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Funding & Investment in Travel

Ele.me co-founder launches senior travel startup, raises over $13 million in Series A funding

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Gongbilin, a travel service brand focused on organizing group trips for retirees, has recently completed its Series A funding round.

The company was founded by Jiashen Kang, co-founder of Ele.me and a former executive at Alibaba Group. Gongbilin marks his new entrepreneurial venture following his departure from Alibaba.

Amid growing investor interest in the aging population sector, Gongbilin has completed two rounds of financing.

In 2021, it secured an angel funding round from Gaorong Capital, Yuanjing Capital, and other investors.

The recent Series A round, led by Hong Kong Concept Capital, raised over RMB 100 million(over USD 13.9 million), primarily in US dollars.

According to the China National Committee on Aging, by 2040, seniors may account for 50% of all domestic travelers in China.

Capitalizing on this growing trend, Gongbilin has emerged as a rising star in the senior travel market, thanks to its unique positioning and innovative group travel services tailored for retirees.

As of December 2024, Gongbilin’s travel itineraries cover four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania). The company has partnered with over 1,000 hotels, guesthouses, and rural lodges across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Anhui, making it the largest group travel brand for retirees in China.

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Funding & Investment in Travel

New travel fees for Brits heading to Mallorca

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British travellers will soon need to fork out 7€ for an ETIAS permit to visit popular holiday destinations like Spain though the system’s implementation has been pushed back to 2027. The fee will only apply to tourists aged between 18 and 70, whilst younger and older visitors won’t face any charges.

The European Commission’s latest timeline reveals that the new travel requirement won’t come into force until late 2026, with a grace period extending into April 2027. This delay is tied to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), another crucial border control measure being introduced by the EU.

The EES digital border system, set to replace passport stamping, will begin its phased implementation in October 2025. EU member states will have a six-month window to gradually adopt the new procedures, with biometric data collection – including fingerprints and facial scans – becoming mandatory from January 2026.

How will the new system work?

The ETIAS travel permit will be electronically linked to passengers’ passports and remain valid for three years or until passport expiration. It’ll allow multiple short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across 30 European countries, though having a permit won’t guarantee entry.

Key dates for British tourists

  • October 2025: EES phased rollout begins
  • January 2026: Mandatory biometric data collection starts
  • October 2026: ETIAS introduction expected
  • April 2027: Full enforcement of ETIAS
  • October 2027: Complete compliance required

The system will cover the entire Schengen area, including popular destinations like Spain. British passport holders will need to provide biometric data when crossing these borders once the system is fully operational.



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Funding & Investment in Travel

Jelly Ko expands refill options on the back of strong sales and demand

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The in-house brand of Style Story, an Australia-based online retailer of South Korean beauty products, has added a fourth refill product to its portfolio.

Its global bestseller, Bubble Tea Steam Cream, recently joined Dewy Glaze Toner, Be Jelly Overnight Dream Serum, and White Truffle Souffle Serum in having a 50ml version.

“Bubble Tea Steam Cream is the product that put Jelly Ko on the map, and it is now available in a convenient refill pouch that’s perfect for topping up your empty jar or packing in your carry-on luggage.

“Refills are performing really well for us. Last month, across our sales channels, refill packs made up almost 40% of total sales for Bubble Tea Steam Cream, which is our hero SKU and most repurchased product. That is a huge adoption rate and shows that customers are not only repurchasing, but actively opting for the more sustainable option,” Lauren Lee, founder of Jelly Ko and Style Story, told CosmeticsDesign-Asia.

In fact, the travel-friendliness of the refill packs was pointed out to Lee by customers.

“Many started using the refill packs as travel companions because they are resealable, lightweight, and easy to pack due to its flat packaging. It wasn’t actually something that we realised when we originally designed them, but now that we’ve seen how people are using them, we have adopted that into our messaging as well.

“It makes sense because traditional cosmetics can be bulky, breakable, heavy, and just a bit annoying to cart around, even if they are travel-sized. These refill packs take all the fuss out of travelling with your go-to skin care products.”

Going forward, Jelly Ko plans to continue growing its refillable offerings.

“We will be adding a refill version for our Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask, which will also double as a travel pack, in the next production run. As for dedicated travel-sized products, we are not planning any at this stage. We currently offer sachet samples and these refill packs, which fill the gap for now.”

Smooth like bubble

Jelly Ko’s Bubble Tea Steam Creamis claimed to be the world’s first bubble tea skin care, which has sold out six times since its launch in 2020.

Infused with collagen, panthenol, probiotics, squalane, and four types of hyaluronic acid, it is a nourishing yet lightweight moisturiser that “replaces oil, serum and cream in one step”.

Inspired by the popular beverage, this cream is fast-absorbing, and delivers deep hydration and buttery-soft smoothness targeted at improving dark spots, blemishes, and visible signs of ageing.

According to the brand, it helps to refine texture and tone for all skin types and ages; smooths and firms skin for a more even, radiant complexion; and does not contain additives, such as artificial fragrances, dyes, sulphates and parabens, that may trigger reactions.

In addition, the newly launched refillable pouch is said to use 90% less plastic, glass and paper, contributing to reduction of carbon emissions and packaging waste.



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Funding & Investment in Travel

Cambodia’s Government Advances Travel to the sea with the Funan Techo Canal Project

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In a significant move to enhance connectivity and promote travel from Siem Reap to the sea, the Royal Government of Cambodia is championing the development of the Funan Techo Canal. This initiative aims to facilitate smoother transportation for citizens and boost the nation’s economic prospects.

During the inauguration of the Senior Technical Officer of the Senior Technical Officers’ Framework as Head of the Siem Reap Province Department of Public Works and Transport on July 16, 2025, H.E. Peng Po Nea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, articulated the government’s vision for this ambitious project. “We are committed to ensuring that travel from Siem Reap to the sea via the Funan Techo Canal becomes a reality,” he stated, emphasizing that the project is on track for completion.

The Funan Techo Canal, measuring 180 kilometers in length, officially broke ground on August 5, 2024. Spanning four provinces—Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep—the canal is designed to support vessels weighing up to 3,000 DWT, enhancing trade and tourism capabilities in the region.

H.E. Peng Po Nea further underscored that the development of waterways aligns with the government’s policy to transform Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050. “This initiative reflects our visionary leadership and aims to integrate public works and transportation, connecting urban and rural areas to streamline travel for all citizens,” he added. (Read more)

As Cambodia moves forward with this transformative infrastructure project, the Funan Techo Canal is set to play a vital role in fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

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