Tag Archives: TRA

Global Airlines Leverage AI, Machine Learning and Blockchain to Save Costs and Generate New Revenues, Says Frost & Sullivan

Airlines and IT suppliers are investing in distribution, loyalty programs, and supply chain management

SANTA CLARA, California, June 22, 2020 — Frost & Sullivan’s recent study, Analysis of the Global Airline IT Market, Forecast to 2025, finds that the increasing expectations of passengers are compelling airlines to embrace digital enablers and propelling a digital transformation journey that will fundamentally change traditional airline information technology (IT) strategies. Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline IT market is estimated to generate a revenue of $20.74 billion by 2025, compared to $21.20 billion in 2019. As per the original forecast, by 2025, the market was estimated to reach $25.1 billion from $21.20 billion in 2019.

Global Airline Technology
Global Airline Technology

For further information on this analysis, please visit: http://frost.ly/46n

“Despite the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the industry, airlines are increasingly focusing on adopting next-generation digital solutions such as mobility, machine learning (ML), Big Data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities,” said Abhilash Varkey Abraham, Aerospace & Defense Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “Additionally, a few major airlines have already committed to migrating their entire IT infrastructure to the cloud over the next 3-5 years and this trend is likely to continue and grow, mainly among low-cost carriers.”

Abraham added: “From a regional airline IT market perspective, North American airlines were the highest revenue contributor in 2019 and are expected to remain so during the forecast period. Further, APAC is expected to be the key growth engine over the medium and long terms.”

With global airlines losing $25 billion due to disruptions in operations and with 50% of them addressable via digital solutions, a huge opportunity exists for IT suppliers to innovate and expand their portfolio. Market opportunities include:

  • Real-time data analytics with an interactive display/graphical user interfaces (GUI) will have higher penetration in the medium term, which will serve as a growth opportunity for suppliers.
  • With airlines embracing the capabilities of next-gen technologies such as AI and ML, solution providers are encouraged to integrate these technologies into their solutions.
  • Vendors are encouraged to develop solutions to solve airlines’ disruption pain points, especially in the areas of passenger re-accommodation and compensation.
  • Adopting Big Data platforms can streamline the operations of airlines, reducing cost and time.

Analysis of the Global Airline IT Market, Forecast to 2025 is the latest addition to Frost & Sullivan’s Aerospace & Defense research and analyses, available through the Frost & Sullivan Leadership Council, which helps organizations identify a continuous flow of growth opportunities to succeed in an unpredictable future.

About Frost & Sullivan

For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Analysis of the Global Airline IT Market, Forecast to 2025

MDE1

Contact:
Francesca Valente
Corporate Communications
E: Francesca.Valente@frost.com

http://ww2.frost.com

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Flightdocs Joins the ATP Family of Software Solutions

Flightdocs to become a part of ATP, creating a global leader of information services and software solutions focused on aircraft safety and reliability.

SAN FRANCISCO and BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., June 18, 2020 ATP and Flightdocs are pleased to announce the creation of one of the largest providers of software solutions and information services within the aviation industry.  With Flightdocs joining ATP, the company will deliver powerful, cloud-based software solutions for aircraft maintenance tracking, troubleshooting, recurring defect analysis, inventory management, and flight scheduling – combined with a robust library of technical publications and regulatory content.

Founded in 2003, Flightdocs has grown to be the second largest provider of aircraft maintenance tracking and inventory management solutions within business aviation. The company’s long-standing reputation for revolutionary software and best-in-class support has made Flightdocs the number one choice for flight departments around the world. ATP, a company with nearly 50 years of experience, provides aircraft technical publications and regulatory information, connecting more than 45,000 maintenance professionals to the latest OEM content and airworthiness directives. The company’s software division is the leading provider of repetitive defect and troubleshooting applications, focused on reducing operating costs, improving reliability, and supporting technical knowledge sharing.

“We are very excited to join forces with the team at ATP,” noted Rick Heine, Chairman and CEO of Flightdocs. “What began as a partnership quickly evolved into a much larger opportunity. By joining ATP, we will be able to create unique products and services that will have a significant impact for our customers, driving efficiencies, reliability, compliance, and safety across the industry.”

Customers of both ATP and Flightdocs will have access to a comprehensive suite of solutions to support the safe and reliable operation of their aircraft. Already considered to be the most innovative and user-friendly maintenance tracking and inventory management software on the market, the Flightdocs platform will now leverage the technical publication libraries, regulatory content, and chronic defect analysis and troubleshooting software offered by ATP. Combined, the two companies will bring even more innovation and technical capabilities to the business aircraft maintenance tracking, inventory management, and flight operations software markets.

“Flightdocs’ commitment to innovation and service makes them an ideal addition to the ATP family,” commented Rick Noble, Chief Executive Officer at ATP. “Working together, our goal will be to deliver the most advanced maintenance tracking, inventory management, and flight operations software on the market. One known for excellent support, a superior user experience, and powerful tools that can create massive benefits for our customers.”

With the addition of Flightdocs, ATP will now support 75,000 maintenance professionals across more than 7,500 customers in 137 countries. Further, the team plans to continue investment in the development of new products to serve the business aviation, general aviation, commercial aviation, military/defense, and OEM markets.

About ATP

ATP is a global information services and software solutions company focused on making flying safer and more reliable. ATP Information Services is the general and business aviation industry’s source for aircraft technical publications and real-time regulatory information. ATP Software Solutions is the leading provider of maintenance tracking, flight operations, inventory management, repetitive defect analysis, and troubleshooting software. The company’s applications help reduce operating costs, improve aircraft reliability, and supports technical knowledge sharing and collaboration within the general and business aviation, military/defense, commercial aviation, and OEM industries.

The company has deployed solutions for multiple Fortune 100 companies, supporting more than 75,000 aircraft maintenance professionals worldwide. As a global company, ATP has more than 7,500 customers in 137 countries, with nearly 50 years of experience in the information services and software industries. For more information, visit www.atp.com or www.flightdocs.com.

For more information related to this announcement, please contact the ATP Global Marketing and Communications Team, with a request addressed to: James Geneau, Chief Marketing Officer, ATP, marketing@atp.com

Key industrial parks unveiled in Hainan free-trade port

HAIKOU, China, June 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — A batch of key industrial parks were unveiled on June 3 in China’s island province of Hainan, in an effort to promote the construction of the Hainan free-trade port.

The 11 key parks around the island cover three major fields, including tourism, modern services and advanced technologies.

The industrial parks are important areas to illustrate trade and investment policies, pilot fields for bold trials, innovations and reforms and a new highland for reform and opening up, said Liu Cigui, secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee.

Liu said the key industrial parks are expected to play a leading role in the construction of the free-trade port.

On the same day, the first batch of service stations for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots as well as overseas Chinese were established in five key industrial parks of Hainan Free Trade Port, including Haikou Jiangdong New District, Yangpu Economic Development Zone, Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, and Hainan Ecological Software Park.

The service stations are under the unified guidance of the United Front Work Department of Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, with the aim to provide business consultation and coordination guidance for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots as well as overseas Chinese who come to Hainan to invest and start up business, so as to boost the implementation of relevant policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

At present, there are 3.9 million overseas Hainanese in more than 60 countries and regions. About 400 thousand Hong Kong and Macao compatriots are from the hometown of Hainan, There are more than 3,000 Taiwanese compatriots and over 1,500 Taiwan-funded enterprises in Hainan.

China on Monday released the development plan for the Hainan free-trade port, aiming to build Hainan into a globally influential, high-level, free-trade port by the middle of the century.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/key-industrial-parks-unveiled-in-hainan-free-trade-port-301071229.html

Tuniu to Report First Quarter 2020 Financial Results on June 10, 2020

NANJING, China, June 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Tuniu Corporation (NASDAQ: TOUR) (“Tuniu” or the “Company”), a leading online leisure travel company in China, today announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, before the market opens on June 10, 2020.

Tuniu’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 am U.S. Eastern Time on June 10, 2020 (8:00 pm Beijing/Hong Kong Time on June 10, 2020).

Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

US

+1-888-346-8982

Hong Kong

+852-301-84992

Mainland China

4001-201203

International

+1-412-902-4272

Conference ID: Tuniu 1Q 2020 Earnings Call         

A telephone replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference call through June 17, 2020. The dial-in details are as follows:

US

+1-877-344-7529

International

+1-412-317-0088

Replay Access Code: 10144584

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at http://ir.tuniu.com/.

About Tuniu Corporation

Tuniu (Nasdaq:TOUR) is a leading online leisure travel company in China that offers a large selection of packaged tours, including organized and self-guided tours, as well as travel-related services for leisure travelers through its website tuniu.com and mobile platform. Tuniu covers over 420 departing cities throughout China and all popular destinations worldwide. Tuniu provides one-stop leisure travel solutions and a compelling customer experience through its online platform and offline service network, including a dedicated team of professional customer service representatives, 24/7 call centers, extensive networks of offline retail stores and self-operated local tour operators. For more information, please visit http://ir.tuniu.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

China
Mary Chen
Investor Relations Director
Tuniu Corporation
+86-25-6960-9988
ir@tuniu.com

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tuniu-to-report-first-quarter-2020-financial-results-on-june-10-2020-301071202.html

AirHost Awarded by Booking.com as a Premier Connectivity Partner

SINGAPORE, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — AirHost, a leading Hospitality Management Software (HMS) company in Japan with a growing presence in the ASEAN region, received recognition by Booking.com, the world’s leading online reservation platform, as a Premier Connectivity Partner for 2020. AirHost is proud to be amongst the 76 organisations that earned this prestigious recognition. 

AirHost Awarded by Booking.com as a Premier Connectivity Partner
AirHost Awarded by Booking.com as a Premier Connectivity Partner

Booking.com’s Connectivity Partner Programme is designed to stimulate and elevate the partnership with connectivity service providers to ensure growth in their business. The ‘Premier’ status of the program is awarded to their top and highest-value connectivity service providers. This status acknowledges that these providers have a high-quality connection. It also highlights the service provider’s most advanced systems, with the widest range of products and services. 

AirHost is being acknowledged by Booking.com as its Premier Connectivity Partner based on several stringent performance benchmarks. Some of the benchmarks exhibited included the integrity of their innovative framework, security of their infrastructure, and excellent support for their interconnectivity with more OTA connections to platforms such as Booking.com.

Being recognised as a Premier Connectivity Partner also reflects on AirHost’s enthusiasm in benefiting the properties that they work with. AirHost is also dedicated to the growth and improved performance of these properties and the experience provided to their guests. AirHost provides a quality onboarding process regardless of whether their clients are transitioning from a previous platform or trying out a Hospitality Management System (HMS) for the first time. Their comprehensive interface eases the learning curve for their clients, making it easy for them to focus on the increase in their revenue and conversions. As a responsible HMS service provider, AirHost’s team is determined to provide a secure system whilst remaining devoted to building a strong and dependable relationship with their clients.

AirHost has a wide variety of accommodation partners ranging from small boutique hotels to enterprise hotels. AirHost is constantly striving to connect their clients with OTAs. Through AirHost’s endeavours, properties can easily increase their sales on Booking.com as AirHost provides unique features and seamless integration to Booking.com.

Besides their seamless connection to OTAs, AirHost is a one-stop solution for their accommodation partners. As a Hospitality Management Software provider, AirHost’s one-stop solution features their Channel Manager, Property Management System (PMS), Smart Check-In, as well as Booking Engine. All of which can be easily integrated into their client’s property management system to ensure that they have their own booking website. 

About AirHost

Founded in 2015, AirHost started their Hospitality Management Software journey as a property management agency. This has given them the opportunity to better understand their partners and clients. AirHost is constantly improving their products and services by helping their clients manage their properties effectively through automation of their daily routines and maximising their revenue. In addition to that, AirHost has an excellent customer support team.

About Booking.com

Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com has grown from a small Dutch startup to one of the world’s leading digital travel companies. Booking.com’s mission is to “make it easier for everyone to experience the world”. Booking.com is available in 43 languages and offers more than 28 million total reported accommodation listings, including over 6.2 million listings alone of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses.

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Priceless Artifacts in Iraq Protected Against Theft Using New SmartWater ‘Forensic Fingerprinting’

LONDON, May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Hundreds of thousands of priceless artifacts in several museums in Iraq have been protected from the threat of theft and looting by marking them with a unique invisible code, in a new security protocol that is to be made available around the World to protect ‘at risk’ museums, historic and archaeological sites.

Invisible to the naked eye, SmartWater glows yellow under UV black light.
Invisible to the naked eye, SmartWater glows yellow under UV black light.

Funded by the British Council, approximately 273,000 artifacts held in two Iraqi museums have been protected using this new approach. The project allows the priceless objects to be traced back to the site they were stolen from, making it easier for law enforcement agencies to prove theft, thereby creating a powerful deterrent to would-be thieves and traffickers.

The innovative project, led by renowned archaeologist Professor Roger Matthews at the University of Reading, utilizes a specially prepared SmartWater forensic liquid to attach a unique chemical signature onto museum objects. The solution is invisible to the naked eye, only detectable under UV black light and scientists only need to recover a speck of SmartWater to prove which location the artifact was stolen from, the date the solution was applied and by whom.

Tests by scientists at Reading University established that the forensic liquid causes no damage to stone, pottery, metal, or glass and can withstand intense heat, harsh solvents, and extreme environmental conditions for decades. All the costs of R&D were funded by the SmartWater Foundation, the not for profit arm of The SmartWater Group, one of the World’s fastest growing risk management companies.

Professor Matthews said: “The items in the museum collections we worked with are priceless, with regards to the immense cultural value they offer to Iraq. This initiative effectively gives objects a chemical fingerprint, allowing them to be traced if they fall into the wrong hands. Moreover, it provides law enforcement agencies with the necessary evidence to arrest and prosecute those found in illegal possession of artifacts.”

The artifacts include inorganic pieces from all periods of Iraq’s past; stone-age axes to Neolithic pots dating back to 7000 BC when the world’s first agricultural villages were being established. In 2003, and during the ISIS occupation of Mosul between 2014 and 2017, items like this were frequently looted from museums, later resurfacing on international antiquity markets.

The problem of theft of artifacts from museums, archaeological and historic sites is growing, with temples in India being targeted, as well as archaeological sites in South America. In the USA, Native American sites are at risk, particularly the remote burial grounds that can be an easy target for thieves.

Colette Loll, Senior Advisor to the SmartWater Foundation, the not for profit arm of the SmartWater Group. said: ‘Due to their SmartWater forensic signature, these important museum collections are now traceable and can be repatriated if stolen or trafficked. We are essentially putting the art market on notice – forensic markers present a real risk to sellers AND buyers of stolen artifacts.”

Phil Cleary, CEO of the SmartWater Group said “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to support the implementation of this important initiative in Iraq, as it is totally aligned with our mission to reduce the risk of  theft, wherever it occurs.”

Notes to Editor:

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Poker’s Most Famous Fans Unite For ‘Stars CALL for Action – Powered by PokerStars’

Hank Azaria and celebrity friends team up with PokerStars for $1 million charity extravaganza

ONCHAN, Isle of Man, , May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — On May 9 at 2pm ET, dozens of A-list celebrities will come together for Stars CALL for Action – Powered by PokerStars, an online charity poker event raising vital funds for relief efforts during the current global crisis.

Dozens of A-list celebrities will come together for Stars CALL for Action - Powered by PokerStars
Dozens of A-list celebrities will come together for Stars CALL for Action – Powered by PokerStars

The online poker tournament will be hosted at PokerStars and broadcast live on Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. International stars will turn their cameras on as they take their seats at the virtual table, and poker lovers the world over can join hosts James Hartigan and Lex Veldhuis as they follow the action while dropping in on crowd favorites.

Viewers will also be able to contribute to the cause via a ‘Donate’ button on their platform of choice.

Conceived and brought together by actor Hank Azaria and journalist, author and screenwriter Andy Bellin, this unique event is fast building momentum.  Spaces are limited and celebrities already registered include Edward Norton, Brian Koppelman, Amy Schumer, Bryan Cranston, Don Cheadle, Michael Cera, Jon Hamm, Jeff Garlin, David Schwimmer, Eric Bogosian, Jason Alexander, Brad Garrett, Michael Ian Black, Kevin Pollak, Tony Yazbeck, Max Kruse, and many more.

The top placed celebrities will direct their portions of $1 million, donated by PokerStars, to a charity of their choosing and take home exceptional bragging rights. Fifty percent of the total donation will go directly to Care International on behalf of those playing, as well as all proceeds donated via live stream. Grants to charities will be administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity that meets all 20 BBB Charity Standards.

“This event is a great way to combine genuine giving where it’s needed with a way to stay home and yet still connect with people from around the world. A friendly game of poker reminds us how life used to be, which hopefully we get back to soon,” said Hank Azaria. “It’s a way for people to interact for a good cause and enjoy themselves at the same time. The response has been really great, and I’ll tell you, when PokerStars stepped up like that, I was actually kind of moved by it. We were hoping they’d put in some money, but to basically finance the whole thing to the tune of a million dollars, is pretty incredible.”

To add a little extra competition, PokerStars is surprising players and fans by giving them the opportunity to play against the stars. PokerStars Ambassadors, Streamers and Celebrities will hold community giveaways and those chosen will battle it out on May 9 to direct further donations to Care International. Two fields – celebrities and players – will then play down to their respective final tables and combine for the ultimate showdown. Celebrities who get knocked out early will be added into a side event where the winner will direct 10% of the total to charity.

“This event began as a simple conversation between our team, Hank, Andy and the Entertainment Industry Foundation as a way to create positive entertainment and raise support for critical causes during these challenging times,” said Rebecca McAdam Willetts, Associate Director of Public Relations at PokerStars. “We were thrilled that they came to us and have been blown away by the momentum it’s gained. With people increasingly using our products to connect, compete and stay social while safe at home, we are delighted to show how the game we love can be used to bring people together and do good… with the added bonus of surprising some poker fans along the way.”

“We are honored to serve as a partner to artists in our community to help raise funds – and spirits – during this time,” said Regina Miller, Chief Strategy Advisor to the Entertainment Industry Foundation. “With PokerStars setting the stage and Hank and Andy leading the charge, we are looking forward to a fun-filled night of fundraising to benefit people across the world.”

To hear more from Hank Azaria and for further information check out the PokerStars Blog.

Notes to Editors

This event is a play money event, with no real money prizes awarded to any players. Donations will be made on the behalf of top performers.

Hashtag: #StarsRaising

Stars CALL for Action – Powered by PokerStars will be streamed at:         

Facebook.com/PokerStars

YouTube.com/PokerStars

Twitch.tv/PokerStars

Play responsibly. Check here for more information on PokerStars Responsible Gaming Tools.

About Care International

Care International UK is one of the world’s leading humanitarian charities and has been the official emergency relief partner of PokerStars since 2014. Care International works in over 100 countries around the world to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice.

About PokerStars

PokerStars operates the world’s most popular online poker sites, serving the global poker community. Since it launched in 2001, PokerStars has become the first choice of players all over the world, with more daily tournaments than anywhere else and with the best online security. More than 200 billion hands have been dealt on PokerStars, which is more than any other site.

Play Responsibly!  For more information on responsible gaming please visit our website at http://www.pokerstars.com/about/responsible-gaming/ 

Contact – press@pokerstars.com 

About the Entertainment Industry Foundation

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), founded in 1942, is a multifaceted organization that occupies a unique place in the world of philanthropy. By mobilizing and leveraging the powerful voice and creative talents of the entertainment industry, as well as cultivating the support of organizations (public and private) and philanthropists committed to social responsibility, EIF builds awareness and raises funds, developing and enhancing campaigns on the local, national and global level that facilitate positive social change. Visit eifoundation.org or follow @eifoundation for more information.

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Agoda Shares How To Explore The World While You #Stayhome

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — While May’s public holidays, school breaks and long weekends may be very different this year with travel or day trip plans postponed, digital travel platform Agoda shows how you can still explore the globe, shake off that cabin fever and experience what the world has to offer, all without leaving your own home. Taking Agoda’s travelers’ favorite destinations throughout 2019, combined with the top travel motivations from its Usage & Attitude Survey (U&A), Agoda shares a handy guide to travel in the virtual world. According to Agoda’s U&A survey, Nature/Countryside; Beaches; Food & Dining; Landmarks; and Culture are the top five reasons cited to travel globally, so whether you have always wanted to check out the bustling cosmopolitan cities of Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul or Kuala Lumpur, the Arts and Culture of New York, London or Paris, or the natural beauty of Canada, Vietnam, or Japan, thanks to the wonders of technology you can.

Travel Motivation #5 – Culture

Agoda’s Usage and Attitude survey found that culture – artefacts, dance, the arts – is the fifth highest reason to travel globally.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Art

  • Don’t wait to see the Mona Lisa, The Wedding at Cana or Venus de Milo, housed in the world famous Le Louvre in Paris, instead check out this virtual tour and get up close view of these world-famous paintings, without leaving home.
  • Singapore’s cultural scene gets better and better. With theatre, arts, fine food and dining all to explore. Have a taster as you view the ArtScience Museum. located right in the heart of the lion city, nestled between the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, overlooking the harbor, the museum hosts a range of fabulous exhibitions throughout the year – take a look at its contemporary art and science shows all throughout this #stayathome period.
  • Meanwhile, the Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok houses a huge collection of valuable paintings and sculptures that promotes and highlights the rich legacy and heritage of Thailand. While not fully interactive, travelers can still learn about the works of local Thai artists such as Professor Emeritus Chalood NImsamer, and Professor Paitun Muangsomboon.
  • Any visit to New York is not complete without a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and what better way to whet your appetite for a future visit than with a virtual tour. The Met 360 project has released a series of six short videos inviting viewers to virtually visit the Met’s art and architecture in a fresh, immersive way. Experience the wide expanse of the six halls, which includes The Great Hall, The Cloisters, The Temple of Dendur, The Met Breuer, The Charles Engelhard Court and Arms and Armor Galleries.

History

  • Korean pop culture may be influential now but Korea has a long, proud and exciting history worth exploring further. Take your pick of eras to explore via Gyeonggi Art and History with virtual sightseeing of some of South Korea’s world heritage UNESCO sites including the Namhanhangseoung World heritage center, Jeongak Pre-history Museum and Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art.
  • In Malaysia, which ranks number three on the top destination list for Agoda travelers during 2019, you can dive into Islamic history with a virtual walk-through of the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, which showcases the rich cultural history of Islamic influence on art, architecture, clothing and calligraphy dating back 1400 years.
  • The National Palace Museum in Taipei, offers a fully interactive virtual tour so travelers can enjoy the museum and historical artifacts at your own pace.

Science

  • If science is more your thing, enjoy a 360-degree view of London’s world-class Natural History Museum from the comfort of your home.

THEATRE AND MUSIC

There’s nothing quite as magical as a trip to the theatre for plays, musicals or dance performances. While currently you can’t get to Broadway or the West End, the Royal Opera House or pop concert tours for your favourite artists, with the magic of showbiz and modern technology, it can come to you.

Ballet

Musicals

  • If you want to indulge in your musical obsession and check out with Andrew Lloyd Webber’sThe Shows Must Go On’, which includes song bursting The Phantom of the Opera, and toe tapping Joseph’s Amazing Technicolored Dream Coat.

Opera

  • If you can’t wait until the theatres re open or just wanted to dip your toe into the world of Opera to watch the magnificence of a ‘live’ performance of Gloriana or Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte check out the Royal Opera Houses Our House to Your House performances on youtube.
  • Not to be outdone, and equally as renowned for it’s distinctive building as it’s performances, tune in to ‘live’ music and dance performances from the Sydney Opera House.

Theatre

  • If you have always loved to see actors treading the boards, and long for works of the The Bard, performed at the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, prepare to be inspired and awed, through this series of ‘live’ performances here.

Pop Culture

  • Pop stars and singers might not be able to fill stadiums right now, but they are doing their best to perform for you at home.  So, whether you like to rock to Bruce Springsteen, sing along with Gary Barlow and a selection go world wide artists during his Crooner Sessions, or want to bust a move to chart-topping Columbia Records artists like Diplo and John Mayer, you can catch them on live stream or their social accounts.

Travel Motivation #4 – CULTURAL LANDMARKS

Chinese and Indonesian tourists are most likely to visit famous attractions when traveling. But globally, it’s the fourth biggest motivation to travel, so check out these Instagram worthy destinations – online.

Landmarks

  • They say there is nowhere like Paris in the springtime. Enjoy a virtual trip of, The Eiffel Tower, the most-visited paid monument in the world, which welcomes 7 million visitors every year.
  • The rose city of Petra in Jordan is said to be holding secrets of decades past. Virtually discover what inspired the sets of the lost city in Indiana Jones’ movie ‘The Last Crusader’ at your own pace.

Palaces

  • The Apostolic Palace – or the Vatican City – is the official residence of the Pope and visited by 12 million people every year. Take a chance to explore the Sistine Chapel or Raphael’s Rooms at your own leisure via the Vatican Museums’ 360-degree tours and videos.
  • A chance to take a look inside the Royal palaces may be even more appealing during this stay home period, and for many travelers planning a trip to London, a visit to Buckingham Palace is often on the cards. Fret not, you can still have a nose around, as the Royal Collection Trust is showcasing the palace and sharing its rich history through virtual tours.

Entertainment

  • If there was one destination that makes every one, no matter their age believe in magic, it has to be Disneyland. Keep the child in you alive with virtual tours of some of the best Disneyland rides.

Travel Motivation #3 – FOOD & DINING

The number three motivation to travel according to Agoda’s global Usage & Attitude survey, is to experience the food and dining at the destination, this rises to the top spot for travelers from Asia.  Just because you can’t travel doesn’t mean you can’t explore the vibrant flavours of the world’s cuisine.

  • Replicate Michelin-star dishes with famous Italian chef Massimo Botturo and man behind #KitchenQuarantine encouraging chefs and people from around the world to recreate food they love and travel for. If you have been taking constant trips to the snack cupboard, why not give it a gourmet twist with Munchies from chefs that make it the best.
  • If you want a break from watching endless episodes of Queer Eye but cannot get over Antoni Porowski’s, check out his easy cooking recipes.
  • If you would like to relish dishes from your favorite movies, cook alongside American filmmaker turn chef Andrew Rea on Binging with Babish.

Travel motivation – Beaches/Islands

Beaches and/or islands are the second favorite global reason to travel.  While you might need to wait a while until you can feel the sand between your toes or waves on your back, you don’t need to miss the magic of the ocean completely.

  • Dating back 10,000 years, the Buck Island Reef National Park houses many unique corals and sea life. Take National Geographics’ guided dive with marine life photographer Brian Skerry and drift into the spectacular details of the gem colors and textures of this unique and protected barrier reef, watch sea turtle hatchlings make their way into the ocean at night.
  • Alternatively, take a virtual dive with sealions at the National Marine Sanctuaries courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Travel motivation – NATURE/SCENERY/COUNTRYSIDE.

The number one motivation to travel for explorers across the world is nature and scenery. So Agoda has compiled a collection of natural beauty and cityscape videos to whet your appetite for travelling when it’s time to not stay at home.

Nature

  • Renowned its great outdoors, Canada offers so much beauty to explore. Gaze into the magical night skies for glimpses of the Northern Lights streamed live every night. How about exploring Banff National Park, where it has a variety of videos available for your “trek” across the country’s oldest national park – Johnston Canyon.
  • Indonesia’s beautiful island of Bali is often referred to as paradise on earth. Known for its volcanic mountains, rice paddy fields and most of all its bone white beaches. Get away virtually to the many beaches of Bali, while staying safe at home.
  • Japan is increasingly popular among travelers, and taking a closer look at JNTO’s tourism promotion campaign video, “Visit Japan.”, you’ll see why. The video highlights 16 of Japan’s most unique attractions such as Tokyo Tower, Kyoto’s Sagano Bamboo Forest, and the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
  • The wild and rugged landscape of South Africa, with it’s Big Five animal safaris, is captured in Wild Earth’s daily live sunrise and sunset safaris – Wild Earth Safaris South Africa.
  • Hang Sơn Đoòng in central Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, explored by scientists for the first time in 2009, after a local man, Ho Khanh, discovered it in 1991. Enjoy a virtual trek complete with images and atmospheric sounds, zoom into of the flora and fauna.

Scenery / Cities

If you are daydreaming of the hustle and bustle of city life here is a bird’s eye view of some of the world’s most breath-taking cityscapes:

  • Hong Kong is known for its edgy skyline and fast-paced life. Brandon Li’s Hong Kong Strong video showcases the city’s futuristic culture while staying true to its roots.
  • The financial capital of India, Mumbai is not just famous for Bollywood, it is also a melting pot of cosmopolitan India and celebrates several sub-cultures, cuisines and scenery. Mumbai also hosts the world’s second largest number of art-deco buildings amongst other historic colonial, gothic and contemporary architecture as seen on the video.
  • One of the most beautiful destinations finds yourself transported to serene rivers and cobbled walkways. Step inside the Colosseum or walk through the Forum, where many of the Ancient Rome discoveries are tucked away, waiting for you to discover them.
  • Singapore which ranks 13 on the Agoda travelers list for 2019, the island country is a powerhouse of experiences rooting from its mixed culture, yet modern perspective. Enjoy unique views of Garden city’s eclectic culture of modern and traditional.
  • UK ranks 15 on the Agoda traveler list London its capital city is pure magic. With 2000 years of history, London is one of the worlds most visited cities and has something for everyone. Walk through iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, London Eye and Carnaby Street.
  • They say New York city never sleeps. One of the world’s fastest, most expensive cities has something to see at every corner, New York is a breath of fresh air. Take a look at world famous Times Square, Grand Central station and Washington Square Park like never before.

And finally, for a truly out of this world travel experience….

Check out the views from NASA’s International Space Station which takes sixteen orbits around the Earth in 24 hours. It sees either a sunset or a sunrise every 45 minutes. What better time to view Earth on NASA’s Space Station live stream than right now?

–ENDS–

Notes to Editors:

Agoda’s Top Destinations throughout 2019

1.  Japan
2.  Thailand
3.  Malaysia
4.  Taiwan
5.  Indonesia
6.  South Korea
7.  Philippines
8.  Vietnam
9.  United States
10.  China
11.  Hong Kong
12.  India
13.  Singapore
14.  Australia
15.  France
16.  United Kingdom
17.  UAE
18.  Italy
19.  Germany
20.  Spain

Agoda’s Usage & Attitude Survey (June to August 2019) was conducted in among 22,000 respondents in 20 countries surveyed.

About Agoda

From its beginnings as an e-commerce start-up based in Singapore in 2005, digital travel platform Agoda has grown to offer a global network of over 2.6 million properties in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, offering travelers easy access to a wide choice of luxury and budget hotels, apartments, homes and villas, to suit all budgets and travel occasions. In 2019, Agoda added a flight product and packages to help make travel even easier.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 5,000 staff in 30 countries. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 38 languages.

For more information, please contact press@agoda.com

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Xinhua Silk Road: International economic, trade, tourism festival spurs dev. of E China’s Yangzhou

BEIJING, April 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The 2020 China Yangzhou Flowery March International Economic, Trade and Tourism Festival kicked off on April 18 in Yangzhou of east China’s Jiangsu Province with 36 key projects contracted at the opening ceremony.

It is learned that 178 projects with a gross investment of 187.83 billion yuan will be contracted during the festival, involving advanced manufacturing, modern services and sci-tech cooperation.

The project signing ceremony at the 2020 China Yangzhou Flowery March International Economic, Trade and Tourism Festival. (Photo/Voice of Yangzhou)
The project signing ceremony at the 2020 China Yangzhou Flowery March International Economic, Trade and Tourism Festival. (Photo/Voice of Yangzhou)

During the festival, the city will issue tourism and catering cards to visitors through online and offline channels to let them enjoy a cash rebate, aiming at expediting the building of a well-known international cultural tourism city and fostering the recovery of the service sector.

The festival also witnessed the unveiling ceremony of “Food Capital of the World”.

As a city with a history of 2,500-odd years, Yangzhou was rated as China’s fourth “Food Capital of the World” in 2019 after Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan, Shunde District of Foshan in south China’s Guangdong, and Macao.

As a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Yangzhou has taken a comprehensive set of actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and introduced specific measures to support local catering sector, Ernesto Ottone Ramírez, Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO, said via video connection.

He believed Yangzhou has the ability to get through the crisis with its strong cultural resources and gastronomic traditions.

Yangzhou will ramp up efforts in developing industrial clusters involving automobiles and parts, high-end equipment, and new power equipment, microelectronics and software and information service, and high-end textiles and clothing, ocean engineering equipment and high-tech ships, biomedicine and new medical devices, food, and aviation, said Zhang Baojuan, Mayor of Yangzhou.

The city is facing unprecedented development opportunities brought by the Yangtze River Delta integration, the Grand Canal Cultural Belt and other national development plans. The convenient modern transport, profound cultural heritage and sci-tech innovation, international and standardized business environment, and convenient living environment together make Yangzhou an ideal place to live, work and start businesses, said Xia Xinmin, Secretary of CPC Yangzhou Municipal Committee.

It’s reported that the Flowery March International Economic, Trade and Tourism Festival has been held for 19 consecutive years, and has become an important platform for promoting Yangzhou’s economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges at home and abroad.

See the original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/312895.html

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200421/2781004-1?lang=0

TCEB Launches Campaign to Strengthen MICE Entrepreneurs in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

BANGKOK, April 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB has announced two projects focusing on digital-based MICE services and health safety standard.

TCEB Launches Campaign to Strengthen MICE Entrepreneurs in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
TCEB Launches Campaign to Strengthen MICE Entrepreneurs in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

The first called “Virtual Meeting Space” (VMS) will help MICE entrepreneurs run business events online and re-skill their employees via virtual platforms. The second, called “Simple Ways to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Your Meetings and Events”, offers MICE venue owners and operators an incentive to upgrade their safety and health standards. The two projects are in response to the business disruptions brought about by COVID-19 and lockdown measures worldwide.

According to Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB President, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the postponement and cancellation of MICE events worldwide. Amidst the tough times, online or virtual platforms have become an alternative for events that can ensure business continuity. Thai entrepreneurs need to adapt to such business platforms. In this respect, TCEB has designed two key projects. The first — “Virtual Meeting Space” (VMS) – is aimed at enabling Thai MICE entrepreneurs to continue operating their business and to re-skill their employees.

Under VMS, TCEB will support three categories of virtual meetings:

  • Webinar — TCEB will provide support in the preparation and management of this online platform, including the preparation and set-up of a studio for live streaming, as well as technical co-ordination and system monitoring during live streaming. Organisers can run slide presentations during the session, enable interaction between participants and speakers, or conduct a Q&A or poll. Such sessions can cater up to 10,000 attendees at a time.     
  • O2O (Offline to Online) — This platform is for trade exhibitions. TCEB will support the arrangement and management of O2O platforms for exhibitors, as well as live streaming” from either a studio or the organiser’s venue. This includes sequencing, production, controlling, system monitoring during live streaming and technical preparation. Exhibitors can showcase their activities, products and services as needed. An online payment system can also be installed to boost sales.
  • E-Learning Platform — This is a platform for MICE entrepreneurs to re-skill or up-skill their employees through six learning courses conducted by Southeast Asia Center (SEAC) on its YourNextU platform: 1. Project Management 2. Inter-personal Skills 3. Management 4. Communication 5. Entrepreneurship and 6. Digital. These courses are available to 250 users from May to October 2020. Learners will receive a certificate from TCEB if they complete the course requisites. TCEB welcomes application from all MICE entrepreneurs.

For the second project, “Simple Ways to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Your Meetings and Events”, aims to assist MICE venue operators to upgrade the safety standard of their facilities”. TCEB will provide a 30,000-baht subsidy for each MICE venue to formulate and implement COVID-19 screening and prevention measures as stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health. Examples of these measures include the screening of body temperature before participation, the screening of a delegate’s travel history, the preparation of hand-washing guidelines and supply of alcohol-based sanitisers, and the practice of social distancing. This project aims to equip venues with the enhanced health and safety standards that clients will be demanding.

To be eligible for “Simple Ways to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Your Meetings and Events”, a venue must hold a Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) certification. Hotel applicants must be members of Thai Hotel Association (THA). With an allocation of 6,480,000 baht, the project run from April to June 2020 and will benefit up to 216 MICE venues nationwide.

“Apart from the two projects, TCEB has set up the TCEB COVID-19 Information Centre to serve the MICE community during this critical period. The centre’s primary role is to monitor, compile and assess information on the pandemic, especially those that impact our MICE industry, and produce the necessary recommendations. The centre’s secondary role is to update industry members on the COVID-19 situation, such as government rules, regulations and announcements, so that they are kept abreast of the latest developments,” said Mr. Chiruit. 

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