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Zhejiang Highlights Cultural and Tourism Appeal at Thai International Travel Fair

BANGKOK, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 30th Thai International Travel Fair, a key event celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, opened on January 16 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), with China receiving special honors as the guest country.

As China relaxes its visa-free transit policy, Zhejiang Province’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth, with expectations that the number of inbound tourists from Southeast Asia for 2024 has tripled compared to the previous year. The region’s engagement at this major B2B tourism platform is proving essential in promoting its cultural tourism sectors and enhancing its international profile.

At the fair, Zhejiang featured a collection of engaging presentations and interactive displays at its “Hello, China” themed exhibit. The booth included detailed tourism maps, extensive promotional materials, and guides, complemented by thoughtfully designed cultural souvenirs that gave visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and unique character.

In addition, Zhejiang’s cultural and tourism ambassadors delivered a compelling presentation themed “Picturesque Jiangnan.” They highlighted two tourism routes: the “Elegant Tour of Jiangnan” and the “Mountain-Sea Scenic Exploration Tour.” These routes effectively combine the province’s stunning natural landscapes with its rich cultural heritage, generating considerable interest among Thai tourists in visiting the region.

Lazada and Peak3 Launch a New Digital Insurance Joint Venture in Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lazada, Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce platform, and Peak3, a global leader in insurance technology, have announced the launch of a joint venture (JV) to build the leading digital and embedded insurance ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

Lazada and Peak3 Launch a New Digital Insurance Joint Venture in Southeast Asia
Lazada and Peak3 Launch a New Digital Insurance Joint Venture in Southeast Asia

Building on Peak3’s SaaS insurance orchestration platform and in collaboration with leading insurers, the new JV is embedding innovative, convenient and affordable insurance propositions into Lazada’s thriving local ecosystems, linking about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month.

Bold Vision and Tangible Early Success

This joint venture extends Lazada’s capabilities beyond its core eCommerce offerings by integrating diverse insurance propositions into its ecosystem. Lazada customers can seamlessly obtain insurance coverage through the Lazada app and website, while merchants benefit from tailored protections to safeguard their businesses. This fosters a supportive ecosystem for all users, contributing to Lazada’s vision of becoming a comprehensive lifestyle platform.

In collaboration with leading local and global insurers such as AIA, Astra, Income Insurance, MSIG, and Sompo,  Peak3 and Lazada are set to deliver a diverse portfolio of insurance propositions across property & casualty, accident and health, and life insurance. In a first step, the focus is on developing embedded insurance, including gadget and electronics protection, and product liability protection to safeguard customers and their purchased goods. Additionally, marketplace insurance options, such as car, accident and travel insurance, provide essential coverage for customers’ everyday activities.

Bill Song, Group CEO of Peak3, said: “We are excited to deeply partner with Lazada on this venture, contributing our technology and expertise from similar joint ventures with Grab, Klook and Carro. Lazada has an incredible ecosystem and reach, and we have already seen remarkable market traction.”

Since its establishment in August 2024, the partnership has already rolled out a dozen insurance propositions across six countries—Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. To date, over 5 million policies have been issued, averaging now over 70,000 policies per day.

One Regional Insurance Orchestration Tech Platform

At the core of this JV is Peak3’s SaaS insurance orchestration platform, which provides a flexible solution to unify insurance operations across insurance product lines and enables seamless integration with Lazada’s ecosystem and insurers.

David Zheng, Lazpay Head of Product, Insurance and Digital Goods, at Lazada, highlighted: “Peak3’s platform has truly helped us deepen our capabilities and offerings for insurance products to offer a more holistic experience for our users. In less than half a year, we will be live across six markets with over a dozen seamless insurance propositions and a run rate of over two million policies per month. This partnership will allow us to achieve greater synergies and operational efficiencies, with the products and corresponding services managed centrally on one platform.”

Key benefits of Peak3’s platform include:

  • Rapid Multi-Country Deployment: Enabling new product launches in weeks through configuration, optimized for scalability and re-usability across countries.
  • Comprehensive and Innovative Insurance Offerings: Supporting the full spectrum of insurance products, from micro-insurance to traditional insurance, along with parametric propositions to offer enhanced flexibility and tailored coverage.
  • Simplified API Integration: Streamlining insurer connectivity across core systems and providing seamless customer journeys and high performance during peak sales periods.
  • Data-Driven Optimization: Providing real-time analytics and A/B testing capabilities to enable data-driven optimizations of products and customer journeys.

The Future: Advancing Financial Inclusion and Sustainability

The new joint venture exemplifies the shared commitment of Peak3 and Lazada to advancing financial inclusion and sustainability through digital-first and embedded insurance. The joint venture enhances the accessibility and affordability of insurance for underserved populations. Upcoming inclusive propositions, such as insurance with fractionalized premiums and flexible payment options, will help customers secure essential protection with reduced financial strain.

Given this early success, diverse initiatives are underway to enhance Lazada’s insurance ecosystem and improve the customer journey. This includes enabling users to easily access policies and post-purchase services directly through the Lazada app. Additionally, Peak3’s advanced technologies, such as AI-driven product recommendation, intelligent claims assessments and AI-powered customer support, will further streamline operations and customer experience.

In addition, Peak3 and Alibaba, the parent company of Lazada, are exploring additional opportunities with other Alibaba International Digital Commerce businesses. The ambition is to drive innovation, broaden accessibility, and provide comprehensive insurance solutions to customers globally.

About Peak3

Peak3 offers advanced SaaS core, orchestration, and AI technologies for the global insurance industry. Serving more than 50 insurers, MGAs, and intermediaries across life, health, and P&C insurance, Peak3 enables accelerated growth, enhanced customer experiences, and improved operational efficiency. For more information on Peak3, please visit www.peak3.com

About Lazada Group

Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform. For the last 12 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payments channels and Lazada Wallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region. 

SMU at 25: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and a Bold Vision for the Future

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Twenty-five years ago, Singapore Management University (SMU) started out as a bold experiment in transforming the higher education in Singapore. Today, it has already gained the recognition of being a globally recognised institution at the forefront of transformative education and cutting-edge research, shaping future leaders in Asia and beyond. As SMU marks this milestone, the university is not just reflecting on its achievements but charting a path forward with renewed purpose.

SMU Patron's Day 2025
SMU Patron’s Day 2025

 

SMU Patron's Day 2025
SMU Patron’s Day 2025

From Pioneering Beginnings to Regional Leadership

Established in 2000, SMU was designed to redefine the education landscape in Singapore. Its approach—interdisciplinary, interactive, and internationally oriented—was groundbreaking. Since then, the university’s influence has extended far beyond Singapore, with a growing network of alumni shaping industries globally.

Under the leadership of Professor Lily Kong, SMU’s fifth president, first Singaporean to lead SMU and first Singaporean woman to serve as president in any university in Singapore, the university has grown in stature. SMU’s endowment fund, infrastructure, and international outreach have also expanded significantly, with three overseas offices, in Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City established in less than two years, underscoring the commitment to foster connections, strengthen existing partnerships and contribute to Asia’s growth.

SMU has also distinguished itself as a trailblazer in higher education, redefining learning and research to address local and global challenges.

Driving Transformative Education

SMU’s distinctive approach to education blends academic rigour with industry relevance, equipping graduates with the skills and mindset to excel in a dynamic world. Notable milestones include:

  • The launch of the Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE) and BSc (Computing and Law) programmes—Singapore-first initiatives designed to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills to address complex global challenges.
  • The introduction of Individualised Majors under the College of Integrative Studies, that empowers students to design their own multidisciplinary learning pathways according to their individual passion and career aspirations.
  • The establishment of over 50 sustainability-focused courses, aligning education with pressing environmental imperatives.
  • The SMU-X experiential learning model, which has won international accolades such as the QS Innovation in Business Education Award and the International Green Gown Awards for fostering next-generation learning.

Enhancing Accessibility and Equity in Education

In its commitment to inclusivity, SMU has expanded its financial assistance programme through SMU Access Plus, an enhanced version of SMU Access and will be SMU’s most generous financial assistance support to-date. An initiative designed to remove financial barriers for students from lower-income families, SMU Access Plus would cover a range of financial support, ensuring that talented individuals can pursue their aspirations regardless of financial circumstances.

This initiative not only levels the playing field for SMU students but also sets a benchmark for global institutions striving to democratise access to quality education.

Research with Societal Impact

SMU has set benchmarks in research excellence, addressing critical issues such as urban resilience, cybersecurity, and ageing populations:

In recognition of its impactful research, SMU has achieved global rankings, including the #1 position in Singapore and #2 in Asia for impactful business research by the Financial Times.

Shaping the Next Chapter

As SMU embarks on its next phase of growth, its refreshed Vision and Mission reflect a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration:

VISION
Asia’s premier global city university 
At the nexus of management, social sciences and technology 
Driving innovations, transcending boundaries, transforming lives.

MISSION  
Nurture a community of independent lifelong learners and change agents  
Enable world-class researchers to address societal challenges 
Harness partnerships to serve as gateway between Asia and the world 
Transform lives to create sustainable futures

Strengthening Global Partnerships

SMU’s strategic initiatives have expanded its influence across the region, particularly in ASEAN markets. Its overseas centres in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam serve as conduits for collaborations, fostering economic growth and cross-border partnerships.

The university’s flagship events, such as the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, promote entrepreneurship, while its lifelong learning initiatives have equipped over 15,000 professionals with critical skills to adapt to evolving workforce demands.

In celebrating SMU’s 25th anniversary, Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, reflected on the university’s journey and aspirations: “As our young undergraduates explore the world, it is essential that they cultivate a well-rounded global perspective while deeply appreciating Asia’s rich social, cultural, and economic tapestry. These qualities—being Asia-ready and globally agile—are highly valued by global and regional enterprises alike, empowering our students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic world.”

Prof. Kong also emphasised the significance of SMU’s refreshed vision and mission statements, stating, “While we honour the achievements of the past 25 years, we look forward with renewed purpose. These statements encapsulate our identity as a global city university rooted in Asia—driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and transforming lives as we navigate the next chapter of our journey.”

Piyush Gupta, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Singapore Management University, on SMU’s Role in Shaping Future Leaders

Mr Piyush Gupta added his perspective on the university’s impact: “SMU’s unique emphasis on interdisciplinary education, innovation, and its commitment to societal impact has made it a driving force in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The university’s ability to adapt to the evolving demands of a global landscape ensures that its graduates are not only equipped with the skills needed to succeed but also the values to lead with purpose. As we celebrate 25 years, SMU continues to demonstrate its vital role in educating the changemakers who will influence industries, communities, and societies worldwide.”

A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Promise

With 25 years of achievements as a foundation, SMU continues to push boundaries, leveraging its unique positioning at the nexus of management, social sciences, and technology. As Singapore evolves as a global hub, SMU remains a pivotal force in developing talent, fostering innovation, and addressing the critical challenges of our time.

About Singapore Management University

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools – Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU’s eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research.  SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/

The Spring Festival Celebration: Explore Beautiful Yunnan

KUNMING, China, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yunnan Innyo Co., Ltd., in collaboration with @visityunnan, is excited to announce an engaging event inviting videography enthusiasts from around the world to capture the beauty of Yunnan through its diverse Spring Festival celebrations. From January 28, 2025 to February 15, 2025, participants are encouraged to submit videos that showcase the vibrant folk celebrations of the Spring Festival across Yunnan.

The “Spring Festival Celebration: Explore Beautiful Yunnan” event celebrates the province’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, inviting participants to capture the spirit of its Spring Festival through videos. From traditional lantern festivals and folk performances to the creation of authentic “Yunnan Spring Festival Flavor” dishes, this event offers a platform for creative expression that highlights the unique beauty of Yunnan in spring.

Join this exciting event by adding the hashtag #SpringInYunnan to your original videos, tagging our official TikTok account @visityunnan, or submitting your entries via email to lilyzhangll727@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing how you capture the magic of the Spring Festival celebrations here in beautiful Yunnan.

Links to Our Page:
https://www.facebook.com/GoYunnan.Official
https://www.tiktok.com/@visityunnan

XCION Returns to Indonesia for 12th Annual Conference with Deeper Focus on AI and Edge Technologies

BALI, Indonesia, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — XCION, a leading CXO community platform in Indonesia, is back to hold their highly anticipated annual conference and exhibition in Indonesia for the 12th year running. XCION 12th Bali Conference & Exhibition promises a dynamic line-up of speakers, exhibitors, and networking opportunities from February 12-14, 2025, at The Royal Tulip Springhill Resort.

Themed “Pioneering Innovation in the Age of AI and Edge Technologies,” the conference aims to bring together a distinguished lineup of industry leaders and experts to explore the power of AI, edge computing, and other emerging technologies driving digital transformation. With an emphasis on secure, scalable solutions, attendees will gain invaluable insights into the future of technology and innovation, and how these advancements are transforming industries across Southeast Asia.

This three-day conference will feature:

  • Keynote addresses by CISSReC and Trans Retail Indonesia, highlighting the influence of AI and edge technologies,
  • Presentations with speakers from companies including Nxcloud, Versa Networks, Fortinet Indonesia, Thales, CFCI and more,
  • Valuable networking opportunities through business matchmaking sessions,
  • Fireside chats that discuss trends and challenges in Southeast Asia’s digital landscape, and
  • Exhibitor booths, showcasing some of the industry’s game changers.

“We are proud to foster a space where industry leaders and experts can come together every year to explore the next frontier of digital innovation,” said Goh Jing Rui, Head of Partnerships APAC for XCION. “The spotlight on AI and edge technologies at the 12th conference underscores XCION’s commitment to helping organizations navigate the complexities of the digital era and remain competitive in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.”

“As a nation, Indonesia is working towards developing, implementing, and governing AI technologies nationwide.” said Widji Tri Kusuma Adhi, Director of Ammana (P2P) & LSP FI – AFPI Committee. “XCION’s 12th conference will stand as the push that Indonesian organisations need toward AI implementation and positioning the country as a significant player in the global AI landscape.”

Industry experts who are looking to be at the forefront of AI and edge technologies are encouraged to mark their calendars and join the leading technology conference in Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit www.xcion.org

About XCION:

XCION, originally known as the Indonesian CIO Network (ICION), is a leading CXO community platform. Over the course of the pandemic, XCION has expanded beyond Indonesia to reach the wider Southeast Asia region. Known for hosting high-quality, niche workshops, summits, and conferences, XCION consistently draws a strong CXO presence on-stage and in the audience at its events.

Kim Yew Integrated Celebrates 40 Years With $68,000 Donation To The Business Times Budding Artists Fund


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – Led by a new management and board since 2021, Kim Yew Integrated marked its 40th anniversary with a $68,000 donation to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) at a celebration on 18 January 2025. Kim Yew Integrated is a leading provider of Integrated Facilities Management services in Singapore.

Mr Patrick Tan, Managing Director of Kim Yew Integrated, presents a cheque during Kim Yew Integrated’s 40th anniversary dinner to Ms Chen Hui Fen, Editor of The Business Times and Board Member of TRCL, and Ms Elaine Tan, Head of Partnership Development at TRCL.
Mr Patrick Tan, Managing Director of Kim Yew Integrated, presents a cheque during Kim Yew Integrated’s 40th anniversary dinner to Ms Chen Hui Fen, Editor of The Business Times and Board Member of TRCL, and Ms Elaine Tan, Head of Partnership Development at TRCL.

Since 2021, Kim Yew Integrated has been led by Managing Director, Mr. Patrick Tan, supported by a new management and board that is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The new leadership team is driving a digital-first vision for the future, focusing on innovation to deliver integrated, cutting-edge services that exceed customer expectations.

In his speech at the 40th anniversary dinner, Mr. Tan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Kim Yew Integrated team, partners and clients, acknowledging that their trust and contributions have been the force behind the company’s progress. He said: “These enduring partnerships have not only been key to our growth over the past 40 years but have also inspired us to give back to the community. As part of tonight’s celebration, we are proud to support The Business Times Budding Artists Fund and TRCL, creating opportunities for children and youth to pursue their passions and furthering our commitment to make a lasting, positive impact on society beyond our business endeavours.”

The BT BAF aims to make the arts accessible for children and youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. This donation will directly support TRCL, a charity that empowers children and youth from underserved backgrounds to fulfil their potential in the arts and culture sectors.

Founded in 1985, Kim Yew Integrated has grown from a traditional term contractor into an industry leader. Today the company has a workforce of over 700 employees and boasts a successful track record, completing over 200 projects across Asia. Over the past 40 years, Kim Yew Integrated has achieved numerous accolades, including Singapore International Facility Management Association’s (SIFMA) Gold Plus certifications for facilities management and sustainability, and SIFMA Smart Technology wins for three consecutive years (2021-2023).

Hashtag: #KimYewIntegrated

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

PEI-Genesis Exhibits at Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan

TOKYO, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PEI-Genesis, a global leader in the design and assembly of custom-engineered interconnect solutions, will exhibit at Smart Energy Week at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan, from February 19 to 21, 2025. Find PEI-Genesis at Booth E43-14 (East Hall 4) to explore their innovative solutions.

PEI-Genesis will showcase a diverse range of high-power interconnect solutions for Smart Energy applications, including EV charging (with liquid cooling capabilities), Energy Storage, Electrification, and Industrial Automation. Featured supplier partners include Amphenol, ITT Cannon, Anderson, and Positronic.

Visit PEI-Genesis booth E43-14 (in East Hall 4) at Japan Smart Energy Week 2025!
Visit PEI-Genesis booth E43-14 (in East Hall 4) at Japan Smart Energy Week 2025!

“We are excited to showcase our extensive capabilities at Battery Japan during Smart Energy Week. This event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with customers and partners in Japan and demonstrate how PEI-Genesis empowers the transition to smarter, more sustainable energy solutions. With a global presence and over 75 years of expertise, we are committed to delivering tailored interconnect solutions with industry-leading speed, flexibility, and quality,” said Alex Tsui, Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific of PEI-Genesis.

Smart Energy Week is a premier exhibition featuring cutting-edge technologies, insights, and industry collaboration to drive progress in the energy sector. The event highlights renewable energy advancements across hydrogen and fuel cells, solar power, rechargeable batteries, smart grids, wind power, biomass, zero-emission thermal power, and more.

Visit PEI-Genesis at Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 4, Booth E43-14 from Wednesday, February 19, to Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

About PEI-Genesis 

PEI-Genesis is one of the world’s fastest assemblers of precision connectors and cable assemblies. From the largest connector component inventory in the world, they develop engineered solutions that support the industrial, medical, aerospace, transportation, and energy sectors worldwide. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, PEI-Genesis has production facilities in South Bend, IN; Southampton, UK; and Zhuhai, China, as well as sales offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. More information may be found at www.peigenesis.com

Media Contact:  

Lisa Quek
7619288
lisa.quek@peigenesis.com 

Website: http://www.peigenesis.com     
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pei-genesis/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PEIGenesis    
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PEIGenesis  
Blog: https://blog.peigenesis.com/   

Lunar New Year 2025 Trends by Trip.com Group: Travel Like A Snake — Longer Stays and Shedding Off the “Usual” Destinations

  • Rise in cross-border travel with stays up to 10% longer this holiday season
  • Growing interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations and cruises

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This Lunar New Year (LNY) is shaping up to be a festive season of exploration and connection as celebrating families and friends worldwide embrace the holiday spirit.


This year marks the year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation — themes that reflect the everchanging travel landscape. While some choose to celebrate at home, others have taken the opportunity to create memories in destinations far and near. With travel back in full swing, Trip.com Group has unveiled its latest LNY trends for 2025, showcasing how travellers are prioritising longer stays, meaningful experiences and unconventional destinations this year.

Cross-Border Travel Hits New Heights with Extended Stays

Data reveals strong year-on-year growth for cross-border travel, with travellers combining public holidays and annual leave to increase their length of stay.

Notably, in the Chinese mainland, a key source of LNY travel, New Year’s Eve is officially recognised as a holiday in 2025. This allows travellers to take just two days of leave for an eleven-day holiday. Korean travellers need to take one day for a nine-day break, while Singaporeans can create a five-day holiday with a single day off. As such, extended stays are a hallmark of this year’s LNY. On average, Asia-Pacific travellers will stay up to 10% longer this festive period.

Popular destinations frequented by travellers who celebrate LNY include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Chinese mainland.

Interest in Longer-haul Flights and Lesser-known Destinations Rise

Data shows a strong pick-up in travellers exploring destinations outside the Asia-Pacific region, with medium and long-haul flights surging, especially among the Malaysia market (55% and 60% respectively) and South Korean market (36% & 90% respectively).

Travellers are also seeking new experiences, with a noticeable buzz around off-the-beaten-path destinations this festive season. Lesser-travelled gems such as Giza (Egypt), famous for the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx; San Luis Obispo (USA), known for its wineries and scenic coastline; and Charenton-le-Pont (France), located southeast of central Paris, are catching the eyes of travellers seeking unique experiences beyond the usual tourist trail. This trend extends to popular Asian destinations, with more seeking out lesser-known cities, such as Funabashi, Ibaraki and Okinawa (Japan) and Seremban (Malaysia).

Short-haul flights remained a popular option among travellers with shorter national holidays. Malaysia and Thailand topped the charts for this in terms of booking volume growth.

Family Travel Takes Centre Stage

Family gatherings are central to Lunar New Year traditions, and this year, families are heading out together for festive fun – on the seas and on theme park rides.


Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular choice among Chinese mainland and Singaporean consumers, with data highlighting a triple-digit growth compared to last year. Among these, family-friendly rooms have risen by 400%, with the most popular ports including Shanghai, Singapore and Dubai, and attractive port destinations being Fukuoka (Japan), Jeju (South Korea) and Phuket (Thailand). Trip.com Group research reveals luxurious amenities and all-inclusive packages are emerging as the biggest motivators for APAC cruise travellers.

In a similar trend, child tickets for attractions have also risen by 42% in overall bookings this year, with family-oriented attractions like Universal Studios Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland seeing notable increases. These theme park attractions, alongside aquariums and museums, are top choices for families seeking memorable experiences.

Millennials are increasingly seeking Instagram-worthy moments at attractions like Mount Fuji and Shibuya Sky, which offers panoramic Tokyo views. Meanwhile, the older generations are prioritising luxury and premium experiences, gravitating towards luxuries such as Studio City Macau casino resort and Niseko’s ski resorts.

Premium Travel or Value for Money?       

Travellers are adopting a mix of premium and value-driven approaches to maximise their holiday experiences.

There has been a strong pickup in bookings for 5 & 4-star hotels, with a rise in average bookings. Malaysian travellers lead this growth with close to a triple-digit surge in 5 & 4-star hotel bookings, followed by Singaporean and Thai travellers. 

Demand for alternative accommodations has grown significantly, especially in Japan, with traditional Japanese Ryokans, apartments, guesthouses and homestays topping the list for Chinese mainland, Thai and South Korean travellers.

Notably, the average traveller’s budget has seen double-digit growth, showcasing a willingness to invest in meaningful experiences during this festive season. Business class and first-class flights are trending this LNY, with strong double-digit growth across each segment. Singaporeans favour first-class air travel, with a 400% growth compared to last year, followed by South Korean and Chinese mainland travellers, also with strong triple-digit growth.

Inbound Travel to the Chinese Mainland Experiences Triple-digit Growth

Inbound travel bookings to the Chinese mainland have surged by over 200% Y-o-Y, with top bookings made by travellers from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, and the UK. 

Data shows that popular Chinese travel routes continue to find increased popularity, with searches hitting triple-digit growth. Travel is centred around key major cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, with other lesser-travelled cities like Harbin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Zhuhai, Chongqing, and Hangzhou also making the list.

China’s increasingly traveller-friendly visa policies are fuelling this growth. Over 30 countries enjoy visa-free travel to the Chinese mainland, with 62% Y-o-Y growth in bookings from countries recently included in this policy. South Korea, Japan, Cyprus, Denmark and Croatia are benefiting from this recent policy.

Additionally, China’s expanded visa-free transit policy, now extending to stays up to 240 hours (10 days) for eligible international travellers, is injecting fresh vitality into its various sectors.

To provide an exceptional service for inbound travellers, Trip.com Group is providing its second free layover tour, following the success of its ‘Shanghai Express’ initiative. The ‘Beijing Express‘ allows travellers transiting in Beijing to choose one of two half-day tours to explore the beating heart of China’s capital. ‘Journey to the Great Wall’ takes travellers to one of the earliest and best-preserved parts of the Great Wall of China. ‘Highlights Half-Day City Tour’ guides travellers on a cultural trip to the ‘Temple of Heaven’, ‘Qianmen Street’ and ‘Tian’anmen Square’ to experience Beijing’s historical traditions and vibrant culture. Each tour includes free transportation, attraction tickets, internet access, and English-speaking tour guides. Travellers will need to register in person at Beijing Capital International Airport, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

This initiative aligns with the growing demand for cultural experiences. Already, attraction and tour orders for the LNY have increased by over 200% Y-o-Y, with Beijing witnessing a 185% increase in inbound travellers compared to last year. Four out of five top attractions were cultural landmarks, such as the Great Wall of Badaling, the Great Wall of Mutianyu, the Forbidden City Museum and the Summer Palace.

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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