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Fast-track recovery earns an award

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BANGKOK, 16 February 2023: Thai Vietjet takes home the winning award for the ‘Fastest Growing Lost-cost Airline – Thailand 2022’ presented by the International Finance Awards 2022 at an event in Bangkok earlier this month.

The “Fastest Growing Low-Cost Airline – Thailand 2022” award recognises the airline’s capacity to respond to the return of international tourism after the travel industry began to recover post-Covid-19 as borders reopened.

Thai Vietjet carried more than 6 million passengers in 2022 and resumed 11 international routes. It also received two new aircraft and maintained its second-place position in the domestic market for capacity share.

Thai Vietjet chief executive officer Woranate Laprabang commented: “The award recognition highlights Thai Vietjet’s capability to promptly bounce back from the pandemic and continue to move forward.

“Despite the challenges, we’ve learned to adapt and stay strong. Throughout 2022, we were among the first airlines to lead in opening and resuming numerous international flight services.

Promising to keep up the momentum, he noted that the airline offers scheduled commercial flights from its Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) base to various cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Danang and Phu Quoc. In addition, it has resumed services to Fukuoka, Taipei, Singapore, and Phnom Penh, as well as charter flight services from Bangkok to Nanjing and Kunming.

Beginning in mid-February 2023, the airline will also offer a direct flight service between Chiang Mai and Osaka.

The International Finance Awards are organised by International Finance Magazine, a business and finance magazine published by UK’s International Finance Publications Limited. It recognises industry talent, leadership skills, industry net worth and capability on an international platform.

Rainforest lodge offers takeaways

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KOTA KINABALU, 16 February 2023: Sustainable practices, unique experiences, and first-rate facilities are just some aspects rural community-based tourism (CoBT) operators can take away from the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) Danum Valley’s approach to luxury tourism.

Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said communities could gain from a shift towards high-end rural tourism in terms of increased economic opportunities, preservation of local culture and traditions, environmental sustainability, improved infrastructure, and a greater sense of pride and community spirit.

“High-end tourists are individuals who are seeking luxury, unique, and personalised experiences during their travels. They seek out places like BRL for high-quality amenities, service, and special activities providing exclusivity and authenticity.

“This is the knowledge and understanding of what makes a high-end tourist product that rural communities need to begin capitalising on a lucrative and growing tourism market to create a more vibrant and prosperous local economy,” he said.

Joniston recently led a three-day trip to BRL Danum Valley in Lahad Datu for a product update and to experience luxury eco-tourism with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB)’s Board of Directors and management staff.

Among those on the familiarisation trip were Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah and Federation of Rural Tourism Association Sabah (FeRTAS) president Walter Kandayon, who is also a Board member of STB.

Joniston, who is also STB chairman, asserted that rural CoBT operators should not get complacent with the services and quality they already provide.

Instead, they should push themselves to develop distinctive tourism products and services that emphasise luxury and exclusivity, such as offering high-end private villas, gourmet dining, and personalised services.

“When these are in place, rural CoBT operators can collaborate with high-end tour operators to promote their destination and develop customised itineraries that meet the specific needs of high-end tourists,” said Joniston.

Meanwhile, Walter described his visit to the BRL Danum Valley as beneficial for gaining experience and learning how to develop luxury ecotourism products in the countryside.

He added that BRL Danum Valley has proven that rural tourism can attract high-spending tourists from abroad.

“The success of BRL Danum Valley provides a model for other rural and CoBT businesses who aspire to expand into the luxury market.

“I am certain that with a high level of seriousness, our rural areas can produce a product like the BRL in stages, using the experience available and the many resources as well as supports provided by the government,” he said.

FeRTAS, in collaboration with STB, has drawn up an 8-year strategic plan to enhance rural tourism offerings and services to elevate those with potential to high-end tourism products.

The BRL Danum Valley is a luxurious eco-lodge located in the heart of the Danum Valley Conservation Area, which is home to a 130-million-year-old ancient rainforest.

It promotes Danum Valley as a pristine tropical rainforest that is carefully developed and strictly regulated without compromising the area’s natural purity, making it an attractive eco-tourism destination for both nature lovers and wealthy tourists.

They have laid out well-thought-out trail routes for guests to enjoy and experience Danum Valley. In addition, they reinforce excellent service by providing the highest level of lodging and relaxation amenities despite their location deep in the forest.

The STB board members and management staff experienced, among others, guided jungle trekking to a waterfall and ancient burial site, a night walk, a canopy walk, a wildlife safari and tubing during the trip.

For more on community-based tourism, visit www.sabahtourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Europe’s tourism recovery in top gear

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 February 2023: A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals strong signs of recovery of the economic impact from Travel & Tourism in the five-city ‘powerhouses’ of Western Europe.

The Cities Economic Impact Report, sponsored by Visa and researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spending. The study examined the sector’s impact in London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Madrid.

Photo credit: WTTC

The report from the global tourism body shows that in 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed over USD83.5 billion to the economies of the five European capitals, and last year was just 15% below 2019 at almost USD71 billion.

Paris has shown the strongest recovery of the five capital cities, with the other four being 18% to 30% below 2019, demonstrating slightly slower recoveries than the French capital. In Paris, the sector GDP contribution was USD38 billion in 2019, but in 2022, it recovered to just 6% below pre-pandemic levels at an estimated USD35.7 billion.

Although the sector’s GDP contribution to London was worth almost USD15 billion in 2022, it is slightly behind Berlin in terms of recovery to 2019 levels. The German capital’s contribution to the city’s economy was worth over USD7.7 billion in 2022, 18% below 2019.

Madrid’s GDP contribution was more than USD5.5 billion in 2022, 24% below 2019. However, Rome is witnessing the slowest recovery – 30% below 2019- with a sector contribution of almost USD7 billion.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Travellers are flocking back to Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, and Rome. Business travel is growing steadily. And China’s reopening is bringing welcome visitors to cities across Europe. Tourists provide a massive boost to both the economy and job creation.

“It is crucial that the national and local governments continue to recognise the importance of Travel & Tourism for the local and national economies, jobs, and businesses.”

Jobs on the rise

Before the pandemic, there were over 976,000 jobs in Travel & Tourism across the five cities.

In 2020, job numbers in the five capitals fell by 41% to just over 580,000 jobs. The following year, job numbers rose by 13% to 654,000, and last year job numbers rose again by a further 23% to reach 807,000, just 17% below the combined total in 2019.

Paris currently has the largest job market in Travel & Tourism of the five capitals, with almost 322,000 jobs.

New hotel consultancy launched in Vietnam

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TTR WEEKLY
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HOI AN Vietnam, 16 February 2023: A new hotel business consultancy, Wafaifo Optimisers, has been launched in Vietnam to serve hoteliers in the country and across the Mekong Region.

The lead ‘optimisers’ in the venture are: Wafaifo Hospitality managing director Pieter van der Hoeven; commercial director Mikkel Krantz; and deputy managing director Uyen Ngo.

The Wafaifo Optimers’ goal is to help hotel owners assess and evaluate the relationship that the hotel may have with a management company.

On sales and distribution, the Wafaifo Optimisers believe that with technological developments, efficient sales distribution doesn’t necessarily have to rely on major online travel agency platforms such as Booking, Expedia, Hotelbeds, Agoda and others, which can take over 20% commissions.

“Wafaifo Optimers will help independent hotels by conducting impartial, clear-eyed analysis of the hotel’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities,” said van der Hoeven.

The Wafaifo Optimisers: (l to r) Pieter van der Hoeven, Managing Director;Uyen Ngo, Deputy Managing Director; Mikkel Krantz, Commercial Director.

“We aim to empower hotel owners on strategic direction. With the owner, we will clinically evaluate whether the hotel is best served with a brand or operating independently. We will advise on pricing and positioning, create standard operating procedures and make sure the hotel meets the specific needs of its target markets,” he said.

“The needs and expectations of, for example, Western, Japanese, Indian and local guests vary,” said van der Hoeven. “We will advise the hotel owner so that he or she can maximise results affordably and efficiently.”

The consultancy launches at a time when Vietnam’s GDP growth for 2022 was 8.02% (the highest rate since 1997), neighbouring China has lifted its Covid-related travel restrictions, and Vietnam Airlines reported that it carried 18 million passengers in 2022, up from 6.1 million in 2021.

In 2023, the Vietnamese government plans to spend heavily on infrastructure developments that will boost domestic road and air connectivity.

On tourism arrivals in early 2023, Vietnam is seeing strong growth from relatively new markets such as India, the Middle East, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Against this backdrop, Wafaifo Optimisers are also developing the all-new Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, which is scheduled to open in the heritage city in central Vietnam in January 2024.

Jetstar boosts seats on Adelaide-Bali route

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 February 2023: Jetstar’s newest and most fuel-efficient aircraft, the A321neo LR, will start flying between Adelaide and Bali from 21 July. 

The aircraft has up to 46 more seats on each flight compared to the Airbus A320, which is currently flying the route, boosting capacity by 25% and adding around 58,000 more low fares on the popular international route. 

Two of Jetstar’s state-of-the-art, longer-range NEOs will be permanently based in Adelaide from mid-year, flying to Bali and domestic destinations to support Jetstar’s ongoing commitment to offering incredible low fares.  

One-way fares between Adelaide and Bali (Denpasar) currently start from AUD280 for select travel dates from 24 July to 14 September 2023.

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said flying the NEO will see Jetstar welcome onboard over 250,000 customers a year between Adelaide and Denpasar.  

“We’re proud to be flying the newest aircraft in our fleet – the A321neo LR – between Adelaide and Denpasar from mid-July, opening up more seats so that more customers can access our low fares each year.”

“We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of Adelaide Airport as we continue to grow our presence in the South Australian aviation market.” 

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said Bali demand had bounced back strongly and continued to be the go-to overseas destination for South Australians. 

“South Australians’ love affair with Bali continues, with Indonesia again our biggest international destination,” Cox said.

TAT’s ABCD pitch motivates WebBeds summit

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 16 February 2023: WebBeds, a global B2B hotel booking channel, presented its sales and marketing pitch at its inaugural IMPACT Summit in Bangkok, led by commercial presidents from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.

Hosted at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld on 8 February 2023, senior executives from WebBeds and guest speakers from the Tourism Authority of Thailand presented industry updates to an audience of more than 500 hoteliers who attended in person and another 400 WebBed partners who live-streamed the IMPACT Summit from around the world.

TAT was represented by the deputy governor of international marketing for Europe, Africa, the Middle East & Americas, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot and the executive director for East Asia, Chuwit Sirivajjakul, who advised delegates on understanding the tourism environment and how to align their business plans with the actions of the TAT.

Siripakorn shared the TAT’s vision for its long-haul markets by outlining an action plan, labelled “A-B-C-D”, which prioritises four key areas.

Airline Focus (attracting more flights and greater capacity with airlines).

Big Cities & Beyond (expanding Thailand’s source markets to more major urban centres worldwide).

Collaboration is Key (working with new strategic partners, including airlines, airports, tour operators and travel agencies).

Destination for All (making Thailand an all-year-round destination for a wider variety of market segments).

Chuwit elaborated on TAT’s 2023 marketing campaigns and activations for East Asia, focusing on reopening Mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. He also revealed how consumer behaviour has changed over the years and what opportunities lie ahead for hoteliers targeting these important markets.

The IMPACT Summit marked the second WebBeds initiative to stimulate travel and tourism to Thailand, following last year’s “Excel and Upsell” forum in Bangkok. Both initiatives are part of TAT’s partnership with commercial online travel booking systems to boost arrivals to Thailand in the post-Covid-19 era.

WebBeds CEO Daryl Lee commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with the TAT once again, as WebBeds continues to support the growth of travel and hospitality in Thailand and worldwide.

“This event marked our first IMPACT Summit… At WebBeds, we firmly believe that our industry is always stronger when it works together, so we truly appreciate the support from the TAT. This was the first of many IMPACT Summits, and we look forward to collaborating with our esteemed partners in the months and years to come to help forge a strong and sustainable future for the entire industry.”

TAT claims Thailand welcomed 11.15 million international visitors in 2022, with Malaysia, India, Singapore and South Korea as the top-performing source markets. An initial target of 25 million arrivals has been set for 2023. While this remains lower than the 40 million visitors achieved in 2019, it represents a sharp improvement on the dramatic slump in visitors in 2020 and 2021 during the height of Covid-19 lockdowns.

CX reports positive traffic trends in January

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 16 February 2203: Cathay Pacific carried 1,031,893 passengers last month, an increase of 4,077.9% compared with January 2022, according to the airline’s traffic figures for January 2023 released on Wednesday.

Demonstrating positive signs, the airline continues to rebuild and restore connectivity at the Hong Kong international aviation hub.

The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased by 3,807.3% year-on-year. Passenger load factor increased by 46.4 percentage points to 86.8%, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), increased by 1,717.1% year-on-year.

Looking at February and beyond, the airline will concentrate on increasing flights in the lead-up to the Easter holiday during the first week of April. Demand for flights to and from the Chinese Mainland, both for point-to-point and connecting traffic via Hong Kong, should continue to grow, and the airline claims it is now on track to operate more than 100 return flights per week to 14 cities in the Chinese Mainland by the end of February.

The airline carried 95,139 tonnes of cargo last month, an increase of 28.1% compared with January 2022, when we had to suspend our long-haul schedule for seven days due to stricter quarantine measures. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) increased 140.9% year-on-year. The cargo load factor decreased by 14.4 percentage points to 62.2%, while capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs), increased by 196.8% year-on-year.

Travel

Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “The new year got off to a positive start in January as Cathay Pacific carried more than 1 million passengers for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

“We carried on average more than 33,000 passengers per day, up from about 26,000 per day in December 2022, and operated at 18% more capacity than we did in December. We added more destinations in January, with our Phuket and Xi’an flights resuming.

“With the return of quarantine-free travel between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland on 8 January, we saw increased demand for travel into the Chinese Mainland, both from and through Hong Kong. We have been increasing our flights accordingly, and by the end of the month, we were operating up to three return flights per day to Shanghai and 11 return flights per week to Beijing.

“Leisure travel demand over the Lunar New Year holiday was also strong, particularly from Hong Kong, with Japan, Bangkok and Singapore being the most popular destinations. Unfortunately, despite the high demand for Japan, we had to cancel some of our flights due to restrictions imposed by the Japanese authorities on the number of flights airlines are permitted to operate from Hong Kong.

LADA promotes February attractions

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, Malaysia, 15 February 2023: Langkawi is promoting three attractions this month; hidden gems on an island famous for its natural heritage and UNESCO Global Geopark.

MAHA Tower

One of the popular tourist attractions in Langkawi is the MAHA Tower or Menara MAHA, a towering 138-metre-tall steel structure located in Kuah town, according to Langsura Geopark Facebook account. The Facebook page introduces the unique tower initially opened by Tun Dr Mahathir, noting “there are no prizes for guessing the origin of the tower’s name.”

Sandbar Walk

From 21 to 22 February, travellers who wake up at dawn can experience an amazing natural phenomenon as the sea splits at Tanjung Rhu Beach, allowing visitors to walk with the sea lapping at their feet on both sides of a spectacular sandbar.

LADA, in partnership with Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi, will hold the Sand Bar Walk 2023 @ Pantai Tanjung Rhu Langkawi. You can witness the ‘split sea’ phenomenon and enjoy walking on the sandbank through the middle of the sea at a low tide. For more information, visit https://www.lada.gov.my/acara/sand-bar-walk-2023/

Langkawi’s tallest waterfall

ASEAN Skyline promotes the Jurassic Hidden Gem of Langkawi Island: Temurun Waterfall.

Located in the Datai Bay area, Temurun, a three-tier waterfall, features an awesome, cumulative 200-metre drop from the top ledge to the pool below. This is the tallest waterfall in Langkawi. During the rainy season, fresh mountain water cascades down the northern slope of Mount Mat Cincang, carving out a gorge from 500-million-year-old  sandstone and shale cliff and rocks.

From the car park on the main road, the first tier is only a short five-minute stroll along a paved walkway through the rainforest of Mount Mat Cincang. The ascent to the waterfall’s base is gradual, with a railing on one side.

One visitor posted on the ASEAN Skyway Facebook page, “check the weather when visiting the waterfall. During the dry season, the water is just a trickle to what you see in the video”.

Check out the ASEAN Skyway video of 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗮𝘄𝗶’s 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝘂𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹.

For more information on the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, visit

https://langkawigeopark.com.my/.

(Your Stories: LADA)

Centara debuts in Japan with Centara Grand Hotel Osaka

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 9 February 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is set to make its debut in Japan with the launch of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a gleaming 33-storey tower that will become a new landmark in this vibrant metropolis.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is set to make its debut in Japan with the launch of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. This gleaming 33-storey tower will become a new landmark in this vibrant metropolis.

Scheduled to open its doors in July 2023, this contemporary five-star hotel is an architectural masterpiece that soars above the city near Namba, Osaka’s most vibrant entertainment and retail district. With its prime location, diverse dining venues, exceptional amenities and first-class event space, this will become the ultimate destination for business and leisure travellers alike.

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka features 515 rooms and suites, ranging from 28-60 sqm and comprising Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe with Bunk Beds, and Suite options – perfect for every guest, from solo explorers to couples and families. Every room is adorned with sleek, modern décor, king or twin beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and in-room amenities such as Nespresso machines, Smart TVs, rain showers and high-speed Wi-Fi. Those staying on the executive floors (26-31) will receive exclusive services at the Club Lounge.

Osaka is Japan’s culinary capital, and this new hotel will further enhance the city’s gastronomic reputation with an eclectic collection of restaurants and bars. Kunsei Kitchen is a dramatic top-floor smokehouse where innovative cuisine is paired with fine wines and panoramic views. At the same time, Whiskey Nova is a stylish 32nd-floor steakhouse with an extensive collection of whiskeys and wines accompanying prime meats. Embassy of Crab showcases succulent seafood, including its signature crab dishes, and Suan Bua reflects Centara’s proud Thai heritage with highly authentic Southeast Asian street food.

Guests can enjoy light daytime bites and homemade pastries at Platform 2 Café, Automata is a futuristic self-service cocktail bar on the 32nd floor where guests can create their perfect drinks, and for genuinely unforgettable occasions, Crudo Deck is an alfresco rooftop venue where revellers can sip sunset cocktails and savour world-class cuisine as a resident DJ spins upbeat tunes. This 90 sqm rooftop venue doubles as a spectacular setting for uplifting events.

Corporate travellers and meeting planners can also take advantage of a glittering 351 sqm Grand Ballroom, which can be flexibly divided into two smaller spaces and three other meeting rooms ranging from 26 to 30 sqm. When guests are not working or exploring this compelling city, they can work out in the fitness centre or enjoy soothing therapies at the Thai-inspired SPA Cenvaree, which features four treatment rooms, a foot massage area and a Thai massage room.

With Japan’s borders having reopened in late 2022, visitors can now rediscover the many wonders of the “Land of the Rising Sun”. In Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, an amazing array of attractions awaits, from historical landmarks like Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple to modern marvels such as Universal Studios and Osaka Aquarium. Namba, the downtown district that surrounds the hotel, is filled with retail malls, restaurants and bars.

To celebrate the launch of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, explorers can take advantage of the exclusive “Osaka Opening Offer” with 25% off standard room rates, plus a complimentary room upgrade, late 1400 check-out, exclusive dining privileges and a Centara branded giveaway. This enticing offer runs until 30 June 2023 for stays taken between 1 July and 21 December 2023. Rates start from USD228 or EUR212, or JPY 30,000* Click here to book.

To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

*Rates are subject to change to the exchange rate in effect at the time of booking.

(YOUR STORIES: Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Thai AirAsia slashes fares

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 15 February 2023: AirAsia launched a promotion offering flights to various domestic destinations in Thailand and international destinations from its Bangkok Don Mueang airport hub.

The following fares are up for grabs from now until 19 February 2023 for travel from 1 March to 10 December 2023, exclusively via the AirAsia Super App and its website.

One-way fares on domestic flights (FD) start from THB399 THB and International flights (FD) start from THB1,390.

Long-haul flights on Thai AirAsia X (XJ) start from THB4,590 THB, from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Melbourne and Sydney.

Guests who book a flight with AirAsia via www.airasia.com or AirAsia Super App from now until 19 February 2023 will receive free flight delay insurance cover of up to THB1,500* for delays over two hours with the travelling period from 1 May to 10 December 2023. 

*Review promotion terms and conditions before booking.

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