Jhansi has boldly stepped into the future with the unveiling of the Jhansi Space Museum, a groundbreaking institution set to mesmerize visitors with its immersive space exploration experiences. Crafted by the innovative minds at Axis Three Dee Studio, this museum employs state-of-the-art projection mapping, full dome displays, and other cutting-edge technologies to transport guests on an unparalleled cosmic voyage.

Under the guiding theme of “Cosmic Continuum: Connecting Past and Future,” the museum pays tribute to India’s profound contributions to astronomical sciences while embracing the limitless potential of contemporary space exploration. By blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation through its symbolic design elements, the Jhansi Space Museum offers guests a transcendent journey through time and space.

“The Jhansi Space Museum represents a significant advancement in the realm of space exploration and travel experiences,” said Mr. Avijit Samajdar, Founder of Axis Three Dee Studio. “Our objective is to foster an insatiable interest in space science and, through innovative technology and creative vision, we aim to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for space science among visitors of all ages.”

The museum’s immersive exhibits, such as the mesmerizing Dome Projection, immerse viewers in a visual extravaganza highlighting celestial wonders and the wonders of space exploration. These state-of-the-art presentations whisk guests to the outer reaches of the cosmos, instilling a sense of wonder at its immense scale and intricate beauty.

Today, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) along with Alipay+, managed by Ant International, revealed plans to enhance their collaboration. This initiative includes several new features designed to draw more visitors to Thailand and improve their experience, especially in light of the increasing travel demand.

Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, said “The partnership with Alipay+ plays an important role in attracting tourists and ensuring they enjoy their Thai experience; through such partnerships, TAT is on track to meet 2024 goals. We are glad to see Alipay+ transactions growing rapidly. With even more Alipay+ coverage acceptance, the transactions will only grow, especially in smaller cities, stimulating the economy, particularly for SMEs, across Thailand. We’re taking the next step to strengthen our partnership with the new digital innovations for Chinese tourists, the top market for Thailand, and continue to expand these innovations to more tourists in future.”

Digital Innovations Boost Travel Experience in Thailand

Thailand remains a preferred destination for Chinese tourists. TAT reports that from January to April 2024, approximately 2.35 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand. During the Labor Day holiday in 2024, transaction data from Alipay, a partner of Alipay+, highlighted that Thailand is the most popular Southeast Asian destination for these tourists, showing a 161% transaction increase over the previous year and exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

TAT plans to introduce Alipay+ D-hub and the Amazing Thailand e-Card on Alipay initially for Chinese tourists, with plans to expand availability to other Alipay+ payment partners.

TAT is pioneering globally with the launch of Alipay+ D-hub. This in-app mini program offers a wealth of travel information, including local recommendations, and guides to cities and provinces in Thailand.

The Amazing Thailand e-Card aims to connect tourists with local businesses, boosting visibility for Thailand’s tourism sector and allowing tourists to discover new merchants and access exclusive deals.

At the start of 2024, Alipay+ launched the Alipay+ D-store in Thailand. This digital platform enables both locals and tourists to scan a QR code at a store, customize their order, and pay directly via their mobile devices. Notable participating merchants include international and local F&B outlets like Dairy Queen and Burger King.

Commenting on these new developments, Mr. Edward Yue, General Manager, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand & Global Strategic Partnerships, Ant International, said “The Tourism Authority of Thailand has been at the forefront of digitalizing the Thai tourism industry, enhancing the experience for tourists and local businesses. At Alipay+, we’re extremely excited to see the real benefits it brings to the community by supporting these efforts through mobile payments, marketing and broader digitalization. Building on the success of our partnership, we continue to jointly introduce innovations to Thailand, ensuring that the mobile-savvy travellers of today can fully immerse themselves in uniquely Thai experiences, discovering, shopping, and eating with just their mobile phones. We look forward to continuing to support TAT’s goals for 2024 and positioning Thailand as a premier travel destination.”

Seamless Payments Across Thailand with Alipay+

From January to April 2024, Thailand welcomed over 12 million international visitors.

Additionally, transaction volumes through Alipay+ surged by 70% in the first four months of 2024, compared to the last four months of 2023. The majority of this spending involved Alipay (Chinese mainland), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), and Kakao Pay (South Korea). Coordinated marketing strategies have led to a 52% rise in Alipay+ transactions during the 2024 Songkran festival, compared to the previous month.

Alipay+ is expanding its acceptance across Thailand, covering over 400,000 merchants nationwide, including remote areas. This expansion enhances the travel experience by facilitating easier payments throughout the country.

New merchants on the Alipay+ network include various F&B outlets, wellness centers, and attractions such as the food stalls at CentralWorld, Let’s Relax Spa, and the Grand Palace. Alipay+ will also be available soon on the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), providing a convenient payment option for transportation.

A Thailand+ Experience Campaign

TAT and Alipay+ are also launching the “A Thailand+ Experience” campaign to showcase the diverse and unique experiences available to tourists in Thailand. This campaign, coupled with seamless mobile payments and digital innovations, aims to enrich the tourist experience. Additionally, selected Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) will spotlight their preferred local merchants in secondary cities, which will be featured on the TAT website and the Alipay+ D-hub. National voucher packs will also encourage exploration and spending in these areas.

Since its inception by Ant International in 2020, Alipay+ now connects more than 88 million merchants across 57 countries to 1.5 billion consumer accounts linked to over 25 e-wallets and banking apps, simplifying global travel and payment for consumers and helping merchants broaden their international consumer engagement and digital marketing strategies.

In its unwavering dedication to sustainable development, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking achievement of receiving certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This prestigious recognition marks the hotel as the first in Indonesia to attain such an honor. The GSTC is a globally respected organization dedicated to advocating for best practices in sustainable tourism. Through the establishment of stringent standards within the travel and tourism industries, this certification aims to bolster four key pillars: Sustainable Management, Social Impact, Cultural and Community Preservation, and Environmental Stewardship.

Sustainability lies at the heart of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s brand strategy, encompassing all facets of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 17. The attainment of GSTC certification underscores the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, providing a framework to assess, improve, and communicate its dedication to sustainable practices. The thorough evaluation conducted by GSTC’s appointed certification body, Control Union, highlighted key criteria:

Enhancing Sustainability Practices: The resort prioritizes sustainability by integrating ethical business practices into its operations, both internally and externally. A dedicated ESG team continuously refines and monitors sustainable initiatives.

Empowering Local Communities: The resort is deeply committed to local empowerment, achieving a notable milestone of 21.7% local employment by December 2023. Through partnerships like the Sustainable Agriculture program with Samsara Living Museum, local farmers are trained in eco-farming techniques, fostering direct supply relationships and eliminating middlemen. Collaborations with educational institutions provide training opportunities, driving economic growth and sustainability.

Preserving Cultural Heritage: The resort serves as a vibrant showcase of Indonesian culture, with every aspect reflecting the nation’s rich heritage. Annual campaigns, in collaboration with diverse partners, curate unique guest experiences that integrate Indonesia’s culture, tradition, and heritage.

Mitigating Environmental Impact: The resort employs a science-based approach to reduce its environmental footprint. Initiatives like the Hydroponic Rooftop Garden, Waste Management, Sustainable Weddings, and Electric Vehicle Experience showcase this commitment. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Eco-Tourism Bali promote climate neutrality, such as the mangrove planting program which began with the planting of 1,000 seeds.

“At our resort, we continually strive to innovate and find new ways to drive sustainability forward in the hospitality industry. It is truly an honour for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive the prestigious GSTC certification”,  shared Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of the luxury hotel. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment, not only to providing unparalleled luxury experiences but also to leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while delivering exceptional experiences to our guests, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Curaçao’s tourism industry is seeing a surge in stayover visitors from various key markets, including Brazil. Brazil currently ranks among Curaçao’s top 5 sources of stayover tourists. In 2023, the country welcomed over 26 thousand Brazilian stayover visitors, and in the first quarter of the current year alone, it received 10,552 visitors from Brazil. This growth is attributed to improved air connectivity, notably the new direct flight introduced from Brazil in June last year.

In response to the growing influx of Brazilian tourists, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) arranged a Basic Portuguese course specifically designed for industry workers who have direct interactions with tourists. Sixty-five employees successfully finished the 10-week program and were awarded certificates by Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje, who serves as the Minister of Economic Development.

The course, conducted by Brazilian Portuguese language professional Mr. Márcio Hypólito Pinto, was held twice a week for two hours each session. It covered interactive sessions, phrase construction, conversation skills, pronunciation, assignments, and assessments. This initiative aimed to equip participants—ranging from accommodation, transportation, diving, airport, immigration, customs, and tour guiding personnel to employees from the Ministry of Economic Development and CTB—with the necessary linguistic tools to better engage with Brazilian tourists.

CTB continues to invest in programs that enhance the overall tourist experience, underscoring its commitment to the industry’s growth and development.

During an interview on BBC’s CEO Edit program, Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), illuminated the flourishing tourism sector of the archipelago. She emphasized our dedication to diversification and underscored the Maldives’ steadfast commitment to environmental and economic sustainability.

Highlighting the success of the Maldives tourism industry this year, Ms Thaufeeq stated, “In the past four months, we have crossed over 25% of our [targeted] tourist arrivals for the year, which is over 500k.” This signifies a strong first quarter, surpassing 25% of the Maldives ambitious target of 2 million tourist arrivals in 2024. 

“[The Maldives] is a lot more than the sun, sea, and sand. We have natural wetlands, we have local experiences through boutique hotels/guesthouses, and we are very much focused on expanding the focus of the tourism industry.”This transition towards embracing local cultures appeals to a broader spectrum of tourists in search of distinctive experiences. Ms. Thaufeeq highlighted the multitude of experiences available in the Maldives, ranging from luxurious one-island resorts to adventurous liveaboards, city hotels, and quaint local island guesthouses.

Moving onto the topic of sustainable development, Ms Thaufeeq gave her confidence that Visit Maldives always prioritises environmental protection. “We make sure that the public and the tourists are very well aware of how much we are focused on protecting the environment. We make sure that everyone is aware of the guidelines, and we work hand in hand with stakeholders and the tourism ministry to maintain and sustain our environment.”

“The [Maldives] tourism industry catering 80% of our revenue means it directly and indirectly affects the people on the islands.” She noted in recognition of the economic impact of tourism. She again highlighted the different segments and different categories of tourism facilities, services, or offers, one of which are boutique hotels/guesthouses built on the islands where locals live. This focus on community-based tourism ensures that the tourism industry benefits local residents.

“Tourists get to experience the local lifestyles, cuisines […] maintaining and sustaining the livelihoods of the locals.” She stated. 

Looking toward the future, Ms Thaufeeq explained her strategies to implement innovative solutions using data-driven methodologies and new technologies. “In the long run, we are very focused on building a very sustainable strategy using new technologies and tools over the next 10 years.” Ms Thaufeeq affirmed, once again underscoring the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable tourism development and experiences. 

The Anguilla Tourist Board is thrilled to announce that American Airlines is expanding its service to Anguilla this winter. Starting December 2024, a third nonstop flight from Miami (MIA) to Anguilla (AXA) will be available on Saturdays, in addition to the existing two daily flights. This additional service will continue through March 2025.

“Anguilla is undoubtedly among the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean, and this is reflected in American Airlines’ decision to increase airlift to meet the rising demand,” stated the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure, Mr. Haydn Hughes. “American Airlines is an invaluable partner as we develop and expand our tourism industry; they provide exceptional service, and an easy and convenient way to access Anguilla. This new flight ensures that we will surpass our record-breaking Q1 2024 visitor arrivals in 2025”.

“As the largest airline serving Anguilla, we are thrilled to increase our operations this winter by adding a third flight on Saturdays,” said José Maria Giraldo, Managing Director of Operations for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. “By expanding our service to Anguilla, we are offering more connectivity and travel options for customers who plan to visit the island nation.”

“With each additional flight, we welcome not only visitors but opportunities for prosperity and cultural exchange, solidifying Anguilla’s position as a premier destination in the Caribbean,” declared Mrs. Stacey Liburd, Anguilla’s Director of Tourism. “We are delighted that American is increasing service to our island from the mainland this winter; we are also working with our neighboring island gateways to provide our visitors with multiple options to travel to Anguilla.”

The new flights are now available for booking on American Airlines’ website or through your preferred travel advisor. For more information on flights and reservations to Anguilla, visit www.aa.com.

Here is the updated flight schedule:

Miami, FL (MIA) to Anguilla (AXA)

• December 21, 2024 – March 2025
• Two Daily Flights: Sunday to Friday
• Depart: 10:05 AM, Arrive: 2:13 PM
• Depart: 12:05 PM, Arrive: 4:08 PM
• Three Flights on Saturdays:
• Depart: 8:35 AM, Arrive: 12:37 PM
• Depart: 10:05 AM, Arrive: 2:13 PM
• Depart: 12:05 PM, Arrive: 4:08 PM

Anguilla (AXA) to Miami, FL (MIA)

• December 21, 2024 – March 2025
• Two Daily Flights: Sunday to Friday
• Depart: 3:35 PM, Arrive: 5:55 PM
• Depart: 5:05 PM, Arrive: 7:25 PM
• Three Flights on Saturdays:
• Depart: 1:38 PM, Arrive: 3:55 PM
• Depart: 3:35 PM, Arrive: 5:55 PM
• Depart: 5:05 PM, Arrive: 7:25 PM