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Booking.com Research Reveals Majority of Aussie LGBTQ+ Travellers Conceal Their Identity Abroad

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SYDNEY, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Booking.com has released its latest Travel Proud Research Report, the company’s most expansive and cross-cutting survey to date, focused exclusively on the attitudes, actions and perceptions of LGBTQ+ travellers. With insights from over 13,000 travellers around the world, including 1,000 from Australia, it identifies key trends shaping LGBTQ+ travel in 2026.

Travellers are hiding their identity to experience the world safely
Globally, travellers who identify as ‘not out’ report fewer negative experiences on trips, underscoring the difficult trade-offs many continue to make between self-expression and safety. Just 36% of Australian LGBTQ+ travellers say they are ‘out’ when travelling, compared to 69% who are out with close friends at home. Notably, 44% say they would hide their identity in order to visit a dream destination.

Precautions and anxiety are rising, particularly for trans travellers
More than half (51%) of LGBTQ+ Australians say they are taking more precautions when travelling than in previous years. Common safety measures include sharing live location updates (24%), using VPNs (21%), carrying burner phones (16%) and deleting dating apps before crossing borders (15%). At the same time, 57% say they actively assess their surroundings before showing affection in public. Trans travellers face heightened challenges, with 48% reporting increased anxiety about travel in recent years.

Technology and inclusivity are boosting confidence
Despite the challenges, positive experiences remain widespread, with 84% of LGBTQ+ Australians reporting at least one identity-related positive travel experience in the past year. Visible signs of inclusivity – such as Pride flags (35%), gender-neutral bathrooms (35%) and inclusive staff representation (38%) – are making a meaningful difference. Technology is also playing a growing role: 65% of travellers used AI to plan trips in the past year, with 44% saying it’s efficient at finding niche LGBTQ+ friendly spots which are hard to find via standard search. Over a third (35%) would also value dedicated LGBTQ+ filters when booking travel.

Todd Lacey, Regional Manager, Oceania and Korea at Booking.com, says “This year’s research shows why our Travel Proud programme continues to be as important as ever, with safety concerns continuing to influence how LGBTQ+ travellers experience the world. Booking.com’s Travel Proud programme continues to support more inclusive travel, with nearly 7,000 Australian properties trained to better welcome LGBTQ+ travellers, part of over 142,000 globally.”

To download Booking.com’s full 2026 research, visit HERE. For further information, contact the Booking.com Australia Press Office: bookingau@havasred.com

About Booking.com:

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.

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SOURCE Booking.com

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Sieyuan Electric Advances the Development of Renewable-dominated Power Systems Through Integrated Energy Solutions

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SHANGHAI, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the global energy transition accelerates, power systems are evolving rapidly to accommodate increasing shares of renewable energy, growing electrification and rising demand for flexibility and resilience. Energy storage, digital intelligence and advanced grid technologies are becoming essential to building a more sustainable energy future.

During SNEC 2026, Sieyuan Electric presented its latest innovations and integrated solutions for the Renewable-dominated Power System, highlighting how energy storage, grid-forming technologies, intelligent power infrastructure and digital asset management can work together to support the modernization of power systems worldwide.

Energy storage was a key focus of the exhibition. Leveraging capabilities across battery systems, power electronics, intelligent control and system integration, Sieyuan demonstrated solutions designed to enhance renewable energy integration, improve grid flexibility and strengthen system stability. Supported by integrated capabilities covering battery systems, PCS, EMS, substations and grid connection technologies, the company is able to deliver end-to-end solutions across the entire energy value chain.

Beyond energy storage, Sieyuan showcased a broad portfolio spanning power transmission and distribution, intelligent substations, microgrids, environmentally friendly power equipment and digital monitoring technologies. Together, these capabilities reflect the company’s commitment to supporting the decarbonization, digitalization and long-term reliability of modern power infrastructure.

“Power systems are entering a new era shaped by renewable energy, energy storage and digital technologies,” said Zhang Shaobo, Assistant General Manager of Sieyuan Electric. “Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the power industry, we are committed to delivering integrated solutions that help customers build more flexible, resilient and sustainable energy systems. Through continuous innovation, we will continue to support the global transition toward a cleaner energy future.”

Unlike many specialized suppliers, Sieyuan combines expertise across generation, transmission, distribution, utilization and storage, enabling customers to accelerate the deployment of next-generation power systems through a single trusted partner.

With expertise spanning power transmission and distribution, energy storage, power electronics and intelligent asset management, Sieyuan continues to provide end-to-end solutions for utilities, renewable energy developers, industrial customers and infrastructure operators worldwide.

About Sieyuan Electric
Sieyuan Electric is a listed company specializing in power technology, equipment manufacturing and engineering services. Guided by its mission of “Smarter Power, Better Life,” the company provides integrated solutions spanning power transmission and distribution, energy storage, power electronics and intelligent asset management, helping build safer, smarter and more sustainable power systems worldwide.

 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sieyuan-electric-advances-the-development-of-renewable-dominated-power-systems-through-integrated-energy-solutions-302803735.html

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Yiwugo Merchants Showcase Their Strengths Amid World Cup Fever

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YIWU, China, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. As a global distribution hub for sporting goods, Yiwu supplies an estimated 70% of World Cup-related merchandise worldwide, earning it a reputation as the tournament’s “top buzz generator” and “hidden champion”. The city began gearing up for the event as early as 2025, when its annual exports of sporting goods and equipment exceeded RMB 10 billion for the first time. According to the latest data from Yiwu Customs, exports in this category reached RMB 2.83 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 12% year on year.

The FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, officially kicked off at 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on June 12, 2026, sparking a surge of online interest in related topics. Although the procurement peak on Yiwugo has largely passed, “cultural and sporting goods” has remained among the platform’s top 10 best-selling categories since late 2025. Many Yiwugo merchants report that restocking buyers continue to face production backlogs and frequent inventory shortages. As a result, they are advising customers to place their orders as early as possible.

Notably, as sporting events diversify and fan preferences evolve, the “event economy” has expanded far beyond conventional sporting goods. Cultural and creative merchandise — including plush pendants, cushions, keychains, and figurines of popular football stars—has emerged as a mainstream consumer trend in the retail market. Yiwugo merchants are pivoting away from price-driven competition and embracing a business model centered on design, patents, and brand value.

Kanglewu House Decoration Firm, a merchant on Yiwugo, began preparing for the tournament as early as 2025 and secured official licensing rights from several national teams. According to a company representative, its investment in merchandise for this year’s World Cup has already reached several hundred million yuan. Taking pride of place in the Kanglewu store is a charming miniature lamb pendant dressed in Argentina’s iconic blue-and-white national team jersey. Inspired by the popular Internet meme that both Lionel Messi and a sheep can be called a “GOAT”, the pendant also features Messi’s digital signature. The representative said sales of the pendant continued to climb, with more than 60,000 units shipped to date. As the tournament gets underway, new orders continue to pour in. The company is also ramping up production of other best-selling products, including figurines and plush toys featuring superstars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Gahumi Textiles, a well-established cross-border trader on Yiwugo with nearly three decades of experience, has specialized in customized World Cup merchandise for years. The company brings design, R&D, manufacturing, sales, and exports under one roof. It also holds internationally recognized certifications such as Sedex and GRS, while its production lines are optimized to deliver high-quality products, including officially licensed World Cup merchandise and fan accessories.

Company representative Chen Gangqiang said Gahumi Textiles began preparing for World Cup orders in late 2025. Its supporter scarves, for example, are manufactured using high-precision dye-sublimation printing technology, which accurately reproduces team colors and intricate details while rendering even complex gradients in rich, vibrant hues. Made from high-quality fabric with a sturdy, premium feel, the scarves combine functionality with visual appeal. Since the beginning of 2026, the company has sold more than 200,000 customized scarves per month, while monthly sales of fan apparel have surpassed one million pieces during peak periods.

Chen added that orders related to this World Cup came primarily from football-loving markets such as the US, Brazil and Mexico, with Europe accounting for a particularly large share. Many of the company’s overseas customers were referred through Yiwugo.

Unlike European consumers, who place greater emphasis on aesthetic design and brand identity, South American consumers favor products with strong fan appeal and bold colors. In early 2026, Yiwugo merchants reported that screaming chicken toys dressed in football jerseys had become a breakout fan item in Colombia.

Yiwu Grey Rabbit Accessories, a source manufacturer specializing in World Cup-themed cheering wristbands featuring national flags, emblems, and related motifs,  leverages a wide range of materials and sophisticated craftsmanship to create finely made wristbands that channel the passion of fans.

Ms. Chang, the company’s owner, said that orders from the three host countries — the US, Canada, and Mexico — have surged, while supporter wristbands featuring tournament favorites such as Spain, Argentina, and Brazil have remained in continuous production to meet tight delivery deadlines. Fueled by World Cup demand, Grey Rabbit Accessories’ total order volume has risen by more than 30% compared with previous years. A Shanghai-based buyer who sought to place an additional order through Yiwugo last week was told that no production capacity was currently available and would have to wait for the next open slot.

Enthusiasm for this World Cup has been especially strong in markets such as Morocco, a semifinalist at the previous tournament, as well as Colombia and other South American countries. Consumers have shown a clear preference for lightweight, brightly colored cheering wristbands made of silicone or woven fabric. Gift sets pairing these wristbands with national flags and other merchandise have continued to sell briskly in Colombia, with some individual orders valued at around RMB 1 million.

As football stars battle it out on the pitch, buyers on Yiwugo are engaged in an equally fierce race to secure merchandise. According to Ms. Chang, as the tournament unfolds, World Cup orders will center on restocking merchandise for popular teams that advance to the round of 32 and round of 16, as well as surprise breakout teams. Grey Rabbit Accessories has also begun building inventory in anticipation of upcoming national day celebrations in markets including Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

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SOURCE Yiwugo.com

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Physician’s Choice Ranks #3 on TikTok Shop During Super Brand Day, Driving Nearly $1 Million in GMV

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 America’s #1 Probiotic Brand Posts Historic Multi-SKU Performance Across TikTok’s Biggest Commerce Event

DENVER, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Physician’s Choice, the #1 best-selling probiotic brand, today announced the results of its first-ever Super Brand Day on TikTok Shop. The TikTok exclusive event generated more than $1 million in sales in just seven days–landing the brand in the #3 spot across all sellers on the platform during that time frame. The results are a definitive proof of consumer demand: when the brand’s online community was called upon, it showed up and the numbers back it up.

The Super Brand Day performance marks the opening chapter of what is shaping up to be a landmark summer for Physician’s Choice, as the brand continues to expand its retail footprint nationwide. The TikTok Shop results serve as a powerful credibility data point: a brand with more than 250,000+ five-star reviews and a loyal, engaged consumer base that drives results across every platform it enters.

The performance was driven by four SKUs that landed in the top 100 products on TikTok Shop, demonstrating category-wide consumer demand: Physician’s Choice Digestive Enzymes, the Hack Your Tummy Bundle (which includes 60 Billion Probiotic® and Digestive Enzymes), the Gut Guardian Bundle (which includes 60 Billion Probiotic®, Digestive Enzymes and Bloat + Gas Probiotic), and Physician’s Choice Vaginal Probiotic. Combined, the brand’s four charting SKUs accounted for nearly the entirety of the brand’s sales, making Super Brand Day one of the most significant single-event sales moments in Physician’s Choice history.

“This performance reflects what we’re seeing across every channel — consumers are actively seeking out Physician’s Choice by name,” said Logan Chierotti, founder and CEO at Physician’s Choice. “Super Brand Day is just the beginning of what we have planned for 2026 and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our customers and partners at TikTok who helped us execute this successful campaign.”

The TikTok Shop results mark a significant milestone for a brand that built its reputation as the #1 probiotic and digestive enzyme brand on Amazon. The multi-platform, multi-SKU performance signals that Physician’s Choice has evolved from a category leader in one channel to a dominant gut health brand across the entire consumer landscape, one that retailers, partners, and investors are increasingly taking notice of.

The Super Brand Day results arrive as Physician’s Choice enters an aggressive retail expansion phase, with recent endcap placement at Walmart across 2,000+ locations and a series of major retail distribution announcements planned throughout the summer of 2026. Each upcoming milestone will build on the consumer demand story established here: a brand whose community doesn’t just follow — it buys.

About Physician’s Choice
Physician’s Choice is America’s #1 best-selling probiotic brand, developed with physicians and backed by science. With over 250,000 five-star reviews, Physician’s Choice is committed to making effective, affordable gut health solutions accessible to everyone. For more information, visit PhysiciansChoice.com.

For media inquiries, contact lizzy@sixthp.com.

Media Contact:
Physicians Choice
Morgan Shepard
morgansh@physicianschoice.com

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