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      Piggott takes up new sales role with APT

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      As part of its ongoing commitment to travel agents, river cruise and touring specialist, APT has announced the appointment of Holly Piggott to the newly created role of sales executive.
      She will support an expanded sales team and key partners at the operator during a time of exciting growth. ADVERTISEMENTPiggott has been part of the APT family since 2019, so brings a detailed understanding of the luxury APT and flexible, four-star Travelmarvel brands, their trade partners and customers to the role.
      First joining the company as a reservations consultant, she has worked closely with the trade, handling their enquiries and helping agents to maximise sales opportunities.
      Eager to develop within the business, Holly’s professionalism and attention to detail saw her promoted to after sales team leader, where she excelled in enhancing the customer experience, and developed a keen understanding of what is needed to deliver service of the highest standard.
      More Information
      Agents can find more information about APT & Travelmarvel here.

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      Ampaw-Farr to offer IWTTF keynote address

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      Saudi Arabia on an unstoppable tourism rise, surpassing Dubai

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      In terms of visitor numbers, Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry remains bigger than Dubai’s. In the first quarter of this year, the Kingdom had 7.8 million tourists, while Dubai had 4.7 million.
      Saudi Arabia has historically inched ahead of Dubai when it comes to arrival figures, while the glamorous emirate dominates when it comes to spending. In 2019, KSA had 17.5 million visitors compared to Dubai’s 16.8 million, with Saudi benefitting from a steady religious tourism market which brought in 9.3 million people in that year.
      Dubai last year was the world’s top destination when it comes to international traveller spend, raking in $29.42 billion, according to WTTC. That is almost double second place, Doha’s $16.79 billion. Saudi Arabia did not make the top 10 list even though it had around two million more visitors than Dubai.
      According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) index, Saudi Arabia secured the 13th position globally among the leading countries in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2022. This marked a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 25th in 2019.
      ADVERTISEMENTWTO reported that the Kingdom welcomed a total of 16.6 million international tourists in 2022 for various travel purposes.Furthermore, Saudi Arabia made impressive strides in the international tourism revenue index, climbing 16 spots to claim the 11th position in 2022, a substantial leap from its 27th ranking in 2019. These findings were outlined in the World Tourism Barometer report for May 2023, released by the WTO.
      In the first quarter of 2023, the Kingdom experienced its highest quarterly performance to date, attracting approximately 7.8 million international tourists for all purposes. This figure represents a 64 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019. The country also emerged as the second-fastest growing tourism destination during this period, as per the latest data from the WTO.
      Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to strengthen its global tourism standing and boost its contribution to the gross domestic product align with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative.
      Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb attributed these accomplishments to the facilitation of travel visa procedures, targeted promotional campaigns in key countries, and the diverse range of tourism destinations within the Kingdom.

      Moreover, the Minister stressed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with both public and private sector partners to transform Saudi Arabia into a prominent global tourism hub.
      Notably, Saudi Arabia achieved a milestone in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF), securing the 33rd position globally. This represented a significant improvement of ten ranks compared to 2019.
      Source: Hotelier Middle East

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      RYANAIR REPORTS FULL YEAR PROFIT OF €1.43BN DUE TO STRONG TRAFFIC RECOVERY & FAVOURABLE OIL HEDGES More

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      Submissions Invited for PATA Face of the Future 2023

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      The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is now accepting submissions for the PATA Face of the Future 2023. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2023. PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. As part of its activities, the Association is dedicated to human capital development (HCD) across the travel and tourism industry value chain. The primary focus of the Association’s HCD programme is the development of future leaders in the tourism industry.
      To highlight PATA’s commitment to HCD, the Association presents a special award and prize to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry. All recipients of this prestigious award have exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism as well as demonstrating commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.
      The PATA Face of the Future 2023 will be recognized as the PATA Face of the Future 2023 at PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi, India.Other benefits include:
      Full sponsorship for participation at PATA Travel Mart 2023 (air ticket, accommodation, and event registration).
      A speaking opportunity at the PATA Youth Symposium during the PATA Travel Mart 2023 to share your story about your passion and journey to success (may be replaced with a Virtual PATA Youth Symposium).ADVERTISEMENTOpportunities to speak at other PATA events or partner events on behalf of PATA.
      Global media exposure via PATA’s far-reaching communication channels.
      Opportunity to build their profile as a mentor for the PATA Youth Mentorship Programme to help develop young tourism professional students in the region via speaking and mentoring opportunities at PATA Youth webinars and other youth events.
      One blog post on the PATA Blog to share their passion and journey to success.
      Seat on the PATA Board to represent the PATA youth community.
      PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “Through the PATA Face of the Future award we are able to identify young people making a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry across the Pacific and Asia Region. As an invited speaker at PATA events and a member of the PATA Board, the winner serves as the voice of young tourism professionals and the future of tourism. PATA is committed to engaging youth; and together co-creating a sustainable tourism future.”
      For information about how to enter, eligibility, and judging criteria, please visit www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future or email PATA Youth Ambassador, Mr Nick Chun at [email protected]
      PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is Asia Pacific’s international travel trade exhibition featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships. This year’s event is generously hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and consists of the Travel Mart, PTM Forums, PTM Talks and the PATA Youth Symposium.
      More information about the event can be found at www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future.

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      Yosemite’s waterfalls at their best in the last 40 years

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      Yosemite’s waterfalls at their best in the last 40 years

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      Yosemite’s largest waterfalls peak in April, May and into June, with some falls (including the park’s signature, Yosemite Falls) running dry by late summer. However, Yosemite Falls is expected to continue flowing until July as a result of this year’s heavy snowfall throughout the winter season. The snow has resulted in Yosemite showcasing the best waterfalls it has seen in the last 40 years. The Mist Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, Nevada and Vernal Falls run through summer. See below a guide to Yosemite’s must-see waterfalls from its most iconic to its lesser-known wonders.
      Yosemite’s Iconic Waterfalls
      Yosemite Falls – flowing until July
      ● Height: 2,425 feet● Region: Yosemite Valley● Flow: November to July, peak in May/June
      Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth tallest in the world. The twin cascades – upper and lower – are together nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building and visible from many points around Yosemite Valley. There is a one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (year-round and wheelchair accessible). The full Yosemite Falls Trail is strenuous, but for strong hikers well worth the trek.ADVERTISEMENTBridalveil Fall
      ● Height: 620 feet● Region: Yosemite Valley● Flow: Year-round, peaks in May
      The first waterfall most Yosemite National Park visitors see is stunning Bridalveil Fall which greets visitors as they enter Yosemite Valley from Highway 140 or Highway 41. It varies from a thunderous spring flow to a gently swaying wisp by season’s end. Bridalveil’s beauty is surpassed only by its ease of access. Thanks to the Yosemite Conservancy’s multi-year Bridalveil Fall Restoration project, the newly-renovated, paved trail to the base of the fall is wider, wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly. New restrooms and expanded viewing areas are set to be completed this spring.
      Nevada Fall
      ● Height: 594 feet● Region: Yosemite Valley● Flow: Year-round, peaks late May
      The operatic Mist Trail continues steeply for 1.5 additional miles with 2,000 ft. elevation gain to the top of its second aquatic act, Nevada Fall. Between Vernal and Nevada falls, hikers pass a pair of beautiful pools (no swimming permitted) – Emerald and Silver Apron – before making the final ascent. Nevada Fall thunders in late spring and summer as the Merced River tumbles down toward Yosemite Valley. The view from the top is spectacular, especially where a footbridge crosses above the Merced River.
      Yosemite’s Lesser-Known Waterfalls
      Horsetail Fall
      ● Region: Yosemite Valley● Drop: 2,030 ft (619 m), two-stage● Best Time To See: December-April
      A good snowpack is required for Horsetail Fall to flow and this year it will. Horsetail Fall is where the annual phenomenon of Yosemite Firefall takes place during the month of February. When conditions allow Horsetail Fall appears as a plummeting cataract of flames. Photographers from all over the globe come to capture this unique phenomenon.
      Chilnualna Falls
      ● Region: Wawona (Southern Yosemite)● Drop: 690 ft (210 m), multiple tiers● Best Time To See: Year-round, with peak flow in May
      Chilnualna Falls (“Chil-noo-all-na”) gets a fraction of the visitors compared to falls in Yosemite Valley. The fall weaves through forested sections offering views of Wawona Dome above and the village of Wawona below. Chilnualna Falls is perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path. It is located away from main roads and tucked back into the small community of Wawona.
      ● Region: Foresta (near Yosemite Valley)● Drop: Multiple cascades with a 40 ft (12 m) finale● Best Time To See: Year-round, with best flows March-June
      Located just six miles from Yosemite Valley, it’s surprising how few visitors have explored Foresta and its fascinating history. The easy 1.8 mile out and back trail to Foresta Falls is actually a decommissioned dirt road with views of several tumbling cascades as it descends to a wholly satisfying 40 ft (12 m) drop. Here, a ramshackle bridge provides a convenient platform for up-close views and photographs. After viewing the cascade, take a stop by the Meyer and McCauley Barns in the big meadow in Foresta. The barns are on the US Register of Historic Places and stand as a testament to the early pioneering days of Yosemite’s early transplanted inhabitants.

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      United Becomes First U.S. Airline to Add Live Activities for iPhone

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      New Terminal One at JFK Announces New Partnership with Korean Air

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      The New Terminal One (NTO)– a consortium of labor, operating and financial partners building the new world-class terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)– today announced a new partnership with Korean Air. The Skytrax five-star airline currently offers premium services with two daily direct flights between Seoul and New York. This partnership enables Korean Air to provide its passengers with a transformed premium in-terminal experience to match its award-winning in-flight service. Korean Air currently operates at the existing Terminal 1 and will have a seamless transition to the New Terminal One once the terminal is complete and operational.
      “We are excited to announce this strategic partnership between New Terminal One with one of the top airlines in the world,” Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, President and CEO of The New Terminal One at JFK. “At the unparalleled world-class terminal we are building here at JFK, we look forward to working together to connect passengers between the Americas and Asia for years to come.”
      “Korean Air is proud to be a partner with what will be one of the premier gateways to the United States,” said Jin Ho Lee, Senior Vice President and Director of Korean Air Americas Regional Headquarters. “Working together with New Terminal One, we aim to continue to give our customers traveling through JFK the ultimate travel experience.”
      The new airline agreement adds to the successful portfolio of first-class international carriers that have signed on with NTO, including Air France-KLM, Etihad Airways and LOT Polish Airlines, as the new terminal continues to welcome the international airline community.
      The New Terminal One celebrated its groundbreaking event this past September and is currently in the midst of the first phase of construction. With 23 gates, the brand-new facility will serve as a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and set a new standard for world-class design and service through innovative stress-free passenger processing, immersive retail and dining experiences, and an iconic architecture and art program. The New Terminal One aspires to be recognized as among the top five airport terminals in the world; final completion of the initial phase of the project is expected by mid-2026.ADVERTISEMENT

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      Sherry Marek and Mark Heymann; Honored at HITEC Toronto Next Month

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      Sherry Marek and Mark Heymann; Honored at HITEC Toronto Next Month

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      Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce two champions of hospitality technology, Sherry Marek and Mark Heymann as the 2023 HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame inductees, both recognized for innovating a pioneering technology solution specific to hospitality.Marek is co-founder of Datavision Technologies, retired and continues to share her experience as owner of Aiken Street Consulting and a mentor for women in the technology profession. Mark Heymann is founder of Unifocus and currently the managing director at Mark Heymann & Associates. The 2023 inductees will be honored at the upcoming Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) in Toronto on June 26, 2023.
      The International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame is HFTP’s highest level of recognition in the area of technology. Since 1989, 53 individuals have received this award as a reflection of their contributions to the hospitality industry.
      “This recognition is a true career honor, especially because it is the outcome of a professional endeavor I have a real passion for, which is a privilege itself,” said Marek. “I am pleased to be alongside a group of outstanding professionals, each with their own specialties all culminating in the excellence and progress of the hospitality technology industry. As I look forward, I am excited to be able to share my decades of expertise as a mentor to other women coming up in the field.”
      Marek started her career in the mid-’80s at Hilton International and InterContinental Hotels, focusing primarily on front of house systems where she worked extensively with system users and vendors at properties across the globe. This experience led her to recognize a struggle with reporting – whether it was tapping into the data inside a single system or consolidating data across systems.
      This insight led her to co-found Datavision Technologies and create the first true business intelligence (BI) system for hospitality. Even though the system was Initially designed to create automated daily flash reports for general managers and controllers, Marek soon realized that it would be more effective if the information was put in the hands of all users, not just management. Today, Datavision ingests detailed data from a variety of on-premise and cloud data sources (PMS, POS, Back Office, Comp Set, Labor, Guest Survey, Google Analytics, etc.) and is used across the enterprise to solve different business needs.ADVERTISEMENTOver the last decade, Marek has been focused on promoting women in STEM fields as well as within the hospitality industry. She is working with the Business Analytics department at the University of Iowa, planning and speaking at the Women in Analytics and Leadership conference. For the past few years, she has been a contributor to Hospitality Upgrade’s “MentorSeries” — articles focused on hearing from women at different ages and at different stages of their career. Marek is also a member of various industry councils, including the HITEC Educational Advisory Council.
      “I am truly honored by this recognition from HFTP,” said Heymann. “Since the start of the PC age, myself and other individuals that I’ve worked with have striven to present to the industry advanced decision-making tools that help managers and staff improve their overall work-life balance. While at the same time helping the industry progress to meet the challenges of yesterday’s and today’s diverse workforce. I would be remiss in not pointing out that I share this honor with all the individuals that contributed over the years to the advancements of this type of technology and specifically to my career. I look forward to sharing this knowledge in the future with the industry as it continues to address the new labor demands that it is facing.”
      Since the 1970s, Mark Heymann has served as the pioneering face of labor management technology innovation for hospitality-based organizations. A graduate of both Brown University and Columbia University, Heymann was the first to relate service quality levels to a business’s ability to effectively manage their labor resources.
      Leveraging his years of experience in serving as an industry consultant as well as his expertise in software and asset management, Heymann as founder and president of Heymann Group, Inc. spearheaded the development of modern labor management system technology. Initially introduced in the early-’80s, it wasn’t until around 1991 under the name Watson R.M™, Heymann’s resource and labor management solution served as a catalyst for providing hotels and restaurants with data-driven insight into how they could staff according to fluctuations in service demand.
      Following his successes, Heymann went on to found Unifocus following a merger between Heymann Group, Inc. and Strategic Quantitative Solutions in 1998. As founder and CEO of Unifocus, Heymann helmed the first company to ever focus its efforts on developing the full array of labor and performance management systems specifically intended for the needs of the hospitality industry.
      Under the Unifocus brand, industry firsts achieved by Heymann include automated scheduling technology equipped with intelligent algorithms that eliminate guesswork in the creating of optimized schedules. Other advancements credited to Heymann include the development of one of the industry’s first touch-screen time clocks and task-based labor platforms for meetings and conventions.
      HITEC North America will take place on June 26–29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ont. Canada. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, HITEC is the world’s largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. The 2023 event is expecting 6,000+ attendees and 320+ exhibiting companies. Registration for HITEC Toronto is open.

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      Crown Prince opens SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

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      Ahead of the opening Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the upcoming attraction.
      The newest theme park on Yas Island, was developed by Miral, in partnership with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.Sheikh Khaled toured the attraction and was briefed on its facilities, which span 183,000sq m, offering entertainment and education themed around marine life to visitors, and further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a tourism hub.
      Sheikh Khaled also visited the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue – the first integrated research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education centre in the MENA region.
      Sheikh Khaled reviewed the centre’s programmes, which are working to conserve the Arabian Gulf’s marine wildlife, habitats and ecosystems while educating and inspiring a new generation of marine enthusiasts.He was accompanied by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral; and Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral.
      As well as offering entertainment, education, and family-friendly experiences, including up-close animal encounters and animal presentations, the new Abu Dhabi attraction is home to rides and attractions, as well as dining and shopping destinations.ADVERTISEMENTMohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “Today marks a great milestone for Abu Dhabi as we open SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, a landmark attraction that is unparalleled in the region and the world on every level.

      “SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents the next generation of theme parks, joining the world-class experiences on Yas Island, further positioning it as a top global destination, contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision.
      “The Park will also play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region, undoubtedly inspiring guests to care for and protect our precious marine life for years to come.
      “We are proud to be pushing the limits of science and conservation to create a truly unparalleled knowledge hub, demonstrating our joint commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal care and welfare.
      “We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to showcase the beauty and wonder of the ocean at this one-of-a-kind park.”
      Scott Ross, Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, said: “It is with great privilege we celebrate this highly anticipated grand opening alongside our valued partners at Miral.
      “The extraordinary SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Marine Life Theme Park was born through years of collaboration and innovation, combining SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of experience in animal welfare and commitment to marine conservation with Miral’s unprecedented track record as a leading developer of world-class destinations.
      “Together, we have created a state-of-the-art Marine Life Theme Park unlike anything the region has seen to date, truly representing a next generation SeaWorld experience. We have no doubt that guests will be amazed with all that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has to offer and we are proud to play our part in inspiring their commitment marine conservation for years to come.”
      SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has recently announced its certification by Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare. It is the first facility in the MENA region to achieve this certification.
      SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to Yas Island’s portfolio of theme parks and attractions, including:
      Warner Bros. World Abu DhabiFerrari World Abu DhabiYas WaterworldCLYMB Abu Dhabi.
      Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.
      Source: www.arabianbusiness.com

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      Bitkub Metaverse added to Thailand’s Smart Tourism transformation

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      Bitkub Metaverse added to Thailand’s Smart Tourism transformation

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      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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