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    TAT and Alipay promote ‘Amazing Thailand, A Must-visit Destination This Summer Holiday’

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Alipay are expanding their partnership to promote the ‘Amazing Thailand, A Must-visit Destination This Sumer Holiday’ marketing campaign with an aim to enhance the travel experience for tourists from China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, and South Korea by allowing them to pay seamlessly with their home mobile wallets via Alipay+.
    Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, said “The expanded partnership with Alipay will help bring a smoother consumer experience to Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, and open up more resources to Thai businesses, especially the vast number of SMEs to help them develop digital operations and marketing capabilities.”
    Platforms like Alipay are becoming increasingly important for destination markets like Thailand, because they play a significant role in shaping travellers’ decisions on airlines, hotels, and destination selection, added Mr. Tanes.
    Thailand welcomed over 1.4 million Chinese tourists in the first half of 2023, and with Chinese travellers on average spending 24% more on Alipay when abroad during this first half compared to first half 2019, this signals new growth trends that Thailand is preparing to capitalise on with its increased cooperation with Alipay.
    As travel revives, Alipay is launching a series of campaigns in summer 2023 with regional partners like TAT, which feature a variety of promotions on travel-related services, such as shopping, attractions, and transportation. Thailand is seen as the destination with the greatest potential in Southeast Asia to promote Cashless Society spending, and as part of this Alipay aims to increase tourist flows to secondary cities across Thailand.ADVERTISEMENTAlipay became available in Thailand in 2015, and now connects Chinese travellers to 550,000 local traders across the country. Thailand is among the top four outbound travel destinations by total transaction volume on Alipay.
    Alipay is a payment platform trusted by the Chinese people, and is thus well-positioned to promote Thailand as a trusted travel destination. It works with payment platforms in Thailand, such as TrueMoney, Kasikornbank, and Krungthai Card (KTC), and may soon add PromptPay to this list.

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    Europe’s Heat Wave Prompts Italy’s “Extreme” Health Alert

    The European Space Agency’s climate experts have predicted that Sicily and Sardinia might possibly see the warmest temperatures ever documented in Europe, with highs of 48 degrees Celsius. Similarly, temperatures in Rome might reach 44 degrees Celsius.In addition, officials in Italy have issued a level two heat advisory for nine more municipalities. The Ministry of Health released a statement urging citizens to drink plenty of water, reduce the size of their meals, and seek shade when outdoors. Moreover, after the death of a 44-year-old Italian construction worker who collapsed on the side of the road, outdoor workers in the country are receiving extra attention during work hours.
    European Space Agency forecasters have also warned that the continent’s heat wave is only getting started, with scorching weather anticipated in Spain, France, Germany, and Poland. The warning was issued as the continent is gearing up for a record-breaking number of visitors this summer season.
    Due to the extreme heat, Greek authorities closed the Acropolis of Athens for a second day. The Spanish government issued a warning that the heat wave was not just impacting the country’s southern regions, as is usually the case, but was also spreading northward into the country’s more temperate climate. Cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Granada in the south have seen temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. Highs of 36 degrees Celsius have been reported by the Spanish national meteorological service on the Mediterranean Sea tourist island of Mallorca. Meanwhile, even northern regions like Navarra, known for its moderate climate, are experiencing temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. The regional administration of the Canary Islands tweeted that a wildfire had broken out on La Palma Island, displacing 500 residents.
    Over 61,000 people perished from the extreme heat in Europe this summer, making it one of the worst natural disasters in recent history. This year’s heat wave, which the Italian Meteorological Society has dubbed “Cerberus”, has caused even more concern for people’s health, particularly as it is occurring during Europe’s tourist season peak.
    However, extreme weather is not exclusive to Europe. More than 90 million people have been put on high alert due to the deadly heat wave that has been affecting the western United States for the last few weeks. According to data from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, the city of Sydney is enjoying unusually high temperatures for the wintertime.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Bali Is Planning To Implement A Tourist Tax

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    Bali Is Planning To Implement A Tourist Tax

    The problem of disruptive tourists, which included a German lady who stripped in a temple in Ubud town and an American who defaced a Balinese police cruiser, has become so severe that province governor Wayan Koster last month issued an order to affix a list of seemingly apparent dos and don’ts onto visitor passports. At least 136 non-citizens have been deported by the local authorities so far this year for different offences.
    So starting in 2024, the province will begin collecting a fee from all out-of-country visitors equal to around $10 per person, with the proceeds going toward environmental and cultural preservation.
    With 439,475 visitors reported as of May, Bali’s tourism industry has almost quadrupled since it reopened to international visitors in 2022. After reopening, however, tourists once again engaged in a wide variety of socially unacceptable behaviours, such as brawling with police and engaging in sexual activity in public.
    Moreover, as a result of many visitors consistently breaking local traffic restrictions, the government has declared that tourists would no longer be allowed to rent motorcycles.
    In addition, tensions have been rising because of the frequent disrespect displayed by visitors to the people and their traditions.ADVERTISEMENTThe idea of charging tourists from outside a fee was originally proposed in 2019, far before the outbreak of the coronavirus global crisis.
    Furthermore, there is precedent for such a tax: at the beginning 2023, Malaysia requested that hotels resume charging a 10 ringgit ($2) per night tourist tax, and in the previous year, Bhutan imposed a fee of $200 a night for visitors’ stays, with authorities justifying the tax due to the strain tourism has placed on the country’s infrastructure.
    Some local companies are worried that Bali’s forthcoming electronic tourist tax may prevent visitors from outside. However, Koster is certain that the minor fee will not have a negative impact on the province’s tourism industry.
    Bali still ranks high on lists of the most stunning travel destinations. In addition to its beautiful beaches and mystical temples, Bali is home to a wide variety of other natural wonders. The island is mostly made up of beautiful mountainous regions with lush vegetation, picturesque lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, iconic rice fields, flower gardens, flowing holy rivers, and hidden gorges.

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    SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Unveils a Fincredible Shark Week Agenda

    SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is gearing up for Shark Week with a packed agenda of activities. Shark Week aims to showcase the beauty and importance of sharks in our ocean.
    It provides a platform to dispel common myths and misconceptions, emphasizing the need for the protection and conservation of sharks due to their vital role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems.
    In anticipation of Shark Week, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is preparing exciting and educational activities. Here is an overview of everything you can expect at the Marine Life Theme Park from July 23 to July 30:
    Embark on a Sharkathon
    Guests are in for an exciting adventure as they are given clues that help them discover the different shark species in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s care. Guests can collect their stamps from the Education team for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes tour shark tour on the same day of their visit – a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about these magnificent fish!ADVERTISEMENTEducational talks and experiences at the Animal Care Center
    Immerse yourself in the wonders of these animals by seeing live shark teeth, as well as an inflatable whale shark and learn about these fascinating animals from SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s expert Educators. The Animal Care Center in the One Ocean realm is your gateway to a deeper understanding of sharks – and while you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for the mobile shark-cart that offers guests information about the marine life.
    Endless Ocean is your one-stop-shop for all things shark related
    Engage in meaningful conversations with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s dedicated team through Live Diver Chats, where the Dynamic Habitats team will be diving inside Endless Ocean and answering guest’s questions from inside the aquariums! Keep an eye out for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s experts who will be stationed all over the park who are prepared to teach guests about how we can all play our part in the conservation of these marine animals and some much-needed myth-busting.
    Otherwise, guests can witness an insightful shark feeding session with our Dynamic Habitats team at The Swirl in Endless Ocean, every day at 2:00PM. Additionally, guests are welcome to enjoy different shark-themed activities that are sure to teach them all about these VIPs (Very Important Predators) and their method of target-feeding. There will also be educational talks throughout the week to further expand guests’ knowledge about these animals, their unique behaviours and their importance to the marine’s ecosystem.
    Guests can also explore a variety of shark-themed merchandise in Endless Ocean and Abu Dhabi Ocean’s retail outlets. Discover a selection of apparel and souvenirs that celebrate the beauty and power of sharks. After all that learning, guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with a range of delicious shark-themed desserts available exclusively at Endless Ocean’s dining outlets.
    Follow SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on social media for daily facts about sharks, and how everyone can contribute to their conservation at @seaworldabudhabi.
    For more information on SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, please visit www.seaworldabudhabi.com.

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    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi displays a spectacular drone show this summer season More

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    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi displays a spectacular drone show this summer season

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi lights up the sky over the Italian Zone in ‘Bell’Italia’ with a mesmerizing ‘Drone Spectacular’ show that will captivate guests, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7h30 pm until September 3.
    Featuring a large number of drones hovering in perfect harmony, the breathtaking show returns once again with a spellbinding display of lights and a synchronized performance for families and guests to enjoy. These drones will illuminate the sky with an astounding palette of colors, using cutting-edge LED technology, transforming the show into a breathtaking visual that will leave spectators excited.
    The show gives a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy an unforgettable performance that complements the park’s award-winning rides and the family-friendly activities that are in store for guests exclusively all summer long.

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    Dubai Destinations campaign invites residents and visitors to embark on new summer adventures

    Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the #DubaiDestinations campaign has rolled out its latest phase inviting residents and tourists to embark on a new journey to discover Dubai’s offerings in the warmer months of the year.
    The collaborative campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), seeks to showcase the city’s unique charm as a summer destination to audiences across the world through engaging stories.
    The current season of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, running until the end of August, will showcase the city’s top-rated experiences in the summer and its distinctive attractions ranging
    from serene beach destinations and exciting indoor activities to thrilling waterparks and picturesque hotels.
    Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), said: “Aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into the world’s best city to live and visit, the campaign continues to open new windows into the unrivalled diversity, memorable experiences and creative urban vibe that define Dubai’s character as one of the globe’s greatest destinations. By harnessing the power of storytelling, the campaign seeks to highlight the city’s offerings during the warmer months, with an emphasis on the unique experiences that set Dubai apart as one of the world’s most captivating destinations. This season of the campaign extends a fresh invitation to both the local and global community to explore Dubai’s diverse attractions and share their memorable moments.”ADVERTISEMENTShaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said: “The latest season of the #DubaiDestinations campaign invites residents and visitors to embark on an exhilarating journey to explore the unique and enriching treasures that Dubai offers in the summer months. As with every season, we join hands with government entities, industry stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and the vibrant creative media community to raise the profile of Dubai’s diverse array of summer attractions. Through interactive guides, engaging media content and other immersive activations, we aim to weave compelling narratives that showcase the essence of the Dubai experience, enticing people from the UAE and all over the world to set out on their own extraordinary adventures in Dubai.”
    As part of the campaign, Brand Dubai will introduce a collection of interactive guides, offering valuable insights into Dubai’s premier summer experiences. From top-rated summer camps for children to thrilling water activities, enchanting staycations and indoor hotspots, these guides serve as indispensable resources for exploring the best of Dubai during the summer season.
    The #DubaiDestinations campaign will also put the spotlight on indoor destinations, such as malls, restaurants with play areas, indoor sports activities and theme parks, as well as Dubai’s most-loved homegrown food outlets from the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network, an initiative
    launched by Brand Dubai to highlight the success stories of businesses born and initiated in Dubai.
    Brand Dubai will be partnering with some of the emirate’s most accomplished creatives including influencers, photographers, digital media content creators, visual artists, animators and videographers to create compelling content about Dubai’s destination offerings.
    The campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences.

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    ABTA unveils simple six-step Travel Checklist ahead of busy summer getaway

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    ABTA unveils simple six-step Travel Checklist ahead of busy summer getaway

    ABTA – The Travel Association has unveiled a simple six-step Travel Checklist (abta.com/travelchecklist) to guide holidaymakers through the most important elements of their pre-holiday preparations.The checklist includes checking the Foreign Office travel advice for the destination they’re visiting, making sure their passport will be valid for their travel dates, taking out comprehensive travel insurance, and getting their travel money sorted.
    Those travelling to the EU are also advised to familiarise themselves with the new requirements since the UK left the EU and to take an in-date EHIC or a new GHIC with them in case they need to access state-provided emergency healthcare while away.
    ABTA’s research and booking trends from its members have consistently shown holidays are high on people’s spending agenda this year, despite the ongoing squeeze on household finances, with two-thirds (65%) of people planning to go on holiday abroad before the year is out.
    Graeme Buck, ABTA’s Director of Communications, said:
    “Whether you’re already booked to travel over the summer months, or are thinking of booking late this summer, following ABTA’s Travel Checklist is designed to remove any eleventh-hour panicking by making sure you’ve ticked off the essential steps to take before you go away.ADVERTISEMENT“For anyone yet to book, our number one piece of advice is to speak with an ABTA member travel agent or tour operator. They’re experts at taking the stress out of holiday planning, as they have access to better prices and a wider choice of trips compared to booking independently, and can easily guide you through the deals on offer to find you the best break for your budget.”
    ABTA’s Travel Checklist
    Read the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for the latest advice on entry requirements, any recommended travel vaccinations, and guidance on safety and security for the destination you’re visiting.
    Check your passport will be valid for the dates of your trip and renew as early as possible if needed. Note that if you’re travelling to any country in the EU (except Ireland), your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
    Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers your specific needs, including any activities you plan to do or existing medical conditions.
    Make sure you take an in-date EHIC or a new GHIC with you if you’re travelling to the EU or Switzerland, so you can access state-provided emergency healthcare if you need it while you’re away. Apply for a card for free at NHS.uk.
    If you’re travelling to Europe, note that important changes since the UK left the EU include restrictions on items that can be taken into the EU, changes to the documentation required when driving or taking your pet abroad, and potentially charges for using your mobile phone depending on your network.
    The use of card and cash overseas varies, so make sure you take enough travel money with you for the country you’re visiting. Remember you may need cash on arrival for bus or taxi fares, as well as for tips or for cash-only transactions while on holiday.Visit abta.com/travelchecklist for the full advice.

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    ATLANTIS SANYA FUELS LOCAL NIGHT ECONOMY WITH MYRIAD OF SUMMER NIGHT ACTIVITIES

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    ATLANTIS SANYA FUELS LOCAL NIGHT ECONOMY WITH MYRIAD OF SUMMER NIGHT ACTIVITIES

    Atlantis Sanya welcomed more than 3,000 guests as the ultimate destination for unforgettable vacations kicked off the summer with a splash with the launch of Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival. In line with an industry-leading move to spur the after-hours economy in Sanya, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark premiered a series of nighttime activities and performances in celebration of the much-anticipated summer holiday season.The world-renowned water theme park will also be extending operational hours to 21:00 PM till 30 August 2020 with tickets for entrance into After Dark sessions between 16:00 PM and 21:00 PM beginning from RMB 198 per person.
    Aquaventure After Dark Water Screen Projection Show
    “Atlantis Sanya is reputed as a top travel destination in China with a diversified portfolio of products and services, including a state-of-the-art hotel, an incredulous open-air aquarium, magnificent water theme park, the interactive Dolphin Cay to meet-and-greet dolphins in their habitats and an array of world-class food and dining options. At the same time, we are constantly rolling out innovative cross-product offerings to enrich the tourism scene in Sanya and bolster tourism consumption. For the upcoming summer holidays, we have taken great care in planning a myriad of fascinating activities under the Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival campaign where to market demands for the summer season fusion with characteristics unique to Atlantis Sanya’s offerings. Visitors can expect to enjoy 34 exhilarating rides and slides as dusk sets into night and witness the immensely popular Go Go Duck swim-off, as well as a plethora of water screen projection shows, spectacular fireworks display and other fabulous performances,” said Mr. Heiko Schreiner, Managing Director of Atlantis Sanya.

    Live performance at Aquaventure WaterparkADVERTISEMENTThe Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival will start with an exclusive Go Go Duck! daily “swim-off” at 17:30 PM where thousands of yellow rubber ducks playfully share water slides with visitors in a gushing rush, splashing fun-filled waves around the waterpark. As night falls, the water theme park will transcend into party mode with dazzling light shows and live music to get the adrenaline pumping. Live in the moment as DJs crank up the holiday mood and set the night on fire with sizzling hot mirror dancing, all in the good spirit of summer fun. Visitors will experience the ultimate sensory moment when the breathtaking water screen projection comes on. In addition, visitors can expect to be bedazzled by a spectacular show of fireworks display and marvel as the skies of Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark light up in a burst of colors at 21:00 PM sharp on every Saturday and Sunda

    Nighttime Fireworks at Aquaventure Waterpark
    As the first water amusement park in China to operate all year round, Aquaventure Waterpark endeavors to go the extra mile in ensuring that visitors across different age groups get to experience a variety of fun activities tailored to their demographics any day of the year. Be it taking a ride down one of the 34 fun slides or exhilarating rapids river, getting an up-close personal experience touching sting rays and sharks, or taking an exploratory journey along the underwater tunnel, visitors are bound to find activities that captivate their interests. Atlantis Sanya is constantly looking at ways to enhance its portfolio of products and services while concurrently encouraging lateral business growth and extending vertical business reach. The resort is committed to crafting unique and immersive vacation experiences for both guests and visitors alike, and will continue to roll out a multitude of themed campaigns born out of creative originality by the resort management team. The launch of Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival is a classic example of what the public can expect from this world-class integrated entertainment and leisure resort destination.
    Aquaventure After Dark Rundown
    Aside from the Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival, Atlantis Sanya has lined up a series of night tourism offerings for vacationers to have the coolest summer ever. This includes a Beery Beery Good Summer promotion at the resort’s Tikki Bar and Nereus Beer Brewery between 11 and 26 July where visitors and hotel guests are entitled to free flow of German Weissbier for just an additional top-up of 100 yuan. Simply showing your Aquaventure Waterpark entrance tickets to enjoy this offer! A pint of ice cold German craft beer, authentically brewed by skilled brewers from Germany, is the opulent indulgence to chill your summer night.

    Tikki Bar & Nereus Beer Brewery
    Hainan is a key strategic site in FOSUN’s blueprint for the tourism sector. As of today, Fosun Tourism Group (otherwise known as FOLIDAY) has successfully incorporated and established the ultimate integrated entertainment and leisure destination in Sanya – a concept that first originated in France and subsequently made famous within the globetrotting community by Club Med for its all-inclusive Mediterranean resort vacations.
    As the premiere tourist destination under FOLIDAY and a benchmark initiative of Sanya Tourism 3.0, Atlantis Sanya has been under the spotlight since officially launching in April of 2018. In barely one year after opening, the resort raked in a total of 1.31 billion yuan in sales and attracted 5.2 million visitors for the year of 2019. By now, Atlantis Sanya is synonymous with online popularity, snagging itself a spot as one of the top favorite locations for famous internet celebrities to check-in on social media if one is ever in Hainan. Original Tik Tok content inspired by Atlantis Sanya has far exceeded 1.8 billion videos.
    Mr. Qian Jiannong, Chairman and CEO of Fosun Tourism Group, expressed that FOLIDAY will continue to actively seek out opportunities that complement the distinctive advantages presented by Hainan’s status as a free port. The Group will also endeavor to leverage on the unique competitive edges of its FOLIDAY eco-system and tap on its extensive pool of resources in branding, intellectual property and original contents as a global brand in leisure travel and tourism offerings to further vested interests in Hainan so as to reinforce and expand its presence on this idyllic island and cement its position as market leader in the Hainan tourism sector.

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