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Saudia Wins Cabin Crew of the Year at Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2024

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Newsfile Corp. – 25 December 2024 – Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, announced its win at the 18th edition of the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2024, earning the prestigious Cabin Crew of the Year title. This recognition highlights Saudia’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and elevating the guest experience.

The Cabin Crew of the Year award celebrates the professionalism, dedication, and personalized care provided by Saudia’s cabin crew, whose service consistently redefines global hospitality standards. The team, consisting of exceptional Saudi talent alongside a diverse international community, embodies authentic Saudi hospitality, reflecting the Kingdom’s warmth, generosity, and respect. Saudia’s crew ensures guests enjoy a seamless and enriched travel experience.

#Saudia wins Cabin Crew of the Year at the 18th Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2024, highlighting its dedication to exceptional service and global hospitality standards.

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Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, expressed his pride in the recognition, stating: “This recognition for our cabin crew is a testament to the passion, professionalism, and commitment of our team. At Saudia, enhancing the guest experience is our mission, and this award by one of the region’s most respected aviation publications highlights our leadership in delivering world-class service.”

“Saudia’s cabin crew exemplify the essence of Saudi hospitality, combining warmth, generosity. We are honored to represent the Kingdom on the global stage and will continue striving to elevate the travel experience for our guests.”

Saudia cabin crew has consistently demonstrated excellence among global industry peers. Most recently the airline was honored with the Editorial Award for Best Airline Cabin Crew at the Business Traveler U.S. Awards 2024. Saudia also showcased its operational excellence by ranking first globally for on-time performance (OTP), as reported by Cirium.

Saudia has recently announced the largest investment in its history to enhance and elevate the guest experience. This ambitious initiative includes the adoption of advanced technologies through Saudia’s AI-powered Travel Companion and a comprehensive retrofit of its existing and new fleet. Guests will benefit from high-speed in-flight internet and upgraded seat-integrated screens. Additionally, Saudia is undertaking its most extensive fleet development and modernization program, with 130 new aircraft set to join its fleet in the coming years, reaffirming its commitment to connecting the world to the Kingdom.

The Aviation Business Middle East Awards is an annual event that celebrates excellence in the Middle East’s aviation industry. The awards recognize outstanding contributions from airlines, airports, and service providers across categories such as innovation, sustainability, customer service, and operational efficiency. The event serves as a premier platform for industry leaders to network, exchange insights, and discuss the future of aviation in the region.

Media Center
Saudia Airlines Headquarters
Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email: mediacenter@saudia.com

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

About Saudia Group

Saudia Group is one of the largest aviation conglomerates in the MENA region. The Group drives industry development with its 13 subsidiaries, and offers world-class air transport, cargo services, ground services, logistics, maintenance, catering, private aviation, real estate, training, and medical services.

The mission of Saudia Group is to inspire people to go beyond borders with a purpose that is rooted in unlocking human potential and connecting the world in ways never thought possible. The group is committed to reshaping the aviation ecosystem in the MENA region and beyond, by embracing innovation and a customer-centric approach.

Savannakhet Police Arrest Man for Smuggling Kratom, Cough Syrup

Savannakhet Police Arrest Man for Smuggling Kratom, Cough Syrup
Province display seized kratom leaves and cough syrup during the arrest of a man accused of drug smuggling in Kaysone Phomvihane District (photo credit: Nakon Kaysone Phomvihane )

On 20 December, Police in Savannakhet Province arrested a man after seizing large quantities of kratom leaves and cough syrup from his home, acting on a tip from a local resident.

Mekong River Commission Launches Education Hub, One Mekong App in Vientiane

Lao Governor and MRC's representatives visit the Mekong River Commission Education and Visitor Center. (Photo: MRC)

On 23 December, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated the opening of its Education and Visitor Center and the launch of the One Mekong app at its headquarters in Vientiane, Laos. The event also marked the 20th anniversary of Laos hosting the MRC.

VT Markets Innovates Trading at the Hong Kong Traders Fair


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2024 – On December 14th, VT Markets took centre stage at the 2024 Traders Fair financial expo in Hong Kong, marking yet another milestone as a leading global financial trading service provider.

Showcasing its industry-leading innovations and services, the award-winning brokerage garnered significant attention for its unique market insights and forward-thinking solutions.

Knowledge is Power

VT Markets underscored its expertise in cryptocurrency markets with a keynote speech by guest analyst Eyad. He compared various tools for trading cryptocurrencies, introducing innovative options and strategies tailored for traders.

Eyad emphasised the advantages of trading cryptocurrencies via CFDs over traditional spot asset holding, highlighting lower entry barriers and significantly reduced transaction costs.

For example, trading one Bitcoin via CFDs on VT Markets costs just $14 per transaction, compared to $66 with other methods—a cost reduction of approximately 78%. Moreover, the brokerage offers leverage up to 333:1, enabling traders to control one Bitcoin (valued at $100,000) with as little as $300. For many, this was a masterclass on how the right trading tools can give traders a strategic edge from the start.

An Enhanced User Experience

VT Markets also took the opportunity during the expo to demonstrate its app’s copy trading system and a streamlined 3-minute account opening process. This, for many attendees, was a unique opportunity to experience hassle-free trading firsthand.

With VT Markets, traders can now access global markets with minimal time and effort. In just three minutes, they can open a live account and use the brokerage’s proprietary copy trading system to replicate strategies from top traders, enabling precise entry and efficient portfolio management.

In line with its philosophy, VT Markets aims to break down the barriers of time, technology, experience, and expertise through flexible solutions, intelligent tools, and advanced technical support. By lowering the thresholds to trading and boosting efficiency, the platform delivers an ever-fresh and innovative experience tailored to investors of all levels.

Organised by FINEXPO, Traders Fair is renowned as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious financial expos. It serves as a hub for industry leaders, investment experts, and top-tier companies, as well as a bridge connecting traders of all levels.

This year’s event attracted 16 globally recognised exhibitors and featured over 10 seminars covering trending topics such as forex, cryptocurrencies, and trading tools, offering fresh perspectives, investment strategies, and trading techniques.

Hashtag: #VTMarkets #CFDs #CFDsbrokers #crypto #bitcoin #LeverageTrading #TradersFair



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

Companies Struggling to Pay Employees Under New Wage Rules

Workers (Photo: Asia News Network)

Despite a recent nationwide increase in the minimum wage, many employers in Laos are still paying their workers less than the mandated amount.

Laos, China Launch QR Payment System for Cashless Tourism

Laos, China Launch QR Payment System for Cashless Tourism
Leaders of LAPNet and UnionPay International shake hands at the launch ceremony for the Laos-China QR Payment Interoperability Project (photo credit: Lao Youth Radio)

Traveling between Laos and China is now easier with a QR payment system that enables tourists to make cashless transactions. Chinese visitors can already use QR codes, with plans for Laotian travelers to follow.

On 19 December, the Lao National Payment Network Company Limited (LAPNet) and China’s UnionPay International (UPI) signed an agreement in Shanghai to introduce a QR code-based system connecting the two countries’ payment networks.

The initiative allows payments between LAPNet and UPI members via the UnionPay mobile app, which supports over 160 e-wallets in 37 countries.

Under the system, UnionPay users can pay at merchants linked to eight LAPNet member banks, including Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), Joint Development Bank (JDB), and Agricultural Promotion Bank (APB).

The first phase, China Scan Laos, is now active, allowing Chinese tourists to use the system in Laos. The second phase, Laos Scan China, will soon let Lao travelers enjoy the same convenience in China, though the exact start date is yet to be announced.

China is now the fourth country to launch a cross-border payment system with Laos, following similar initiatives with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Santa Claus rally 2024: key trends and tips by global broker Octa


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2024 – As the year draws to a close, traders are turning their attention to the Santa Claus rally, a period known for delivering consistent market gains. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explores the rally’s history, key factors, and strategies that enable traders to capitalise on this annual phenomenon.

Octa

Understanding the Santa Claus Rally
The Santa Claus rally refers to a pattern of rising stock prices during the final trading days of December and the first two days of January. Yale Hirsch, founder of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, first identified this phenomenon in 1972. Historical analysis from 1950 to 2022 shows an 80% occurrence rate, with stock prices increasing in 58 out of the 72 years reviewed.
While the exact timing of the rally can vary, its strongest impact typically occurs in the last week of December. Some analysts suggest the trend may begin as early as Black Friday, while others link it to increased holiday shopping throughout December.

Reasons Behind the Santa Claus Rally
Several factors contribute to this seasonal trend:

  1. Consumer spending surge. The holiday season boosts retail activity significantly, with companies in essential goods and consumer sectors often seeing their stock values rise. This uptick in sales during Christmas and New Year directly impacts market optimism.
  2. Institutional quiet period. Towards the end of the year, many institutional investors take a step back from active trading, creating a less volatile environment dominated by retail traders. This shift often injects positivity into the markets, as retail investors tend to approach trading with more optimism.
  3. Seasonal bonuses and festive sentiment. Year-end bonuses provide traders with additional capital, often reinvested into the markets. Combined with the general cheer of the holiday season, this creates a buoyant atmosphere, driving demand for assets across various sectors.

Market Expectations for 2024
This year, expectations for a Santa Claus rally remain high. Bank of America analysts predict that the rally could kick off soon. Investor optimism following weaker-than-expected U.S. inflation data in November is driving the market. If inflation continues to decline and the Federal Reserve is willing to ease its monetary policy further, U.S. indices could reach new all-time highs, buoyed by steady economic performance and strong market sentiment.

Four tips for traders

  1. Focus on key sectors. Retail and consumer goods stocks often outperform during this period. Identifying high-performing companies in these sectors can align trading decisions with market trends.
  2. Study historical patterns. While no trend is guaranteed, analysing historical data can offer valuable insights into potential market movements. For instance, stock indices have historically gained 1–2.2% during the Santa Claus rally.
  3. Set clear goals. Establishing realistic profit targets and placing stop-loss orders can help traders protect their capital while participating in this seasonal trend.
  4. Practice risk management. The Santa Claus rally is largely sentiment-driven, making it less predictable than trends tied to economic fundamentals. External factors, such as geopolitical developments or unexpected economic data, can disrupt this pattern.

The Santa Claus rally offers traders an exciting opportunity to close the year on a high note. Understanding its underlying drivers and implementing disciplined strategies can help maximise the potential for success. However, caution remains essential, as past performance is no guarantee of future results. With careful planning and close market observation, this seasonal trend can serve as a valuable addition to a trader’s toolkit.Hashtag: #octa

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Gunma Prefecture, Japan Launches All-You-Can-Bathe Seven Great Onsen Fair to Celebrate Hot Spring Culture Worldwide

Stunning natural baths just a few hours from Tokyo offer a soak in mineral-rich history

Tokyo, Japan – Newsfile Corp. – December 24, 2024 – Channel 47 announced the launch of the Seven Great Onsen Resorts in Gunma Hopping Fair. The limited time event will include the sale of dedicated facility entry/transportation tickets and ticketing for tie-up events in the seven participating onsen hot spring resort areas: Kusatsu, Manza, Ikaho, Shima, Oigami, Isobe and Minakami. The campaign will launch on January 6, 2025 and continue until February 4, 2025. Gunma prefecture is only a couple hours ride from Tokyo, making the experience possible for day trips or extended stays from the capital. The tickets will allow visitors to commute freely between the seven participating regions in Gunma Prefecture using public bus services. The ticket fee also includes entry fees for hot spring facility access. Separate ticket purchases for tie up events on select dates will be offered throughout the campaign period.

Widely known for its convenient access from the capital and historical hot spring bathing, Gunma Prefecture is consistently ranked among the top must-visit destinations domestically. Home to world-class, naturally fed hot spring spa resorts that welcome visitors with classic charm and respite from their busy lives, Gunma is becoming a new Golden Route alternative for wellness lovers.

From January 6, 2025, until February 4, 2025, the “Seven Great Onsen Resorts in Gunma Hopping Fair” package invites visitors to explore the seven major hot spring towns in Gunma prefecture.

Passholders will receive exclusive access to onsen baths, activities, and participation gifts for the duration of the fair and can freely use a dedicated bus line designed to make stress-free transfers between resort towns.

Visitors can try “onsen-hopping” across 100 selected hot springs, including private and historical onsen that are not usually accessible. Each offers breathtaking scenery while enjoying a healing bath.

The Onsen Hopping tickets will be sold as digital passes that include Onsen entry and bus fare.

The Onsen Hopping Pass (Free Pass) offers unlimited access to all participating hot springs, including those located in hotels and ryokan, for the duration of the campaign (approximately one month).

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The Onsen Hopping Pass (Select 10) gives guests one-time entry to ten of the 100 participating onsen and unlimited transportation on the dedicated bus line.

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In addition to onsen access, visitors will be encouraged to participate in a round of events and experiences surrounding the fair that highlight the unique appeal of each hot spring town.

Kusatsu Onsen

Traditional bathing and performance experience

Pass holders are encouraged to visit Goza-no-yu, a bath facility overlooking Yubatake, the town’s central spring, while visiting Kusatsu Onsen. On January 11 and 25, an exclusive performance of the traditional Kusatsu-Bushi at Goza-no-yu will enchant bathers. This song and dance are considered a part of Kusatsu Onsen’s cultural heritage.

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Gondola sight-seeing and sushi

The town also boasts a recently completed ski resort with some of the highest-quality powder snow in Japan. In the evening, visitors can take the sky gondola up to the ski facilities to enjoy a traditional edo-mae sushi meal while overlooking Kusatsu Onsen town at Crystal Sora.

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Manza Onsen

Onsen installation art and projection mapping

This season’s onsen hopping fair at the Prince Hotel will feature an installation piece and private bathing experience courtesy of celebrated contemporary artist Misa Funai. Shimmering stars, birds in flight, and the drama of the art installation transform the Prince Hotel’s baths into an elegant stage complete with projection mapping and a starry-sky-themed aperitif. The art baths will be limited to one couple per day, providing a once-in-a-lifetime private experience.

Stars and snowshoe tour

Mt. Manza towers high above the snowy landscape, offering unmatched views of Japan’s mountainous expanse. At this height, the stars are breathtakingly clear, and the chatter of the busy world below fades away. With the help of an English-speaking guide, pass holders can enjoy a snowshoed evening stroll that reveals the magic of Manza Onsen while gazing at the stars.

Ikaho Onsen

Treasures of Gunma dining and geisha session

The long-practicing geisha of Ikaho onsen welcome hot-spring-hoppers to Yokotekan, an onsen ryokan hotel with centuries of history and recognition as a National Cultural Property. These geisha invite visitors to join in traditional parlor games that show off the geisha’s talent and years of training. Guests will also be treated to a culinary treasure box featuring local Jusho heirloom vegetables and rare delicacies like Masuda beef.

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Shima Onsen

Shima Onsen has become a cultural icon thanks to the popularity of Studio Ghibli’s award-winning film, Spirited Away, which takes inspiration from this hot spring town for its enchanting setting.

Yokai spirit festival and evening tea ceremony

Look on from cobbled streets and crisscrossing bridges as performers recreate the legend of the yokai spirit parade in real life. Mischievous yokai spirits have long been an element of Japanese mysticism and superstition. With Sekizenan, the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s bathhouse, in the backdrop, magical spirits with lanterns stroll the streets of Shima Onsen, leading followers to an enchanting evening tea ceremony made with onsen water.

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Oigami Onsen

Parade a record-setting portable shrine through town

Though the serpent god of Oigami onsen is revered as a spiritual figure, visitors who are moved by the mysticism of yokai are also encouraged to participate in carrying the Guinness-award-winning Great Snake Mikoshi, a portable shrine, through Ojin Onsen. Participants will carry the massive snake figure through town, a tradition upheld through generations of worshippers. Afterward, guests can take part in a classic symbol of the coming spring by painting Hina dolls.

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Isobe Onsen

Rent out a lord’s scenic gardens for a special morning

A private rental of Rakusanen, one of Japan’s nationally recognized scenic spots, offers small groups or couples a unique opportunity to stroll leisurely through quiet morning gardens uninterrupted. An English-speaking guide will offer insights about the garden, established at the start of the Edo era, during a walking tour culminating in a warming, reflective tea ceremony complete with wagashi sweets. Central water features, snow-covered lookouts and a blanket of pure white snow make the private moments spent in the garden even more special.

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Minakami Onsen

Discover the ancient mountain husbandry that defined Japan’s way of life

The satoyama is a term used to refer to foothills and accessible mountains that were used for centuries as the primary source of food, building materials, and fresh water for many rural Japanese communities. A sense of respect for nature and caretaking for the benefit of both humans and nature exists at the core of satoyama philosophy. These ancient ways of living are best experienced firsthand while walking along the ancient roads of Minakami in traditional kimono.

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About Gunma

A landlocked prefecture Northwest of Tokyo, Gunma is known for its seven major onsen towns and ryokan resorts. The prefecture features rushing rivers, mountains with dry powder snow for skiing, and abundant nature. It is accessible in as little as an hour from Tokyo.

Visit https://onsen-gunma.jp/en/ for details and ticketing.

Contact: info@channel47.jp

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