Latest news with #digitalintegration
Malay Mail
14-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Gother transforms travel experience for next-gen travelers, aiming for Top 3 in Thailand's tourism market by 2027
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 July 2025 -, a tourism service platform, operated by Search Engine Optimization, a joint venture between Beacon Venture Capital (venture arm of Kasikornbank) and Krungthai Ventures (venture arm of Krungthai Bank) is showing strong upward momentum following a 300% business growth in just seven months since launch in the past year. Aimed at upgrading its platform, Gother is targeting the new generation of travelers by offering a comprehensive travel booking experience. This includes accommodations, flights, car rentals, tour packages, and exciting activities that align with modern travel lifestyles. The platform offers seamless digital integration with mobile banking apps such as K PLUS, Krungthai NEXT, and Paotang, for easy payments and other services. This is expected to help solidify its ambition to become one of Thailand's top 3 travel platforms by stated that Gother is not just a platform for booking travel, but part of the travel lifestyle, designed to complement every journey, turning it into a special experience. The platform's mission is emphasized to be a truly Thai-centric service, tailored to the cultural nuances and preferences of local travelers. Since its official launch in 2024, Gother has attracted strong interest from next-gen tourists, achieving 4-time growth within a single year, and expecting to continue rising. To sustain this momentum, Gother will implement three core strategies in 2025: services are available through , the Gother application on iOS and Android, and integrated on leading mobile banking platforms including K PLUS, Krungthai NEXT, and Paotang. These platforms feature secure and convenient payment systems that allow users to complete bookings and payments in one is leveraging data analytics capabilities to better understand user behavior and provide more targeted services. A new version of the application with intelligent AI features that recommend travel experiences based on individual preferences will launch later this is growing its network of partners to include top-tier hotels, airlines, and tour operators domestically and globally. The goal is to offer a wider range of travel services, from flights and accommodations to tour programs, car rentals, and customized experiences for all travelers at competitive prices with attractive promotions and exclusive this strategy, Gother is targeting 10 billion baht in booking value by 2027 and eyeing a top-three position as Thailand's premier homegrown travel platform that truly understands the needs of modern Thai travelers. Backed by the support and capital of Beacon Venture Capital and Krungthai Ventures, Gother is confident in its ability to scale and achieve its ambition as a travel platform for #Gother The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Gother Gother is a comprehensive travel and lifestyle service platform developed in 2024 by Search Engine Optimization Co., Ltd., as a rebrand of the former TraveliGo platform (founded in 2015). Gother offers a full suite of travel services, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, car rentals, activities, and tour packages, available through and the Gother application. The platform is committed to redefining the travel experience by collaborating with various partners and adopting innovations to meet the evolving preferences of Thai travelers across all lifestyles.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Revealing Analyst Questions From Elevance Health's Q1 Earnings Call
Elevance Health's first quarter was characterized by notable revenue growth and a positive market reaction, driven by strong momentum across its Carelon services platform and ongoing investments in patient advocacy and digital integration. Management cited robust traction for Carelon's external payer solutions and highlighted the expansion of digital initiatives like HealthOS, which now serves over 88,000 care providers. CEO Gail Boudreaux noted, 'Our patient advocacy solutions supported over 6 million a 95% satisfaction rate, it's become a valuable differentiator.' The quarter also saw progress in integrating recent acquisitions to strengthen home-based and pharmacy services, though higher Medicaid costs and elevated utilization slightly tempered operating margins. Is now the time to buy ELV? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $48.89 billion vs analyst estimates of $46.43 billion (14.8% year-on-year growth, 5.3% beat) Adjusted EPS: $11.97 vs analyst estimates of $11.48 (4.3% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $4.06 billion vs analyst estimates of $3.8 billion (8.3% margin, 7% beat) Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $34.50 at the midpoint Operating Margin: 6.4%, down from 8.2% in the same quarter last year Customers: 45.83 million, up from 45.73 million in the previous quarter Market Capitalization: $85.07 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. A.J. Rice (UBS) asked about persistent cost trends in Medicare Advantage and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. CFO Mark Kaye explained that elevated costs were anticipated and manageable, with close monitoring of claims data and no material deviations from expectations. Lance Wilkes (Bernstein) focused on Carelon's external growth and specialty pharmacy integration. President Pete Haytaian highlighted strong internal and external demand, especially in risk-based services, and described ongoing integration of specialty pharmacy assets as deliberate and patient-centric. Stephen Baxter (Wells Fargo) inquired about lower-than-expected ACA effectuation rates and their implications for profitability. Kaye responded that lighter effectuation was due to passive Medicaid transitions and projected a single-digit percent attrition in Q2, which has been factored into guidance. Andrew Mok (Barclays) sought clarification on the benefit-expense ratio (MLR) outperformance. Kaye attributed this to a larger-than-expected Medicaid premium tax, which favorably impacted the ratio without affecting overall earnings. Lisa Gill (JPMorgan) questioned the impact of Medicare Part D changes and risk coding for new members. Kaye detailed the seasonality effects caused by the new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap and explained how these changes front-load earnings but do not alter full-year margin expectations. Looking ahead, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the ability of Carelon to sustain external payer growth and successfully integrate recent acquisitions, (2) the outcomes of ongoing Medicaid rate negotiations and their effect on segment margins, and (3) the impact of Medicare Advantage risk adjustment changes and value-based care expansion on overall profitability. Execution in digital health platforms and pharmacy services will also be closely monitored. Elevance Health currently trades at $376.53, down from $407.03 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free). The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Hospitality Net
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Expands in Germany with New Opening in Koblenz
The Chocolate on the Pillow Group (COTP) has opened the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Koblenz, marking the second hotel of the brand in Germany. This launch is part of a rebranding strategy that will see six hotels transition to the Four Points Flex by Sheraton identity by early 2026. Comprehensive renovation and repositioning Formerly the GHOTEL hotel & living Koblenz, the property underwent extensive redesign and modernization. This transformation extends beyond a simple name change, encompassing guest rooms, public areas, and digital infrastructure upgrades. The new interior concept integrates the brand's DNA with the local identity, combining functionality, contemporary design, and user-friendly comfort. Digitalization to enhance operations and guest experience A key focus of the redevelopment was digital integration. New front- and back-office systems aim to streamline operations, ease team workload, and enhance guest experience through smart, intuitive services. This supports an efficient hotel operation grounded in effective management and guest service. Ongoing brand expansion Koblenz is the second of six planned hotels undergoing this rebranding initiative, with Bochum already relaunched under the Four Points Flex brand. Further locations are expected to open under this concept by early 2026. The brand aims to establish a flexible, midscale product that balances strong economic performance with distinct design and service standards. Hotel website
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Communications Ministry discusses Google's investment in Kuwait
KUWAIT -- Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar met with Ruth Porat, Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet Inc. (Google), during her visit to Kuwait. The meeting aimed to strengthen their strategic partnership, focusing on technology and digital investment collaboration to enhance digital integration in government agencies. This initiative supports Kuwait's development vision, "New Kuwait 2035." Key attendees included Shaima Al-Terkait, Abdulrahman Al-Thehaiban, Salim Eid and Martin Roski. All KUNA right are reserved © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The National
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Abu Dhabi companies announce deals with Japan on sustainability and smart cities
Abu Dhabi entities announced the signing of deals on Friday that are expected to see private companies from Japan and the UAE develop smart solutions for areas including sustainability and digital integration for smart cities. The focus of the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council, where the deals were signed, placed great attention on non-oil industries and trade. "Non-oil GDP now contributes to over half of the [UAE] economy," Masood Rahma Al Masaood, treasurer of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said at the event. "Through this forum, we are helping Japan plug into a dynamic and tech forward market." "Both countries have ties since very long back and these ties have strengthened the economy together," added Mansour Al Sayegh, president of the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council and the group chief executive of UAE conglomerate Al Sayegh Group. "We are looking forward to being part of this delegation, expanding our networks and hopefully, bringing more companies, Japanese companies, major [Japanese companies] into the energy sector, back home to Abu Dhabi," he added. Emirates Driving Company also announced the signing of an agreement with Zenmov Company to promote the deployment of smart mobility IT systems in the UAE and greater Middle East. Khalid bin Aamer Alshemeili, chief executive of Emirates Driving Company, and Sumio Tanaka, president and chief executive of Zenmov, said they will implement joint solutions using Zenmov's Smart Mobility Operations Cloud to optimise resources, vehicle management and unmanned car rentals. Emirates Driving Company will support the market entry of these process to better integrate into the UAE's smart city infrastructure, while Zenmov will provide technical support and training. "We're planning to set up a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi this year, hopefully," said Mr Tanaka. "After we make a subsidiary, we want to make it the centre of our business to the whole of the Middle East and also Europe and Africa." Ne'ma, Abu Dhabi's food and waste loss initiative, signed an initial pact with the Japan International Co-operation Centre to reduce waste in the UAE. The agreement signed by members of the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council on Friday aims to strengthen co-operation between the UAE and Japan to achieve Ne'ma's goal of reducing food loss and waste by 50 per cent by 2030. This falls in line with the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, according to statements by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. ADDED chairman Ahmed Al Zaabi and Nobuyori Kodaira, president of the Japan Co-operation Centre for the Middle East, are both co-chairs of ADJEC and attended the signing of the agreement. They were joined by UAE ambassador to Japan Shihab Alfaheem and Japan's State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ogushi Masaki.
