31 Aug, 2015
Islamic Tourism: Lombok to host 2nd Travel Mart & ASEAN Seminar
The city of Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia has been chosen by the Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia, to host the 2nd World Islamic Tourism Mart & ASEAN Joint Seminar on Islamic Tourism from 22nd to 24th October 2015. WITM-JOSIT is a joint collaboration between WiTM Event and the Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia. This is going to be […]
more…31 Aug, 2015
India’s IATA agents blast “foreign airlines” trying to “dictate terms in Indian skies”
The IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) has sent out a circular claiming that Lufthansa’s upcoming Distribution Cost Charge is illegal, and will “drive the final nail in the Travel Agents’ coffin” if implemented on 1 September 2015. Adopting a stridently nationalistic tone, the circular says, “IAAI will not allow any foreign airlines to dominate […]
more…29 Aug, 2015
Costs Forcing U.S. Military Families To Scale Back Summer Vacations
FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 06, 2015 — Sequestration and economic worries are prodding America’s career military families to scale back their rest and relaxation plans again this summer. The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® reveals that 47 percent of middle-class military families (commissioned officers and senior NCOs in pay grades E-6 and above with household […]
more…29 Aug, 2015
World’s largest anti-corruption conference to be held in Malaysia, 2 – 4 September
Berlin, 27 Aug 2015, (Transparency International media release) – The 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) will take place from 2 – 4 September 2015 in Putrajaya, Malaysia under the theme “Ending Impunity: People. Integrity. Action.” All too often, those in power who steal from the public purse are able to escape justice. The IACC will […]
more…29 Aug, 2015
Young Europeans more attracted by cross-border access to online content: survey
BRUSSELS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — For almost one in three Europeans, it would be important to be able to have cross-border access to online content when traveling in another European Union (EU) country, according to Eurobarometer survey findings released Friday. The younger the people are, the more they are attracted by cross-border opportunities, as the […]
more…29 Aug, 2015
Iran ready to reciprocally waive visa requirements
Isfahan, Aug 28, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said foreign nationals whose respective countries facilitate Iranians’ entry to their land without visas do not require visas to visit Iran. ‘To promote relations, we are ready to reciprocate the countries’ plans to allow Iranians visit their lands without obtaining visas,’ he told reporters on […]
more…29 Aug, 2015
Boeing Sees 20-year Demand in China for 6,330 Airplanes Valued at Nearly $1 Trillion
BEIJING, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA), China’s leading provider of commercial airplanes, today projected a demand in the country for 6,330 new airplanes over the next 20 years. Boeing released its annual China Current Market Outlook (CMO) today in Beijing, estimating the total value of those new airplanes at $950 billion. “Despite the […]
more…29 Aug, 2015
China Southern offers African buyers discounts to attend 118th Canton Fair
GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — This autumn the Canton Fair will boost Sino-African trade through the continuation of its successful partnership with China Southern Airlines (CSA). CSA is offering all African attendees discounted flights between Nairobi and Guangzhou for the 118 th session of the Fair – taking place between October 15 and […]
more…29 Aug, 2015
First “outsider” Governor at TAT cements era of new leadership for Thai tourism
Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand entered a new era with the appointment of a 49-year-old, Japanese-trained economist as its first “outsider” Governor. The appointment of Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn brings to an end a tradition of appointing people from within that has been the unwritten rule ever since the TAT was founded in 1960. […]
more…28 Aug, 2015
PATA Travel Mart Preview: As Confidence Returns, Bottom-line Improves
Bangkok – The Pacific Asia Travel Association is on track to convert a US$700,000 deficit in 2014 into a US$134,000 surplus this financial year, thanks to stronger membership growth, a surge in profitable events and sell-out PATA Travel Mart, PATA CEO Mario Hardy said last week. In a PTM preview interview, Mr. Hardy said the […]
more…28 Aug, 2015
China-Thailand Railway project gets green light
Bangkok, August 27, 2015, People’s Daily Online) – After many ups and downs, China has finally won the railway cooperation project with Thailand. Zhu Xijun, general manager of the Southeast Asia Company of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), said on Aug. 26 that after six rounds of negotiation, both sides plans to sign the inter-governmental […]
more…28 Aug, 2015
Think China is the source of global financial volatility? Think again
BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) — China is not the main cause of the current chaos in the global financial market. Problems in the West are more to blame. Turmoil has swept financial markets across the globe over the last few weeks, slashing stock prices, jolting the value of major currencies, and beating commodity prices to […]
more…28 Aug, 2015
Interview: Volatilities are “natural consequence” of China’s economic transition
by Xinhua writers Zheng Qihang, Guan Jianwu WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Recent volatilities of Chinese stock markets and the currency depreciation are “natural” in such an economic transition as China is undergoing, chairman of the Principal Financial Group said. Larry Zimpleman, also chief executive officer of the Principal Financial Group, said in a recent […]
more…28 Aug, 2015
European migrant crisis blowback for U.S.-created turmoil in Middle East
BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) — While Europe is struggling to cope with massive influx of refugees from Africa and the Middle East, the United States should refrain from taking a not-in-my-backyard attitude and reflect on its Middle East policy, which directly or indirectly displaced thousands of people. Europe has been inflicted by the illegal migrants […]
more…28 Aug, 2015
Catholics to observe Global Day of Prayer for the Environment on Sept. 1
Manila, August 27, 2015, Manila Bulletin – In keeping with Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, the Philippine Roman Catholic Church will observe the Global Day of Prayer for the Environment on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Dubbed “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” prayer services will be observed in all Catholic churches across […]
more…27 Aug, 2015
Respected U.S. Biblical scholar changes stance on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Louisville, Kentucky (PRWEB)August 25, 2015 – Walter Brueggemann, a respected and prolific biblical scholar, provides candid commentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his new book Chosen? Reading the Bible amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Westminster John Knox Press). Encouraging his contemporaries to reconsider their stance as well, Brueggemann offers a no-holds-barred perspective on the ongoing situation […]
more…27 Aug, 2015
China drafts first law to curb domestic violence
Beijing, (Xinhua), August 24, 2015 – Chinese legislators are working on a law specifically on domestic violence that highlights prevention and introduces habeas corpus. The bill was tabled to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for a first reading on Monday. The draft clearly defines the responsibilities of different social groups in preventing domestic […]
more…27 Aug, 2015
Asia’s largest glass viewing platform to open soon in China
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) August 24, 2015 – Located on the top of a cliff 1,200 meters above sea level, the glass viewing platform of Tian-Sheng-San-Qiao in Wulong county of Chongqing stretches 11 meters from the edge of the cliff, with the length of 26 meters and vertical height of 280m from the bottom of […]
more…27 Aug, 2015
Office Workers Survey: Clashes over Temps, Last Cup of Coffee, and Even Singing and Stealing Lunches!
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) August 25, 2015 — These days folks fight at work over more than promotions. A new national survey of working Americans reveals more than half battle co-workers over office cleanliness and temperature settings. And when things don’t go their way, employees will secretly change the temperature, persuade the person in charge to […]
more…27 Aug, 2015
Chinese newspaper details how corrupt officials try to evade investigation
BEIJING, (Xinhua), 2015-08-09 – As China’s anti-graft campaign deepens, it seems that corrupt officials have also learnt some lessons from the fallen “tigers and flies,” high-ranking officials and lowly bureaucrats. Newspaper details how corrupt officials try to evade investigation A newspaper affiliated to the top anti-graft body on Saturday published a report detailing how corrupt […]
more…27 Aug, 2015
Australia allocates A$11.9 million to preserve Indigenous languages
Canberra, 26 August 2015, (Minister for the Arts) – The Australian Government today announces $11.9 million for 2015-16 to support work to revive and maintain Australia’s Indigenous languages. The Indigenous Languages and Arts program aims to showcase, protect and encourage participation in traditional and contemporary Indigenous artistic expression to strengthen pride in identity and culture […]
more…27 Aug, 2015
ADB Opens Online Photo Contest for Amateurs on the Impacts of Climate Change
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, ADB News Release – Climate change may well be the greatest challenge of our age and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today kicked off an online photo contest to find the best images representing the impacts of climate change on the people and environments in Asia and the Pacific. “It is said that […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
China’s business travel spending projected to surge by 15.6% this year
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-08-21 — Business travel spending in China is expected to grow by around 15.6 percent this year to about 126 billion yuan ($19.7 billion), making it the slowest growth in the last three years, said a new report. According to the 2015 Chinese business travel management report from iResearch Consulting Group, a […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
Thailand Leads World with Policy to Advance Good Health via Religious Practices
Bangkok 16 August 2015, (Public Relations Department) — The Ministry of Public Health is pushing for a national policy to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging people to focus on their religious practices, along with medical treatment, exercise, and healthy diet. The national policy, to be implemented from 2016 to 2020, was raised for discussion […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
ASEAN SMEs urged to venture into online trading
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Aug 21 (NNN-Bernama) — ASEAN small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to venture into e-commerce or online trading to extend the reach of their products or services. ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) chairman Munir Majid said this was the future and currently in ASEAN, only one per cent of the […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
With Slave Trade Remembrance Day, UN marks start of Int’l Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024)
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 23 August 2015 – By teaching, communicating and transmitting the history of the slave trade the world can reinforce the rights and the dignity of people of African descent and, together, fight against all forms of racism and discrimination, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
Indonesian Minister launches national anti-prostitution movement
Antara, Jayapura, Indonesia, August 21 2015 – Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa launched on Friday a national prostitution-free movement in Jayapura, Papua, in an attempt to eradicate sex work in the country by 2019. The launch was marked with the closure of a red-light district in East Sentani, Papua, with its sex workers being […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
People with disabilities thrive in Sino-German firm
Taicang city, Jiangsu province (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-08-18 – Taicang Sino-German Handicapped Technology Co (TSGHT) has come to the limelight nearly five months after its opening on March 26 in Taicang city, Jiangsu province. According to Lu Xiaochen, one of the 12 disabled people working at the facility, the company is expected to turn a profit after […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
Xiamen Airport becomes 5th in China to offer 24×7 operations
Xiamen, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2015-08-19 — After one month of trial operation, Gaoqi International Airport in Xiamen, Fujian province will officially launch its around-the-clock clearance service on August 26. The service will put the airport on a shortlist of five Chinese airports to offer such services, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The move will enable Gaoqi […]
more…24 Aug, 2015
Forbidden City shut down until Sept 3
BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — The Forbidden City will not open to the public from Aug. 22 to Sept. 3, the Palace Museum confirmed Friday. North to the Tian’anmen Square, the 600-year-old imperial palace is the center point for the upcoming military parade on Sept. 3, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the victory […]
more…23 Aug, 2015
Sea-locked Indonesia to stress maritime advantage as main development sector
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 21 August 2015 – Indonesia is one of the worlds largest maritime countries, with some 5.8 million square kilometers of sea territory, while its land territory covers only 1.9 million square kilometers. Its coastline is some 92 thousand kilometers long, making it the second-longest after Canada. The country is the largest archipelagic […]
more…21 Aug, 2015
In Pictures: Multi-faith ceremony to mourn Bangkok bomb victims, pray for safety & security
Bangkok – A multi-faith ceremony comprising of representatives of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism was held at 0700 hrs on Aug 21 to mourn the victims of the 17 Aug bomb blast which killed 21 innocent civilians and injured dozens more, most of them tourists. The ceremonies began at the Erawan shrine with prayers […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
UN health agency kicks-off campaign honouring world’s health workers
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 14 August 2015 – The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to launch a campaign aimed at honouring the sacrifices and efforts of thousands of international health workers deployed to the frontlines of the world’s most pressing crises, the United Nations agency has announced. The online campaign – to be […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
Air India Express launches direct flights Varanasi – Sharjah
New Delhi, Ministry of Civil Aviation, 17-August-2015 – The Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Culture (Independent Charge) and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma today jointly inaugurated direct flight of Air India’s budget arm, Air India Express, between Varanasi and Sharjah. The Varanasi-Sharjah […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
Italy targets Iran trade opportunities
ROME, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — Following the easing of sanctions against Iran decided in the nuclear deal signed on July 14 in Vienna, all the requisites are now in place for Italy to rekindle its ancient relationship with Tehran. Last year, the Italian exchange with Iran amounted to nearly 1.6 billion euros (1.8 billion U.S. […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
Israel Army Demolishes Structures in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Targets Another House in Hebron
WEST BANK, August 19, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities demolished on Wednesday two residential units in Jerusalem and Ramallah, as well as notified to demolish the house of a prisoner in Hebron, according to local and media sources. Local sources said an Israeli police force accompanied by heavy machinery broke into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood in […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
Arab-American group seeks data to monitor discrimination by Israeli border authorities
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | August 17, 2015 – Over the course of the past few months, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has observed an increase in the number of U.S. Citizens of Arab descent who have been arbitrarily detained, interrogated, and denied entry to Palestine through Israeli controlled borders. Take Action: If you or someone […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
World Bank Project Provides Hospitality and Tour Guide Training to Palestinians
WEST BANK, August 17, 2015 (World Bank media release)—Spanning more than 300 kilometers in the West Bank, and continuing across Jordan, Israel and the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, the Abraham trekking path is considered one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations. Along the path, which follows the footsteps of Abraham, a prominent historical figure […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
Multi-faith religious rites for Bangkok bomb victims on Aug 21
BANGKOK, 19 August 2015 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that it will be holding a religious ceremony for the Ratchaprasong bomb victims on 21 August 2015. The Director-General of the BMA’s Culture, Sport and Tourism Department Pranee Sattayaprakop has chaired the preparatory meeting for the religious ceremony, which will be held […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
UAE Foreign Ministry advises its citizens abroad: Don’t attract attention with expensive attire
Abu Dhabi, August 18, 2015, WAM — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has urged UAE nationals travelling abroad to follow travel guidelines and procedures, out of keenness to facilitate citizens’ travel and ensure their safety while abroad. The ministry called on travellers to register themselves and their young and old family members in the […]
more…20 Aug, 2015
Air China to Commence Beijing-Mumbai Nonstop in Oct
BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Air China will commence Beijing-Mumbai nonstop service on October 25, 2015. As the forthcoming only service from Mainland China to Mumbai, it will spare passengers departing from Beijing for Mumbai the trouble of having to make a detour by transferring in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok and make it […]
more…19 Aug, 2015
In Pictures: Less than 48 hours after blast, reopened Erawan Shrine is the new Bangkok tourist hot-spot
Bangkok — Less than 48 hours after the Aug 17 bomb blast at the Erawan shrine, one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist spots has reopened and become an even bigger tourist attraction. Hundreds of tourists are converging at the shrine as well as the elevated walkway overlooking it to pray, make their offerings and just […]
more…19 Aug, 2015
Asian broadcasters conference proceeding normally in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai — The Thai Government Public Relations Department (PRD) is hosting the 41st Annual Gathering and 14th AIBD General Conference and Associated Meetings in Chiang Mai province from 18 to 20 August 2015. AIBD stands for “Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development.” It is a unique regional inter-governmental organization servicing countries of the United Nations […]
more…19 Aug, 2015
TAT: No Cutbacks in Global Marketing Campaigns
Bangkok – Adopting a strong lead-from-the-front policy position, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is to maintain all its global marketing and promotion campaigns as normal, the TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications Mr. Sugree Sithivanich has confirmed. The decision to stay the course, one of the key elements of Thailand’s crisis-management plan, is designed to […]
more…18 Aug, 2015
Thai tourism industry again in crisis-management mode following Bangkok bomb attack
Bangkok – The Thai tourism industry was again in crisis mode on August 18 in the wake of a bomb blast at a downtown spiritual shrine popular with tourists. Heavy-duty meetings were under way nationwide between the public and private sectors on how to handle the aftermath of the blast which security authorities have publicly […]
more…17 Aug, 2015
Now Everyone Can Buy: Thailand’s Best Brands-free SME “Mega-mall” in Pictures
Babgkok – The Thai tourism industry is striving to position Thailand as a value-for-money Quality Destination and boost shopping as a means of raising national incomes, promoting a more fair and balanced distribution of economic progress and creating jobs. However, one major opportunity to meet that objective does not get its fair share of promotion […]
more…14 Aug, 2015
University Survey: More Than One-Third of U.S. Working Adults Consider Themselves “Intrapreneurs”
PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 13, 2015 — Nearly all of today’s working U.S. adults (93 percent) believe they possess at least some entrepreneurial qualities, and 43 percent of adults either currently own or want to own their own business. While the allure of business ownership is strong, employees are seeking opportunities to perform like entrepreneurs within their […]
more…14 Aug, 2015
Consumer watchdog group turns up heat on Lufthansa over 16 Euro ticket surcharge
13 August 2015, WASHINGTON, DC – AirChannelChoice.travel, a Business Travel Coalition (BTC) initiative, today transmitted a stern letter – with 10 pages of industry comments – to Lufthansa (LHG) Chairman and CEO Mr. Carsten Spohr rejecting his organization’s Distribution Cost Charge (DCC) – a 16 Euros surcharge for tickets purchased anywhere other than through LHG […]
more…14 Aug, 2015
“Muslim-free” businesses growing across U.S.
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/13/2015), CAIR media release – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said that an Oklahoma survival equipment store has joined the growing number of businesses nationwide that have declared themselves “Muslim-free.” CAIR also questioned why, despite repeated requests for action, the U.S. Department […]
more…13 Aug, 2015
Chinese Communist Party expels former senior tourism official for corruption
BEIJING, Aug. 12, (Xinhua) — Huo Ke, former deputy director of the China National Tourism Administration, has been expelled from the Party and public office for graft and leaking Party and state secrets, the anti-graft authority said Wednesday. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) found that Huo […]
more…13 Aug, 2015
Chinese Commentary: RMB devaluation warrants no currency war
BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — While China’s newly announced revision of the yuan’s central parity rate formation system earned applause from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), some U.S. lawmakers, not surprisingly, began to grumble again about China’s currency reform. Accusations that China is manipulating the Renminbi (RMB) to gain a trade advantage do not hold […]
more…13 Aug, 2015
China Focus: Beijing looks to neighbouring cities to accommodate elderly
BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — Beijing is planning large communities for senior citizens in nearby cities as part of the capital’s effort to achieve coordinated development in the region. A 300,000-square-meter pilot community in Gaobeidian City of Hebei Province is currently under construction and similar facilities are expected if it proves successful, Li Wanjun, head […]
more…13 Aug, 2015
U.S. Security Experts Demand Immediate Suspension of Security Clearances for Hillary Clinton and staff members
ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 12, 2015 — Scott Taylor, President of Special Operations Education Fund (OPSEC), announced today that OPSEC is again calling upon Secretary of State John Kerry to immediately suspend any and all security clearances presently held by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; her former Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills, her former Deputy […]
more…13 Aug, 2015
How credit-card swipe fees take the travelling public for a ride – Merchants Payments Coalition
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 12, 2015 – As Americans go on vacation, they might complain about noisy hotel neighbors or delayed flights. But many don’t realize the banks put the damper on their fun too by making it more expensive. According to a survey by Choice Hotels International, eight of ten Americans will travel this summer. Whether […]
more…13 Aug, 2015
Aug 12 International Youth Day survey: What do young people in Asia think about corruption?
12 August was International Youth Day. Transparency International reflected on the opportunities and challenges that young people face around the world. Berlin, Transparency International news release, 12 August 2015 — For too many, corruption remains a daily curse – from extortion at the hands of officials, often in schools and universities, to frustration when bribes […]
more…13 Aug, 2015
Korea Palestine Center Opens in Hebron, Occupied Palestine
RAMALLAH, August 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has celebrated the completion of the follow up project for Korea Palestine Center of the Hebron Municipality on the 6th of August, with contribution of around $300,000. This follow up consisted of procurement of equipment such as desktops, laptops, transport car, IT and network […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
Drone Restrictions Supported by a Majority of Americans, says FindLaw Survey
EAGAN, Minn., Aug. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The first drone delivery of a package that was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration recently took place. But an overwhelming majority of Americans say they support restrictions on the use of drones as they become more commonplace, according to a new survey by FindLaw.com, the most popular legal […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
Tokyo tops Asia-Pacific cities with highest hotel rates in Q2 2015: HRS Hotel Price Radar
Singapore, 12 August 2015 – Hotel room rates in Tokyo, Sydney and Singapore emerged as the most expensive in Asia Pacific between April to June 2015, according to the HRS Q2 2015 Hotel Price Radar, released by HRS Corporate, a global hotel solutions provider. With an average room rate of S$258, Tokyo also showed one […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
AirAsia marks 300-million-guests milestone
Jakarta, August 11, 2015 – AirAsia, claimed to be the world’s “best low cost airline” for seven consecutive years, reached another milestone with 300 million guests flown. The milestone was commemorated with a string of celebrations starting from Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, to The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place. Jodie Lazuardie, a 30-year-old Art Director […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
47TH ASEAN Economic Meet in Kuala Lumpur to finalise formation of AEC
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Aug 11 (NNN-Bernama) — The 47th ASEAN Economic Meeting, to be held here from Aug 22 to Aug 25, will put the finishing touches to the formal establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by year-end. Minister of International Trade and Industry, Mustapa Mohamed, said the meeting will discuss the implementation of […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
Google’s Restructuring Changes Nothing About Its Impact On Consumers’ Privacy, Consumer Watchdog Says
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Google’s announcement today that it is creating a new holding company called “Alphabet” changes nothing about the company’s impact and challenges it poses for consumers, the nonprofit public interest group Consumer Watchdog said. “A rose by any other name is still a rose and Google by any […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
Israeli Defense Minister Breaks into Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron
HEBRON, August 11, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon Tuesday morning broke into the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old City of Hebron. WAFA correspondent reported that Ya’alon broke into the Ibrahimi Mosque under tightened security protection. He said in anticipation of Ya’alon’s provocative visit, Israeli forces closed down all of the old market […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
Germany benefits massively from Greek crisis: study
BERLIN, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) — Germany received significant benefits from the Greek crisis in recent years, saving more than 100 billion euros (about 109.7 billion U.S. dollars) in interest payments on its debts, a study found on Monday. Investors look for safe haven investments when facing uncertainties, said Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH). Germany, […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
141 emergency landings by Indian carriers in over three years
New Delhi Aug 11, 2015, PTI — Various Indian carriers have had 141 incidents of emergency landings due to medical and technical reasons in nearly four years, the government said on Tuesday. “During the last three years and the current year, there have been a total of 141 incidents of emergency landings due to medical […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
Chinese govt encourages people to work less, travel more
Beijing, (Xinhua/ECNS/chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-08-11 — The Chinese government is encouraging people to work 4.5 days a week in a bid to bolster tourism amid the flagging economy. In summer, if conditions permit, more flexibility should be given to employees to help them take vacations using Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays, according to a document published Tuesday […]
more…12 Aug, 2015
ASTA blasts Marriott for “Misleading Direct Booking Campaign”
Alexandria, VA, Aug 11, 2015 — The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has criticised Marriott Hotels and Resorts’ new marketing campaign designed to drive direct bookings via its website as being ” disparaging to travel agents, but also misleading to the traveling public.” In a statement issued by President and CEO Zane Kerby, ASTA […]
more…11 Aug, 2015
Iran researchers make biodiesel from weed
Tehran, PressTV, Aug 10, 2015 — Iranian researchers have produced biodiesel from the flixweed crop as a potential renewable energy substitute for non-renewable fossil fuels. Under a project to deliver a new generation of green transport fuel, researches at the Islamic Azad University produced 2 liters of biomass with a capacity to turn into a biofuel. […]
more…11 Aug, 2015
Global Caucus of The People Travel & Tourism Loves to Hate
Manila — About 150 leading global NGO activists and social movement leaders will meet in Quezon City, the Philippines, between August 13-14 to discuss the downsides of Asia’s growth paradigm and chart strategies to help alternative perspectives get more traction in the mainstream development agenda. Under the theme “Whose New Asia?”, the International Conference on […]
more…11 Aug, 2015
Asia-Pacific’s Largest Musical Instruments Fair to be held in China this October
SHANGHAI, Aug. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Music China, a major music instrument fair in China, will be held from October 14-17, 2015 . Music China 2015 aims to offer a wealth of face-to-face opportunities between buyers and sellers crucial for ongoing business growth within a challenging economy. Launched in 2002, Music China is now the largest music […]
more…10 Aug, 2015
Israeli settlement expansion ‘root cause’ of growing violence in Occupied Palestinian Territories – UN experts
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 10 August 2015 – A United Nations human rights committee has completed its annual evaluation of the situation affecting millions of people living in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and has cited Israel’s policy of settlement expansion as a primary driver of the escalating violence in the area. In a press […]
more…10 Aug, 2015
64% of Iranians prefer German cars
Tehran, Aug 7, IRNA – Findings of a new public opinion survey conducted on Monday showed that a majority of Iranians prefer German cars, if the country’s automakers were to start joint ventures with foreign car-manufacturing companies. A poll of 71,384 Iranian voters was conducted by a nationwide television program named Payesh on Monday on […]
more…10 Aug, 2015
U.S. real estate companies to hold largest show to attract Chinese investment
New York, NY (PRWEB), August 07, 2015 — The Real Deal is bringing the “U.S. Real Estate Showcase & Forum” to Shanghai on September 10 through 12 at the Jing’An Shangri-La Hotel. The show will be the largest U.S. real estate event ever to be held in China. The showcase will feature exclusive networking events […]
more…10 Aug, 2015
President of India inaugurates Conference on ‘Inclusive Museums’
New Delhi, 06-August-2015, (Press Information Bureau) – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated an International Conference on ‘Inclusive Museums’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The theme of the Conference is ‘Museums as Civic Spaces’. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was happy to note that India has been chosen as the venue […]
more…10 Aug, 2015
Skyscanner Reveals the Best Time to Book 2015 U.S. Holiday Travel
MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)-August 04, 2015 – Global travel search engine, Skyscanner, uncovered that Week 33, August 10, is an ideal time to purchase all holiday air travel tickets – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Through analysis of 2014 purchasing patterns, Skyscanner saw that Thanksgiving week tickets booked during week 33 garnered a nearly 5.5 percent […]
more…10 Aug, 2015
Australia hands down record jail term for head administrator of global paedophile site
Canberra, 7 August 2015, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions — Former South Australian public servant, 33-year-old Shannon Grant McCoole was today sentenced to a benchmark record of 35 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 28 years for his lead role sharing child pornography material on a global child abuse internet website. In May 2014 the Queensland […]
more…9 Aug, 2015
Community-oriented Hotel/Hostel Complex ON THE MARKS Opens in Kawasaki
TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 06, 2015 — UDS Ltd. (http://www.uds-net.co.jp), responsible for the Hotel Claska and Hotel Anteroom Kyoto, announces the opening of a new hotel/hostel complex ON THE MARKS (http://www.on-the-marks.jp), specializing in tourist accommodations and planned, designed, and operated by UDS Ltd. in Kawasaki near Tokyo. Hotel Concept ON THE MARKS is a stopping point for […]
more…7 Aug, 2015
Israeli Forces Deny Palestinian Professor, his Family Entry into West Bank
RAMALLAH, August 5, 2015 (WAFA)- Israeli forces Wednesday afternoon denied a Palestinian professor and his family entry into occupied Palestinian Territories to work for Birzeit University in Ramallah. According to a press release issued by Birzeit University, professor Omar al-Surani and his family were denied entry into the West Bank through the Allenby Bridge border […]
more…7 Aug, 2015
Major China-Nepal highway reopens after 3-month blockade
KATHMANDU, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) — The Araniko highway that links Nepal and China reopened Thursday after being blocked for more than 100 days. The 114-km highway, which suffered severe damage due to the landslides triggered by the torrential rain after the April 25 earthquake, reopened after five-day joint operation of Chinese armed police officers and […]
more…7 Aug, 2015
Up to 10% of Australian children suffering mental health problems: report
CANBERRA, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) — A ground-breaking Australian study has revealed as many as 10 percent of children suffer a mental health disorder during childhood, with up to one in 13 children considering suicide. The results of the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents survey, released on Friday, also showed the number of children seeking […]
more…7 Aug, 2015
Averting déjà vu: Why the travel & tourism industry should back Obama on the Iran nuclear deal
Bangkok – President Barack Obama’s 5 August 2015 speech on the Iran nuclear agreement was replete with warnings about heeding the same bunch of warmongers trying to use the same bunch of discredited arguments in the same old table-thumping way as they did in whipping up the U.S. political establishment to sanction the 2003 attack […]
more…7 Aug, 2015
“The absolute evil and ultimate inhumanity that is nuclear weapons”: Full text of Hiroshima Peace Declaration by Mayor Kazumi Matsui
HIROSHIMA, Kyodo – Below is the full text of the Peace Declaration delivered Thursday, August 6,, by Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui at the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima: In our town, we had the warmth of family life, the deep human bonds of community, festivals heralding each season, traditional culture […]
more…6 Aug, 2015
Koshi Bridge in Nepal, Built With ADB Support, Helps Restore Connectivity and Livelihoods
KATHMANDU, NEPAL, 03 August 2015, ADB media release — The Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushil Koirala, today opened the newly constructed Koshi Bridge in Chatara in Sunsari District, restoring mass connectivity and economic activities in the eastern development region and directly benefitting the districts of Sunsari, Saptari, and Udaypur. The bridge was built with financial […]
more…6 Aug, 2015
Myanmar, Thailand pledge to make progress on Dawei SEZ development
NAY PYI TAW, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) — Myanmar and Thailand on Wednesday agreed to make progress for the development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in southern part of the country’s Taninthayi region, said the press release issued at the joint high- level committee meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw. The Dawei SEZ covering […]
more…6 Aug, 2015
China Exclusive: New Orient Express on track to popularity
HOHHOT, Aug. 5, (Xinhua) – A luxury long-distance train service linking Beijing and Moscow and modelled on the infamous Orient Express is bridging cultures and harking back to an era before low-cost air travel. Ticket sales are picking up steam since the first of the trains departed earlier this summer, according to the local authorities […]
more…6 Aug, 2015
Feature: Days may be numbered for free entry to Britain’s museums, galleries
LONDON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) — Are the days of free admission coming to an end at Britain’s 700 museums and art galleries? This week visitors heading to York Art Gallery, one of Britain’s tourism hotspots, had to pay £7.50 (11.7 U.S. dollars) to enter after it re-opened following a 12.5 million U.S.dollar facelift. Before the […]
more…6 Aug, 2015
Univ study reveals how easily Americans can be conditioned to feel prejudice against social groups
WELLESLEY, Mass., Aug. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — When people feel or act negatively toward a group, they may explain their feelings or behavior by saying, “I felt threatened.” However, new research reveals how easily people can be conditioned to feel prejudice — and that unrecognized prejudice can be the source of a perceived threat. The […]
more…6 Aug, 2015
Germanwings crash probe report highlights impact of stress, alcohol and drugs on those at the controls
Bangkok — Two investigation reports into the March 24 crash of Germanwings flight have underscored the role of stress, alcohol and drugs (S.A.D.) on the mental condition of pilots. By extension, they have raised serious concerns about the influence of S.A.D. on the mental condition of those at the wheel of all modes of transport, […]
more…5 Aug, 2015
EU-Vietnam free trade deal, first of its kind with developing country
Brussels, 04 August 2015, European Commission – Press release – Today the EU and Vietnam have reached an agreement in principle for a free trade agreement (FTA), after two and a half years of intense negotiations. Following a telephone conversation this morning between EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade […]
more…4 Aug, 2015
Survey: 98% of Travel Professionals Support U.S. Open Skies Policy
WASHINGTON, DC , August 4, 2015, (Business Travel Coalition media release) — OpenSkies.travel today released the results of a survey of 420 U.S. travel industry professionals conducted online by the Business Travel Coalition. The survey found that 97.6 percent of respondents indicated support for U.S. government Open Skies policy objectives and 90.2 percent agreed that […]
more…4 Aug, 2015
A Pakistani centenarian’s “alternative” way of filling up Asia’s potholes and boosting road safety
Karachi — Millions of potholes pockmark the streets, roads and alleys of Asia. They exact an immense collective toll in the form of motorcycle accidents, damage to vehicles and traffic casualties. Filling them up is usually a public sector responsibility. That means waiting for the local Roads or Transport departments to complete the bureaucratic process […]
more…31 Jul, 2015
Professional women should give birth at younger age: Chinese physician advises
By Zhang Qiaoli Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-07-28 – Women should strive to balance quality of work and life, and have children at a young age. As a doctor I see much suffering because of this imbalance. Xiao Ying, 36, works for a large law firm. Her job means lots of travel, a heavy caseload and a […]
more…31 Jul, 2015
China credit card transactions hit 15.2t yuan in 2014
BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2015-07-29 – Credit cards are gaining increasing popularity among Chinese, with payments totaling 15.2 trillion yuan ($2.49 trillion) last year, a report by China Banking Association showed on Tuesday. The volume was up 16 percent from the previous year. In 2014, around 64 million new credit cards were issued, bringing the total to […]
more…29 Jul, 2015
Travel Impact Newswire launches First Early-Warning Report for Travel & Tourism Industry
Bangkok – Travel Impact Newswire, the leading alternative-perspective online publication covering travel & tourism, has launched what is claimed to be the first Early-Warning Report designed to alert the world’s pre-eminent service industry to looming risks and threats in a rapidly-changing world. Focussing on subjects ranging from the impact of geopolitical conflict to the expanding […]
more…29 Jul, 2015
Iran Looks Forward to Stepping up Relations with ASEAN
Jakarta, 24 July 2015. ASEAN Secretariat News – Iran will intensify its relations and cooperation with ASEAN as well as with ASEAN Member States, according to the country’s new Ambassador to ASEAN, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi. Ambassador Nasrabadi presented his Letter of Credence to Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh on 23 July. Ambassador Nasrabadi […]
more…29 Jul, 2015
APEC Business Travel Card to be Extended to Five Years from 1 September
Singapore, 28 July 2015 (APEC Business Mobility Group) – The APEC Business Mobility Group has announced the implementation of the extension of validity of the APEC Business Travel Card from three to five years, effective from 1 September 2015. This announcement follows agreement reached by all 21 APEC member economies after the last meeting of the APEC […]
more…28 Jul, 2015
Global Rescue App Helps Travellers Stay Informed and Prepared Amidst Rising Threats
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 27, 2015 — As threats to global travelers increase in countries throughout the world, Global Rescue has developed an app to help keep travellers safe and support enterprises in meeting their legal Duty of Care responsibilities. The Global Rescue app puts critical medical, security and other essential real-time travel intelligence at travelers’ fingertips. […]
more…28 Jul, 2015
Etihad Airways Chief says it’s all about free competition, great products and the Power of Choice
ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 27, 2015 – Etihad Airways President and CEO James Hogan emphasized the importance of consumer choice and innovation as the fundamental drivers of competition in the international airline industry during a public conversation before an audience of approximately 4,000 attendees at the 2015 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention in Orlando, Fla. […]
more…28 Jul, 2015
Spotlight: Despite fanfare, U.S. aid programs for Africa fail to make big difference
NAIROBI, July 27 (Xinhua) — During his just-concluded visit to Kenya, U.S. President Barack Obama has unveiled, amid intensive global attention, a 1-billion-U.S.-dollar program to support global entrepreneurship, especially among women and youth in sub-Saharan Africa. The 1-billion fund and other forms of assistance promised by Obama during his three-day high-profile trip were hailed by […]
more…28 Jul, 2015
Australia warns foreign students about being used for organised crime money-laundering
Canberra, 27 July 2015, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre — Foreign students in Australia are being warned to be wary of attempts by organised crime groups to use them for money laundering through business express deposit boxes and Internet banking transactions. AUSTRAC has released the following brief to alert all those involved in student […]
more…28 Jul, 2015
Masterpiece essays by 70 multi-lingual students top UN-organised competition
United Nations — A Vietnamese university student writing in Arabic, an Australian writing in Chinese, a Kazakh writing in French and a Korean writing in Spanish are among the 70 winners of a global multi-lingual essay-writing contest organised by the United Nations to involve the world’s young people in crafting the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. […]
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