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ONYX Hospitality Group Enters Joint Venture with JR Kyushu Group to Develop Shama North Pattaya, Strengthening Strategic Partnership in Thailand


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 May 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Asia Pacific specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, has announced a significant international partnership through the signing of a joint venture agreement with JR Kyushu Business Development (Thailand) Co. Ltd. (a group company of Kyushu Railway Company), one of Japan’s foremost corporations listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange. The collaboration will see the development of Shama North Pattaya, further advancing ONYX’s portfolio by leveraging Shama’s expertise to capitalize on short- and extended-stay demand, while reinforcing confidence in the growth potential of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Left: Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta Right: Mr. Toshihiro Mori
Left: Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta Right: Mr. Toshihiro Mori

This latest agreement marks a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two organizations, building upon the success of Shama Lakeview Asoke, which ONYX manages on behalf of JR Kyushu Group. The property has earned recognition as one of the leading serviced apartments in Bangkok’s central business district, reflecting the Japanese partner’s strong confidence in ONYX’s management capabilities and in-depth market expertise.

The development of Shama North Pattaya therefore represents not only an expansion into a high-potential location, but also a reaffirmation of ONYX’s disciplined growth strategy. By collaborating with globally respected partners, the group continues to strengthen its footprint in the EEC.

Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, stated that this joint venture with JR Kyushu Group reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to growing alongside its partners. It also marks ONYX’s second joint venture with an international partner under its strategic expansion plan, underscoring continued investor confidence in the company’s capabilities, as well as its ongoing pursuit of investment opportunities and strategic collaborations with high-potential partners.

“For ONYX Hospitality Group, growth is not defined merely by the number of projects we develop, but by the strength of the partnerships we cultivate. Our joint venture with JR Kyushu Group reflects a shared vision and a commitment to creating long-term value together.

The Shama brand has grown from a deep understanding of the long-stay market, which we have consistently studied and monitored over the years. We see clear future potential in this segment. Each Shama development is founded on comprehensive insights into resident needs and expectations, placing emphasis on the core of the living experience — comfort, flexibility and a genuine sense of home — all delivered to international standards.

Shama North Pattaya represents another important strategic property in strengthening and completing ONYX Hospitality Group’s presence in Pattaya, a high-potential destination within the EEC, alongside our key brands Amari and OZO, helping to create a more integrated and cohesive hospitality cluster in the area.”

Yuthachai added, “Shama North Pattaya reflects ONYX’s commitment to strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading destination for long-term residents while supporting the sustainable growth of the residential hospitality sector.”

Mr. Toshihiro Mori, Representative Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer of Kyushu Railway Company stated that this joint venture marks an important next step in JR Kyushu Group’s continued partnership with ONYX Hospitality Group in Thailand, building on the success of Shama Lakeview Asoke.

“Following our successful collaboration on Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok, we are pleased to deepen our partnership with ONYX Hospitality Group through Shama North Pattaya. We see strong potential in Pattaya as a leading resort destination within the EEC, and we have full confidence in ONYX’s hospitality expertise to deliver an exceptional property that meets the evolving needs of both Thai and international guests. We look forward to creating lasting value together.”

Strategically located in North Pattaya, a key tourism and economic hub within the EEC, Shama North Pattaya is designed to blend the comfort and convenience of serviced apartments with the refined services of a leading hotel brand. The project aims to cater to the steadily expanding long-stay segment, which is projected to continue its upward trajectory in 2026 and beyond.

The partnership between ONYX Hospitality Group and JR Kyushu Group not only highlights the complementary strengths of both organisations, but also serves as a strong indicator of Japanese investor confidence in Thailand’s economic stability and long-term prospects. At the same time, it signals the readiness of Thai hospitality brands to compete and grow alongside global partners in a sustainable and forward-looking manner.

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

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About JR Kyushu

Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu), headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, and listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is a diversified group operating across Transportation, Real Estate and Hotels, Retail and Restaurants, Construction, and Business Services. Building on more than three decades of experience since its establishment in 1987, JR Kyushu has expanded beyond its core railway operations into a wide range of community-based and lifestyle businesses. In Thailand, JR Kyushu Business Development (Thailand) Co., Ltd. serves as the group’s investment platform for hospitality and real estate, building on the success of Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok and continuing to pursue long-term growth opportunities in the region.

State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company Upgrades Community Charging Facilities to Facilitate Green Mobility

CHANGZHOU, China, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company (State Grid Changzhou) recently announced the successful completion and energization of a supporting power project for centralized electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Chengbei Community in Jintan District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province. The newly installed box-type transformer is now fully operational, delivering reliable power supply and providing robust energy support for residents’ green travel.

Constructed in the early years, Chengbei Community faces inadequate infrastructure. With the surging ownership of new energy vehicles (NEVs) among residents, the demand for convenient charging solutions has grown exponentially. The construction of centralized charging stations required multi-party coordination among investors, the community committee, and property management.

Taking a proactive service approach, State Grid Changzhou organized multiple on-site coordination meetings to negotiate and resolve key challenges, including power access, substation siting, and construction scheduling. The company ultimately formulated an optimized implementation plan. Despite complex underground pipelines and limited operating space within the community, the project team efficiently completed on-site construction, ensuring the charging stations were ready for immediate use upon completion.

The commissioning of the new power facilities effectively alleviates the charging shortage for residents in Chengbei Community and surrounding areas, significantly enhancing the supporting infrastructure of the old residential community.

Since the start of 2026, State Grid Changzhou has prioritized meeting the demand for green mobility through a series of targeted initiatives:

  • Launching its first key project to enhance community charging service capabilities;
  • Facilitating the opening of Jintan’s first three public bus charging stations to the public;
  • Building new supplementary charging stations for long-distance rural-urban bus routes in Jintan;
  • Expanding the network of convenient public charging service points.

These measures have substantially improved residents’ sense of gain, happiness, and security in electricity use.

Moving forward, State Grid Changzhou will continue to prioritize people’s livelihood needs and actively integrate into the urban renewal of old communities. The company will further optimize the layout of the local charging network to promote the adoption of green mobility. By providing more reliable power guarantees and customer-centric services, State Grid Changzhou is committed to driving the coordinated development of urban regeneration and low-carbon transportation, contributing solid power support to the construction of a resource-saving and environmentally friendly society.

ASIA PACIFIC’S LEADING DENTAL BODY CALLS FOR A PREVENTION-FIRST SHIFT IN ORAL HEALTH, BACKED BY NEW GLOBAL EVIDENCE

The Asia Pacific Dental Federation releases its first dentist-authored guidance on daily self-care — making the case that preventing oral disease is not just possible, but within reach for everyone. LISTERINE® joins APDF in championing better daily routines, backed by evidence.

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asia Pacific Dental Federation (APDF) has released The Power of Prevention: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Self-Oral Care, a landmark white paper setting out what effective daily oral care should look like and why it matters well beyond your teeth.

Across Asia Pacific, oral diseases—including periodontitis, gingivitis, and dental caries—continue to pose a significant public health burden. These data highlight the urgent need for stronger prevention, early detection, and sustained oral care interventions.
Across Asia Pacific, oral diseases—including periodontitis, gingivitis, and dental caries—continue to pose a significant public health burden. These data highlight the urgent need for stronger prevention, early detection, and sustained oral care interventions.

Developed by regional dental experts and supported by Kenvue, makers of LISTERINE®, the report makes a clear, evidence-backed case: most oral diseases, such as gingivitis, cavities and periodontitis are preventable, yet they remain one of the most widespread and undertreated health challenges across Asia Pacific – with consequences that extend to the heart, lungs, and beyond.

“There is no health without oral health,” said Dr. Arleen Reyes, President of the Asia Pacific Dental Federation. “Oral diseases are largely preventable, yet they continue to impose a growing burden on individuals and health systems across this region. Prevention is the most powerful tool we have in oral healthcare, and it’s time we fully leverage it. This white paper is a call to action — for patients, fellow dentists, schools, and policymakers to recognize that good oral health starts at home, every day.”

CLINICAL CASE FOR ADDING MOUTHWASH TO ROUTINE

Most people know they should brush twice a day. What fewer realize is that brushing alone only reaches about 25% of the mouth’s surfaces. The gums, tongue, cheeks, and spaces between teeth – where bacteria accumulate and problems begin, are largely left untouched.

The APDF white paper confirms that adding daily therapeutic mouthwash to brushing and flossing helps address what mechanical cleaning might miss. Studies reviewed by APDF found that doing so generally reduced plaque by 25–50% over six months and improved gum inflammation and bleeding by 15–30% compared to brushing and flossing alone. One study found reductions in plaque by 30.8%, gingivitis by 39%, and gum bleeding by 67.8%.

Of the mouthwash formulations reviewed, essential oil (EO) and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes showed the strongest evidence for plaque and gum health. EO formulations are well-suited for long-term daily use; CHX formulations are generally recommended for shorter term usage.

WHO BENEFITS MOST

While the three-step routine can benefit everyone, the APDF paper identifies groups where daily mouthwash makes the biggest difference:

  • Children (aged 6+) and teenagers: Daily fluoride mouthwash has been shown across 34 studies to reduce cavities in younger age groups, and for teens with braces or inconsistent brushing, it’s one of the simplest habits to build early.
  • Adults with chronic health conditions: Gum health is clinically linked to heart health, diabetes, and respiratory health.
  • People on long-term medication and older adults: Dry mouth — a common medication side effect — raises decay risk. A daily fluoride rinse is a simple, effective response.

“Effective daily oral hygiene is the best way to build optimal oral health between dental visits,” said Dr. Jose Angelo Militante, Chairman, Commission of General Dental Practice, Asia Pacific Dental Federation, and Oral Surgeon. “Post clinical treatment, effective oral hygiene that includes an antimicrobial rinse has also been associated with improved surgical outcomes by minimizing the risk of postoperative complications such as surgical site infection and delayed wound healing.”

With oral disease affecting 3.5 billion people globally, the white paper calls on governments and policymakers to treat prevention as the public health priority it deserves to be.

LISTERINE®’S ALIGNMENT WITH DENTIST-LED GUIDANCE

LISTERINE® has supported the science of mouthwash for more than 100 years. With more than 50 clinical trials, it is trusted by over one billion people in 85 countries. As an essential oil antimicrobial mouthwash, LISTERINE® aligns directly with the evidence highlighted in the APDF white paper, which identifies EO formulations as one of the best-supported options for long-term daily use.

“Good oral health happens at home, every day,” said Dr Ashley Barlow, Senior Director, Medical and Safety Sciences, Asia Pacific, Kenvue. “The APDF white paper is an important reminder that a simple, consistent routine of brushing, interdental cleaning, and daily mouthwash is both achievable and evidence backed. LISTERINE® has been part of that routine for over a century, and we remain committed to supporting the kind of prevention-first thinking that makes a real difference.”

The full white paper is available at https://bit.ly/APDFWhitePaper.

ABOUT THE ASIA PACIFIC DENTAL FEDERATION (APDF)

The Asia Pacific Dental Federation (APDF) is a globally and regionally influential organization in the field of dental and oral health. Strongly committed to the development of dentistry in the region, APDF is the official regional representative of the Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) with strong ties to regional dental associations and entities. Currently, under APDF, there are 31 member nations.

ABOUT LISTERINE®

LISTERINE® has been defining oral care since 1879, with brand scientists driving foundational research on the many powerful benefits of mouthwash in fighting plaque, protecting gums, building strong teeth, and delivering long-lasting fresh breath. LISTERINE® Mouthwash has been used by more than one billion people in more than 85 countries and has been awarded seals of acceptance by professional dental organizations around the globe, including the Asia Pacific Dental Federation (APDF). LISTERINE® Brand is one of the iconic products from Kenvue and is also the world’s most clinically researched mouthwash brand: with more than 100 years of heritage, and examined in more than 50 clinical trials. As the No.1 mouthwash in the world[1], LISTERINE® has been proven to kill 99.9% of bad-breath causing germs while maintaining healthy gums, clean teeth and fresh breath.

[1] Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2026 edition, per Mouthwashes/Dental Rinses category definition, retail value RSP, 2025 data

 

Seven Villagers Remain Trapped in Xaysomboun Cave Amid Alleged Illegal Gold Mining

Seven villagers remain trapped in Xaisomboun cave after allegedly digging for gold; Lao and Thai rescue teams coordinate to reach them.

Seven villagers remain trapped inside a remote cave in Xaysomboun province, six days after entering the site, as Lao authorities and international rescue teams continue efforts to reach them.

The Lao government has still not released an official public statement on the incident.

The group, from Long Chaeng district, reportedly entered the cave on 20 May to search for gold and hunt wildlife, activities that remain common in remote parts of Laos but are rarely discussed publicly.

According to local accounts, the villagers initially avoided posting about the emergency online out of fear of possible backlash from authorities. Only after repeated rescue attempts failed did they seek help through social media, sending a video via Facebook Messenger to a local influencer.

The influencer later shared the footage publicly with a caption asking for urgent help, saying villagers and district officials were trying to pump water out of the cave to rescue the seven people trapped inside.

The video showed rescuers working near the flooded entrance.

Thai Rescue Team

The story quickly spread onto Thai social media, and a 26-member Thai rescue team reportedly traveled to Xaysomboun on 23 May to assist. Local reports also said Chinese specialists may have joined the operation.

The cave is believed to be more than 100 meters deep, with a narrow entrance and steep rocky chambers. One member of the original group reportedly managed to escape to the fourth level, roughly 40 to 50 meters from the entrance, before warning others that water levels were rapidly rising following heavy rainfall.

The remaining seven villagers were trapped for nearly three days before the situation became publicly known.

Village authorities have since mobilized soldiers, police officers, medical teams, district officials, and local residents to support the rescue operation. Water pumps continue working at the site, although ongoing rain has complicated efforts.

Illegal mining and wildlife hunting in remote Lao provinces often remain hidden from public view, and in cases like this, social media increasingly becomes the first channel through which emergencies emerge.

Families are still waiting for news, while there’s no official update yet on the condition or survival of the trapped villagers. Rescue efforts remain ongoing.

Shuying Technology Shines at ILDEX Vietnam: Strategic Partnership Signed to Accelerate Smart Pig Farming Across ASEAN

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ILDEX Vietnam 2026 took place from May 20–22 in Ho Chi Minh City. Shuying Technology presented three core solutions at the exhibition, showcasing China’s smart pig farming solutions to industry partners across Southeast Asia and around the world.

Shuying Technology at ILDEX Vietnam
Shuying Technology at ILDEX Vietnam

1. Strategic Partnership Signed on Day One, Accelerating ASEAN Expansion

On May 20, Shuying Technology signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Vietnamese channel partner GIA LINH. Leveraging GIA LINH’s local network, Shuying’s smart farming solutions are expected to accelerate from pilot to large-scale application, helping Vietnam’s pig farming industry improve efficiency, reduce costs, and advance intelligent transformation.

A company representative stated that Vietnam is a key strategic hub in Shuying’s global expansion. The signing marks another milestone in the ASEAN market and validates the local adaptability of Chinese smart pig farming solutions in Southeast Asia. Shuying will continue promoting Chinese solutions through value creation, mutual benefit, and co-creation.

Previously, Shuying had established partnerships with leading Vietnamese enterprises including Xuan Thien Group and GREENFEED, with multiple smart farming projects already in operation.

2. Three Core Solutions Unveiled; Breeding Pig Testing Solution Debuts Overseas

Shuying Technology showcased three core solutions: biosecurity prevention and control, precision sow feeding, and Breeding Pig Testing Solution.

The biosecurity solution demonstrated an intelligent closed-loop farm entry management system achieving 100% interception of risk factors from personnel and material entry. The precision sow feeding solution enables farms to increase annual revenue by more than USD 600 per sow through individualized management.

Notably, the Breeding Pig Testing Solution made its overseas debut. It breaks through traditional stall-based testing limitations by enabling precise individual identification and high-accuracy data collection in group-housing environments, supporting scientific selection and precision breeding. The company’s Breeding Pig Testing Station attracted strong interest from breeding experts and livestock representatives from Vietnam, South Korea, and other countries.

Vietnam ranks fifth globally and first in Southeast Asia in pig inventory, with pork accounting for approximately 62% of the country’s total meat consumption. The industry is currently at a critical stage of intelligent and large-scale transformation.Facing this dynamic and rapidly growing market, Shuying Technology will continue driving innovation through technology while working alongside global partners to continuously deliver Chinese smart farming solutions and contribute Chinese expertise to the international pig farming industry.

 

X Star Deepens Collaboration with Google Cloud to Scale Agentic AI for Global Markets

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — X Star has set out how its growing collaboration with Google Cloud is helping it bring self-developed AI models and Agentic AI framework to a wider international audience. By drawing on high-performance cloud computing resources and scalable infrastructure support, X Star is sharpening the way it deploys its models, lifting system throughput and trimming operational costs across the markets it serves.

X Star together with Google Cloud, hosted Boundless Cloud, Global Motion, an executive roundtable on cloud intelligence, AI, and global growth.
X Star together with Google Cloud, hosted Boundless Cloud, Global Motion, an executive roundtable on cloud intelligence, AI, and global growth.

The collaboration gives X Star a firmer technical footing for its next generation of AI applications. It allows the company to deliver AI-powered solutions across financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing in a more stable, scalable and real-time way, supporting clients wherever they choose to operate.

Building a Stronger Foundation for Global Deployment

Reaching customers across international markets places real demands on infrastructure. Working with Google Cloud, X Star can improve model deployment efficiency, enhance throughput and optimise costs, three priorities that matter as the company scales. That foundation underpins the reliable delivery of X Star’s self-developed models and Agentic AI framework, and gives clients in financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing the confidence that solutions will perform consistently at scale.

Advancing Agentic AI for Complex Business Workflows

X Star is exploring deeper integration with Google’s Gemini models to enhance the capabilities of its AI agents, including reasoning, multimodal understanding, and task orchestration. The aim is to support complex, multi-step business processes with greater reliability and contextual understanding.

These enhanced agent capabilities are expected to further strengthen products such as Xport and other AI-driven solutions, enabling more intelligent interactions, faster decision-making, and more seamless workflow execution. The intention is for these systems to operate smoothly across the entire business journey, supporting clients from the first interaction through to the final outcome.

Expanding a Global AI Marketing and Customer Growth Ecosystem

X Star and Google Cloud are also looking at broader opportunities across the Google ecosystem, including potential synergies with Google Ads and related marketing technologies. The thinking is to pair X Star’s AI-powered growth and conversion capabilities with Google’s global advertising and distribution ecosystem.

For clients in the automotive and financial industries, that combination is designed to improve customer acquisition efficiency, lift conversion performance and build more intelligent end-to-end marketing workflows. It also creates new opportunities for businesses looking to scale customer engagement and expand into global markets.

Looking Ahead

The collaboration brings together X Star’s self-developed AI models and deep industry focus with Google Cloud’s computing infrastructure and ecosystem reach. As X Star continues to grow its presence in financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing, this partnership offers a dependable platform for delivering Agentic AI to clients around the world.

About X Star Technology

X Star Technology is a leading AI innovator in automotive finance. Headquartered in Singapore, with a presence across Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East, X Star partners with over 2,000 dealers, manufacturers and financial institutions. The company builds proprietary AI models and Agentic AI infrastructure, delivering AI-powered solutions across financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing. Its proprietary Agentic AI platform automates the full lending lifecycle, and products such as Xport are built to support long-horizon business processes through intelligent, context-aware and execution-oriented AI systems that drive smarter, faster and seamless mobility financing at scale.

www.xstar.sg 

BrokersThai Data: Local Traders Compare Gold and Crypto Side by Side as Markets Shift


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 May 2026 – Thai retail investors are increasingly changing the way they manage their portfolios amid rising volatility across global financial markets. According to new market insights from BrokersThai.com, traders in Thailand are no longer focusing on a single asset class, but are instead actively researching both gold and Bitcoin as part of a broader diversification strategy.

th-Gold (XAUUSD)

Recent Google search trends in Thailand show continued growth in interest for both asset classes. Gold trading-related searches such as “XAUUSD today” have consistently generated between 1,000 and 10,000 monthly searches over the past year, while cryptocurrency-related keywords including “crypto” have maintained similarly strong search volumes.

The trend is also reflected in internal traffic data from BrokersThai.com. Pages related to Forex brokers for gold trading generated more than 5,000 impressions over the last year, highlighting continued interest from Thai traders seeking reliable broker comparisons and trading cost information.

The data also reveals that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are no longer seen as just tools for quick gambling. Instead, users search for risk management, such as how to handle price drops and volatility, spike every time the stock market experiences volatility. This proves that traders are carefully weighing crypto risks against the steady safety of gold.

Justin Grossbard, CEO of BrokersThai.com, commented: “Thai traders are now interested in trading multiple assets, especially gold and Bitcoin, while paying more attention to trading costs and broker transparency. Many traders are carefully comparing spreads and execution speeds to reduce unnecessary trading costs as much as possible.”

The findings indicate that Thai retail traders are adapting to uncertain market conditions by conducting deeper research before making investment decisions. Rather than choosing between gold or Bitcoin, many traders are now using both together — relying on gold to help preserve capital while viewing Bitcoin as a long-term growth opportunity.

For broker comparisons, visit: https://www.brokersthai.com
Hashtag: #BrokersThai

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

Bernie & Bella Welcome Families to a Summer of Fun at Swiss-Belhotel International


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 May 2026 – Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI), the global hospitality management group with a growing portfolio of hotels, has announced an enhanced focus on the family travel segment with the launch of several new initiatives designed to make family stays more fun, more engaging, rewarding, and memorable across its hotels and resorts worldwide.

School Holiday Specials, SBEC Juniors, Bernie dan Bella

Timed ahead of the 2026 summer school holidays, the Group has introduced SBEC Juniors, a new loyalty programme for children and teenagers, alongside the launch of a new family mascot, Bella the Swiss Cow, who joins the much-loved Bernie the Swiss Dog to create a more immersive and welcoming experience for younger guests.

In parallel, SBI is also rolling out special family-focused school holiday offers across participating properties for stays between 10 June and 31 August 2026.

Speaking about the initiatives, Priyanka Kapoor, Group Director – Brand, Marketing & Communications of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: “Family travel continues to evolve globally, with parents increasingly looking for meaningful, comfortable, and engaging experiences that cater to every generation. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we believe hospitality should create lasting memories not only for adults, but equally for children and teenagers. The introduction of SBEC Juniors, together with our enhanced family offerings and new mascots Bernie and Bella, reflects our commitment to making our hotels even more family-friendly and experience-driven.”

Introducing SBEC Juniors
Ahead of its official launch on 10 June 2026, the newly launched SBEC Juniors programme extends the benefits of the group’s Swiss-Belexecutive (SBEC) loyalty programme to younger guests up to the age of 16 years. Functioning as a supplementary membership linked to an adult SBEC member account, the initiative has been designed to create a more rewarding and personalised experience for travelling families.

SBEC Juniors members will enjoy age-based dining privileges across participating hotels: ranging from complimentary dining for younger children to a 50% discount for older kids and teens. (Note: Specific discounts apply to rate-plan meals, buffets, and kids’ set menus when accompanied by a paying adult, varying by age bracket).

In addition, families travelling with SBEC Juniors members will enjoy a range of special in-room touches including dedicated children’s bathroom amenities, welcome juices, cupcakes, and activity sheets, creating a warmer and more memorable arrival experience for younger guests.

Bernie & Bella Bring More Joy to Younger Guests

As part of the group’s enhanced family hospitality strategy, SBI is also introducing Bella, a cheerful Swiss cow who joins the existing mascot Bernie the Swiss Dog.

While Bernie represents warmth, loyalty, comfort, and the spirit of Swiss hospitality, Bella brings an added connection to nature, family values, and the agricultural heritage of the Faull family, the family behind Swiss-Belhotel International. Inspired by Faull Farms in Taranaki, New Zealand, home to more than 1,500 cows, many of Swiss heritage, Bella reflects a legacy of nurturing, wholesome living, and family togetherness.

Together, Bernie & Bella (B&B) will become part of family experiences across participating hotels through welcome interactions, children’s activities, seasonal campaigns, and family-focused experiences designed to create a more playful, engaging, and memorable environment for younger guests.

Inspired by the magic of the Swiss Alps and the wholesome spirit of Faull Farms, the mascots symbolise warm hospitality, family connection, comfort, safety, and a love for nature, values that remain central to the Swiss-Belhotel International guest experience.

School Holiday Campaign Launches Across Participating Hotels

To further support family summer travel, Swiss-Belhotel International will launch a special School Holidays campaign bookable from now for stays from 10 June until 31 August 2026.

By using the promotional code SCHOOL15 on the official website or at participating hotels, families will unlock:

  • Up to 20% off room rates (15% off refundable rates; 20% off non-refundable rates).
  • Full access to SBEC Juniors dining benefits.
  • Tailored family experiences and activities customized by each local property.

(Note: Promotional structures may vary at select Zest properties).

Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced residences, and boutique concepts across key international markets and continues to strengthen its positioning within the leisure and family travel sectors through guest-centric innovations and experience-led hospitality initiatives.
Hashtag: #swissbelhotelinternational #schoolholiday #sbecjuniors #bernietheswissdog #bellatheswisscow




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

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Swiss-Belhotel International operates in 20 countries, managing 165+* hotels, resorts, and projects across New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with regional offices in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Indonesia, UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Committed to delivering world-class hospitality, the group also offers the Swiss-Belexecutive Card (SBEC), a loyalty program providing many benefits, discounts from 10% to 35% on rooms, dining, and other services, plus priority check-in, complimentary upgrades, and late check-out. No collecting points, no waiting for redemption, with the free-to-join Green Global tier, members can enjoy instant discounts from their first stay! Book stays and access special offers tailored for SBI guests and SBEC members through the Swiss-Belhotel International App – available in and. Stay connected with us on,,, and for the latest updates and exclusive benefits. Visit for more information.