Technology

Putting a face to travel: Sunwing Vacations’ Flynancial Advisor multi-year brand initiative delivers value in spades

Published

2 years ago

October 3, 2024

Plus, the new Flynancial Advisory Hub is a one-stop shop of “flynancial” tips, insights and travel inspiration

TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Sunwing Vacations is back at it – showcasing the true value of their all inclusive vacations and how Canadians can maximize their vacation budgets amid the current economic climate with the launch of its vibrant new Sunwing Flynancial Advisor brand campaign and commercial. The leading vacation provider taps into the experts themselves offering a fresh and humorous perspective, and shows consumers in a digestible way how they can make smart “flynancial” decisions so they are empowered to enjoy more experiences in paradise for less.

Sunwing’s Flynancial Advisor is a multi-year strategic brand initiative that backs recent survey research revealing Canadians are taking a savvier approach to travel, and implementing the following savings strategies that ranked among the top three financial and budgeting techniques among survey respondents: travelling during off-peak seasons (60%), booking in advance to reap the rewards of early booking rates (56%), seeking out all inclusive vacation deals offering one upfront price (39%) and setting up a vacation fund (39%).

“We know Canadians are savvy shoppers, looking for ways to unlock the potential of their money spent and maximize their vacation budgets, and since the introduction of our new value proposition and brand personality in 2022, we’ve dedicated every effort to proving that with Sunwing Vacations, anything is possible,” said Samatha Taylor, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Sunwing Vacations Group. “Through our newly launched, multi-year Flynancial Advisor brand initiative and a wealth of industry expertise at our customers’ fingertips, we’re showcasing how all inclusive getaways with Sunwing are the preferred and most flynancially savvy travel option, and that saving more and doing more go hand in hand.”

This year’s commercial, which will be shown across several print and digital platforms, spotlights the everyday Canadian couple reflecting on the relatable challenges of booking their vacation à la carte and the accompanying costs. Through a memorable interaction reinforcing the value of booking with Sunwing, this commercial embodies Sunwing’s Save More, Do More mission and supports survey research, where over half of survey respondents favoured all inclusive packages, in part due to added perks such as complimentary room upgrades, free checked bags and the opportunity to book off-site excursions at discounted prices with NexusTours.com, Sunwing Vacations’ trusted partner in destination: https://bit.ly/4gRIfhS.

The importance consumers place on their annual vacations, and the sacrifices they would make to make it all possible, is what led Sunwing to launch the campaign and the Flynancial Advisory Hub, an informative yet approachable tool with one goal: arming Canadians with everything they need to be flynancially savvy and get the most value out of their time in destination. Travellers can access practical, value-driven travel tips, booking insights and inspirational guides and content, all developed to help them in their planning journey. This is in addition to the vacation provider’s cost-effective all inclusive packages, which offer discounted rates and additional perks without the hidden costs.

“Cost-of-living challenges don’t have to mean saying no to travel. It just means we have to get savvier about how we spend, save and budget for those experiences,” says Sunwing Vacations spokesperson, money guru and financial expert, Melissa Leong. “Spending on travel can be an investment in happiness and your well-being, and with smart choices, great deals and a little planning, it’s possible to do so without breaking the bank. Plus, Sunwing’s newly launched Flynancial Advisory Hub features a number of insights and useful tips to help Canadians maximize the value on their all inclusive getaways.”

Between cross-country exposure on television, streaming services, Cineplex theatres, out-of-home activations, Spotify, radio and more, the creative elements of the new Flynancial Advisor campaign will be seen, heard and felt at every touch point, from its comical yet quirky commercial characters to its widely recognizable visual graphics, and witty tone of voice. Sunwing is also leveraging a network of industry experts across English and French Canada, including brand ambassadors, spokespeople, media partners, content creators and more, to champion the Save More, Do More sentiment, spread the message of value in an engaging manner, and add their takes on flynancial planning through their own authentic experiences.

In tandem with the launch of Sunwing Flynancial Advisor and the Flynancial Advisory Hub, travellers looking for a vacation option that’s expert approved can take advantage of the Flynancial Sale, on now until October 27, 2024, with weekly offers that closely align with key flynancial tips.

Offering a wide range of all inclusive vacation packages, competitive rates and unforgettable experiences in destination with the support of its local partners, the path to paradise is clear – booking with Sunwing Vacations just makes flynancial sense.

Survey Methodology

These findings are from a survey conducted by Sunwing Vacations from August 9-13, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,512 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-3.10 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About Sunwing Vacations

As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our knowledgeable destination management partner, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit sunwing.ca.

SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.

Technology

GLN Connects to Vietnam’s National QR Network, Enabling Nationwide QR Payments

Published

28 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Direct access to Vietnam’s nationwide QR payment networkEnabling payments via partners’ home-market banking and fintech apps without currency exchange

SEOUL, South Korea, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GLN International has launched a nationwide QR payment service in Vietnam in partnership with NAPAS, marking its direct integration into the country’s national QR payment infrastructure.

The service was introduced at a launch ceremony on April 23 in Vietnam, attended by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), NAPAS, BIDV, and Hana Bank.

GLN leads the operation of the payment system connected to Vietnam’s national QR network and has driven its technical integration, as part of Hana Financial Group’s cross-border initiatives. Hana Bank participates as the only Korean financial institution designated as a settlement bank under SBV approval.

Vietnam’s payment infrastructure is built on the VietQR Global system operated by NAPAS, linking banks and merchants nationwide. Through this integration, GLN enables users of partner apps to access the network, expanding acceptance. The partnership is also expected to support inbound use cases, allowing Vietnamese users to make QR payments in Korea via their local apps.

The service is available across tourist destinations, including Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City, across everyday merchants. Payments can be made through GLN-connected partner applications, including major Korean fintech apps such as Toss, PurpleGLN, Hana OneQ, Hana Money, and Hana Card, without currency exchange. The service is expected to expand to platforms, including Naver Pay and KB Banking App.

Seok Lee, CEO of GLN, said, “This launch marks a significant step in connecting Korea and Vietnam through a unified QR payment infrastructure. By integrating with Vietnam’s national QR network, we enable a simple payment experience for travelers using the apps they already use in their home market, without currency exchange. We will continue to lead overseas payments and cash withdrawals without physical cards.”

Meanwhile, GLN, a subsidiary of Hana Bank under Hana Financial Group, provides QR payment and QR withdrawal services across 14 countries in Asia, including Vietnam, China, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, and Japan, with access to more than 200 million QR merchants globally. The company is a leading cross-border payment infrastructure provider in Asia, connecting users and merchants across markets. It has also established partnerships with overseas financial platforms, including Moreta Pay (North America), DeCard App (Singapore), and Taishin Bank (Taiwan).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gln-connects-to-vietnams-national-qr-network-enabling-nationwide-qr-payments-302753730.html

SOURCE GLN International

Technology

VARON Celebrates 5 Years Supporting Easier Breathing for Customers Worldwide

Published

28 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VARON is celebrating a meaningful milestone, its 5th anniversary, and is taking this moment to thank customers around the world who have trusted its oxygen therapy solutions over the years. What started as a mission to make breathing support more accessible has grown into a global community of users relying on VARON’s advanced oxygen machines in their daily lives.

This anniversary is not just about the company’s growth, but about the people behind it—the individuals and families who have chosen VARON for comfort, independence, and peace of mind.

Five Years of Supporting Easier Breathing and Everyday Living

Over the past five years, VARON has focused on one simple idea: making oxygen therapy easier to use, easier to move with, and easier to trust. From home use to travel needs, the brand has continued improving its range of oxygen machines to support different lifestyles and health needs.

Today, VARON offers a full lineup that includes compact portable oxygen concentrator models and reliable at home oxygen concentrator systems designed for long-term use. Many users also prefer VARON’s lightweight oxygen concentrator options, which allow more freedom of movement without sacrificing performance.

“Our customers are at the center of everything we do,” VARON CEO shared in a message marking the anniversary. “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us over the past five years. Every device we create is built with real people and real daily needs in mind.”

Designed for Real Life: Home and On-the-Go Oxygen Support

VARON’s oxygen solutions are designed to fit into everyday routines—whether at home, during travel, or while staying active.

At home users continue to rely on models like the Serene 5 Home Oxygen Concentrator, which delivers steady medical-grade oxygen with quiet operation and simple controls. The Serene 3 offers a compact option for those who want efficient oxygen support in a smaller footprint.

For users needing flexibility, the VH-2 Pro Home Oxygen Concentrator provides adjustable flow settings and added features like nebulization support, making it a practical choice for daily home use.

On the portable side, VARON continues to expand independence for users who need oxygen on the move. The VP-8G Ultra Portable Oxygen Concentrator stands out for its ultra-lightweight design at just 4.37 lbs, making it easy to carry while traveling or running errands. The VP-6 Continuous Portable Oxygen Concentrator and VP-2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator offer additional options with adjustable flow settings and dependable oxygen delivery.

Each portable oxygen concentrator is designed with user comfort in mind—lightweight, easy to operate, and built for mobility without stress.

A Simple Way to Say Thank You: Anniversary Discounts and Free Gifts

To celebrate its 5th year, VARON is launching a limited-time global appreciation event with special savings across its entire product range.

Customers can enjoy featured anniversary offers:

18% OFF sitewide across all oxygen machinesFree VARON gifts, including a $30 store gift card and extra nasal cannulas with every machine purchaseUp to 40% OFF selected featured productsAutomatic discounts applied at checkout—no codes needed

Customers can also save more with bundle options such as the VP-8G Super Bundle and extra battery packages for VP-6 and VP-2 models.

“These anniversary offers are our way of saying thank you,” VARON CEO shared. “We want to make it easier for more people to access reliable oxygen support at home and on the go.”

Looking Ahead with Customers at the Center

As VARON moves into its sixth year, the company remains focused on improving its oxygen therapy technology and expanding accessibility worldwide. Future development will continue to focus on making portable oxygen concentrator devices lighter, more efficient, and easier to use in everyday life.

The goal remains simple: to help more people breathe easier and live with greater confidence and independence.

About VARON

VARON is a trusted provider of oxygen therapy solutions, offering a wide range of at home oxygen concentrator systems, portable oxygen concentrator devices, and advanced oxygen machines designed for home, travel, and personal use. The company is committed to creating lightweight oxygen concentrator technology that supports comfort, mobility, and better quality of life.

For more information on VARON’s 5th anniversary offers and full product lineup, customers are encouraged to visit the official VARON website.

Media Contact:
VARON Oxygen Concentrator
Email: support@varoninc.com
Website: https://varoninc.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/varon-celebrates-5-years-supporting-easier-breathing-for-customers-worldwide-302753790.html

SOURCE Varon oxygen concentrator

Technology

Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Students Win Big at the 75th California Science and Engineering Fair

Published

5 hours ago

April 26, 2026

SAN DIEGO, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 75th California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) took place April 11–12 at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, bringing together 900 of the best of 1st place winners from regional competitions covering 58 counties across the state, including the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). GSDSEF students earned 40 awards at the event, including two of only six highly coveted spots to the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Seven students earned 1st Place awards in the categories of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Microbiology, Physics and Astronomy, and Zoology. In addition, one student won the Saban Family Foundation Scholar Prize, while another won the South Coast AQMD Air Quality Award and A&WMA Environmental Leadership Award. CSEF is the oldest science fair west of the Mississippi River and the highest level competition in the state.

Top winners were:

Arya Bhatt, Grade 7, Oak Valley Middle School, South Coast AQMD Air Quality Award, A&WMA Environmental Leadership Award, “Context Aware Real Time Air Quality Prediction Using Machine Learning”.

Joie Green, Grade 8, Muirlands Middle School, 1st Place, “Soon I will be Invisible: How to Direct Energy with Topological Metamaterials”.

Maggie Hao, Grade 10, The Bishop’s School, 1st Place, “Harnessing Tardigrade Genes to Enhance Bacterial Biosensors for Heavy Metal Pollutant Detection”.

Uma Kattamuri, Grade 7, Oak Valley Middle School, 1st Place, “Elevated CO2 During Kalanchoe pinnata Growth Reveals Enhanced Antiproliferative and Synergistic Therapies”.

Sonika Dhenuva Konda, Grade 11, Del Norte High School, Saban Family Foundation Scholar Prize, “Adaptive Swarm Coordination for Wildfire Control via Q-Learning Tuned PSO with Quantum-Inspired Coupling”.

Emma Liu, Grade 11, The Bishop’s School, ISEF Finalist, 1st Place, “Defining 3D Phenotypic Cell States of Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils via Novel Computational Pipeline”.

Sharvi Mahajan, Grade 8, Bernardo Heights Middle School, 1st Place, “Evaluating Predictive EEG Theta/Beta Features in Adult ADHD via Machine Learning”.

Sydney O’Donnell, Grade 8, The Rhoades School, 1st Place, TFJIC, “Effects of Marigold Versus Chlorella Supplementation on Yolk Lutein Content”.

Ihan Sung, Grade 11, Eastlake High School, ISEF Finalist, 1st Place, “Renewable Ammonia Electrochemical Synthesis by Glow Discharge with an Iron Based Catalyst”.

Full results and project showcase available online.

About the GSDSEF

Since 1955, the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) has provided an inspiring experience in science and engineering for tens of thousands of San Diego and Imperial County students, motivating them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This regional competition challenges students to go beyond classroom studies to do independent research – to ask compelling questions, to design and implement innovative solutions, and to present and defend results to judges who are professionals in their fields. The GSDSEF brings together 800 of the best middle and high school students, 400+ judges who are professionals in their fields and over 60 professional societies and organizations, with $40k in prizes awarded.

The GSDSEF fosters creativity and innovation through inquiry, celebrates students’ STEM achievements, and showcases how young minds can make an impact in the present and future. Many of these student scientists are conducting world-class research and conducting groundbreaking experiments in fields ranging from Astronomy to Zoology, such as the discovery of cures for diseases, formulations of new vaccines, cancer research, applying AI to enhance medical diagnoses, using biomimicry for water conservation, novel drone technology, advances in micro robotics and autonomous driving technology. The GSDSEF is the highest-level STEM competition in the region and one of the oldest, most respected and competitive in the world. The GSDSEF is a 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at gsdsef.org and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Sany Zakharia
sany.zakharia@gsdsef.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/greater-san-diego-science-and-engineering-fair-students-win-big-at-the-75th-california-science-and-engineering-fair-302753744.html

SOURCE Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair