26 Jun, 2015

Hanging Gardens Ubud unveils new spa collection

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Ubud, Bali (Hanging Gardens Ubud media release), June 24, 2015 — Due to high demand to share the magic of its gardens, this unique resort, home of the ‘world’s best pool’, has created ‘30° – a Spa Collection at Hanging Gardens Ubud’. The name is inspired by the steep slopes of the expansive resort gardens, […]

26 Jun, 2015

Massive damage to Nepal’s healthcare services has put millions of quake survivors at risk, UN warns

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 25 June 2015 – The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today warned the health of the people who survived Nepal’s twin earthquakes could be at risk if regular services are not urgently rebuilt and restored in a country where 80 per cent of health facilities in the 14 most […]

26 Jun, 2015

30 Rising Women Stars Reshaping Food Systems Around the World

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By Danielle Nierenberg, President, Food Tank, foodtank.com   There are hundreds of women who inspire us at Food Tank. They are entrepreneurs, stewards of the land, business owners, researchers, farmers, and innovators, who are the backbone of the world’s food systems. In fact, on average, women represent 43 percent of the world’s agricultural labor force […]

26 Jun, 2015

231 airlines, mostly in Africa, on European Commission’s updated safety-ban list

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Brussels, 25 June 2015, European Commission – Press release – Today the European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, the list of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union. All airlines from the Philippines, banned since 2010, have been released from the List and are […]

25 Jun, 2015

EU Five Presidents’ Report sets 10-year plan to strengthen Europe’s Economic, Monetary Union

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Brussels, 22 June 2015, European Commission – Press release – Today, the five Presidents – European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, together with the President of the Euro Summit, Donald Tusk, the President of the Eurogroup, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, and the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz […]

25 Jun, 2015

2015 SITE Global Conference set for Oct 23-35 in India

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New Delhi, India is the host for this year’s SITE Global Conference, 23-25 October. It is the one time of the year when the global incentive travel community comes together to network and celebrate the incentive travel industry, while also learning how to conduct business with the destination. The conference promises to be a trip […]

25 Jun, 2015

EQ Travel Launch Online Service for SMEs with Standard Transaction Fee

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MITCHAM, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 24, 2015 — Scottish based EQ Travel Management has launched a bespoke travel service for SME’s called EQ Online. EQ Online means that users can book rail travel, flights, car hire and hotels via an online booking tool with a standard transaction fee per online booking.  The service is perfect for business […]

25 Jun, 2015

U.S. card companies raked in $78 bln in processing fees in 2014 – Nilson Report

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CARPINTERIA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 24, 2015 — General purpose and private label credit, debit, and prepaid cards generated $5.165 trillion in payments for goods and services in 2014. Processing fees, including interchange paid by U.S. merchants to handle that business, were $78.09 billion, up from $72.44 billion in 2013 when fees were $4.768 trillion, according to […]

25 Jun, 2015

U.S. supermarkets fail to fulfill commitments to phase out greenhouse gases – EIA report

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 23, 2015 – Today the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) released a new report exposing leading U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Publix, and Safeway as doing little to meet public commitments to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), some of the most potent greenhouse gases (GHGs), used most commonly in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Beyond […]

25 Jun, 2015

Mauritius to join fight against international tax avoidance and evasion

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Paris, OECD media release, 24 June 2015 – In line with the international movement towards more transparency and exchange of information, Mauritius has taken a significant step to enhance its exchange of information legal framework and has signed the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. It is the seventh member of the […]

25 Jun, 2015

World Bank Group to provide up to US$500 million for Nepal earthquake recovery

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KATHMANDU, June 23, 2015, World Bank media release —The World Bank Group today said it would provide up to half-a-billion dollars to finance the reconstruction of Nepal after devastating earthquakes in April and May killed almost 9,000 people and left many mountain districts of the country in ruins. Subject to the approval of the Bank’s […]

24 Jun, 2015

New report identifies challenges faced by women journalists in Asia-Pacific media

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BANGKOK, June 23, 2015 UNESCO BANGKOK PRESS RELEASE – There are more women media professionals than ever in many countries across Asia-Pacific, but they still represent only three out of 10 newsroom staff, often earn less than their male counterparts and are subject to sexual harassment, while struggling to reach decision-making positions. These are some […]

24 Jun, 2015

Pentahotels opens second Hong Kong property

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Hong Kong – June 23, 2015: (Pentahotels media release) — Pentahotels continues its regional growth with the opening of a second Hong Kong hotel, introducing the brand’s “neighbourhood lifestyle” concept to a new Hong Kong home. Luks Industrial Company Ltd., the Hong Kong-based owners of the property, has appointed pentahotels to manage the 298-room pentahotel […]

24 Jun, 2015

Carlson Wagonlit report charts Five Major Trends Impacting Travel Programs

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SINGAPORE, 24 June 2015 (CWT media release) – Business travelers are continuing to adopt new tools and apps inspired by the leisure travel and retail sectors, while catching on to widespread trends such as the sharing economy. Key innovations such as Big Data, virtual credit cards and social media are all paving the way for […]

24 Jun, 2015

Myanmar National Airlines Gets First B-737 to expand Asian routes, effective August

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YANGON, Myanmar – 15 June 2015 – (MNA media release) – Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) has unveiled the first in a series of Boeing Next-Generation 737s that will be joining its fleet. The new fleet will link MNA’s 26 domestic destinations with an expanded international network starting with the launch of its Yangon-Singapore route this […]

24 Jun, 2015

Fast-food diets will propel childhood obesity to 70 million by 2025, warns UN health agency

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 22 June 2015 – Childhood obesity does not arise from lifestyle choices made by the child, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today, stressing that the huge problem, especially in developing countries on the marketing of sugar-rich non-alcoholic beverages, ultra-processed, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. “Childhood obesity can erode the benefits that […]

24 Jun, 2015

Hong Kong Jewellery Fair helps trade visitors save time, quickly find suppliers

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HONG KONG, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The organizers of the June Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2015, UBM Asia, announced today the launch of its mobile TradeBoard, a free interactive service helping visitors to locate products and suppliers at the fair. The mobile TradeBoard has been created for specifically for visitors of the […]

24 Jun, 2015

UN environment agency urges ban on microplastics in cosmetics, personal care products

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 16 June 2015 – Next time you are in the shower using a refreshing exfoliating shower gel, take a moment to check what the scrubbing agents are made of. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), chances are pretty high they are made of tiny plastic beads, and by […]

24 Jun, 2015

Nepal: In earthquakes’ wake, UNICEF speeds up response to thwart child trafficking

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 22 June 2015 – At least 245 children have been intercepted from being trafficked and unnecessarily or illegally placed in children’s care homes since the first earthquake hit Nepal almost two months ago, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported. The children’s agency is working with the Government and the […]

24 Jun, 2015

India’s Muslim Vice President fair game for attacks by Hindu hate-mongers – Hindustan Times

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It is tough being Hamid Ansari: on the one hand you are the vice-president of India, and on the other your ‘patriotism’ is being questioned. The latest controversy surrounding Ansari emerged after BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, in a tweet, questioned the VP’s absence from International Yoga day celebrations at Delhi’s Rajpath. Ironically, Ansari is […]

24 Jun, 2015

Cuban authorities seek foreign investment in tourism

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HAVANA, June 23 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA)–The business director of the Cuban Ministry of tourism (Mintur), José Daniel Alonso, today said that during the first half of this year, the Cuban tourism grew a 15 percent in terms of international visitors. In particular traditional markets like Germany and France,it grew up to a 25 percent. Currently there […]

23 Jun, 2015

Jewish extremists spray anti-Arab racist graffiti, attack Palestinians with rocks

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TABARIYA, June 21, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli extremists Sunday sprayed anti-Arab graffiti on the walls running along a street in Tabariya, while settlers residing in illegal settlements in central Hebron attacked Palestinians with rocks, according to WAFA correspondent. Israeli extremists sprayed racist graffiti on the walls running along a street in Tabariya, inside the 1948 […]

23 Jun, 2015

Tourism Australia – Etihad Airways seal A$30M marketing deal

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Melbourne, Tourism Australia media release, 22 June 2015 – Tourism Australia and Etihad Airways have deepened their commercial partnership by signing a five-year, A$30 million marketing deal to promote Australia to leisure and business travellers in key overseas markets. The Memorandum of Understanding – signed on  22 June at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Melbourne – extends […]

22 Jun, 2015

“Tourism must dignify, not diminish our religious heritage” – UNWTO chief at Bethlehem conference

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Full text (as prepared for delivery) of opening speech by Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), at the historic International Conference on Religious Tourism, 15 June 2015 – Bethlehem, State of Palestine, on the theme of “Fostering sustainable socio-economic development in host communities” H.E. Dr. Rami Al-Hamdallah, Prime Minister of State of Palestine, H.E. […]

22 Jun, 2015

Israeli curbs on Palestinian movements, Gaza blockade must be lifted – UN expert Makarim Wibosono

United Nations, UN News Centre, 19 June 2015 – The international community must ensure the promise of universal human rights no longer rings hollow to Palestinian “living under the 48-year-long Israeli occupation,” today said a UN independent expert. “The crisis in war-torn Gaza is deepening. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, there are daily […]

22 Jun, 2015

Airbus wins $57 billion of aircraft orders at Paris Air Show 2015

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Paris, 22 June 2015, Airbus media release — During the 2015 Paris Air Show, Airbus won $57 billion worth of business for a total of 421 aircraft. The deals comprise firm orders for 124 aircraft worth $16.3 billion and commitments for 297 aircraft worth $40.7 billion. In the widebody market, Airbus kicked-off the show with […]

22 Jun, 2015

All Silversea Cruises guests to get free WiFi, effective Jan 2016

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HONG KONG – June 22, 2015 – Starting with voyages departing in January 2016, Silversea guests will enjoy the most comprehensive Wi-Fi package ever offered by an ultra-luxury cruise line: free Wi-Fi to all guests, throughout the ship, including all suites and public spaces, on all cruises, including expedition cruises. “For over 20 years, Silversea […]

22 Jun, 2015

Chic new boutique hotel, akyra Manor Chiang Mai, offers launch rates

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CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Luxury akyra Manor Chiang Mai, a hip urban concept hotel and new style beacon in the northern capital’s art precinct and ‘coffee street’ Nimman Haemin, has announced a special introductory rate for its opening. From August 1 to October 31, 2015, the starting rate for a Deluxe Suite is only THB4,200++ […]

22 Jun, 2015

First International Yoga Day marked worldwide

United Nations, UN News Centre, 21 June 2015 – The first International Day of Yoga is being celebrated around the world today following recognition by the United Nations General Assembly that the holistic benefits of the ancient Indian practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the UN. The inaugural Day has […]

22 Jun, 2015

Australia Council puts up A$333,000 to support artists with disability

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Canberra, 19 June 2015, ACA media release – The Australia Council for the Arts has invested $333,000 for artists with disability to achieve their artistic ambitions. Australia Council Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski said 89 applications were received from individual artists and groups for projects and development grants for dedicated disability arts funding delivered through […]

22 Jun, 2015

Thousands rally against church arson by Jewish extremists

JERUSALEM, June 21 (Xinhua) — Thousands of Christians rallied Sunday afternoon outside the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish in northern Israel, in protest of the arson attack by Jewish extremists last week. A police spokesperson told Xinhua that some 3,000 people attended the rally at Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee. […]

22 Jun, 2015

June 24 Bike to Work Day: Pedal for a More Bikeable Region

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DENVER, Colorado, June 17, 2015 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–On June 24, 2015 tens of thousands of commuters from across the region will choose two wheels over four to get to work. Hundreds of businesses will host company teams and encourage employees to leave their cars at home. And volunteers from across nine counties in the metro Denver […]

21 Jun, 2015

Pacific Island countries to develop cruise strategy

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Melbourne, Friday, 19 June 2015 (South Pacific Tourism Organisztion media release) – Pacific Island countries have agreed to develop a Pacific Cruise Tourism Development Strategy 2015-2019 that will assist the development of cruise tourism strategies and assist line ministries, government agencies, donors and development partners to determine appropriate investments in infrastructure and the necessary upgrades […]

20 Jun, 2015

SilverNeedle Hospitality revamps loyalty programme

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Singapore, (SilverNeedle Hospitality media release) – SilverNeedle Select is a new eco-friendly frequent guest rewards programme that focuses on the professional and leisure lifestyles of business travellers. The programme, developed by SilverNeedle Hospitality, was launched on 1 June 2015 across all SilverNeedle Hotel Brands including SilverNeedle Collection, NEXT Hotels, Sage Hotels, Chifley Hotels, Country Comfort […]

19 Jun, 2015

Caribbean to refresh its tourism product along “The Singapore Model”

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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in partnership with the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, will be hosting a four-day workshop showcasing Singapore’s model for tourism product development.  This workshop takes place from 13-16 July 2015 at the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados, Barbados. The overall quality of the visitor experience is very much influenced by the […]

19 Jun, 2015

Royal Phuket Marina to invest US$150 million in major expansion

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Phuket, June 18, (Royal Phuket Marina media release) – The Royal Phuket Marina has announced a five-year five billion baht (approx. USD150 million) investment plan under the new campaign #DestinationRPM, which includes two hotels, a low-rise condominium development, a first-of-its kind water facility, marina expansion and the addition of a state-of-the-art RPM Children’s Zone, with […]

19 Jun, 2015

Six Senses Samui reopens on July 1 with refreshed interiors

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SAMUI, Thailand – June 18, 2015 (Six Senses media release) – After an extensive upgrade and revitalization of guest accommodations and public areas, Six Senses Samui reopens with refreshed interiors on July 1, 2015. The addition of floor to ceiling glass walls in the bathrooms make the accommodations feel brighter, airy and more spacious as […]

19 Jun, 2015

Jewish Extremists Set Fire to Historic Church in Galilee

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GALILEE, June 18, 2015 (WAFA) – The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish in Galilee, was set on fire at dawn on Thursday by Jewish extremists, which led to injuring two people including a monk, and resulting in considerable damage to valuable property. The fire broke out during the night and was […]

18 Jun, 2015

Nominations open for ITU/UN Women GEM-Tech awards to recognise drivers of change

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Geneva, 18 June 2015 –Nominations are now open for the annual Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Technology (GEM-Tech) Awards, a global prize that recognizes outstanding contributions from women and men in leveraging the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote gender equality. The awards will be conferred on outstanding people or organizations working […]

18 Jun, 2015

Mercure’s survey with a difference: Yes, travel DOES build friendships

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AccorHotels media release – Jun 18, 2015 – Focussing on the theme of building friendships in an era of high-velocity technology advances and booming travel, Mercure hotels conducted a survey in collaboration with Institut TNS Sofres[1]. Carried out on a sample of 5,500 individuals from 13 countries, the survey sheds new light on the notion […]

18 Jun, 2015

Global Tourism Economy Forum: Macau 2015 charts new dynamics of cultural tourism

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June 17, 2015, Macao – The Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”), scheduled to take place at the Venetian Macao from 12 to 14 October, 2015, will unveil an innovative world class dialogue on cultural tourism with the theme of “One Belt One Road – Unleashing New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism”. A pre-event […]

18 Jun, 2015

EFF Survey Report Ranks Apple, Google, Twitter, and more, on User Privacy Protection

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San Francisco, June 17, 2015 (EFF media release)  – Our digital lives are leaving data trails through social networking sites, email providers, Internet service providers, and mobile apps. But which companies fight the hardest to protect their customers from government data grabs of this sensitive information? Today, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) released its fifth […]

17 Jun, 2015

10th Sanur Village Festival set for 26-30 August in Bali

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DENPASAR, June 2015… Sanur Village Festival is a success as an independent tourism promotion effort that preserves and improves Sanur community ecology, economy, social cultural and creativity. Chairman of Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur (YPS) Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra claims the three parties that have worked closely together during the decade of festival are Sanur community, […]

17 Jun, 2015

Thanyapura Sets US$10 Million Investment To Boost “Sports Hub Of Asia” Status

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PHUKET, THAILAND – Asia’s leading world-class sports training and coaching facility, Thanyapura Phuket, is to invest an additional 300 million baht (about US$10 million) in an expansion plan that will significantly further strengthen its status as the leading “Sports Hub of Asia”. To be scaled over five years, the investment will see the spectacular 23-hectare […]

16 Jun, 2015

Air Astana signs up for 7 A320/321neo aircraft to boost Asia, Europe routes

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Paris (Air Astana media release) June 16, 2015 — Air Astana, the Kazakh flag carrier, signed a deal at the Paris Airshow today for seven Airbus A320neo family aircraft, comprising two A320neo, one A321neo and four A321neo Long range(LR). The new aircraft will be acquired on operating leases basis from Air Lease Corporation of Los Angeles, USA.  One A320neo is scheduled for delivery […]

16 Jun, 2015

UFI seminar mulls the future role of exhibitions in the marketing mix

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Paris/Istanbul – 16 June 2015: The UFI Open Seminar in Europe, which opened today, is bringing together industry leaders from across Europe and around the globe. Nearly 180 exhibition professionals from 34 countries have joined the three day seminar in Istanbul to discuss the future of exhibitions as media in the marketing mix. The Open […]

16 Jun, 2015

Global Travel & Tourism now an “Unstoppable Force” – UNWTO chief

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Madrid, 16 June 2015 — The global travel & tourism industry is now an “unstoppable force”, generating not just visitor numbers and economic growth but also representing “an effective solution for many of the world’s greatest challenges,” says UN World Tourism Organisation Secretary-General Taleb Rifai in the newly-released UNWTO Annual Report for 2014. The 88-page […]

16 Jun, 2015

Etihad Airways’ Nine-Point Proposal to Revamp Europe’s Aviation Policy

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Abu Dhabi, 16 June 2015 (Etihad Airways media release) – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has urged the European Commission to embrace “bold, exciting and world-leading reforms” as part of the Strategic Aviation Package to overhaul Europe’s air transport industry. In a detailed submission to the Commission, the airline advocates […]

16 Jun, 2015

Garuda Indonesia signs Letter of Intent for 30 A350 XWB Aircraft

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Jakarta, (Airbus media release) June 16, 2015 – Garuda Indonesia has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus for the purchase of 30 A350 XWB aircraft. Garuda Indonesia plans to use the A350 XWB to develop its medium and long haul network, with the aircraft offering the ability to fly non-stop from Jakarta or […]

16 Jun, 2015

HK Int’l Airport and SITA to Trial “Beacons” for Better Passenger Experience

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HONG KONG, 16 June 2015 (SITA media release) – Hong Kong International Airport is leading the way in Asia Pacific with trials of beacons to provide key information directly to passengers’ mobile devices, to further improve their journey through the airport. SITA Lab, the technology research team for global IT provider SITA, has installed more […]

15 Jun, 2015

Manathai Hotels & Resorts expands global sales network with Australian office

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BANGKOK, THAILAND: 15 June, 2015 – Leading independent boutique Thai hospitality brand, MANATHAI Hotels & Resorts, has opened an office in Australia as it eyes the country’s potential as a key feeder market into its burgeoning portfolio of hotels and resorts in Thailand. The Sydney based operation will be headed by Belinda Montgomery who has […]

13 Jun, 2015

Oil-price drop opens door for Iran to upgrade tourism sector

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Tehran, June 12, IRNA / Iran International Magazine commentary – The fall in oil prices has occurred at different junctures in Iranian history and every time with the falling oil prices, pundits and statesmen have argued that utmost advantage should be taken from the opportunities created as a result. In other words, many executives and […]

13 Jun, 2015

China UnionPay Chairman: Global Card issuance tops 5 billion

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SHANGHAI, China, June 11, 2015 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– The cumulative number of UnionPay cards issued globally has exceeded 5 billion and UnionPay has become Chinese residents’ preferred payment brand, Ge Huayong, Chairman of China UnionPay, said at the opening ceremony of 2015 Shanghai City Campaign in Milano on June 10. Ge said secure, convenient, preferential and innovative […]

11 Jun, 2015

Australian National Archives records the lifetime horrors of war

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Canberra, Australian Government media release, 10 June 2015 – For many Anzacs, the horrors of war didn’t end when they returned home. Ongoing health problems – both physical and mental – often meant unemployment, disability, pain and, if things became unbearable, suicide. The intimate details of such difficulties are preserved in more than 600,000 World War I […]

11 Jun, 2015

ITUC Global Rights Index names world’s ten worst countries for workers

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Brussels, 10 June 2015 (ITUC OnLine): The Gulf States are among the world’s worst countries for workers’ rights, while workers under European austerity measures endured the starkest deterioration of standards, according to the 2015 Global Rights Index. The ITUC rights index ranks 141 countries against 97 internationally recognised indicators to assess where workers’ rights are […]

11 Jun, 2015

Gulf Expat Workers Sent Home $100 Billion in 2014

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KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, June 10 (NNN-KUNA) – Foreigners working in the energy-rich Arab states of the Gulf sent more than $100 billion in remittances to their home countries last year, an economic report showed. The figure was twice as high as remittances in 2010, an indication of strong growth, the head of economic research at […]

11 Jun, 2015

Israel bars UN Human Rights Rapporteur, an Indonesian, entry to Palestine

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RAMALLAH, June 9, 2015 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Foreign Ministry, in a press statement Tuesday, condemned Israel decision to deny the United Nations Rapporteur on human rights, Makarim Wibisono, entry into the occupied Palestinian Territories (oPT). Describing it as a continuation of the numerous Israeli violations against the Palestinian people, the ministry said this decision […]

9 Jun, 2015

China, Russia to deepen “Red Tourism” cooperation

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BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — China will strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Russia in making more tourism products, the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) said Monday. Tourism authorities of the two countries have agreed to hold promotional activities between June 28 to July 1 in central China’s Xiangtan city, hometown of New China’s founder Mao […]

8 Jun, 2015

Human Rights Organizations Condemn Sheldon Adelson-Organized Anti-BDS Meeting

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By Mondoweiss Editors June 5, 2015  – As organizations committed to freedom, justice, and equality for all peoples in Palestine, Israel, and beyond, we believe the meeting that right-wing billionaire Sheldon Adelson is reportedly holding this weekend in Las Vegas to counter the grassroots boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement is the latest evidence of […]

8 Jun, 2015

Lecture by the President of India: “Tagore & Gandhi: Do They Have Contemporary Relevance for Global Peace?”

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New Delhi, President’s Secretariat, 03-June-2015 — The following is the full text of a public lecture by the President of India, Prof Pranab Mukherjee at Uppsala University, Sweden on the topic ‘Tagore & Gandhi: Do They Have Contemporary Relevance for Global Peace?’ Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellency Madam Margot Wallstrom, Foreign Minister of Sweden, Your […]

8 Jun, 2015

Senior-citizens travel booms in China

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BEIJING, (Agencies) 2015-06-08 – When Li Caohua retired in her late 50s, the doctor immediately joined millions of other Chinese seniors and hit the road to see more of her giant country. At the top of her destination list was tropical Hainan island in the south and the ancient villages around her home city of […]

6 Jun, 2015

UN invites world’s seven billion people to become agents of change on World Environment Day

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 5 June 2015 – With many of the earth’s ecosystems nearing “critical tipping points,” the United Nations invited each of the seven billion people on the planet to mark this year’s World Environment Day by making one change towards a more responsible consumption of resources – “be it refusing to […]

5 Jun, 2015

Multinational companies face trust deficit, Trade Union Confederation warns G7

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Brussels, 4 June 2015 (ITUC OnLine):  Just one in five of people in western economies like France, Germany, the UK and the US agree that corporations can be trusted with their global workforce, according to a new poll commissioned by International Trade Union Confederation. The public opinion poll released on the eve of the G7 […]

3 Jun, 2015

Top 10 uncivilized tourist behaviors revealed in Chinese survey

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-06-03 – Henan province’s tourism administration published a list of the “Top 10 uncivilized tourist behaviors” in a recent survey conducted among 173, 215 people. Among those surveyed, more than 158,000 people (91.72 percent) have encountered uncivilized behavior in tourists, 9,834 (5.68 percent) never have, and 4,514 of them did not know what […]

3 Jun, 2015

Russia to expand EU travel ban list if West increases sanctions

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MOSCOW, June 1 (Xinhua) — Moscow is ready to expand its travel ban list of European Union (EU) officials if the West increases its own blacklist of Russian officials, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday. Moscow will cancel its travel ban list as soon as the West does the same, said Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson […]

3 Jun, 2015

Israeli Army Blocks Construction of Four Bethlehem Homes

BETHLEHEM, June 2, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli army on Tuesday notified local residents of Um Salmouna, a village located to the south of Bethlehem, to stop the construction of four houses, according to local sources. The houses are owned by local Palestinian families, and each of the houses has an area of 200 square meters, […]

3 Jun, 2015

Boost tourism to realise people-centered ASEAN — Malaysian PM

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia June 2 (NNN-Bernama) — With ASEAN expected to generate a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$3 trillion (RM11 trillion) by 2017, there is a real opportunity to boost the travel industry and promote intra-region tourism, said Najib Tun Razak. The prime minister said this would enhance appreciation for the respective cultures […]

3 Jun, 2015

Australian reports reveal how real estate deals are used for criminal money-laundering

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Canberra, (AUSTRAC media release / Travel Impact Newswire) 2 June 2015 – The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre AUSTRAC has released two new reports to help businesses identify money laundering methodologies used through real estate agents and lawyers. Although the reports are designed primarily to help Australian businesses beware of this criminal activity, they […]

1 Jun, 2015

Concern for animal welfare spells end of Guangzhou’s dog meat restaurants

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Guangzhou, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2015-05-19 – Many dog meat restaurants are no longer to be found in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Guangzhou Daily reported on Monday. The number of shops offering the controversial meat has declined sharply, mainly due to tightened regulations concerning animal welfare. Guangzhou, where eating dog meat has long been a tradition, launched a campaign […]

1 Jun, 2015

Half of Chinese college students seek jobs in second-tier cities: Survey

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BEIJING (Xinhua), 2015-05-29 –– This year, more than 7.49 million students will graduate from college, and many have voiced concern about seeking employment in such a saturated, competitive market, a survey published Thursday said. The survey, by an organization under the Youth League Committee of Beijing, said graduate’s expected monthly salary this year was 5,510 […]

31 May, 2015

Jewish millionaire buys abandoned church to expand Israeli settlements — Haaretz

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TEL AVIV, May 28, 2015 (WAFA) – Recent works to renovate an abandoned church in the southern West Bank are aimed at allowing illegal Jewish newcomers to settle in the site, Wednesday revealed the Israeli daily Haaretz. According to the daily, a non-profit organization controlled by American millionaire Irving Moskowitz is the owner of the […]

31 May, 2015

Israel to demolish 14 Palestinian-owned homes in Jordan Valley

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JERICHO May 28, 2015 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities Thursday handed several Palestinian residents eviction and demolition notices of their 14 homes, located in two Palestinian towns in the Jordan Valley area, according to local sources. Israeli forces handed several Palestinians notices notifying them of their intent to demolish their 14 homes. The order gave […]

31 May, 2015

Palestinian hotels report 33% drop in guests in Jan-March 2015

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RAMALLAH, May 27, 2015 (WAFA) – The number of hotel guests in the first quarter of 2015 was 33% lower than in the first quarter of 2014 and 35% lower than in the previous quarter, said a Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) press release on Wednesday. PCBS said that, during the first quarter of […]

31 May, 2015

Will HK’s position as shopping mecca be hurt after mainland’s tax cuts?

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HONG KONG, May 27 (Xinhua) — Chinese mainland announced Monday that it will cut import taxes on clothing, cosmetics and some other goods beginning June 1, a move some analysts said might undermine Hong Kong’s position as a shopping mecca. The Ministry of Finance said that it will slash duties by half, on average, on […]

31 May, 2015

Seeing green gardens could help boost workers’ productivity, say Aussie researchers

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MELBOURNE, May 25 (Xinhua) — Green gardens on city rooftops may not only be good for the environment but boost workers’ productivity too, Australian researchers said on Monday. A University of Melbourne study showed students which took a short 40-second break from a boring task by looking at a green rooftop performed markedly better on […]

31 May, 2015

Chinese flock to ‘Morality Bank’ which aims to reward good Samaritans

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Changchun, (Xinhua/China Daily), 2015-05-27 – A morality bank in a northeastern Chinese city has seen residents flocking to open accounts that enable them to exchange good deeds for free services. Citizens in Yanji, Jilin province, can accumulate credits with the bank, operated by Danying Community, through tasks such as collecting plastic bags off the streets […]

30 May, 2015

Winners of European 2015 Natura 2000 Award Winners announced

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Brussels, (European Commission media release) 21 May 2015 –  The six winners of the 2015 Natura 2000 Awards were announced at a Ceremony in Brussels on 21 May 2015. The six winners include projects from Denmark, Germany, Spain, France and a trans-boundary project that involves nine Danube countries. Winners have been selected for each of […]

30 May, 2015

“State of Nature” assessment draws mixed picture for Europe’s habitats and species

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Brussels, 20 May 2015, European Commission Press release – The Commission has adopted a new report providing the most comprehensive picture yet on the ‘State of Nature in the EU’. The findings show that the majority of birds have a secure status, and some species and habitats are doing better. Targeted conservation actions have brought […]

30 May, 2015

UN meeting examines Role of Social Media in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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ASTANA, 27 May, UN News Centre — The 2015 International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East concluded today, with two panel discussions that explored how social media both hindered and advanced audiences’ acceptance of Israeli-Palestinian narratives, as speakers throughout the day analysed the media’s role in promoting a facts-based discourse about the recent […]

30 May, 2015

Event Planner, PR & Advertising Manager amongst Best Jobs for Women in 2015

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CARLSBAD, Calif., May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Dental hygienist, event planner and public relations manager have been named among the best jobs for women in the new CareerCast report on the Best Jobs for Women, while such STEM jobs as biomedical engineer, statistician and actuary also made the list. “Because technological jobs are such a bedrock of […]

28 May, 2015

Third Etihad-funded report counters U.S. airlines’ fiction about job-losses caused by open-sky policies

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Abu Dhabi, 28 May 2015 (Etihad Airways media release) -Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will contribute US$2.9 billion to the US economy and support 23,400 American jobs this year, according to new research by the global consultancy Oxford Economics. The study, commissioned by Etihad Airways, projects that by 2020, the […]

28 May, 2015

North Korea joins the bandwagon, seeks investment for planned tourism zone

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PYONGYANG, MAY 28 (NNN-XINHUA) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) will introduce various preferential policies to attract investment for a planned international tourist zone, officials in charge of the project say. The development of Wonsan-Mt. Kumgang international tourist zone, a key project approved by the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly last June, […]

28 May, 2015

Hainan’s first Tourism Development Index shows strong growth momentum

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HAIKOU, China, May 25, 2015 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– Hainan’s tourism authority released an index report on the island’s tourism development over the past five years on May 20th, in an effort to evaluate the development of its tourism industry and provide a reference for potential industry investors. The index report, which is the first of its kind […]

25 May, 2015

Chinese Palace Museum to limit daily visitor number to 80,000

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BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2015-05-17 – The Palace Museum in Beijing will launch a pilot scheme to limit the daily visitors’ number by 80,000 on June 13, according to the museum’s announcement Sunday. The Palace Museum will also impose a real-name registration system for tickets buying at the same time. All the group tour ticket booking will […]

24 May, 2015

China forging ahead with widespread anti-graft drive

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BEIJING, 2015-05-24  (Xinhua) – Despite the investigation and prosecution of hundreds of officials across the country, the countercorruption drive is showing no signs of letting up. In the two years of the campaign, the anti-graft watchdog has ousted corrupt officials all the way from low-level “flies” to high-ranking “tigers.” Yu Yuanhui, a member of the […]

24 May, 2015

Winners of “One Billion Acts of Peace Hero” Awards Announced

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DENVER (PRWEB) May 22, 2015 — The PeaceJam Foundation announced the winners of its One Billion Acts of Peace Campaign Hero Awards. These awards recognize the importance of action in helping to change the world. “One Billion Acts of Peace is creating a new generation of young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their […]

23 May, 2015

Airlines of Indian Ocean island nations to form alliance

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ANTANANARIVO, May 22 (NNN-Xinhua) — Airlines in Indian Ocean countries and regions will be grouped in an alliance called “Vanilla Alliance” from June, the foreign ministers of Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles made the decision in Madagascar’s capital. Agreement of the alliance will be signed on June 18 in Madagascar by Air Austral, […]

23 May, 2015

Modest global growth set to continue for rest of year, says UN economic report

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 22 May 2015 – A new United Nations report released today says that modest paced global economic growth continues, and predicts a gradual improvement in the situation over the second half of 2015 and into next year. According to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects Update as of mid-2015 […]

23 May, 2015

Major banks plead guilty to rigging foreign currency markets

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Washington DC, May 20, 2015, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs — Five major banks – Citicorp, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays PLC, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and UBS AG – have agreed to plead guilty to felony charges. Citicorp, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays PLC, and The Royal Bank of […]

22 May, 2015

Don Futterman: How to destroy American Jewish support for Israel — Haaretz

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By Don Futterman While young minority activists across American college campuses are rejecting Israel and isolating their Jewish classmates, Israel has chosen a government of settlers and religious extremists. Add to that the Jewish community’s ambivalent response to liberal or progressive Jewish students who question Israel’s policies, and we may be creating the perfect storm […]

22 May, 2015

On World Day, UN warns global cultural diversity ‘under attack’

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Paris, (UNESCO media release) 21 May 2015 – As the planet’s cultural diversity comes under continued attack from militant groups espousing virulent forms of intolerance, the international community must fight back through openness and acceptance of the world’s myriad traditions, the United Nations cultural agency declared today. In a statement marking the World Day for […]

22 May, 2015

Second Etihad-funded study dissects U.S. airlines’ open-sky subsidies gibberish

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Abu Dhabi, (Etihad Media release) – 22 May 2015 — Despite claims by the Big Three U.S. airlines, the market for air travel from the U.S. to the Indian Sub-Continent has expanded significantly from 2009 to 2014 with U.S. airlines and their European partners actually flying 223,000 more passengers during that period.  This is only […]

19 May, 2015

Australians lose over $80 million to scams in 2014, mostly via online dating

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Canberra (ACCC media release) May 18 news release — The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Targeting Scams Report reveals that 91,637 Australians scam complaints were made to the ACCC last year, with $81,832,793 reported lost. “This Fraud Week, the ACCC is urging consumers to ‘Get smarter with their data’ as stolen personal information underpins almost […]

19 May, 2015

China seeks more balanced growth via new Gross Ecosystem Product index

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Beijing, (People’s Daily Online)  May 18, 2015 – Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), is a concept that complements and contrasts with GDP. It puts a price on the natural environment and tells people the value of the products and services that nature offers. Urban GEP is a creation of Yantian district in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province. […]

18 May, 2015

U.S. Labour Unions highlight annual income gap: Workers $36,000, CEOs $13.5 million

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 14, 2015 — As Americans rally behind initiatives to raise pay for working families, CEO pay for major U.S. companies has skyrocketed. According to new AFL-CIO Executive PayWatch data, CEO pay increased nearly 16 percent in 2014, while Walmart and the Walton family continue to drive inequality nationwide. The Executive PayWatch website, the […]

18 May, 2015

California Forum on Health Effects of Cell Phones and Wireless Technology

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SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)-May 14, 2015-An Expert Forum on Cell Phone and Wireless Risks will be held at the Commonwealth Club of California on June 22nd from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Co-organized by ElectromagneticHealth.org and Environmental Health Trust, the focus will be on the special risks to children and other vulnerable populations from cell phone and wireless […]

17 May, 2015

China opens hotline for the disabled

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(Xinhua) BEIJING, May 14 — China opened the 12385 hotline to provide consultation and guidance for disabled people, according to the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF). The hotline offers details on disability-related laws, regulations, judicial explanations and department-specific policies as well as guidance on rehabilitation, education, employment, poverty relief and cultural and sports activities, the […]

17 May, 2015

Accepting criticism can make your job more enjoyable, research study shows

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Montreal, QC (PRWEB) April 25, 2015 – Getting that corner office with the great view might make work life more fun. Getting a raise might make a job more enjoyable. Even better coffee in the break room might make the workday more pleasurable. Here’s something else that will improve our job satisfaction, according to researchers […]

17 May, 2015

Aviation, railways to top Chinese PM’s agenda for Latin America

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Beijing, (China Daily)  May 14, 2015 – China will sign aircraft, currency and agricultural deals during Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Latin America next week. In addition, work will start on a feasibility study of plans for a transcontinental railroad project involving China, Brazil and Peru that will link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Li […]

17 May, 2015

Israel Blocks Catholic Peace Movement Secretary-General Entry to Palestine

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BETHLEHEM, May 16, 2015 (WAFA) – Pax Christi International, a global Catholic Peace movement, deeply deplored Israel’s refusal to grant its Secretary General entry to Palestine to attend the World Assembly and 70th Anniversary Celebrations that took place in Bethlehem on May 13. “Refused entry into Palestine/Israel by the Israeli authorities, José’s absence is a […]