Macau Gaming Revenue Better Than Feared Ahead of Golden Week
Gross gaming revenue reached 18.86 billion patacas ($2.36 billion) for the month, according to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau on Thursday. That compared with the median analyst estimate of a 1.25% year-on-year decline, but is still 20% lower than the pre-pandemic level in 2019.
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Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Newsweek
Japan Flights Cancelled Amid Impact of Manga Doomsday Prediction
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Rumors about an impending natural disaster, sparked by an old comic book, have hit Japan's tourism boom, leading some airlines to suspend flights to the country. Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines is one of them, announcing an indefinite suspension of flights to Tokushima on Wednesday. This follows the viral spread of predictions linked to a manga depicting a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, reportedly foreseen for July 2025, according to Japan Today. Why It Matters The downturn underscores how digital-era rumors can disrupt real-world economies by influencing consumer behavior—here, curbing a significant boom in Japan's tourism sector. Japan logged an all-time monthly high of 3.9 million travelers in April 2025 before arrivals fell in May, particularly from Hong Kong, where superstition over the manga's forecast drove an 11 percent year-on-year drop, according to the most recent data cited by Japan Today. What To Know Steve Huen of Hong Kong-based EGL Tours said the warnings circulating on social media "had a significant impact," halving his agency's Japan bookings. With tourism central to many regions' economies, persistent fears threaten both travel patterns and business revenues, despite reassurances from scientists and even the manga's creator. Where the Trend Came From The trend originated from a manga titled The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki. First published in 1999 and re-released in 2021, the comic's initial edition referenced a major natural disaster in March 2011—the month Japan endured a deadly earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster at Fukushima in Japan's northeast. Some readers now claim the latest edition predicts a new catastrophe specifically on July 5, 2025, sparking waves of alarm on social media in Hong Kong and neighboring Asian territories, Reuters reports. A nearly empty terminal at Tokyo's Haneda airport is during the Golden Week holiday amid the coronavirus pandemic on May 2, 2020. A nearly empty terminal at Tokyo's Haneda airport is during the Golden Week holiday amid the coronavirus pandemic on May 2, 2020. AP How Superstition and Social Media Amplified the Impact In Hong Kong, where fears about the prediction gained the most traction, some agencies reported dramatic reductions in Japan-bound travel. Steve Huen of EGL Tours stated that bookings had halved, only sustained by steep discounts and the introduction of earthquake insurance. "The rumors have had a significant impact," Huen said. Effect on Travel and Flight Cancellations Greater Bay Airlines announced that it would suspend its service to Tokushima, western Japan, from September, citing insufficient demand. Other carriers signaled similar moves. The trend was especially pronounced among travelers from Hong Kong, with Japanese government statistics confirming an 11 percent decrease in arrivals from the region in May compared with the previous year, according to Reuters. Creator and Scientific Reaction Ryo Tatsuki, the manga's creator, issued a statement through her publisher denying she was a prophet and downplaying interpretations of her work. "I am not a prophet," Tatsuki said. Seismologist Robert Geller from the University of Tokyo told Reuters that even scientifically-based earthquake prediction was "impossible." "None of the predictions I've experienced in my scientific career have come close at all," Geller said. He emphasized accurate earthquake prediction remains scientifically impossible. Japan's Earthquake Risk in Context Japan, positioned on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," faces frequent seismic activity. Over 900 minor earthquakes have hit islands off Kyushu's southern tip in recent days. However, scientific authorities stressed there is no credible basis for the July 2025 disaster forecast, according to Reuters. Continued Demand and Adjustments Despite the anxiety, some travelers continue to visit. Serena Peng, a Seattle resident visiting Tokyo, described having initial doubts after seeing online speculation but ultimately continuing with her trip. "I'm not super worried right now, but I was before," Peng said outside Tokyo's Senso-ji temple. What People Are Saying Steve Huen, executive director of EGL Tours, said: "The rumors have had a significant impact…Japan-related business halve[d]. Discounts and the introduction of earthquake insurance…prevented Japan-bound travel from dropping to zero." Branden Choi, a traveler from Hong Kong, said: "If possible, I might delay my trip and go after September." University of Tokyo seismologist Robert Geller said: "None of the predictions I've experienced in my scientific career have come close at all." What Happens Next Airlines and tour companies are expected to continue monitoring booking trends and adjust schedules as traveler sentiment evolves. Japanese tourism officials and industry stakeholders have ramped up efforts to reassure visitors of their safety, emphasizing reassurances by scientists.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
VIVOTEK Earned Level 2 in TWSE's 11th Corporate Governance Evaluation, Top 5% Among NT$5-10B Cap Enterprises
MAKE TOMORROW EASIER, TODAY! AI Solutions Safeguarding a Sustainable and Safe Society TAIPEI, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VIVOTEK (3454-TW), the global leading security solution provider, continues to prioritize robust corporate governance. In the Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation's Corporate Governance Evaluation, the company has progressed from level 7 to level 2 over the past five years. This year, VIVOTEK was once again ranked among the top 5% of NT$5-10 billion market cap enterprises, highlighting its ongoing commitment to excellence in governance. This year the evaluation placed unprecedented emphasis on the "Advancing Sustainable Development" dimension. VIVOTEK actively promotes sustainability through the three core ESG pillars - environment, social and governance - while delivering AI-powered security solutions integrated with cloud technologies to safeguard communities and enhance public safety. On the environmental front, VIVOTEK continues to purchase green electricity and implement carbon reduction measures. In 2024, the company reduced its carbon emissions by 9% compared to its baseline year, supporting its parent group's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy (RE100) by 2030. On the social front, VIVOTEK is dedicated to employee well-being, offering annual performance-based salary adjustments and its signature paid "Golden Week" to promote rest and work-life balance. For four consecutive years, the company has also conducted its "Safety Map" event, mobilizing employee-led security task forces to identify and resolve safety issues in local communities. In 2024, the team visited Hualien's Dachen New Village in Taiwan, integrating AI tools to contribute comprehensive safety solutions, creating a safer living and tourism environment for over 3,000 residents and visitors. In the area of governance, VIVOTEK continues to align with international best practices. In 2024, the board established a Risk Management Committee, led by the President, to oversee the company's risk management framework and ensure operational stability. The company also utilizes AI and cloud technologies to boost operational efficiency and strengthen cybersecurity, reinforcing its deep commitment to governance and sustainable development. Facing the growing global security challenges, including climate change, geopolitical conflicts and escalating social and cybersecurity threats, VIVOTEK remains focused on its core expertise in security. The company continually strengthens its operational resilience and collaborates closely with global clients and channel partners to deploy AI-powered security solutions across key verticals such as smart cities, intelligent transportation and smart factories. Through these efforts, VIVOTEK is dedicated to optimizing urban and industrial operational efficiency and creating a safer living environment. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE VIVOTEK Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Golden Week sees slight bump in Japanese visitors
Golden Week, a traditional holiday time for Japanese travelers, attracted more visitors to Hawaii than last year but still brought only about half the volume of 2019. From about April 29 to May 5, Golden Week tends to attract more Japanese visitors because it includes four holidays during that time. By planning their travel around Showa Day (April 29 ), Constitution Day (May 3 ), Greenery Day (May 4 ), and Children's Day (May 5 ), Japanese travelers can maximize their vacation time. But Danny Ojiri, vice president of sales and marketing for Outrigger Enterprises Group, said 'this year's calendar isn't especially favorable for Hawaii-bound travel. The holidays are more spread out, requiring travelers to take additional vacation days to make a longer trip feasible.' The Golden Week holidays this year did not allow travelers to combine holidays as effectively with vacation days, and some favored designations that were closer to home for shorter trips. Ojiri added that another challenge for Hawaii was prices, which have continued to climb, consistent with the broader rise in the cost of living since the pandemic. Also, he said that the prevailing consumer confidence sentiment in Japan—much like in many other countries closely tied to the U.S.—is one of uncertainty. 'A stronger yen certainly helps make Hawaii travel more affordable. However, an overly strong yen could hurt Japan's export-driven economy, ' he said. 'We believe U.S. policy will continue to influence the yen in ways that support American trade competitiveness. Already, we're seeing some signs of the yen strengthening, which could create more opportunity—but the balance is delicate.' Ojiri said even before factoring in the exchange rates, costs are higher across the board than they were in 2019 and 2024 for everything from airfare and fuel to hotels, activities and meals. 'While Golden Week remains a popular time for travel, the surge in airfare costs during the holiday can be a deterrent, ' he said. 'We're also seeing a shift in behavior among Japanese travelers—they're more flexible with their schedules and increasingly choosing to travel during off-peak periods to avoid higher prices and crowds.' Japan, historically Hawaii's top international market, has continued to lag the tourism recovery. Tourism officials have said it could be 2027 or longer before the Japan market is restored to its 2019 level of more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals. Arrivals from Japan and spending already were down heading into Golden Week. In March, arrivals from Japan fell to 61, 505 visitors, a drop of 4.7 % from March 2024 and 54 % from March 2019. In March, spending by visitors from Japan fell to $91.9 million, down 2.9 % from March 2024 and 50.4 % from March 2019. During the first quarter arrivals from Japan fell to 163, 932, a decline of 5.4 % from the first quarter of 2024 and a drop of 56.3 % from the first quarter of 2019. During the first quarter spending by visitors from Japan fell to $243.2 million, down 4.8 % from the first quarter of 2024 and 53.6 % from the first quarter of 2019. It's not that travelers from Japan are staying home, they just aren't traveling to Hawaii at the same level during Golden Week and beyond. Golden Week is an important measure of the health of Japan travel to Hawaii as it's one of the busiest travel times, which also include New Year's, the summer Obon season in August, and the series of September holidays that make up Silver Week. Eric Takahata, managing director of Hawaii Tourism Japan, said Golden Week was up about 10 % over 2024, and the hope is that recovery will continue building into summer, where the pace from late July to September is up, and beyond. Ojiri said, 'We're feeling optimistic about summer. Advance bookings are trending upward—something we haven't seen in quite a while.' He said Japan Airlines' flight frequencies beginning July 1, with expanded serv ice from Narita, Kansai and Nagoya, are adding to the positive outlook. Moreover, Ojiri said that Nippon Airways will increase service from Tokyo to 14 flights per week effective June 16. Takahata said tourism officials are shooting for 900, 000 visitors from Japan to come to Hawaii by year's end—about a two-thirds of the 1.56 million visitors who came from Japan to Hawaii in 2019. He added that a full recovery is the goal for 2027 ; however, getting there will require a full tourism industry press, especially given changes under the Trump Administration, which have led to growing economic uncertainty. Takahata said there also has been plenty of news coverage about deportations of green card holders and the difficulties that some international visitors have faced entering the U.S. He said Hawaii needs to work harder to keep from losing ground to aggressive marketing from other destinations like Okinawa, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Guam, Thailand, Europe and Singapore. 'We're number one on Expedia for demand, but we are number seven for booking conversions against these competitors, ' Takahata said. He said Okinawa 'has always been a thorn in Hawaii's side ' as it's just a 2-1 /2 hour flight from the Japanese mainland and offers plenty of luxury resorts. 'Even Halekulani in Okinawa is doing gang busters, ' he said. Takahata said Singapore is another competitive destination to watch. Singapore is about the same distance from Japan as Hawaii and has an unfavorable exchange rate too ; however, he said the government is really investing in building demand in Japan. 'They spend a ton of promotion money in Japan. They are creating more reasons to go and more perks. They do things with Japanese celebrities, ' Takahata said. 'They are already back to their 2019 level.' He said many competitive destinations have increased their marketing budgets, but HTA has allocated just $6 million for Hawaii Tourism Japan's 2025 marketing budget, which is down from $9 million in 2019. Ted Kubo, JTB Hawaii president and CEO, said increasingly Hawaii must find ways to add value to trips. He said JTB Hawaii recently launched the Oli Oli Ocean Station in Hawaii Kai, an exclusive playground for customers who buy the package. He said JTB also recently partnered with Mobi on a rideshare service to transport JTB's travelers throughout pre-designated pickup and drop off points in Waikiki and Ala Moana. Kubo said customers get access via an exclusive rideshare app. 'We are trying to bring up the value of our trips and the value of the experiences and the convenience that the company provides to the tourist, ' Kubo said. 'We are getting a lot of positive feedback.' Aya Takita, 45, and Emri Koga, 24, who were visiting Hawaii on a JTB Hawaii package in April said the rideshare offering helps provide more value during the trip, which is important given that prices are much higher than they were in 2019. 'Almost half the people in Japan cannot travel to Hawaii because of the cost, and it's even higher during Golden Week, ' Takita said. She added that package prices for Golden Week in Singapore, Taiwan, and Korea are about half the price of Hawaii. Koga said, 'Cost is of course an issue, especially for younger people. A lot are going to Korea.' Ojiri said there are many repeat travelers coming from Japan, but a large portion of the Japanese market, especially younger generations, has yet to experience Hawaii. 'To reach them, we need to offer more in live entertainment : live concerts, cultural festivals and sporting events that give travelers a specific reason to choose Hawaii, ' he said. 'The new Cirque du Soleil show 'Auana at the Outrigger Theatre is an example of an attraction that perfectly combines culture and live entertainment.' Ojiri said Outrigger has seen momentum through efforts like ANA's 'Tube ' concert, which will bring more than 2, 000 fans to Hawaii. He said 'Tube '—often referred to as Japan's answer to The Beach Boys—has a strong nostalgic pull and last played here in 2000 and 2005. Ojiri said in July that two former boy-band stars are expected to draw more than 800 fans to the new Outrigger Theater in Waikiki. 'Similarly, Japan Airlines' support of events like the Honolulu Marathon, Hapalua Half Marathon and Century Ride continues to position Hawaii as a preferred destination for active travelers, ' he said. 'These events not only drive visitation but also garner valuable media exposure that helps keep Hawaii ' top-of-mind.'
