswap Foundation’s announcement of Uniswap Version 4, with deployments set to begin today, signaling another leap forward in the platform’s evolution. Meanwhile, the crypto world is abuzz with momentum, fueled by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s bold plans to establish the United States as the global capital of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Uniswap’s $UNI AirDrop: Celebrating Growth and Innovation
The $35M AirDrop comes as Uniswap celebrates an impressive 120.76% year-over-year growth in 2024. This initiative rewards both loyal and new users, underscoring Uniswap’s dedication to fostering community engagement and innovation in decentralized finance.
The AirDrop also coincides with heightened investor interest, with whales beginning to accumulate $UNI tokens following Uniswap Foundation’s recent announcements. This highlights the growing confidence in Uniswap’s ecosystem and its potential for long-term growth.
Interested participants can review eligibility requirements on Uniswap’s official website, ensuring a secure and transparent process for everyone involved.
Uniswap V4: The Next Chapter in Decentralized Finance
Uniswap’s Version 4 is set to roll out today, bringing groundbreaking improvements to the protocol. Designed to enhance efficiency, scalability, and user experience, V4 introduces innovative features that solidify Uniswap’s position as the industry leader in DeFi.
This latest update not only benefits the platform’s users but also sets the stage for increased adoption and integration across the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Trump’s Vision and Uniswap’s Alignment
The AirDrop and V4 deployment comes at a time when Donald Trump’s vision to establish the USA as the global crypto capital is reshaping the industry narrative. With Bitcoin breaking records and institutional interest surging, Uniswap’s initiatives align seamlessly with the renewed focus on decentralization and financial freedom.
Uniswap’s ability to anticipate market trends and deliver unparalleled value to its users has positioned it at the forefront of these transformative changes.
Jupiter’s Simultaneous Airdrop Sparks Broader Market Momentum
Uniswap’s AirDrop announcement comes in the midst of significant developments across the DeFi ecosystem. Jupiter, a Solana-based platform, has recently issued a $630M airdrop of its native JUP tokens, propelling its market cap up by 87% to $3.5 billion. This surge in activity highlights the increasing competition and innovation within the decentralized finance space, with platforms racing to reward their communities and expand their reach.
The dual momentum of Uniswap’s $UNI AirDrop and Jupiter’s recent initiatives underscores a new wave of growth and collaboration in the DeFi sector, further solidifying its role in shaping the future of global finance.
This January 2025 has proven to be a groundbreaking month for the crypto space, marked by historic milestones and unprecedented momentum. Bitcoin’s meteoric rise to its all-time high of $100K has reignited global interest in digital assets, while Ethereum and Solana have seen significant gains, driven by innovative developments and strong investor confidence. Meanwhile, the DeFi sector is thriving, with platforms like Uniswap and Jupiter leading the charge through impactful initiatives, including massive airdrops that have reshaped user engagement. This surge of activity has not only reinforced crypto’s role as a transformative financial ecosystem but has also set the tone for an exhilarating year ahead in blockchain and decentralized finance.
Whale Activity Signals Strong Confidence
In addition to the AirDrop, recent data has shown a surge in whale activity, with large investors beginning to accumulate $UNI tokens. This follows Uniswap Foundation’s latest announcements and highlights the growing market confidence in the platform’s future prospects.
As Uniswap continues to innovate with initiatives like V4 and significant reward campaigns, it further solidifies its role as the leading decentralized exchange and a driving force in the crypto space.
How to Participate in the $UNI AirDrop
To participate in the $35M $UNI AirDrop, users are encouraged to visit Uniswap’s official website to confirm their eligibility and review the claiming process. With this initiative, Uniswap reaffirms its commitment to rewarding its community and promoting decentralization.
For real-time updates and further information, follow Uniswap’s verified social media channels and stay informed about this historic AirDrop and future developments.
About Uniswap
Uniswap is the world’s leading decentralized exchange, empowering millions of users to trade tokens securely and efficiently on the blockchain. Known for its commitment to innovation and transparency, Uniswap continues to set the standard for decentralized finance and global financial systems.
Contact:
Uniswap Foundation
[email protected]
Matthew Elder
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Fintech PR
Silver Gene to Present at DxPx Conference Europe 2025: Showcasing Genetic Solutions for Chronic Symptoms and Autoimmune Diseases
FRISCO, Texas, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Silver Gene, a pioneer in nutritional genetic technology and personalized health solutions, is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming DxPx Conference Europe, taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany January 26-27th.
The conference, renowned as a global gathering for leaders in diagnostics, precision medicine, and digital health, will serve as a platform for Silver Gene to share its innovative approach to addressing chronic symptoms rooted in genetic and autoimmune conditions.
Silver Gene’s presentation will highlight the company’s cutting-edge methodology, which combines advanced nutritional genetic technology with the expertise of a nationwide network of physicians. By analyzing multifactorial genes and identifying underlying genetic causes, Silver Gene provides comprehensive evaluations designed to eliminate toxins, restore health, and deliver lasting solutions for patients who have struggled to find answers elsewhere.
“At Silver Gene, our mission is to bring clarity and healing to patients who have been searching for solutions to chronic symptoms and elusive health issues,” said Dennis Hooper, CEO at Silver Gene. “We are honored to join industry leaders at DxPx Europe to share our breakthroughs in personalized healthcare and explore collaborative opportunities that can further revolutionize patient outcomes.”
DxPx Industry & Investor Partners Conference Europe is the premier forum for connecting companies in the life sciences and healthcare industries. Known for its focus on diagnostics and precision medicine, the event attracts investors, innovators, and key decision-makers from across the globe.
Silver Gene invites attendees to visit its booth, schedule one-on-one meetings and learn more about its transformative approach to addressing genetic and autoimmune health challenges. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with the team to discuss potential partnerships, collaborations, and investment opportunities.
For more information about Silver Gene and its participation at DxPx Conference Europe, please visit Silver Gene’s website link or the official DxPx conference website.
About Silver Gene
At Silver Gene, we are dedicated to transforming lives by addressing chronic symptoms that stem from genetic problems and autoimmune diseases. Through the expertise of our nationwide network of physicians and cutting-edge genetic technology, we identify the root causes of elusive health issues. By analyzing a wide array of multifactorial genes, we pinpoint the problematic ones and create personalized, comprehensive health evaluations. Our goal is to eliminate toxins from the body, restore well-being, and provide lasting solutions for patients who have long struggled to find answers. At Silver Gene, we are committed to delivering clarity, healing, and a path to a healthier future.
Media Contact: [email protected]
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Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – January 24, 2025 (Pomelo Group, Arrow Checkout, Open Payments, HSBC, Zing, DoubleCheck)
The fintech landscape is buzzing with activity today as innovative startups and seasoned industry leaders make headlines. From acquisitions to groundbreaking launches and funding rounds, these developments underscore the relentless pace of innovation in the financial technology sector. Here’s your comprehensive daily fintech briefing, featuring the latest updates and analysis.
Pomelo Group Acquires Arrow Checkout: A Power Play in Singapore Fintech
Pomelo Group, a leading name in the payment technology space, has announced its acquisition of Arrow Checkout, a fellow Singapore-based fintech company specializing in seamless online payment solutions. This strategic move not only strengthens Pomelo’s portfolio but also signals its commitment to becoming a dominant force in the Asian payment ecosystem.
Why This Matters:
Consolidation in fintech is nothing new, but this acquisition highlights how regional players are vying for dominance in Asia’s burgeoning e-commerce market. Singapore’s fintech scene has been thriving, and with this merger, Pomelo Group is poised to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to merchants looking for efficient, secure, and scalable payment solutions.
Commentary:
This acquisition could set the stage for further M&A activity in Southeast Asia, as fintech firms race to gain competitive advantages. Pomelo’s move shows that innovation and growth in fintech aren’t confined to the West—Asia remains a hotbed for cutting-edge developments.
Source: Fintech Finance News
The Gender Gap in European Fintech Funding: A Glimmer of Progress?
Stockholm-based Open Payments has raised €3 million in its latest funding round, marking a significant milestone for female founders in European fintech. Led by Louise Brandt, the company’s API-driven platform empowers businesses to integrate banking and payment systems seamlessly.
Why This Matters:
Despite ongoing challenges, Open Payments’ success reflects a slow but encouraging shift toward better funding opportunities for female-led fintech companies in Europe. Historically, women founders have faced an uphill battle in securing venture capital, but this story highlights that persistence and innovation are winning out.
Commentary:
Louise Brandt’s leadership and the company’s ability to raise €3 million indicate a turning point for underrepresented groups in fintech. While Europe still has a long way to go, Open Payments’ triumph serves as a testament to the growing appetite for diversity and inclusion in financial technology.
Source: Tech Funding News, EU-Startups
HSBC’s Closure of Zing Marks a Stark Warning for Neobanks
HSBC recently announced the closure of Zing, its digital-first challenger bank, due to profitability challenges. The news comes as a blow to neobank enthusiasts and raises questions about the viability of digital-only banking ventures in today’s competitive environment.
Why This Matters:
The closure highlights a recurring theme in fintech: profitability versus innovation. While neobanks have disrupted traditional banking, the struggle to maintain sustainable business models is evident. HSBC’s decision to wind down Zing underscores the difficulties of scaling digital-only offerings while competing against established players.
Commentary:
For startups, HSBC’s retreat may serve as a cautionary tale. Neobanks must focus on diversifying their revenue streams and offering unique value propositions to thrive in an increasingly saturated market.
Source: Sifted
DoubleCheck Names New CEO Amid Strategic Expansion
DoubleCheck, a fintech company revolutionizing overdraft management, has appointed Bryan Weatherford as its new CEO. With his extensive background in financial services and leadership, Weatherford is expected to drive the company’s growth and further establish its market presence.
Why This Matters:
Leadership transitions often signal new phases of growth and strategic shifts. DoubleCheck’s appointment of Weatherford highlights its ambition to expand its offerings and increase adoption of its innovative approach to managing overdrafts—a long-overlooked pain point in consumer banking.
Commentary:
With financial inclusion and customer-centricity becoming critical pillars of fintech innovation, DoubleCheck’s leadership shake-up may pave the way for broader adoption of fair and transparent financial tools.
Source: Fintech Finance News
SC Ventures and kiya.ai Unveil Akashaverse for Inclusive Digital Experiences
SC Ventures, the innovation arm of Standard Chartered, and fintech innovator kiya.ai have teamed up to launch Akashaverse, a digital ecosystem designed to promote inclusivity in financial services. The platform leverages the latest in AI, blockchain, and metaverse technologies to create immersive digital experiences tailored to a wide range of users.
Why This Matters:
Akashaverse represents a significant leap in bridging digital divides and making financial services accessible to underserved populations. By integrating cutting-edge technology into a user-friendly platform, SC Ventures and kiya.ai aim to redefine how financial services are consumed.
Commentary:
The launch of Akashaverse demonstrates the growing importance of collaboration in fintech. It’s a prime example of how partnerships between established financial institutions and nimble fintech startups can lead to transformative solutions.
Source: IBS Intelligence
Open Payments Secures €3 Million to Accelerate Growth
In addition to its groundbreaking impact on diversity in fintech, Open Payments’ €3 million funding round is set to drive its ambitious growth strategy. The company plans to enhance its API-driven platform, which streamlines bank and payment system integrations, and expand its reach across Europe.
Why This Matters:
As APIs continue to be the backbone of fintech innovation, Open Payments is positioning itself as a leader in this space. With fresh funding, the company can accelerate its mission to make financial services integration seamless and efficient.
Commentary:
This funding round not only validates Open Payments’ business model but also signals growing investor confidence in fintech infrastructure companies. As open banking gains traction, solutions like Open Payments are becoming increasingly vital.
Source: EU-Startups
From strategic acquisitions and funding milestones to leadership transitions and digital ecosystem launches, today’s fintech stories showcase the resilience and innovation driving the industry forward. As the sector evolves, certain key themes emerge:
- Regional Focus: Stories like Pomelo Group’s acquisition and Akashaverse’s launch highlight how regional initiatives are shaping global trends.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Open Payments’ success underscores the growing importance of leveling the playing field for underrepresented groups in fintech.
- Sustainability of Business Models: The closure of Zing serves as a reminder that profitability must go hand in hand with disruption.
For stakeholders, staying ahead requires a keen eye on these trends and a willingness to adapt. As fintech continues to redefine traditional financial services, one thing remains clear: innovation is the heartbeat of this industry.
Fintech Pulse will return tomorrow with more insights, updates, and analysis.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – January 24, 2025 (Pomelo Group, Arrow Checkout, Open Payments, HSBC, Zing, DoubleCheck) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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