Hilton and Explora Journeys Announce Luxury Ocean Travel Partnership with Debut of Hilton Honors Adventures

Hilton and Explora Journeys announce an exclusive collaboration as part of the debut of Hilton Honors Adventures.

· This partnership invites Hilton Honors members to enjoy Explora Journeys’ modern vision of ultra elegant ocean travel defined by spacious suites, curated dining, and transformative Journeys.
· Explora Journeys is the new luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group with two ships currently sailing and a fleet of six ships by 2028.
· By summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Points on luxury ocean travel experiences through a new partnership with Explora Journeys.
· Limited-time preview offer gives Hilton Honors members the opportunity to book Explora Journeys with exclusive benefits that reflect the spirit of this new partnership, ahead of the ability to earn and redeem Points from summer 2026.
· Hilton Honors Adventures launches as a new expansion of Hilton’s loyalty program, bringing immersive, experiential travel to its members.
 
MCLEAN, Va. & GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today, Hilton and Explora Journeys – the privately owned and ultra elegant ocean travel brand of the MSC Group – announce an exclusive collaboration. As part of this exciting new travel offering, Hilton debuts Hilton Honors Adventures, an extension of Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program focused on immersive, adventure-driven travel.

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By summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to dream, book, earn, and redeem their Points to set sail aboard Explora Journeys voyages from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe to the Caribbean and beyond. Now through June 7, 2026, to celebrate the announcement of Hilton’s partnership with Explora, Hilton Honors members can participate in a limited-time preview offer created to reflect the spirit of the partnership.

While Hilton Honors Members can choose from all Explora Journeys’ global itineraries, a thoughtfully curated collection of 16 Journeys has been highlighted for this preview offer, introducing Hilton Honors members to the extraordinary experience of ocean travel, with exclusive value savings applied to these Journeys.

Anna Nash, president, Explora Journeys, said, “This partnership unites two brands committed to thoughtful travel, meaningful connection, and deep discovery. At Explora Journeys, we believe in giving our guests the time and space to slow down, choose intentionally, and feel truly in tune with their surroundings; this is what we call ‘The Ocean State of Mind’. Together, we're offering Hilton Honors members a stay at sea that blends the freedom of the ocean with the warmth of genuine hospitality. Our goal is simple: to create moments that are effortless, personal, and crafted with care, always guided by our commitment to the wellbeing of our guests.”

Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton, said, “Explora Journeys defines the pinnacle of luxury ocean travel and unparalleled experiences. This exciting new partnership creates the perfect moment to launch Hilton Honors Adventures, introducing new ways for our members to experience iconic destinations and hidden gems around the world.”

Hilton Honors Adventures invites travelers to immerse themselves in bucket-list-worthy travel, elevating loyalty benefits across land and at sea, all while upholding Hilton’s high standards of service and hospitality. This will also include Hilton’s exclusive partnership with premier outdoor hospitality provider AutoCamp. With more ways than ever to earn and redeem Points on meaningful stays — and additional partnerships to come — Hilton Honors Adventures expands the possibilities of loyalty-driven travel. Hilton Honors members can also continue to enjoy unmatched flexibility, personalization and loyalty benefits across 9,000 Hilton properties – including an extraordinary portfolio of more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels.

Expanding Loyalty to the Ocean

Ocean travel is experiencing remarkable growth as travelers seek experiences that feel unhurried, immersive, and deeply fulfilling. This reflects a desire for Journeys that combine the ease and serenity of traveling by sea with a deeper sense of connection to the world. Through this partnership, Hilton and Explora Journeys are bringing this vision to life for Hilton Honors members — offering an elevated way to explore the world at sea, shaped by exceptional hospitality and thoughtfully crafted itineraries. Each Journey allows generous time in every destination and invites discovery through culture, connection, and meaningful encounters rather than speed. Anchored in the Ocean State of Mind, this collaboration encourages guests to slow down, reflect, and embrace the restorative rhythm of life on the ocean, waking each day to a fresh horizon and the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Hilton and Explora Journeys are combining the freedom of ocean travel with the benefits of Hilton’s award-winning loyalty program to deliver a new way for more than 235 million Hilton Honors members to stay — this time — at sea. By summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Points and enjoy exclusive on-board benefits while experiencing carefully curated Journeys that will bring guests to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, including:

· The Mediterranean – Sunlit islands, charming villages, historic ports and hidden coves.
· Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland & North America’s East Coast – Majestic fjords, dramatic northern landscapes and culturally rich coastal cities.
· The Caribbean & Central America – Island rhythm, turquoise seas and the iconic Panama Canal.
· The Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula – Ancient cultures and contemporary elegance along storied desert shores.
· Alaska, Canada & The Pacific Coast – Glacier-carved fjords, pristine wilderness and vibrant coastal towns.
· Asia – Dynamic cities, tranquil islands and rich traditions, with immersive Japan sailings from 2027.
 
Explora Journeys Special Offer for Hilton Honors Members

Leading up to the opportunity to earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points on Explora Journeys sailings in 2026, now through June 7, 2026, members can book Journeys with exclusive benefits, including: 

· 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points rewarded per suite.
· Up to $/€400[1] Journey Experience Credits (JEC) on 16 curated Hilton x Explora Journeys itineraries, and $/€200 credit on all other Explora Journeys voyages. These credits can be redeemed for onboard experiences, including fine dining, Destination Experiences, spa treatments, curated shopping, and suite upgrades.[2]
· An exclusive in-suite welcome gift.
 
Learn more about Hilton’s luxury ocean travel partnership with Explora Journeys and explore immersive itineraries at Hilton.com/Explora. Hilton Honors is free to join, and travelers can enroll online at hiltonhonors.com.

[1] To be provided in the onboard currency applicable to the guest’s booked Journey.
[2] The Journey Experience Credit (JEC) is not applicable to purchases in the luxury monobrand boutiques (Rolex – EXPLORA I only, Cartier, Piaget, Panerai, Buccellati – EXPLORA II only), casino credits or advances, cash withdrawals, gratuities, donations to the MSC Foundation, and contributions to the Host lifestyle fund. JEC is non-refundable, non-transferable, and holds no cash value. Any unused credit expires after 18:00 on the final night of the Journey. Additional terms may apply.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 25 world-class brands comprising 9,000 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 141 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 235 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands comprising 9,000 properties in 141 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where members can check in, choose and access their room using Digital Key. Hilton Honors offers more than 235 million members hundreds of ways to earn and redeem Points, including with select co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem Points for free nights, purchases on Amazon, exclusive experiences, charitable contributions and more. The program is free to join and travelers can enroll online at hiltonhonors.com. Learn more about Hilton Honors at stories.hilton.com/hiltonhonors, and follow Hilton Honors on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the privately owned luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand stems from a long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travellers, drawing on the Aponte family’s 300 years of maritime heritage. At its heart is a unique “Ocean State of Mind” that connects guests with the sea, with themselves and with like-minded others, while immersive itineraries blend iconic destinations with lesser-travelled ports for Journeys that inspire discovery.

Explora Journeys offers 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences – each a ‘Home at Sea’ with floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean views, private terrace, and elegant, spacious interiors.

Guests enjoy eleven distinct culinary experiences across six restaurants, in-suite dining, and Chef’s Kitchen, along with twelve bars and lounges, five heated pools, extensive outdoor decks with 64 private cabanas, a holistic wellness programme, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the brand’s European heritage, seated at the heart of elevated Swiss hospitality, Explora Journeys delivers intuitive service and a relaxed sense of luxury.

The first ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA I, was launched in July 2023, with EXPLORA II arriving in September 2024. EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV, both LNG-powered, will follow in 2026 and 2027. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI are set to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028, incorporating advanced environmental technologies as part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

To learn more about Explora Journeys, visit explorajourneys.com or follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn and TikTok.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251208113333/en/

Contact
Amar Sejpal
Hilton
amar.sejpal@hilton.com 

Source : Hilton

--BERNAMA 

​AM Best Affirms Credit Rating of Tune Protect Re Ltd.

SINGAPORE, Dec 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” (Good) of Tune Protect Re Ltd. (TPR) (Malaysia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect TPR’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

TPR’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is expected to remain comfortably at the strongest level over the medium term, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The company has a generally conservative investment portfolio. Investment assets are held predominantly in unit trust funds, whereby the underlying assets are mainly fixed-income securities with good credit quality. A partially offsetting balance sheet strength factor is the company’s modest-size absolute capital base (USD 33 million at year-end 2024) compared with its peer reinsurers, which exposes the company’s capital adequacy to increased volatility under stressed scenarios. AM Best’s balance sheet strength analysis also incorporates a neutral holding company impact from Tune Protect Group Berhad (TPG), TPR’s ultimate parent.

AM Best views the company’s operating performance as strong, supported by robust underwriting results. Technical profitability is predominantly driven by favourable loss experience of TPR’s travel insurance business. Investment income has historically been a positive contributor to overall earnings, contributed by interest income and gains from its bond investments. In 2024, the company reported a combined ratio (net-net) of 81.9% and a return-on-equity ratio of 14.1% (as calculated by AM Best). In the first three quarters of 2025, TPR’s operating performance remains favourable, supported by strong technical profitability and investment performance.

AM Best assesses TPR’s business profile as limited given its position as a niche reinsurer with a focus on travel-related insurance products. TPR leverages TPG’s in-house technology platform to support and distribute policies in collaboration with corporate partners including airlines and travel agencies. Over the medium term, TPR is expected to exhibit moderate underwriting growth.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211390100/en/

Contact

Susan Tan
Senior Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5023
susan.tan@ambest.com

Yi Ding
Associate Director, Analytics
+65 6303 5021
yi.ding@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com 

Source : AM Best 

--BERNAMA 

UnionPay Inks 11 Cross-Border Payment Deals To Expand Global Connectivity

UnionPay hosts Global Partners Conference 2025. 

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- UnionPay recently signed 11 cross-border payment cooperation agreements with major institutions during the UnionPay Global Partners Conference 2025 - Innovations in Open Payments: Sharing Success in Payment Connectivity in Shanghai, China.

The agreements include Bank of China; PayNet and Hong Leong Bank (Malaysia); Uzcard and HUMO (Uzbekistan); IPC (Kyrgyzstan); OCBC Bank (Singapore); Banco do Brasil (Brazil); FonePay (Nepal); and Bluecode (Austria).

In his remarks, UnionPay International and China UnionPay Chairman, Dong Junfeng said tens of millions of micro, small, and medium-sized merchants worldwide now have access to UnionPay’s inclusive and extensive global network.

“Building a connected global network is a long-term, collective endeavour. UnionPay pursues mutually beneficial partnerships that leverage strengths of both issuing and acquiring sides for industry shared growth and fair profits distribution,” said Dong in a statement.

UnionPay has developed an open and inclusive New Four-Party Model, incorporating extended stakeholders such as wallet operators, mobile device manufacturers, and acquiring service providers, to adapt to the evolving payments industry.

While cross-border connectivity benefits millions of merchants, longer transaction chains and complex data introduce new risks, including money laundering and fraud. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become central to addressing these challenges.

Dong explained that large AI models can verify merchant authenticity with a single photo and outperform human judgement in monitoring high-risk transactions.

AI is also transforming the broader payment value chain, making transactions faster, smarter, and more efficient. UnionPay is fostering an AI ecosystem through joint innovation with research institutes, industry partners, and leading universities to drive industry-wide AI-enabled growth.

Guided by the vision of “Trusted Ties, Shared Success”, UnionPay will continue collaborating with global partners under the New Four-Party Model to build an efficient, secure, and connected global payment network, supporting the global payments industry and ensuring safe and reliable services for users worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

China's Hainan safeguards rainforest ecosystem, preserves ethnic culture

^{2025 "Rainforest and You" series of experiential activities}


HAIKOU, China, Dec. 3, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Changjiang Li Autonomous County, situated in the heart of Hainan Island, recently hosted the 2025 "Rainforest and You" series of experiential activities. The event showcased the dynamic integration of the county's tropical rainforest conservation achievements with its rich ethnic cultural heritage through a diverse program, including on-site rainforest performances, charity hikes led by Olympic champions, adventurous rock climbing and river trekking, and international symposiums.

The event attracted distinguished guests and experts from leading global organizations such as UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the U.S. National Park Service, and the Hainan Institute of National Park, as participants engaged in in-depth discussions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The Chinese edition of the Global Resolution on Strengthening Gibbon Conservation through Collaborative Action  was released, contributing valuable insights into global ecological protection and sustainable development efforts. Besides, three Chinese Olympic champions, acting as volunteer educators for the National Park, led over 1,000 volunteers on a 10-km hike, advocating ecological conservation through concrete action.

In addition, Changjiang County also launched a series of premium rainforest tourism routes centered on its four ecological landmarks: Mt. Bawang, Wangxia Town, Qizi Bay, and Haiwei National Wetland Park. These itineraries integrate natural landscapes with cultural villages, offering global travelers an immersive experience of the unique ecological and cultural features characterized by the convergence of mountains and sea.

As the world's largest free trade port, Hainan boasts China's most concentrated, most diverse, best preserved, and most extensive mainland island tropical rainforest.

In recent years, the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest has made significant progress in ecological restoration, green development, integrated education and conservation, and park-community synergy, effectively safeguarding the authenticity and integrity of this vital tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Most notably, the Hainan gibbon - classified by the IUCN as the "world's most endangered primate species" - has seen a remarkable recovery. Its population has rebounded from the brink of extinction to seven groups totaling 42 individuals, representing the only continuously growing gibbon population worldwide.

Source: The Organizing Committee of the 2025 "Rainforest and You" series of experiential activities