Technology

Going out with a bang: Travel for New Year’s Eve skyrockets

Published

3 years ago

December 27, 2022

Tokyo, New York, London regional favorites for countdown festivities

SINGAPORE, Dec. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in three years hassle-free international travel is possible again for New Year’s Eve – and travelers are jumping at the opportunity to take advantage. Agoda data shows a 29% rise in searches for countdown getaways compared to last year, and a staggering 88% more searches compared to 2020. To further prove travel is back: the number of searches even surpasses the data from 2019 – the last pre-pandemic year – by over 41%.

For New Year’s Eve this year, urban destinations are the most sought-after globally, with travelers looking to join the crowds to enjoy big festivities and breathtaking fireworks displays. Agoda, a leading digital travel platform, also looked at search data specific for New Year’s Eve travel by region, sharing top destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Asia sees Tokyo take the number one spot. Ever since Japan reopened its borders to inbound tourism, the popularity of the land of the rising sun has been on a different level. Asia’s New Year’s Eve top-three is completed by Thailand favorite Bangkok, Thailand and recently reopened Taipei, Taiwan.

In North America, travelers are most looking forward to watching the ball drop in New York City. While many others are hoping to start 2023 with lady luck smiling on them in Las Vegas, or among the stars in Los Angeles.

The search data for Europe shows London and Paris in the number one and two spots respectively. While they’re in the top five, it’s not Rome or Amsterdam where travelers are looking to spend the closing seconds of 2022. Instead, the Turkish capital Istanbul comes in third. The continent-crossing city on the banks of the Bosporus allures many and may look forward to hosting an influx of travelers to celebrate the year’s final countdown.

But a city trip isn’t the only travel category to have made the top list. With winter in full swing in the northern hemisphere, lots of travelers are looking to kick off 2023 in warmer climes. Famous beach destinations like Pattaya and Bali in Asia, and Honolulu and Cancun in North America claim a spot in the ranking and prove that for New Year’s Eve one size does not fit all.

ABOUT AGODA

Agoda helps anyone travel anywhere with its great value deals on a global network of 2.9M hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, airport transfers and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages, and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 5,500 staff in 35 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.

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SOURCE Agoda

Technology

Register NOW for the Maynard Regional Training Series in partnership with Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

Published

19 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

Maynard Regional Training Series for early-career and mid-level managers and editors features innovative frameworks, coaching and mentoring for career and newsroom development.

CHICAGO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education will conduct its Maynard Regional Training Series with Northwestern University’s Medill Local News Initiative on June 4-5, 2026.

The Maynard Regional Training Series brings two days of onsite editing and management training to journalists across the United States. In partnership with universities, these sessions give editors and managers the tools they need amid the complexities of news leadership.

Award-winning journalists and Medill professors will lead the training with Maynard Institute faculty. This program is for editors and managers working in any platform, (print, broadcast, digital).

The training provides workshops, discussions and coaching to help emerging news leaders manage teams and news coverage. Northwestern will cover the standard registration fee on behalf of registrants. Two meals are provided each day, and limited discounted hotel rooms will be available.

“The Maynard Regional Training will deliver customized workshops designed to sharpen the craft and confidence of editors and newsroom managers,” said Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, director of the Maynard Regional Training Series. “Alongside hands-on coaching from award-winning editors, participants will grow our vital community of peer support.”

The Medill Local News Initiative and Accelerator work to spur a more inclusive and economically robust local news ecosystem by offering expertise and programs on topics including consumer research, content strategy, executive leadership and more. These offerings help local news outlets maximize Chicagoland residents’ access to the information they need to be civically engaged.

The deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 20.

Training schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT June 4-5.

Technology

Columbia Bank Receives 2026 Best Bank Honors from Crisil Coalition Greenwich

Published

19 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:

Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)

Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client – 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study

Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.

“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”

Additional 2026 Accolades
The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:

Forbes: America’s Best BanksGlobal Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).

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SOURCE Columbia Banking System, Inc.

Technology

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino Celebrates 3rd Birthday with Week-Long Rewards

Published

19 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino announces its third-anniversary celebration, featuring community events and rewards from April 22nd through April 30th. The milestone will be marked by themed influencer live streams, and limited-time offers across McLuck’s official channels.

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — McLuck, a premier online Sweepstakes casino in the US, is marking its third year with a week-long anniversary celebration. From April 22nd through April 30th, the social casino will host a variety of commemorative activities, including influencer giveaways and exclusive offers to recognize the milestone.

“Turning three is a major milestone, and we wanted to celebrate it alongside the players who made our growth possible,” said Joerg Nottebaum, spokesperson for McLuck. “Through April 30th, we are offering themed creator streams and exclusive rewards to mark this occasion with our community.”

Since its launch in 2023, McLuck has established a significant presence in the US Sweepstakes casino market, known for its extensive library of titles including online slots, live casino games, casual titles, and engaging seasonal offers. This anniversary week is designed to acknowledge the platform’s community growth through interactive content and birthday-themed rewards.

The anniversary celebration includes the following highlights:

Birthday-Themed Rewards: Throughout the week, the official McLuck website will feature limited-time bundles featuring Gold Coins, along with FREE Sweepstakes Coins and Free Spins.Influencer Live Streams: McLuck partner influencers will host custom birthday-themed sessions. These live streams will feature exclusive giveaways, providing viewers with opportunities to receive Free Spins and FREE Sweepstakes Coins.McLuck Blog Promo Code: The official McLuck blog will serve as a central resource, providing updates, and a unique anniversary promo code for blog readers.Social Media Challenges: McLuck’s verified channels on Instagram and Facebook will host anniversary-themed competitions and offers, bringing the party to the wider Sweepstakes casino community.

The celebrations are available to both new and existing players via the official McLuck website. For the latest updates and to stay informed on the week’s activities, players can engage with the official social channels and blog.

About McLuck

Established in 2023, McLuck is a leading social and Sweepstakes casino platform serving players across the United States and Canada. Dedicated to providing a premier free-to-play experience, McLuck offers a vast library of over 1,000 slots and live dealer games from top-tier providers including 3 Oaks Gaming, NetEnt, and Playson.

McLuck allows users to enjoy casino-style entertainment with no purchase necessary, while offering the opportunity to win real prizes. McLuck is committed to responsible social gaming, innovation, and player satisfaction.

For more information, visit www.mcluck.com.

No purchase necessary. 21+. Void where prohibited by law. See Terms of Service.

Media Contact

Joerg Nottebaum, McLuck, 350 54 093 606, pr@mcluck.com, https://www.mcluck.com/

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SOURCE McLuck