11 Jan, 2016
MasterCard and Coin Sign Agreement to Power Wearable Payments
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– January 06, 2016 – MasterCard today announced a partnership with Coin to bring MasterCard payments to a wide array of fitness bands, smart watches and other wearable devices. This collaboration builds upon the MasterCard announcement in October introducing the Commerce for Every Device program to enable any consumer gadget, accessory or wearable […]
more…11 Jan, 2016
Clean Toilets top list of 2015 tourism developments in China
Beijing, (China Daily): 2016-01-06 — The China National Tourism Administration recently released the country’s Top 10 Tourism News of last year. The industry played a positive role in driving investment, consumption and export, as well as economic development in 2015. And the top 10 covers major events and reflects the ongoing reform and upgrading of […]
more…10 Jan, 2016
Indian visitor arrivals +4.4% in 2015, but US$ tourism earnings -2.8%
New Delhi, 08-January-2016, Ministry of Tourism media release – Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) on the basis of Nationality-wise, Port-wise data received from Bureau of Immigration (BOI) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism on the basis of data available from Reserve Bank of India. Following are the important […]
more…10 Jan, 2016
UK to launch 2-year visitor visas for Chinese nationals on Jan. 11
LONDON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) — Britain’s new two-year visitor visas for Chinese nationals is to be launched on Monday, Jan. 11, the British Home Office announced Wednesday. The new visa will cost 85 pounds (125 U.S. dollars), the same as the existing six-month visitor visa, and will enable successful applicants to make multiple trips to […]
more…6 Jan, 2016
FREE DOWNLOAD: OAG report on world’s most punctual airlines and airports, 2015
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–OAG, the global leader in air travel intelligence, has released the results of the OAG Punctuality League 2015, the industry’s most comprehensive annual ranking of on-time performance (OTP) for the world’s airlines and airports. For the first time, this year’s league table incorporates enhanced depth and coverage from the newly consolidated flight status and […]
more…6 Jan, 2016
Hilton Mobilises Hotels to Find Solutions to Global Issues
January 06, 2016, MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Four years after launching its corporate responsibility strategy, Travel with Purpose, Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) says its investments in global partnerships and programs to activate hotel and office teams is not only driving positive social impact, but also supporting long-term business success. “Travel with Purpose has played an important role […]
more…5 Jan, 2016
Thailand’s Buri Ram Province to use King’s Sufficiency Economy as Future Development Model
Bangkok, 4 January 2016, Thai government Public Relations Department – Buri Ram province, in lower northeastern Thailand, aims to develop itself as one of the most livable cities in the world, based on the concept of “Sufficiency Economy.” Buri Ram Governor Seri Srihatrai said that the issue was discussed at a workshop of local administrators […]
more…5 Jan, 2016
Call for Entries: 2016 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation
Bangkok – Submissions are now being accepted for the 2016 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Awards recognize the efforts of private individuals and organizations that have successfully restored or conserved structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region. The Awards emphasize the importance of the conservation process, including the technical […]
more…4 Jan, 2016
Indonesian human rights expert resigns U.N. role after Israel blocks him from occupied Palestine
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 January 2016 – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian territories is resigning due to Israel’s failure to grant him access to the areas he is tasked with monitoring. “Unfortunately, my efforts to help improve the lives of Palestinian victims of […]
more…4 Jan, 2016
Australia mandates full recovery of student loans from overseas residents
Canberra, 1 January 2016, Australian government Media Release – From today, people who have benefited from Australian student loans and now live overseas will pay for them the same way as they would if they lived in Australia. Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham said it was estimated that up to $30 million […]
more…4 Jan, 2016
Australia sets stronger protections for vocational education and training students
Canberra, 1 January 2016, Australian government Media Release – Tough new rules to protect vocational education and training students from unscrupulous training providers commence today. Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Luke Hartsuyker, said the new rules will help stamp out the predatory behaviours that have seen some training providers deliberately target vulnerable people in […]
more…4 Jan, 2016
Jewish Extremist Group Calls for Torching Jerusalem Churches
JERUSALEM, January 3, 2016 (WAFA) – The leader of the extremist anti-assimilation group Lehava recently renewed his calls to torch churches in occupied Jerusalem, Israeli media sources revealed. Lehava’s leader, Bentzi Gopstein, told the Israeli TV Channel II that Israeli Jews practically prevent Christians from entering Jerusalem, saying that Christian presence in Jerusalem was not […]
more…2 Jan, 2016
US Sued over Billions of Tax-Exempt Donations for Illegal Israeli Settlements
RAMALLAH, December 31, 2015 (WAFA) – A lawsuit has been filed in a US court seeking to stop US-based non-profit entities from sending billions of dollars of tax-exempt donations for illegal Israeli settlements and Israeli military. The lawsuit was filed by Martin McMahon and Associates on behalf of Arab—American plaintiffs, including Palestinian American writer Susan […]
more…2 Jan, 2016
Business Travel Survey: 15% Admit Having an Affair on the Road & Padding Expense Reports
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 30, 2015 – As airlines continue to struggle with effective ways to remain profitable, their biggest challenge remains how to maintain customer satisfaction from millions of passengers, including the business traveler who is the backbone of the airline industry. In a recent survey conducted among 1,500 business travelers, ExpertFlyer.com and View from […]
more…1 Jan, 2016
Countering myths and misconceptions about the Halal industry in Australia
[The text of the speech delivered by Syed Atiq ul Hassan as a Guest Speaker in the Thailand Halal Assembly 2015, held in Bangkok from 25 to 27 December 2015. The Title of the speech was the Role and Responsibility of Journalist/Media for Halal Industry] In this politicised world where within or outside the Muslim […]
more…1 Jan, 2016
International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, 2017: Full text of UN General Assembly resolution
The following is the full text of the Resolution declaring 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, as adopted by the UN General Assembly on 22 December 2015: The General Assembly,Reaffirming its resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of international years, Economic and […]
more…1 Jan, 2016
Formal Establishment of ASEAN Community Sees Both Opportunities, Challenges
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Dec 31 (NNN-Bernama) — As another significant milestone in its history and the regional integration process, Dec 31 finally witnesses the formal establishment of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Community. Despite the euphoria and excitement, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said in a statement on this special day that […]
more…31 Dec, 2015
Big cities in China luring talent despite drawbacks
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-12-16 -Despite heavy smog, skyrocketing house prices and living pressures, China’s first-tier cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, are still the top the choices for the best brains. At the same time, smaller cities trying to attract high-end talent are facing challenges both in recruiting and retention. Zhaopin.com, a Chinese human resources […]
more…31 Dec, 2015
European tourists staying away from Israel in droves | The Electronic Intifada
A deeper look at the official statistics reveals that Israel is actually experiencing a dramatic and sustained decline in tourism from European countries, its most important markets, that cannot be attributed just to recent events. In the 11 months from January to November 2013, 2.1 million European tourists visited Israel – accounting for about three […]
more…31 Dec, 2015
Travel Advisory for Muslims in America: Exercise caution and report discrimination
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | December 30, 2015 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) advises community members to exercise caution and vigilance while traveling over the holidays. Those flying on commercial airlines should excerise special caution. Please take your safety seriously when you receive threats of violence to yourself or your relatives and report any discrimination or […]
more…31 Dec, 2015
Sustainable Development Goals to kick in with start of New Year
United Nations, (UN News Centre) Dec 30, 2015 – As 2015 comes to an end, and with it the 15-year cycle of the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations officially will usher in – on 1 January 2016 – an even more ambitious set of goals to banish a whole host of social […]
more…30 Dec, 2015
The Truth About Alcohol – Special Report to promote responsible drinking over the festive season
WebMD, a U.S. medical and health information website, has issued a special report about the good and bad side of alcohol consumption. As there is going to be a LOT of alcohol consumed in the next few days, this Travel Impact Newswire compilation of the weblinks is intended to help save a few livers and […]
more…30 Dec, 2015
Ford Trends Report 2016: Despite Challenges, Consumers Increasingly Driven To Make The World A Better Place
DEARBORN, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 28, 2015 – In a world of constant and dramatic change, new insights from Ford’s Looking Further with Ford 2016 trend report reveal a renewed sense of inspiration and ingenuity among consumers striving for a better quality of life in the New Year – motivated more than ever to make the world […]
more…29 Dec, 2015
9 reasons why the Thailand Halal Assembly is NOT just another ordinary trade event
Bangkok – Thailand lies at the heart of ASEAN. Like an umbilical lifeline, the isthmus of Thailand-Malaysia links the Buddhist-majority northern half of ASEAN to the Muslim-majority southern half. This makes Thailand, a Buddhist majority country with the largest Muslim minority in ASEAN, a geographical bridgehead between two regions as well as a symbolic bond […]
more…28 Dec, 2015
Ex-ASEAN chief Surin Pitsuwan calls for “New Beginning” in Islamic world
Bangkok – Thailand’s best-known Muslim personality Dr Surin Pitsuwan has called on the global Islamic community to use the growing number of halal events to think well beyond food, products and services and chart a “new beginning” with a focus on solving many of the world’s looming problems. Addressing the closing ceremony of the annual […]
more…27 Dec, 2015
More Than One Million People Will Celebrate New Year’s Eve in 150 Countries on Airbnb
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 17, 2015 – Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company, today announced that on New Year’s Eve 2015, it is projected that over one million people will stay in an Airbnb, the company’s largest bookings to date for a single night. In true globetrotting fashion, travelers hailing from 170 countries will stay […]
more…27 Dec, 2015
Project Launched to Help Children with Autism Fly Comfortably
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – Dec 23, 2015 –A new initiative has been launched to offer parents the opportunity to take their child with autism on a short experience flight so they can assess how they cope with the whole process and develop strategies to overcome any issues. The lives of thousands of families are affected by […]
more…26 Dec, 2015
Jakarta’s Archbishop expresses gratitude for peaceful Christmas services
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 25 December 2015 – – Jakartas Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo expressed gratitude to all law enforcers and the government for their efforts to ensure that the Christmas services were held smoothly and peacefully. “Allow me to express gratitude to all government officials, the president, the vice president, the National Police chief, the commander […]
more…26 Dec, 2015
Dampened by Violence, Christmas Celebrations Held in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, December 24, 2014 (WAFA) – Overshadowed by the ongoing violence since early October 2015 and the death of over 135 Palestinians, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal arrived Thursday at Bethlehem’s Manger Square, marking the start of Christmas Eve celebrations in Palestine. Twal’s procession took off from the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem and made […]
more…26 Dec, 2015
Middle class a growing, positive force in China
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-12-25 – China’s emerging middle class has grown into a major force driving the society in a positive direction, according to a report by one of China’s top think tanks. Slightly over half of the population in Beijing and Shanghai fall in the category of “middle class”, as does around 40 percent in […]
more…22 Dec, 2015
U.S. Muslim Leaders Announce Campaigns to Enhance National Security, Address Rising Islamophobia
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/21/15) — The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of leading national and local Muslim organizations, today announced major educational, outreach and civic empowerment initiatives to address growing Islamophobia in America and to enhance national security through the promotion of freedom and justice. [The USCMO news conference was aired live on […]
more…22 Dec, 2015
2015: The Year the Merchants of Death Hijacked the Industry of Peace
BANGKOK – The defining development of 2015 was not a success story but a tragic failure — the total and absolute failure of the war on terror (WoT). That was accompanied by a complete absence of demands for accountability for the thousands of lives lost, the trillions of dollars squandered, the people displaced, the monumental […]
more…21 Dec, 2015
Huge future for Iran’s railroad projects
TEHRAN, Dec 18, (NNN-IRNA) – Following the nuclear deal struck between Iran and world powers on July 14 this year, it is widely expected that sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council will be lifted sometime in January. Once this happens, Iran will be free to start doing business with the many national delegations that […]
more…21 Dec, 2015
Railway cooperation with China ushers in new era for Thai infrastructure development
BEIJING, (Xinhua), 2015-12-20 — The ground was broken on Saturday for Chinese and Thai companies to build the first standard-gauge railway in Thailand, applying China’s technology, standard and equipment, the China Railway Corporation (CRC) said. Earlier on Saturday, a launching ceremony was held at Chiang Rak Noi Station in central Thailand’s Ayutthaya province, according to […]
more…19 Dec, 2015
Global Defence Budgets to Hit US$1.68 Trillion in 2016 as Security Fears Grow – Jane’s Annual Report
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec 16, 2015 — Security fears and threats to stability have driven many Western governments to end cuts to defence spending, according to a new report released today by IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS), the leading global source of critical information and insight. The IHS Jane’s Defence Budgets Annual Report examines and forecasts defence expenditure […]
more…18 Dec, 2015
2015 ends with inspiring journalistic win for Travel Impact Newswire editor
By Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor The year 2015 has ended for me on a high note with an inspiring journalistic victory accentuating the 100% accuracy of my analysis and forecasts. Roger Cohen, a columnist of the International Herald Tribune and New York Times, has all but echoed my repeated references to the Jewish fanatic extremist […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
1,000 Black Activists, Artists, and Scholars Demand Justice for Palestine
Over 1,000 Black activists, artists, scholars, students, and organizations have launched a statement expressing their solidarity and commitment to ensuring justice for Palestinians. Signatories to the statement span a wide cross-section of Black activists and scholars, including Angela Davis, Boots Riley, Cornel West, dream hampton, Emory Douglas, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Pam Africa, Patrisse Cullors, Phil Hutchings, […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
Israel Closes Major Hebron Road with Barbed Wires
HEBRON, December 15, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli troops Tuesday placed barbed wires and closed a major road in Hebron, according to local sources. WAFA correspondent said Israeli troops closed a number of entrances which lead to Tal Rumeideh neighborhood and al-Shuhadaa Street in Hebron, under the pretext of ongoing rehabilitation of a military checkpoint in […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
Israel to Demolish Three Palestinian-owned Homes near Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, December 16, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities Wednesday notified to demolish three two-storey homes belonging to local Palestinians in the village of al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, according to local sources. Ibrahim Salem, one of the owners, told WAFA that an Israeli army force stormed the village and broke into his house after smashing the […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
Palestinian Woman, 19, Succumbs to Wounds Sustained in Nablus Shooting
NABLUS, December 16, 2015 (WAFA) – A 19-year-old young Palestinian woman Wednesday succumbed to wounds she sustained during an Israeli shooting at a major Nablus checkpoint in November, said security sources. On Wednesday afternoon, Samah ‘Abdul-Mu’men from ‘Ammuriya village, south of Nablus, succumbed to critical wounds she sustained after Israeli troops shot and seriously injured […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
Danish Fund Divests From German Company Operating in West Bank Settlements
TEL AVIV, December 15, 2015 (WAFA) – Denmark’s largest private pension fund, FPA Pension, with assets close to $50 billion, is withdrawing its investments from the international construction materials corporation Heidelberg Cement, due to its indirect involvement in exploiting the natural resources of the occupied West Bank, the Israeli daily Haaretz said. FPA said it […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
U.N. Civil Society Forum on Palestine Mulls Innovative Ways to End Israeli Occupation
JAKARTA, 16 December, UN Information Service — After the two-day International Conference on the Question of Jerusalem concluded on 15 December, the United Nations Civil Society Forum on the Question of Palestine met this morning to hear from experts and engage in discussions on the theme of “Civil society action in support of justice in Palestine […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
Israeli Troops Kills 2 Palestinians near Jerusalem, Death Toll Hits 124
JERUSALEM, December 16, 2015 (WAFA) – Two Palestinians Wednesday were fatally shot and four others injured by Israeli troops during a predawn military raid on Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, according to medical sources. Local sources said hundreds of Israeli troops and undercover forces broke into the camp at about 1:00 am, provoking clashes […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
Amid Violence in Holy City, International Conference on Future of Jerusalem Convenes in Jakarta
JAKARTA, 14 December 2015, United Nations Information Service — The two-day International Conference on the Question of Jerusalem opened in Jakarta, Indonesia, this morning under the theme “Addressing the present and shaping the future” of the city also known as Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, said it was no […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
Indonesia to open consulate in Ramallah, Palestine, in early 2016
Selasa, 15 December 2015 (Antara News) – Indonesia will officially open an honorary consulate in Ramallah in early 2016 and will be led by a Palestinian, a foreign ministry official stated here on Tuesday. “Our honorary consul will indeed be a Palestinian citizen and will be posted in Ramallah,” the foreign ministry’s director general for […]
more…17 Dec, 2015
No Festive Season in the Holy Land as unrelenting violence causes nearly one death a day
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 15 December 2015 – Although international attention has waned regarding the crisis in Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territory, the United Nations human rights office today warned that the region is still rife with violence and the recent escalation in the fighting has claimed 117 Palestinian lives, along with two […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
China to launch 10 pilot reforms for state enterprises in 2016
(Xinhua), 12-12- 2015, BEIJING – China is to launch pilot reforms for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in 10 areas in 2016, including ownership and executive hiring policy, a senior official said Friday. Peng Huagang, deputy secretary general of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, made the remarks at a press briefing in […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
Holiday Grinches: New Study Shows How to Deal With Argumentative People
Montreal, Canada (PRWEB) December 12, 2015 – It’s inevitable: Most people will agree that there is always one family member who can’t help but start an argument at nearly every family get-together. The question is, why? Research from Queendom.com indicates that although “Holiday Grinches” tend to have difficulty controlling their temper, the source of their […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
China announces 10 major programs to boost links with Africa over three years
Xinhua, 04-12-2015, JOHANNESBURG — Chinese President Xi Jinping announced here Friday that his country will roll out 10 major plans to boost cooperation with Africa in the coming three years. Proposing to lift the China-Africa relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second summit of the […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
Which U.S. Presidential candidate would you like as a holiday season seatmate: GroundLink Surveys Business Travelers
NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) DECEMBER 10, 2015 – With the holidays around the corner and the 2016 presidential candidates continuing to make headlines, GroundLink®, a leading tech-enabled black car service, surveyed more than 500 frequent business travelers on their opinions on holiday travel. When it comes to mixing holiday travel and politics, nearly 40 percent […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
Uber Legal Challenge Squashes Public Records Request on Eve of Seattle City Council Vote
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 11, 2015 – On the eve of a Seattle City Council vote that could grant collective bargaining rights to Uber drivers, Uber has sued King County and Seattle law firm Keller Rohrback L.L.P. to try to block a public records request for the number of licensed Uber drivers in Seattle. The Seattle City […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
Vormetric Survey: Data Breaches Would Threaten Americans’ Loyalty to Their Favorite Retailer
SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Vormetric, a specialist in enterprise data security for physical, virtual, big data and cloud environments, today announced in conjunction with Wakefield the results of its survey on how Americans’ would change their shopping behaviors if their favorite retailer was hit by a data breach. The survey revealed that […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
America’s Health Rankings Report: Rising Drug Deaths, Obesity, Children in Poverty Pose Challenges
MINNETONKA, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are making meaningful progress on key health metrics including smoking less and leading less sedentary lifestyles, but rising rates of drug deaths, obesity, diabetes and children in poverty signal serious challenges, according to United Health Foundation’s 26th America’s Health Rankings® Annual Report: A Call to Action for Individuals & Their Communities. United […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
Brookhaven Retreat Offers Tips to Manage Stress During This Festive/Hectic Season
(PRWEB) DECEMBER 10, 2015 – As late-fall and winter tend to be busy to the point of hectic, Brookhaven Retreat offers tips for self-care to manage stress. “Creating a life worth living is something that happens slowly, one step at a time,” says Jacqueline Dawes, founder and owner of Brookhaven Retreat. “It’s about being realistic, […]
more…16 Dec, 2015
For the first time, all countries empowered to nominate candidates for next UN Secretary-General
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 15 December 2015 – The 193 Member States of the United Nations will for the first time be included “totally” in the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly said today, pledging to make the process as transparent and inclusive as possible. Speaking to reporters […]
more…13 Dec, 2015
World’s richest 10% produce half of global carbon emissions – Oxfam report
London, 2 December 2015, (Oxfam media release) – The poorest half of the world’s population – 3.5 billion people – is responsible for just 10 percent of carbon emissions, despite being the most threatened by the catastrophic storms, droughts, and other severe weather shocks linked to climate change. These are the findings of a new […]
more…13 Dec, 2015
Leading U.S. anthropologists group passes Israel boycott resolution with 88% yes-vote
By an overwhelming vote of 1,040 in favor and 136 against (88 percent), the American Anthropological Association (AAA) overwhelmingly approved a historic resolution to boycott Israeli academic institutions to honor the call of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign (BDS). The association voted at its annual business conference in Denver, Colorado, becoming the largest scholarly institution in the […]
more…13 Dec, 2015
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to open in mid-January 2016
Beijing, (Xinhua), December 03, 2015 – The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will open in mid-January next year, said Chen Huan, who is in charge of preparations for the bank’s launch. It will meet the requirements for opening at the end of December, Chen said. According to an agreement, the AIIB will be eligible […]
more…13 Dec, 2015
China needs $293 billion to met 2017 air pollution reduction target
Beijing (China Daily.com.cn) November 20, 2015 – An estimated investment of at least 1.87 trillion yuan ($ 293 billion) is needed to meet the target of the national plan to control air pollution, and current funds are inadequate, said a report on Thursday. A report, titled Investment Requirements and Potential Effects of Implementing China’s Air […]
more…13 Dec, 2015
The Forbes 400: Wealthiest 20 people own more wealth than half the U.S. population
WASHINGTON DC, Institute for Policy Studies, December 1, 2015 – This report exposes the extreme wealth concentrated within the fortunes of the 400 wealthiest Americans and compares this wealth to the much more meager assets of several different segments of American society. The report proposes several solutions to close the growing gap between the ultra […]
more…13 Dec, 2015
Indonesia to host international conference on Jerusalem
Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) 12 December 2015 – Indonesia will host a two-day international conference on Jerusalem held by the United Nation Committee on Palestine (CEIRPP) to start on Monday in Jakarta. The delegates will discuss the status of Jerusalem and cooperation to resolve the Palestinian conflicts, Multilateral Director General at the Foreign Ministry […]
more…13 Dec, 2015
UN General Assembly passes resolution to curb illegal, unregulated fisheries
United Nations, UN Media release, 8 December 2015 — With more than two dozen speakers and the heads of two of the world’s ocean and sea authorities proclaiming the crucial importance of healthy oceans and seas to coastal and landlocked States alike, the General Assembly today adopted a resolution on sustainable fisheries without a vote […]
more…9 Dec, 2015
Travel & Tourism in the New World Order: A Forecast for 2016
Decision-making is a major challenge today. Too much change is taking place too fast across too many sectors, with too little time to think and respond. Like airline pilots and ship captains, with the safety and security of their passengers at stake, all decision-makers need to be forewarned about the “weather conditions” that lie ahead […]
more…7 Dec, 2015
UN General Assembly Resolutions Urge Concerted Global Efforts to Advance Culture of Peace, Non-Violence
United Nations, UN media release, Dec 3, 2015 – Confronting an increasingly polarized world where religious intolerance, discrimination, xenophobia, conflict and the emergence of new extremist ideologies abounded, the General Assembly today adopted, without a vote, two resolutions that stressed the advancement of a culture of peace and non-violence based on education, tolerance, dialogue and […]
more…7 Dec, 2015
In global first, Newswire Editor unveils simplified format of UN Sustainable Development Goals
In a global first, Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil has crafted a simplified version of the 17-point Sustainable Development Goals to make it easier for the SDGs to be implemented by the rapidly-growing travel & tourism industry. Two presentations given in Bangkok and Vientiane respectively on Dec 2 and 4 to explain the […]
more…2 Dec, 2015
FREE Download: Presentations from UNWTO Seminar on Islamic Culture and its Impact on Asian Tourism
Brunei Darussalam (UNWTO media release) – The 1st Regional Seminar on the Contribution of Islamic Culture and its Impact on the Asian Tourism Market was held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam from 16 – 17 November 2015. The seminar was organized jointly by UNWTO and Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam. The […]
more…2 Dec, 2015
Chinese ‘maternity tourism’ to US sees change
San Francisco (China Daily USA), 2015-12-01 – A Los Angeles-based “birthing center” has seen less demand from couples since China changed its one-child policy but more demand from wealthy clients for high-end service. To evade the fine for violating China’s since-changed one-child policy (about 100,000 yuan to 200,000 yuan or $15,632 to $31,264), having their […]
more…1 Dec, 2015
India Needs to Beef Up its Tolerance Levels
By Punam Mohandas It seems I’m picking up right where I left off; I thought the Aamir Khan outrageously intolerant statement would have been debated to death by now but no, apparently we’re still picking the carcass clean! And so, much like the movie Don, here is the sequel to my previous article too. Gyaarah […]
more…30 Nov, 2015
Shanghai plans to offer free HIV intervention therapy to MSM group
Shanghai, (People’s Daily Online), November 23, 2015 – Men who have sex with men (MSM) are responsible for a growing share of AIDS transmissions, according to the latest report released by Shanghai City Disease Prevention and Control Center on Saturday. Medical experts said Shanghai plans to give free intervention therapy to MSM group, but few […]
more…30 Nov, 2015
Chinese gay men hit hard by HIV/AIDS epidemic
hanghai (China Daily) Updated: 2015-11-20 – China has reported nearly 110,000 HIV/AIDS cases so far this year, a slight increase over last year, said the nation’s top AIDS specialist.The gay male population has been hit particularly hard, accounting for more than 25 percent of the total. Wu Zunyou, head of the National Center for AIDS/STD […]
more…30 Nov, 2015
Gay sex blamed for rise in young Chinese students with HIV/AIDS
Bejing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-11-25 20:11 – The HIV/AIDS epidemic is hitting young Chinese students, particularly males, hard with annually reported cases surging more than four times in the past seven years, said the nation’s top AIDS specialist. China has reported more than 3,400 student cases of HIV/AIDS this year, compared with 779 in 2008, said Wu […]
more…30 Nov, 2015
US caused $4 trillion in damage over 23 years of carbon emissions: Bangladesh human rights groups
DHAKA, Nov 29, 2015 (BSS) – Rights organizations today renewed their call to the rich nations to pay compensation to the affected countries for climate change as they said only the United States has incurred a damage of debt of $4 trillion during the period 1990-2013. At a human chain titled “Rich Countries, You don’t […]
more…30 Nov, 2015
Rich world urged to pay climate bill
MENAFN – Gulf Times – 29/11/2015- Latin America will demand that the richest and most polluting countries foot the bill for reducing harmful emissions at the world climate summit starting tomorrow. Countries in one of the world’s poorest and most environmentally diverse regions have failed to agree on many things and do not have a […]
more…30 Nov, 2015
Is promoting gay travel contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS?
Bangkok – The announcement of an “organizational partnership” between the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association has raised some serious fundamental questions about the appropriateness of promoting gay travel in a cultural context as well as its linkage with the spread of HIV/AIDS. On the one hand, the IGLTA […]
more…29 Nov, 2015
Chinese Billionaire Aims to Build World’s Most Profitable Sports Company
Beijing, (Xinhua) November 28, 2015 – Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin never conceals his ambition to build a world leading sports company. Wang’s Wanda Group has set up Wanda Sports company, an integration of sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media and World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). Wanda Group, a real estate giant in China, announced on […]
more…29 Nov, 2015
Schengen: Border-control agency Frontex seeks access to security databases
THE HAGUE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — Without access to security database tools necessary for detecting terrorist threats, Frontex is forced to limit its controls of irregular immigrants at Schengen zone external borders to a minimum check with identity registering, said Fabrice Leggeri, executive director of the European external border agency, in an interview with Xinhua. […]
more…29 Nov, 2015
Chinese play growing part in online shopping
New York (China Daily USA) 2015-11-26 — Foreign brands and retailers are ready for another Chinese “Duo Shou Day”, which translates into one’s hands being chopped because of an inability to refrain from online shopping. Rewarded with good revenue on Singles Day on Nov 11, many international merchants are hoping to attract more Chinese online […]
more…29 Nov, 2015
Asia’s Largest Underground Railway Station to Open in Shenzhen
Shenzhen, (People’s Daily Online) November 26, 2015 – The construction of Asia’s largest underground high-speed railway station has been completed in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, and is expected to put into operation by the end of this year, announced the Guangzhou Railway Group on November 15, 2015. The Futian Railway Station, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen-Guangzhou […]
more…29 Nov, 2015
Xinhua Insight: China changes tactics in financial fight against poverty
BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) — Zhang Xiangyin still remembers the day his daughter-in-law left home three years ago, leaving her 33-day-old son. She could no longer bear living entrenched in poverty in their mountain village. Zhang, a 58-year-old farmer in Bijie City of southwest China’s Guizhou Province, knows exactly what poverty means. With two daughters, […]
more…29 Nov, 2015
Acclaimed Palestinian theatre in Jerusalem faces closure
Jerusalem (IINA) 28 Nov 2015– The Palestinian National Theater, which for three decades has been the leading performing arts and cultural centre for Arabs in occupied Jerusalem, is facing closure after running up large municipal debts, its director said on Friday. Known as “Al Hakawati” (The Storyteller), the theater has amassed unpaid bills of $150,000 […]
more…28 Nov, 2015
Hong Kong Airlines’ “Fly with Faith – Taipei Tour for Seniors” Creates Memorable Journey for the Elderly
HONG KONG, Nov. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Senior citizens contribute to the society with their wealth of experience and knowledge. To show our gratitude and respect for them, Hong Kong Airlines co-organized “Fly with Faith-Taipei Tour for Seniors” with Pok Oi Hospital yesterday, sponsoring return air tickets to Taipei, afternoon tea buffet and coach service […]
more…27 Nov, 2015
Victims of war, apostles of peace – The Hindu
By Shiv Visvanathan Yet the message of these women needs to be listened to. They are suggesting that the official answer to genocide, the security discourse, is inadequate. It leaves nations, corporations, warlords and even the security discourse untainted. It is ordinary people, NGOs, women’s groups, spiritual leaders, trade unions like SEWA, ecology forums dreaming […]
more…26 Nov, 2015
Israel loses UN General Assembly vote on Palestine by overwhelming 153-7 margin, ignores result
United Nations, UN media release, 24 November 2015 – The General Assembly today adopted six resolutions on Palestinian and Middle East issues, as diverse as the Syrian Golan and the United Nations special information programme on the question of Palestine, all by recorded votes, exposing divisions in the world body. A resolution on Jerusalem called for […]
more…26 Nov, 2015
Aamir Khan and the Incredibly Intolerant Indian
by Punam Mohandas Shoot the messenger (for f***s sake, that’s a figurative statement; don’t get your knickers in a twist!) by all means, but the message still remains. One refers of course, to the latest controversy rocking India, which doesn’t seem to have much on its plate at the moment (poverty? Fiddlesticks. Female foeticide? Pah. […]
more…26 Nov, 2015
Lockdown Impact: Paris, Brussels Suffer Mass Cancellations
London, Forwardkeys News Release, 25 November 2015 – Flight bookings to Brussels have collapsed in the wake of the recent attacks in Paris and the lockdown in Brussels, as police search for more suspects. According to the latest figures from travel data analyst, ForwardKeys, net bookings, which take into account both daily bookings and cancellations, […]
more…25 Nov, 2015
Unprecedented Backlash Against American Muslims After Paris Attacks
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/24/15) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released an initial report on the unprecedented backlash and discrimination targeting the nation’s Muslim community since the November 13 terror attacks in Paris. [A more comprehensive report on the backlash is to be issued at a later date.] […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
Prevention Better Than Cure, UN Chief Says in First Open Debate on Root Causes of Conflict
United Nations, UN media release, 17 November 2015 – Today’s violent conflicts, most recently marked by terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut and Baghdad, were often rooted in a mix of exclusion, inequality and governance failures, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council today, urging a greater focus on prevention, human rights and coherence among all […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Cannot Be Separated from Global Terrorism Threat, UN Security Council told
United Nations, UN media release, 19 November 2015 – The abhorrent terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula reinforced the reality that the extremism and terrorism infecting many parts of the Middle East was not constrained by borders, and that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could not be separated from the global threat of terrorism, […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
Speakers in UN General Assembly Sound Alarm as Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Continues to Fester
United Nations, UN media release, 23 November 2015 – The world was just one major provocation in Jerusalem away from a descent into an unprecedented religious war, the General Assembly was told today as it took up the question of Palestine and heard the introduction of four draft resolutions on that matter. With conflicts in […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
UN Deputy Secretary-General Says Children in Gaza Do Not Feel Diplomatic Advances, Only Glaring Lack of Hope
United Nations, UN media release, 23 November 2015 – Following are Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks at the meeting on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in New York today: I present this statement on behalf of the Secretary-General, who today is travelling. One year ago, the General Assembly commemorated the International […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
Palestinians Call on International Powers to End Biased Policies in Applying Justice
United Nations, UN Information Service, 23 November 2015 – In a meeting commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, to be observed 29 November, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine called on the international community to stop selective and biased policies in applying justice, stressing that the lack of implementation of […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
Why Gen Y Should Avoid Seeking Jobs in Travel & Tourism
The surge in travel & tourism over the last few years has attracted many young people who see it as a promising job opportunity. They are enticed by the glamour of working in a nice environment, meeting people of different cultures, enjoying good food and, if they stay the course, being able to travel at […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
ASEAN Parliamentarians Blast Excessive Focus on “Economic” Integration, Minus Social Agenda
Full text of statement issued by 23 Nov 2015 by Charles Santiago, Malaysian Member of Parliament and Chairperson, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) following the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. It’s the 27th time that ASEAN heads of state and world leaders have met to discuss the initiative for ASEAN integration, which deals with gaps […]
more…24 Nov, 2015
Amid violence, ‘glaring lack of hope,’ UN deputy chief urges action to break Israeli-Palestinian impasse
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 23 November 2015 – Nearly 12 months after the launch of the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People with the aim of generating global engagement on ‘the Question of Palestine,’ security and hope in Gaza and in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remain at a “very […]
more…23 Nov, 2015
Settling Israeli-Palestinian conflict would help curb terrorism, says UN Middle East envoy
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 19 November 2015 – Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would help counter the extremism behind the “abhorrent terrorist attacks” in Paris, Beirut and the Sinai, a senior United Nations official on the Middle East peace process said today, referring to last week’s bloody attacks and the downing of a Russian plane […]
more…23 Nov, 2015
New Green America Campaign Calls Out Hasbro And Disney For Sweatshop-made Toys
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — One week before the “Black Friday,” Green America, the DC-based consumer advocacy organization, is launching a campaign calling on Disney and Hasbro to improve conditions for the overseas workers that make their products. In particular, the Green America campaign calls for these companies to create a safe work environment […]
more…23 Nov, 2015
Nearly 1 million international students now in U.S. colleges: report
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) — Almost a million international students were currently studying at colleges and universities across the United States, a new report said on Monday. According to latest data from the 2015 Open Doors Report, an annual survey by the U.S. Institute of International Education, the number of international students at U.S. colleges […]
more…23 Nov, 2015
ASEAN Confers First Peoples’ Award 2015
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) — In commemorating the establishment of the ASEAN Community end of this year, ASEAN will for the first time award and honour ASEAN Member States’ individuals or organisations who have made outstanding contributions toward the creation of a united, prosperous and caring ASEAN Community with the theme “Building A Vibrant […]
more…22 Nov, 2015
World Bank-PwC study: Electronic reforms have made it much easier for companies to pay taxes
WARSAW, Poland, Nov 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electronic tax filing and payments were the most common tax reforms undertaken by countries worldwide during the past year, according to the latest edition of the Paying Taxes report from the World Bank Group and PwC. As a result, paying taxes became easier for medium sized companies globally, but the […]
more…22 Nov, 2015
ASEAN Strategic Plan Launched for SME development
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Nov 21 (NNN-Bernama) — The ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development (2016-2025) will place more focus on innovation, technology and productivity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In unveiling the plan today, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said the document was built on the achievements of the previous 2010-2015 […]
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