Mumbai, April 30, 2024 – After setting safety benchmarks with the Kushaq SUV in October 2022 and the Slavia sedan in April 2023, Škoda Auto India continues blazing the safety trail with the introduction of six airbags as standard across all variants of the Kushaq and Slavia. The introduction is part of the company’s MY24 updates for its landmark made-for-India, ready-for-the-world India 2.0 product portfolio.
Speaking on the upgrades, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said: “Safety has always been intrinsic to the Škoda DNA. We were the first brand to score a full 5-stars for adults and children under the Global NCAP tests. Our emphasis on safety embodies our Human Touch approach, and underscores our focus on being a family brand. We always offered frontal airbags in our base variants and six in our higher variants, each as safe as the other. As part of our MY24 updates we now offer six airbags across all variants of the Kushaq and Slavia. We are always listening to our customers and shall continue to provide relevant upgrades and significant product actions within our product portfolio and our variant line-up.”
MY24 star additions
Škoda Auto India, in a significant move, have now introduced six airbags as standard across the line-up of both the Kushaq and Slavia. The Kushaq starts with the Active variant, going upto the Ambition, topping at the Style with variants like the Monte Carlo and the Elegance Edition forming the upper rung of the variant mix of the SUV. The Slavia also begins with the Active, progressing to the Ambition and the Style with the Style Edition and Elegance Edition at the top ensuring immense value for customers across the spectrum. Both cars continue with the proven, powerful and efficient 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engine options with a choice of a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and seven-speed DSG for transmission duties.
Continuous updates
The enhancements to the Kushaq’s and Slavia’s MY24 range are a further addition to updates already introduced by the company in Q4 2023. It is when the top-of-the-line variants in both cars saw the introduction of all-new features like electric seats for the driver and co-driver, which is a segment-first, and an illuminated footwell area. The centre of the dash saw the familiar 25.4 cm infotainment screen with Škoda Play Apps. The system links wirelessly with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. While this full-fledged infotainment system was available in the Style and above, recent updates have seen the company introduce them even in the mid-level Ambition trims furthering the value proposition for customers.
These upgrades further Škoda Auto India’s 2024 product actions with the announcement of the all-new compact SUV to make its world debut in India in 2025 and the re-introduction of the Superb in limited numbers to meet continued demand for the luxury sedan among fans and customers.
Made in India, for the world
The Kushaq, introduced in July 2021, and the Slavia, introduced in March 2022, are based on the made-for-India, ready-for-the-world MQB-A0-IN platform and are being exported to other right-hand drive and GCC countries. They had both earned a full 5-stars in the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) for adults and children – the Kushaq in October 2022 and the Slavia in April 2023. The MQB-A0-IN was the first made-in-India platform to have achieved dual 5-stars, that too under Global NCAP’s newer and more stringent test protocols.
The latest introduction of six airbags as standard across the range furthers the safety quotient in the proven and tested India 2.0 cars. With the full 5-stars under Global NCAP for the Kushaq and Slavia, and the same score under Euro NCAP for the Kodiaq 4×4, and the recently introduced Superb luxury sedan, Škoda Auto India continues with its tradition of offering a 100% fleet of crash-tested cars rated 5-stars for adults and children in the Indian market.
Researchers have developed a novel rigid endoscope system for visible-to-over-thousand-nanometer hyperspectral imaging for advanced medical procedures.
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a state-of-the-art imaging technique useful for determining the composition of a variety of objects. Specifically, over-thousand-nanometer (OTN) HSI is particularly useful for detecting organic substances and in medical imaging. In a new study, researchers have developed the world’s first rigid endoscope for visible-to-OTN HSI, utilizing supercontinuum lighting and an acoustic-opto tunable filter. This innovative system can pave the way for advanced medical imaging, helping both physicians and patients.
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a state-of-the-art technique that captures and processes information across a given electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike traditional imaging techniques that capture light intensity at specific wavelengths, HSI collects a full spectrum at each pixel in an image. This rich spectral data enables the distinction between different materials and substances based on their unique spectral signatures. Near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) has attracted significant attention in the food and industrial fields as a non-destructive technique for analyzing the composition of objects. A notable aspect of NIR-HSI is over-thousand-nanometer (OTN) spectroscopy, which can be used for the identification of organic substances, their concentration estimation, and 2D map creation. Additionally, NIR-HSI can be used to acquire information deep into the body, making it useful for the visualization of lesions hidden in normal tissues.
Various types of HSI devices have been developed to suit different imaging targets and situations, such as for imaging under a microscope or portable imaging and imaging in confined spaces. However, for OTN wavelengths, ordinary visible cameras lose sensitivity and only a few commercially available lenses exist that can correct chromatic aberration. Moreover, it is necessary to construct cameras, optical systems, and illumination systems for portable NRI-HSI devices, but no device that can acquire NIR-HSI with a rigid scope, crucial for portability, has been reported yet.
Now, in a new study, a team of researchers, led by Professor Hiroshi Takemura from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) and including Toshihiro Takamatsu, Ryodai Fukushima, Kounosuke Sato, Masakazu Umezawa, and Kohei Soga, all from TUS, Hideo Yokota from RIKEN, and Abian Hernandez Guedes and Gustavo M. Calico, both from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has recently developed the world’s first rigid endoscope system capable of HSI from visible to OTN wavelengths. Their findings were published in Volume 32, Issue 9 of Optics Express on April 17, 2024.
At the core of this innovative system lies a supercontinuum (SC) light source and an acoustic-opto tunable filter (AOTF) that can emit specific wavelengths. Prof. Takemura explains, “An SC light source can output intense coherent white light, whereas an AOTF can extract light containing a specific wavelength. This combination offers easy light transmission to the light guide and the ability to electrically switch between a broad range of wavelengths within a millisecond.”
The team verified the optical performance and classification ability of the system, demonstrating its capability to perform HSI in the range of 490–1600 nm, enabling visible as well as NIR-HSI. Additionally, the results highlighted several advantages, such as the low light power of extracted wavelengths, enabling non-destructive imaging, and downsizing capability. Moreover, a more continuous NIR spectrum can be obtained compared to that of conventional rigid-scope-type devices.
To demonstrate their system’s capability, the researchers used it to acquire the spectra of six types of resins and employed a neural network to classify the spectra pixel-by-pixel in multiple wavelengths. The results revealed that when the OTN wavelength range was extracted from the HSI data for training, the neural network could classify seven different targets, including the six resins and a white reference, with an accuracy of 99.6%, reproducibility of 93.7%, and specificity of 99.1%. This means that the system can successfully extract molecular vibration information of each resin at each pixel.
Prof. Takemura and his team also identified several future research directions for improving this method, including enhancing image quality and recall in the visible region and refining the design of the rigid endoscope to correct chromatic aberrations over a wide area. With these further advancements, in the coming years, the proposed HSI technology is expected to facilitate new applications in industrial inspection and quality control, working as a “superhuman vision” tool that unlocks new ways of perceiving and understanding the world around us.
“This breakthrough, which combines expertise from different fields through a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, enables the identification of invaded cancer areas and the visualization of deep tissues such as blood vessels, nerves, and ureters during medical procedures, leading to improved surgical navigation. Additionally, it enables measurement using light previously unseen in industrial applications, potentially creating new areas of non-use and non-destructive testing,” remarks Prof. Takemura. “By visualizing the invisible, we aim to accelerate the development of medicine and improve the quality of life of physicians as well as patients.”
30th April, 2024: The final day of the event, held on April 21st, 2024, saw a vibrant convergence of thousands ofvisitors, exhibitors, designers, and industry professionals from across the globe in the dynamic cityof Milan, Italy. Spanning across diverse pavilions and exhibition spaces, the fair served as a stagefor showcasing the latest trends, groundbreaking technologies, and avant-garde designs that areshaping the future of interior design and furniture manufacturing.
For over six decades, Salone del Mobile Milano has remained a cornerstone platform for designers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts to converge, exchange ideas, and foster new collaborations. As the largest and most prestigious international furniture fair, its significance extends beyond commerce; it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of design in inspiring, innovating, and enriching human experiences.
Among the esteemed participants was Fenabel, a Portuguese brand specialising in wooden furniture, which marked its 16th appearance at this prestigious fair. Fenabel showcased its latest collections, in collaboration with the Spanish design studio Studio Yonoh, which unveiled two newproducts: the Cania and Nebula models, and the Italian design studio Archirivolto, which presented the Roma collection.
Yonoh’s distinctive work evolves steadily, prioritizing its unique voice over fleeting trends.They’ve honed a refined and flawless style through collaborations with companies less focused ontrends and more on contribution.
Their style, influenced by both Mediterranean and Scandinavian aesthetics, embodies elegance, warmth, harmony, functionality, and refined design, resulting in aunique fusion. Clara and Álex’s determination to maintain their studio’s honest identity shines through in their portfolio, showcasing a personal and distinctive journey.
Nebula, in line with contemporary trends, is a reinterpretation of Nordic models and Canadian design from the 1960s, standing out for its exceptional woodwork and use of sustainablematerials.
Archirivolto Design, founded in 1983 by Marco Pocci and Claudio Dondoli, initially focused onarchitecture, interior design, and furniture sales, later expanding into industrial design with apassion for furniture. Specializing in seat design, they mastered various technologies andmaterials, particularly plastic. For over thirty years, their mission has been to make beautyaccessible, guiding clients through the entire product development process, from market researchto prototyping and industrialization, ensuring creativity aligns with market demands.
The Roma collection addresses market demands for comfortable, marketable, and cohesiveproducts with distinctive detailing. Simple model with a special curvature on the back that gives it adifferent dynamism. This line fits in perfectly with the Fenabel style, so it’s sure to be the choice formany projects.
The new partnerships with Archirivolto and Studio Yonoh are essential for Fenabel, as they offer incredible products that are comfortable and ready for the market. We look forward to what the future holds, continuing our mission to provide excellence in design and comfort for all our customers.
Mário Leite, CEO of Fenabel expressed: “We would like to sincerely thank all the people who visitedthe Fenabel stand during these days. Your presence was truly indispensable to us, and we greatly value the time we shared, exploring our collection, and sharing our passion for design. Thank youfor being part of this journey with us.”
Market Analysis on behalf of Samer Hasn Market Analyst and part of the Research Team at XS.com
30th April 2024: The euro is recovering against the US dollar today, regaining the 1.0720 level, and rising by 0.25% at 12:30 p.m. GMT, after Friday’s losses.
The euro’s gains come despite weaker-than-expected inflation growth in Germany for April and the continued decline in Eurozone bond yields, as the continued decline in US Treasury yields helped moderate the negative impact of today’s data.
Today’s trading also comes as markets await a series of US labor market data this week, which will help markets reinforce their hypothesis about the potential path of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy in the coming months.
While the extremely negative surprise from the US economy may help the euro cut more of its losses against the dollar, even if this is not possible with the strong economic activity that we have witnessed over the past months. This type of surprise may be able to revive hope that we could see interest rates during the second half, which has been largely dissipated with the shocking inflation data of the previous months.
While the markets do not expect an interest rate cut of 25 basis points in June, more than a probability of only 11% and 28% in July, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
As for the data, the Consumer Price Index in Germany recorded, in the preliminary reading, a growth from 0.4% to 0.5% on a monthly basis in this April, which was weaker than expected at 0.6%. On an annual basis, inflation held steady at 2.2% after it was expected to grow to 2.3%.
This week will also see ADP non-farm employment and JOLTS data in the United States for April and March, respectively, in addition to Bureau of Labor Statistics data on non-farm employment, unemployment rate, and average hourly earnings growth for April.
HCM CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – The Hồ Chí Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank, stock code: HDB) has announced an ambitious pre-tax profit target of VND15.85 trillion (US$625.5 million) for 2024, a 22% increase from the previous year, at its annual general meeting on Friday, April 26.
Customers conduct transactions at an HDBank branch in HCM City. Photo courtesy of HDBank.
One of the key factors driving growth is the lender’s focus on maintaining profitability ratios such as ROA and ROE.
In 2024 the bank remains on track for high growth while continuing improving its comprehensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.
The bank is projecting total assets to exceed VND700 trillion (US$27.6 billion) this year, up 16% from 2023.
Total deposits are expected to reach VND624 trillion (US$24.6 billion), up 16%.
Loans outstanding are projected to exceed VND438 trillion (US$17.28 billion) in line with the credit growth quota allocated by the central bank.
This year the bank plans to increase its charter capital by 5% to VND29.1 trillion ($1.15 billion) by issuing shares.
In 2023, it has managed to ensure a low bad debts ratio of 1.5% and achieve a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 12.6%, among the highest in the industry.
The annual general meeting also agreed to increase the dividend payment rate in 2023 to 30% from 25% with a maximum of 10% in cash, based on the business results it achieved.
In 2023, profit before tax topped VND13 trillion (US$613 million), up 26.8 % from 2022. HDBank achieved an ROA of 2% and an ROE of 24.2%, placing it among the top banks in the industry.
In the first quarter of 2024, HDBank continued to achieve significant pre-tax profits, which topped VND4 trillion (US$157.8 million), a 43.6% jump year-on-year. Its ROE was 26.2%, credit growth was 6.2% and bad debts were controlled at 1.68% in the first quarter. Its CAR based on Basel II standards exceeded 13.7% in the period.
HDBank has consistently delivered for its shareholders, and this year is no exception as it plans to pay a dividend of 30%, with a maximum of 15% in cash and the rest in stocks.
Hashtag: #HDBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – #NTT DATA, a global Top 10 IT services provider, has been recently recognized as one of the best places to work for in the USA. Best Places to Work is an international HR certification program providing employers in different countries the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and satisfaction of their employees and honor those who deliver an outstanding work experience with the highest standards in regards to working conditions.
NTT DATA excelled in several key areas such as employee benefits, teamwork, leadership and positive work environment for women. In addition, NTT DATA achieved the designation of “Best Places to Work for Women” which confirms its commitment to gender equity, diversity and creating an inclusive work environment that celebrate the uniqueness of each employee. From flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages, NTT DATA prioritizes the well-being and professional growth of its employees.
Joseph Gregory, NTT DATA Head of People USA stated, “Truly wanting to work at a company and knowing you are valued is an emotion you feel. It goes beyond marketing or words. Being recognized as a Best Place to Work validates that the culture and leadership principles of Collaboration, Engagement, and Curiosity are being practiced and felt on a daily basis. Knowing our employees feel our positive culture makes me extremely happy and proud to work with these amazing team members from the most junior to executives.”
Looking ahead, NTT DATA remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture and providing an environment where all employees feel empowered to reach their full potential. The company recognizes the importance of empowering women in the workplace and is dedicated to creating opportunities for their success. NTT DATA aims to not only attract top talent but also retain and nurture its existing workforce for continued success and innovation in the constantly evolving IT services industry.Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA – a part of NTT Group – is a trusted global innovator of IT and business services headquartered in Tokyo. We help clients transform through consulting, industry solutions, business process services, IT modernization and managed services. NTT DATA enables clients, as well as society, to move confidently into the digital future. We are committed to our clients’ long-term success and combine global reach with local client attention to serve them in over 50 countries. Visit us at nttdata.com.
ABOUT BEST PLACES TO WORK PROGRAM
Best Places to Work is a global HR certification program recognizing leading workplaces around the world. Our proprietary assessment analyzes the organization’s attractiveness through a two-step process focusing on eight Workplace factors including culture, leadership, opportunities for growth and people practices. Besides the employee survey, an HR assessment is conducted focusing on evaluating the organization HR practices against the best standards.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – Sanctioned bythe International Table Tennis Federation (“ITTF”), organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macau SAR Government, Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) and the World Table Tennis Management Group Limited, and co-organized by the Macau Table Tennis General Association, the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2024 Presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group (“ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao”) was successfully held at GEG’s brand-new Galaxy Arena. This prestigious event, known as one of the three major table tennis tournaments in the world, brought together 96 world-leading elite players for showcasing a series of exciting matches to local and worldwide fans from April 15 to 21. To further promote Macau’s cross-sectoral integration of “tourism + sports”, GEG and the organizers jointly prepared and hosted a series of extended activities, including the “100 Days to Paris” event and several autograph sessions held at Galaxy Macau™. In addition, GEG invited local youth to participate in the “Backstage Tour” activity, as well as over 600 members from 20 local social service organizations and groups to watch the matches on-site with GEG volunteers, fostering sports exchanges in the community.
The ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao has attracted an overwhelming response since its announcement, with the semi-finals and finals witnessing full attendance. After seven consecutive days of spectacular battles, Ma Long and Sun Yingsha from the China national table tennis team crowned the men’s and women’s singles world cup champions, respectively. Following the matches, various officiating guests presented the awards to ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup champions, silver medalists and bronze medalists, respectively.
To heighten the sports atmosphere among international tourists and local residents, during the tournament, GEG and the organizers jointly held the “100 Days to Paris” event at the Outdoor Lawn near Galaxy Macau, along with the Olympic champion table tennis players joining this ITTF event, Ma Long and Chen Meng. The guests shared their aspirations for the Paris Olympics and previous unforgettable experiences, with a view to welcome the quadrennial world-class sports event with the community. Several autograph sessions were also held at the East Square of Galaxy Macau, where leading table tennis players Liang Jingkun, Wang Manyu, Shin Yubin and Adriana Diaz interacted with and presented autographs to table tennis enthusiasts, creating an electric atmosphere. Meanwhile, GEG also invited numerous elite players to join the shooting of cuisine-related promotional videos, and launched food and beverage privileges and on-site lucky draws during the event, giving away prizes such as luxury hotel stays, Galaxy Macau dining and shopping vouchers, showcasing the diverse charms of Macau as a “City of Sports” to spectators and sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Furthermore, to enhance local young peoples’ interest in sports, GEG invited students from the Macao University of Tourism to participate in the “Backstage Tour” activity, allowing them to visit the training hall, press conference hall, mixed zone and field of play area, etc., providing them with the opportunity to closely interact with the participating table tennis players and take photos with the event trophies. Additionally, GEG also invited over 600 members from 20 local social service organizations, including centers under the Macau Federation of Trade Unions and the General Union of Neighbourhood Association of Macau; elderly care centers under the Tung Sin Tong Charitable Society; the Youth Association of the Women’s General Association of Macau; the Macau Special Olympics; the Macau Autism Association and the Macau Deaf Association, etc., to enjoy the matches on-site with GEG volunteers and experience the charm of table tennis.
The return of ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao, with its men’s and women’s singles matches being held in Macau for the first time, marked a glamorous addition to Macau’s growing portfolio of international sports events, and the first top-tier international table tennis tournament held at the Galaxy Arena. As Macau’s newest, most advanced, and largest indoor arena, the Galaxy Arena, with its state-of-the-art software and hardware equipment, received high recognition and acclaim from the organizers, staff, players and all parties involved, while providing an extraordinary and unforgettable experience for all spectators. Moving forward, GEG will continue to support, organize and participate in a variety of sports events and related activities, as well as promote the integrated development of Macau’s sports and tourism industries through multi-pronged approaches, to solidify Macau’s position as the “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”.
The officiating guests presented the awards to and took a photo with the ITTF Men’s World Cup champion, silver medalist and bronze medalist.
The officiating guests presented the awards to and took a photo with the ITTF Women’s World Cup champion, silver medalist and bronze medalist.
During the event, several autograph sessions were held at the East Square of Galaxy Macau, where the world’s leading table tennis players were invited to interact with and present autographs to table tennis enthusiasts, creating a lively atmosphere.
GEG invited students from the Macao University of Tourism to join the “Backstage Tour” activity, in which the students paid attention to the staff’s introduction to the settings and functions of various work areas behind the major sports event.
GEG invited members from various community groups to watch the matches at the Galaxy Arena, experiencing the passion of table tennis sport.
Hashtag: #GalaxyEntertainmentGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Galaxy Entertainment Group (HKEx stock code: 27)
Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading resorts, hospitality and gaming companies. It primarily develops and operates a large portfolio of integrated resort, retail, dining, hotel and gaming facilities in Macau. The Group is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Index.
GEG was one of the three original concessionaires in Macau when the gaming industry was liberalized in 2002. In 2022, GEG was awarded a new gaming concession valid from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2032. GEG has a successful track record of delivering innovative, spectacular and award-winning properties, products and services, underpinned by a “World Class, Asian Heart” service philosophy, that has enabled it to consistently outperform the market in Macau.
GEG operates three flagship destinations in Macau: on Cotai, Galaxy Macau™, one of the world’s largest integrated destination resorts, and the adjoining Broadway Macau™, a unique landmark entertainment and food street destination; and on the Peninsula, StarWorld Macau, an award winning premium property.
The Group has the largest development pipeline of any concessionaire in Macau. When The Next Chapter of its Cotai development is completed, GEG’s resorts footprint on Cotai will be more than 2 million square meters, making the resorts, entertainment and MICE precinct one of the largest and most diverse integrated destinations in the world. GEG is also progressing plans for its Hengqin project and we are also expanding our focus beyond Hengqin and Macau to potentially include opportunities within the rapidly expanding Greater Bay Area. These projects will help GEG develop and support Macau in its vision of becoming a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
In July 2015, GEG made a strategic investment in Société Anonyme des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Étrangers à Monaco (“Monte-Carlo SBM”), a world renowned owner and operator of iconic luxury hotels and resorts in the Principality of Monaco. GEG continues to explore a range of international development opportunities with Monte-Carlo SBM.
GEG is committed to delivering world class unique experiences to its guests and building a sustainable future for the communities in which it operates. For more information about the Group, please visit www.galaxyentertainment.com
April 29, 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Global travel marketplace, Skyscanner, has unveiled its latest report titled ‘First Trip with Skyscanner’, revealing a strong desire for travel among India’s Gen Z (aged 18-25). Nearly half (47%) of them are eagerly planning leisure trips abroad, without their parents or guardians, fueled by their deep desire for exploration and new adventures (49%). What’s more interesting is that financial independence is key to Gen Z’s, with a whopping 81% choosing to plan their first overseas adventure after landing their first job or receiving their first paycheck.
Taking the first overseas trip represents a significant milestone for numerous young adults worldwide. While many time it with a graduation celebration, in India, it only becomes a reality after they land their first job. In fact, 2 in 3 young Indians are diligently saving, while only 1 in 5 utilise buy-now-pay-later options to make their travel dreams a reality sooner.
The survey results shed light on the travel behaviours and factors considered by Gen Z in India as they chart their course for their first independent trip without their parents or guardians. By understanding these travel aspirations, Skyscanner aims to assist young travellers in understanding their preferences and provide them with valuable resources to plan effectively ahead of their trips and find the best deals.
Skyscanner’s Travel and Destinations Expert, Mohit Joshi said, “Gen Z’s in India are passionate about exploration! Whether it is their desire to seize the opportunity of semester breaks and long weekends to fuel their wanderlust (42%) or celebrate special milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations (39%), their passion for travel is undeniable. As their travel companion, we want to empower them to turn their travel dreams into reality by assisting them with the necessary resources and tools, ensuring their first trip goes without a hitch. Search features on Skyscanner like setting up ‘Price Alerts’ or using the ‘Cheapest Month’ tool, can help save an average of 32% on flights for Indian travellers.”
Key highlights from the ‘First Trip with Skyscanner’ Report:
Gen Z Thrives on Experiencing Life’s Grand Spectacles: Gen Z craves the excitement of life’s defining moments, with 46% inspired to jet off overseas to experience concerts, sports events, and other big cultural events. That said, stepping outside their comfort zones and immersing themselves in cultural exploration is also a major drive for these travellers. With over half (51%) seeing travel as a chance to break free and immerse in new cultures, it’s all about expanding horizons.
Not just in landscapes, Indians need their greens even on their plates: Food is an integral part of the travel experience for most young travellers. Their excitement to explore extends well beyond destinations with Indians doing a fair bit of research to find vegetarian-friendly options and restaurants (43%) that offer a top-tier culinary experience tailored to their dietary preferences.
Meticulous planning is a hallmark of Gen Z: Gen Z travellers embarking on their first trip abroad like to plan every detail down to a T. Almost 3 in 4 Gen Z prefer having their itineraries (76%) and return tickets (73%) booked when planning their first trip. This generation is also budget-conscious, with over half (51%) prioritising finding affordable flights and accommodation for their first overseas trip.
Skyscanner’s Price Alert feature helps these planners stay informed about any changes in flight prices through notifications – allowing them to secure the best deals. Additionally, utilising Skyscanner’s Whole Month search will also be helpful in identifying the cheapest day of the month to travel with just a few clicks.
Permission Slips & Travel Tips: Contrary to popular belief that Gen Z leans towards social media (34%) for travel advice, Skyscanner found that these young Indian travellers are turning to their trusted circle of friends (65%) and family (48%) for valuable travel advice. While seeking approval from parents & guardians to plan a trip may seem unusual to many, it is a common practice for Indians. In fact, 58% young travellers feel confident about receiving a green signal from them.
Safe Travels, Happy Travels: 63% of Gen Z travellers prioritise safety over budget when exploring the world without parental guidance. It is also interesting to note that over half (59%) of young Indians prefer popular destinations over off-beat locations for their first trip, seeking a balance between exploration and preference for these well-trodden paths and the comfort of familiar surroundings. In fact, this desire for familiarity may prompt 66% of these travellers to embark on their first trip without their guardians, either in a small group or with their romantic partners.
Europe Captures the Hearts of Young Indian Travellers: Many young Indian Gen Z travellers are drawn to Europe’s vibrant cultures and historic landmarks, with over 40% listing it as their top destination. The allure of iconic sights, charming, cobbled streets, and diverse experiences are particularly appealing, with nearly half (21%) having their hearts set on the United Kingdom.
For those young travellers who are open to spontaneous exploration, Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ feature reveals the cheapest destinations globally for preferred travel dates. Additionally, ‘Multi-City Flight Search’ allows travellers to search for up to 6 routes simultaneously when planning their trips, enabling them to find the best combination of flights and timings to suit their budget.
Monika Guwalani, a former investment banker turned travel content creator, highlights the important role of financial freedom when planning travel. She says, “Embracing travel dreams needs smart money moves. Just a few months ago, I swapped my 9-to-5 job for a digital nomad lifestyle that I lead with financially savvy hacks. There are many ways in which you can embark on your path to wanderlust too, without breaking the bank. Start by building your travel fund like a treasure chest, setting aside a portion each month. As a traveller, I swear by Skyscanner’s tools that help me bag a bargain in many ways. The brand is always coming up with innovative ways to help with travel planning, it launched a ‘Saved’ feature recently on the mobile app, where you can curate your dream destinations with a simple tap of the ‘heart’ button and receive timely alerts on price changes. It’s like having your personal travel assistant, ensuring you’re always in the know. Opting for destinations during off seasons can also save you money on flights, accommodation, and even attractions. Plus, you’ll often enjoy fewer crowds and a more authentic experience! Mixing and matching the airlines and airports you choose to fly with to and from can also seriously cut costs. Remember, flights don’t always need to be booked as round-trip – embrace flexibility and strategic planning, to keep your budget grounded.”
Today’s market analysis on behalf of Antonio Ernesto Di Giacomo – Market Analyst Latam at xs.com
29th April 2024: The gold market has witnessed a slight decline after five consecutive weeks of gains, raising questions about this precious metal’s stability and future direction. However, various factors suggest that this decrease could be temporary and that gold still maintains an upward path ahead.
One of the main events that influenced this decline was the easing of tensions in the Middle East. Geopolitical stability often has a significant impact on the price of gold, and a decrease in regional tensions can lead to a reduction in demand as a haven. However, this factor does not seem sufficient to halt the overall bullish trend of gold.
A crucial element still supporting the price of gold is the sustained demand for bullion by central banks worldwide. The People’s Bank of China, among others, has been increasing its gold reserves, indicating continued confidence in this metal as a store of value. Furthermore, investors’ search for safe havens, especially in times of economic uncertainty and market volatility, remains a significant driver for the price of gold.
Hedging against inflation is another critical factor driving gold demand. In an environment where investors are concerned about the risk of increasing inflation, gold is perceived as an adequate protection against currency devaluation and erosion of purchasing power. This perception has kept interest in gold as an investment asset, especially at a time when the monetary policies of some countries may increase the risk of inflation.
Despite some doubts about the subsequent rise in the price of gold, especially regarding macroeconomic prospects and US monetary policy, the underlying fundamentals remain solid. ETF demand may have been weak in specific periods, but recent inflows into US and Asian ETFs suggest a shift in trend, which could drive the price of gold in the near future.
In conclusion, although some uncertainties are on the horizon, gold maintains its appeal as a haven asset and hedge against inflation. With central banks’ demand for bullion, investors’ ongoing search for safe havens, and concerns about inflation, gold is likely to continue its upward trend in the second half of the year, with the potential to reach $2,500 per ounce.
April 29, 2024 Kochi, Kerala, India Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has expanded the reach of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) content through a strategic collaboration with Verteil Technologies, a global leader in NDC technology.
This alliance signifies a pivotal moment in Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to further modernize its customer satisfaction, as it aims to broaden the availability of its NDC content across Verteil’s extensive global network of Travel Sellers. The partnership seeks to enhance travel experiences by providing seamless connectivity and greater accessibility to Ethiopian Airlines’ NDC offerings.
With Verteil’s advanced NDC distribution solution, Ethiopian Airlines can significantly expand distribution reach across Verteil’s global network of Travel Sellers, whilst being able to offer a seamless and efficient experience for both travel agents using NDC technology. This collaboration allows Ethiopian Airlines to provide real-time access to the latest fares, ancillary services, and personalized options to Travel Sellers.
Jerrin Jos, Founder & CEO of Verteil Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Ethiopian Airlines, the leading airline in Africa. This partnership not only strengthens Verteil’s leadership position in NDC distribution within the African market but also underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in air travel distribution globally. We are excited to contribute our expertise to Ethiopian Airlines, facilitating their global outreach by efficiently connecting with key travel sellers worldwide.”
Lauding the partnership, Mrs. Rahel Assefa, Ethiopian Airlines Group Vice President of Marketing said, “Ethiopian being in a continuous evolution of aviation technology and commitment to enhancing global customer experiences, the strategic collaboration with Verteil’s NDC technology marks a pivotal advancement. We strongly believe that this partnership is instrumental in propelling our NDC-driven distribution strategies forward, underscoring our dedication to excellence and innovation in air travel distribution. We look forward to achieving further successes stemming from this partnership that will translate into availing the best customer experience.”
Travel Agents/Sellers booking through Ethiopian Airlines will benefit from the advantages of Verteil’s NDC technology, including real-time updates, tailored recommendations, and an enhanced user interface. Ethiopian Airlines’ embrace of cutting-edge technology reaffirms its position as a leader in meeting the evolving needs of modern travelers.
nttdata.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-places-to-work-program/
https://www.facebook.com/bptw4all/
