When it comes to travel, mindsets are shifting. As awareness of overtourism grows, Brits are becoming more intentional and conscious tourists. Brands and businesses that educate and empower travellers on how sustainable travel can be a force for good will come out on top.

How overtourism is changing Brits' travel habits

While progress has in no way been swift, sports video games are slowly but surely evolving to platform female athletes. As interest grows in women’s sports and fans increasingly seek interaction beyond viewership, there is a need for greater visibility across identities.

Sports video games get an inclusive revamp

As more Australians with disposable income bolster the country’s travel industry, the luggage brand July has responded by expanding its affordable luxury offerings. Selling both style and practicality, it has met the needs of travellers seeking a bespoke touch as they head abroad.

Why July designs luxe luggage for cost-savvy travellers

NEOM, an ambitious development that embodies Saudi Arabia's bold vision for the future, is forcing FIFA into a leap of faith for the 2034 World Cup. As the experience economy shifts, brands worldwide are redefining their offerings to cater to the growing demand for multidimensional experiences.

FIFA goes futuristic in 2034 World Cup host announcement

Touch2See, a tablet with a vibrating magnetic disk mimicking live game action, has debuted in Italy. Assisting sports fans with visual impairments, the device demonstrates how technological innovations can help marginalised groups feel more involved in mainstream culture.

Touch2See allows blind football fans to feel the game

Manchester City FC has launched a design competition for fans to create its future kit using AI. This initiative shows how brands can leverage AI technology and tap into desires for co-creation to give fans a greater stake in product innovation, thereby deepening their connection.

Manchester City invites fans to co-create kit with AI

Solo travel is reshaping how Australians explore the world, driven by a desire for freedom, self-discovery, and deeper connections. From soul-searching escapes to reconnecting with passions, adventurers across generations prioritise unique, meaningful experiences over material possessions.

What do Aussie solo travellers want from their trips?

Former tech giant Nokia will have its cultural legacy celebrated through a design archive acquired by Aalto University in Finland. From sketches to marketing strategies, the collection will tell the story of the rise – and fall – of the mobile phone manufacturer that shaped a generation.


Nokia's archive taps into '90s nostalgia

Australians are driving demand for espresso machines and instant coffee, all the while shunning cafe chains due to the cost of living crisis. As people cut back on non-essential spending, brands face a challenge in delivering daily treats that give value for money without sacrificing quality.

Australians opt for home brews amid rising costs

InterContinental Hotels Group is enhancing its multigenerational travel offering to boost growth for its luxury portfolio. As high-net-worth travelers prioritize vacations as a collective experience with their loved ones, they’ll expect brands to craft holidays that have something for everyone.

IHG embraces multigenerational holidays in luxury travel

As people are becoming more mindful about their expenses and drinking habits, bars are scrambling to keep their customers coming. In Japan, 'izakayas' (informal bars) are going through an especially tough time, with over two hundred of them closing their doors for good in 2024.

Shifting drinking habits are threatening Japan's bars

Uber is spreading festive joy with the launch of an on-demand delivery service for Christmas trees and carol singers. The move addresses the desire for cost-effective, stress-free solutions that enhance seasonal joy, fostering connection and empathy amid the holiday rush.

Uber targets cost-conscious shoppers with Xmas special

The Lake House in Daylesford, a family-founded hospitality business, offers a cutting-edge culinary experience, spa culture, and country stays fit for a tastemaker. Featuring townsfolk produce and a farm-to-table menu, it has become a movement for tourists who honour tradition and heritage.

How The Lake House brings the soft life to Aussie tourists

With a multi-billion-dollar pink opportunity on the horizon, governments and businesses around the world are investing in products and services to appeal to queer travellers. When it comes to travel, safety and acceptance are top of mind for the community. How can companies offer this while authentically tapping into LGBTQ+ groups?

How can Asia cater to LGBTQ tourists seeking safety and inclusion? 

Nike has partnered with renowned make-up artist Isamaya Ffrench to create two fresh colourways of the Air Max Dn. The collab draws inspiration from women athletes whose influence extends from the field of play to the fashion world, further blurring the boundaries between fashion, sport, and beauty.

Nike x Isamaya Ffrench collab bridges beauty and sport

A Powerade initiative seeks to redefine brand-athlete partnerships by placing importance on holistic wellbeing and the power of breaks. Featuring top athletes, the bold campaign aligns with a cultural shift toward people demanding that brands ‘show up’ with purpose-driven actions.

Powerade cracks 'The Athletes Code' to mental health

Cryptic restaurant reviews on Google Maps in Mandarin are being used to share honest restaurant reviews with native Mandarin speakers when travelling. Using homophones and cultural references, the comments reflect the rise of 'crafty solutionism' as people develop hacks to subvert the system.

Chinese diners are outsmarting online review censorship

Skims is venturing into the winter market via a high-profile collaboration with The North Face, creating a capsule collection of elevated staples. The partnership joins a growing trend of fashion-sport tie-ups aimed at merging aesthetic appeal with technical performance.

Skims x The North Face collab blends style and function

A Nielsen Sports report has revealed that Formula One is the world’s most popular annual sporting series, with its fanbase having grown to over 750 million people. With many routes in for fans who aren’t avid or die-hard supporters, F1 has become an example for sports looking to reach new audiences.

Off-track action key to Formula One’s growing fandom

TNT Sports will broadcast the knockout stages of the Emirates NBA Cup in the style of a video game. The move reflects the shifting appetites among sports viewers. While the lack of interactivity may make the broadcast feel gimmicky, the format speaks to the media interests of younger fans.

TNT Sports introduces video game-style live broadcasts

Wine has long been part of Australian culture, but younger generations are indulging in different ways. How might Gen Y’s budding sense of connoisseurship and Gen Z’s desire for ‘vibes’ and community impact their buying habits? What do they want from products and brand interactions in this space?

How are Gen Y and Gen Z making wine culture their own?

Sicily is offering a low-cost sleeper train to ensure a wider variety of Sicilians can afford to go home and visit family during the winter season. But as slow travel grows in popularity, there’s a gap in affordable travel and a need for brands to ensure greater accessibility.

Sicily tackles traveller costs with affordable trains

Paris is cracking down on unlicensed Airbnbs with hefty fines and reduced rental limits, aiming to curb overtourism and housing issues. This shift could benefit local hotels and residents while potentially raising accommodation costs, reshaping the balance between tourism and local community needs.

Paris tackles tourism in Airbnb crackdown

With women in China being more self-sufficient than ever before, this financial freedom has influenced how they travel, and many are choosing to do so alone. But amid tensions between the rising “she economy” and persistent social expectations to start a family, some are keen to make travel rewarding.

Why Chinese women feel empowered to travel solo

Qatar Airways is celebrating the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix with limited-edition F1-themed in-flight experiences for passengers across all classes. The partnership demonstrates how cross-sector collaborations are revealing the influence of fandom in people’s everyday lives.

Qatar Airways collab targets F1 fandoms 

Oojo has launched its innovative travel platform in Germany, offering seamless booking and exceptional service to the country’s digital-savvy travellers. As people seek out more efficient, personalised experiences, brands can thrive by adopting AI and tech solutions to meet evolving needs.

Oojo's German launch targets personalised travel lovers 

There's a growing trend in the US among coffee drinkers seeking out more immersive experiences. People are looking for offerings that celebrate the bean and its origins and allow them to deepen their understanding of the drink – with coffee culture shifting to communal and educational events.

Americans seek out immersive coffee experiences

Against a backdrop of nightclub closures and rising drinks prices, Britons are looking for low-key, affordable ways to party. In response, dating app Bumble and hard seltzer brand White Claw have hosted their own house parties, speaking to a desire for community and intimacy.

White Claw and Bumble tap into British house party scene

Adidas has signed 16-year-old Kaleena Smith as its first high school women’s basketball NIL partner. The move reflects its commitment to the future of women’s sports, setting a precedent for a cultural shift toward greater inclusion and earlier investment in female talent.

Adidas signing reaffirms support for women's sports

Airbnb’s Xmas ad puts a spin on the classic poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ to drive home the benefits of staying at an Airbnb over a hotel. As crackdowns on short-term rentals and a desire for ease push people to hotels, the company taps into one of its key advantages as a home away from home.

Airbnb Xmas ad targets hotel-averse vacationers

The allure of food tourism is growing in Australia, with hyper-local produce and tasting menus taking centre stage. Young Australians are shaping the culinary landscape, making it more about memorable and personalised experiences.

Why food tourism is winning luxury fans in Australia

Stonegate and Heineken UK's 'Pub Alone' campaign aims to create meaningful conversations about holiday loneliness. Inspired by the classic movie Home Alone, it promotes pubs as connection hubs for young people, addressing the growing need for IRL social spaces during the festive season.

Home Alone-inspired ad highlights loneliness epidemic

Berlin's club scene is evolving as wellness trends reshape nightlife. Once linked with excess, partygoers are now adopting supplements, IV drips, and sober-curious alternatives. Gyms mirror clubs, blending fitness with music, while hearing protection is turning rave fashion safety-conscious.

How Berlin’s club culture is merging with wellness

Starbucks Korea has announced a new concept store in Seoul that targets university students. Brands are honing in on unique, memorable shopping experiences to win over Gen Z, and they could benefit from a more niche approach to counter oversaturation in the experiential retail landscape.

Starbucks South Korea courts Gen Z with concept store

The Australian Open is no longer just a tennis event – it’s evolving into a full-blown entertainment and cultural festival. From live music to gaming, fashion to food, there’s a clear focus on creating an immersive fan experience that appeals to tennis enthusiasts and casual attendees alike.

How the Australian Open aces entertainment for sports fans

Minecraft is set to join the real world with rides, hotel rooms, and retail outlets coming to the UK and the US initially. As people hunt for maximalist experiences and passionate fandoms heighten their expectations for immersion, gaming's popularity is set to expand IRL.

Minecraft's IRL attractions meet maximalist desires 

According to Booking.com, travel scams have surged 900% over the past 18 months, partly fuelled by AI. With urgency-driven tactics luring victims into fraud, Australians’ tech scepticism may erode trust in online booking platforms and prompt a shift toward slower, more secure payment systems.

Travel scams fuel distrust of purchase pressures online

Caravanning is seeing a resurgence in popularity among Aussies of all ages. From grey nomads spending their retirement on the road to digital nomads escaping the grind of city life, they are united in their love for the open road and desire for freedom and flexibility in their lives.

Why are more Aussies embracing caravan living?

While there’s growing awareness of the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities, there’s also a widespread lack of truly meaningful action to address it. Canvas8 spoke to Jeremy Sampson to understand the role businesses can play in building a solution.

Jeremy Sampson on the future of sustainable tourism

Soho House, the international private members' club, is continuing its global expansion with the Ibiza Farmhouse, a first for Spain. Members-only clubs are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their promise of curated exclusivity, privacy, and refuge from homogenised experiences.

Soho House to open in Ibiza amid members-only club boom

Korean luxury hospitality group Josun Hotels & Resorts has launched a store to expand its online presence via its distinctive food and lifestyle products. With people searching for accessible indulgences, premium hotel-branded products can bring luxury escapism into homes.

Josun Hotels & Resorts launches online lifestyle store

The Four Seasons has introduced luxury pyjamas as part of its Four Seasons at Home line, which honors the brand’s hospitality heritage and offers an entry point for those who can’t afford a hotel stay. The move aligns with a luxury trend towards accessible experiences amid economic constraints.

Four Seasons pyjamas offer an at-home luxury experience

Off-season cruises are growing in popularity as people look for ways to beat the crowds and mitigate the effects of overtourism. Not only are they more wallet-friendly but they may also cater to a growing desire to escape summer temperatures that have become increasingly unbearable.

Off-season cruises offer cooler, crowd-free holidays

Fortnite is deepening its music industry ties through live-streamed in-game concerts and musician-inspired locations. As gaming and music converge, brands must balance virtual and real-world offerings to create meaningful experiences that go beyond superficial representation.

Fortnite debuts music artist avatars amid uncertainties

More than ever, South Koreans are seeking holiday accommodation that’s a destination in itself. With hotels in South Korea rebounding from the pandemic, Koreans are also evolving their definitions of ‘rest,’ ‘luxury,’ and ‘hospitality,’ prompting local tourism to adapt too.

How South Korean hotels are adapting to attract visitors

Alaska Airlines is piloting a predictive AI tool to oversee one of the industry’s most complex challenges: flight scheduling. As interest mounts in seamless and connected modes of travel, the move speaks to a growing confidence in outsourcing high-stakes, complex transport needs to AI.

Alaska Airlines launches AI predictive scheduling tool

Globally, birth rates are on a decline while pet ownership is on the rise. As more Gen Yers opt to parent ‘fur babies’ over human ones, pets and owners are becoming more codependent, providing businesses with plenty of opportunities to cater towards their shifting expectations.

Gen Y seeks brands that cater to pet-centric lifestyles

Death cafes provide spaces to discuss mortality openly. Led by end-of-life doulas, they follow simple rules and offer comfort to those grieving. Part of the 'death positivity' movement, these gatherings, along with grief raves and grief-tech, aim to demystify death and provide outlets for grief.

Death cafes offer collective grieving experiences 

Luxury travellers have a new and exclusive way to experience Italy with the launch of the Orient Express’ La Dolce Vita sleeper trains. The revival of the once-defunct brand highlights the continued demand for luxury travel experiences, even as sales of high-end goods slump.

The Orient Express launches first new route in decades

Japanese 'healing fiction' featuring cats is gaining popularity among English readers. This iyashikei trend offers comfort amid modern anxieties and everyday challenges, with communities on social media driving interest in soothing yet fantastical narratives that facilitate escapism.

Japanese healing fiction offers cat-based comfort

For today’s travellers, it’s all about living in the moment, often trading future savings for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Drawn to Australia’s unique landscapes for adventure and personal enrichment, visitors are reshaping the tourism landscape. How can brands meet their evolving needs?

As travel desires change, what are the new tourism opportunities in Australia?

Airbnb is offering three families a chance to spend a night in Paddington’s house in London ahead of the third film's release. With many people seeking immersive travel, brands can craft fan experiences that cater to both adults and children, speaking to desires for nostalgia and escapism.

Airbnb venue entices fans with immersive staycation

In partnership with Trainline, Brentford FC is offering fans discounted train tickets to attend its away matches. The initiative highlights the gradual shift towards slow travel and the pivotal role brands can play in bridging the gap between eco-conscious desires and actions.

Brentford FC encourages sustainable game day travel

Viral animal tourism is on the rise as people travel worldwide for a glimpse of 'celebrities' like the pygmy hippo Moo Deng. The trend reflects how social media is letting individuals connect more deeply with their interests, fuelling a desire for more immersive IRL experiences.

Viral animals fuel trips to far-flung destinations

While Japanese LGBTQ+ people still face challenges in their quest for equal rights, Tokyo’s predominantly queer Ni-chōme district has thrived thanks to its tight-knit social circles and atmosphere of activism. While the district mostly comprises smaller ‘box’ bars, there are still plenty of lessons that bigger brands can learn from their success.

How Ni-chōme’s safe spaces attract LGBTQ+ revellers and their allies

China's 'home bars' are thriving, with these intimate gatherings in private homes offering a cozy alternative to traditional nightlife. As people seek casual socialising and meaningful connections, such personalised experiences can foster community and counter high loneliness rates.

Home bars provide a sense of community in China

Indian beauty brand Sugar Cosmetics has launched a campaign that showcases beauty rituals as a form of empowerment. It’s going one step further than the ‘girlboss’ narrative in Indian advertising, highlighting how women’s identities are fluid and can exist outside of the family-work dichotomy.

Sugar Cosmetics embraces femininity as power in India

Brompton Recycled is a discounted program offering lightly used, refurbished products. As more and more people seek sustainable commutes and travel options, brands can play a pivotal role in reframing ownership mindsets and encouraging circular behaviors to hack mobility.

Brompton Bicycles pilots sustainable travel program

After Tom Holland stepped into the world of sobriety, he enjoyed the array of non-alcoholic beers but was frustrated with their obvious labelling, which singled out sober and damp drinkers. So, he founded Bero to offer discreet alternatives, giving sober drinkers another option while socialising.

Tom Holland launches Bero, a discreet non-alcholic beer

Sport and fashion are becoming more and more interwoven as sports stars front campaigns for high fashion brands and clothing labels make their mark between the lines. Now, the media is catching up as Carine Roitfield unveils a publication dedicated to the intersection of these two worlds.

Carine Roitfield courts fashion-conscious sports fans

How has Fintech changed the way Germans approach money management? How is the rise of spirituality and diverse belief systems changing the religious landscape? And why is marriage on the decline? This Cultural Snapshot of Germany in 2024 explores the key behavioural shifts.

A Cultural Snapshot of Germany: 2024 - 2025

A new Audi showroom in Singapore will include the second outlet of Burnt Ends Bakery, a spin-off concept from the Michelin-starred restaurant Burnt Ends. People are flocking to showrooms as lifestyle destinations, and brands are getting creative with their offerings to nail the ‘wow’ factor.

Audi’s Singapore showroom debuts bakery cafe concept

Young Australians are travelling worldwide to see their favourite sports teams, creating a new phenomenon of ‘sportscursions’ that blend travel with the excitement of live sports. As sports tourism evolves, opportunities arise for Aussie brands to target new markets and embrace inclusivity initiatives.

How ‘sportscursions’ could get Aussies travelling more

The NFL has released a collection of blazers with NY-based brand Veronica Beard for its first official fashion collaboration. People are searching for relatable touchpoints to engage with the world of sports, and cross-sector collaborations can prove pivotal in resonating with casual viewers.

NFL collab speaks to evolving sports fandom expectations

Despite the controversy, the National Football League has announced its plans to extend its ongoing relationship with Roc Nation at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The relationship between fans and artists is fragmenting, with the former demanding meaningful connection and shared values.

NFL extends Roc Nation deal amid fan-artist decline

LEGO has partnered with COLORSxSTUDIOS and singer-songwriter Jacob Collier to launch a new campaign encouraging adults to unwind. Demonstrating the importance of letting loose and self-exploration, the move highlights how experimentation and creativity can help one find one’s happy place.

LEGO ad celebrates need for rest and creativity

Virgin Atlantic introduces BSL-trained crew, addressing communication concerns for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. This allows marginalised travellers to feel supported and gives them autonomy and confidence to navigate a world that is often not the default for individual nuances.

Virgin Atlantic meets deaf needs with BSL-trained crew

Aussies are keen on experiential travel experiences, with many consciously choosing destinations and activities with communal benefits. As people increasingly prioritise authentic connections, there's an opportunity for brands to create offerings that foster social interaction and shared moments.

Australians value community-led and experiential travel

The coolest Gen Z adults in Los Angeles aren’t meeting up at bars. Instead, they can be found at LA Chess Club, a meet-spot up where people get together to play a game with an uncool reputation. What can this tell us about young people’s desire for authentic real-world connections?

How LA Chess Club forms a community from IRL competition

Australia’s nightlife is evolving, driven by crowds who prioritise meaningful experiences, mindful consumption, and offline connection. In response, Sydney’s legendary Chinese Laundry has reopened – embracing a no-phone policy, inclusive spaces, and top-tier programming to drive community engagement.

How Chinese Laundry revives nightlife for Aussie bonding

As post-pandemic revenge travel slows, increased demand for corporate retreats is fuelling a welcome uptick in group bookings for the hotel sector. Amid an ongoing pushback against return-to-office mandates, the trend hints at a need for ‘new normal’ solutions to boost workplace cohesion.

Corporate retreat comeback offers boost to hospitality 

An exhibition at the Centraal Museum in Utrecht is providing a platform to designers from Morocco and the Moroccan diaspora, showcasing their contributions to the fashion world – seemingly a response to previously overlooked communities calling for acknowledgement and representation across sectors.

Fashion exhibition spotlights Moroccan designers

Playing into the popularity of dupe culture, McDonald’s launched the Chicken Big Mac at a restaurant called McDonell’s in LA. With traditional advertising increasingly thought of as an annoyance, the novelty of experiential advertising can boost brand salience without irking people.

McDonald’s dupe delights experience hunters

For anyone visiting Australia, one thing that quickly becomes most apparent is how everyone is seemingly running on an early schedule – as in, sunrise early. With a majority of the country reportedly up before 7am, we examine why Aussies jump out of bed earlier than most. 

What are Australians doing (and buying) so early in the morning?

To celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights, Mattel has introduced its first-ever Barbie Diwali doll. The brand continues to fulfil an essential role in enhancing playtime for children by blending creative play with real-world education and cultural representation in each new toy release.

Diwali Barbie shows need for diverse representation

At a difficult moment for the British night economy, hi-fi listening bars are taking off across the country. With an emphasis on top-quality, intentional listening experiences, the venues tap into a growing desire for interest-led, communal third spaces and immersive sensory environments.

Listening bars offer sensory third space for audiophiles

A study has found that British travellers want to tick off wildlife experiences like safaris, partly due to concerns about endangered species and a desire for memorable encounters. As people crave meaningful experiences, brands face a challenge balancing this demand with ethical considerations.

Wildlife trips appeal to experience-hungry Britons

Kyoto is partnering with e-gift firm Giftee on a 'Donate & Go' service, making it easier for tourists to contribute to regional efforts by giving half the donation back as e-money for local use. This maintains heritage, tackles over-tourism, and supports local businesses without reducing visitors.

Kyoto tackles over-tourism with e-gifts for tourists

Much of the conversation around professional sports is focused on how to stem the flow of fans away from live events and onto social media. The Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team, is providing a blueprint for success – matching social media virality with sold-out stadiums.

The Savannah Bananas match fans' entertainment desires

Cards Against Humanity has launched a provocative campaign that offers to pay non-voters to cast their ballot in 2024 and mock Trump. This reflects brands' increasing involvement in social issues, responding to younger voters' desire for authenticity while potentially deepening political divides.

Cards Against Humanity pays people to vote

LVMH has inked a ten-year partnership with Formula 1, helping to expand its influence in the sports sector. This collaboration arrives at a time when brands are leveraging the power of fandoms to foster new forms of collective identity while rewriting luxury codes for aspirational buyers.

 LVMH extends reach into sports with F1 collaboration

Amtrak has released a campaign that encourages people to embark on slow, mindful journeys. Amid rising concerns about accessibility and shared travel services, the railroad company taps into a desire for meaningful travel experiences that prioritize sustainability over rapid exploration.

Amtrak campaign highlights the beauty of slow travel

In tandem with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Qua has launched its pre-fall collection with a campaign starring the Indian women’s national team. It’s breaking barriers in a male-dominated cricket culture and aligning with people’s growing support for women’s representation in the sport.

Qua campaign pays homage to India’s women cricket icons

Hello Kitty will be redesigned as cute algae for the 2025 Osaka Expo, where the iconic cat will showcase ways of combating climate anxiety. Aiming to engage youth in sustainable efforts, it offers hope via innovation, dissolving climate doomism with tangible answers to the world's biggest challenge.

Hello Kitty is combating climate doomism through algae

Aussies are united by their love for sport, and the record-breaking attendance at the 2024 Australian Open is not the only proof of that. As online communities and content consumption habits evolve, what does it mean to be a sporty Australian, and how can brands place themselves accordingly?

How can brands win over sporty Australians?

Perceived financial pressures are making people more frugal and favour adverse. Some of this stress could be related to money dysmorphia, an exaggerated insecurity about one's finances. Brands can help by reassuring people and focusing on things that are more important than money.

Frugality in friendship: a growing issue for Gen Z and Y

In a record-breaking win for the Philippines, gymnast Carlos Yulo secured two gold medals in the 2024 Olympics. Brands and supporters back home put him on a pedestal and his family life under a microscope, showering him with money, gifts, and controversies that changed the face of local sport.

How Carlos Yulo changes sports culture for Filipino fans

Luxury streetwear label Aries has partnered with Premier League club Arsenal on a 26-piece collection that pays homage to their shared birthplace of North London. Here, geography plays a key role in the credibility of the collaboration, but there are other ways to make co-branding appeal to shoppers.

Arsenal x Aries leans on the appeal of shared experience

Women's sports bar The Sports Bra is partnering with United City FC Women to launch a livestreaming channel dedicated to women's sports. This initiative simultaneously promotes women's sports, addresses the current disparity in media coverage, and creates inclusive spaces for female fans.

The Sports Bra launches streaming channel for W-sports

Research from The Collective reveals that almost three-quarters of women globally identify as avid sports fans. Significantly sponsoring women’s sports is also an opportunity to enhance brand reputation amongst women’s sports fans. How can brands continue to support the growth of the industry?

Women’s sports fans want to see more brand support

Luxury has long defined Indian weddings, but young people are amping up the exotic factor by opting for destination weddings at home and abroad. Cost remains a concern for many, and people are looking for brands to democratise the offering without compromising on world-class experiences.

Indians are eyeing destination weddings as luxury cachet

Japan’s drinking culture seems to be changing, with declining sales, bans on public drinking and disputes over advertising in public spaces. As alcohol consumption declines since the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s an opportunity for brands to craft more original drinking occasions.

Japanese drinking habits are changing after the pandemic

Focusing on pleasure over performance, the Slow Cycling Club is the collaboration brainchild between two leading French sports brands. With a focus on slowness and satisfaction, the shift highlights a growing desire for a softer approach to endurance sports.

Slow Cycling Club apparel champions mindful cycling

In addition to impacting their viewing habits and loyalty to teams or players, Gen Z’s digital-first approach to sports fandom is transforming their relationship with gambling. How do they engage with betting apps, and how can brands in this space both appeal to and safeguard young adults?

How are Gen Zers approaching sports gambling?

Portion sizes in US restaurants are beginning to shrink due to rising food costs, climate concerns, and the "snackification" of mealtimes. Despite a sizeable contingent of Americans being unwilling to relinquish their super-size portions, the dining landscape is shifting.

US restaurant portion sizes begin to shrink

Seoul is hosting its first global webtoon festival and awards ceremony in Seongsu-dong, a vibrant cultural hub in the city, providing a participatory cultural experience. As webtoons gain global popularity, the government is supporting initiatives to engage fans both locally and abroad.

Seoul hosts immersive webtoon festival for fans

In collaboration with baseball star and brand ambassador Ohtani Shohei, Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched the Dream Miles Pass, which helps young Japanese gain overseas experiences. Faced with a bleak outlook, Gen Yers and Zers are looking to brands as sources of hope and support.

Japan Airlines enables youth to turn dreams into reality

The summer of 2024 was a vibrant season of sport across Europe, with German teams and athletes attracting eye-watering sponsorship deals. But as people’s interest in sport evolves beyond the mainstream, Sponsoo is helping lesser-known athletes, teams, and leagues get in on the action.

How Sponsoo empowers German fans to sponsor sports

The artist teamed up with Google Maps to spotlight sustainable transport and food options on her North American tour. As people want their favorite artists to reflect their values, there is an opportunity to appeal to eco-friendly habits by fostering discovery and community engagement.

Billie Eilish promotes eco-friendly actions on US tour

Morrisons has launched farm tours in the UK, bringing its customers closer to the people who make the food they eat. Supply chain transparency can undoubtedly boost brands’ eco-credentials, and Morrisons' initiative shows how companies can go beyond certifications for a more human approach. 

Morrisons ventures into eco-travel with UK farm tours

Nintendo's influence spans from family-friendly entertainment and 5-bit adventures to driving lucrative career opportunities within Japan's thriving gaming industry. As analogue experiences help people cope in a crisis-stricken world, Nintendo’s toys and games now serve as social anchors.

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