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Kolkata/Mumbai/Bangalore, November 05, 2024: Bandhan Group (Bandhan Financial Services Ltd) today announced its acquisition of Genisys Group, a global information technology and business process services company. This marks Bandhan Group’s strategic entry into the technology sector. The acquisition allows Bandhan Group to expand its global footprint with new offices in the U.S., UK, and India, significantly enhancing its presence in these markets. By integrating Genisys Group’s offerings, Bandhan Group will add to its portfolio an integrated portfolio of solutions, including digital transformation, data analytics, cloud services, digital media operations, and smart business process solutions across various industries worldwide.

Commenting on the acquisition, Arvind Agrawal, Managing Director of Bandhan Financial Services, stated, “The ongoing global disruptions driven by digital transformation—via hyper-automation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies—are reshaping the IT industry. We recognized an opportunity to acquire Genisys Group, bringing its balanced portfolio and decades of experience in the global market. The potential for IT-driven solutions to address business challenges, especially in the BFSI sector, is enormous, and we anticipate significant growth in this area.”

Looking ahead, Satish Subramaniam, CEO of Genisys Group, expressed, “We are thrilled to join forces with Bandhan Group. Their industry expertise and investment prowess will be critical in helping us scale both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Genisys will continue to lead in delivering AI and machine learning-driven solutions alongside cutting-edge digital and cloud technologies. Our approach enables clients to fully leverage the power of data and innovation to drive their digital transformation with agility and precision. Together, we will explore new opportunities to strengthen our capabilities, diversify our offerings, and extend our global reach. This will ensure sustained success for both our clients and Genisys, fostering long-term growth and impactful solutions.”

Genisys Group is at the forefront of delivering IT and AI-driven solutions, utilizing cloud technologies and automation to facilitate digital transformation. With a focus on agile delivery and innovations, the company helps businesses improve performance and unlock actionable insights from data. Its service portfolio spans digital application lifecycle management, cloud native solutions, data management, digital media operations and business process outsourcing, catering to various industry segments. Guided by a commitment to innovation, accountability, and transparency, Genisys aims to deliver future-ready solutions and establish lasting partnerships that drive value for its global clientele.

Bandhan Financial Services Limited (‘BFSL’) is the promoter of Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited (‘BFHL’) and Bandhan Bank Limited. BFSL was incorporated on August 03, 1995, and was registered with the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) as an NBFC-NDSI-CIC engaged in the business of investment activities. Bandhan AMC and Bandhan Life are the step-down subsidiaries of BFSL.

5th Nov 2024-Meghe Group organized a wellness event for the community on 23rd September 2024. The event saw attendance from doctors, fitness enthusiasts, and COVID-19 survivors, all eager to witness this important healthcare development. Dr. Akhil Bindra, a renowned Pulmonary Critical Care Physician from Cleveland Clinic, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, Dr. Bindra spoke about the transformative potential of telemedicine in making healthcare more accessible in India, particularly post-pandemic. He also engaged the audience in an interactive session, where he discussed ways to boost immunity after COVID-19 vaccinations and shared insights on the prevention of diseases like tuberculosis and H1N1, underscoring the importance of timely vaccinations.

Deepika Grandhi, India Business Development Head of Cleveland Clinic and Founder of IMAS Healthcare, highlighted the significance of this new facility in Nagpur. She focused on three key messages:

1. The Telemedicine Center offers a unique opportunity for the people of Nagpur to access global healthcare expertise.

2. She encouraged early second opinions as a proactive approach to managing health conditions before they become critical.

3. Ms. Grandhi urged women to prioritize their health and seek second opinions to ensure they receive the best possible care.

Dr. Anup Marar, CEO (Health) MGI Director SMHRC & DBASI, and Dr. Sandeep Shrivastava, Executive Director, DMIHER Global, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education expressed their enthusiasm for this partnership with IMAS Healthcare in collaboration with The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic. They emphasized how this center will serve as a bridge between Nagpur and world-class medical professionals, offering patients in the region access to expert peer to peer virtual consultations.

The Telemedicine Center is set to benefit not only the people of Nagpur but also those in surrounding regions, offering preventive care, second opinions, and expert guidance from global medical leaders. By bringing advanced healthcare closer to home, this initiative is expected to raise healthcare standards and improve the quality of life for countless patients.

Mumbai, November 5, 2024 – LANXESS India has won the FICCI Chemicals & Petrochemicals Award 2024 for ‘DigiTech Front Runner of the year’ category in chemical sector. Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India presented the award to LANXESS in the presence of Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India and other stakeholders of the sector.

Namitesh Roy Choudhury, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, LANXESS India along with Balaram Khot, Wholetime Director & Head of PTSE received the Digitech Front Runner of the year award on behalf of the organization at an event held in Mumbai on 17th October 2024.

The award recognizes the organization’s commitment to digitalization, emphasizing on our capabilities and tools that enhance process improvement, asset reliability, safety, sustainability, and cost savings. Through the strategic implementation of digital solutions across our value chain, we continue to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organizes Chemical & Petrochemical Awards ceremony as a part of the India Chem series of events to felicitate companies for their contribution in the development of chemical and petrochemical industry.

Commenting on the success, Namitesh Roy Choudhury, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, LANXESS India said, “We are truly honored to receive this esteemed award. By leveraging new technologies and adopting a digital mindset, we streamline our processes and drive improvements in productivity, connectivity, and overall organizational performance to deliver enhanced value to our customers, employees and other stakeholders.”

Bengaluru, 4th Nov 2024: VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST), India’s leading farm equipment manufacturer, today announced their financial results for the quarter and half year ended Sept 30, 2024.

For the Quarter, VST achieved the turnover of Rs 283.43 Cr, up from Rs 278.51 Cr in the second quarter of last year. The profit before taxes is Rs 57.53 Cr, up 16% from Rs 49.66 Cr in the same period previous year. Net profit rose by 23% to Rs 44.93 Cr YoY.

On year-to-date basis, the turnover is at Rs 474.02 Cr, compared to Rs 524.65 Cr in the first half of last year. The unfavorable circumstances in the first quarter of this year, which is now recovering from Q2, are the cause of the turnover’s degrowth. Maintaining the same margin on sales, the profit before taxes is Rs 85.47 Cr as opposed to Rs 92.25 Cr of last year. Net profit stood at Rs 67.78 Cr as against Rs 69.44 Cr last year.

The Board of Directors of Sundaram Finance Ltd. (SFL) approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the half year ended Sep 30, 2024, at its meeting held on Nov 04, 2024, in Chennai.

“Team Sundaram has delivered a balanced H1FY25 despite lower-than-expected economic activity in the half year. Assets under management grew by 20% to Rs. 48,058 crores compared to the prior year period. Net stage 3 assets closed at 0.89% and profit after tax for H1FY25 was at Rs. 648 crores. Our Group companies in asset management, general insurance and home finance have continued their trajectory from FY24 and recorded strong results. We continue to rely on our time-tested approach of steady and sustainable growth with best-in-class asset quality and consistent profitability,” said Harsha Viji, Executive Vice Chairman. 

Disbursements for H1FY25 recorded a growth of 3% over H1FY24. Gross stage 3 assets improved over the previous year. Gross stage 3 assets as on September 30, 2024, stood at 1.62% with provision cover of 45% as against 1.86% as on September 30, 2023, with provision cover of 42%. Core operations performed strongly with profit from operations up by 23% in H1FY25. Profits after tax was flat at Rs. 648 crores during H1FY25 and H1FY24 primarily due to a shift in the timing of dividend income last year. Dividend income was at Rs. 43 crores during H1FY25 as against Rs. 181 crores in H1FY24. Return on assets closed at 2.50% in H1FY25 as against 2.95% for H1FY24 and capital adequacy at 20.0% remains quite comfortable.

“Economic activity in Q2 was well below expectations with the monsoons disrupting consumption and government spending being slower post the general elections. The tepid economic activity was exacerbated by growing concerns on asset quality in the microfinance and unsecured lending sectors. With no exposure in these segments, we delivered a well-balanced performance in a tough operating environment, recording operating profit growth of 23%. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic of a recovery in economic activity in H2 as domestic consumption and private sector capital expenditure resume and the central government’s infrastructure spend and policy agenda gather pace. Team Sundaram will continue to remain sharply focused on delivering the Sundaram experience to our customers, our people and all stakeholders,” said Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director.  

STANDALONE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR H1FY25 

• Disbursements for H1FY25 grew by 3% to Rs. 13,768 crores as compared to Rs. 13,430 crores registered in H1FY24.
• The assets under management grew by 20% to Rs. 48,058 crores as on 30^th September 2024 as against Rs. 40,106 crores as on 30^th September 2023.
• Net interest income grew 19.4% to Rs. 1,304 crores in H1FY25 from Rs. 1,092 crores in H1FY24.
• Gross stage 3 as on 30^th September 2024 stood at 1.62% with 45% provision cover as against 1.86% with provision cover of 42% as on 30^th September 2023. Net stage 3 as on 30^th September 2024 closed at 0.89% as against 1.08% as on 30^th September 2023.
• The Gross and Net NPA, as per RBI’s asset classification norms for NBFCs, are 2.39% and 1.55% respectively as against 2.89% and 2.06% as of 30^th September 2023.
• Profit from operations increased by 23% in H1FY25 as compared to H1FY24.
• Cost to income ratio closed at 32.27% in H1FY25 as against 35.18% in H1FY24.
• The dividend income was lower during H1FY25 at Rs. 43 crores as against Rs. 181 crores in H1FY24.
• Profit after tax was flat at Rs. 648 crores during H1FY25 and H1FY24.
• Return on assets (ROA) for H1FY25 closed at 2.50% as against 2.95% for H1FY24. Return on equity (ROE) was at 14.2% for H1FY25 as against 16.2% for H1FY24.
• Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 20.0% (Tier I –16.4%) as of 30^th September 2024 compared to 19.9% (Tier I – 15.9%) as of 30^th September 2023.

CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR H1FY25 

The consolidated results of SFL include the results of its standalone subsidiaries Sundaram Home Finance, Sundaram Asset Management and joint venture company Royal Sundaram General Insurance.

• The assets under management (AUM) in our lending and general insurance businesses stood at Rs. 72,541 crores as on 30^th September 2024 as against Rs. 60,578 crores as on 30^th September 2023, a growth of 20%. The assets under management of our asset management business stood at Rs. 76,845 crores as on 30^th September 2024 as against Rs. 61,884 crores as on 30^th September 2023, a growth of 24%.
• Profit after tax for H1FY25 grew by 18% to Rs. 871 crores as compared to Rs. 741 crores in H1FY24.

GROUP COMPANY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Our group companies continued to perform well.

• The asset management business closed the half year ended 30^th September 2024 with assets under management of Rs. 76,845 crores (around 85% in equity) and consolidated profits from the asset management businesses were at Rs. 68 crores as against Rs. 49 crores in H1FY24.
• Royal Sundaram reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 2,053 crores as compared to Rs. 1,818 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, representing a growth of 13%. The Company reported a profit after tax of Rs. 126 crores for H1FY25 as against a profit of Rs. 145 crores in H1FY24.
• Sundaram Home Finance continued to grow strongly with disbursements up by 26% to Rs. 2,896 crores in H1FY25. The profit for H1FY25 was Rs. 111 crores, as against Rs. 117 crores in H1FY24.

Bengaluru, November 4, 2024: Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Türkiye, has been awarded the prestigious ‘World Class’ award by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) for the fourth consecutive year, maintaining its place among the 10 airlines in the world that have received this prestigious award. The awards presented by APEX were handed out at a special ceremony during the APEX/IFSA Global Expo held in California. The carrier has also received ‘Best-In-Class’ distinction award in Sustainability, marking the airline’s commitment to excellence in passenger experience and operational quality.

As a result of comprehensive inspections conducted by industry professionals, the ‘World Class’ recognition was awarded based on performance across three categories: Safety & Well-Being, Service-Guest Experience, and Sustainability, in which Turkish Airlines earned a ‘Best-In-Class’ distinction award. This achievement reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to sustainability through circular practices, digitalization, waste management, and more. In addition to these achievements, the national flag carrier has also received ‘FTE Pioneer Award’ from Future Travel Experience (FTE), a part of the APEX group. The FTE Global Airline Pioneer Awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles to award six winners worldwide that are pushing the boundaries of innovation, enhancing customer experience, and playing a vital role in advancing the air transport industry.

Commenting on the awards, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are honored to receive the ‘World Class’ and ‘Best-In-Class Sustainability’ awards from APEX, and ‘FTE Pioneer Award’ from Future Travel Experience (FTE). This triple recognition underscores our dedication to enhancing passenger experience, driving innovation, and integrating sustainable practices across our operations while delivering a world-class experience for our guests. My heartfelt thanks to our Turkish Airlines family for making these achievements possible and to our passengers for their trust in our services.”

“Turkish Airlines has consistently redefined luxury travel, earning APEX World Class recognition year after year,” APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader remarked. “Their unmatched global network, combined with a passenger experience enriched by world-renowned Turkish hospitality, sets a high bar for excellence. With the unveiling of their new Crystal Business Class suite in 2024, featuring enhanced privacy, larger seating, and exquisite design details, Turkish Airlines continues to elevate the standards of premium air travel, truly embodying the essence of APEX World Class by YATES+.”

November 4, 2024 – Across the globe, total applications to graduate business school programs in 2024 increased an impressive 12 percent from 2023 to 2024. This is a sharp reversal from the previous two consecutive years of declines, which followed a small pandemic related boost in 2020- 2021, according to an annual survey released today by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). With cost consistently cited as a key barrier to an advanced management degree in GMAC’s perennial survey of prospective business school students, it is perhaps not surprising that this year’s upward-trending application volume coincides with business programs offering financial assistance to more members of their incoming classes in 2024.

A deeper dive into the data shows that the significant uptick in applications was mainly driven by renewed interest in full-time, in-person offerings, with nearly six out of 10 such programs reporting application growth. Full-time two-year and one-year MBA programs, for instance, saw the largest shares of schools reporting application growth in the past decade at 80 percent and 64 percent, respectively.

Nearly three-quarters of accounting and management master’s programs also reported application growth. Interestingly, despite the increased interest in studying in-person, those with more flexibility also seem to be in high demand with 58 percent of online programs and 52 percent of hybrid programs reporting application growth, so did roughly two-thirds of online and flexible MBA programs.

“This year’s record growth in applications hints at a pendulum swing toward graduate business education, especially staple programs like full-time MBAs and accounting and management master’s degrees,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. “While the phenomenon could give proof to the countercyclical trend long observed between interest in graduate business school and the strength of the economy, I would give much credit to global business schools and their tremendous efforts to continue innovating with new technologies, new delivery tactics, and new ways of operating that satisfy the latest interests and needs of students and their future employers.”

Shifts in domestic and international applications dictate the growth.

The increase in total applications can also be attributed to an outsized increase in domestic applications, which are made from candidates with the same country of citizenship as the program. Most MBA programs regardless of delivery format benefited from rising domestic applications compared to international ones. Similarly, all surveyed business master’s programs experienced a 30-percent increase in domestic applications, but dips in international applications to programs more reliant on international talent—like business analytics—seemed to have offset the growth.

Geographically, the United States remains a top study destination for international talent, with an overwhelming majority of prospective students signaling the upcoming presidential election will not adversely impact their study plans as in previous election cycles, according to a recent global study published by GMAC. At the same time, domestic applications also drove up demand for graduate business education in the U.S., Asia, and Europe—except for the United Kingdom, which witnessed a 45- percent drop in domestic applications and a 12-point dip in international applications.

“There is no doubt that high-quality educational offerings are increasing in major markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America, giving candidates historically inclined to studying abroad more options and opportunities at home.” said François Ortalo-Magné, Professor of Management Practice and Executive Dean (External Relations) at London Business School and a GMAC board member.

“In this context it is critical for business schools to encourage regional and international mobility and build diverse, multicultural cohorts on campus, knowing that it brings tremendous educational benefits in us classroom, future boardroom, and beyond.”

Rising applications from women candidates give hope to trends towards the right direction.

Women’s applications to graduate business programs have consistently hovered around 40 percent over the past 10 years. This year’s data shows some bright spots with a small shift upward to 42 percent. Also, 55 percent of programs reported growth in applications from women, a 10-percentage point jump from last year and the second-largest share of programs reporting increasing applications from women over the past decade—next only to the pandemic boom in 2020. Specifically, MBAs were most likely to see a surge of female applicants, with 70 percent of flex MBA and roughly two-thirds of full-time MBA programs experiencing such growth.

“I’m excited to see this kind of growth in applications from women. I believe in the value of business education and the doors it opens for people, particularly women. As more women invest in themselves through business education, the healthier the pipeline becomes for business leadership, and the more likely we are to close the gender gap” said Elissa Sangster, CEO of Forté, a long-time GMAC partner organization aiming to build women leadership in business.

November 4, 2024 – Across the globe, total applications to graduate business school programs in 2024 increased an impressive 12 percent from 2023 to 2024. This is a sharp reversal from the previous two consecutive years of declines, which followed a small pandemic related boost in 2020- 2021, according to an annual survey released today by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). With cost consistently cited as a key barrier to an advanced management degree in GMAC’s perennial survey of prospective business school students, it is perhaps not surprising that this year’s upward-trending application volume coincides with business programs offering financial assistance to more members of their incoming classes in 2024.

A deeper dive into the data shows that the significant uptick in applications was mainly driven by renewed interest in full-time, in-person offerings, with nearly six out of 10 such programs reporting application growth. Full-time two-year and one-year MBA programs, for instance, saw the largest shares of schools reporting application growth in the past decade at 80 percent and 64 percent, respectively.

Nearly three-quarters of accounting and management master’s programs also reported application growth. Interestingly, despite the increased interest in studying in-person, those with more flexibility also seem to be in high demand with 58 percent of online programs and 52 percent of hybrid programs reporting application growth, so did roughly two-thirds of online and flexible MBA programs.

“This year’s record growth in applications hints at a pendulum swing toward graduate business education, especially staple programs like full-time MBAs and accounting and management master’s degrees,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. “While the phenomenon could give proof to the countercyclical trend long observed between interest in graduate business school and the strength of the economy, I would give much credit to global business schools and their tremendous efforts to continue innovating with new technologies, new delivery tactics, and new ways of operating that satisfy the latest interests and needs of students and their future employers.”

Shifts in domestic and international applications dictate the growth.

The increase in total applications can also be attributed to an outsized increase in domestic applications, which are made from candidates with the same country of citizenship as the program. Most MBA programs regardless of delivery format benefited from rising domestic applications compared to international ones. Similarly, all surveyed business master’s programs experienced a 30-percent increase in domestic applications, but dips in international applications to programs more reliant on international talent—like business analytics—seemed to have offset the growth.

Geographically, the United States remains a top study destination for international talent, with an overwhelming majority of prospective students signaling the upcoming presidential election will not adversely impact their study plans as in previous election cycles, according to a recent global study published by GMAC. At the same time, domestic applications also drove up demand for graduate business education in the U.S., Asia, and Europe—except for the United Kingdom, which witnessed a 45- percent drop in domestic applications and a 12-point dip in international applications.

“There is no doubt that high-quality educational offerings are increasing in major markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America, giving candidates historically inclined to studying abroad more options and opportunities at home.” said François Ortalo-Magné, Professor of Management Practice and Executive Dean (External Relations) at London Business School and a GMAC board member.

“In this context it is critical for business schools to encourage regional and international mobility and build diverse, multicultural cohorts on campus, knowing that it brings tremendous educational benefits in us classroom, future boardroom, and beyond.”

Rising applications from women candidates give hope to trends towards the right direction.

Women’s applications to graduate business programs have consistently hovered around 40 percent over the past 10 years. This year’s data shows some bright spots with a small shift upward to 42 percent. Also, 55 percent of programs reported growth in applications from women, a 10-percentage point jump from last year and the second-largest share of programs reporting increasing applications from women over the past decade—next only to the pandemic boom in 2020. Specifically, MBAs were most likely to see a surge of female applicants, with 70 percent of flex MBA and roughly two-thirds of full-time MBA programs experiencing such growth.

“I’m excited to see this kind of growth in applications from women. I believe in the value of business education and the doors it opens for people, particularly women. As more women invest in themselves through business education, the healthier the pipeline becomes for business leadership, and the more likely we are to close the gender gap” said Elissa Sangster, CEO of Forté, a long-time GMAC partner organization aiming to build women leadership in business.

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 4, 2024– ARRAY Innovation, the Bahrain-based leader in AI, enterprise software, and cloud solutions, proudly celebrated a milestone at Gateway Gulf 2024. During the event, organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, ARRAY signed strategic agreements with Bahraini organizations: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), highlighting ARRAY’s commitment to digital transformation.

ARRAY Chairman, Mr. Khalid Taqi, commented, “Our collaborations with Alba, NBB, and Tamkeen underscore ARRAY’s dedication to Bahrain’s digital transformation journey. We are committed to delivering technology solutions that support local enterprises in sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

“ARRAY’s mission is to develop advanced enterprise software and AI solutions that create high-value jobs for Bahrainis. Our latest agreements with leading Bahraini organizations reflect our vision to positively impact the Bahraini enterprises and communities,” said Alaa Saeed, ARRAY Founder & CEO.

ARRAY’s partnership with Alba focused on AI, data analytics, and automation solutions, driving operational excellence and cost reduction. “Our strategic collaboration with ARRAY marks a significant step towards positioning Alba as a technology-driven industry leader. This partnership will not only advance our Industry 4.0 journey, driving operational excellence, but also aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 by investing in local talent,” said Alba’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi.

ARRAY’s partnership with the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) aims to enhance NBB’s technology infrastructure with advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Generative AI. The collaboration will deliver actionable insights, optimize operations, and improve customer experience. “By integrating the latest in artificial intelligence, we are positioned to drive our digital transformation forward, delivering solutions that enrich our customers’ banking experience. Our partnership with ARRAY Innovation underscores our focus on modern technology to reinforce Bahrain’s leadership in financial ingenuity,” said NBB Group CEO Mr. Usman Ahmed.

In its agreement with Tamkeen, ARRAY will develop an AI-powered job-matching solution boosting Bahrain’s economic growth through strategic private sector alignment. Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, highlighted, “By enhancing both internal and external operations through this partnership, we aim to maximize the impact of our initiatives and increase opportunities for Bahraini talent within the private sector.”

SINGAPORE, Nov. 4, 2024 – Digital travel platform Agoda shares the top international destinations for solo travelers, ahead of Singles’ Day on November 11. Agoda’s solo travel ranking reveals Tokyo, Bangkok, Seoul, Osaka, and Taipei to be the favorite cities for those traveling alone, based on Agoda’s accommodation booking data.

Singles’ Day originated in China and has grown into a global phenomenon where individuals celebrate their single status. It’s a day marked by self-gifting and travel, making it an ideal time for solo adventurers to explore new horizons. Agoda’s accommodation booking insights show a ranking of five cities that offer diverse attractions and lively cultures, making them perfect for independent-minded adventurers.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “A solo trip is the ultimate gift you can give yourself. Exploring the world, stepping out of your comfort zone, making new friends and memories… there’s nothing else quite like it. Wherever your next solo adventure takes you, Agoda has great deals on accommodations, flights, and activities. And keep an eye out for special Single’s Day deals on Agoda.com/deals and in the Agoda app.”

For those looking to explore on their own, here’s why each destination stands out for single travelers:

1. Tokyo: A city where the old meets the new. Solo travelers can explore ancient temples and then dive into the world of cutting-edge technology. Tokyo is perfect for those traveling alone because it’s safe, easy to navigate, and offers countless solo-friendly activities, from museums to quirky cafes.
2. Bangkok: Known for its lively streets and rich history, Bangkok is a treasure trove of sights and sounds. It’s ideal for solo travelers due to its welcoming atmosphere and the ease of meeting fellow travelers in hostels and on local tours. The city’s colorful street life ensures there’s always something to see and do.
3. Seoul: With its dynamic cityscape and delicious food, Seoul is perfect for those seeking both excitement and relaxation. Solo travelers will find it easy to explore the city thanks to its efficient public transport and numerous solo dining options, making it a comfortable place to travel alone.
4. Osaka: Famous for its friendly locals and tasty street food, Osaka welcomes single travelers with open arms. The city’s warm hospitality and numerous attractions, like Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Castle, make it a great place for solo adventurers to explore at their own pace.
5. Taipei: A place where nature and city life blend seamlessly. From hiking trails to bustling night markets, Taipei offers a variety of activities that are perfect for solo travelers. The city’s safe environment and friendly locals make it easy to explore independently.

Agoda offers over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be booked together. This makes it easy for single travelers to plan their trips to these exciting cities. For more details on planning your solo adventure, visit agoda.com, or download the Agoda app.