Tag: Travel

Kao’s Laurier Launches New Brand Communication Initiative across Asia: Strengthening Global Integration as a Core Brand in Kao’s Asian Business

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

Laurier Campaign Key Visual

TOKYO, March 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Starting on International Women’s Day, March 8, Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) will launch new brand communication campaign in nine Asian countries and regions for its feminine sanitary product brand, Laurier, which is the core of its Asian business.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303996141/en/

Laurier aims to help create more supportive and understanding environments around menstruation, so that women can feel more at ease, both physically and emotionally, under the key message “Comfort, Made Together,” which will be implemented simultaneously across Asia. Kao aims to further develop Laurier as a global brand.

Laurier, one of the core brands supporting Kao’s consumer care business in Asia, has been promoting globally integrated operations since 2023. Across all nine Asian countries and regions including Japan, Laurier has been working to unify product specifications and consolidate production sites to improve asset turnover ratio. Moreover, Laurier has promoted discussions to unify interpretations of the brand purpose and worldview, which varied across regions, and has renewed the global guidelines.

Through these efforts, in order to simultaneously communicate its value throughout Asia, Laurier is currently initiating a new brand communication initiative. By returning to Kao’s founding principle of a consumer perspective, Laurier will further strengthen brand equity by offering products designed for long-term use and advancing empathy-driven marketing through consistent communication across regions.

Laurier conducted a survey on attitudes toward menstruation among 4,500 women across nine Asian countries and regions.* The findings revealed that across Asia, many women feel that menstrual symptoms, concerns, and the limitations associated with menstruation have an impact on their overall sense of comfort in daily life.
*An online survey on attitudes toward menstruation was conducted by Kao among women aged 15–44 in nine Asian countries and regions, including Japan, in November–December 2023 and October–November 2024 (valid responses: 4,500).

Through this initiative, Laurier will further its efforts toward creating an inclusive environment where women can live lives full of possibilities without feeling restricted by their periods.
As a global brand, Laurier not only provides products but also supports women throughout their lives by providing information and educational support, contributing to the creation of a society where each woman can continue to live in a way that feels true to herself.

About the Brand Communication Initiative

– Key Message
Comfort, Made Together ―Laurier is here to listen.
It’s natural to find it difficult to be your normal self while you’re on your period. A woman shouldn’t have to find menstrual comfort on her own. We may not be able to completely eliminate physical discomfort or pain. But by encouraging understanding from those around us and shaping more supportive environments, we believe periods can feel a little more comfortable.
– Overview
This campaign will unify the brand’s worldview across nine Asian countries and regions, and will implement the following initiatives:

  • Development of a common key visual and message across Asia
  • Release of anthem films (9 country/regional versions) conveying Laurier’s message of menstrual support
  • Launch of a special campaign website

– Countries/Regions: Kao Corporation / Kao Commercial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. / Kao (Hong Kong) Ltd. / Kao (Taiwan) Corporation / Kao Vietnam Co., Ltd. / Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. / Kao (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. / Kao Singapore Pte. Ltd. / PT Kao Indonesia
– Start Date: March 4, 2026

Ongoing Social Initiatives

As a brand that supports women, Laurier is continuously engaged in the following activities in each country and region.

  • Japan: “Laurier in Workplace” and “Laurier in School,” making sanitary napkins available as standard supplies at workplaces and schools
  • Indonesia: “Dr. Laurier,” providing expert knowledge on menstrual concerns that are hard to discuss with others

In addition to the above, Laurier provides menarche education to deliver accurate knowledge to individual in all nine countries and regions. Through these activities, Laurier will continue to be more than just a feminine sanitary product brand; it will continue to be a presence that supports women at all stages of their lives and in their social environments.

Comment from Kazuya Miyashita, President of the Sanitary Business, Kao Corporation

Laurier has been striving to strengthen its globally integrated operations. The launch of this new brand communication across nine Asian countries and regions marks the next stage in building a consistent global brand―one that transcends borders, listens to the voices of individual, and shares Laurier’s vision and values across Asia. While menstrual concerns and feelings vary from person to person, there are many aspects of menstruation that have been discussed as something to be endured or a personal issue. Through this communication campaign, Laurier aims to elevate menstrual concerns beyond a personal issue, encourage understanding from others, and foster an environment in which women can live with greater peace of mind. As a core brand in Kao’s Asian business, Laurier will continue to contribute to sustainable growth and the realization of a society where women can live their lives with comfort, confidence, and fewer limitations—no matter the day.

About Kao

Kao, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care and household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its brands such as Attack laundry detergent, Bioré and Jergens skin care products, Laurier sanitary products, Curél, SENSAI, and MOLTON BROWN cosmetics, and Oribe hair care products, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,630 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 32,600 people worldwide and has more than 130 years of history in innovation. As an enterprise that provides products people use on a daily basis, the Kao Group takes responsibility to actively reduce the environmental footprint of its products throughout the product lifecycle. This is laid out in Kao’s ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, which launched in 2019.
Please visit the Kao Group website for additional information.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303996141/en/

Contact

Media inquiries should be directed to:
Public Relations
Kao Corporation
corporate_pr@kao.com

Source : Kao Corporation

Shanghai records growing tourist arrivals, spending during Spring Festival holiday

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

During the Spring Festival holiday, Shanghai launched more than 2,570 featured cultural and tourism activities.

SHANGHAI, Feb. 26, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

During the nine-day Year of the Horse Spring Festival holiday, Shanghai launched more than 2,570 featured cultural and tourism activities to promote travel to the bustling city, fueling a robust boom in Spring Festival cultural and tourism consumption as both visitor numbers and consumption in the cultural and tourism market saw steady growth.

Big data from Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism shows the city received a total of 21.6721 million visitor arrivals, an 8.36% year-on-year increase. Total tourism consumption reached 25.614 billion yuan, surging 20.90% from the previous year.

The average room occupancy rate of local hotels and guesthouses rose to 50.60%, up 3.10 percentage points year-on-year.

The promotion campaign leveraged the outcomes of the first high-level competition to introduce Shanghai’s tourism and integrated the city’s cultural, tourism, commerce, sports and exhibition resources.

Product innovation and transformation drove Shanghai’s Spring Festival cultural and tourism development this year, spawning a new trend of spending the Chinese New Year in the city.

Shanghai’s cultural and tourism authorities rolled out over 130 in-depth Spring Festival tour routes under three themes, which became bestsellers on OTAs via live-stream sales on major platforms. Inbound tourists from niche markets like Greece and Slovenia doubled, experiencing the unique charm of Jiangnan and Shanghai culture immersively.

Shanghai also created premium IPs such as the themed tour routes. With joint efforts of multiple departments, 353 themed activities were launched on the “Hu Xiaoyou” smart travel service platform. At the same time, science popularization and industrial tourism also gained traction, making Shanghai the top choice for enjoying the Spring Festival elsewhere besides the hometown.

Key cultural and commercial landmarks, including West Bund GATE M, Panlong Ancient Town and Zhangyuan Garden, held Spring Festival fairs and garden parties, creating new urban Chinese New Year rituals. For the first time, Shanghai hosted large-scale concerts during the holiday, with Richie Jen’s and Capper’s concerts drawing numerous fans from across the country.

The blend of Shanghai-style Chinese New Year vibes and trendy Chinese cultural elements boosted the festive folk atmosphere in the city. Centering on experiencing the vibe of ordinary life, Shanghai launched a city-wide lantern show campaign. The lantern shows at Yuyuan Garden and the Inlet lit up the city’s nights with stunning light displays.

Intangible cultural heritage fairs and master chefs’ kitchens were set up in urban cultural and tourism complexes and suburban ancient towns. Some high-end hotels have integrated intangible cultural heritage into one-stop stays that integrate accommodation, dining, and travel experiences. Local traditional delicacies such as Shanghai cuisine and Nanxiang steamed buns offered visitors authentic Chinese New Year flavors.

Looking forward, Shanghai will further integrate cultural and tourism resources, pursue continuous product innovation, boost the upgrading of cultural and tourism consumption, and let more people feel the hospitality and vitality of Shanghai’s cultural and tourism industry.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism

“Taste Hong Kong,” a Chef-Curated Gourmet Guide to the City’s True Culinary Soul

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

More than 50 master chefs handpick 250 restaurants to showcase the authentic flavours of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods 

HONG KONG, Jan 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hong Kong’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s great food cities has been built on contrast — a destination where humble street stalls sit comfortably alongside polished Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where “Great Taste” can be found everywhere in Hong Kong. This season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrates the city’s rich culinary culture with the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a new gourmet guide developed in collaboration with the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) that invites visitors to experience the city through the eyes — and appetites — of its master chefs.

Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. More than 50 master chefs — all graduates of CCI’s prestigious Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine — have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. The guide offers a comprehensive and refined overview of the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting a rich tapestry of Chinese cuisines alongside an array of international flavours, from traditional noodle shops and classic dessert parlours to family run local gems, artisanal cafés, upscale hotel restaurants, and Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Going beyond conventional rankings and accolades, the guide provides an authoritative, insider perspective on the city’s most authentic and distinctive gastronomic experiences.

At the heart of Taste Hong Kong are the chefs themselves. As the creative minds behind some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated dining rooms, they bring a rare perspective on what defines a great meal — and what makes a restaurant endure. Among them are acclaimed figures such as Adam Wong and Lee Man-sing, who have each contributed personal recommendations that reflect both their culinary roots and their deep connection to Hong Kong’s dining culture.

“When I think about Hong Kong food, I think about the neighbourhood places I always go back to — dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and small restaurants that define the city’s everyday dining culture. These spots reflect how locals really eat and the city’s culinary soul. I am excited to be part of this guide because it gives visitors a genuine way to experience Hong Kong through the food and neighbourhoods that locals know and love,” says Adam Wong, a 3-star Michelin Executive Chef at the Forum Restaurant.

“I have always believed that some of Hong Kong’s best food is found in the simplest settings, whether it’s a comforting bowl of noodles or hot pot shared with friends. The restaurants highlighted in Taste Hong Kong are places with history, consistency and heart. They show why Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting cities to eat in,” says Lee Man-sing, Executive Chef of Mott 32 Group.

Designed for both visitors and locals, Taste Hong Kong organises its 250 restaurant picks by neighbourhood. With various neighbourhoods represented, travellers are encouraged to venture beyond well-trodden dining districts and experience the distinctive character of each area. From sizzling woks in bustling street kitchens to quiet neighbourhood favourites passed down through generations, the chefs’ selections offer visitors and locals a deeper insight into Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant diversity, guiding them to the true “Great Taste” of the city.

The guide is supported by a rich suite of digital content, including neighbourhood videos and curated maps, hosted on the campaign’s dedicated website. A downloadable digital edition of the Taste Hong Kong guide will also be available, serving as an easy-to-use companion for planning meals and neighbourhood discovery. QR codes will be displayed at various MTR stations, bus shelters and visitor signage across neighbourhoods. HKTB will also broadcast the “Taste Hong Kong” promotional video at major tourist hotspots, and prominent shopping malls and hotels across the city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global gourmet capital where exceptional food can be found everywhere — often in the most unexpected places.

To discover the full Taste of Hong Kong guide and begin your culinary adventure, visit tastehk.discoverhongkong.com. Download the digital guide, watch the neighbourhood videos and join the conversation using #TasteHongKong to discover the authentic flavours that define Hong Kong, one neighbourhood at a time.

Media can download photos at the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?cachedCriteria=1&categoryId=2323&categoryTypeId=2&allCats=0

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Holly Chan
Tel: 2807 6206
Email: holly.chan@hktb.com 		Ms Irene Tsang
Tel: 2807 6541
Email: irene.tsang@hktb.com  

Photo accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dabc68d-9bfd-4f1b-a708-40865a2acdec
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d7b089ab-153d-4098-b587-c33148715edf
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50b198ca-9764-4305-991c-fff01c8fd669

SOURCE: Hong Kong Tourism Board

STB’s Virtual Assistant Alma Redefines How Travelers Explore Slovenia

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, Dec 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —TheSlovenian Tourist Board (STB) is strengthening Slovenia’s position as a digitally advanced, user-focused destination with Alma, an AI-powered virtual travel advisor that has rapidly become one of the country’s most innovative tourism tools. Integrated into the national tourism portal slovenia.info, Alma enables visitors to access personalised and up-to-date travel information in real time, marking a major step in the STB’sdigital transformation efforts.

Launched in May 2024, Alma engages users in conversational, intuitive exchanges across seven languages, providing tailored guidance, inspiring stories and practical tips for exploring Slovenia. Named after traveller and writer Alma M. Karlin, the assistant is built on advanced OpenAI technology and sources information from the slovenia.info database and more than 60 curated tourism websites and API integrations.

Since its introduction, Alma has gained significant recognition. It earned silver in the Tourism category at the 2024 Websi Awards, praised for its intelligent integration with the website’s search engine and for enhancing user interaction on a national tourism platform. More recently, Alma won the prestigious Travel Tech Project of the Year at the 2025 Game Changer Awards, underscoring Slovenia’s leadership in developing responsibly designed, user-friendly digital solutions for the future of travel.

MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, the Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, emphasised: “Alma represents an important step towards modern, intelligent and personalised services that make exploration of Slovenia easier. The award recognises our efforts toward innovation and confirms that thoughtful use of technology can create greater value for tourists, partners, and the entire Slovenian tourism sector.”

Alma’s impact is reflected in its strong adoption figures. In August 2025 alone, users asked nearly 12,000 questions, with English, Italian, German and Slovenian speakers representing the largest share. The assistant achieved an 88% positive rating that month, rising to 91% in October and November, reflecting high satisfaction.

Travellers increasingly rely on Alma to plan multi-day itineraries, discover lesser-known regions, choose family-friendly activities, explore culinary and cultural events and access sustainable mobility options. Continuous upgrades – including a redesigned mobile interface, dynamic suggestions and multilingual adaptation – further strengthen its role as a digital companion. Looking ahead, the STB is developing “Admin Alma” to allow destinations to enrich the assistant with local insights, and plans to evolve Alma into a real-time voice guide supporting visitors throughout their journey.

More information: 
https://www.slovenia.info/en/business/content-digital-marketing/alma-slovenian-ai-travel-guide

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/614ec2a1-ff5d-4362-8310-12fcdb6c12ae

press@slovenia.info

SOURCE: Slovenian Tourist Board

–BERNAMA

Legacy of Flying Tigers honored with new exhibition in south China

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

NANNING, China, Sept. 9, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

A guest at the permanent exhibition honoring the Flying Tigers in the Liuzhou Military Museum in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 

A permanent exhibition honoring the Flying Tigers — the American volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces against Japanese aggressors during World War II — opened on Sunday in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Housed in the Liuzhou Military Museum, the exhibition brings together more than 1,000 artifacts — from flight suits and arm patches to letters and diaries, many of which were donated by people in China and the United States.

Liuzhou was a key transportation hub and military stronghold in southern China during the war. In 1942, the Flying Tigers came to the city and was stationed in a local airport. From there, American pilots flew missions against Japanese invaders, leaving behind historical sites, images and stories of locals risking their lives to rescue downed airmen.

Describing the history as one “with remarkable friendship and mutual sacrifice at its heart,” Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, said at the opening ceremony that the peoples of China and the United States had developed a remarkable relationship during the darkest days of WWII.

“This history has become more than a bridge between two nations. It is a timeless testament to the power of solidarity,” Greene said.

Also at the ceremony, Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, noted that more than 80 years ago, China and the United States chose to fight together for justice and peace.

“This history shows that people from different countries can overcome their differences and unite in the face of common challenges,” Yang said, adding that the younger generations from both countries will carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers.

The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge long term, featuring five themed sections presenting the stories of how the American pilots fought side-by-side with Chinese soldiers and civilians during the war.

Source : Liuzhou Military Museum

–BERNAMA