\\'It is very organised\\': What it’s like inside Berlin’s health-boosting nudist clubs.

The article by Alastair Newport explores the concept of Freikörperkultur (FKK), or Free Body Culture, a German tradition of nudism that promotes physical and mental health by connecting with nature. The author plans to visit Berlin and is introduced to the Helios Club, a nudist club located in the Grunewald forest, by his local friend Johan. The club offers various facilities and activities, and membership requires a vetting process. The author reflects on his own body image issues and describes his initial experience with FKK in Surrey, finding it liberating. The article also mentions that Berlin has several lakes where visitors can experience FKK without the need for club membership.

European tourists lifts tourism in Southern Thailand

European tourists, particularly from Russia, Scandinavia, and Germany, are significantly boosting tourism in Southern Thailand, leading to high hotel occupancy rates and increased room prices. Despite a rise in Chinese tourists, the region's appeal to European visitors remains strong, with hotels like Pimalai Resort and Spa in Krabi experiencing high demand. Challenges such as flight shortages from China and the region's profile as a less-known destination for Chinese tourists are noted. Local tourism stakeholders emphasize the importance of established tourist centers for Chinese visitors.

The time is now

The Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) officially launched in January 2024, aiming to enhance sustainable tourism and support local communities in the Asia-Pacific region. Tim Sargeant, co-founder and CMO of Explorar Hotels & Resorts, emphasizes the strategic timing to address the growing demand for responsible travel. APOLA's priorities include expanding its network, developing sustainable guidelines, and launching conservation initiatives. Challenges include navigating diverse regulations, balancing growth with sustainability, and changing perceptions of outdoor lodging. The founding team, led by Paul Dean, Robert Hecker, and Bill Barnett, aims to position the region as a leader in sustainable outdoor lodging.

The time is now

APOLA (Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association) officially launched in January 2024, aiming to enhance sustainable tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. Tim Sargeant, a founding member, emphasizes the association's goals to support local communities and promote eco-friendly practices. Immediate priorities include expanding membership, developing sustainable guidelines, and launching conservation initiatives. Challenges include navigating diverse regulations and changing perceptions of outdoor lodging. The founding team, led by Paul Dean, Robert Hecker, and Bill Barnett, aims to position the region as a leader in sustainable outdoor lodging over the next five years.

Responsible relaxation

Krabi and Koh Lanta in southern Thailand are enhancing their sustainable tourism efforts, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-conscious policies. The Thai government has signed an MoU with various stakeholders to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Efforts include evaluating blue carbon storage in mangrove forests and organizing coastal ecology awareness campaigns. Maya Bay's annual closure for conservation, the upgrade of Krabi International Airport, and the opening of new and upgraded hotels like Varana Hotel and Pimalai Resort & Spa are key components of the region's post-lockdown recovery and sustainable tourism strategy.

Responsible relaxation

Krabi and Koh Lanta in southern Thailand are enhancing their sustainable tourism efforts. The Thai government aims for Krabi to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, supported by local agencies and tour operators. Initiatives include blue carbon storage projects, annual closures of Maya Bay for ecological recovery, and upgrades to Krabi International Airport to handle increased passenger capacity. Hotels like Varana Hotel and Pimalai Resort & Spa are also contributing through luxury upgrades and sustainable tours, emphasizing environmental conservation and community projects.

Thai tourism comes out fighting with new Muay Thai visa

Thailand has introduced a new 90-day Muay Thai education visa to boost tourism and promote cultural experiences. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance Thailand's soft power through cultural tourism. While some in the travel community view the new visa as unnecessary, others, like travel agent Lek Nawat, see it as a positive step towards showcasing Thailand's rich culture. Concerns exist about potential misuse of the visa, but the government has set requirements for applicants to ensure genuine participation in Muay Thai training. A new website, Now Muay Thai, supports the campaign by providing training information.

Thailand Makes Visa-Free Travel for Chinese Tourists Permanent

Thailand has made visa-free travel for Chinese tourists a permanent feature, with the reciprocal legislation set to take effect on March 1. This move is expected to boost Chinese tourist arrivals by 57%. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has been actively promoting this initiative, including hosting a fam trip for Chinese influencers. Despite these efforts, industry stakeholders like Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of ATTA, are skeptical about reaching the target of 8.2 million Chinese arrivals due to limited flight capacity and economic issues within China. An independent travel agent, Lek, suggests waiting until after the Chinese New Year to evaluate the policy's impact.

Thai Industry holds breath on China visa-free travel impact

Thailand has made visa-free travel for Chinese tourists a permanent feature following a successful trial period that began in September 2023. The reciprocal agreement, effective from March 1, aims to boost Chinese tourist numbers by 57%. Despite efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, including hosting top Chinese influencers, industry experts are skeptical about reaching the 8.2 million Chinese arrivals target for 2024. Concerns include reduced flight capacity, the struggling Chinese economy, and high airfares. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn of the Association of Thai Travel Agents and an independent travel agent named Lek provided insights on the challenges and the need to observe travel patterns during the upcoming Chinese New Year before making further predictions.

AI impact on travel players continue to draw awe and concern

At MarketHub Asia 2023, the impact of AI on the travel industry was a major topic, with a focus on its potential to change the role of travel agents. Carlos Muñoz of HBX Group addressed concerns about AI replacing human agents, suggesting instead that AI will augment their services by automating routine tasks and helping to create personalized travel experiences. He emphasized that AI cannot replace the advice and guidance provided by human agents. The use of AI in travel agencies is seen as a way to increase productivity by eliminating friction and allowing agents to concentrate on more complex, human-centric tasks.