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LONELY PLANET REVEALS 2025 BEST IN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS AND TRENDS

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Expert Predictions for the Upcoming Year Feature 30 Incredible Destinations and 10 Exciting Travel Trends

Best in Travel 2025 Returns With Print Edition, Immersive Video and Photography-Led Digital Experience Presented by Saily

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Lonely Planet, the global travel authority, reveals its top destinations to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025. The 15th edition of this best-selling book features 30 must-visit destinations from around the world, and for the first time, the title includes the top 10 travel trend predictions for the year ahead. In addition to the print edition, Lonely Planet also unveils a curated collection of digital and social media content, presented in partnership with new eSIM service, Saily. Travelers can stay connected and secure while traveling with Saily, with mobile data coverage in nearly all locations on Lonely Planet’s winning list.

Lonely Planet’s team of international experts, including editors, writers and other contributors from around the world curated the 30 must-see global destinations across three categories: cities, countries and regions. Each category features 10 destinations, chosen for their topicality, unique attributes and experiences, including food, history, architecture, art, vibrant local culture and natural beauty, along with their ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.

“Best in Travel 2025 is the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s annual love letter to the world. While mindful of our responsibilities and impact as travelers, we’re proud of the destinations, journeys and experiences featured here, and we are excited to share the local expertise and insight at the heart of these recommendations,” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, Content and Executive Editor. “Wherever you are in the world, we’re confident Best in Travel brings fresh inspiration for the year ahead.”

Known as La Ville Rose, Toulouse is named top city for its ever-expanding art scene, carefree riverside wandering and its many incontournables (unmissable things to see and do). The West African nation Cameroon tops the country list for its pristine beaches, less crowded national parks, and the variety of exciting nightlife found in its major cities. Named as the top region, Low Country and Coastal Georgia, including Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, stood out for its historical and cultural significance, striking a careful balance between acknowledging the past and embracing a better future. For passionate, off-the-beaten-path explorers, Lonely Planet recommends hiking the Jordan Trail and exploring the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Panama’s Chiriqui region.

For the 15th edition, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 provides fresh takes on new experiences in popular destinations, while also shining a light on some underappreciated locales, like Genoa, Lithuania and Switzerland’s Valais region. Pittsburgh keeps getting better, with an astoundingly refreshing food-and-drink scene and a supportive economy that draws creatives from all over, continuing the transformation of this steel town into a bustling hub of innovation and contemporary culture. In Spain, a leader in sustainable tourism practices, picturesque, Mediterranean-facing Palma de Mallorca makes the list for its off-season offerings, like a dynamic culinary scene and a highly-anticipated waterfront promenade.

Exclusive to Best in Travel 2025 is the all-new travel trends list, focused on the passion and enthusiasm driving decision-making right now. For each individual interest – like birdwatching, trains, local markets and underrated outdoor adventures – Lonely Planet names the 10 best destinations where readers can explore and experience those passions.

Available globally for purchase at shop.lonelyplanet.com, the Best in Travel 2025 hardcover book features stunning photography, local advice and insider experiences for each of the destinations on this year’s list. To accompany the print edition, travelers can check out Lonely Planet’s website and follow social media accounts to engage with interactive digital content from each of this year’s selections, including immersive video showcasing the beauty of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Genoa, Vanuatu and Armenia.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 – Complete list

CITY

COUNTRY

REGION

Toulouse, France

Cameroon

Low Country and Coastal Georgia

Pondicherry, India

Lithuania

The Terai, Nepal

Bansko, Bulgaria

Fiji

Chiriqui, Panama

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Laos

Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia

Genoa, Italy

Kazakhstan

Valais, Switzerland

Pittsburgh, USA

Paraguay

Giresun & Ordu, Turkiye

Osaka, Japan

Trinidad & Tobago

Bavaria, Germany

Curitiba, Brazil

Vanuatu

East Anglia, England

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Slovakia

Jordan Trail

Edmonton, Canada

Armenia

Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon, USA

Top Travel Trends for 2025

In addition to naming the 30 must-visit destinations for the upcoming year, for the first time, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 is unveiling the top ten travel trends for the year ahead. The list is accompanied by a selection of the best destinations for travelers to experience these trends in real life.

Train Hopping – From cross-continental epic voyages to slow travel branch lines, rail-based adventures are more popular than ever with contemporary travelers.Taking it Easy – Slow travel emphasizes the value of being present in the natural world, to escape from the stress and worry of an always-on digital world.Following the Music – Experience-based travel continues to resonate with music-lovers in search of iconic venues around the world.Extreme Birdwatching – Now more than ever, bird enthusiasts are planning entire vacations around viewing their favorite feathered friends.Marvelous Markets – Interest in local markets continues to soar as travelers seek sensory ways to immerse themselves in local life.What a Drag – The most spectacular drag shows in the world are celebrations of inclusivity and connection, bringing people together through artistic and human expression.Underrated Parks – Intrepid adventures are vying to find the most under-the-radar parks and reserves, reclaiming the outdoors from the masses to experience the natural world without waiting in line.Local Flavors – Eating and travel are inextricably linked, and more and more travelers are seeking out destinations where distinctive and delicious cuisine and local food culture get top-billing.Arboreal Adventures – Places known for their remarkable trees and forests are in high demand as travelers discover novel approaches to connecting with their surroundings.Best Beaches – Offering relaxation, unspoiled beauty and a connection with nature, beach vacations will always be on trend.

For more information on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, please visit:
lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel 

To purchase Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, please visit: shop.lonelyplanet.com 

Images can be downloaded for press use HERE.

ABOUT LONELY PLANET

Lonely Planet has been guiding travel for 50 years with a core belief that travel is for everyone. A trusted voice in travel guidance, Lonely Planet is part of the Red Ventures portfolio, and has been dedicated to providing actionable inspiration for every kind of traveler since 1973, Lonely Planet’s mission is to help more people from more backgrounds experience the joy of going places. Over the past 50 years, Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries as well as countless other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travelers of all types. Lonely Planet reaches millions of travelers each year online and across social channels helping them unlock amazing experiences. Lonely Planet can be found on lonelyplanet.com, mobile, video, social media, and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks and more. 

Join Lonely Planet online at lonelyplanet.com/newsletter as well on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

ABOUT SAILY

Saily is an affordable, user-friendly, and sustainable eSIM service that helps people to manage mobile and internet connections from anywhere in the world. Saily is available in 160+ countries and offers 24/7 instant customer support, flexible plans, and global coverage. Saily was created by the experts behind NordVPN — the advanced security and privacy app. For more information: saily.com.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

Lonely Planet has partnered with Saily as its exclusive eSIM service, supporting travelers with greater utility and education as they plan their next trip. Many travelers still choose to connect to public Wi-Fi, which can be a security issue. Through new connectivity content narratives and Saily integrations across Lonely Planet’s digital experience, travelers will receive destination information, guidance, and an opportunity to purchase their eSIM in one seamless experience.

For media requests, please contact:
PR@lonelyplanet.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lonely-planet-reveals-2025-best-in-travel-destinations-and-trends-302283481.html

SOURCE Lonely Planet

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How a Unified Monetization Solution Is Driving eCPM and Revenue Growth for Casual Games Worldwide

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SINGAPORE, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Casual, hyper-casual, and hybrid-casual games have become dominant categories in the global mobile market, making in-app advertising (IAA) a key driver of monetization success. However, many developers continue to face major challenges, including unstable fill rates, fluctuating eCPMs, difficulties balancing multiple regional markets, and the ongoing tradeoff between user experience and revenue growth.

To address these issues, zMaticoo has compiled a series of monetization case studies from leading game publishers and studios across China, Vietnam, Europe, and North America. These teams span hyper-casual, puzzle, board, card, and light-casual game categories, with DAUs ranging from millions to tens of millions. By adopting the same monetization framework, they achieved simultaneous growth in fill rate, eCPM, and ad revenue while maintaining stable user experience.

A common challenge among these teams was the shrinking monetization margin across global markets, creating an urgent need for sustainable revenue growth. At the same time, developers were cautious about over-monetization negatively impacting retention and player engagement.

To solve these challenges, zMaticoo introduced an AI-driven monetization system with full-funnel optimization capabilities. The platform connects developers directly to premium global advertiser budgets across both performance and brand advertising. AI models identify high-value traffic in real time based on region, audience, and usage scenarios, prioritizing high-eCPM demand sources. Separate bidding strategies are applied for mature and emerging markets to avoid revenue loss caused by one-size-fits-all pricing models.

The platform also provides refined ad format optimization:

Banner Ads: optimized display share and loading timing to improve SOV and stabilize eCPM;Interstitial Ads: precisely triggered during high-value moments such as level completion or pause screens, with especially strong premiums in emerging markets;Rewarded Video: deeply integrated into gameplay loops, delivering high user acceptance and conversion performance.

On the technical side, zMaticoo optimized SDK infrastructure to improve fill stability under weak network conditions. Ad loading time was reduced from five seconds to under two seconds through a rebuilt loading architecture. Progressive asset loading further minimized timeout-related drop-offs. AI-powered ad templates dynamically generated personalized creatives, improving both CTR and conversion performance.

The zMaticoo team also provides one-stop operational and analytics support. Developers can monitor fill rate, impressions, eCPM, and revenue through a unified dashboard, while dedicated optimization specialists provide 7×12 support for A/B testing, strategy iteration, and scaling guidance. The platform is deeply integrated with major mediation solutions, enabling one-time integration and multi-scenario deployment while reducing development and maintenance costs.

According to zMaticoo platform data:

In mature markets including the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, banner eCPMs increased by 5%–10%, while interstitial premiums improved by over 5%;In emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, interstitial eCPMs increased by more than 10%.

The monetization framework has demonstrated effectiveness across hyper-casual, puzzle, board/card, and utility app categories, supporting both rapid scale-up and long-term monetization stability.

Partner feedback includes:

“We are highly satisfied with the revenue uplift after integration. Our core products’ banner performance now ranks among the top tier.””Revenue recovered significantly after A/B testing, and we are expanding testing across more products.””One solution now supports multiple global markets without requiring separate monetization strategies for each region.””Interstitial monetization performance has been especially strong, with SOV reaching 10%–20% for several partners.”

zMaticoo believes successful monetization today is not about stacking more ad platforms, but about leveraging AI, technology, and refined operations to unlock long-term traffic value. Whether for hyper-casual publishers, puzzle game studios, or global mobile app companies, this AI-powered monetization framework is designed to deliver sustainable revenue growth while preserving user experience.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/how-a-unified-monetization-solution-is-driving-ecpm-and-revenue-growth-for-casual-games-worldwide-302767432.html

SOURCE zMaticoo

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Fox ESS Celebrates Strong Momentum with Integrated Solar Storage & Charging Solutions at Smart Energy 2026

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SYDNEY, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fox ESS, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, attended Smart Energy 2026 during 6-7 May as a platinum sponsor. At the event, Fox ESS showcased its next-generation approach to solar storage and EV charging solution, delivering a seamless, future-ready energy experience for homeowners and installers across Australia.

Integrated Solutions Tailored for Aussie Homes

At Smart Energy 2026, Fox ESS highlighted its storage-to-charging solution, designed to make everyday energy use more convenient for local residents. With performance-led products and proven market traction, Fox ESS is set to play its part in building a more resilient energy future for Australia.

Battery Systems

Fox ESS continues to build momentum in the battery market. Sunwiz, an Australian solar consultancy, recently reported that Fox ESS ranked No.1 in March for installation capacity. And the company also revealed it has installed more than 25,000 systems in April. During the exhibition, Sunwiz presented Fox ESS with an award, recognising the company as Top Solar Company for Fastest Growing Battery.

CQ7 V6+ High Voltage Battery (42kWh and above)
Building on Fox ESS’ proven strengths, compact design and high capacity, CQ7 V6+ is well suited to medium-sized households and ensure the free use of electricity and maximize the self-consumption.EQ4800 High Voltage Battery (28kWh)
A reliable choice for smaller households, designed for efficient day-to-day energy storage.

Alongside its battery range, Fox ESS showcased all-in-one systems, including Stackable AIO and EVO, designed to simplify installation while maintaining a high standard of design and presentation.

Inverters

Fox ESS offers a range of inverters to suit local requirements, supported by up to 200% PV oversizing and a 10-year product warranty.

Single-phase: H1‑G2 (3–6kW); KH series (7–10.5kW)Three-phase: H3 Smart (5–15kW); H3 Pro (15–29.9kW); H3 Plus (50–125kW)

EV Chargers

With EV adoption accelerating, Fox ESS also offers EV charging solutions with solar linkage, designed to work across its inverter portfolio. The chargers provide robust, smart energy management, including dynamic load balancing to help protect home circuits.

A Series (7.3kW / 11kW / 22kW): IP65 and IK08 protection, OCPP-compliant.L Series (7.3kW / 11kW): straightforward installation with multiple colour options.

Big Battery Still Takes Centre Stage

As the Cheaper Home Battery Program moves into a new phase under an updated rebate policy, interest in larger battery systems continues to grow, particularly as more households consider EV upgrades amid rising fuel costs. More EVs typically mean households need greater energy availability, making higher-capacity storage an increasingly attractive option.

Looking ahead, from 1 July 2026, the Australian Government’s Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) will provide eligible households with three hours of free daily electricity to align with peak solar generation. Households with larger batteries will be well placed to make the most of this opportunity.

Fox ESS is also working with local VPP partners, including Amber Electric and Origin Loop VPP, helping homeowners unlock maximum value while supporting greater grid stability.

Maimai Comes Alive at the Exhibition

Visitors to the Fox ESS stand experienced a full programme of brand activations across the event. Following the online announcement, Sydney served as Maimai’s first physical stop, bringing the community together for face-to-face engagement. Attendees queued to take photos with the brand’s friendly and recognisable mascot.

Long-Term Commitment to Australia

Fox ESS has opened two local offices in Melbourne and Sydney, with more than 30 dedicated specialists supporting local customer needs. The company is also looking to play a wider role in Australia’s energy transition.

Notably, Ian Thorpe made his first in-person appearance at Fox Night, where he presented partners with awards. At the event party, Fox ESS also hosted a battery installation challenge, featuring eight rounds of competition, with the final winners receiving a range of prizes.

“We’re delighted to see such a strong result following the rollout of local policy. With nearly 400,000 Australian households now installing batteries, Fox ESS has played a key role, but this is only the beginning. We’re committed to keeping momentum and helping make a smarter, more reliable energy future a reality for more homes.” said Brooks Richard Geng, APAC & Middle East Managing Director, Fox ESS.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/fox-ess-celebrates-strong-momentum-with-integrated-solar-storage–charging-solutions-at-smart-energy-2026-302767429.html

SOURCE Fox ESS

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TELUS announces election of directors

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VANCOUVER, BC, May 8, 2026 /CNW/ – TELUS Corporation (TELUS) (TSX: T) (NYSE: TU) announced today that the nominees listed in TELUS’ 2026 information circular were elected as directors of TELUS. The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors held at TELUS’ annual meeting on May 8, 2026 (the Meeting) are set out below.

Each of the following 14 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of TELUS:

Nominee

Votes For  

% Votes For  

Votes Withheld  

% Votes Withheld 

Raymond T. Chan

592,322,965

97.91

12,667,245

2.09

Hazel Claxton

599,400,953

99.08

5,589,256

0.92

Lisa De Wilde

583,361,107

96.42

21,629,103

3.58

Victor Dodig

593,352,117

98.08

11,638,092

1.92

Darren Entwistle

586,791,970

96.99

18,198,239

3.01

Thomas Flynn

596,684,564

98.63

8,305,646

1.37

Mary Jo Haddad

577,841,419

95.51

27,148,791

4.49

Martha Hall Findlay     

595,075,545

98.36

9,914,665

1.64

Christine Magee

597,282,615

98.73

7,707,595

1.27

John Manley

579,845,538

95.84

25,144,672

4.16

David Mowat

592,867,380

98.00

12,122,830

2.00

Marc Parent

577,961,748

95.53

27,028,461

4.47

Denise Pickett

596,211,746

98.55

8,778,464

1.45

W. Sean Willy

595,898,668

98.50

9,091,541

1.50

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Meeting will be published shortly on telus.com/agm, and filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a world-leading communications technology company operating in more than 45 countries and generating over $20 billion in annual revenue with more than 21 million customer connections through our advanced suite of broadband services for consumers, businesses and the public sector. We are committed to leveraging our technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. TELUS is passionate about putting our customers and communities first, leading the way globally in client service excellence and social capitalism. TELUS Health is enhancing approximately 170 million lives across 200 countries and territories through innovative preventive medicine and well-being technologies. TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods utilizes digital technologies and data insights to optimize the connection between producers and consumers. TELUS Digital specializes in digital customer experiences and future-focused digital transformations that deliver value for their global clients. Guided by our enduring ‘give where we live’ philosophy, TELUS continues to invest in initiatives that support education, health and community well-being. In 2023, we launched the TELUS Student Bursary, which strives to ensure that every young person in Canada who wants a postsecondary education has the opportunity to pursue one. To date, the program has distributed over $6 million in bursaries to 2,000 students and counting. Since 2000, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $1.85 billion in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs, including 2.5 million days of service–earning TELUS the distinction of the world’s most giving company.

For more information, visit telus.com or follow @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Jacinthe Beaulieu
TELUS Media Relations
Jacinthe.Beaulieu@telus.com

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SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.

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