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Tuniu Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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NANJING, China, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tuniu Corporation (NASDAQ: TOUR) (“Tuniu” or the “Company”), a leading online leisure travel company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

“We are pleased to see that Tuniu continued to maintain profitable growth in the third quarter of 2024, reaching our highest quarterly profit since our listing.” said Mr. Donald Dunde Yu, Tuniu’s founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This quarter, our core packaged tours business continued its steady growth. In the face of greater and more diversified peak season demand, we expanded our product and destination offerings to provide more varied and personalized services for a wider range of customers. We also closely followed changes in consumer habits and further developed our ‘travel + new media’ marketing model, integrating services with technology to continually enhance user experience to attract more customers. Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering outstanding customer experiences while striving to promote high-quality development for the company.“

Third Quarter 2024 Results

Net revenues were RMB186.0 million (US$26.5 million[1]) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 4.4% from the corresponding period in 2023.

Revenues from packaged tours were RMB 159.3 million (US$22.7 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.2% from the corresponding period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to the growth of organized tours.Other revenues were RMB26.7 million (US$3.8 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year decrease of 5.1% from the corresponding period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in the fees for advertising services provided to tourism boards and bureaus.

Cost of revenues was RMB64.2 million (US$9.2 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.2% from the corresponding period in 2023. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues was 34.5% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 35.6% in the corresponding period in 2023.

Gross profit was RMB121.8 million (US$17.4 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.1% from the corresponding period in 2023.

Operating expenses were RMB92.6 million (US$13.2 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 11.5% from the corresponding period in 2023.

Research and product development expenses were RMB13.6 million (US$1.9 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year decrease of 25.9%. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in research and product development personnel related expenses. Research and product development expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 7.3% in the third quarter of 2024, decreasing from 10.3% as a percentage of net revenues in the corresponding period in 2023.Sales and marketing expenses were RMB60.6 million (US$8.6 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 53.0%. The increase was primarily due to the increase in promotion expenses. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 32.6% in the third quarter of 2024, increasing from 22.2% as a percentage of net revenues in the corresponding period in 2023.General and administrative expenses were RMB18.6 million (US$2.7 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year decrease of 31.3%. The decrease was primarily due to the reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 10.0% in the third quarter of 2024, decreasing from 15.2% as a percentage of net revenues in the corresponding period in 2023.

Income from operations was RMB29.2 million (US$4.2 million) in the third quarter of 2024, compared to an income from operations of RMB31.7 million in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP[2] income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB31.3 million (US$4.5 million) in the third quarter of 2024.

Net income was RMB43.9 million (US$6.3 million) in the third quarter of 2024, compared to a net income of RMB39.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB46.0 million (US$6.6 million) in the third quarter of 2024.

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Tuniu Corporation was RMB44.4 million (US$6.3 million) in the third quarter of 2024, compared to a net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Tuniu Corporation of RMB39.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Tuniu Corporation, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB46.6 million (US$6.6 million) in the third quarter of 2024.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB1.3 billion (US$185.8 million).

Business Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2024, Tuniu expects to generate RMB100.0 million to RMB105.0 million of net revenues, which represents a 0% to 5% increase year-over-year compared with net revenues in the corresponding period in 2023. This forecast reflects Tuniu’s current and preliminary view on the industry and its operations, which is subject to change.

Share Repurchase Update

In March 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$10 million worth of its ordinary shares or American depositary shares representing ordinary shares. As of November 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of approximately 6.2 million ADSs for approximately US$5.6 million from the open market under the share repurchase program.

Conference Call Information

Tuniu’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 am U.S. Eastern Time, on December 5, 2024, (9:00 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time, on December 5, 2024) to discuss the third quarter 2024 financial results.

To participate in the conference call, please dial the following numbers:

United States

1-888-346-8982

Hong Kong

852-301-84992

Mainland China

4001-201203

International

1-412-902-4272

Conference ID: Tuniu 3Q 2024 Earnings Conference Call

A telephone replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference call through December 12, 2024. The dial-in details are as follows:

United States

1-877-344-7529

International

1-412-317-0088

Replay Access Code: 6264965

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.tuniu.com.

About Tuniu

Tuniu (Nasdaq: TOUR) is a leading online leisure travel company in China that offers integrated travel service with a large selection of packaged tours, including organized and self-guided tours, as well as travel-related services for leisure travelers through its website tuniu.com and mobile platform. Tuniu provides one-stop leisure travel solutions and a compelling customer experience through its online platform and offline service network, including a dedicated team of professional customer service representatives, 24/7 call centers, extensive networks of offline retail stores and self-operated local tour operators. For more information, please visit http://ir.tuniu.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Tuniu may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Tuniu’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but are not limited to the following: Tuniu’s goals and strategies; the growth of the online leisure travel market in China; the demand for Tuniu’s products and services; its relationships with customers and travel suppliers; Tuniu’s ability to offer competitive travel products and services; Tuniu’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; competition in the online travel industry in China; government policies and regulations relating to Tuniu’s structure, business and industry; the impact of health epidemics on Tuniu’s business operations, the travel industry and the economy of China and elsewhere generally; and the general economic and business condition in China and elsewhere. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Tuniu does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), the Company has provided non-GAAP information related to income from operations, net income, net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Tuniu Corporation, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and net gain on disposals of subsidiaries. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful for understanding and assessing underlying business performance and operating trends, and management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our financial performance and when planning and forecasting future periods.

This non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool. Further, this non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore its comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. Tuniu encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

[1] The conversion of Renminbi (“RMB”) into United States dollars (“US$”) is based on the exchange rate of US$1.00=RMB 7.0176 on September 30, 2024 as set forth in H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and available at https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/default.htm. 

[2] The section below entitled “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” provides information about the use of Non-GAAP financial measures in this press release, and the table captioned “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release reconciles Non-GAAP financial information with the Company’s financial results under GAAP.

 

 

 

Tuniu Corporation

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(All amounts in thousands, except per share information)

 December 31, 2023 

 September 30, 2024 

 September 30, 2024 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

378,989

401,925

57,274

Restricted cash 

65,902

24,946

3,555

Short-term investments

777,890

877,088

124,984

Accounts receivable, net

41,633

61,616

8,780

Amounts due from related parties

9,515

221

31

Prepayments and other current assets  

234,189

224,144

31,940

Total current assets

1,508,118

1,589,940

226,564

Non-current assets

Long-term investments

209,819

210,991

30,066

Property and equipment, net

57,479

53,408

7,611

Intangible assets, net

26,091

23,154

3,299

Land use right, net

90,529

88,983

12,680

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

12,484

9,892

1,410

Other non-current assets

55,960

30,548

4,353

Total non-current assets

452,362

416,976

59,419

Total assets

1,960,480

2,006,916

285,983

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND
EQUITY

Current liabilities

Short-term borrowings

7,277

35

5

Accounts and notes payable 

317,104

397,331

56,619

Amounts due to related parties

6,405

8,723

1,243

Salary and welfare payable

21,401

20,778

2,961

Taxes payable

4,305

2,265

323

Advances from customers

270,197

178,258

25,402

Operating lease liabilities, current

2,709

3,117

444

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

329,481

323,590

46,110

Total current liabilities

958,879

934,097

133,107

Non-current liabilities

Operating lease liabilities, non-current

5,348

3,465

494

Deferred tax liabilities

6,027

5,338

761

Long-term borrowings

10,395

–

–

Total non-current liabilities

21,770

8,803

1,255

Total liabilities

980,649

942,900

134,362

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

27,200

27,200

3,876

Equity

Ordinary shares

249

249

35

Less: Treasury stock

(285,983)

(316,943)

(45,164)

Additional paid-in capital

9,138,720

9,145,624

1,303,241

Accumulated other comprehensive income

305,416

304,892

43,447

Accumulated deficit

(8,127,552)

(8,026,171)

(1,143,720)

Total Tuniu Corporation shareholders’ equity

1,030,850

1,107,651

157,839

Noncontrolling interests

(78,219)

(70,835)

(10,094)

Total equity

952,631

1,036,816

147,745

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity

1,960,480

2,006,916

285,983

 

 

 

Tuniu Corporation

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(All amounts in thousands, except per share information)

 Quarter Ended 

 Quarter Ended 

 Quarter Ended 

 Quarter Ended 

 September 30, 2023 

 June 30, 2024 

 September 30, 2024 

 September 30, 2024 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

Revenues

Packaged tours

150,052

89,782

159,289

22,699

Others

28,139

27,155

26,706

3,806

Net revenues

178,191

116,937

185,995

26,505

Cost of revenues

(63,424)

(32,530)

(64,212)

(9,150)

Gross profit

114,767

84,407

121,783

17,355

Operating expenses

Research and product development

(18,400)

(12,693)

(13,640)

(1,944)

Sales and marketing

(39,583)

(40,222)

(60,578)

(8,632)

General and administrative

(27,089)

(21,737)

(18,600)

(2,650)

Other operating income

2,005

24,735

202

29

Total operating expenses

(83,067)

(49,917)

(92,616)

(13,197)

Income from operations

31,700

34,490

29,167

4,158

Other income/(expenses)

Interest and investment income, net

7,397

8,221

7,213

1,028

Interest expense

(1,102)

(1,230)

(865)

(123)

Foreign exchange gains/(losses), net

1,983

(1,282)

1,115

159

Other income, net

1,687

1,822

6,931

988

Income before income tax expense

41,665

42,021

43,561

6,210

Income tax loss

(964)

(459)

(159)

(23)

Equity in (loss)/income of affiliates

(1,630)

1,438

464

66

Net income

39,071

43,000

43,866

6,253

Net  loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(332)

(22)

(582)

(83)

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Tuniu
Corporation

39,403

43,022

44,448

6,336

Net income

39,071

43,000

43,866

6,253

Other comprehensive (loss)/income:

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax

(1,413)

4,301

(6,859)

(977)

Comprehensive income

37,658

47,301

37,007

5,276

Net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary
shareholders – basic and diluted

0.11

0.12

0.12

0.02

Net income per ADS – basic and diluted*

0.33

0.36

0.36

0.06

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing
basic income per share

371,473,030

363,061,543

357,427,106

357,427,106

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing
diluted income per share

374,615,685

365,317,172

359,607,726

359,607,726

Share-based compensation expenses included are as follows:

Cost of revenues

79

65

65

9

Research and product development

79

65

65

9

Sales and marketing

43

31

32

5

General and administrative

5,356

1,429

1,246

178

Total

5,557

1,590

1,408

201

*Each ADS represents three of the Company’s ordinary shares.

 

 

 

Reconciliations  of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(All amounts in thousands, except per share information)

 Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

 GAAP Result 

 Share-based 

Amortization of acquired 

Net gain on

 Non-GAAP 

 Compensation 

  intangible assets 

 disposals of subsidiaries 

 Result 

Income from operations

29,167

1,408

764

–

31,339

Net income

43,866

1,408

764

–

46,038

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders

44,448

1,408

764

–

46,620

 Quarter Ended June 30, 2024

 GAAP Result 

 Share-based 

Amortization of acquired 

Net gain on

 Non-GAAP 

 Compensation 

  intangible assets 

 disposals of subsidiaries 

 Result 

Income from operations

34,490

1,590

828

(24,618)

12,290

Net income

43,000

1,590

828

(24,618)

20,800

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders

43,022

1,590

828

(24,618)

20,822

 Quarter Ended September 30, 2023

 GAAP Result 

 Share-based 

Amortization of acquired 

Net gain on

 Non-GAAP 

 Compensation 

  intangible assets 

 disposals of subsidiaries 

 Result 

Income from operations

31,700

5,557

828

–

38,085

Net income

39,071

5,557

828

–

45,456

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders

39,403

5,557

828

–

45,788

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tuniu-announces-unaudited-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-302323596.html

SOURCE Tuniu Corporation

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Opportunity Finance Network Recognizes Outstanding Industry Leadership at OFN42

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The annual Opportunity Honors recognize the leading individuals and organizations in community development finance

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the nation’s leading investment intermediary and network of community development financial institutions (CDFIs), honored those advancing community development finance and expanding economic opportunity across the country at OFN42, the nation’s largest CDFI industry convening.

Industry Awards

The Opportunity Honors celebrate excellence across the CDFI industry, recognizing individuals and organizations who drive capital to communities underserved by mainstream finance.

“What connects this year’s honorees is not the geography they serve or the institutions they lead,” said OFN President and CEO Harold Pettigrew. “It is a shared belief that communities deserve the tools, capital, and support needed to shape their own futures. We are proud to celebrate leaders whose work continues to strengthen opportunity across the country.”

Colorado-based Oweesta Corporation, the longest-standing Native CDFI intermediary, received the Adina Abramowitz Impact Award for Organizational Growth and Change. This award recognizes a CDFI that embodies the principles of transformational growth and change that Abramowitz championed and honors her extraordinary legacy of building CDFIs’ capacity for over 30 years. Abramowitz was the managing partner of CDFI Friendly America. Known as a trailblazer in community development, she passed away in 2023. In 2024, OFN honored Abramowitz with the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance and then created this award in her name to carry on her memory.

OFN also honored Philadelphia Accelerator Fund with the Emerging Growth CDFI Award, which honors a small or emerging CDFI that has demonstrated exceptional growth and service to its community over the last three years.

South Dakota-based Four Bands Community Fund received the second annual Native CDFI Leadership Award, which recognizes a Native CDFI demonstrating strong leadership in advancing economic opportunity in Native communities.

For individuals, Marla Bilonick, President and CEO, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), received the Executive Leadership Award, which celebrates an outstanding executive leader within a CDFI who has demonstrated exceptional vision, perseverance, and leadership in driving capital to low-income communities.

Finally, Tate Hill, CEO of Access Plus Capital in California, accepted the Small Business Leader of the Year Award, which honors leaders whose vision and partnerships have driven lasting economic impact, and whose dedication reflects the best of what community development finance can be.

LEARN MORE: The Opportunity Honors | Oweesta Corporation | Philadelphia Accelerator Fund | Four Bands Community Fund | National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) | Access Plus Capital 

About Opportunity Finance Network

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation’s leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, managing more than $1 billion in total assets and a membership of nearly 500 community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which includes community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. Our network of CDFIs works to ensure communities left behind by mainstream finance have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services, with a deep focus on serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others – and, for more than 40 years, has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for all.

Since its founding in 1986, OFN members have originated more than $136 billion in cumulative financing, helping to create or maintain nearly 3.8 million jobs, start or expand nearly 1.2 million businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of nearly 3 million housing units and nearly 16,000 community facility projects.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opportunity-finance-network-recognizes-outstanding-industry-leadership-at-ofn42-302917595.html

SOURCE Opportunity Finance Network

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Visa Partners Singapore Tourism Board to Strengthen Singapore’s Global Destination Appeal

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visa, a global leader in digital payments and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Singapore’s appeal as a preferred travel destination and to unlock new growth opportunities. The collaboration will focus on three key pillars – driving discovery of Singapore’s tourism products, especially its dining and night-time experiences; deriving insights to identify high-value tourism opportunities; and developing co-branded marketing campaigns to build brand preference for both Visa and Singapore.

Visa also announced that Singapore will be part of Visa Destinations, and the collaboration will leverage Visa Destinations as a platform to introduce strategic partnerships, flagship initiatives and experiences across Singapore’s tourism precincts and high-yield traveller segments.

Visa Destinations is a global travel programme designed to elevate how travellers discover and experience the world’s most iconic destinations. Singapore is the second country to launch Visa Destinations in Asia Pacific, following Thailand which was introduced in July this year. Other cities include London, New York, and Paris, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading travel hub. The programme will commence in Singapore in November this year.

Curating distinctively local experiences to inspire discovery of Singapore

The first pillar of collaboration will focus on benefits and experiences for travellers across tourism industries including attractions, dining, entertainment, retail and tours, which are key categories of spend.

Visa’s data shows that shopping and dining are significant contributors to traveller spend. This reinforces the importance of curating meaningful experiences that give travellers compelling reasons to return to Singapore, particularly as repeat visitors spend approximately four times more than first-time visitors[1]. Visa’s spend trend data and insights can sharpen the understanding of visitor segments, source markets and experiences with the greatest potential to drive higher-value demand, deeper exploration and repeat travel.

Visa and STB will also work closely to curate offers that showcase local businesses across tourism precincts, including building on an existing partnership with Pelago by Singapore Airlines to promote attractions and tours, supported by seamless, secure payment experiences throughout the visitor journey. These include introducing benefits and experience packages for Visa cardholders globally through the Visa Destinations platform at key attractions in Singapore.

The partnership will also spotlight Singapore’s vibrant night-time experiences, with both parties collaborating to drive demand, including building on an existing collaboration with Grab. Singapore’s night-time dynamism is a compelling part of its destination appeal, with flagship events such as the Singapore Grand Prix creating opportunities for visitors to experience the city after dark. The latest data from Visa indicated that during the F1™[2] Singapore Night Race 2026 race week, there was uplift in spend on restaurant and entertainment categories by two-thirds. Spending grew throughout the day, where evening spend climbed by almost half between 7pm and 11pm, and nearly doubled between 11pm and 5am[3].

Harnessing insights and targeted campaigns to drive high-value tourism

The second pillar will focus on harnessing tourism insights to identify high-value tourism opportunities through rich insights from Visa’s global network of cardholder data and analytics capabilities.

Visa data shows that some of the largest inbound travel corridors to Singapore amongst Visa cardholders include Australia, Indonesia, Mainland China, Malaysia and the United States[4]. This aligns with STB’s visitor arrival data, where these markets are among the largest source markets of visitors to Singapore. As there are common markets of interest, pooling available market data will allow both parties to develop a deeper understanding of visitor behaviour and preferences, tailor more targeted initiatives in response, and ensure efforts are focused on markets and segments with the highest potential for high-value tourism growth.

The third pillar of cooperation will see Visa and STB develop co-branded marketing campaigns anchored on the brand strengths of Visa Destinations and STB’s Passion Made Possible. The partners will roll out initiatives across key source markets, supported by destination-led storytelling, co-marketing activities and in-destination activations. These efforts will combine tailored travel content with exclusive access and experiences for Visa cardholders, building on the success of past campaigns such as Visa-STB-Pelago’s ‘Seasons. Made in Singapore’ and ‘Non-stop Fun’ which built on STB’s ‘Made in Singapore’ and ‘We Don’t Wait For Fun’ campaigns.

“Singapore is already a world-class destination with strong global appeal. Our partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board is about converting that appeal into deeper engagement, bringing together STB’s destination expertise with Visa’s global network, travel insights and partnerships to inspire more international travellers to visit and return,” said Adeline Kim, Group Country Manager, Regional Southeast Asia, & SVP, Global Clients, Asia Pacific, Visa. “Visa Destinations will help turn inspiration into action by connecting our cardholders with benefits, exclusive access and distinctive experiences across attractions, dining, entertainment, retail and tours. Together, we can make every stage of the journey more rewarding and seamless, while helping visitors discover more of Singapore and supporting the country’s ambition for high-value tourism growth,” she added.

“As travellers today increasingly seek more personalised and distinctive experiences, Singapore continues to evolve to inspire new discoveries with every visit. This partnership with Visa brings together its global reach, insights and network of partners with STB’s destination expertise to curate compelling, high-quality experiences and data-driven marketing campaigns that resonate with travellers’ interests. Through this collaboration, we aim to create more opportunities for our tourism businesses and advance STB’s Tourism 2040 priorities through impactful, high-quality tourism growth,” said Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

To see the list of Singapore’s Visa Destinations’ benefits and experiences, click here.

***

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com   | Follow us: STB LinkedIn, STB Facebook or STB Instagram

[1] VisaNet data as of April 2025 to March 2026

[2] Visa has no commercial affiliation or sponsorship relationship with Formula 1TM. All insights and data provided are based on VisaNet data from during the week of the Singapore Grand Prix

[3] VisaNet data as of event week is 5–11 October 2026, compared with the weekly average of the 52-week benchmark period from 6 October 2025 to 4 October 2026

[4] VisaNet data as of September 2026

 

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Ignacio Esteban Receives 2026 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance

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Opportunity Finance Network awards its highest honor to Esteban for his leadership and commitment to serving underserved communities in Florida

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the nation’s leading network and intermediary focused on community development finance, honored Ignacio Esteban with the 2026 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance during The Opportunity Honors Award Ceremony and Reception Thursday evening at the 42nd annual OFN Conference in New Orleans. The Gramlich Award is the community development finance industry’s highest individual honor and recognizes people of distinction and their impact on the community development financial institution (CDFI) industry.

For nearly 30 years, Esteban devoted his leadership, vision, and commitment to Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF). Under his guidance, FCLF grew into a leading community development financial institution serving low-income communities across Florida by providing flexible financing for nonprofit organizations and mission-based for-profit organizations that develop affordable housing, supportive housing, community facilities, and economic development projects. Esteban retired as FCLF’s chief executive officer in July 2026 after 26 years of service, having also served as development officer and interim executive director. He passed away the following month, leaving a legacy that extends beyond the institution he helped build to the colleagues, communities, and CDFI leaders he influenced across the country. 

“Ignacio Esteban understood that institutions matter because they can carry a purpose farther than any one leader can carry it alone,” said Harold Pettigrew, President and CEO of OFN. “For nearly three decades, he brought both seriousness to the work and generosity to the people doing it, building Florida Community Loan Fund into an enduring force for opportunity and strengthening our entire field. This award honors Ignacio’s extraordinary body of work and a legacy that will continue through the institutions, communities, and people he helped shape.”

Esteban helped build and lead Florida’s first statewide CDFI with $620 million in total assets currently under management. As FCLF’s CEO, he led $913.6 million in FCLF capital and an additional $1.76 billion leveraged through partnerships for 543 loans, strengthening nonprofits and communities across Florida and impacting over three million people annually. Under his leadership, FCLF secured $586 million in New Markets Tax Credits – the most in Florida. In 2024, FCLF received an unsolicited $10 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and her Yield Giving charity, affirming FCLF’s strength and his exceptional leadership.  

“Ignacio dedicated his career to expanding access to capital and maximizing opportunities for people and communities,” said Tammy Thomas, Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Florida Community Loan Fund. “We are incredibly proud to see his life’s work honored with the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition is a fitting tribute to the impact of his leadership, not only at the Florida Community Loan Fund, but across the CDFI industry.”

Esteban previously served as OFN’s board chair, where he led the organization to develop a 15-year strategic plan, including a meeting with then-Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. He also served as a board member for nine years, chaired the Finance and Nominating Committees, and served on the Policy Committee.

LEARN MORE | Ignacio Esteban and Florida Community Loan Fund | Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance | The Opportunity Honors

About the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance

Established in 2007, the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance is the community development finance industry’s highest individual honor. It is awarded annually at the OFN Conference to individuals whose careers exemplify leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to expanding economic opportunity.

The spirit of the award is to celebrate people of distinction who have produced a body of work that sets them apart within the CDFI industry. These individuals have shaped the field through innovation, institution-building, and a relentless focus on impact—leaving a legacy that continues to influence the sector and the communities it serves.

The award is named for Ned Gramlich, a staunch, longtime advocate for responsible finance. As the former Board of Governors’ primary liaison to the Federal Reserve’s Consumer Advisory Council, Gramlich advised on community development and consumer finance policy matters. He was an outspoken voice against predatory lending and a strong defender of the Community Reinvestment Act. He served on the OFN Board of Directors from October 2006 until his death in 2007.

About Opportunity Finance Network

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation’s leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, managing more than $1 billion in total assets and a membership of nearly 500 community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which includes community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. Our network of CDFIs works to ensure communities left behind by mainstream finance have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services, with a deep focus on serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others – and, for more than 40 years, has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for all.

Since its founding in 1986, OFN members have originated more than $136 billion in cumulative financing, helping to create or maintain nearly 3.8 million jobs, start or expand nearly 1.2 million businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of nearly 3 million housing units and nearly 16,000 community facility projects.

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