SYDNEY, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With cherry season in full swing and families making the most of the summer school holidays, road trips and short getaways remain a popular way for Australians to travel together.

Tapping into this seasonal moment, Chery has launched Chery Cherry Trails, a state-by-state guide to cherry-inspired road trips across Australia, designed to help families and food lovers turn simple day trips or overnight escapes into memorable summer adventures.

Designed as relaxed, flexible journeys rather than long holidays, Chery Cherry Trails showcase the diversity of Australia’s cherry-growing regions and the local experiences that surround them. From pick your own orchards and farm gate stalls to wineries, bakeries and regional towns, each trail celebrates the simple pleasure of getting out on the road and exploring closer to home.

Chery is one of Australia’s fastest-growing car brands, with a range of vehicles designed to suit Aussie roadtrips and family travel. Built for long distances and varied conditions, Chery vehicles combine comfort, space and advanced hybrid technology to make road trips and short getaways easy and enjoyable.

Cherry season in Australia stretches through to late summer, with different regions producing fruit at different times depending on climate and elevation. As a result, many orchards continue to offer fresh cherries, farm gate sales and seasonal produce experiences beyond peak harvest, making these trails just as appealing for food lovers as for hands-on pickers.

For those who love the taste of cherries but prefer not to pick their own, the trails are designed to be just as rewarding. Many stops focus on tasting, buying and enjoying cherries alongside other local produce, turning each journey into a foodie led road trip rather than a single activity.

Chery Cherry Trails by state include:

• New South Wales: A scenic loop from Sydney through the Southern Tablelands and Central West, taking in regions such as Young, Mudgee and Orange. These areas are known for family-run orchards, cellar doors and village markets, with routes that move through varied landscapes and historic country towns
• Victoria: A one-to-two-day escape from Melbourne into the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, where orchards sit alongside wineries, cafés and local producers. The mix of elevations means cherry experiences and fresh produce are available across much of the summer period
• Queensland: A short break from Brisbane to the Granite Belt around Stanthorpe, a cooler climate region where small-scale growers combine cherries with broader farm gate and market experiences. The trail pairs food stops with national park scenery and relaxed regional towns
• South Australia: A one-to-two-day itinerary through the Adelaide Hills and surrounding regions, where cherries are grown across a range of microclimates. The trail blends orchard visits with scenic drives, historic villages and wine regions, making it ideal for a weekend escape
• Western Australia: A longer southwest road trip from Perth through orchard country, including Donnybrook, Manjimup and Pemberton. These routes pass through forest landscapes and agricultural regions where cherries are part of a broader local produce offering
• Tasmania: A two-to-three-day journey from Hobart through the Coal River Valley and into the north of the state, taking in historic towns, family-run orchards and cool climate growing regions. Tasmania’s later season means cherry-related experiences continue well into the summer months

While cherry season runs through summer, orchard opening days and times vary, so travellers are encouraged to check ahead before setting off.

For Chery, the initiative is about celebrating everyday Australian moments, from spontaneous road trips to discovering regional towns and local producers and encouraging people to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

ABOUT CHERY

Chery Australia is a leading automotive brand recognised globally for its commitment to innovation, style, and performance. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Chery has established itself as a pioneer in the industry. Known for producing technologically advanced and visually striking vehicles, Chery offers a diverse range of models that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Each Chery vehicle embodies the brand’s passion for pushing boundaries and redefining the driving experience. 
For more details on Chery visit www.cherymotor.com.au or Instagram @cheryaustralia  

Source

Cherrapunji, Pelling, and Kalimpong are also enjoying increased domestic interest

SINGAPORE, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed its latest insights into domestic travel interest to India’s North-East. Darjeeling (West Bengal) emerging as the most searched destination in the region on Agoda for the period of October to December 2025. The picturesque hill station, Gangtok (Sikkim) in second, and Shillong (Meghalaya) in third, together form the top trio of destinations in the region, drawing travellers with their scenic beauty and unique cultural experiences.

The data, based on accommodation searches made on Agoda by Indians between July and September 2025, underscores the appeal of these hill stations as quintessential retreats for domestic travelers in the holiday season.

Following the top 3 closely are Guwahati (Assam) and Siliguri (West Bengal) in the fourth and fifth spot, respectively. Guwahati’s lively city life and Siliguri’s strategic location as a gateway to the region make them integral parts of many travel itineraries.

To underline the growing popularity of India’s North-East, smaller towns like Cherrapunji (Meghalaya), Pelling (Sikkim), and Kalimpong (West Bengal) are also drawing increased attention from domestic travelers. Cherrapunji offers lush landscapes and stunning waterfalls, Pelling provides breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, and Kalimpong delights with vibrant flower markets and colonial architecture. These hidden gems are also enriching the North-East travel experience with their quaint offerings.

Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “It’s great to witness travellers embracing the diverse landscapes of India, in this case the North-East. The region’s natural beauty and serenity captivate those seeking both popular and quaint experiences. In recent years, many accommodation providers, including hotels, hostels, and non-hotel accommodations like villas, serviced apartments, and homestays, have partnered with Agoda to capture the growing interest from domestic and inbound travelers alike. I would encourage any hotelier or other accommodation provider, big or small, that isn’t listed on Agoda yet to take advantage of our easy 30-minute onboarding program to ensure they aren’t missing out.”

With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers flexible options and deals to help travelers discover destinations that suit their plans and preferences. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect year-end trips. 

Source

HONG KONG, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DPC Dash – Domino’s Pizza China (“DPC Dash” or the “Company”) (1405.HK), the exclusive master franchisee for Domino’s Pizza in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR, continued its strong growth momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025, further strengthening consumer loyalty through expansion of its store network, core product innovation and upgrades, and breakthrough seasonal marketing. The Company successfully achieved its full-year store opening targets and continuously strengthened its leading position in China’s pizza market.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, DPC Dash continued to execute its “go broader, go deeper” store expansion strategy. According to the Fourth Quarter 2025 Investor Fact Sheet (“Investor Fact Sheet”), as of December 31, 2025, the Company achieved outstanding full-year operational results: the total number of stores reached 1,315, representing 307 net new stores; DPC Dash entered 21 new cities throughout 2025, further expanding store coverage to 60 cities in the Chinese Mainland, reflecting a steady and efficient expansion pace. On January 1, 2026, DPC Dash has opened 62 new stores across 46 cities, continuing the strong momentum of store network expansion.

Positive same-store sales growth (SSSG) remained in Tier-1 cities during the fourth quarter of 2025. After excluding the impact of new stores in new markets entered after December 2022, group-level SSSG maintained positive in the second half of 2025 and fiscal year 2025 highlighting the brand’s strong resilience and competitiveness.

The strong performance of newly opened stores fully demonstrate DPC Dash’s brand influence. During the 2026 New Year holiday, new stores opened in multiple newly entered cities delivered strong performance. Notably, the first store in Dalian generated sales close to RMB 700,000 for the grand opening day. This once again confirmed the Company’s mature store operation system and strong regional market penetration capabilities, injecting strong momentum into overall growth.

Amid upgraded consumer demand and intensified market competition, DPC Dash has built a stable and developing consumer community through data-driven strategy implementation, with brand recognition and user loyalty continuously improving. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s loyalty program reached 35.6 million members, compared to 24.5 million as of December 31, 2024, representing substantial year-over-year growth. Over the past 12 months, 15.4 million customers placed their first orders, through both proprietary and third-party channels.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, DPC Dash focused on the dual-engine drive of “product upgrades + scenario marketing,” continuously enhancing user consumption experiences. The Company further concentrated on core pizza categories, launching two entirely new pizzas: the new Sicilian-Inspired Beef & Bamboo Shoot Pizza, featuring premium South American beef and fresh winter bamboo shoots, combined with authentic Sicilian-style sauce; and the Madrid-Inspired Beef and Shrimp Pizza with slow-cooked imported beef brisket and crispy fresh shrimp. Additionally, the Company upgraded two popular pizzas with additional toppings at the same price. With richer ingredient combinations and more intense flavor profiles, these offerings satisfy consumer demands for high-quality pizza while strengthening core brand recognition for delicious pizza at value.

At the same time, DPC Dash leveraged seasonal opportunities to launch limited-time marketing campaigns. To align with fourth-quarter consumption occasions, the Company introduced Halloween treats and combos with limited-time promotional activities, matching the holiday atmosphere while providing consumers with high-value choices. The fourth quarter saw the return of the classic “Mega Week” promotion, further providing consumers with value options. Additionally, the Company collaborated with popular Sanrio character Kuromi to launch limited-edition keychains, reaching younger consumers.

Throughout 2025, DPC Dash earned multiple authoritative industry awards for outstanding performance, covering food quality and safety, brand marketing, digitalization, investor relations, talent recognition and social responsibility. Notably, the Company received its fifth win at the “Annual Seven-Star Awards for Outstanding Contribution in Food Safety & Public Health” and secured the “Phenomenal Product Impact Award” in the inaugural food and beverage consumer influence rankings, demonstrating the Company’s industry-leading achievements in food safety, quality and sustainability, and its ability to create phenomenal hit products.

In innovation, digital operation and brand influence, DPC Dash also won the Brand Digitalization Award at the 16th Tiger Roar Awards, the 2025 Top 10 High-Quality Consumer Brand from Southern Metropolis Daily and the Top 20 Digitalized Enterprise at China Digital Innovation Expo (CDIE) 2025. In talent management, DPC Dash has been recognized as a 2025 Star Employer by Mercer. Building on its fourth consecutive year as a Best Employer, DPC Dash secured the coveted Star Employer recognition for the first time.

Looking ahead, DPC Dash will continue to deepen its 4D strategy of Development, Delicious Pizza at Value, Delivery, and Digital, exploring China market consumption potential and further optimizing operational efficiency. The Company will maintain innovation and sustainable operations, providing Chinese consumers with exceptional value and deliciousness.

About DPC Dash

DPC Dash is Domino’s Pizza’s exclusive master franchisee in the Chinese Mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. Domino’s Pizza, Inc., DPC Dash’s global franchisor, is one of the most widely-recognized global consumer brands and the world’s largest pizza company. Led by a seasoned and visionary management team, DPC Dash is a market leader that differentiates from competitors with, among others, a continually innovated and localized pizza-focused menu, unique expertise and leadership in delivery, technology focus and scalable and replicable store economic model. DPC Dash operates 1,315 stores in 60 cities in the Chinese Mainland as of December 31, 2025.

For more information, please visit www.dpcdash.com
For official company announcements, please visit www.hkexnews.hk 

Contacts

DPC Dash Ltd Investor Relations:

DPC Dash Ltd
IR@dominos.com.cn

ICR, LLC
dpcdashIR@icrinc.com 

DPC Dash Ltd Media Relations:

ICR, LLC
dpcdashPR@icrinc.com

Source

Applications are now open for official National Team Partners to help build the foundation for a credible and sustainable nation-based esports competition

EWCF to establish $20 million ENC Development Fund to support the long-term growth of nation-based ecosystems

[Media Kit]

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today introduced the national team representation framework for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November, by opening the application process for official National Team Partners.

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the framework for national team representation for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2026.

The Esports Nations Cup introduces national team representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format. It complements the Club-based Esports World Cup by enabling players to compete under their national flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.

National Team Partners will serve as the official national counterparts for the ENC 2026, within their respective countries and territories, with the responsibility of building and representing their national esports teams on the global stage. In partnership with the EWCF, they will coordinate team representation for the ENC, oversee and support national team coaches per game title, and coordinate with game partners and Clubs within the ENC framework.

Beyond competition, National Team Partners will shape their national team identity through marketing, communications, and community engagement, and collaborate with creators, media, and public institutions to mobilize their local communities to build national fandom for their teams.

While National Team Partners are responsible for the organization and representation of national teams, the competitive integrity and player eligibility remain governed by ENC rules and game partner-aligned processes.

Each selected National Team Partner will nominate a National Team Manager who will serve as the public lead and primary representative of the national team. They will act as the primary contact between the EWCF and the local ecosystem team, supporting coordination, representation and activation at the country and territory level, and are formally confirmed by the EWCF.

To support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF will establish the ENC Development Fund, committing at least $20 million annually beginning with ENC 2026. The Fund will support national team programs by covering travel and logistics for participation in the Esports Nations Cup, and by enabling promotional and fan-facing activities that build relevance, awareness, and engagement around national teams beyond the main competition, supported by the commercial, marketing, and operational capabilities required to deliver these activities consistently over time.

This includes support for training camps and bootcamps with structured fan access, exhibition matches and showcase events, official watch parties, national team tours, and appearances at major gaming and sports events.

Further details on scope, eligibility, and implementation will be shared with selected National Team Partners as part of the onboarding process.

“The purpose of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to elevate esports and make it sustainable,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “The Esports Nations Cup is a natural next step in that journey. By opening this application process, we are inviting trusted National Team Partners to help define the framework for how countries and territories are represented in esports with clear roles, aligned governance, and a system that works for players, game partners, and fans alike.” 

Eligible applicants include esports organizations, Clubs, agencies, NGOs, national esports and sport federations and associations, recognized government-mandated entities, content creators, and experienced esports professionals with strong national ecosystem ties.

Applications are now open at esportsnationscup.com and will close on January 31, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed through a multi-stage evaluation process assessing governance standards, ecosystem standing, operational capability, community reach, and alignment with game partners’ requirements.

The first cohort of approved National Team Partners will be announced in early 2026.

Hosted in Riyadh in November 2026 before moving to a rotating city model, the ENC will be held every two years to provide a dependable structure for players and esports organizations, encouraging long-term investment in national team programs.

Additional information about the Esports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, visit esportsnationscup.com, and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

About the Esports Nations Cup

The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is a biennial global esports competition created by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) that brings national pride to the world stage. Launching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026, the ENC will feature the world’s best players competing not for their clubs, but for their countries and territories, across a lineup of leading esports titles. Built in collaboration with game partners, clubs, and esports organizations, the ENC establishes the first recurring, large-scale platform for national teams in esports. Beyond competition, it aims to fuel fandom, inspire heroes, and provide sustainable pathways for nations, players, and partners to grow within the global esports ecosystem. esportsnationscup.com

About Esports World Cup Foundation

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the global esports industry. Through the annual Esports World Cup (EWC) and the biennial Esports Nations Cup (ENC), EWCF brings together the world’s top players, leading clubs, and millions of fans for the biggest stages in competitive gaming. Beyond hosting tournaments, the Foundation works year-round to grow the esports ecosystem, support talent development, and create lasting opportunities for players, teams, and partners worldwide.

Source

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reflecting its strategic business direction, STARTRADER seals a deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and becomes the league’s Official Partner, which marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and expansion.

STARTRADER Begins 2026 as Official Partner of the NBA

Fans will see STARTRADER’s brand integrated across key NBA touchpoints. From in-arena backdrops to broadcast-visible placements and select league media platforms, STARTRADER will benefit from high-impact visibility as audiences experience year-round storytelling across digital, broadcast, and select live events. These activations strengthen the brand’s global presence and reinforce its innovative narrative, in addition to joint Social Impact initiatives between the NBA and STARTRADER.

“This collaboration reflects the direction STARTRADER is taking as a global brand,” said Mr. Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER. “Aligning with the NBA reinforces the trust placed in our brand and supports our vision of operating on an international stage alongside institutions that share a commitment to long-term growth.”

“We look forward to working closely with STARTRADER as we continue to grow basketball and the NBA’s presence across the Middle East,” said NBA Head of Middle East Strategy & Development, David Watts. “The region is a key priority for the league, and this cooperation reflects our ambition to work with brands that share our commitment to engaging fans using the latest technological innovations.”

The collaboration aligns with STARTRADER’s repositioning, ‘Built on Trust, Driven by Growth.’ It reflects the growth that the brand has achieved as it continues to cooperate with global-level institutions that carry long-standing influence across cultures and markets.

At the core of this direction is STARTRADER’s focus on making global trading accessible and trusted, and empowering principles that mirror the NBA’s role in connecting hundreds of millions of fans worldwide around the game of basketball. Through transparent access, advanced tools, and trusted support, STARTRADER builds a trading environment that enables traders and partners to grow with confidence.

As the NBA celebrates its 80^th season, STARTRADER remains committed to the strong foundations it has built over the years to support long-term growth in an evolving financial landscape. The collaboration signals STARTRADER’s continued evolution as a global brand operating on the world stage.

ABOUT STARTRADER

As a globally leading broker, STARTRADER provides a transparent trading environment and exceptional services to clients in over 200 regions worldwide. We offer a wide range of trading products, including forex, precious metals, stocks, indices, commodities, and ETFs, along with diverse platforms. Additionally, we showcase our comprehensive service capabilities by providing tailored liquidity solutions for institutional clients, securing a unique position in the industry. STARTRADER is regulated by five top-tier authorities—SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, and FSC—ensuring the highest standards of security and trust for our clients. https://www.startrader.com/

Source

– ‘CART,’ the blood pressure ring, recognized in Europe for its advanced vital sign monitoring technology
– Targeting the global healthcare market beyond Europe through CE-MDR certification

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sky Labs (CEO Jack Byunghwan Lee) announced on the 8th that its ring-type blood pressure monitor, ‘CART PLATFORM,’ recently obtained the European Union’s Medical Device Regulation (CE-MDR) certification.

This certification was granted for the entire ‘CART PLATFORM,’ centered on the ring-type medical device equipped with photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, and encompassing the mobile app, server, and the web viewer for medical professionals.

With blood pressure measurement at its core, the CART PLATFORM provides various vital sign monitoring functions, including irregular pulse detection. When a patient wears the ring-type medical device equipped with a PPG sensor, vital signs are measured; the collected data is then provided to the patient through a mobile app, while medical staff can monitor it through a web-based viewer.

This is expected to replace or complement the uncomfortable conventional 24-hour cuff-based monitoring methods, enhancing patient convenience while enabling efficient blood pressure management.

These benefits have already been proven in the Korean medical field. Since obtaining insurance reimbursement in 2024, ‘CART BP pro’ has been utilized in approximately 1,700 hospitals and clinics across Korea.

With this CE-MDR certification as a starting point, Sky Labs plans to expand its domestic-oriented business structure into European and global markets.

Europe, with a population of approximately 520 million, is a market more than ten times larger than Korea, with a steadily increasing demand for managing chronic diseases such as hypertension.

In particular, CE-MDR serves as a crucial benchmark for medical device licensing not only in Europe but also in various regions worldwide, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America.

“Securing the CE-MDR certification is more than a mere technical validation; it signifies that we have earned global-level trust by meeting the stringent regulations of the European medical market,” said Jack Byunghwan Lee, CEO of Sky Labs. “Based on our unrivaled technology that allows cuffless blood pressure monitoring in daily life, we will continue to expand our footprint in the global healthcare market.”

About Sky Labs https://skylabs.io/en/

Founded in September 2015, Sky Labs is a leading healthcare startup that has developed CART (Cardio Tracker), a ring-shaped medical device designed for disease monitoring using heart signals collected through optical sensors. Following this, the company developed CART BP, a cuffless, ring-shaped device that enables continuous 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, providing valuable treatment information and making a groundbreaking contribution to improving the quality of life for hypertension patients. Sky Labs has signed an exclusive domestic distribution agreement for CART BP with South Korea’s Daewoong Pharmaceutical and is preparing for nationwide sales to hospitals, clinics, and general consumers.

Media Inquiries
Inok Jung inok.jung@skylabs.io
Bomi Lee bomi.lee@skylabs.io

Source