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MINISO Debuts Malaysia’s First MINISO LAND, Advancing Its Global IP‑Driven Retail Strategy

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SELANGOR, Malaysia, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On February 28, global lifestyle brand MINISO unveiled the Malaysia’s first MINISO LAND at Sunway Pyramid, Selangor. Featuring a 1,700-square-meter immersive space and MINISO’s most comprehensive IP product offering in the country, the store brings local consumers an all‑day, joy‑filled experiential playground.

Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND- YOYO theme zone
Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND- YOYO theme zone

MINISO LAND Selangor is emerging as a key IP attraction in Malaysia, drawing both local and regional shoppers with its premium location and engaging experiential design. Situated on the first floor of the Sunway Pyramid Mall—one of Malaysia’s landmark shopping destinations—the store benefits from excellent connectivity and a diverse visitor base, making it a favored destination for young consumers and families.

Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND Opening Day
Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND Opening Day

In total the store features over 8,000 curated SKUs, with IP merchandise making up more than 70% of the assortment. Designed with 15 themed consumption and interactive experience zones, its gold‑toned interior, accented with eye-catching bulb‑inspired elements, brings a lively and welcoming energy to the space. Visitors can browse diverse product zones spanning IP‑themed collections, home and lifestyle, beauty and skincare, and toys, offering fan‑favorite goods such as blind boxes, vinyl plush toys, water bottles, blankets, and tote bags. Enhancing the experience, interactive installations—including giant pajama Stitch figures and a Snoopy themed zone—invite guests to enjoy playful, character‑driven moments.

Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND
Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND

Building on this immersive setting, MINISO LAND also brings together one of the broadest IP selections available in Malaysia, blending global icons, regional favorites, and first‑to‑market characters into a single cohesive experience. The lineup spans beloved names like Sanrio and Monchhichi, creating strong emotional appeal among diverse fan groups.

The store also introduces several IPs making their first appearance in Malaysia, including the retro-style Pac-Man, which has quickly gained attention for its distinctive visual appeal and collectible value. Adding to the excitement, MINISO’s proprietary IP lineup—such as the YOYO Cupid Ring series—makes its Malaysia debut at this MINISO LAND location. 10 YOYO character sculptures are displayed throughout the store, creating engaging photo moments while bringing the character’s heartwarming identity through immersive visual displays. Together, over 100 IPs forms a comprehensive, multi‑category ecosystem that encourages shoppers to discover, experience, and collect their favorite characters all in one place, reinforcing MINISO LAND as a go‑to destination for immersive retail experiences.

Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND IP selections - Sanrio
Malaysia‘s First MINISO LAND IP selections – Sanrio

To celebrate the opening, MINISO’s Gift Bear and Friends mascots made their Malaysia debut, energizing the crowd with upbeat interactions and highly shareable photo moments. Guests stepped into a vibrant “Fun Mode: ON” atmosphere filled with themed activations, exclusive check‑ins, and launch‑day perks. The momentum continued online, where the “What Is Your Favorite IP in MINISO LAND” campaign and UGC challenges gained strong buzz across RedNote, Instagram and TikTok. Together, the lively on‑site festivities and widespread digital buzz made the launch a local highlight.

MINISO’s Gift Bear and Friends
MINISO’s Gift Bear and Friends

MINISO LAND Selangor brings together a vibrant mix of global and local fan‑favorite IPs, creating an immersive space where shopping becomes a joyful experience. As Malaysia’s first and Southeast Asia’s largest MINISO LAND, the store elevates the brand’s presence in Southeast Asia and reflects to its continued global expansion. The MINISO LAND concept is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, with more openings on the way. MINISO will continue introducing richer IP choices and fresh immersive experiences, while creating fun, social spaces that bring joy to every fan.

About MINISO

MINISO Group is a global lifestyle brand offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO’s wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand “MINISO” as a globally recognized retail brand.

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Over 1.79 Million Visitors: China’s Taizhou Prefectural City Lights Up 2026 Lunar New Year with “Ancient Heritage and Cyberpunk Tech”

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LINHAI, China, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During the 2026 Lunar New Year, the Taizhou Prefectural City Cultural and Tourism Zone in Zhejiang Province, China, welcomed a record-breaking influx of tourists. The holiday saw over 1.79 million visitors, with a single-day peak exceeding 291,000. Ranking among the top three in average daily visits among the province’s 236 4A-level and above scenic spots, it emerged as one of China’s most popular travel destinations during the Spring Festival.


As a millennium-old city with profound historical roots, Taizhou Prefectural City has perfectly preserved the spectacular Jiangnan Great Wall and extensive Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complexes, serving as a living fossil of ancient China’s dual system of urban flood control and military defense. Thanks to the operating team’s continuous innovation and introduction of immersive interactive experiences, the ancient city has consistently ranked among Zhejiang’s top Spring Festival attractions for years. This year, the seamless integration of “traditional culture and future technology” showcased the city’s unique charm, blending historical depth with youthful vitality to the world.

A Visual Spectacle: Four-Century-Old Armor Meets “Cyber Song Dynasty”

To offer global visitors an around-the-clock Chinese New Year experience, the city hosted over 50 continuous cultural events daily. By day, warhorses of the “Qi Family Army” clad in iron armor patrolled the streets, recreating the majestic scenes of Chinese soldiers defending the coastal borders four centuries ago. On the picturesque East Lake, intangible cultural heritage performers showcased bamboo drifting, competing alongside modern water jetpack performers.

As night fell, the ancient city quickly transitioned into a modern light-and-shadow spectacle. A city wall light show projected a millennium of cultural heritage onto ancient bricks, while hundreds of drones wove auspicious, flowing patterns in the night sky with millimeter precision. The dazzling combination of flame stunts and “electronic Kongming lanterns” illuminating the sky culminated in a “Cyber Song Dynasty” flash mob, breathing new life into the ancient city through the thrill of modern art.

A Borderless, International Travel Experience

Taizhou Prefectural City also demonstrated China’s highly convenient smart tourism and welcoming stance to the world. The scenic area implemented a comprehensive free-admission policy for East Lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the graceful water town scenery with zero barriers. Meanwhile, the innovative “facial recognition Great Wall climbing” technology allowed verified tourists to enjoy a “three-day pass” with unlimited entries. This departure from traditional single-entry ticketing significantly encouraged visitors to slow down and embark on in-depth explorations.

A Youthful Magnet and Shared Hospitality

Beyond its historical significance, the city has become a trendy hub for young people. This Spring Festival, the scenic area deeply collaborated with the popular Chinese web novel IP “Jian Lai” (Sword of Coming), creating immersive check-in spots that attracted young fans to experience the romance of the martial arts world. The hometown return of Li Yunxiao, a young Yue Opera actress who just dazzled audiences at the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, further became a core highlight drawing youthful crowds.

Beyond sightseeing, the introduction of high-quality homestays and the Black Pearl-rated Sichuan restaurant “Yunbuzhichuan” has fully revitalized the consumption landscape. Local residents and merchants showed immense hospitality, proactively guiding tourists and jointly creating a warm, safe travel environment.

The arrival of 1.79 million visitors proves that this warm, historical city is pulsing with youthful energy. Taizhou Prefectural City looks forward to welcoming more global tourists to experience the harmonious blend of ancient and modern Eastern charm.

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Aussie workers cash in as new Seek data reveals the top 15 jobs with the fastest growing average salaries

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Australian workers received major pay rises across a range of sectors last year.

Fifteen roles received an average wage boost of more than 13.5 per cent, with the biggest pay increase of 22.4 per cent adding $30,185 on average to the yearly earnings of workers in one of the world’s oldest professions — the stevedore.

A stevedore — more commonly known as a wharfie — loads and unloads cargo from ships in ports, with roles advertised for a boosted average salary of $134,756 in December last year.

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“It’s a physically demanding job that involves operating heavy machinery such as forklifts and cranes,” Seek said.

It is a key role within the manufacturing, transport and logistics industry, which runs 24-hour shifts every day of the year.

Stevedores do not need a university degree but need to complete a Certificate III in stevedoring and undergo on-the-job training.

It is a male-dominated field. The Maritime Union of Australia said while the stevedoring workforce now has more women than ever, they still make up only 19 per cent of all workers.

Just like many of the other jobs with the biggest average salary increases in 2025, industry investments and new enterprise bargaining agreements were behind the boost, SEEK senior economist Dr Blair Chapman said.

Salaries grew the fastest on average last year for Aussie workers in one of the nation’s oldest jobs — the stevedore, or wharfie.
Salaries grew the fastest on average last year for Aussie workers in one of the nation’s oldest jobs — the stevedore, or wharfie. Credit: Getty

Jobs that scored the next biggest pay rises

Seek data compared the average salaries of roles advertised in the four months to December 2024 with those advertised during the four months to December 2025.

Here are the job roles with the biggest boosts to advertised salaries, by the percentage they increased.

Mining technicians score an extra $27k

Field service technicians in the mining sector had the second highest increase in salary, after the stevedore.

The technician role, often filled by fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, was advertised with a 20.4 per cent pay boost on average, offering an additional $29,658, and bringing the usual $115,727 salary up to $145,385.

Draftspersons dealt an additional $20k

The construction industry offered an average cash boost of 19.9 per cent — about $19,620 — to the salaries of draftspersons.

The third highest annual boost brought the average salary for the role up from $78,973 to $98,593.

Accounting assistant managers acquire another $23k

The 19.1 per cent salary growth for assistant managers in the accounting industry was marginally smaller by percentage than that of construction draftspersons, but was applied to a higher income.

Roles advertised for $95,903 on average at the end of 2024, but a salary expansion of $22,641 last year brought the average advertised salary to $118,544 in 2025.

Trades trainers take home an extra $19k

Trainers in the trades and services industry are qualified tradespersons passing on their skills to apprentices, trainees, and others learning the trades — the role got an average boost of $19,411 last year, bringing the usual $86,087 salary up to $105,498.

Chapman said the increase came with a boost to demand, as “businesses increased investment in data centres, residential building commencements picked up, and government rail and road infrastructure projects continued across the country alongside the shift towards renewable energy”.

Steelfixers secure boost of $18k

The sixth highest salary boost went to steelfixers, with a $17,521 average increase bringing the average annual paycheck of $84,351 up to $101,872, according to the December 2025 Seek data.

Sales consultants score an extra $14k

In the sales sector, consultant salaries increased on average by 16.8 per cent, bringing the $69,746 average salary up by $14,083 to $83,829.

The role appears to be in the highest demand in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast of Queensland, where the average salary for the role is advertised on Seek for about $135,000.

Administration officers get another $12k

Admin workers in government and defence industry roles are getting an extra 15.9 per cent — or $12,288 — on average for the the role.

That brings the previous average salary of $64,999 up to $77,287, according to the advertised wages data from Seek.

Lecturers in the healthcare secure boost of $21k

Educators in the healthcare and medical space got a 15.7 per cent boost to their average advertised salaries, bringing the usual annual wage of $112,662 up by $20,981 to $133,643.

Chapman said that these pay increases could likely be attributed to the Fair Work Commission’s Aged Care Work Value Case, which recommended wage increases, including award rate increases, for personal care workers and nurses in across multiple stages.

Crane operators snag another $16k

Workers employed in the high-risk work of crane operating had the tenth highest advertised wage increase of 15 per cent, or $15,751.

That brought the average crane operator salary up from $89,261 to $105,012.

Administration managers score an extra $14k

The average annual wage increase advertised for admin workers in management roles went up $14,417, from $81,697 to $96,114.

The 15 per cent average salary boost was 1 per cent less than their administrative counterparts in government and defence positions but was applied to a higher wage and so actually yielded an extra $2129 on average.

Community services assessors secure additional $14k

Assessors in the community services and development sector — whose roles vary from management education to the reviewing of applications for various supports — had an average salary boost of 14.1 per cent, or $14,346.

The advertised role jumped from having an average annual wage of $87,402 to $101,748.

Sales agents get another $10k

Sales agents received the 14th largest pay rise last December, when the average advertised salary was increased by 13.6 per cent or $9,800.

The salary went up from the previously recorded average wage of $62,200, to $72,064.

Service supervisors scores extra $15k

Supervisor roles in the trades and services industry were advertised with a 13.5 per cent salary increase late last year.

The $15,260 average boost took the advertised salaries up from $97,779 to $113,039.

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NETMARBLE LAUNCHES STONEAGE IDLE ADVENTURE GLOBALLY TODAY

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Mobile Idle RPG Based on the Beloved StoneAge IP Now Available Worldwide on Google Play Store and Apple App Store

All Pets Available Through Daily Login Rewards

SEOUL, South Korea, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, today announced the global launch of its new mobile idle RPG StoneAge Idle Adventure (developed by Netmarble N2). The game is now available worldwide on mobile devices.

Source: Netmarble
Source: Netmarble

StoneAge Idle Adventure is the latest title based on the steady-selling IP “StoneAge,” enjoyed by more than 200 million players worldwide. While preserving the charm and core gameplay of the original where players adventure alongside pet dinosaurs, the game features simplified and intuitive systems designed for easy play anytime, anywhere. Signature features such as pet capturing and mounting have been reinterpreted for modern mobile gameplay.

Players can build massive strategic decks consisting of up to six Trainers and 18 Pets that allows 24 units to participate in battle. Fan-favorite pets from the original series, including Mogaros, Veldor, and Yangidon, return with their unique traits intact while appearing in a more charming style.

The game offers a variety of competitive and cooperative content, including the large-scale raid “Advent Battle,” where numerous pets enter combat simultaneously; the ranking competition “Sky Tower”; the real-time resource-stealing mode “Aquafarm”; and the cooperative “Mecha Pet Hunt,” where players unite to repel invasions.

To celebrate the official launch, Netmarble is hosting in-game events that allow players to earn up to 10,000 Pet Draw Tickets and 10,000 Blue Gems. Additionally, players can obtain every pet available at launch simply by logging in daily, while the mount pet “Pteravis” will be granted as a Day 2 login reward.

StoneAge Idle Adventure can now be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. More information about the game can be found on the official website.

More information about StoneAge Idle Adventure can be found on the official website.

About Netmarble Corporation

Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, Raven2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found athttp://company.netmarble.com.

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First flights take off from Dubai after Iran strikes, but service is ‘limited’

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A passenger Mohd Umardaraz from Bijnor Uttar Pradesh stranded at Terminal-3 Delhi airport after his flight for Kuwait is cancelled due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East on March 1, 2026 in New Delhi, India.

Arvind Yadav | Hindustan Times | Getty Images

The first flights out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, departed Monday after more than 11,000 were canceled in the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday.

It’s a sign of how airlines are preparing to restart service to the region after mass cancellations, but local authorities gave airlines a green light only to resume a “limited number” of flights.

The first was Emirates flight EK500, which departed at 9:12 p.m. local time bound for Mumbai, India, according to Flightradar24, a flight tracking site. The flight was operated on an Airbus A380, the world’s biggest passenger plane.

Another, Flydubai flight to Warsaw, Poland, departed after 1 a.m. local time Tuesday, Flightradar24 said. An Air Baltic plane left Dubai but the Latvia-based carrier said it was solely a repositioning flight, not carrying passengers.

Separately, Israeli airline El Al said Monday that it’s considering chartering private jets to bring stranded Israeli citizens home.

The announcements mark a potential improvement after air travel ground to a halt in a large swath of the Middle East over the weekend following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes.

The attacks shut airspace over a large part of the region, stranding hundreds of thousands of customers around the world, including those who weren’t flying to and from the area since aircraft couldn’t transit those zones. Dubai is one of the busiest air travel hubs in the world.

Read more U.S.-Iran war news

The airport authority that owns and manages airports in Dubai said a small number of flights would be permitted to operate from Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International, but advised travelers to check with their airlines.

For its part, Emirates said it will start operating a “limited number of flights” Monday night and urged customers not to go to the airport unless notified by the airline.

“We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority,” it said in a post on X. “All other flights remain suspended until further notice,” it said.

El Al said it is considering hiring KlasJet planes to take passengers from European airports to Aqaba, over the southern border in Jordan, for customers of the airline. It previously considered flying in and out of Taba, Egypt, but later Monday said that plan was scrapped “due to the lack of approval from the security authorities in Israel.”

Etihad Airways based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, said Monday that all commercial flights to and from the city are suspended until afternoon local time on Wednesday, though it could operate some cargo and repatriation flights “subject to strict operational and safety protocols.”

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Skier’s prank backfires, leaving her dangling 65 feet in the air as twin desperately holds on

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A skier was left dangling 65 feet in the air after a prank on a chairlift went terribly wrong.

The incident happened Feb. 24 at Big Bear Lake in California, where Roula De Miranda-Arce, 21, was riding the lift with her twin sister and a friend, news agency SWNS reported.

Big Bear Mountain Resort confirmed the incident in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

AIRLINES PREPARE FOR RECORD-BREAKING SPRING BREAK TRAVEL SURGE AS AMERICANS ‘PRIORITIZE EXPERIENCES’ 

“At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, a 21-year-old female skier safely loaded onto Chair 9 at Bear Mountain. At some point during her ride to the top, she failed to maintain proper safety protocols and became suspended from the carrier,” the resort said in its statement.

The organization added, “The guest and her sister, who was riding the carrier with her, admitted to horseplay as the reason for her becoming suspended. As soon as staff became aware of the situation, they took quick action to stop the carrier and unload everyone as soon as it reached the upper terminal.”

Skier holding on to chairlift in California above mountain forest.

A 21-year-old skier was left suspended 65 feet in the air after a chairlift prank went wrong at Big Bear Lake, California, last week. (SWNS)

Officials said the skier was evaluated by ski patrol as a precaution and did not sustain significant injuries.

NEARLY 70 SKIERS STRANDED IN MIDAIR FOR HOURS AFTER GONDOLA MALFUNCTIONS AT POPULAR RESORT

In an attempt to jokingly scare her sister, De Miranda-Arce slid down from the moving chair, planning to hang briefly before pulling herself back up, SWNS reported.

The weight of her skis, however, made it impossible for her to lift herself back onto the seat — leaving her suspended as the chair continued uphill.

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Video shows the young woman hanging in midair while her sister and friend cling tightly to her arms, preventing her from falling.

“I thought I was going to die or become a paraplegic,” she said.

Skier dangling from chair lift while friends try and pull her up.

Footage captures the prank gone terribly wrong in the air.  (SWNS)

The young woman said she began screaming as the strain on her arms intensified.

“I was screaming at one point, ‘Just let me go,’ because it felt like my arms were going to break,” she said. 

“And thank God my sister and my friend did not listen to me.”

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The pair managed to hold her for roughly two minutes until the chairlift reached the top of the slope — where ski patrol members were waiting for her.

“It’s crazy what your body does in fight or flight,” she said.

Skier dangles from chairlift in California above snowy mountain landscape and lake.

De Miranda-Arce’s sister and friend managed to hold onto her for nearly two minutes until the chairlift reached the top of the slope — where members of the ski patrol were waiting to assist. (SWNS)

The resort said the incident serves as a reminder for guests to lower the safety bar and avoid potentially dangerous behavior while riding lifts.

Fox News Digital previously reported on another alarming chairlift incident in California earlier this year.

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A 12-year-old girl was left dangling from a ski lift at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort before falling to the ground in a frightening moment captured on video.

Footage showed ski resort staff rushing to position padding and a safety net beneath her as she struggled to hold on, though she ultimately missed most of the net during the fall.

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Her mother later said the girl “miraculously walked away with no broken bones or major injuries” — calling it a traumatic but accidental event.

Bonny Chu of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. 

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Airlines prepare for record-breaking spring break travel surge as Americans 'prioritize experiences'

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As Iran strikes disrupt flights, why travel insurance may fall short

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A traveler uses his mobile phone next to a departures board showing a cancelled Kuwait Airways flight, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, at Terminal 7 at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York City, U.S., March 2, 2026.

Bing Guan | Reuters

Trump: U.S. military continues to carry out large scale combat operations

The upshot: Vacationers who miss some or all of their trip might not be reimbursed by their insurer for various nonrefundable costs like flights, hotels or tours. Those stranded abroad may not be compensated for out-of-pocket costs incurred for extra meals or hotel nights.

“There are many situations where travel insurance will not cover you,” said Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet.

However, much depends on the specific insurer and the fine print of the insurance policy, experts said.

For example, the “domino effect from military action” — such as delayed flights or missed connections — may be covered under certain policies with benefits for a travel delay, Lauren McCormick, a spokesperson for Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, wrote in an e-mail to CNBC.

How ‘major U.S. military actions’ affected flights

A traveler looks at a departures board displaying a canceled Qatar Airways flight for Doha, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, at Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York City, U.S., March 2, 2026.

Bing Guan | Reuters

Airspace was closed over large parts of the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated attacks against Iran on Saturday, killing the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top officials.

Iran launched counterattacks against multiple cities in the Middle East, including Qatar and Dubai.

“As a result, major airlines have suspended flights to and through the region, shut down major global travel hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha,” McCormick wrote in a website post on Monday.

Read more CNBC personal finance coverage

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, United States, on March 2, 2026.

Kyle Mazza | Anadolu | Getty Images

It’s unclear how long the military conflict will last.

President Donald Trump, in his first public event since the conflict began, said Monday that it’s projected to last four to five weeks but could go on “far longer than that.”

The travel chaos came less than a week after the Mexican army killed the cartel leader known as “El Mencho,” leading airlines to halt flights to certain areas and cruise lines to reroute ships. They also come about two months after the U.S. operation to extract Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, snarling air traffic around the Caribbean.

“Two months into 2026, and we have already seen three major U.S. military actions in Venezuela, Mexico, and Iran, each of which boiled over to affect regional and travel routes,” McCormick wrote.

What travel insurance may cover in Iran strikes

Qatar Airways and Emirates Airways plane is parked at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as some flights to Dubai and Doha cancelled following strikes on Iran launched by the United States and Israel, in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, March 1, 2026.

Johannes P. Christo | Reuters

Standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for military action, acts of war, political unrest and government-related airspace closures, according to experts.

This means many travelers affected by attacks in the Middle East may not qualify for financial reimbursement, experts said.

However, each policy and travel situation is different, McCormick told CNBC.

There may be certain instances when a policy covers military action, for example, so it’s important to read a policy’s fine print to see what applies, she said.

For example, those coverage limitations often apply specifically to trip cancellation and interruption — meaning, respectively, if a traveler wants to cancel their trip outright before traveling or cut it short during the middle of the trip, McCormick said.

How war in Iran could reshape the Middle East’s balance of power

Certain travelers may be covered by their insurance policy if military action leads an airline to reroute flights due to factors like hub disruptions, crew rescheduling or mechanical issues caused by tighter turnaround schedules, McCormick said.

Also, travelers who bought specific benefits — “cancel for any reason” or “interruption for any reason” coverage — may be able to recoup some of their trip costs.

Cancel-for-any-reason policies apply to those who haven’t yet departed, while interruption-for-any-reason coverage is for those in the middle of an excursion.

These policies are generally more expensive and come with caveats, such as limits on how much money can be reimbursed and when a traveler can cancel.

“If you have questions about your coverage, we recommend contacting your provider directly and saving all correspondence with both the insurer and the airline,” McCormick wrote in an e-mail.

Airlines offer ‘flexible opportunities’ to change plans

Travellers check on a departure board displaying cancelled flights to Middle East countries amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, in Greater London, Britain, March 2, 2026.

Isabel Infantes | Reuters

Airlines are obligated to issue a refund to customers if they cancel a flight and the traveler chooses not to rebook.

But many airlines are also giving fliers “really flexible opportunities” to change their flights due to the Middle East unrest, French said.

For example, certain United Airlines passengers scheduled to fly through Dubai or Tel Aviv airports through March 7 can reschedule their trip without paying change fees or fare differences, according to a United travel alert.

That flexibility extends to a broader roster of airports — Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Dubai, Erbil and Tel Aviv — for those scheduled to travel between March 8 and March 31, the United alert said.

French recommends that travelers who can take advantage of such offers do so.

“This is a better option than travel insurance anyway,” she said. “Just go on their website and pick a new flight.”

However, this compensation won’t necessarily cover all out-of-pocket expenses travelers incur, such as foregone tour or hotel fees.

“The airline’s not going to help you if you miss your safari,” French said. “That’s where something like travel insurance is going to have to be key.”

Such travelers should call their travel providers, like hotels and tour operators, and see if they’re willing to be flexible in such cases, French said.

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US BioTek Laboratories Completes Merger With NutriPATH Pathology

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SEATTLE and MELBOURNE, Australia, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — US BioTek Laboratories, a leading functional laboratory specializing in advanced immunological and integrative diagnostics, today announced the completion of its merger with NutriPATH Pathology, a respected functional pathology laboratory serving integrative and functional medicine practitioners.

The merger marks a significant milestone for the global functional laboratory industry. It brings together the two organizations’ specialized expertise and a shared commitment to clinical relevance, scientific rigor, and practitioner support. The partnership expands both companies’ international footprint while enhancing access to comprehensive, clinically actionable testing for healthcare providers worldwide.

US BioTek Laboratories brings decades of experience in immune reactivity, food sensitivity, and specialty biomarker testing, while NutriPATH Pathology is recognized for its expertise in functional pathology, nutritional assessment, and gut health diagnostics. Together, the organizations will offer an expanded portfolio of testing solutions designed to support personalized, root-cause-focused care.

Jack Frausing, CEO of US BioTek Laboratories, commented,

“This merger marks an exciting new chapter for both US BioTek and NutriPATH. Our shared philosophy centers on providing clinicians with meaningful data they can trust and apply in practice. By bringing our teams and capabilities together, we are strengthening our ability to support practitioners with deeper insights, improved access, and expanded innovation.”

James Cavaggion, CEO of NutriPATH, alongside Directors Mary Cavaggion and Andrew Cavaggion, shared:

“This is more than a combination of two companies — it is a strategic alignment of values, scientific expertise, and a mutual dedication to advancing functional medicine globally.”

NutriPATH Pathology will continue to operate with its established brand presence in Australia, maintaining continuity for practitioners while gaining access to expanded resources, technologies, and collaborative scientific development. Clients of both organizations can expect a seamless transition and ongoing commitment to service excellence.

About US BioTek Laboratories

US BioTek Laboratories is a leading functional laboratory dedicated to delivering advanced immunological and specialty testing to integrative, functional, and personalized healthcare providers. Known for its expertise in food sensitivity testing, immune markers, toxin testing, and clinically actionable reporting, US BioTek partners closely with practitioners to support data-driven, patient-centered care.

About NutriPATH Pathology

NutriPATH Pathology is a trusted functional pathology laboratory based in Australia, providing comprehensive testing solutions across gut health, nutritional status, hormones, and metabolic markers. NutriPATH is widely recognized for its practitioner education, clinical support, and commitment to advancing functional medicine diagnostics.

Logo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2923684/US_BioTek_Laboratories_and_NutriPATH_Logo.jpg?p=medium600 

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Taiwan Promotes Dual Accommodation Brands: “Star Hotel” and “Taiwan Host B&Bs”

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The Safest First Stop for International Travelers

TAIPEI, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To ensure every visitor to Taiwan can “stay securely and enjoy a worry-free journey,” Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) promotes and strictly manages two major official accommodation brands: ” Star Hotel “ and ” Taiwan Host B&Bs” (Friendly Host B&Bs), creating the safest environment for your trip. These legal accommodations have all passed rigorous evaluation and continuous supervision, symbolizing a trusted mark of quality and safety for Taiwan’s lodging industry. By embracing “Great Experiences Start with a Star” and showcasing Taiwan’s “Friendly Host” spirit , they become the first stop for travelers exploring Taiwan.

Caring for Guests with Utmost Attention —Star Hotel

Taiwan promotes the “Star Hotels” certification system under the theme “Great Experiences Start with a Star.” From hardware facilities and environmental sanitation to service quality, everything is reviewed according to international standards, with the addition of “mystery shopper on-site experiences” to ensure every star-rated hotel provides safe, thoughtful, and high-quality accommodation services.

Currently, over 160 star-rated hotels have passed the official evaluation. Whether you are a business traveler or on a family vacation, you can find the most suitable accommodation choice. Many hotels also incorporate local culture and aesthetics, from Neo-Oriental design styles to innovative international cuisine, allowing guests to experience Taiwan’s culture and flavor during their stay and feel Taiwan’s most dedicated service.

Taiwan Host B&Bs: Experience the Most Authentic Taste of Taiwan

As travel styles diversify, more and more visitors choose to stay at B&Bs to experience Taiwanese hospitality and local culture. Each year, Taiwan rigorously selects legally registered B&Bs that embody the spirit of hospitality to be designated as “Taiwan Host B&Bs,” serving as the official benchmark for high-quality accommodations. Every “Taiwan Host B&Bs” undergoes strict review, with high standards set for environmental cleanliness, comprehensive facilities, and service etiquette. Currently, nearly 1,900 B&Bs have received this certification.

B&B hosts uphold the six key principles of “Friendliness, Kindness, Cleanliness, Hygiene, Safety, and Quality Etiquette,” treating travelers with genuine smiles and sharing local stories. Begin your trip with breakfasts made from fresh, non-toxic ingredients sourced from the mountains, and explore historic villages where traditional houses and Western-style buildings intermingle. Guests can deeply experience local culture and lifestyles through their stay, turning the trip into a memorable journey of connection with the land.

Visit Taiwan and Experience the Most Sincere Hospitality

Whether it’s a “Star Hotel” situated in a metropolitan center or a Taiwan Host B&Bs nestled between mountains and sea, these two brands are not just accommodation choices; they represent the spirit of Taiwan’s lodging industry: “People-Oriented, Quality First.”

Taiwan will continue to strengthen the accommodation certification system, enhancing the overall quality and safety management of its lodging, ensuring that travelers can relax comfortably, enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty and cultural charm, and feel that their stay is not just accommodation, but a dialogue with the land and a cultural exchange. We aim for every traveler to feel the most sincere hospitality and enjoy a blissful travel experience.

To search for “Taiwan Host B&Bs” and “Star Hotels” in Taiwan, please visit the “Taiwan Stay” website: https://www.taiwanstay.net.tw/

Great Experiences Start with a Star & Taiwan Host B&Bs: Experience the Most Authentic Taste of Taiwan & Natural Experience & Safe Stay
Great Experiences Start with a Star & Taiwan Host B&Bs: Experience the Most Authentic Taste of Taiwan & Natural Experience & Safe Stay

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Investors help investors triple their investment

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Despite the challenge of being tenanted and the first rainy day in months, 17 Middle Avenue, Paralowie, drew strong competition in Adelaide’s north. Fourteen bidders registered, seven of them active, crammed under the carport in a lively contest that opened at $600,000.

Bidding progressed in $25,000 increments before tapering to $500 as participants gradually dropped out. The final bid came from an investor, who secured the solid brick home on its 730sqm allotment for $856,000, a number Ray White agent Justin Irving said was well above expectations.

“Investor appetite is robust,” Irving said. “Particularly for properties offering both space and income potential.

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The vendors, investors who originally purchased the home 16 years ago for $270,000, had been renting it out, were pleased with the result.

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“Lots of properties are getting swept up by investors,” Irving added. “Where they used to be picking up homes in the $600,000 to $700,000 range, that has now lifted to the $800,000 mark and rising.”

The 1976-built residence offers multiple living zones, which Irving noted as an attribute that appeals to families and investors alike. Its proximity to schools, parks, shopping and transport adds further depth, while solar panels provide a contemporary efficiency boost.

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This auction demonstrates how limited stock and rising investor demand are pushing prices above historical norms, even for tenanted homes, reinforcing the competitive dynamics now shaping Paralowie’s market.

137 homes went to auction in Adelaide, Cotality reports, with 75.9 per cent reporting a positive result so far, down from 82.6 per cent a week ago.

Who says you can’t go home again?

Forty-eight groups inspected 51 Woodhill Avenue, Coorparoo, across a three-week campaign, setting the tone for a competitive auction day in Brisbane’s inner south. Five bidders registered, with an opening bid of $1.6 million that quickly escalated through bold $100,000 and $50,000 rises.

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The contest never settled into a single rhythm. Large jumps were interspersed with $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 plays as buyers adjusted tactics mid-stream. Proceedings paused briefly at $1.975 million before momentum returned, when a couple of former locals who’d recently taken residence on the Gold Coast stepped forward to secure the property for $1.955 million.

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Place agent Ben Smith said buyer composition is shifting. “I’m seeing a lot more local buyers and less investors. The market is strong. We’re averaging five or more bidders per property.”

He also noted clear segmentation at higher price points. “There’s a large drive for upsizing families at the high $1m and early $2m marks, but still a shyness for properties requiring renovation.”

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The four-bedroom Queenslander, complete with pool and multiple living zones, met that turnkey brief, offering space without the need for major works. For the vendors, an elderly couple who had called the Queenslander home, the result clears the way for a downsizing move.

Brisbane was the busiest auction market among the smaller capitals, according to Cotality, with 175 homes taken to auction, the second highest volume so far this year. The early clearance rate came in at 74.8 per cent, a solid result and the highest since the first week of February earlier this year.

$650k opening converts to $1.31m result

Development potential drove the tempo at 11 Packham Road, Hamilton Hill, where 13 bidders registered and eight actively competed for the 829sqm R30-zoned corner block in Perth’s southwest.

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Bidding opened at $650,000 and quickly escalated in $50,000 and $25,000 increments before fragmenting into smaller, syncopated advances of $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 as the contest narrowed. The property ultimately changed hands for $1.31 million, with developers securing the site well beyond its opening call.

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Ray White agent Kathy Wigfield said persistent supply shortages are underpinning results across the WA capital. “The Perth market has never fully recovered from Covid,” she said. “We used to see 18,000 to 19,000 properties listed each year. Now that number is down to 1,700, and that’s pushing prices up.”

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She also pointed to continued upward pressure on property values. “The median house price is now $900,000, and that will go up to $1 million soon. But it’s a very unpredictable market. You never know what will happen.”

Built in 1964, the three-bedroom home offered immediate rental appeal, but it was the scale of the land and subdivision flexibility (STCA) that defined buyer interest.

Perth saw 12 homes go to auction, with a preliminary clearance rate of 85.7 per cent and only five auctions were held across Tasmania, says Cotality.

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