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VIRTUOSO® BRINGS ITS 2024 SYMPOSIUM TO DUBAI, ENGAGING OVER 400 TOP TRAVEL EXECUTIVES

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DUBAI, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global luxury travel network Virtuoso® hosted its annual Symposium May 20-24 in Dubai, attracting over 400 of the industry’s top professionals from 37 countries. Virtuoso’s Symposium brings together key decision-makers within luxury travel, including Virtuoso’s own leadership and senior executives from the network’s travel agency members and preferred partners, for industry discussions, deep dives into travel insights and peer-to-peer networking, all in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

During the General Session, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch discussed AI’s impact on the industry, while maintaining the value of human connection. A self-declared AI optimist, Upchurch has closely followed its development and impression on the travel industry. He remains steadfast in his belief that AI can be a helpful tool for travel advisors, creating efficiencies that allow them to focus on the aspects of client management that are inherently human. Upchurch has famously coined the phrase: “Automate the predictable, so that you can humanize the exceptional.”

“The advent of the internet just decades ago showed us that technological advancements enhance the capability of advisors, rather than replacing them,” he said. “AI combines human touch with advanced technology, and as advisors integrate it into their business, they should also keep in mind a unique definition of AI – Appreciative Inquiry – a process that aids in asking clients the right questions, which in turn promotes solid relationships between them and their advisor. There are no shortage of answers in the world, but knowing the right questions to ask is where value exists for the future.”  

Executive Vice President David Kolner shared insights into Virtuoso’s high-value travelers, indicating optimism continues. Sales made between January-April 2024 for travel in 2025 and 2026 are up 49 percent and future cruise sales are up 52 percent, compared to transactions made during same timeframe in 2023 for future travel. Big bookings are increasing as well, with bookings over $50,000 up 86 percent, and $50,000+ cruise and safari bookings up 102 percent and 159 percent, respectively.

When looking at the annual Virtuoso Brand & Traveler Trend Tracker Study, a proprietary survey of high-value travelers across 15 countries conducted by YouGov, Kolner revealed the top benefits of using a travel advisor according to Virtuoso clients: expertise on accommodations (66 percent), expertise on destinations (65 percent) and saving time (54 percent). The most valuable traits of an advisor according to respondents are good communication (65 percent), attention to detail (64 percent) and problem-solving skills (57 percent).

The General Session also hosted guest speakers. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), joined Upchurch for a fireside chat, where they discussed Dubai‘s future growth. Attendees also heard from Gloria Fluxà, Vice Chair and Chair of the Sustainability Committee at WTTC, as well as Vice Chairman & Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group; Courtney Scharf, Chief Client Officer at Trend Hunter; and Jenny Southan, Founder and CEO of Globetrender. 

Another highlight of the Symposium was Virtuoso’s Travel Tech Summit, which brought together  innovators, startups and the Virtuoso network for meaningful discussions about emerging technology. Led by entrepreneur and Virtuoso board member Gilad Berenstein, the summit covered key trends to watch in travel tech, AI, social commerce and more.

While business is at the forefront of Symposium, another hallmark of the event is bonding through shared experiences. With the help of Virtuoso partners, attendees immersed themselves in some of Dubai‘s most dynamic offerings. From perfume making and history tours to cooking classes and private water experiences, there were no shortage of opportunities to explore this vibrant city.

Virtuoso’s emphasis on relationship building continued with one-on-one appointments between members and partners, while professional development sessions, workshops and panel discussions explored topics including the evolution of the luxury traveler, sustainable travel, industry growth and more.

Virtuoso thanks Dubai Economy and Tourism and additional partners that aided in the success of 2024 Symposium. Host hotels included Atlantis The Royal, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem, as well as sponsors AmaWaterways, Arabian Adventures, Armani Hotel Dubai, The Bicester Collection, Kerzner and The Palace Downtown Dubai.

For more information on Virtuoso and its events, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 54 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,300 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $28–$32 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Media Contacts:
Misty Belles, Virtuoso – Vice President, Global Public Relations
+1.202.553.8817 / mbelles@virtuoso.com

Lauren Wintemberg
Alice Marshall Public Relations – Senior Account Director
+1.212.861.4031 / lauren@alicemarshall.com

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SOURCE Virtuoso

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Hexagon Interim Report 1 January – 31 March 2026

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37 minutes ago

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April 23, 2026

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STOCKHOLM, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

First quarter 2026

Continuing operations

Operating net sales of 963.8 (961.5) resulting in organic growth of 8%Net sales including acquired deferred revenue amounted to 963.6 MEUR (961.5)Adjusted gross earnings of 606.3 (619.1) resulting in a 62.9% (64.4) gross marginAdjusted operating earnings (EBIT1) of 251.3 MEUR (248.7) resulting in a 26.1% (25.9) EBIT1 marginAdjusted earnings per share of 6.7 Euro cent (6.5)Earnings per share of 58.4 Euro cent (5.0)Cash conversion of 77% (60)Recurring revenue of 289.9 MEUR (308.0), 6% organic growthOctave reported operating net sales of 327.2 MEUR (361.3) and adjusted operating margin of 25.2% (26.6)Adjusted earnings per share including discontinued operations of 9.1 (9.4)Earnings per share including discontinued operations of 59.9 Euro cent (7.0)

For further information, please contact:
Tom Hull, Head of Investor Relations, +44 (0) 7442 678 437, ir@hexagon.com
Anton Heikenström, Investor Relations Manager, +46 8 601 26 26, ir@hexagon.com

This is information that Hexagon AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08:00 CET on 23 April 2026.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/hexagon/r/hexagon-interim-report-1-january—31-march-2026,c4338783

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SOURCE Hexagon

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Dragonpass Empowers Financial Institutions with End-to-End Loyalty Solutions at Money20/20 Asia

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37 minutes ago

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April 23, 2026

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BANGKOK, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dragonpass, a leading global travel and lifestyle platform, participated in Money20/20 Asia, showcasing its customer loyalty solutions for banks, payment providers, credit card issuers, and fintech companies across APAC and globally.

As one of the most influential fintech events worldwide, Money20/20 Asia gathers decision-makers across the financial ecosystem. At the event, Dragonpass demonstrated how financial institutions can enhance customer engagement and build long-term loyalty through integrated travel and lifestyle experiences.

Established in 2005, Dragonpass has evolved from a lounge provider into a loyalty solutions partner, serving more than 800 global clients and over 40 million members worldwide.

At the core of Dragonpass is a business structure that combines global supply aggregation, a technology-enabled engagement platform, and consumer-facing lifestyle services — providing a one-stop solution across the customer lifecycle.

Leveraging data-driven insights, Dragonpass enables partners to design and optimise loyalty programs, incorporating customer segmentation and tiered incentive structures, alongside curated campaigns and entitlement configuration — driving more effective customer activation, engagement, and retention.

Its offering includes a broad portfolio of travel and lifestyle benefits such as airport lounge access, fast-track, dining, airport transfers, and lifestyle experiences. These are supported by flexible delivery models, including API integration, white-label solutions, and ready-to-deploy digital platforms, enabling seamless integration into clients’ customer journeys.

As customer expectations evolve, the industry is shifting from standardized benefits to more personalized, experience-led loyalty models. Insights from Dragonpass’s Loyalty Index show that customers increasingly value trust, rewards, simplicity, recognition, and exclusivity, with preferences varying across markets.

“Financial institutions today are looking for more effective ways to engage customers beyond traditional rewards,” said Jane Zhu, Co-founder and CEO of Dragonpass. “User engagement is at the core of loyalty, and technology — especially AI — plays a key role in enabling deeper and more relevant customer connections.”

Dragonpass works with leading global brands including Mastercard, Visa, HSBC, and Revolut, supporting them deliver differentiated value propositions and enhance customer engagement through scalable, customizable solutions.

Through its participation at Money20/20 Asia, Dragonpass aims to strengthen its presence in the APAC market and build strategic partnerships with organizations seeking to elevate their customer engagement strategies.

About Dragonpass

Dragonpass is a global travel and lifestyle platform providing premium airport and travel experiences across 140+ countries. By integrating global supply and technology, Dragonpass enables partners to deliver seamless, personalized experiences and drive customer loyalty.

Media Contact

Dragonpass PR
Email: brandmarketing@dragonpass.com
Website: www.dragonpass.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/dragonpass-empowers-financial-institutions-with-end-to-end-loyalty-solutions-at-money2020-asia-302751442.html

SOURCE Dragonpass

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SBI Life Insurance registers New Business Premium of ₹42,551 crores for the year ended on 31st March, 2026

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April 23, 2026

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MUMBAI, India, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SBI Life Insurance, one of the leading life insurers in the country registered a New Business Premium of ₹42,551 crores for the year ended on 31st March, 2026 vis-a-vis ₹35,577 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2025. Single premium has increased by 28% over the year ended on 31st March, 2025.

Establishing a clear focus on protection, SBI Life’s protection new business premium stood at ₹4,622 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2026, marking a growth of 13%. Protection Individual new business premium registered a growth of 23% and stood at ₹973 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2026. Individual New Business Premium stands at ₹29,783 crores with 13% growth over the year ended on 31st March, 2025.

SBI Life’s profit after tax stands at ₹2,470 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2026 with a growth of 2% over the year ended on 31st March, 2025.

The company’s solvency ratio continues to remain robust at 1.90 as on 31st March, 2026 as against the regulatory requirement of 1.50.

SBI Life’s AUM also continued to grow at 9% to ₹4,87,163 crores as on 31st March, 2026 from ₹4,48,039 crores as on 31st March, 2025, with the debt-equity mix of 62:38. 94% of the debt investments are in AAA and Sovereign instruments.

The company has a diversified distribution network of 3,58,506 trained insurance professionals and wide presence with 1,230 offices across the country, comprising of strong bancassurance channel, agency channel and others comprising of corporate agents, brokers, Point of Sale Persons (POS), insurance marketing firms, web aggregators and direct business.

Performance for the year ended March 31, 2026

Private Market leadership in Individual New Business Premium and Individual Rated Premium with market share of 25.5% & 22.9% respectively.Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) stands at ₹ 24,266 crores with growth of 13%Individual New Business Sum Assured stands at ₹ 4,46,337 crores with 61% growthImprovement in 13M & 49M persistency by 53 bps & 107 bps respectivelyValue of New Business (VoNB) stands at ₹ 6,667 crores with growth of 12%VoNB Margin stands at 27.5%Indian Embedded value (IEV) stands at ₹ 80,791 crores with 15% growthProfit After Tax (PAT) stands at ₹ 2,470 crores with 2% growthOperating Return on Embedded Value stands at 19.7% Assets under Management stands at ₹ 4,87,163 crores with 9% growthRobust Solvency ratio of 1.90

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/sbi-life-insurance-registers-new-business-premium-of-42-551-crores-for-the-year-ended-on-31st-march-2026–302751447.html

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