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Malaysian Reserve
04-07-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
Europe's new wave of sleeper trains are next-level luxury trips
All aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman and the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express out of Rome by SARAH RAPPAPORT EVEN before I've had a drop of Champagne with my four-course meal, I'm teetering on my heels. I'm dressed to the nines in a floor-length gown, making my way down a wood-panelled hallway that could be straight out of Downton Abbey, though it happens to be on a moving train. The Belmond Royal Scotsman is gliding along at 65mph through the rolling Highlands of Scotland, rocking me gently until I make it to the cosy safety of my red velvet seat in the dining room. There, at a long table set with custom china for half the train's guests — about 16 of us — I'm served hand-harvested scallops and a tender cut of beef. It's a country mile from the usual bag of chips and can of Coke I'd scarf down on a train trip, I think to myself, admiring how the suit-wearing waiters can refill tall crystal flutes with precision, never spilling a drop. Then it occurs to me: Getting back to my stateroom is going to be even harder. Stumble-prone as I might have felt in the moment, it turns out to be quite easy to attune yourself to the rhythms of a luxury train. Yes, there are a few tight spaces to navigate, and the formality of it all is initially intimidating. But on my first night aboard, on a mission to figure out what's behind the great railroad resurgence of the mid-2020s, I begin to see why ultrahigh-end options are popping up from Africa to Japan. Boarding a sleeper (as I did) 'might be the closest thing yet to time travel', said Henley Vazquez, co-founder of travel agency Fora, which has seen a 300% increase in demand for upscale journeys by rail since 2023. Train travel speaks to people's desire for simpler-seeming times, for slowing down and having all the details planned out. It's like a very fancy cruise — on land. I've sampled two of these train routes, on the Scotsman and the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Both followed loops, starting and ending in Edinburgh and Rome, respectively, with stops in small towns along the way to explore. A dining cabin aboard the mod La Dolce Vita Being on a luxe train is so much more than just cosplaying 1920s glamour in refurbished Pullman cars. It's about a style of travel that's more effortless, convivial and deeply engaging than anything else I've experienced. With only about 36 passengers per voyage, you get to know pretty much everyone. While skimming along the west coast of Italy on La Dolce Vita, I chat with an American businessman who's already counted six trips on Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient Express, the line made famous by Agatha Christie. Over glasses of wine in the 1960s-inspired bar car, he tells me how he'd been a train-obsessed kid and has found the most grown-up way to enjoy them. All he needs to do is sit back and enjoy the ride: No driving to dinner, no planning excursions, no lifting a finger. Welcomed aboard to the sound of bagpipes If trains make sense for luxury-seekers, they also slide right into the business models of hospitality companies such as Belmond and Orient Express. They couple easily with those companies' resorts — you can stay at the just-opened Orient Express hotel in Rome before boarding La Dolce Vita, for instance. They add novelty too: To board the Royal Scotsman, you trail a kilted bagpiper through Waverley station in Edinburgh as curious onlookers snap photos. My double cabin on the Royal Scotsman is smaller than my college dorm room, but it's crammed with an impossible number of luxuries, from heated floors to fluffy Dior robes. (Belmond, like Dior, is owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.) Gold-coloured reading lamps flank the double bed, and there's a smart little cupboard in which to hang your formal clothes, along with a bijou writing desk. In contrast, La Dolce Vita's vibes mod, with mirrored walls, a groovy orange-patterned sofa bed the staff makes up for you and a compact shower with better water pressure than my London apartment. In both cabins, wide windows offer constant enchantment, be it views of the North Sea or cypress trees in the Tuscan countryside. Neither train has TVs and phone signals are intermittent. Despite there being nowhere to lay your luggage, the cabin prices are staggering: £5,300 (RM30,793) for two nights on the Royal Scotsman and from €5,100 (RM25,347) on La Dolce Vita. But the rates include the extravagant meals, drinks and entertainment. Entertainment and sweeping views aboard the Royal Scotsman The Royal Scotsman's rates also cover off-board excursions. Passengers can go 'forest bathing' (read: Peaceful stretching) with a local guide in Cairngorms National Park and learn Highland survival skills from wilderness expert Zeki Basan. A rugged twentysomething, Basan is a captivating custodian of ancient Scottish practices such as sparking a fire from lichen. In Italy, side trips include private access to the Museo Fortuny, the grand Venetian palazzo once owned by the artist and fashion designer Mariano Fortuny, and a tour of Siena that focuses on the artisans who revive the city's medieval Palio horse race each summer. These outings are intimate and efficient — quick but culturally insightful tours that you might not be able to access on your own. This writer aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman One night, aboard La Dolce Vita, I delight in impeccably rich saffron risotto and cacio e pepe, prepared by chefs under the direction of Heinz Beck, the mastermind of Rome's three-Michelin-starred La Pergola. I chat with some new Russian friends, who invite me to visit St Petersburg. 'Of course, our countries aren't friends,' one of them said, in recognition of my American passport, 'but that doesn't mean we can't be.' When dinner finally ends, well after midnight, we all spill into the adjacent bar car, where a lounge singer, pianist and sax player get the whole car jamming to Mambo Italiano into the early-morning hours. In Scotland the after-dinner merrymaking is similarly indefatigable, but with folk tunes and a raucous dance party the staff joins in on. With so little time on board, nearly everyone chooses fun over sleep. Sleeping on a sleeper train isn't the highlight, anyway. The beds are plush and comfortable, sure, but the jostling is hard to get used to, and in Scotland at five in the morning, I'm awakened by the screech of wheels against the track. It's lambing season, so rather than count sheep to go back to sleep, I relax and observe the farmers multiplying theirs outside my window. Watching the world calmly pass by turns out to be much more restorative than an extra hour of shut-eye would ever be. — Bloomberg This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Travel Experts Reveal the Crucial Tip to Remember When Traveling With a Baby
If there's anyone in the world who deserves a vacation, it's a new parent. And yet, traveling with an infant in tow can be daunting. There's so much gear to bring, mealtimes and naptimes to consider and the looming specter of dealing with an infant disaster, like an ill-timed bout of reflux, in an unfamiliar location. After asking experts booking in family travel, they all say the same thing: Take the trip. Sure, travel with infants takes some advance work. But it's worth it for the precious memories. And with a few of the experts' best tips and tricks for traveling with a baby, these vacations can get even easier. The success of the trip starts before you even leave. Packing too little opens up the possibility of wasting time and money trying to find essential items in an unfamiliar destination. But bringing too much means schlepping all that gear around the world like a pack mule. Here's how to find the right balance. Ship ahead if you can. It might save you some suitcase space and baggage fees. 'Talk with your travel advisor and ask them to coordinate with your hotel so you will have your preferred diapers, baby formula, wipes, snacks, etc. waiting for you in the room when you check in,' says Daniela Chavez Molina, a travel advisor with Fora. 'Just make sure to take the ones you need for the flight or ride — plus some extra — and you'll be fine.' But carry-on the essentials. You just don't want to be caught without them. 'Bring lots of essential supplies — such as formula or diapers, including swim diapers if you're going to a pool — with you in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is delayed or lost,' says Justine Delaney, owner of Vacations with Kids. She also says to make note of what supplies won't be available at the destination. 'For diapers, it's especially true if you have a bigger baby and are traveling outside the US and Canada as larger size diapers are not always available — like available at all, anywhere! Other countries tend to toilet train earlier,' she says. Bring extras of everything with you in your daypack. Babies are predictably unpredictable, and you don't want to have to track down a change of clothes on the fly. 'Pack like your baby's about to run for office,' says Tomika Anderson-Greene, CEO of Single Parents Who Travel. 'Seriously. Have a 'go bag' that stays stocked with diapers, wipes, snacks and a change of clothes for both of you — yes, you too, sis. I've learned the hard way that spit-up and blowouts don't check the itinerary. When my youngest was teeny, that bag stayed with me like a purse and prayer.' Don't skip the stroller. Yes, it's big and bulky. But leaving it at home will cause major regrets. 'I've had a surprising number of clients that think that they can travel with just a baby carrier, or just manage by carrying the baby in arms, but really, they come with so many supplies and all kinds of gear that you need a stroller, even if it's just to carry the stuff for you!' Delaney says. 'There can be a lot of walking in the airport and having to carry a baby, diaper bag and your own carry-on is a lot, especially if you're traveling on your own with the baby.' Booking wisely for a trip with a baby involves anticipating the family's needs, but doing a little advance research into destinations and hotels can make for a smoother vacation. Not all vacation spots are as welcoming to little travelers as others. Delaney notes that while parents may be excited to visit a European city center, they may have a rude awakening when they get there. 'The baby may not like the vibration caused by the cobblestone streets (think Rome), many destinations are not stroller-friendly since the train stations don't have elevators or even escalators (think London), ditto for small hotels or AirBnBs (think Amsterdam) and some cities are just not baby friendly at all (think Paris),' she says. 'Picking the right destination and travel style can make a difference in the overall 'hassle factor' while you are on vacation.' (Looking for a good recommendation? Check out Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Awards.) This is especially true of flights. 'Take full advantage of the lap child discount,' says Tyra Andre, owner of Mommy and Wee Travels. 'This means that, for children that are 2 years and under, it's highly likely that parents can snag plane tickets for just taxes and fees to many destinations, including international destinations. This is available on many different airlines, and it's a great way to save a ton of money on international flights and collect passport stamps for Baby's passport.' Andre also suggests taking those lap infants on nighttime flights. 'Since overnight flights align with a baby's natural sleep schedule, it increases the chances they'll sleep through most if not all of the flight,' she says. 'Parents often arrive at their destination with a well-rested baby and a much smoother travel experience." Gone are the days where you can show up right before a flight and waltz onto the plane with just an overhead bag. 'Get to the airport with time to move at baby pace, not TSA pace,' Anderson-Greene says. Travelers who are used to packing their days trying to cram in every experience might benefit for a slower pace. 'Let go of the idea that you have to 'do it all,'' says Samantha Collum, Director of Operations, River Oaks Travel Concierge. 'One of the best things parents can do is slow down the pace — focus on one meaningful thing a day, and let the rest be flexible. You'll enjoy the experience a lot more, and so will your baby.' The No. 1 piece of advice all our travel experts gave was to spring for a separate sleeping area for the baby, or at least have a place where the adults can be up with the lights on after the baby goes to bed. 'When my kids were smaller, and we had many early nights at the hotel, we always really appreciated having a room with a separate living area,' Chavez Molina says. 'This meant that when the baby went to bed, we could still enjoy a romantic room service meal and wine and didn't have to worry about waking them up.' It takes some time to adjust to a new traveling companion — especially one that needs constant feeding, changing and naps. But vacations done at a slower pace will be all the more precious for bringing them along. Embrace the adjustment. 'Travel with a baby is different, but it can still be so special,' Collum says. 'You may not see or do everything, but you'll make really meaningful memories. Some of our clients say their favorite moments are the unplanned ones — like early morning walks, naps by the pool or a quiet breakfast together with no distractions. Even if your baby won't remember it, you will.' Be flexible with the routine. At home, when there's more control over the surroundings and conditions, it's easier to keep a strict feeding and nap regimen. On the road, it might be necessary to improvise. 'It's ok if the baby is on a vacation schedule too,' Chavez Molina says. 'You can enjoy later nights and hopefully get some late mornings as well. The baby will be back on schedule when you get home.' (When my daughter was a baby, I remember someone saying, 'No one gets a medal if their baby never misses a nap,' and that stayed with me.) Prepare for bumps in the road. And know that just because there are setbacks, it doesn't mean it was a bad trip. 'It won't look like Instagram — and that's okay,' Anderson-Greene says. 'The baby will cry on the plane, especially if their ears pop. The stroller might not fit or even be allowed into that cute café. Naptime will prevent you from hitting every tourist stop. But the memories, even the messy ones, still count. You're doing something brave and beautiful by showing your child the world.' Travel experts offered the most-requested items their clients want — which are often available at hotels and other destinations. Before booking, ask about these baby-friendly extras. Baby bathtubs Bottle warmers/sterilizers Blackout curtains High chairs Baby food Toys Mini fridges Baby monitors Rental strollers Diaper changing station Diaper disposal White noise machine Car seats in rental cars Access to laundry Babysitting services Ground-floor rooms Rooms facing away from the street You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Key West 2025
Thanks to its beaches, colorful houses and vibrant community, Florida's Key West has attracted artists and writers for decades. 'It's where laid-back island vibes meet quirky charm,' says Claire Herzog, a travel advisor at Fora. 'It's hard not to fall in love with it.' The best hotels in Key West reflect the area's creative soul and provide prime access to legendary spots like Duval Street and Mallory Square. Our top overall recommendation is The Marquesa Hotel, thanks to its prime location a block off of Duval Street. Meanwhile, luxury seekers will appreciate a resort-style stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, design aficionados will be impressed with the charming furnishings at The Grand Maloney and families seeking ample room for children to play will want to book Parrot Key Hotel And Villas. Ahead, the best hotels in Key West for 2025. Exterior of The Marquesa Hotel in Key West, Florida. This charming hotel is perched on Fleming Street in the heart of Old Town, providing a superb location within walking distance of Key West's best sights. With just 27 rooms inside four restored, Victorian-style conch cottages dating back to the late 1800s, guests can enjoy pops of pastels, white wrap-around balconies, lush tropical flora and two courtyard swimming pools. While no two rooms are exactly alike, most are spacious with high gloss Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a mélange of furniture sourced everywhere from the West Indies to the Philippines and England. For foodies, the property's on-site restaurant, Café Marquesa, is widely regarded as one of the best in Key West, with creative preparations of local seafood such as seared black grouper with basil blue crab and saffron aioli. Guest room at Ocean Key Resort & Spa. For unparalleled sunset views, Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers 27 guest rooms, many of which feature a private balcony with views of Key West Harbor (others overlook the historic Duval Street). Each room offers a sophisticated and elegant mix of florals and stripes, as well as an in-room mini bar that's refreshed daily and comfortable wooden furniture for reading or enjoying a coffee before starting your day. The fantastic spa, SpaTerre, features Balinese-inspired treatments, and the resort offers multiple dining options, whether you're looking for a sit-down dinner or poolside drinks. The property's Sunset Pier bar is also open daily and features live music, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the music. A room at the Grand Maloney. Design aficionados will be delighted by this intimate hotel, which features five individually designed guest rooms (each with its own name) and a freestanding carriage house with a tropical outdoor shower that will make you feel as though you're on a private island. Every room is housed within a meticulously restored Victorian-style mansion, preserving many historic architectural details, including the 11-foot ceilings and 150-year-old wood floors. Beyond the well-appointed rooms, numerous common spaces are available for relaxation before exploring the nearby shops and restaurants, including a pool and an airy second-floor balcony. The mansion also features a wraparound front porch where travelers can mingle and enjoy a morning coffee (complimentary espresso is available in the lobby). Exterior of Parrot Key Hotel & Villas. For families traveling with little ones in tow, Parrot Key Hotel and Villas is an excellent option. It overlooks the Florida Bay and offers plenty of privacy and breathtaking views. (Although it's a 10 to 15 minute drive to Old Town, there's a complimentary shuttle so guests won't have to worry about transportation.) One of the best features of this hotel is its four sparkling pools, nestled among lush plants and sculpture gardens; there's also five acres of tropical gardens that surround the property and the waterfront white sand beach. The 148 spacious rooms and villas are perfect for large broods, with a porch overlooking the property's well-manicured gardens. Families can also enjoy outdoor excursions such as parasailing, snorkeling, and a guided kayak tour, which will keep younger travelers engaged and excited. Exterior of The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection. Couples seeking a playful atmosphere with numerous amenities will find plenty to love at this adults-only hotel, situated in Old Town and offering easy access to the main attractions that draw travelers to Key West year after year. There are 36 rooms with a fun, eclectic design that reflects the vibrancy of the location. The rooms are outfitted with a variety of amenities, including large flat-screen TVs and spacious walk-in showers. If you're looking for a drink in a lively setting, the rooftop bar has live music, and the hotel's onsite restaurant is an excellent spot for dinner or a late-night snack. If you're seeking excitement beyond the hustle and bustle of Old Town, the hotel offers a year-round outdoor swimming pool with pool loungers and free bicycles for guests to use at their leisure. Exterior of The Mansion On The Sea. Those with a penchant for old-world charm will enjoy the historic architecture of this distinctive adults-only hotel, located on Duval Street. The Victorian mansion is painted pink with hints of seafoam green and features a turret, as well as a wraparound front porch that's perfect for taking in sunrises and sunsets while enjoying the mild weather. It was initially built as a private residence and later turned into a hotel with 18 guest rooms, a heated zero-entry infinity pool and a poolside bar. Pool towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are all available for guests to use, and the poolside bar offers a delicious assortment of snacks and drinks (including the café's famous lobster pizza). There's also a complimentary continental breakfast each morning where travelers can enjoy locally ground and roasted coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, yogurt, eggs and more. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Dubai, Ready For A Surprise': Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Join Hands for a Landmark Strategic Partnership with Dubai to Create Timeless Memories in the City
The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled its new campaign – 'Dubai, Ready For a Surprise' – starring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Having visited Dubai on numerous occasions over recent years, Virat and Anushka share a personal connection with the city, inspiring them to embark on their first-ever destination-focused collaboration. Marking the first phase of this landmark partnership, the film at the heart of the campaign highlights Dubai as the perfect destination for all travellers, as Virat and Anushka unveil a series of surprises while exploring the city's diverse experiences. The film ends with an interesting twist leaving the audience wondering if there's more to discover. Rich in colour, culture, and energy, the campaign film encapsulates the vibrant essence of the city through a blend of varied culinary experiences, spontaneous cultural interactions, thrilling adventures, and musical interludes. It offers a refreshed perspective of Dubai, beyond the quintessential landmarks and experiences – one that invites both first-time and repeat travellers to discover the city in unforgettable ways. The story begins with Virat planning a thoughtful and personalised experience for Anushka, creating memorable moments that go beyond the expected. He reveals a new side of the city – one that matches her vibe, emotions, and preferences. He chooses each experience to align with her wishes, creating a deeper and more intimate connection with Dubai. As long-time friends of Dubai, Virat and Anushka's fondness for the destination emerges naturally on screen as they wander through hidden corners, laugh together, explore and uncover experiences that reveal the city's soul in new and surprising ways. Whether it's an intimate moment admiring the Dubai skyline from the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool (AURA SKYPOOL) or the thrill of parasailing over stunning beaches, the campaign film showcases a side of Dubai that even seasoned visitors like them find delightfully surprising. Virat said: 'Dubai holds a special place for Anushka and me –. The moment we land, everything – from the flavours to the energy – feels just right. Even my favourite chole bhature tastes just as good here! But what amazes us is how the city feels familiar yet always has something new to offer. Whether it's adventure, peaceful moments in the dunes, or just vibing to the perfect playlist on the beach, there's always something for everyone. This campaign has let us see the city through fresh eyes, and we can't wait for others to do the same.' Anushka said: 'Every visit to Dubai feels like a new discovery. Whether it's for work, or to be with friends, the city surprises you in the best ways. It is a warm city, extremely comforting yet very exciting and there is something new to explore always. From thrilling adventures to unexpected moments, Dubai has a way of matching every mood and every need. We're happy to be a part of this collaboration with Dubai and to uncover fresh, exceptional experiences and personalised ways to fall in love with the city.' Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), said: 'This collaboration with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma is a natural fit – their genuine affection for Dubai and the way they engage with audiences make them ideal champions for the city. As we work towards the goal of further consolidating Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, this campaign underlines the diversity of Dubai's ever-evolving offering and our commitment to consistently providing visitors fresh and memorable experiences, whether they are arriving for the first time or returning. India remains one of our most important source markets, and partnerships like these help us foster meaningful cultural connections, inviting Indian travellers to explore and rediscover Dubai in new and exciting ways.' The campaign's hero film is supported by a 360-degree rollout across social media, digital platforms, and targeted offline activations.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VerticalScope Announces CEO Transition and Executive Appointment to Drive Next Phase of Growth
TORONTO, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VerticalScope Holdings Inc. ("VerticalScope" or the "Company") (TSX: FORA; OTCQX: VFORF), a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities, is announcing a strategic leadership transition to drive its next phase of growth. Effective today, Chris Goodridge has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding VerticalScope founder Rob Laidlaw, who will continue in his role as Chair of the Board. In addition, Ezra Menaged, previously CEO of Hometalk (acquired by VerticalScope in 2021), has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Ezra, who has played a key role in diversifying the Company's audience sources, advancing its advertising technology platform and building an AI-driven content strategy; will work closely with Chris to scale these efforts across the broader business. These appointments strengthen VerticalScope's leadership team at a pivotal time, as generative AI reshapes how users discover and engage with content. To stay ahead, the Company is intensifying its focus on execution, speed, and innovation across its platform of over 1,200 enthusiast communities and two billion posts. With its deep archive of structured, human-generated content and high-intent audiences, community-based platforms like Fora give VerticalScope a powerful edge in an AI-driven world – offering authenticity, interactivity and context that algorithmic content alone cannot replicate. "Today marks an exciting next step in our company's evolution," said Rob Laidlaw. "The internet is changing rapidly, and VerticalScope remains well-positioned with its rich trove of user-generated content. Chris is the right leader to continue moving the business forward with speed and focus, and I'm thrilled that he'll be supported by Ezra — a proven operator who's already made a tremendous impact. As Chair, I'll continue to support the team with a focus on long-term vision, strategy, and scaling AI innovation across our business." Chris Goodridge, who has served as President and COO since 2020, has been a driving force behind VerticalScope's growth. "I'm honoured to step into the CEO role at such a transformational moment," said Goodridge. "With a strong foundation of high-intent audiences, scalable tech, and valuable content, we're poised to lead. Ezra and I share a vision of the vibrant future of community-driven platforms. Together, we'll drive that vision with a focus on accelerating our AI adoption, expanding direct traffic, and diversifying our revenue base to build an even more resilient business." Ezra Menaged added, "I'm excited to take on the COO role and to help scale audience growth with AI-driven audience strategies across the VerticalScope platform. Our goal is to make our communities more accessible, more engaging, and more essential to users — regardless of how they arrive. This is an important moment, and I'm looking forward to working with Chris and the entire team to shape the future of VerticalScope." About VerticalScope Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, VerticalScope is a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities in high consumer spending categories. VerticalScope's mission is to enable people with common interests to connect, explore their passions, and share knowledge about the things they love. Through targeted acquisitions and development, VerticalScope has built a portfolio of over 1,200 online communities and approximately 100 million monthly active users. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation that reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. When used in this news release, words such as "should", "could", "intended", "expect", "plan" or "believe" and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information, including the Company's financial outlook, plans for organic growth, deployment of capital, investments in our platform, new platform features, information regarding our financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, plans and objectives, the transition of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer roles, including the impact on the Company's future financial performance, the acceleration of the Company's AI adoption, expansion of direct traffic and diversification of its revenue base and the scaling of the Company's audience growth and AI-driven content strategies is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurances can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the implementation and effectiveness of the Company's capital allocation strategy, investments in its platform, the availability of high-quality M&A opportunities, and the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR Plus at Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. VerticalScope does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Related Links View source version on Contacts Investor and media inquiries:VerticalScope — Vincenzo Bellissimo, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: 416-341-7166, IR@ FNK IR — Matt Chesler, CFA, Tel: 646-809-2183, fora@
