Ersu Ablak is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. I have been writing for various newspaper mainly on science, technology and society for over 15 years. I have done a radio show for 12 years.

Local politics vs global firms

11 Apr 2019  |  www.hurriyetdailynews.com  |  English  |  Israel-Palestine Conflict

The relationship between local politics and global firms is evolving, with new technology companies prioritizing sustainability, fairness, and transparency over profit and power. The Israel-Airbnb controversy highlights this shift, as Airbnb initially decided to remove listings in Israeli settlements following an Amnesty International report but later reversed the decision due to legal and political pressure. The article suggests that the internet and the new generation are driving these changes, challenging traditional political power dynamics.

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Expedia Airbnb Booking.com TripAdvisor

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Political View

Journalist, correspondent, political analyst, commentator.
TV, Radio, online 
Specialist in Palestinian-Israeli affairs as well as European and Middle Eastern affairs

Palestinians welcome UN's blacklisting of companies operating in settlements

12 Feb 2020  |  The New Arab  |  English  |  Palestinian Rights

The UN Human Rights Council published a blacklist of companies operating in Israeli settlements, including Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Coca Cola. The report, delayed due to Israeli and American pressure, was welcomed by Palestinians and human rights groups as a step towards accountability and international law. Israeli and US officials condemned the report, describing it as anti-Israeli. The publication is seen as a symbolic victory for Palestinians, highlighting the illegality of settlements under international law and calling for companies to cease operations in these areas.

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Expedia Airbnb Booking.com TripAdvisor Coca Cola

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Natalie Chalk is a UK-based journalist who works on the news desk of the Daily Mail. She also works as Late Breaking News Editor at inews on weekends. Prior to this she has contributed articles to The Mail on Sunday, The Big Issue, The Guardian, Daily Express, Sunday Mirror, Women’s Health, TNT ...

Good morning. This is what happened in the world of travel this week: Friday 24th November 2023

24 Nov 2023  |  Chalkmarks  |  English  |  Train Strikes

This week's travel news highlights various trends and deals in the industry. Set-jetting is growing, with TV shows like 'Bridgerton' and 'Wednesday' expected to boost travel to the UK and Romania. Albania is gaining popularity as a cheaper alternative to well-known destinations. Taylor Swift and Madonna's tours are influencing travel, with fans seeking more affordable locations to see them perform. Dry tripping, or alcohol-free travel, is noted as a new trend. Black Friday offers genuine travel discounts, according to Which?. Malta is praised for its British-like features and warm climate. Riga, Latvia, is recognized as the cheapest Christmas market destination by Post Office Travel Money. Glastonbury tickets sold out quickly, and last year's travel issues are recapped, including train strikes and airport security improvements. Travel photos are now for sale on Alamy, and social media presence is encouraged.

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Expedia Tui Tourism New Zealand Visit England Conde Nast Which? Alamy Post Office Travel Money MailOnline

Ben Clatworthy is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Holidaymakers hit by extra charges on all-inclusive deals

21 Dec 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Consumer Rights

Holidaymakers booking all-inclusive deals through Expedia face significant extra charges, averaging £165 a week within resorts and £228 outside. Rory Boland from Which? Travel advises thorough research on what is included in all-inclusive packages. The Civil Aviation Authority emphasizes the importance of Atol protection for package holidays. Jet2holidays ranks highest in customer satisfaction for all-inclusive deals. Expedia acknowledges the findings but suggests they be viewed cautiously.

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Expedia Jet2holidays

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Nick Dauk is a journalist based in Orlando, Florida. A fan of street eats and swapping stories with strangers abroad, Nick's travels have taken him across Latin America and Europe. When he's not writing about the wheres of the world, he's digging into the whos, whats, and whys as he writes about ...

Hyper-personalised travel is on the rise as holidaymakers reject cookie-cutter itineraries.

15 Mar 2023  |  euronews  |  English  |  Vegan Travel

Nick Dauk discusses the rise of hyper-personalised travel, where holidaymakers are increasingly seeking unique, transformative experiences tailored to their personal interests. The article highlights that this trend is not just for luxury travelers but is becoming a demand across all budget levels. Companies like Golf Air and Black Tomato offer bespoke trips, while Wilderness Scotland and Responsible Travel cater to niche markets such as active, nature, and vegan-friendly tours. The importance of local connections is emphasized, with tour operators like Sri Lanka Bespoke providing immersive experiences through deep community ties. The article also touches on the challenges tourism companies face in offering customised experiences that are both valuable and cost-effective. The trend towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly travel options is also noted, with Expedia Group Media Solutions reporting a consumer shift in this direction. The hyper-personalised travel trend is further explored in Expedia and Euronews Travel's 2023 Trend Report.

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Expedia Group Media Solutions Golf Air Black Tomato Wilderness Scotland Responsible Travel Sri Lanka Bespoke

Stephan Dietrich is a freelancing journalist and author based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Watch Geico's Medieval Guards Enjoy Ping Pong With Prisoners

18 Jun 2015  |  adage.com  |  English  |  Television Commercials

Ad Age's report highlights new and trending TV commercials, with a focus on Father's Day deals from brands like T-Mobile, J.C. Penney, and Stein Mart. Expedia's commercial aims to connect consumers with important people and places, while Geico's ad humorously depicts medieval guards playing ping pong with prisoners. The article also lists the most engaging ads over the past week, with Mazda, Carl's Jr., and Clash of Clans being among the top by SpotShare scores.

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Expedia Geico T-Mobile J.C. Penney Stein Mart Mazda Carl's Jr. Clash of Clans KFC

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Andrew Eborn is a broadcaster, producer, presenter & journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

How to win Google’s game of hide and seek without suffering the angst of algorithmic alchemy

03 Jul 2017  |  The Drum  |  English  |  Digital Monopolies

The article discusses the European Commission's antitrust case against Google, highlighting the €2.4bn fine imposed for abusing its market dominance in the comparison shopping service sector. Margrethe Vestager, the European competition commissioner, is portrayed as a formidable enforcer of competition law. The article details the timeline of Google's alleged antitrust violations and the responses from various stakeholders, including competitors like Microsoft and News Corp. It also touches on broader issues of digital monopolies and the challenges of regulating tech giants. The sentiment towards Google is largely negative, focusing on its monopolistic practices and the potential for further legal actions.

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Expedia Google Amazon eBay Microsoft News Corp Deutsche Telekom Getty Images Axel Springer Unilever Vodafone Wall Street Journal Financial Times

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Umar Farooq is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.  He reports regularly for the Los Angeles Times from the region.  In the past year, his work has also appeared in Foreign Affairs, National Geographic, The Guardian, Boston Review, and The Nation.  

He received a Pulitzer Center Crisis ...

Wall Street Analysts See Upside Potential for 10 Stocks with Rising Price Targets

29 Dec 2023  |  www.insidermonkey.com  |  English  |  Financial Analysis

The article discusses 10 stocks with recently raised price targets by analysts, highlighting the positive outlook for the U.S. stock market in 2024. It mentions substantial gains in the S&P 500 and favorable projections based on historical data. Analysts from Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Ascendiant Capital Markets provide insights into companies like Equifax, TransUnion, Cadence Bank, Booking Holdings, and Expedia Group, noting both positive and negative factors influencing their performance. The article also touches on economic indicators, consumer spending, and the impact of President Biden's economic policies.

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Expedia Group, Inc. Equifax Inc. TransUnion Cadence Bank Booking Holdings Inc.

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Fabrizio Goria is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America. Editor-in-Chief of EastWest online and Financial journalist for Il Corriere della Sera. Co-founder of Alpinismi. Formerly at Linkiesta, Eurointelligence, Il Riformista and Panorama. Named among the top 100 Foreign Policy “...

Not just Airbnb: if Big Tech pays 3% tax

08 Nov 2023  |  www.lastampa.it  |  Italian  |  Digital Economy

The article discusses the low tax rates paid by Big Tech companies in Italy and Europe, highlighting the disparity between their tax contributions and those of small and medium enterprises. It examines the case of Airbnb's alleged tax evasion and the broader issue of tax avoidance by major tech firms. The article also covers the potential impact of the Global Minimum Tax and Digital Service Tax on these companies, emphasizing the need for more equitable and consistent tax policies across countries.

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Expedia Airbnb Meta Uber Booking Coupang Rakuten

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Dieter Göttert is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Why are the Younger Generations Putting their Stamp on Business Travel?

01 Oct 2023  |  Nomad Africa Magazine | Celebrating the world's richest continent  |  English  |  Sustainability

Gen Z, entering the workforce, is reshaping business travel with their tech-savvy, independent, and mobile nature. Companies need to adapt travel policies to accommodate Gen Z's preferences for 'bleisure' travel, tech integration, diverse accommodation options, and sustainability. Gen Z's emphasis on experiences and sustainability is driving changes in corporate travel programs, requiring clear guidelines and innovative solutions to meet their expectations.

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Expedia Group VergeSense Corporate Traveller

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Kristin Hanes is an experienced journalist and writer based in San Francisco. She's worked in radio news for 14 years in cities such as Seattle, WA, Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA. She's been hard on ABC Network news as well as done Q&A segments with BBC World News, KABC and KPCC in Los Angeles....

Heba Hashem is a seasoned freelance journalist with over 15 years of experience in the media industry, adept in both Arabic and English. Based between Dubai, UAE, and Niagara Falls, Canada, she has honed her skills in a variety of sectors, including real estate, logistics, retail, finance, and ...

HalalBooking, Turkey and the Caribbean: Muslim-friendly tourism moving past the pandemic

01 Dec 2020  |  salaamgateway.com  |  English  |  Muslim-friendly Travel

Muslim-friendly travel bookings are rebounding post-pandemic, with Turkey and the Caribbean emerging as key destinations. HalalBooking, a UK-based OTA, adapted by expanding its property listings and introducing flexible booking options. Turkey's proactive measures, including the Safe Tourism Certification program, have facilitated a strong recovery in its tourism sector. The Caribbean is also positioning itself as a new destination for Muslim-friendly tourism, leveraging its natural beauty and existing infrastructure. Key stakeholders emphasize the importance of adapting to new travel demands and promoting religious heritage to attract Muslim tourists.

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Expedia HalalBooking

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Andrew Hennigan is a freelance journalist, opinion writer, ghost writer and blogger based in Stockholm Sweden. He writes mostly about topics related to startups, networking, influencing, digital marketing, social media, mobile technology, intercultural communications, reputation management and ...

Freelance travel journalist, host of the Travel Goals Podcast and Loney Planet guidebook author. With over seven years of experience as a freelance travel journalist, I'm passionate about creating engaging and informative articles and audio content for various media outlets, including the Times, ...

Malta, where 'Gladiator II' was filmed, has become a tourist hotspot

28 Nov 2024  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  Malta Tourism

Film tourism, driven by productions like 'Gladiator II', is boosting Malta's appeal as a travel destination. The film, starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, has reignited interest in Malta, known for its historical architecture. The phenomenon of 'set-jetting' is growing, with platforms like Netflix influencing travel trends. Malta's strategic location and cinematic history make it a prime filming site, with 'Gladiator II' expected to increase visitor numbers. However, challenges like overcrowding and environmental pressure are noted, with calls for sustainable tourism strategies. Malta aims to leverage this interest for long-term tourism growth.

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Expedia Netflix

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I am a finance journalist and editor, with almost 4 years' experience across full-time and freelance roles, based in London, United Kingdom. I've written about equitiies, commodities, finance, investing and emerging markets extensively. 

Currently, I'm a business reporter at Euronews. I've ...

Why betting on the travel sector paid off big this year

28 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Stock Market

The travel sector experienced a significant rally in 2023, with hospitality and airline stocks, including cruise operators like Carnival and travel booking sites like Expedia, seeing substantial gains. Marriott International's stock rose by 40.4%, with the company expanding in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the luxury safari market in Africa. Hilton Worldwide Holdings' shares increased by 36.7%, with the launch of a new long-stay apartment hotel brand. InterContinental Hotels Group's shares rallied by 52.8%, operating mainly on a franchise basis. Ryanair's shares climbed by 54.6% despite concerns over fuel costs and geopolitical tensions. Wizz Air's outlook was less positive due to jet fuel prices and supply chain issues. EasyJet's shares went up by 57.3%, with record profits and passenger growth. Expedia Group's shares rose by 62.5%, Booking Holdings by 68.3%, and Airbnb by 57.7%, all benefiting from strong earnings and strategic initiatives. However, Airbnb faced complaints about cleaning fees and regulatory challenges.

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Expedia Carnival Marriott International Hilton Worldwide Holdings InterContinental Hotels Group Ryanair Wizz Air EasyJet Booking Holdings Airbnb

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Tim Leffel is a journalist and travel writer based in Tampa, FL, United States.

5 Best Ways to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere

15 Sept 2023  |  perceptivetravel.com  |  English  |  Budget Travel

The article provides practical advice on finding cheap flights, emphasizing the importance of shopping around, using tools like Google Flights, and subscribing to airline and booking site alerts. It highlights the benefits of using non-legacy airlines and clearing browser cookies to avoid price hikes. Additionally, it suggests leveraging credit card points for free flights and offers specific credit card recommendations for frequent travelers.

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Expedia Going.com SecretFlying.com Google Flights Southwest Airlines Allegiant RyanAir Spirit Viva Aerobus Volaris Frontier Kayak Skyscanner

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Elizabeth Palacios is a journalist based in Ciudad de México, Mexico. She can make works about soft news, travel, gourmet, life & style issues. Furthermore she can do profiles and features about health, human rights, gender, science and business. She has write for BBC News (London) Esquire Latam, ...

Discover Travel Trends for 2023

27 Nov 2022  |  La Unión de Morelos  |  Spanish  |  Wellness Retreats

Travel trends for 2023 indicate a shift from one-size-fits-all trips to more unique experiences, with an increase in travel to cultural capitals, a new wave of wellness retreats, and a rise in demand for outdoor destinations. Travelers are inspired by their favorite TV series, with 47% of Mexican travelers influenced by streaming content. Paris, Italy, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Japan are popular destinations. There is a focus on finding a balance between affordability and comfort, with Mexican travelers planning to stay in one to three-star hotels and seeking additional benefits. Wellness vacations are gaining popularity, with Mexico, the United States, and Spain being top destinations for innovative wellness offerings. Cooking at home during vacations is trending, and rustic getaways in the countryside are sought after. Hidden gems in Mexico are becoming more accessible, leading to a rise in interest in places like Chapala and Mulegé. The overarching theme for 2023 is to break away from the norm and seek out unique, uncompromising experiences.

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Expedia

Ulrik Pedersen is a sports photographer.

I have accreditation for African Cup of Nations coming up in January 2024.

Let me know if you are interested in photos.

Thanks.

****

Revolutionizing AI Conversations: Overview of the upcoming ChatGPT Plugins

01 Oct 2023  |  medium.com  |  English  |  Software Development

The article discusses the upcoming plugins for ChatGPT, highlighting their potential to revolutionize AI conversations. OpenAI is gradually rolling out access to these plugins, starting with a small group of users. The plugins include a web browser, a code interpreter, and a knowledge base retrieval tool. Several companies, such as Expedia and Shopify, have already developed plugins. These plugins aim to extend the capabilities of language models by providing access to more recent and personalized information. OpenAI is also working on open standards to unify AI-facing interfaces and is seeking feedback from developers.

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Expedia FiscalNote Instacart KAYAK Klarna Milo OpenTable Shopify Slack Speak Wolfram Zapier

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Ed Peters is an award-winning journalist based in Hong Kong. He has spent most of his working life in Asia, and his CV includes editing an architectural magazine, Copy Editor in Chief for CNN Travel, editing hotel guides to Asia, Oceania and the United Kingdom, and the inaugural Asia Villa Guide.
...

25 ways travel in Asia has changed in 25 years

05 Dec 2019  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Culture

Over the past 25 years, travel in Asia has undergone significant changes, including the rise of low-cost carriers, airport upgrades, the introduction of premium economy, and the expansion of high-speed rail networks. Ride-hailing apps have transformed local transportation, while boutique hotels and super-resorts have diversified accommodation options. The culinary landscape has been elevated by Michelin stars and food trucks, and wellness has become a staple in hospitality with the proliferation of spas. Literary festivals and music events have grown in popularity, and the gambling industry has seen a shift from gritty venues to luxurious casinos. Sustainable tourism initiatives have emerged, and family travel has evolved to include more engaging activities for children. The influx of Chinese tourists has had a notable impact on regional economies. Online planning and booking have largely replaced traditional travel agents, and digital advancements have made travel more convenient, from cashless payments to navigation apps. The article also touches on the decline of physical maps and the shift from traveler's cheques to digital payments.

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Expedia EVA Air Virgin Atlantic Emirates Etihad Hotel 1929 Fusion Maia Chiva-Som Zuji GoPro

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Dave Powell is a journalist based in Liverpool, United Kingdom. He covers the business of sport, with particular focus on football. He has connections with many of the key decision makers and team owners shaping European football, with a keen interest in, and knowledge of, the North American ...

How Liverpool became the most popular Premier League club in America

19 Oct 2023  |  www.liverpoolecho.co.uk  |  English  |  Business

Liverpool Football Club has leveraged its global brand and strategic partnerships to become the most popular Premier League club in the United States. Under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool has adopted a self-sustaining business model that directly impacts on-field success. Kate Pratt Theobald, head of global partnership sales, has played a pivotal role in expanding the club's presence in the Americas. The club's digital strategy and alignment with blue-chip companies like SC Johnson, Peloton, Google Pixel, and UPS have contributed to its growth. The Premier League's increasing popularity in the US, bolstered by NBC's broadcasting rights and the upcoming 2026 World Cup, presents further opportunities for Liverpool's expansion and fan engagement.

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Expedia Liverpool Football Club Fenway Sports Group NBC SC Johnson Peloton Google Pixel UPS Standard Chartered

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Josh Poyser is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Checkout.com promotes Mariano Albera to CTO

27 Nov 2023  |  fintech-intel.com  |  English  |  Fintech

Checkout.com has experienced a year-on-year growth of over 40% and has appointed Mariano Albera as the new CTO to further enhance its payments platform and services. Albera, who has been with the UK-based company for over three years, aims to leverage machine learning and AI to improve payment operations for customers. The leadership change follows Ott Kaukver's tenure, with CEO Guillaume Pousaz expressing confidence in Albera's ability to drive the company's growth.

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Expedia Checkout.com OVO Energy Thomas Cook

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Holly Quan is a journalist based in Martinez, United States of America.

Europe Covid cases surge as US opens borders to international travelers

05 Nov 2021  |  www.audacy.com  |  English  |  Public Health

The article discusses the contrasting situations between the U.S. reopening its borders to fully vaccinated Europeans and the surge in COVID-19 cases in Europe. It mentions that travel websites like Expedia, SkyScanner, and Hopper have seen increased interest in European travel, despite Germany reporting a record high in new infections. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from UCSF suggests Americans postpone travel to Europe until spring when he predicts COVID-19 case rates will decline. However, health officials state that fully vaccinated and boosted individuals following mask protocols can still travel safely.

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Expedia SkyScanner Hopper

I am a multimedia journalist based between Catania, Italy and in Geneva, Switzerland. After obtaining a master's degree from City, University of London. I've worked at CNN and the World Economic Forum, where I honed my skills in breaking news, long-form features, and corporate communications. My ...

Is Airbnb still a good business model? Online rental platforms on the rise in Europe

11 Jan 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Travel

Airbnb, valued at over $90 billion, continues to thrive despite challenges, including a recent €576 million settlement with Italian tax authorities. The platform, along with others like Booking, Expedia Group, and TripAdvisor, saw a significant increase in short-term rental bookings in Europe, with a 13.4% rise in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Popular destinations included Spain, Croatia, and France. Airbnb's CEO Brian Chesky emphasized the resilience of the company's business model.

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Expedia Group Airbnb Booking TripAdvisor

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Rachel is a Hong Kong based journalist available for writing, photography and videography work.
She is currently covering Hong Kong's ongoing political turmoil stemming from the controversial extradition bill. 

Rachel has previously worked in the Hong Kong desk at South China Morning Post. As a ...

Thousands of Hongkongers chase wanderlust over Easter holiday, with Japan most popular destination

04 Apr 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Holiday Travel

Hong Kong residents are eager to travel during the Ching Ming Festival and Easter holiday, with Japan being the most popular destination. Travel demand is recovering, with significant increases in travel to Tokyo, Taipei, Osaka, Bangkok, and Seoul. Travel agencies report sold-out tours and increased bookings, especially for Japan. The Immigration Department estimates over 9 million people will pass through Hong Kong's border control points during this period, a significant increase from last year. However, there has not been a significant rise in tour groups from mainland China.

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Expedia EGL Tours WWPKG

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