Latest news with #GauravArora
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Skimlinks Partners with ChineseAN to expand revenue opportunities across Greater China and Global Markets
HONG KONG, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skimlinks, a Taboola Company, today announces a commercial partnership with ChineseAN, a leading Affiliate Network in Greater China and South East Asia. This collaboration brings together Skimlinks' powerful publisher network and ChineseAN's extensive network of regionally focused advertisers to unlock new revenue opportunities and drive market growth. Skimlinks publishers in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan now have access to leading global and local brands represented by ChineseAN, including Hyatt Hotels, Diane von Furstenberg, Philips, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, YSL Beauty, Kiehl's, Kerastase, POLO Ralph Lauren and PUMA. "We are excited to partner with ChineseAN to bring even more advertiser partnerships to our publishers in the region. The new brands in our network will enable publishers to create commerce content closely aligned with consumers' local needs," says Gaurav Arora, Global Partnerships Director at Skimlinks. By leveraging Skimlinks' network, including Yahoo Hong Kong, South China Morning Post, Conde Nast Taiwan, Hearst Taiwan, and Marie Claire Taiwan, ChineseAN advertisers can broaden their reach and drive incremental revenue. Arora continues, "Skimlinks is delighted to take the next step in our journey in Greater China and Southeast Asia together with ChineseAN. Our partners in the region are already scaling commerce content into a meaningful source of revenue for their business and the additional advertiser partners available through ChineseAN represent a significant growth opportunity for publishers." "At ChineseAN, we believe the future of digital marketing lies in building authentic, scalable connections between brands and promotion channels. ChineseAN embodies this vision by combining advanced tracking technologies, intelligent optimisation tools, and a trusted network of quality publishers to deliver qualified leads and real conversions." Says Joseph Lam, Founder & CEO ChineseAN, "Our expertise allows us to create tailored solutions that help advertisers reach customers with precision and efficiency, while empowering publishers to monetise their content effectively." The integration also provides transparency, giving ChineseAN's brands access to comprehensive data on the specific publishers driving traffic and sales. Brands will be able to make more data-driven decisions and refine their affiliate strategies with detailed information broken down by publisher, including data on clicks, conversions, average order value, and conversion rates. Lam adds, "In the past 18 years, ChineseAN has built up a very extensive network of brands and promotion channels in the Greater China and South East Asia region. Building win-win partnership, with strong mutual support and seamless data integration, has been our belief. We are happy to collaborate with Skimlinks, and believe this will help to expand our publisher channels to more international publishers, especially those which also operates in the region." About ChineseAN ChineseAN is a leading affiliate platform operated under Ignite Vision Limited, a marketing technology company founded in Hong Kong in 2007. As the world's first affiliate network covering Chinese and English websites globally, ChineseAN remains the only network offering comprehensive coverage across the Greater China region and South East Asia. Recognised as a pioneer of performance marketing in the region, ChineseAN leverages innovative advertising technology to deliver effective marketing solutions for brands expanding into China and Southeast Asia. ChineseAN forms close partnership with various publishers and enhance results through adoption of the latest technologies. Among its thousands of publisher partners are top news and media portals, mobile apps, influencers, bloggers and individual affiliates. ChineseAN also works closely with loyalty partners across the Asia-Pacific region, including frequent flyer programs, retail and telecommunication companies and credit cards. These numerous partnerships offer brands extensive exposure and strong customer engagement, besides orders and revenue. As part of Ignite Vision Limited, ChineseAN benefits from a robust regional infrastructure with teams in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei. Together with its sister platform Starry, an AI-powered influencer marketing platform, Ignite Vision empowers brands to achieve various marketing objectives through advanced technology and data-driven strategies. About Skimlinks Skimlinks is the leading commerce content monetization platform. Its technology automatically monetizes product links in commerce-related content to earn publishers a share of sales they drive. Its platform is a one stop solution providing the technology and the data to start and scale content commerce strategies across desktop and mobile. Skimlinks is a Taboola company. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Skimlinks Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Campaign ME
12-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Wellness is luxury
Wellness is no longer a side quest within the premium luxury hospitality marketing landscape; it is, in fact, having its main character moment. This is being driven by consumer appetite for holistic, meaningful escapes, which is an evident shift from 'Instagrammable' escapades to balanced, transformative and rejuvenating experiences that feel exclusive. For the discerning traveller – especially ultra-high net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) – wellness isn't just a trend. It has become a non-negotiable lifestyle and a mandatory aspect of expected hospitality experiences. Campaign Middle East speaks to luxury hospitality marketers who comment on these shifts, while sharing their reasoning for making wellness a core part of their brand positioning and identity. They discuss a world where access to health, recovery and time for self-care is a privilege, and those who afford it can unlock real 'luxury'. This is a world where the new marker of status is premium wellness. Stepping beyond the status quo Moving past luxury narratives of sun, sand and scenery, premium luxury getaways are currently being marketed and advertised as transformative retreats, and spaces for introspection, creative renewal and a physical reset. Rana Eid, Director of Marketing and Communications, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, says, 'In luxury hospitality, we've moved past the flawless visuals.' She explains how, post-Covid, luxury travellers have become significantly more focused on real concerns such as their health, actively seeking out destinations that support and elevate their wellness journeys. Other leading marketers from recognised luxury hospitality brands in the region echo these sentiments. Gaurav Arora, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, Palazzo Versace Dubai, says, 'Over the years within the hospitality industry, we've witnessed how luxury wellness has become an integral part of the overall guest experience.' Earle Enriquez, Marketing, PR and Communications Manager, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi, adds, 'There are a growing number of guests nowadays who aren't just looking for a stay, but also experiences and spaces that help them slow down, recharge and reconnect with themselves.' However, while bringing these experiences to life, it's crucial for everyone within the luxury hospitality landscape to view them as more than just a 'consumer offering'. Azzah AlGhamdi, Marketing Manager, Rosewood Hotel Jeddah, explains, 'Wellness is no longer an optional amenity or additional service; it is now an essential part of the guest's lifestyle and emotional connection to a brand.' As such, marketers call for luxury wellness experiences to be structured and packaged as strategic brand and business differentiators in a competitive landscape. Enriquez says, 'Personalised wellness experiences speak to lifestyle and values, and they create a deeper connection with the brand. When thoughtfully integrated, they encourage longer stays, build loyalty and open up new revenue streams. She adds, 'Wellness and fitness offerings have evolved from amenities into strategic brand and business assets that appeal to niche markets and boost positioning in a competitive landscape.' More than a spa day Leaders agree that tailored fitness programmes will become critical to luxury hospitality marketing in the near future. 'The modern luxury traveller is increasingly seeking personalised wellness experiences that go beyond traditional spa offerings,' says Nehal Fahim, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai's Eid echoes this sentiment saying, 'We're seeing a real shift from indulgent spa moments to more meaningful, purpose-driven wellness experiences. Tailored treatments and fitness offerings are becoming key drivers to why guests choose a destination.' Fahim adds that trends such as social 'spa-ing' and longevity are no longer 'nice to have' offerings but are make-or-break strategies within premium luxury hospitality marketing. They actively inform how brands should promote destination experiences. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi's Enriquez says, 'Destinations are now marketed as transformative escapes rooted in wellbeing, especially when paired with close-to-nature experiences, wildlife encounters and artistic immersions. These experiences are transforming how travellers choose where to go and why.' Having identified the need to leverage specialised wellness experiences as part of the luxury offering, marketers also advise a word of caution. They insist that luxury hospitality brands must take a thoughtful approach. Wellness with intention Palazzo Versace Dubai's Arora emphasises that effective marketing must reflect the true philosophy behind a wellness-centric approach – one that prioritises substance, intention and long-term impact instead of merely following trends. Taking the example of Palazzo Versace Dubai, Arora explains that while its marketing efforts include wellness-centric content, strategic collaborations with relevant influencers, media and targeted digital campaigns, what stands out is that the brand's wellness philosophy has become a defining pillar of its identity. He comments, 'The thoughtful design of The Spa and its tailored treatments are crafted not just to provide relaxation but to restore balance, energy and focus.' This shift is visible across the region. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi's Enriquez says, 'I think it's all about authenticity, purpose and being intentional. The messaging should go beyond showcasing spa rooms or facilities. Instead focus on capturing personal journeys, highlighting how real guests feel and what they discover about themselves during the experience. Enriquez adds, 'Truly connecting with them means listening to them and understanding their values, wellness goals and lifestyles to personalise the experience.' Insights derived from being intentional show that travellers seek much more than just sightseeing experiences, culture, art and restorative events. Putting this into practice, Enriquez explains how the visually calming Greek-inspired retreat is paired with personalised experiences such as yoga with handpan meditation; creative expression workshops; and spa treatments. The resort has positioned itself as a sanctuary for emotional balance, mental clarity and holistic renewal. Reiterating the argument for marketing with intention, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai's Eid takes this a step further, saying, 'It's not just about relaxation; it's about helping our guests feel grounded and recharged.' A dip in the pool, a trip to the spa Another common theme that emerges in conversation with marketers is the need for effective visual storytelling. Rosewood Hotel Jeddah's AlGhamdi points out the power of storytelling as a key differentiator, saying, 'Moving beyond the traditional 'perfect visuals', successful campaigns must humanise wellness by showcasing real experiences, guest journeys and purpose-led initiatives that resonate on a personal level. We believe wellness should be communicated through authentic storytelling that reflects our local culture and nuances, speaking to individual aspirations while still addressing the modern traveller's need for mindful luxury.' She adds, 'By highlighting how wellness is seamlessly integrated into daily life, from tailored treatments to holistic rituals, we create emotional relevance that elevates the brand and builds long-term loyalty.' Similarly, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai and The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai also focus on storytelling that highlight relaxation, renewal and the art of slowing down. Eid says, 'What matters now is telling stories that feel authentic, intentional and human. That's why our campaigns lean into stories of renewal, vitality, using behind-the-scenes moments and raw content that capture the emotional journey of wellness, not just the aesthetic.' Arora adds, 'Our curated content features visuals that provide a sense of peace, emotional renewal and bodily rejuvenation.' While a swim or a spa session may once have sufficed, today's luxury guests seek more than momentary relaxation – they seek transformation. In response, leading properties are weaving holistic wellness into every layer of the guest journey. 'For modern travellers seeking inspiration or a sense of calm, these elements strongly influence their decision-making when choosing a meaningful luxury escape,' Enriquez adds. But storytelling 'wellness' for luxury travellers also means recognising that these audiences are nuanced and, often, ask questions that need well-informed messaging. Enriquez explains, 'It's about helping guests understand that wellness practices are science backed, with experts leading the programmes. It is about building trust so guests can embrace the process, making the experience meaningful and deeply human, which is something UHNWIs and HNWIs truly value and appreciate in a world of oversaturation.' Prioritising personalisation Personalisation has also become central to luxury hospitality marketing – often ingrained in descriptors and phrases such as 'customised', 'exclusive', 'signature', 'one-of-a-kind' experiences – which caters specifically to HNWIs and UHNWIs. Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis' Fahim says, 'By offering everything from customised yoga and meditation sessions to expert-led, exclusive nutrition consultations and spa treatments, we've positioned our hotel as a sanctuary for guests seeking not just relaxation, but a transformative wellness journey.' At The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, wellness is similarly integrated into the guest experience. Eid adds, 'Our signature spa treatments are both advanced and trend-driven. Nutrition also plays a key role in our approach. Through our farm-to-table initiatives and the use of our in-house vertical farm, we provide our restaurants and bars with fresh, organic produce daily. This allows our chefs to craft healthy, good-for-you menus and dishes that align with our guests' wellness goals.' The soul of hospitality As brands compete to create sanctuaries of serenity, those who lead with intention, authenticity and emotional resonance are poised to shape the future of luxury hospitality. Rosewood Hotel Jeddah's AlGhamdi sums it up well, saying, 'For UHNWI and HNWI guests, wellness represents balance, personalisation and meaningful experiences. Ultimately, luxury wellness today is about sharing a vision of wellbeing as a way of life, deeply rooted in place, purpose, and personal connection.' After all, for the world's most discerning travellers, wellness isn't simply a break from reality; it's an investment in living well.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Jagran New Media unveils TheDailyJagran.com
HighlightsJagran New Media has launched a rebranded English news platform called aimed at enhancing its digital presence and serving English-speaking audiences both in India and globally. The new platform integrates advanced technology, using 14 and Tailwind CSS to improve speed, performance, and user experience, while focusing on delivering credible journalism. introduces new content verticals such as CricDaily for live cricket updates, AstroDaily for horoscopes, and redesigned finance tools to provide a richer, personalized user experience. Jagran New Media , the digital arm of Jagran Prakashan , has announced a significant rebranding and strategic revamp of its English news platform, has launched as TheDailyJagran .com. This move marks a pivotal step in strengthening the group's independent digital presence and enhancing its offering for English-speaking audiences in India and globally. The newly unveiled platform, carrying the tagline "From the House of Trust, Comes a New Daily," aims to build on Jagran's legacy of credible journalism while embracing a fresh, modern identity. is designed to cater to readers seeking verified news, insightful perspectives, and a reliable take on current affairs. Gaurav Arora , chief operating officer of Jagran New Media, emphasised the forward-looking nature of this transition. " represents a forward-looking shift in how we serve our English-speaking audiences," he stated. "While the platform carries forward Jagran's trusted legacy, it brings with it a renewed editorial focus, stronger design sensibilities, and sharper storytelling. Through we're building a destination that is youthful, bold, and credible." The revamp isn't just about a new name and look. has also been built with cutting-edge technology, leveraging 14 and Tailwind CSS to deliver enhanced speed, performance, and a seamless user experience. This focus on technological innovation is aimed at ensuring faster loading times and improved Core Web Vitals. The platform will offer a comprehensive mix of content, including real-time breaking stories, in-depth features, and multimedia journalism. In a bid to provide specialized content and a richer user experience, Jagran New Media has introduced new verticals such as: CricDaily: Dedicated to live cricket updates, scores, and match schedules. AstroDaily: Offering daily horoscopes and astrological insights. Finance Tools: A redesigned suite of utility calculators covering EMI, SIP, PPF, and BMI, among others. Furthermore, personalisation is a key focus, with features like Single Sign-On (SSO), a personalised "MyFeed," and smart content discovery tools designed to deliver tailored content and elevate user engagement. This strategic transformation underscores Jagran New Media's commitment to innovation and content integrity. By creating a standalone, premium digital destination, is positioned to capture a growing segment of digitally savvy English-speaking readers, both within India and across international borders. The move aligns with Jagran New Media's broader strategy of expanding its offerings into different languages and reaching a wider audience.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
When AI becomes your intern (and your partner on the pitch)
HighlightsArtificial Intelligence (AI) functions like an ever-ready intern, generating numerous ideas quickly but still requiring human input to refine and ensure cultural relevance. The role of creatives is shifting from being doers to decision-makers, emphasising the importance of asking better questions and curating AI-generated content. While AI enhances the creative process by providing initial drafts and ideas, the true essence of storytelling and connection with the audience hinges on human creativity and insight. By Gaurav Arora Let's be honest: if AI were a team member, it would be that intern who never sleeps, never complains, and always has a 'first draft' ready in three seconds. Sure, the tone might be off, the headline might be a bit too clever for its own good, and the meme reference could be stuck in 2021 - but it's learning. Fast. In the agency world, we often joke: 'Need 100 campaign names by morning?' Today, the answer might be: 'Cool, I'll ask ChatGPT.' But here's the catch: AI might be brilliant at volume, but not always at value. And that's where the human magic comes in. The AI-Intern Era Is Here We have all been there—the late nights spent crafting pitch decks, sweating over that one big idea. Now, with AI in the loop, your whiteboard sessions are suddenly way more productive. The difference? The shift in how we approach creative work. AI doesn't replace thinking; it just clears the clutter so you can think deeper. Picture this: Your AI intern churns out 50 ideas in the blink of an eye. Your job? Sift through, select, and refine the gems that actually matter. Whether you're writing taglines, scripting videos, or planning influencer campaigns - AI provides breadth. It can pump out ideas like a machine gun. But the nuance, tone, and cultural context? That's still human turf. AI might give you 50 options, but it's the human who knows when a message clicks with the audience, or when it just falls flat. The New Creative Deck: 50% Prompt, 50% Gut Gone are the days when the creative pitch deck was a labour-intensive masterpiece. Now, it's more like a co-pilot system. Here's how it works: You feed the AI some insights. It spits out ten possible territories, themes, or even taglines. You review, provide feedback, and refine. It's like a tug-of-war with a machine—but somewhere in the digital back-and-forth, the concept sharpens into something fresh. 'A good deck used to take sweat. Now it takes prompts, patience, and perspective.' AI gives you scaffolding, but the soul of the story? That still comes from your gut. In the past, every pitch was like writing a book. Today, with AI as your co-pilot, it's like building a first draft, then editing it into something worthwhile. The hard part is still the same—turning an idea into something that resonates with the audience—but now, it's faster, cleaner, and more refined. The Culture Shift: From 'Doers' to 'Deciders' What AI changes most in agencies isn't the work itself—it's the roles. In a world where AI handles much of the grunt work, the value now lies in the human touch. Writers are becoming editors. Designers are becoming curators. Strategists are becoming orchestrators of logic, language, and storytelling. 'The real job now? Asking better questions, not just writing better answers.' In this new age, AI frees up the creative process, but it also requires a mindset shift. Creatives are no longer doing everything themselves. They're now decision-makers, curating the AI's output to craft something meaningful. The human creative is a director, guiding the AI like an orchestra conductor. So What Now? What does this all mean for the future of agencies and creatives in a world where AI is the intern that never leaves? Here's how to make the most of it: Embrace AI as your infinite intern. Use it to generate ideas, craft drafts, and streamline your creative process. It's like having a brainstorming partner who's always ready to when to override the algorithm. AI is fast, but it's still just a tool. There will be moments when you need to step in and add the human touch, refining a draft, adjusting tone, or ensuring the message aligns with the the deck human at the heart. While AI might generate the first line, only you know how the story ends. Your instincts, knowledge of culture, and understanding of the audience are what turn raw ideas into something that truly connects. At the end of the day, AI might be able to create at lightning speed, but it's your creativity, empathy, and expertise that make the difference between a good idea and a great one. (The author is the co-founder at Social Panga.)
Business Mayor
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Rising gold prices to dent organised retailers' volumes by 9-11% in FY26
Representative Image New Delhi: Organised gold jewellery retailers are expected to see a 9-11% decline in sales volume in FY26 as retail gold prices hit record highs. However, revenues are set to grow 13-15% due to higher prices and realisations, according to a Crisil Ratings analysis of 60 jewellers, accounting for a third of the sector's revenue. This follows four consecutive years of over 20% revenue growth, which has expanded the industry 2.5x since FY21, even as volumes remained subdued amid elevated prices and constrained consumer budgets. 'Despite rising prices, we expect another year of strong revenue growth, supported by premium realisations, continued formalisation, and deeper penetration in Tier 2 and 3 cities,' said Himank Sharma, Director, Crisil Ratings. 'However, ticket sizes are likely to remain constant, leading to lower caratage and grammage.' Retailers are increasingly relying on promotions to offset slowing demand. Yet, jewellery is still being sold above purchase and making costs, leading to inventory gains and a projected 30-40 basis points improvement in operating margins. This would reverse the declining margin trend of the past two fiscals and bring profitability closer to the seven-year average of 7.8-8.0%, according to Crisil. In FY25, volume dipped 4-5% as gold prices surged ~25% on-year. As of mid-April 2025, prices are already 20% higher than the FY25 average, and even a modest rise from current levels would result in a 22-24% increase for FY26. The high price environment will push up working capital requirements, particularly for stocking existing and new stores. However, the industry's leverage will remain manageable, supported by stronger cash flows. 'Despite the increase in debt for inventory, the capital structure remains comfortable,' said Gaurav Arora, associate director at Crisil Ratings. 'Median interest coverage is expected to stay above 6 times in FY26, indicating healthy debt protection.' As per Crisil's findings, revenues for the organised jewellery sector are projected to touch ₹4.5–5 lakh crore in FY26. The sector continues to benefit from formalisation drivers like GST and BIS hallmarking, which are steering consumers toward branded players. That said, analysts caution that volatility in gold prices, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer sentiment remain key risks to monitor.
