Category: PRESS RELEASES

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Hong Kong rises to No.2 globally in competitiveness

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – Hong Kong jumped one place to become the world’s second most competitive economy, according to the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking published today (June 18) by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD). It is Hong Kong’s highest ranking since 2019, and builds on three consecutive years of improvement.

Welcoming the report, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, “The World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world, and notes that Hong Kong’s rise to second sustains the strong upward trajectory from 2024 and 2025.”

Hong Kong ranks No.2 globally in 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking

 

In announcing the results, the IMD noted that, amid rising geopolitical tensions, competitive advantage hinges on credible institutions, predictable rules, enforceable commitments and public trust.

 

According to WCY 2026, Hong Kong’s rise reflects sustained performance across the four competitiveness factors measured. Among these factors, Hong Kong ranks second in “Government efficiency” and third in “Business efficiency”.  “Infrastructure” and “Economic performance” rank eighth and 11th respectively.

 

As regards the various competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong tops the rankings in “Tax policy” and “Business legislation”, ranks second in “Finance”, third in “International trade”, “International investment”, “Management practices” and “Education”, and fourth in “Public finance” and “Basic infrastructure”.

 

“In the competitiveness factor ‘Government efficiency’, Hong Kong continues to rank second globally, reflecting the HKSAR Government’s ongoing efforts to promote free and open, stable, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, as well as the international community’s trust in Hong Kong’s legal and regulatory environment,” the spokesperson said.

 

“Hong Kong’s ‘Business efficiency’ is ranked third globally, reflecting the strong support for industry development rendered by our robust financial ecosystem, as well as the seamless alignment of the city’s business practices and environment with international best standards.”

Hong Kong has become a “value hub” that offers both security and growth opportunities

Amid rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, Hong Kong, with its close connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and its sound institutions, open markets and sustained investments in innovation, has become a “value hub” that offers both security and growth opportunities.

In fact, Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings including those for economy, finance, and talent.  The International Monetary Fund has also given positive recognition to Hong Kong in recent months, and major credit rating agencies have successively reaffirmed Hong Kong’s credit ratings and ‘stable’ outlook.

“All these echo the WCY 2026 results,” the spokesperson said.

Currently, Hong Kong is formulating at full speed its first Five-Year Plan, to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

“With the staunch support of our country, the HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors of society to strengthen our role and function as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, with a view to better integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieving our own high-quality development, creating more new room for development for our people and businesses, as well as opening up new opportunities for global investors and enterprises,” the spokesperson said.

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Hashtag: #HongKong  #BrandHongKong  #Global  #Competitiveness 

 

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Japan and South Korea lead the shift in global summer travel trends, according to Holafly data

Holafly 2026 Summer Travel Trends: The Rise of Asia

A traveler explores rich cultural heritage in Asia. According to Holafly’s Summer Travel Report 2026, destinations like Japan and South Korea are leading a major shift in global travel preferences, attracting tourists seeking diverse and immersive experiences.

DUBLIN, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Holafly, the global leader in travel eSIMs, today released its Summer Travel Report 2026, revealing a major shift in global travel preferences. While Spain continues to rank as the world’s most popular summer destination, Asian countries are gaining significant ground, with Japan climbing to second place globally and South Korea recording the strongest rise among the top destinations compared with last year.

The findings highlight a changing tourism landscape where iconic destinations remain strong while Asian markets continue to gain ground. Spain retains the number one position, followed by Japan, the United States and South Korea. Thailand also enters the global top 10 for the first time, reinforcing Asia’s growing influence on international travel decisions. Together, these movements suggest that Asia is no longer simply an emerging travel trend, but one of the key forces shaping global tourism demand.

Japan stands out as one of the top performers in this year’s ranking. The country attracted interest from travelers across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, positioning it as one of the most widely desired destinations worldwide. Tokyo also emerged as the most-mentioned city destination in the survey, reflecting Japan’s distinctive ability to blend culture, gastronomy, technology, nature and entertainment into a single journey.

The report also reveals a significant increase in international travel activity, with 46.4% of respondents planning trips abroad, compared with 37.6% last year. At the same time, more than half of travelers expect to visit multiple destinations during a single trip, reflecting the growing appeal of multi-country itineraries and longer, experience-driven journeys. Global events are accelerating this trend; according to Holafly data, 75% of travelers planning to attend the FIFA World Cup intend to visit two or more host cities, turning a single event into a broader travel experience.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan welcomed a record number of international visitors in 2025, while South Korea continues to benefit from the global popularity of Korean culture, entertainment and cuisine. Growing interest from younger travelers, combined with increased accessibility and expanding tourism offerings, is helping reshape the global travel map.

“Spain remains one of the world’s most desirable destinations, but the strongest momentum we’re seeing comes from Asia,” said Daniela Prado, Brand Director at Holafly. “Japan and South Korea have become truly global destinations, attracting travelers from multiple continents and inspiring a new generation of international trips. Travelers are increasingly looking for richer and more diverse experiences, and destinations across Asia are responding to that demand.”

As international travel becomes more ambitious and itineraries increasingly span multiple countries, travelers are relying more heavily on digital tools throughout their journeys. From navigation and transport to reservations, payments and communication, staying online has become an essential part of the modern travel experience, regardless of destination.

Media contact: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8593f859-ad89-44e6-8d02-15d7e483f8b2

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001186829

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Slovenia Celebrates 74 MICHELIN-Recognised Restaurants in 2026: Hiša Franko Retains Three Stars

The MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026 features 74 restaurants, two more than last year. Slovenia now boasts a total of 13 MICHELIN stars, one more than in 2025.

Michelin Guide Slovenia 2026

Michelin Guide Slovenia 2026

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hiša Franko, led by Ana Roš, has retained the highest distinction of three MICHELIN stars, while Milka Restaurant, under the leadership of David Žefran, has once again been awarded two MICHELIN stars. Eight restaurants received one MICHELIN star, with Galerija okusov joining the category for the first time this year. The Bib Gourmand distinction was awarded to 12 restaurants. The Selected category includes 52 restaurants, six of them new.

This year also marked the debut of the MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award in Slovenia. Additional special recognitions included the Young Chef Award, presented to Marko Magajne of Galerija okusov; the Sommelier Award, presented to Nejc Farčnik of Grič; and the Service Award, awarded to Peter Patajc of Gostilnica Ruj. The Opening of the Year Award went to Gostilna Francl, led by Sebastijan Kovačič.

MSc Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, emphasised: “This year’s MICHELIN Guide Slovenia results once again confirm that Slovenia is strengthening its position as one of Europe’s most recognisable gastronomic destinations. The inclusion of 74 restaurants from across the country demonstrates that top-quality gastronomy is becoming an increasingly important part of Slovenia’s tourism offer and a key driver of higher value-added tourism development. Our partnership with MICHELIN contributes to Slovenia’s international visibility, raises quality standards, and strengthens the reputation of Slovenian chefs and restaurants. We are especially pleased that Slovenia received the Opening of the Year Award for the first time this year, alongside the Young Chef, Sommelier, and Service Awards, all of which highlight excellence across different areas of gastronomy. In terms of MICHELIN-recognised restaurants per capita, Slovenia ranks around the European average among countries included in the guide, confirming the remarkable quality and ambition of Slovenian gastronomy. Congratulations to all recipients. The Slovenian Tourist Board will continue to support the development and international promotion of Slovenia as a destination of outstanding gastronomic experiences.”

Read the press release

MICHELIN Guide marks seven years in Slovenia

More information is available as well as on the Taste Slovenia and Slovenia.info portals. Photos and video statements from the awards ceremony are available here.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f30fbbc3-b02d-4386-9e2e-b472a374bde4

[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001188319

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SES DEADLINE ALERT: ROSEN, NATIONAL TRIAL COUNSEL, Encourages SES AI Corporation Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important June 26 Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – SES

NEW YORK, June 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of SES AI Corporation (NYSE: SES) between January 29, 2025 and March 4, 2026, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important June 26, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased SES AI securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the SES AI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=56471 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 26, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) SES AI overstated its business prospects by materially overstating the expected results that could be achieved by deals with companies that have limited or no operations; (2) SES AI created an appearance of revenue by purchasing services in exchange for purchases of Molecular Universe; (3) contrary to its positive statements regarding growth prospects, SES AI was affected by material logistics constraints in the fourth quarter of 2025 which would materially affect Q4 2025 revenues; (4) the foregoing called into question SES AI’s growth prospects for 2026, which were confirmed due to lower-than expected 2026 revenue guidance; and (5) as a result, defendants’ statements about SES AI’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the SES AI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=56471 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40thFloor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9748905

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ROSEN, GLOBAL INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages GeneDx Holdings Corp. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – WGS

NEW YORK, June 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of GeneDx Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: WGS) between April 16, 2025 and May 4, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important August 3, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased GeneDx common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the GeneDx class action, go to https://www.rosenlegal.com/cases/genedx-holdings-corp/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 3, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the claims against defendants arise from their misrepresentations and omissions regarding GeneDx’s statements regarding the impact of Fabric on the overall business of GeneDx. Throughout the Class Period, GeneDx repeatedly made statements that would have caused the average investor to believe that the Fabric acquisition would improve GeneDx’s financials and create efficiencies between it and GeneDx’s core business. These statements include such statements such as: “There is room to run in terms of reducing COGS in the future by combining the best of capability between GeneDx and Fabric as we lean into the best possible algorithms to optimize dry lab processes.” These and similar statements made throughout the Class Period were false. In truth, defendants knew of, or recklessly disregarded, significant problems in Fabric’s viability that would negatively impact GeneDx’s overall business and operations. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the GeneDx class action, go to https://www.rosenlegal.com/cases/genedx-holdings-corp/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9748897

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ROSEN, THE FIRST FILING FIRM, Encourages Zillow Group, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – Z, ZG

NEW YORK, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of Class A or Class C common stock of Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZG) (NASDAQ: Z) between February 11, 2025 and May 7, 2026, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 10, 2026 in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Zillow common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Zillow class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/zillow-group-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 10, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Zillow’s agreement with Redfin Corporation was not a “partnership,” but rather an acquisition of Redfin’s business; (2) as a result of the Redfin Agreement, Zillow faced a materially heightened risk of regulatory scrutiny and liability under federal antitrust laws; (3) upon the filing of an antitrust lawsuit, Zillow continued to downplay its legal exposure; and (4) as a result, defendants’ statements about Zillow’s business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Zillow class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/zillow-group-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9748901