News

AI Set to Transform How Travel Experiences Are Planned

Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, released a research paper earlier this month that deserves the attention of everyone in the travel industry. Not because it predicts mass job losses; it doesn’t. But because it names, with real usage data from millions of AI conversations, a quieter threat that most of our industry still isn’t talking about: deskilling. The paper introduces a metric called “observed exposure” that measures not just what AI could theoretically do to a job, but what it is actually doing right now. The headline finding sounds reassuring: unemployment in AI-exposed occupations has not risen meaningfully since ChatGPT launched in late 2022. But there is an early warning signal buried in the data that deserves far more attention: hiring of young workers aged 22 to 25 has slowed by roughly 14 per cent in exposed occupations. They are not being fired. They are simply not being hired.

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Thailand Confirms Nationwide Songkran Festival 2026 Celebrations

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that the Songkran Festival 2026 will take place as planned across all regions of Thailand, welcoming visitors to celebrate the Thai New Year through a mix of traditional rituals and large-scale festivities. The announcement comes amid global travel uncertainties, with Thai authorities stating that preparations are underway to ensure smooth operations during the holiday period. Travellers are advised to plan their trips in advance, while TAT will continue to provide updates as required. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “We are aware that global events have created uncertainty for travellers. We want to be clear: Songkran 2026 will take place as planned across every region of Thailand. The spirit of this festival and Thailand’s welcome remains unchanged.”

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VFS Global Opens New Visa Application Centre in Bhubaneswar

VFS Global has opened a new Visa Application Centre in Bhubaneswar, aimed at catering to the growing demand for visa services in Odisha and surrounding regions. The facility marks the company’s second Visa Application Centre in eastern India. The centre was jointly inaugurated by Mohan Charan Majhi and Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, in the presence of dignitaries from the diplomatic community, including representatives from Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. The centre was jointly inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi and Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global. The ceremony was also attended by dignitaries from the diplomatic fraternity and the Indian government, including dignitaries from Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

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TAT Launches ‘Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges’ Campaign in Hat Yai

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the “Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges @ Hat Yai” campaign, welcoming international visitors at key entry points in Southern Thailand with curated “Amazing Bags” as part of efforts to revitalise tourism in the region. The initiative, running from April to May 2026, includes on-ground activations at Hat Yai International Airport and Sadao Customs House, where arriving travellers are greeted and presented with Thai-inspired souvenirs. Visitors arriving by air on flights such as Scoot Airlines from Singapore, as well as those entering overland, are part of the programme. The TAT delegation, led by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, together with Nat Kruthasoot, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and Nattaphan Treedecha, Director of the Tourism Industry Investment Promotion Department, welcomed international visitors at Hat Yai International Airport and the Sadao Customs House alongside public and private sector partners. At Hat Yai International Airport, the delegation received visitors arriving on a Scoot Airlines flight from Singapore, while at the Sadao Customs House, travellers entering Thailand overland were welcomed.

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Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Expands with 11 New Attractions

Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has officially unveiled its newest expansion today, introducing an unmissable collection of 11 new slides and attractions that take aquatic adventure to new heights. Building on the park’s immersive ‘Lost City’ theming, an extension of The Legend of The Lost Pearl, the new additions invite guests to dive into a world of discovery, where high-energy thrills and family-friendly experiences come together in a dynamic offering. The expansion introduces eight new slides, two jumping platforms and a lounging pool. From record-breaking heights to fast-paced racing slides, the latest additions deliver a diverse mix of experiences designed for every type of visitor. With the launch of these new attractions, Yas Waterworld now offers more than 70 rides, slides and attractions, further cementing its position as one of the region’s most exciting waterparks.

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Phu Quoc Updates Visa-Free Entry Rules for Indian Travellers

The Embassy of India in Vietnam has issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, highlighting important visa requirements and procedural guidelines in case of emergencies or loss of passports. Phu Quoc currently offers visa-free entry for certain foreign nationals, including Indians, subject to specific conditions. However, the exemption is strictly limited to travel within Phu Quoc Island and does not permit entry into mainland Vietnam. Authorities have noted that in situations such as medical emergencies or flight disruptions, travellers may be required to travel to mainland cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. In such cases, Indian nationals without a valid Vietnam visa may face challenges, including delays in accessing medical services, travel restrictions and immigration-related complications.

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