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Hong Kong Ups the Game with New Incentive Playbook

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HKTB

Largest Celebration Ever with Over 110 Agents from Eight Markets to Experience Ultimate Hong Kong Adventure

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched a new campaign, “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook: Up the Game for Your Team”, with much fanfare at The Regent Hong Kong on 24 April 2024. The campaign curates over 100 new and authentic Hong Kong ideas to inspire and reward incentive groups in response to emerging incentive travel trends. Over 110 agents from Mainland, Southeast Asia, South Korea and India were invited to get exclusive first-hand experiences of Hong Kong’s rich and diverse incentive resources.

Dane Cheng, Executive Director of HKTB, shared his excitement, saying, “Last year, Hong Kong welcomed over 1.3 million MICE visitors, with the Meeting and Incentive (M&I) segment accounting for a staggering 65 per cent. This makes the share of M&I the most significant increase among the segments.”

“Building on this growth momentum, with the launch of the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook, we are taking it up a notch, inviting the incentive industry to experience Hong Kong like never before with the city’s newest, most authentic, and immersive incentive ideas. We are confident that Hong Kong will become the ultimate destination for incentive travel, offering unparalleled experiences for corporations to motivate and reward their teams, and create lasting memories in our city.”

Up the Incentive Game with a Playbook of New and Authentic Experiences

The “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” covers over 100 new and unique incentive ideas under five themes: “Arts & Culture”, “Wellness & Nature”, “Neighbourhoods”, Nightlife & Parties”, and “Hong Kong Signatures”.

Experience Hong Kong’s world-class art and cultural scene, create traditional handicrafts, and escape the skyscrapers to immerse oneself in nature. Explore the city’s streets and alleys to embrace the blend of old and new urban landscapes. Enjoy Hong Kong-style day and night entertainment, engage in party activities, and visit iconic attractions. These are just some of the suggestions available in the comprehensive and game-changing guidebook for incentive travel planners to customise exciting itineraries in Hong Kong.

The HKTB has launched a campaign website and themed short videos for the Playbook in English and Chinese.

Largest-ever Top Agents Celebration and Familiarisation Trip Got First-hand Experience

Alongside the campaign launch, the HKTB hosted the largest-ever celebration for over 110 agents from Mainland, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and India to recognise their contribution to Hong Kong’s tourism and offer them a first-hand experience.

The launch ceremony and celebration were also an extravagant get-together to recognise overseas MICE agents for their contribution to bringing incentive groups to Hong Kong and fostering connections between the local, mainland, and overseas tourism industries.

Unlock New and Authentic Incentive Ideas to Create Extraordinary and Unforgettable Trips

From 23 to 26 April 2024, the HKTB curated unique itineraries and team activities for agents to explore Hong Kong’s incentives first-hand; all catered to the preferences of different source markets.

They relished a handful of incentive group exclusive experiences that showcase Hong Kong’s diverse offerings from day to night. These range from a soothing singing bowl session, a Tai Chi class with a stunning view, and an immersive Chinese fan painting workshop at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Some also participated in an active team challenge at the West Kowloon Cultural District. To cap off the celebration, they enjoyed an evening of exclusive partying at a nightlife venue in Central.

Hong Kong – Delivering Wow Factors and a Top Choice for Incentives

A game-changing perspective

Zhang Yang, General Manager of Xi’an Cultural Tourism Co. Ltd. Beijing Branch, said: “Discovering Hong Kong’s exciting incentive possibilities through the ‘Hong Kong Incentive Playbook’ is a game-changer. The diverse attractions, nostalgic sites, and trendy bars offer unique experiences for all. I can’t wait for the opening of 11 SKIES, the perfect multifaceted destination for MICE travellers.”

“Must-have” incentive experiences

Maria Paz Alberto, President of Ark Travel Express Inc., said: “Beyond shopping and dining, Hong Kong offers diverse cultural encounters and unique activities like yoga and wellness events. The fan-painting workshop is a must-do for Filipino incentive travellers. We are excited to host a 50-person tour next month and introduce them to Hong Kong’s vibrant bar culture.”

An ideal destination

Aoyan Adhya, Assistant Vice President (MICE) at Thomas Cook Limited, India, said: “A city with excellent shopping, vibrant nightlife, and numerous tourist attractions, Hong Kong provides ideal conditions for hosting incentive tours from India. I was impressed by the M+ museum, while the singing bowl workshop left me feeling serene. I am enthusiastic about promoting Hong Kong’s nightlife hotspots in the future.”

Neighbourhoods a magnet

Kevin Kuswadi, Managing Director of Pelangi Tour, Indonesia, said: “Hong Kong’s new attractions, including the Palace Museum and M+, as well as its diverse array of experiences, are appealing to Indonesian travellers in search of novelty. The Neighbourhoods theme is sure to attract them like a magnet.”

From nightlife to wellness

Ji-Hyeon Ryu, Manager of Global Tour, South Korea, said: “We have seen a 1.4-fold increase in incentive travel inquiries to Hong Kong, with an insurance company planning a visit for up to 200 people. South Korean travellers like Hong Kong’s nightlife, and in the post-pandemic era, there is a growing interest in wellness and nature experiences.”

Thematic website of “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook”: https://www.hkincentiveplaybook.com
Thematic video of “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” (English version): https://youtu.be/LfTSnSaWTME
Thematic video of “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” (Simplified Chinese version): https://youtu.be/jroiU6iD3y4

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Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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