The project which was launched on Thursday was specially created to attract new sector of tourists especially durian lovers, cryptocurrency enthusiasts, and high-disposable income tourists to the kingdom.
Tourists can create their own avatar to explore a virtual durian garden that is designed based on an actual durian orchard without the need of any VR headsets.
In a statement, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said the ‘Amazing Thailand Metaverse: Amazing Durian’ is the country’s prototype project that uses Web 3.0 technology and the application of digital assets to promote tourism to connect the virtual world and real world together.
It said the project also aimed to help business operators as Thailand reopens and to also upgrade technical capabilities in the tourism industry.
“Durian was chosen as the pilot focus for the project due to the fruit’s international fame, and the fact that it is currently durian season in Thailand with Chanthaburi, Rayong and Si Sa Ket being widely known for their cultivation of the fruit,” it said.
The public can visit virtual durian farms via www.amazingthailandmetaverse.com via iOS and Android smartphones or computer.
At present, the orchards participating in the project are well-known for producing many different Thai durian varieties, including the popular ones – Monthong and Chanee – as well as the durian glycemic index (GI), which will made available for tourists to explore in the virtual garden.
Meanwhile, TAT Governor, Yuthasak Supasorn said the metaverse is a new era of the digital world, and TAT has identified world trends and consumer behaviour in line with this as an opportunity to increase the competitiveness of the Thai tourism industry.
“It is an exciting way to resume business as Thailand reopens to foreign tourism in a sustainable manner, which is a key objective of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign. Tourists will be encouraged to visit Thailand after enjoying their virtual experience,” he said.
TAT in cooperation with the participating durian orchards and selected non-fungible token (NFT) creators have created NFT Collection Amazing Durian in Metaverse, for which tourists can purchase and collect within this durian season in Thailand (from now until 31 August).
In addition to the special collection, tourists can enjoy gamification whereby they can use tokens/items upgrade their avatar’s abilities, and redeem e-vouchers for accommodation, and tourism products and services in the real world.
According to thestar.com.my
