31 Aug, 2015

Islamic Tourism: Lombok to host 2nd Travel Mart & ASEAN Seminar

======

The city of Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia has been chosen by the Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia, to host the 2nd World Islamic Tourism Mart & ASEAN Joint Seminar on Islamic Tourism from 22nd to 24th October 2015. WITM-JOSIT is a joint collaboration between WiTM Event and the Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia. This is going to be […]

31 Aug, 2015

India’s IATA agents blast “foreign airlines” trying to “dictate terms in Indian skies”

======

The IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) has sent out a circular claiming that Lufthansa’s upcoming Distribution Cost Charge is illegal, and will “drive the final nail in the Travel Agents’ coffin” if implemented on 1 September 2015. Adopting a stridently nationalistic tone, the circular says, “IAAI will not allow any foreign airlines to dominate […]

29 Aug, 2015

Costs Forcing U.S. Military Families To Scale Back Summer Vacations

======

FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 06, 2015 — Sequestration and economic worries are prodding America’s career military families to scale back their rest and relaxation plans again this summer. The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® reveals that 47 percent of middle-class military families (commissioned officers and senior NCOs in pay grades E-6 and above with household […]

29 Aug, 2015

World’s largest anti-corruption conference to be held in Malaysia, 2 – 4 September

======

Berlin, 27 Aug 2015, (Transparency International media release) – The 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) will take place from 2 – 4 September 2015 in Putrajaya, Malaysia under the theme “Ending Impunity: People. Integrity. Action.” All too often, those in power who steal from the public purse are able to escape justice. The IACC will […]

29 Aug, 2015

Young Europeans more attracted by cross-border access to online content: survey

======

BRUSSELS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — For almost one in three Europeans, it would be important to be able to have cross-border access to online content when traveling in another European Union (EU) country, according to Eurobarometer survey findings released Friday. The younger the people are, the more they are attracted by cross-border opportunities, as the […]

29 Aug, 2015

Iran ready to reciprocally waive visa requirements

======

Isfahan, Aug 28, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said foreign nationals whose respective countries facilitate Iranians’ entry to their land without visas do not require visas to visit Iran. ‘To promote relations, we are ready to reciprocate the countries’ plans to allow Iranians visit their lands without obtaining visas,’ he told reporters on […]

29 Aug, 2015

Boeing Sees 20-year Demand in China for 6,330 Airplanes Valued at Nearly $1 Trillion

======

BEIJING, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA), China’s leading provider of commercial airplanes, today projected a demand in the country for 6,330 new airplanes over the next 20 years. Boeing released its annual China Current Market Outlook (CMO) today in Beijing, estimating the total value of those new airplanes at $950 billion. “Despite the […]

29 Aug, 2015

China Southern offers African buyers discounts to attend 118th Canton Fair

======

GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — This autumn the Canton Fair will boost Sino-African trade through the continuation of its successful partnership with China Southern Airlines (CSA). CSA is offering all African attendees discounted flights between Nairobi and Guangzhou for the 118 th session of the Fair – taking place between October 15 and […]

28 Aug, 2015

Think China is the source of global financial volatility? Think again

======

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) — China is not the main cause of the current chaos in the global financial market. Problems in the West are more to blame. Turmoil has swept financial markets across the globe over the last few weeks, slashing stock prices, jolting the value of major currencies, and beating commodity prices to […]

28 Aug, 2015

Interview: Volatilities are “natural consequence” of China’s economic transition

======

by Xinhua writers Zheng Qihang, Guan Jianwu WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Recent volatilities of Chinese stock markets and the currency depreciation are “natural” in such an economic transition as China is undergoing, chairman of the Principal Financial Group said. Larry Zimpleman, also chief executive officer of the Principal Financial Group, said in a recent […]

28 Aug, 2015

European migrant crisis blowback for U.S.-created turmoil in Middle East

======

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) — While Europe is struggling to cope with massive influx of refugees from Africa and the Middle East, the United States should refrain from taking a not-in-my-backyard attitude and reflect on its Middle East policy, which directly or indirectly displaced thousands of people. Europe has been inflicted by the illegal migrants […]

28 Aug, 2015

Catholics to observe Global Day of Prayer for the Environment on Sept. 1

======

Manila, August 27, 2015, Manila Bulletin – In keeping with Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, the Philippine Roman Catholic Church will observe the Global Day of Prayer for the Environment on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Dubbed “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” prayer services will be observed in all Catholic churches across […]

27 Aug, 2015

Respected U.S. Biblical scholar changes stance on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

======

Louisville, Kentucky (PRWEB)August 25, 2015 – Walter Brueggemann, a respected and prolific biblical scholar, provides candid commentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his new book Chosen? Reading the Bible amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Westminster John Knox Press). Encouraging his contemporaries to reconsider their stance as well, Brueggemann offers a no-holds-barred perspective on the ongoing situation […]

27 Aug, 2015

China drafts first law to curb domestic violence

======

Beijing, (Xinhua), August 24, 2015 – Chinese legislators are working on a law specifically on domestic violence that highlights prevention and introduces habeas corpus. The bill was tabled to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for a first reading on Monday. The draft clearly defines the responsibilities of different social groups in preventing domestic […]

27 Aug, 2015

Asia’s largest glass viewing platform to open soon in China

======

Beijing, (People’s Daily Online)  August 24, 2015 – Located on the top of a cliff 1,200 meters above sea level, the glass viewing platform of Tian-Sheng-San-Qiao in Wulong county of Chongqing stretches 11 meters from the edge of the cliff, with the length of 26 meters and vertical height of 280m from the bottom of […]

27 Aug, 2015

Office Workers Survey: Clashes over Temps, Last Cup of Coffee, and Even Singing and Stealing Lunches!

======

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) August 25, 2015 — These days folks fight at work over more than promotions. A new national survey of working Americans reveals more than half battle co-workers over office cleanliness and temperature settings. And when things don’t go their way, employees will secretly change the temperature, persuade the person in charge to […]

27 Aug, 2015

Chinese newspaper details how corrupt officials try to evade investigation

======

BEIJING, (Xinhua), 2015-08-09 – As China’s anti-graft campaign deepens, it seems that corrupt officials have also learnt some lessons from the fallen “tigers and flies,” high-ranking officials and lowly bureaucrats. Newspaper details how corrupt officials try to evade investigation A newspaper affiliated to the top anti-graft body on Saturday published a report detailing how corrupt […]

27 Aug, 2015

Australia allocates A$11.9 million to preserve Indigenous languages

======

Canberra, 26 August 2015,  (Minister for the Arts) – The Australian Government today announces $11.9 million for 2015-16 to support work to revive and maintain Australia’s Indigenous languages. The Indigenous Languages and Arts program aims to showcase, protect and encourage participation in traditional and contemporary Indigenous artistic expression to strengthen pride in identity and culture […]

27 Aug, 2015

ADB Opens Online Photo Contest for Amateurs on the Impacts of Climate Change

======

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, ADB News Release – Climate change may well be the greatest challenge of our age and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today kicked off an online photo contest to find the best images representing the impacts of climate change on the people and environments in Asia and the Pacific. “It is said that […]

24 Aug, 2015

Thailand Leads World with Policy to Advance Good Health via Religious Practices

======

Bangkok 16 August 2015, (Public Relations Department) — The Ministry of Public Health is pushing for a national policy to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging people to focus on their religious practices, along with medical treatment, exercise, and healthy diet. The national policy, to be implemented from 2016 to 2020, was raised for discussion […]

24 Aug, 2015

ASEAN SMEs urged to venture into online trading

======

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Aug 21 (NNN-Bernama) — ASEAN small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to venture into e-commerce or online trading to extend the reach of their products or services. ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) chairman Munir Majid said this was the future and currently in ASEAN, only one per cent of the […]

24 Aug, 2015

With Slave Trade Remembrance Day, UN marks start of Int’l Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024)

======

United Nations, (UN News Centre), 23 August 2015 – By teaching, communicating and transmitting the history of the slave trade the world can reinforce the rights and the dignity of people of African descent and, together, fight against all forms of racism and discrimination, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization […]

24 Aug, 2015

Indonesian Minister launches national anti-prostitution movement

======

Antara, Jayapura, Indonesia, August 21 2015 – Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa launched on Friday a national prostitution-free movement in Jayapura, Papua, in an attempt to eradicate sex work in the country by 2019. The launch was marked with the closure of a red-light district in East Sentani, Papua, with its sex workers being […]

24 Aug, 2015

People with disabilities thrive in Sino-German firm

======

Taicang city, Jiangsu province (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-08-18 – Taicang Sino-German Handicapped Technology Co (TSGHT) has come to the limelight nearly five months after its opening on March 26 in Taicang city, Jiangsu province. According to Lu Xiaochen, one of the 12 disabled people working at the facility, the company is expected to turn a profit after […]

24 Aug, 2015

Xiamen Airport becomes 5th in China to offer 24×7 operations

======

Xiamen, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2015-08-19 — After one month of trial operation, Gaoqi International Airport in Xiamen, Fujian province will officially launch its around-the-clock clearance service on August 26. The service will put the airport on a shortlist of five Chinese airports to offer such services, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The move will enable Gaoqi […]

24 Aug, 2015

Forbidden City shut down until Sept 3

======

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — The Forbidden City will not open to the public from Aug. 22 to Sept. 3, the Palace Museum confirmed Friday. North to the Tian’anmen Square, the 600-year-old imperial palace is the center point for the upcoming military parade on Sept. 3, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the victory […]

23 Aug, 2015

Sea-locked Indonesia to stress maritime advantage as main development sector

======

Jakarta (ANTARA News) 21 August 2015 – Indonesia is one of the worlds largest maritime countries, with some 5.8 million square kilometers of sea territory, while its land territory covers only 1.9 million square kilometers. Its coastline is some 92 thousand kilometers long, making it the second-longest after Canada. The country is the largest archipelagic […]

20 Aug, 2015

UN health agency kicks-off campaign honouring world’s health workers

======

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 14 August 2015 – The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to launch a campaign aimed at honouring the sacrifices and efforts of thousands of international health workers deployed to the frontlines of the world’s most pressing crises, the United Nations agency has announced. The online campaign – to be […]

20 Aug, 2015

Air India Express launches direct flights Varanasi – Sharjah

======

New Delhi, Ministry of Civil Aviation, 17-August-2015 – The Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Culture (Independent Charge) and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma today jointly inaugurated direct flight of Air India’s budget arm, Air India Express, between Varanasi and Sharjah. The Varanasi-Sharjah […]

20 Aug, 2015

Italy targets Iran trade opportunities

======

ROME, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — Following the easing of sanctions against Iran decided in the nuclear deal signed on July 14 in Vienna, all the requisites are now in place for Italy to rekindle its ancient relationship with Tehran. Last year, the Italian exchange with Iran amounted to nearly 1.6 billion euros (1.8 billion U.S. […]

20 Aug, 2015

Israel Army Demolishes Structures in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Targets Another House in Hebron

======

WEST BANK, August 19, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities demolished on Wednesday two residential units in Jerusalem and Ramallah, as well as notified to demolish the house of a prisoner in Hebron, according to local and media sources. Local sources said an Israeli police force accompanied by heavy machinery broke into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood in […]

20 Aug, 2015

Arab-American group seeks data to monitor discrimination by Israeli border authorities

======

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | August 17, 2015 – Over the course of the past few months, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has observed an increase in the number of U.S. Citizens of Arab descent who have been arbitrarily detained, interrogated, and denied entry to Palestine through Israeli controlled borders. Take Action: If you or someone […]

20 Aug, 2015

World Bank Project Provides Hospitality and Tour Guide Training to Palestinians

======

WEST BANK, August 17, 2015 (World Bank media release)—Spanning more than 300 kilometers in the West Bank, and continuing across Jordan, Israel and the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, the Abraham trekking path is considered one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations. Along the path, which follows the footsteps of Abraham, a prominent historical figure […]

20 Aug, 2015

Multi-faith religious rites for Bangkok bomb victims on Aug 21

======

BANGKOK, 19 August 2015 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that it will be holding a religious ceremony for the Ratchaprasong bomb victims on 21 August 2015. The Director-General of the BMA’s Culture, Sport and Tourism Department Pranee Sattayaprakop has chaired the preparatory meeting for the religious ceremony, which will be held […]

20 Aug, 2015

UAE Foreign Ministry advises its citizens abroad: Don’t attract attention with expensive attire

======

Abu Dhabi, August 18, 2015, WAM — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has urged UAE nationals travelling abroad to follow travel guidelines and procedures, out of keenness to facilitate citizens’ travel and ensure their safety while abroad. The ministry called on travellers to register themselves and their young and old family members in the […]

20 Aug, 2015

FDA approves first pill to boost female libido but warnings persist

Washington — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first prescription drug designed to boost sexual desire in women, a milestone long sought by a pharmaceutical industry eager to replicate the blockbuster success of impotence drugs for men. But stringent safety measures on the daily pill called Addyi mean it will probably never […]

20 Aug, 2015

Air China to Commence Beijing-Mumbai Nonstop in Oct

======

BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Air China will commence Beijing-Mumbai nonstop service on October 25, 2015. As the forthcoming only service from Mainland China to Mumbai, it will spare passengers departing from Beijing for Mumbai the trouble of having to make a detour by transferring in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok and make it […]

19 Aug, 2015

Asian broadcasters conference proceeding normally in Chiang Mai

======

Chiang Mai — The Thai Government Public Relations Department (PRD) is hosting the 41st Annual Gathering and 14th AIBD General Conference and Associated Meetings in Chiang Mai province from 18 to 20 August 2015. AIBD stands for “Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development.” It is a unique regional inter-governmental organization servicing countries of the United Nations […]

15 Aug, 2015

The brothers who funded Blair, Israeli settlements and Islamophobia

Tony Blair is again in the headlines, this time after Labour leadership frontrunner Jeremy Corbyn publicly voiced the opinion of millions of British citizens: that the former prime minister should stand trial on charges of war crimes if the evidence suggests that he broke international law during the 2003 invasion and occupation of Iraq. Blair’s […]

14 Aug, 2015

University Survey: More Than One-Third of U.S. Working Adults Consider Themselves “Intrapreneurs”

======

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 13, 2015 — Nearly all of today’s working U.S. adults (93 percent) believe they possess at least some entrepreneurial qualities, and 43 percent of adults either currently own or want to own their own business. While the allure of business ownership is strong, employees are seeking opportunities to perform like entrepreneurs within their […]

14 Aug, 2015

Consumer watchdog group turns up heat on Lufthansa over 16 Euro ticket surcharge

======

13 August 2015, WASHINGTON, DC – AirChannelChoice.travel, a Business Travel Coalition (BTC) initiative, today transmitted a stern letter – with 10 pages of industry comments – to Lufthansa (LHG) Chairman and CEO Mr. Carsten Spohr rejecting his organization’s Distribution Cost Charge (DCC) – a 16 Euros surcharge for tickets purchased anywhere other than through LHG […]

14 Aug, 2015

“Muslim-free” businesses growing across U.S.

======

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/13/2015), CAIR media release –  The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said that an Oklahoma survival equipment store has joined the growing number of businesses nationwide that have declared themselves “Muslim-free.” CAIR also questioned why, despite repeated requests for action, the U.S. Department […]

14 Aug, 2015

UN report: ‘Unprecedented’ rise in infant mortality in Israeli-blockaded Gaza

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 13 August 2015 – A new study carried out by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has revealed that the infant mortality rate in the Gaza Strip has risen for the first time in 50 years, with the agency’s health director […]

13 Aug, 2015

Nearly 40,000 sign UK Petition Demanding Arrest of Netanyahu for War Crimes

LONDON, August 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Some 39,000 Britons have signed a petition that calls on their government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in the UK next month. The petition entitled “Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested for war crimes when he arrives in London” has been made available at a […]

13 Aug, 2015

Chinese Communist Party expels former senior tourism official for corruption

======

BEIJING, Aug. 12, (Xinhua) — Huo Ke, former deputy director of the China National Tourism Administration, has been expelled from the Party and public office for graft and leaking Party and state secrets, the anti-graft authority said Wednesday. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) found that Huo […]

13 Aug, 2015

Chinese Commentary: RMB devaluation warrants no currency war

======

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — While China’s newly announced revision of the yuan’s central parity rate formation system earned applause from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), some U.S. lawmakers, not surprisingly, began to grumble again about China’s currency reform. Accusations that China is manipulating the Renminbi (RMB) to gain a trade advantage do not hold […]

13 Aug, 2015

China Focus: Beijing looks to neighbouring cities to accommodate elderly

======

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — Beijing is planning large communities for senior citizens in nearby cities as part of the capital’s effort to achieve coordinated development in the region. A 300,000-square-meter pilot community in Gaobeidian City of Hebei Province is currently under construction and similar facilities are expected if it proves successful, Li Wanjun, head […]

13 Aug, 2015

U.S. Security Experts Demand Immediate Suspension of Security Clearances for Hillary Clinton and staff members

======

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 12, 2015 — Scott Taylor, President of Special Operations Education Fund (OPSEC), announced today that OPSEC is again calling upon Secretary of State John Kerry to immediately suspend any and all security clearances presently held by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; her former Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills, her former Deputy […]

13 Aug, 2015

How credit-card swipe fees take the travelling public for a ride – Merchants Payments Coalition

======

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 12, 2015  – As Americans go on vacation, they might complain about noisy hotel neighbors or delayed flights. But many don’t realize the banks put the damper on their fun too by making it more expensive. According to a survey by Choice Hotels International, eight of ten Americans will travel this summer. Whether […]

13 Aug, 2015

Aug 12 International Youth Day survey: What do young people in Asia think about corruption?

======

12 August was International Youth Day. Transparency International reflected on the opportunities and challenges that young people face around the world. Berlin, Transparency International news release, 12 August 2015 — For too many, corruption remains a daily curse – from extortion at the hands of officials, often in schools and universities, to frustration when bribes […]

13 Aug, 2015

Korea Palestine Center Opens in Hebron, Occupied Palestine

======

RAMALLAH, August 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has celebrated the completion of the follow up project for Korea Palestine Center of the Hebron Municipality on the 6th of August, with contribution of around $300,000. This follow up consisted of procurement of equipment such as desktops, laptops, transport car, IT and network […]

12 Aug, 2015

Drone Restrictions Supported by a Majority of Americans, says FindLaw Survey

======

EAGAN, Minn., Aug. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The first drone delivery of a package that was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration recently took place. But an overwhelming majority of Americans say they support restrictions on the use of drones as they become more commonplace, according to a new survey by FindLaw.com, the most popular legal […]

12 Aug, 2015

Tokyo tops Asia-Pacific cities with highest hotel rates in Q2 2015: HRS Hotel Price Radar

======

Singapore, 12 August 2015 – Hotel room rates in Tokyo, Sydney and Singapore emerged as the most expensive in Asia Pacific between April to June 2015, according to the HRS Q2 2015 Hotel Price Radar, released by HRS Corporate, a global hotel solutions provider. With an average room rate of S$258, Tokyo also showed one […]

12 Aug, 2015

AirAsia marks 300-million-guests milestone

======

Jakarta, August 11, 2015 – AirAsia, claimed to be the world’s “best low cost airline” for seven consecutive years, reached another milestone with 300 million guests flown. The milestone was commemorated with a string of celebrations starting from Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, to The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place. Jodie Lazuardie, a 30-year-old Art Director […]

12 Aug, 2015

47TH ASEAN Economic Meet in Kuala Lumpur to finalise formation of AEC

======

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Aug 11 (NNN-Bernama) — The 47th ASEAN Economic Meeting, to be held here from Aug 22 to Aug 25, will put the finishing touches to the formal establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by year-end. Minister of International Trade and Industry, Mustapa Mohamed, said the meeting will discuss the implementation of […]

12 Aug, 2015

Google’s Restructuring Changes Nothing About Its Impact On Consumers’ Privacy, Consumer Watchdog Says

======

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Google’s announcement today that it is creating a new holding company called “Alphabet” changes nothing about the company’s impact and challenges it poses for consumers, the nonprofit public interest group Consumer Watchdog said. “A rose by any other name is still a rose and Google by any […]

12 Aug, 2015

Israeli Defense Minister Breaks into Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron

======

HEBRON, August 11, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon Tuesday morning broke into the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old City of Hebron. WAFA correspondent reported that Ya’alon broke into the Ibrahimi Mosque under tightened security protection. He said in anticipation of Ya’alon’s provocative visit, Israeli forces closed down all of the old market […]

12 Aug, 2015

Germany benefits massively from Greek crisis: study

======

BERLIN, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) — Germany received significant benefits from the Greek crisis in recent years, saving more than 100 billion euros (about 109.7 billion U.S. dollars) in interest payments on its debts, a study found on Monday. Investors look for safe haven investments when facing uncertainties, said Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH). Germany, […]

12 Aug, 2015

141 emergency landings by Indian carriers in over three years

======

New Delhi Aug 11, 2015, PTI — Various Indian carriers have had 141 incidents of emergency landings due to medical and technical reasons in nearly four years, the government said on Tuesday. “During the last three years and the current year, there have been a total of 141 incidents of emergency landings due to medical […]

12 Aug, 2015

Chinese govt encourages people to work less, travel more

======

Beijing, (Xinhua/ECNS/chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-08-11 — The Chinese government is encouraging people to work 4.5 days a week in a bid to bolster tourism amid the flagging economy. In summer, if conditions permit, more flexibility should be given to employees to help them take vacations using Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays, according to a document published Tuesday […]

12 Aug, 2015

ASTA blasts Marriott for “Misleading Direct Booking Campaign”

======

Alexandria, VA, Aug 11, 2015 — The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has criticised Marriott Hotels and Resorts’ new marketing campaign designed to drive direct bookings via its website as being ” disparaging to travel agents, but also misleading to the traveling public.” In a statement issued by President and CEO Zane Kerby, ASTA […]

11 Aug, 2015

Iran researchers make biodiesel from weed

======

Tehran, PressTV, Aug 10, 2015 — Iranian researchers have produced biodiesel from the flixweed crop as a potential renewable energy substitute for non-renewable fossil fuels. Under a project to deliver a new generation of green transport fuel, researches at the Islamic Azad University produced 2 liters of biomass with a capacity to turn into a biofuel. […]

11 Aug, 2015

Asia-Pacific’s Largest Musical Instruments Fair to be held in China this October

======

SHANGHAI, Aug. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Music China, a major music instrument fair in China, will be held from October 14-17, 2015 . Music China 2015 aims to offer a wealth of face-to-face opportunities between buyers and sellers crucial for ongoing business growth within a challenging economy. Launched in 2002, Music China is now the largest music […]

10 Aug, 2015

Israeli settlement expansion ‘root cause’ of growing violence in Occupied Palestinian Territories – UN experts

======

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 10 August 2015 – A United Nations human rights committee has completed its annual evaluation of the situation affecting millions of people living in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and has cited Israel’s policy of settlement expansion as a primary driver of the escalating violence in the area. In a press […]

10 Aug, 2015

64% of Iranians prefer German cars

======

Tehran, Aug 7, IRNA – Findings of a new public opinion survey conducted on Monday showed that a majority of Iranians prefer German cars, if the country’s automakers were to start joint ventures with foreign car-manufacturing companies. A poll of 71,384 Iranian voters was conducted by a nationwide television program named Payesh on Monday on […]

10 Aug, 2015

U.S. real estate companies to hold largest show to attract Chinese investment

======

New York, NY (PRWEB), August 07, 2015 — The Real Deal is bringing the “U.S. Real Estate Showcase & Forum” to Shanghai on September 10 through 12 at the Jing’An Shangri-La Hotel. The show will be the largest U.S. real estate event ever to be held in China. The showcase will feature exclusive networking events […]

10 Aug, 2015

President of India inaugurates Conference on ‘Inclusive Museums’

======

New Delhi, 06-August-2015, (Press Information Bureau) – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated an International Conference on ‘Inclusive Museums’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The theme of the Conference is ‘Museums as Civic Spaces’. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was happy to note that India has been chosen as the venue […]

10 Aug, 2015

Skyscanner Reveals the Best Time to Book 2015 U.S. Holiday Travel

======

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)-August 04, 2015 – Global travel search engine, Skyscanner, uncovered that Week 33, August 10, is an ideal time to purchase all holiday air travel tickets – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Through analysis of 2014 purchasing patterns, Skyscanner saw that Thanksgiving week tickets booked during week 33 garnered a nearly 5.5 percent […]

10 Aug, 2015

Australia hands down record jail term for head administrator of global paedophile site

======

Canberra, 7 August 2015, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions — Former South Australian public servant, 33-year-old Shannon Grant McCoole was today sentenced to a benchmark record of 35 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 28 years for his lead role sharing child pornography material on a global child abuse internet website. In May 2014 the Queensland […]

9 Aug, 2015

Community-oriented Hotel/Hostel Complex ON THE MARKS Opens in Kawasaki

======

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 06, 2015 — UDS Ltd. (http://www.uds-net.co.jp), responsible for the Hotel Claska and Hotel Anteroom Kyoto, announces the opening of a new hotel/hostel complex ON THE MARKS (http://www.on-the-marks.jp), specializing in tourist accommodations and planned, designed, and operated by UDS Ltd. in Kawasaki near Tokyo. Hotel Concept ON THE MARKS is a stopping point for […]

7 Aug, 2015

Israeli Forces Deny Palestinian Professor, his Family Entry into West Bank

======

RAMALLAH, August 5, 2015 (WAFA)- Israeli forces Wednesday afternoon denied a Palestinian professor and his family entry into occupied Palestinian Territories to work for Birzeit University in Ramallah. According to a press release issued by Birzeit University, professor Omar al-Surani and his family were denied entry into the West Bank through the Allenby Bridge border […]

7 Aug, 2015

Major China-Nepal highway reopens after 3-month blockade

======

KATHMANDU, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) — The Araniko highway that links Nepal and China reopened Thursday after being blocked for more than 100 days. The 114-km highway, which suffered severe damage due to the landslides triggered by the torrential rain after the April 25 earthquake, reopened after five-day joint operation of Chinese armed police officers and […]

7 Aug, 2015

Up to 10% of Australian children suffering mental health problems: report

======

CANBERRA, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) — A ground-breaking Australian study has revealed as many as 10 percent of children suffer a mental health disorder during childhood, with up to one in 13 children considering suicide. The results of the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents survey, released on Friday, also showed the number of children seeking […]

7 Aug, 2015

“The absolute evil and ultimate inhumanity that is nuclear weapons”: Full text of Hiroshima Peace Declaration by Mayor Kazumi Matsui

======

HIROSHIMA, Kyodo – Below is the full text of the Peace Declaration delivered Thursday, August 6,, by Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui at the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima: In our town, we had the warmth of family life, the deep human bonds of community, festivals heralding each season, traditional culture […]

6 Aug, 2015

Koshi Bridge in Nepal, Built With ADB Support, Helps Restore Connectivity and Livelihoods

======

KATHMANDU, NEPAL, 03 August 2015, ADB media release — The Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushil Koirala, today opened the newly constructed Koshi Bridge in Chatara in Sunsari District, restoring mass connectivity and economic activities in the eastern development region and directly benefitting the districts of Sunsari, Saptari, and Udaypur. The bridge was built with financial […]

6 Aug, 2015

Myanmar, Thailand pledge to make progress on Dawei SEZ development

======

NAY PYI TAW, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) — Myanmar and Thailand on Wednesday agreed to make progress for the development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in southern part of the country’s Taninthayi region, said the press release issued at the joint high- level committee meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw. The Dawei SEZ covering […]

6 Aug, 2015

China Exclusive: New Orient Express on track to popularity

======

HOHHOT, Aug. 5, (Xinhua) – A luxury long-distance train service linking Beijing and Moscow and modelled on the infamous Orient Express is bridging cultures and harking back to an era before low-cost air travel. Ticket sales are picking up steam since the first of the trains departed earlier this summer, according to the local authorities […]

6 Aug, 2015

Feature: Days may be numbered for free entry to Britain’s museums, galleries

======

LONDON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) — Are the days of free admission coming to an end at Britain’s 700 museums and art galleries? This week visitors heading to York Art Gallery, one of Britain’s tourism hotspots, had to pay £7.50 (11.7 U.S. dollars) to enter after it re-opened following a 12.5 million U.S.dollar facelift. Before the […]

6 Aug, 2015

Univ study reveals how easily Americans can be conditioned to feel prejudice against social groups

======

WELLESLEY, Mass., Aug. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — When people feel or act negatively toward a group, they may explain their feelings or behavior by saying, “I felt threatened.” However, new research reveals how easily people can be conditioned to feel prejudice — and that unrecognized prejudice can be the source of a perceived threat. The […]

5 Aug, 2015

EU-Vietnam free trade deal, first of its kind with developing country

======

Brussels, 04 August 2015, European Commission – Press release – Today the EU and Vietnam have reached an agreement in principle for a free trade agreement (FTA), after two and a half years of intense negotiations. Following a telephone conversation this morning between EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade […]

4 Aug, 2015

Survey: 98% of Travel Professionals Support U.S. Open Skies Policy

======

WASHINGTON, DC –, August 4, 2015, (Business Travel Coalition media release) — OpenSkies.travel today released the results of a survey of 420 U.S. travel industry professionals conducted online by the Business Travel Coalition. The survey found that 97.6 percent of respondents indicated support for U.S. government Open Skies policy objectives and 90.2 percent agreed that […]

4 Aug, 2015

Etihad Airways Deploys Luxury Travel B787-9 Dreamliner on Singapore Route

======

Singapore – Etihad Airways has set a new benchmark for luxury travel on the UAE-Singapore route with the start of daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner services on 1 August. Flight EY470 departed Abu Dhabi at 10pm on Saturday 1 August and touched down at Singapore’s Changi Airport at 10.15am the following day. The return flight EY473 […]

31 Jul, 2015

China credit card transactions hit 15.2t yuan in 2014

======

BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2015-07-29 – Credit cards are gaining increasing popularity among Chinese, with payments totaling 15.2 trillion yuan ($2.49 trillion) last year, a report by China Banking Association showed on Tuesday. The volume was up 16 percent from the previous year. In 2014, around 64 million new credit cards were issued, bringing the total to […]

29 Jul, 2015

Israel Demolishes Residential, Commercial Structures in East Jerusalem Neighborhood

JERUSALEM, July 28, 2015 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities early Tuesday demolished Palestinian owned residential and commercial structures in East Jerusalem’s town neighborhood of Silwan. WAFA correspondent and Wadi Hilweh Information Center reported that Israeli troops accompanied two bulldozers into the Silwan area of ‘Ayn al-Lawza, where they proceeded to demolish stores and residential facilities […]

29 Jul, 2015

Iran Looks Forward to Stepping up Relations with ASEAN

======

Jakarta, 24 July 2015. ASEAN Secretariat News – Iran will intensify its relations and cooperation with ASEAN as well as with ASEAN Member States, according to the country’s new Ambassador to ASEAN, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi. Ambassador Nasrabadi presented his Letter of Credence to Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh on 23 July. Ambassador Nasrabadi […]

29 Jul, 2015

APEC Business Travel Card to be Extended to Five Years from 1 September

======

Singapore, 28 July 2015 (APEC Business Mobility Group) – The APEC Business Mobility Group has announced the implementation of the extension of validity of the APEC Business Travel Card from three to five years, effective from 1 September 2015. This announcement follows agreement reached by all 21 APEC member economies after the last meeting of the APEC […]

28 Jul, 2015

Global Rescue App Helps Travellers Stay Informed and Prepared Amidst Rising Threats

======

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 27, 2015 — As threats to global travelers increase in countries throughout the world, Global Rescue has developed an app to help keep travellers safe and support enterprises in meeting their legal Duty of Care responsibilities. The Global Rescue app puts critical medical, security and other essential real-time travel intelligence at travelers’ fingertips. […]

28 Jul, 2015

Etihad Airways Chief says it’s all about free competition, great products and the Power of Choice

======

ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 27, 2015 – Etihad Airways President and CEO James Hogan emphasized the importance of consumer choice and innovation as the fundamental drivers of competition in the international airline industry during a public conversation before an audience of approximately 4,000 attendees at the 2015 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention in Orlando, Fla. […]

28 Jul, 2015

Spotlight: Despite fanfare, U.S. aid programs for Africa fail to make big difference

======

NAIROBI, July 27 (Xinhua) — During his just-concluded visit to Kenya, U.S. President Barack Obama has unveiled, amid intensive global attention, a 1-billion-U.S.-dollar program to support global entrepreneurship, especially among women and youth in sub-Saharan Africa. The 1-billion fund and other forms of assistance promised by Obama during his three-day high-profile trip were hailed by […]

28 Jul, 2015

Australia warns foreign students about being used for organised crime money-laundering

======

Canberra, 27 July 2015, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre — Foreign students in Australia are being warned to be wary of attempts by organised crime groups to use them for money laundering through business express deposit boxes and Internet banking transactions. AUSTRAC has released the following brief to alert all those involved in student […]

27 Jul, 2015

Dozens Injured as Israeli Police Attack Worshippers to Let Jewish Fanatics into al-Aqsa Mosque compound

======

ERUSALEM, July 26, 2015 (WAFA) – Dozens of Muslim worshipers Sunday were injured, while many suffocated by tear gas during clashes that erupted with Israeli police at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque compound, after groups of Jewish hardliners broke into the Islamic holy site to mark Tisha B’Av holiday, according to local sources and witnesses. WAFA correspondent […]

24 Jul, 2015

Seoul, Dubai top list of luxury travel destinations by length of stay – Switchfly data index

======

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 23, 2015 – Switchfly, Inc., the technology company powering travel search/booking and loyalty point redemption solutions for the world’s most celebrated brands, today announced its 2015 Luxury Travel Index. The destinations were ranked by average length of stay, using data from Switchfly’s global booking engine, and give some insight into the traveling […]

23 Jul, 2015

Indian start-up inventor helps women avoid filthy public toilets

======

A New Delhi based start-up aims to help women across India overcome the problems of urinating in unhygienic public toilets. Made from waterproof cardboard, Pee Buddy is a single use funnel which allows women to micturate without having to squat on a dirty toilet seat and risk infection. This is the brainchild of Delhi-based entrepreneur […]

23 Jul, 2015

Citibank N.A. Ordered to Pay $700 Million in Consumer Relief for Illegal Credit Card Practices

======

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jul 21 2015 – (CFPB media release) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has ordered Citibank, N.A. and its subsidiaries to provide an estimated $700 million in relief to eligible consumers harmed by illegal practices related to credit card add-on products and services. Roughly 7 million consumer accounts were affected by […]

23 Jul, 2015

Jewish fanatic settler groups urge storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque to mark Tisha B’Av day

======

JERUSALEM, July 21, 2015 (WAFA) – Six days after the fasting month of Ramadan characterized by Palestinian Muslims’ permanent presence in Al-Aqsa Mosque compound ended, Jewish settler groups called Wednesday all Jewish settlers to storm the holy site to mark Tisha B’Av Day. This call came as dozens of Israeli settlers broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque […]

23 Jul, 2015

Asian Organic Gourmet Festival to be held in Bangkok, Oct 2-4

======

BANGKOK: The Annual Asian Organic Gourmet Festival 2015 will take place in Bangkok at the Riva Surya Hotel. A celebration of high quality organic produce in modern Asian cuisine will be the main focus of this year’s festival exclusively presented by high profile Asian chefs and held at the Riva Surya Bangkok, on the banks […]

23 Jul, 2015

Singapore, Auckland, Hong Kong top destinations for Australian business travellers – Amex Travel Data

======

SYDNEY–(BUSINESS WIRE)-July 19, 2015 -Australian business travellers are most frequently travelling to cities in the United States (US) when travelling outside of Asia Pacific (APAC), according to data from American Express Global Business Travel (GBT). The strengthening US economy appears to be driving an influx of business travellers to many key US cities, with seven […]

22 Jul, 2015

Israel Razes Land in Hebron, Bans Construction of Bethlehem Soccer Field

======

HEBRON, July 22, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Wednesday bulldozed around 20-dunums of Palestinian-owned agricultural land in the town of Beit Ola to the northwest of Hebron, and ordered ending the construction of a soccer field to the west of Bethlehem. Coordinator of the anti wall and settlements committee Issa al-Amlah, informed WAFA that a […]

22 Jul, 2015

U.S. Civil Liberties groups ask Appeals Court to halt NSA’s resumption of bulk phone records collection

======

New York, (ACLU media release) July 14, 2015 —  The American Civil Liberties Union and the New York Civil Liberties Union today asked the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to halt the National Security Agency’s bulk collection of Americans’ call records, arguing that immediate action is necessary because the government has resumed […]

22 Jul, 2015

Kenya to host thousands of investors at Global Entrepreneurship Summit July 25-26

======

NAIROBI, July 18 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya will play host to thousands of investors and business leaders here next week when the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which has been billed as the biggest meeting of business minds in Africa, is officially opened by United States President Barack Obama. The July 25-26 summit will test Kenya’s capacity to […]