Visa redefines its role in travel with the global expansion of Visa Destinations
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today announced the expansion of Visa Destinations, a passion-led travel platform live in 10 major locations around the world, as the company redefines its role in the rapidly growing experience-driven travel economy. The move marks a strategic expansion of Visa’s role beyond payments, positioning the company at the center of how travellers discover, plan and experience trips. According to Visa research, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on passion, purpose, and experiences, not just geography. In a recent study by Visa, personal interests surface strongly in the way consumers in Asia Pacific intend to travel – 66% intend to travel for global concert tours,…
Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision strikes a new note with landmark performing arts institution Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that works have commenced on Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a landmark institution on Saadiyat Island that will become one of the region’s most technically advanced performing arts venues upon opening in 2030. Representing a major investment in cultural infrastructure, the institution reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to create world-class platforms for artistic excellence, international collaboration and cultural exchange. Through its continued investment in culture, creativity and knowledge, Abu Dhabi is building a vibrant cultural ecosystem that connects local audiences with the world’s leading artists and institutions while reinforcing its position as a global capital for culture. His Excellency…
The two-night reset: Why Australians Are Cruising Their Way to Better Wellbeing
For travellers who have ticked off the standard resort holidays and buzzing city escapes, a quieter kind of luxury is drawing attention on the other side of the Coral Sea. In Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay – that otherworldly maze of limestone towers rising from emerald water – a boutique wellness cruise called Bhaya Soul is offering Australians a restorative escape built for digital detox, deep relaxation and a meaningful reset. Launched as a dedicated wellness vessel from Bhaya Cruises and recognized on TIME’s “World’s Greatest Places 2026” list, Bhaya Soul reimagines the classic overnight sailing as a floating retreat. With only 20 suites, the vessel is intimate by design. It carries small groups…
GSA Unveils Program for Responsible Seafood Summit 2026
Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has released the preliminary program for the Responsible Seafood Summit, set for September 21-24 at the Shangri-La Bangkok in Bangkok, Thailand. Co-hosted by the Center for Responsible Seafood, the Summit is the only seafood conference of its kind, bringing together leaders from across the seafood industry to discuss the most pressing issues facing the sector today. This year’s event is expected to attract major marketplace representation. Retail and food service companies confirmed to attend include Albertson’s, Captain D’s, Mark Foods, Red Lobster, Waitrose and Walmart. “We are excited to share a dynamic program that reflects both the complexity and opportunity facing the global seafood sector today,” said Steven…
“AI+mulberry silk” paves new road to prosperity in South China’s Guangxi
Detecting an abnormally high indoor temperature, the AI-enabled online platform installed on the cellphone of Wei Qingyi, head of a silkworm-raising cooperative in south China, suggested automatic ventilation for his smart cocooneries. Instead of traditional bamboo strip-woven silkworm trays and shelves, automatic feeding lines, sensors and high-definition cameras are a common sight in cocooneries in Yizhou District of Hechi City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In the face of an increasing lack in labor but imperative need for industry upgrade, the district leveraged AI to turn the past labor-intensive local silkworm industry into a smart agricultural sector. For instance, Yizhou recreated the entire procedure of local silkworm raising via “AI+the Internet…
