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    Bitkub Metaverse added to Thailand’s Smart Tourism transformation

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bitkub Blockchain Technology to cooperate in further developing the Bitkub Metaverse as part of the TAT’s ongoing strategy to leverage technology and innovation to transform Thai tourism to be Smart Tourism.
    Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research, and Development, said “With the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, TAT is revitalising Thai tourism towards digital transformation in recognition of the importance of the digital economy and digital as a game changer. Blockchain technology will play an important role in promoting and developing tourism, and it also represents an opportunity for Thailand to be a role model in using virtual reality as an effective tool to promote tourism.”
    Under the MoU, TAT and Bitkub Blockchain Technology will cooperate in promoting Thai tourism through the Bitkub Metaverse. This will be further developed to include an information centre on Thai tourism, while promoting tourist landmarks and year-round travel experiences that simulate real-world tourist attractions and destinations with 3D images and videos.
    Web 3.0 technology and the application of digital assets will be utilised to promote a new dimension of tourism, thus creating a new virtual world in the metaverse that combines NFT (Non-Fungible Token), Blockchain, Crypto, XRB Token, and other technologies in one place. Tourists can use digital vouchers and NFT to enjoy a virtual travel experience and shop for tourism products and services in the real world.
    Ultimately, Thai and foreign tourists will be inspired to travel more around Thailand after enjoying their virtual experience.ADVERTISEMENT
    Mr. Passakorn Pannok, CEO of Bitkub Blockchain Technology, said “We are excited about the possibilities to further develop the Bitkub Metaverse, a project that has received much attention in Thailand’s blockchain industry. Our collaboration with leading animation design and production specialist The Monk Studio offers users a real connection with their characters, which can help promote Thai tourism and travel to both domestic and foreign travellers.”
    TAT’s innovation approach on digital tourism included the ‘Amazing Thailand Metaverse: Amazing Durian’ project in April 2022, the ‘Thailand Travelution 2022’ event in November 2022, and two seasons of the ‘Amazing Thailand NFTs’ tourism experience in 2022 and 2023.

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    A message to Delta SkyMiles members from CEO Ed Bastian: More to enjoy this summer

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    BRITS SAFEGUARD THEIR SUMMER HOLIDAY WITH SAVVY EVERYDAY SAVINGS AND PANDEMIC FUNDS

    Over half of Brits (56%) say the pandemic changed their views on travel with over a third saying they put more value on enjoying life and prefer to make lifelong memories over spending their money on material itemsAs well as using their pandemic savings, Brits are choosing to save on takeaways (45%), dinners and drinks out (42%) and clothing & accessories (30%) and are shifting toward more budget friendly airlines this summerThis focus on travel is set to continue with 9 in 10 Brits saying they will travel more or about the same in 2024British holidaymakers are prioritising trips abroad more than ever, despite the cost-of-living according to new research of 2,000 British adults by easyJet and released today.
    New data reveals that as well as the current economic climate not deterring Brits from their holidays, in fact it shows they are placing even more value on travel than before.
    Value of the Holiday
    Nearly six in 10 Brits (57%) say that despite the cost-of-living, they will always protect their summer holiday. New research finds that travelling is now in fact considered more important with people (45%) needing something to look forward to and 37% needing to get a break away from home and work life.
    As a result, four in five (80%) of Brits said they will still be taking a holiday this summer. Europe is the top spot for British holidaymakers with two-thirds (74%) heading there this summer, with Spain (23%), Greece (9%) and France (5%) the most popular destinationsADVERTISEMENTResearch finds that the majority of Brits (87%) will spend more or about the same on holidays this year than last year despite the cost-of-living, with many placing high value on taking a break (42%) and believing making memories are more important than anything (37%).
    Post Pandemic Trends
    Over half of Brits (56%) say that the pandemic has changed their views on travel with over a third (35%) saying that they now put more value on enjoying life.
    Nearly one in three (30%) Brits say that they used to take travel for granted but following the pandemic restrictions now want to make the most of it.
    That’s why almost a quarter (23%) say that they are even travelling more than before the pandemic with half of them (48%) saying that they now value experience more than items. Over two-fifths (46%) say that they need more breaks from day-to-day life and a similar number (39%) say that they want to make up for the years they couldn’t travel.
    In fact, nearly half of Brits (47%) made savings during the pandemic and are now using that money to spend on travelling.
    Safeguarding the summer holiday
    Four in five (82%) Brits are currently saving on the likes of takeaways (45%), dinners and drinks out (42%) and clothing & accessories (30%) to make sure they can safeguard their summer holiday.
    If Brits had a choice, they would prefer to spend their money on their summer holiday (66%) versus house renovations (49%), a new car (39%) or a home office (16%).
    More than two thirds of holidaymakers are also being more cost effective when it comes to travelling this year (65%) by booking more budget friendly hotels and resorts (27%) and nearly half (45%) of Brits will be more likely to book flights with a low-cost carrier than before the pandemic.
    CEO Johan Lundgren said:
    “The summer holiday has always been the highlight of the year for so many, giving people and families the chance to get away, spend time together relaxing and making lifelong memories.
    The pandemic has meant that travel is once again highly valued, sitting firmly as the number one priority for household discretionary spend. And rather than the cost of living dampening demand, instead it seems travel is more important than ever, with more customers opting for airlines like easyJet which promise the best value.”
    Future
    Looking ahead to next year, this focus on travel is set to continue with 9 in 10 Brits say they will travel more or about the same in 2024.

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    China Eastern Airlines shines at China Brand Day events

    The China Brand Day events kicked off at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in mid-May, joined by over 1,000 Chinese brands.At the events, China Eastern Airlines (CEA) displayed its cabin services, in-flight meals, technological and innovative products and other interactive experiences with an aim to build an immersive experience for visitors, which well indicated the company’s commitment to creating splendid experiences for travelers with targeted and meticulous services.

    A newly developed mixed reality (MR) headset was a big hit at the China Brand Day. It integrates mobile equipment and digital technologies, and is widely used in aviation scenarios. The equipment attracted a number of visitors.
    Besides, CEA also exhibited a smart bracelet that is able to sense staff members’ motions in baggage handling and thus improve their work efficiency and ensure their occupational health. The bracelet is the first of its kind in the civil aviation industry and is gradually being distributed to relevant CEA employees.
    At the center of CEA’s exhibition booth, there were in-flight meals and drinks newly launched by CEA’s Excellent Sky Chef, including the MU Catering “Zhen”, MU Catering “Huan”, MU Noodles and MU Tea series. International passengers flying to and from China with CEA will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious food served by CEA’s “Lingyan” crews.ADVERTISEMENTCEA also attended a conference on the global communication of Chinese brands, a sub-event of the China Brand Day, to share the excellent stories of CEA.

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    Princess Cruises Salutes Tuskegee Airman with Special 100th Birthday Celebration

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    GET PAID TO IDENTIFY THE WORLD’S BEST DESTINATIONS FOR VARIETY CRUISES

    Variety Cruises, the leading boutique small ship cruise company is pleased to announce a dream job opening. The title is Product Development Manager, but the role may best be described as intrepid scout, professional traveler, and vacation dream weaver.The successful candidate will scout the best-kept secrets in each destination the company visits (and beyond). In this role, your mandate would be to create immersive travel experiences for guests while honoring Variety Cruises’ commitment to sustainability and to improving the lives of the communities visited. The position is pivotal to the company’s mission to create A Better World At Sea, upholding the pillars of the Variety Cares Foundation, which focuses on promoting clean oceans, gender equality, and education for all.
    While the Product Development Manager will sometimes WFS (that’s Work From Ship), this role is based in Athens, Greece—a cosmopolitan mecca for digital nomads, creative expats, and locals living their best lives. Reporting to the Commercial Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for researching, managing, and developing the product offerings of Variety Cruises, which has been in operation since 1949. The position involves working closely with Marketing and Operations Departments to ensure product success and market growth, along with educating and training staff on cruise programs, offerings, and destinations.
    As a vital member of the Variety Cruises crew, the Product Development Manager will liaise with captains, operations, and technical departments to develop itineraries, map out destinations, and create and update copy describing the itinerary and programming. An exciting balance between beaches and business, the role also involves presenting short-term and long-term product sales forecasts and special reports and analyses to Variety Cruises Management.
    To qualify for this exceptional opportunity, the ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Hospitality Management, at least three years’ experience in Product Development and/or Travel Hospitality, and an excellent knowledge of the English language, both written and verbal. Strong computer and social skills, geographical knowledge, and an adventurous spirit are also necessary; we’re seeking a team player and a born explorer.
    Variety Cruises offers a friendly, energetic working environment with continuous training, and professional development. And while the position comes with standard benefits, such as medical insurance, it offers the added perk of a free vacation (including an extra week of paid leave) on an annual cruise, so you can experience an itinerary as a client.ADVERTISEMENT“We are thrilled to offer this exciting role to a talented and passionate individual who shares our vision of creating A Better World At Sea,” said Filippos Venetopoulos, CEO of Variety Cruises. “We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our Family at Sea and working together to provide authentic, sustainable, life-enriching small ship adventures.”
    For more information and to apply, please visit the Variety Cruises website or send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

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    Record-Beaking Demand Expected for Peak Summer Travel Season, Says IATA

    High levels of confidence have been noted among passengers for the peak Northern summer travel holiday season, based on the recent report of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).The survey, in which participated a total of 4,700 travellers from 11 countries,  noted that the demand corresponds with the first quarter of this year’s forward bookings data for May-September, which is tracking at 35 per cent above the figures registered last year, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
    According to the study, 79 per cent of passengers surveyed stressed they were planning a trip in the June-August 2023 period, while a total of 85 per cent of participants said that peak travel season disruptions should not be a surprise, and 80 per cent said they expected smooth travel with post-pandemic issues having been resolved.
    According to forward bookings data, the most significant increase will be expected in:
    Asia Pacific region (134.7 per cent)Middle East (42.9 per cent)Europe (39.9 per cent)Africa (36.4 per cent)Latin America (21.4 per cent)North America (14.1 per cent)
    ADVERTISEMENTIATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen, said that expectations are high for this year’s peak Northern summer travel season. He admitted that some disruptions could occur, adding that there is a clear expectation that the ramping-up issues experienced at some significant hub airports last year will have been resolved.
    “In order to meet strong demand, airlines are planning schedules based on the capacity that airports, border control, ground handlers, and air navigation service providers have declared. Over the next months, all industry players now need to deliver,” Careen pointed out in this regard.
    He considered that sufficient staffing, as well as collaboration and accurate information sharing, are important to diminish operational disruptions as well as their impact on travellers. Careen said that the key is ensuring that the capacities which have been scheduled and declared are available.
    “A lot of work has gone into preparing for the peak Northern summer travel season,” he added.
    According to the association, among the main causes of concern is labour unrest, particularly in France.
    The travel and tourism industry has marked significant improvement recently, thus recovering from the devastating situation caused by the Coronavirus and its new variants, following COVID-related restrictions that were kept in place for many months in order to contain the virus’s further spread.
    Recently, the figures of IATA showed that European carriers registered a 38.5 per cent traffic increase in March this year, compared to the figures for the same period last year.source: SchengenVisaInfo.com

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    Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas Launches Idyllic Wellness Packages More

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    Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas Launches Idyllic Wellness Packages

    Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is excited to announce the launch of its new personalised wellness packages on the pristine shores of their tropical paradise island. Guests can choose a tailored five- or seven-night package that includes healing treatments, wellbeing classes, organic nutritional fine-dining and nature-based adventures, all curated by the resorts fully trained wellness consultants around individual needs.
    Already a pioneering wellness retreat, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas location lends itself to inner wellbeing and relaxation, nestled on the white sand shores of the stunning Indian Ocean Island surrounded by nature, with lush tropical vegetation and a coastal breeze.
    The wellness journey begins from the moment guests arrive, with a stress-free approach adopted by the resort to ensure all needs and goals are taken care of, including the coordination of daily schedules, treatment preferences and culinary desires. Through a relaxed consultation on arrival, trained planners assess individual needs to carefully craft bespoke programmes. Every activity and reservation is then arranged so all guests need to do is sit back and relax in the expert hands of Anantara’s well-being team.
    The new packages include a variety of treatments from across the globe from the new Anantara Spa menu, with Ayurvedic healing techniques to enhance energy and release tension, traditional Hamman rituals that remove toxins and boost immunity and Reiki sessions that take you on a guided journey to restore balance and energy. For the ultimate relaxation and de-stress, Thai, Balinese and Hawaiian inspired signature massages and treatments are incorporated to ensure mind, body and soul are aligned.
    Nutrition is an integral part of the wellness journey at Anantara Iko Mauritius with sumptuous healthy cuisine included across all a la carte menus in the resort’s gourmet dining outlets. These include Horizon, where international favourites are served overlooking the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park, Indian cuisine at Zafran and the exclusive Sea.Fire.Salt sumptuous seafood grill. Find complete nourishment in the healthy eating oasis of Bon Manzer vegan restaurant where natural ingredients blend to create dishes filled with both flavour and goodness. For truly exceptional dining experiences guests can capture perfect moments with Anantara’s customisable Dining by Design concept.ADVERTISEMENTThe new packages at the pristine beachfront resort expand beyond the extensive menu of expert treatments, nutritionally curated cuisine and healing spa rituals, to a wide range therapies, classes and adventurous excursions to complete the wellness journey. From detox beverage classes, physiotherapy and mindfulness sessions, and emotional healing provided by experienced professionals to circuit training on the beach, and even horse-riding adventures. Group sessions of yoga, meditation and Tai Chi are included, regardless of the package, as are bike tours and power walks through the landscaped gardens and nearby fragrant forest.
    Learn new skills and stimulate the mind with cooking, painting, or mixology classes. Find inspiration on hiking, biking, or cultural tours. Encourage the body to heal and strengthen with naturopathic remedies and osteopathic techniques built on combinations of exercise, diet, and manipulative therapies from massage to acupressure and reflexology. Unearth your true self with a complete wellness journey at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort and Villas.
    “At Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas we are blessed to have our home on the shore of an unspoiled island paradise and excited for every guest to enjoy the well-being opportunities that locations like ours create. Through our extensive wellness packages and luxurious spa, we look forward to providing every visitor with not only incredible holiday memories but with an inner calm and revitalised energy that will last long after they return home,” – Rebecca Mallie, Spa Manager, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas.
    At the heart of all Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas wellness packages is Anantara Spa. This haven for luxury delivers a comprehensive menu of treatments from body and facial scrubs to signature massage experiences with carefully created pampering for everyone including couples, mothers-to-be, and even children.
    To speak with the Anantara team about your Wellness Package or stay, please contact [email protected]

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    Colombia Ranked First (Once Again!) at The Global Big Day Competition

    Colombia —the second most biodiverse country in the world— has 1,966 bird species, 20% of the world’s total, and way more than other countries such as Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, India, and Indonesia.A few days ago, the largest birding event organized by Cornell’s University Ornithology Lab occurred, reuniting scientific and amateur birdwatching communities worldwide. This contest proved, once more, why Colombia is the #1 country in bird diversity on the planet.
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasizes that participating in this event contributes to conserving Colombia’s biodiversity and strengthening regenerative nature tourism. Julian Guerrero, Chief of the Party of Destino Naturaleza at USAID, said: “Global Big Day is a powerful citizen science tool that allows us to position Colombia and its territories as a world-class nature destination.”
    The regions reporting the most significant number of bird species are Antioquia, Meta, Valle del Cauca, Cundinamarca, and Caldas. So, attention nature fans, as these destinations are perfect for the incoming birdwatchers seeking the ultimate experience.
    “Our natural wealth means great opportunities to continue promoting our country as an ideal destination for birdwatching, a product that meets the sustainability parameters to ensure the conservation of the species, as well as the livelihoods of the communities that depend on these meaningful activities,” said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia. Furthermore, birdwatching promotes environmental justice through the conservation of the ecosystems; thus, this tourism type brings awareness to travelers on the protection of habitats.
    Currently, Americans are the largest number of international travelers arriving in Colombia, making this country the ultimate destination of US travelers in South America; as of today, 11 cities in the US are directly connected to 8 cities across the Colombian territory, and there are 301 air frequencies with over 52,000 seats available per week.ADVERTISEMENT“Having earned this recognition seems like the perfect opportunity to invite Americans and travelers from across the globe, to visit Colombia and see by themselves the immense biodiversity and beauty of our territories,” concluded Caballero.
    For more information about Colombia, please visit https://birds.colombia.travel/en

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    Opening in 2023: Apes Hill Barbados Resort and Community

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    Opening in 2023: Apes Hill Barbados Resort and Community

    Apes Hill Barbados, a naturally luxurious golf resort and community, is opening for villa rental stays from winter 2023. The resort will be both a hub for golf enthusiasts and for those seeking the ultimate laid-back luxury lifestyle in a truly remarkable setting, whether that be embracing outdoor pursuits such as trekking or cycling, simply lazing by the pool, or seeking ultimate zen in the resort spa.
    Located in the breezy Apes Hill St James, the resort is 1,000ft above sea level on the most easterly island in the Caribbean Archipelago, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea both of which can be seen from the elevated terrain or vistas at Apes Hill. This makes the flagship 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, which opened to members in November 2022, the most elevated course in Barbados, allowing for glorious views at holes 12-15 of not only the Scotland District but also spectacular scenes of the aquamarine Atlantic Ocean.
    The resort is committed to providing the ultimate Caribbean authentic luxury lifestyle to its members and guests but also ensuring this is done with sustainability at the forefront of the agenda. Apes Hill is fully independent of Barbados’ water supply for the golf course and landscaping, achieved through harvesting rainwater from rooves, roads, and open spaces to be collected in the property’s reservoir.

    The grass used throughout the golf course and amenities is drought resistant resulting in low water consumption. Woven around the golf course is thousands of fruit trees, palm trees, banana trees, breadfruit trees, soursop, cherry trees, even coffee trees, with the goal to use as much local produce as possible to reduce food miles. Apes Hill Barbados strives to reduce its environmental impact wherever possible. ADVERTISEMENTApes Hill Barbados boasts fully furnished villas and homes that blend neatly into the timeless landscape of one of the most beautiful terrains in Barbados, available for purchase or holiday rental, homeowners and resort guests alike have full access to the resort’s amenities such as the golf courses, clubhouse, driving range, racquet centre with padel courts and tiger turf tennis courts, nature trails and spa facilities. 

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