29 Nov, 2014
European Socialists and Democrats Welcome Initiatives of National Parliaments to Recognize State of Palestine
BRUSSELS, November 27, 2014 (WAFA) – European Socialists and Democrats (S&D) member of parliament (MEP) and vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru welcomed the initiatives of national parliaments to recognize the Palestinian state, stressing that, “This recognition and the negotiations must go hand in hand because together they represent a challenge and an opportunity but […]
more…29 Nov, 2014
Macy’s says “huanying” to Chinese tourists
New York, (China Daily USA), 2014-11-28 – The presence of a China-themed float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time was perhaps symbolic of the rising importance of Chinese customers to one of the world’s largest department stores. The Macy’s in Herald Square in New York has undergone a $400 million renovation […]
more…28 Nov, 2014
Ex-Thai Foreign Minister calls on Israel to end “cage-like existence” of Palestinian people
United Nations Asia-Pacific HQ, Bangkok – Thailand is proud to have recognised the state of Palestine, and “does not wish to see a colonial-like situation happening to fellow human beings such as the Palestinians in this 21st century,” former Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told a high-level turnout here on Nov 25. In a keynote […]
more…27 Nov, 2014
Andalusian Parliament to Host Global Conference Supporting Palestinian Rights
United Nations, 25 Nov 2014 — The United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People joined by United Cities and Local Governments, the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity and the Junta of Andalusia will convene the International Conference of Local Governments and Civil Society Organizations in Support […]
more…27 Nov, 2014
Durham County boots security firm G4S over profiteering from Israeli occupation
Landmark victory in North Carolina Thank Durham County for ending million dollar contract with occupation profiteer G4S Dear Supporter, Many of us were in the streets last night: protesting the injustice done in #Ferguson, demanding that #blacklivesmatter, re-committing to fighting against this system of injustice. A system we know will come down brick by brick. […]
more…27 Nov, 2014
Health & Wellness: Obesity-related cancers rising, especially in developed countries – UN report
United Nations, UN News Centre, 26 November 2014 – Being overweight or obese have become major risk factors for developing cancer, particularly among women and in more developed countries, the specialized cancer agency of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) reported today. Overweight and obesity are responsible for an estimated 481,000 – or 3.6 […]
more…27 Nov, 2014
Ritual dancing, bread-making among cultural practices added to UNESCO heritage list
United Nations, UN News Centre, 26 November 2014 – Brazil’s martial art of Capoeira, Burundi’s ritual dance of the royal drum and the preparation of Lavash – a popular flatbread integral to Armenian cuisine – are among the eight elements added today to the United Nations-endorsed list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage – part […]
more…27 Nov, 2014
Beijing mulls APEC car restrictions for long-term use
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-11-26 – Beijing is considering turning a temporary restriction on private vehicles — a system based on odd-even license plate numbers that was used during the APEC meetings — into a long-term policy, drawing praise as well as concerns from the public. “We have received much positive feedback on the odd-even license plate traffic […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
Palestinian Statehood Would “Contribute to Elimination of Violence, Extremism and Terrorism” – President
PRETORIA, November 26, 2014 – (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas stated Wednesday that resolving the Palestinian question would contribute to the eradication of violence, religious extremism and terrorism. Abbas made these remarks during a joint press conference with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma in Pretoria, the executive de facto national South African capital, where […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
Sign up for FREE PATA Webinar on The New Era of “Prepare, Prevent, Pre-empt”
BANGKOK, November 25, 2014 (PATA media release) — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is offering a free webinar to members and non-members on crisis preparedness and prevention. This year marks the 10th anniversary since the deadly December 26, 2004 tsunami that devastated many coastlines across Asia. With a third of the global population, rising […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
In U.S., 37% Do Not Feel Safe Walking at Night Near Home
WASHINGTON, D.C., 25 Nov 2014, Gallup.com — Fewer than four in 10 adults in the U.S. (37%) say there is an area within a mile of where they live where they would be afraid to walk alone at night, similar to Americans’ attitudes over the last decade and a half. Most Americans continue to feel […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
Indian VP’s warning: “Development” must not come at the cost of human rights, freedom and justice
New Delhi, (Press Information Bureau) — The Vice President of India Prof Dr M. Hamid Ansari has emphasized the need for continual oversight to ensure that liberty is not smothered in material prosperity. Delivering the Eighth V.M. Tarkunde Memorial Lecture on “Citizens and State Conduct” on 21 November, he said that the comprehension and advocacy […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
China launches annual pass for 800 tourist attractions, only 150 yuan
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-25 – A national tourism annual pass that is accessible to more than 800 attractions in China for 2015 is now available to purchase in Beijing. Priced at 150 yuan ($24), the annual pass covers 806 parks, scenic areas and museums in 16 provinces and municipalities, with the majority free for multiple entries […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
Indonesian President sets new leadership standards during private Singapore visit | The Jakarta Post
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo returned to Indonesia on Sunday after completing a short trip to Singapore, where he attended his son’s graduation ceremony, snapped selfies with his son’s college friends and had a courtesy-call meeting with the prime minister of the city-state. Jokowi and First Lady Iriana arrived in Singapore on Friday evening to attend […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
China to accelerate water conservation projects
BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — China will step up construction of major water conservation projects, especially in rural areas and central and western regions. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that governments should accelerate 172 water conservation programs that have strong economic and social importance, during a visit to the Ministry of Water Resources. […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
Advancing ASEAN cultural integration: Mosque tours workshop held in Bangkok
Bangkok – The goal of ASEAN cultural integration took a major step forward over the Nov 15-16 weekend with the first workshop on guiding visitors through Islamic mosques in Thailand. About 30 Muslim guides and travel industry executives attended the workshop organised by Imam Abdul Ahad (Mr. Thanarat Watcharapisud) of the Haroon Mosque, one of […]
more…26 Nov, 2014
Top Universities releases list of Best Cities for Students 2015
LONDON, Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Paris tops for the third consecutive year the QS Best Student Cities, a ranking of the world’s top cities for students, released today on TopUniversities.com. Melbourne (2nd) gains three places while London drops to the third position. The ranking, compiled by the team behind the QS World University Rankings, […]
more…25 Nov, 2014
‘Peace process hangs from a thread,’ UN warns ahead of Day of Solidarity with Palestinians
United Nations, UN News Centre, 24 November 2014 – United Nations officials today voiced their solidarity with the people of Palestine, while calling on both sides involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to cease acts of violence, overcome their differences, and resume peace talks with a clear framework towards resolving the decades-long dispute. “Regrettably, as we […]
more…24 Nov, 2014
Glimmer of Hope for Thailand: Uptick in Oct marks first monthly arrivals growth in 2014
Bangkok – A 67% surge in arrivals from China helped Thailand record an overall growth of 6.14% in visitors in October, the first month of positive growth this year. It was the first glimmer of hope that the third-quarter 2014 will generate an uptick, if not an outright upturn, in visitor arrivals and help Thailand […]
more…24 Nov, 2014
90 NGOs call for end to “abusive” working conditions of 2.4m migrant workers in Gulf
Brussels, 23 November 2014 (ITUC OnLine) – Labor ministers from Gulf and Asian countries meeting on November 26 and 27, 2014, should improve labor law protection, reform abusive immigration policies, and increase dialogue with trade unions and nongovernmental groups, 90 human rights organizations and unions said today. Millions of contract workers from Asia and Africa, […]
more…23 Nov, 2014
Spotlight on safe havens for corrupt Chinese officials
Washington DC, (China Daily) 2014-11-21 – The United States has been waging wars all over the world trying to deny safe haven to extreme terrorists. But to many Chinese, the US itself has for too long been a safe haven for a large group of bad guys – corrupt Chinese officials on the run. These […]
more…23 Nov, 2014
Int’l Conference Endorses Formation of Global Solidarity Network with Palestinians
RAMALLAH, November 21, 2014 (WAFA) – At the closing session of the ‘International Conference of Local Authorities in Solidarity with the Palestinian People’, international participants endorsed the formation of an international network of solidarity with the Palestinian people, under the title, ‘The International Network in Solidarity with the Palestinian Local Authorities.” The aim of this […]
more…23 Nov, 2014
Adults not protecting us from hurt, mistreatment, dangerous labor, say one-third of world’s children
RICHMOND, Va.–BUSINESS WIRE –November 20, 2014 — Twenty-five years after world governments ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a seminal, multinational agreement that set out basic protections for the globe’s children, a crescendo of children’s voices – an astonishing one in three children around the world – today say that adults are […]
more…23 Nov, 2014
Consumer Watchdog Praises European Parliament’s Call To Break Up Google
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 21, 2014, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Consumer Watchdog today praised an expected call from the European Parliament to break up Google to end the Internet giant’s monopolistic dominance, a remedy that the public interest group proposed more than four years ago. The Financial Times first reported today that the European Parliament is expected to […]
more…21 Nov, 2014
China Focus: High speed rail brings changes to western China
BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) — China’s high speed rail scheme is expanding to the country’s west, bringing changes to the local development. The Lanxin high-speed railway linking Xinjiang’s Urumqi with Lanzhou, capital city of the northwestern province of Gansu, will be put into service by the end of this year, providing a fast and modern […]
more…21 Nov, 2014
Chinese commentary: US policies creating a time bomb in Asia-Pacific
Beijing, 2014-11-21, Chinadaily.com – Washington’s persistence in pushing its pivot to Asia strategy reveals the fragility of US power and its Cold War mentality Prior to his departure from the recently concluded G20 Summit in Australia, US President Barack Obama, in a speech at the University of Queensland on Saturday, stressed that the Asia-Pacific region […]
more…21 Nov, 2014
China’s groundwater plagued by pollution
Beijing (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-19 – A report released by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) revealed the majority of China’s groundwater is plagued by pollution, Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday. The ministry described the water quality in an estimated 60 percent of the 4,778 groundwater monitoring sites across the country as “bad” or “very bad” in […]
more…21 Nov, 2014
New research opens door for travel & tourism to demand answers for failed “war on terror”
The Global Terrorism Index 2014 (GTI), released earlier this week, will provide the travel & tourism industry with powerful research to challenge the conventional wisdoms on the “war on terror” and start pursuing alternative perspectives. The report provides statistics clearly showing that nearly 15 years after 9-11 attacks, the trillions of dollars spent on combatting […]
more…19 Nov, 2014
ASEAN To Develop SME Sector Under Malaysia’s Stewardship – PM Najib
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Nov 19 (NNN-Bernama) — Asean will develop a comprehensive regional small and medium enterprise (SME) sector under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Najib Tun Razak said. The prime minister said the commitment reflected the importance of the SME sector in the Malaysian economy and the region. “I hope to announce a strategic plan to this […]
more…18 Nov, 2014
Mediterranean Citizens’ Assembly Call on their Countries to Recognize Palestine
MARSEILLE, November 16, 2014 (WAFA) – The fifth meeting of the Mediterranean citizens’ assembly (MCA), held on Sunday in the French city of Marseille, called on the governments of their countries to recognize the state of Palestine. At the closing session of the 3-day meeting, the Mediterranean citizens, stressed that ending the Israeli occupation of […]
more…18 Nov, 2014
International Cruise Victims Applauds Court Ruling Which Reinstates Negligence Suit against Cruise Line
PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)-November 17, 2014-ICV applauds a quantum leap forward in advancing the rights of cruise ship passengers as a result of a ruling by the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals which has modernized outdated federal maritime law by recognizing the right of passengers who become victims of medical malpractice to hold the cruise lines […]
more…18 Nov, 2014
IOGT World Congress in Thailand advances cause of alcohol-free hotels
Cha-am – Thailand may seem a most unlikely place to hold a convention on curbing the harmful consumption of alcohol. But that is exactly what happened between Oct 26-31 when the Regent Cha-am hotel in the seaside resort of Cha-am, about 200 kms southwest of Bangkok, hosted the largest worldwide community of non-governmental organisations committed […]
more…18 Nov, 2014
China nabs 288 financial crime suspects overseas
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-17 – China has rounded up 288 financial crime suspects overseas since Fox Hunt 2014, a special operation in July that moved against suspects hiding abroad, the public security authority said on Monday. Of those caught, 126 were brought back to confess their crimes and 81 are suspected of being involved in financial […]
more…18 Nov, 2014
New Yorkers to Protest Israeli “Cultural Ambassador” Idan Raichel
NEW YORK, November 17, 2014 (WAFA) – On the evening of Tuesday, November 18, New York human rights advocates will gather for a music- and dance-filled protest of Israeli musician Idan Raichel, who will perform at Symphony Space with Vieux Farka Touré. Raichel is a self-proclaimed cultural ambassador for the state of Israel, and upon […]
more…16 Nov, 2014
Sanctions on Russia: Europe’s loss, Thailand’s gain
November 12, 2014, at 2230hrs (local time), Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister, had a bilateral talk with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of the Russian Federation during his attendance at the 25th ASEAN Summit in Naypyidaw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Capt. Yongyuth Mayalarp, M.D., Government Spokesperson, revealed gist of the meeting as follows: The […]
more…14 Nov, 2014
It’s the geopolitics, stupid: ETC reports analyse impact of Ukraine standoff on Russian travel
Russian outbound travel to Europe has taken a hit in the wake of the geopolitical standoff over Ukraine and is likely to end the year with 1.2 million fewer visitors than last year. At the same time, travel from Europe and the United States to Russia has also suffered, according to a report by the […]
more…13 Nov, 2014
Int’l Trade Union Confederation: Secretive TPP Trade Talks Must Stop
Brussels, 11 November 2014 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC has called on governments to stop negotiations on the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” agreement, criticising the secrecy and corporate bias in the current negotiations. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said “This secretive trade deal is good for some multinational corporations, but deeply damaging to ordinary people and the very […]
more…13 Nov, 2014
NY Activists Plan Protest against Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company in Brooklyn
NEW YORK, November 12, 2014 (WAFA) – Adalah-NY and other human rights activists will hold a protest on Wednesday evening in front of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) against the U.S. premiere of Israeli Batsheva Dance Company’s ‘Sadeh21”, for its complicity in Israel’s violations of international law and refusal to take a stand against […]
more…13 Nov, 2014
Jewish fanatics attack Palestinian mosque, homes, factory
RAMALLAH, November 12, 2014 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers at dawn Wednesday broke into the village of Mughayir, northeast of Ramallah, and set a mosque on fire, completely burning the first floor, according to local sources. The sources said that locals noticed fire at the mosque during the pre-dawn hours and rushed to help put it […]
more…13 Nov, 2014
Palestine Signs US$3m Gaza Rubble Removal Agreement with Sweden
RAMALLAH, November 12, 2014 – (WAFA) – Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah signed on Wednesday a funding agreement with Sweden for the removal of rubble in the Gaza Strip. A three million dollars agreement was signed by Swedish Consul-General in Jerusalem Ann-Sofia Nilsson and UNPD Representative Frode Mauring at the Prime Minister’s Office in Ramallah to […]
more…13 Nov, 2014
Israel installing Electronic Gates at Entrances to Al-Aqsa Mosque
JERUSALEM, November 12, 2014 – (WAFA) – The council of Islamic Waqf and the Supreme Muslim Council (SMC) warned Wednesday against Israel’s plans to install electronic gates at the entrances leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in Jerusalem. The councils warned against a plan devised by the Israeli Internal Security Ministry to install e-gates at the […]
more…12 Nov, 2014
Xi: APEC economies to launch Free Trade Area process
(Xinhua) BEIJING – 2014-11-11: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members’ endorsement of a roadmap for promoting the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) process was “a decision to be written into history books”, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Tuesday. The move was “a historic step we took in the direction towards realizing the […]
more…11 Nov, 2014
Pork tapeworm infection a leading cause of epilepsy – UN health agency
United Nations, UN News Centre, 10 November 2014 – The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today said neurocysticercosis – transmitted after consuming undercooked pork or water contaminated by tapeworm eggs – is “the most frequent preventable cause of epilepsy in the developing world.” WHO explained that taeniasis is the intestinal infection of the adult […]
more…11 Nov, 2014
China Voice: Asia-Pacific region needs ’new rebalancing’
BEIJING, Nov. 10, (Xinhua) — After two years of absence, U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Beijing Monday morning for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Besides the meeting, he will pay a state visit to China, the first since his re-election. China has welcomed his presence. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei […]
more…11 Nov, 2014
China, U.S. to extend validity of business, tourist and student visas
BEIJING, Nov. 10, (Xinhua) — China and the United States will grant each other’s citizens a business or tourist visa with multiple entries and the maximum validity of ten years, China’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday. The student visa will also be extended to five years of validity at most with multiple entries, said Qin Gang, […]
more…11 Nov, 2014
How TravelRave and ITB Asia are dumbing down the travel industry
Singapore : When Ms Neeta Lachmandas-Sakellariou, Assistant Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, addressed the opening press conference of ITB Asia on Oct 29, she dwelt extensively on the opportunities of a booming Asia-Pacific tourism industry, as well as the challenges. She made no mention of any threats. Not that she, a well-trained Singapore […]
more…8 Nov, 2014
ASEAN travel industry invited to event marking solidarity with Palestinian people at UNHQ in Bangkok
Bangkok – Travel industry personnel and executives from around the ASEAN region are invited to attend a special event being organised at the United Nations regional headquarters in Bangkok to mark the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people on Tuesday 25th November 2014. To be held between 9 am – 12 noon, […]
more…7 Nov, 2014
APEC report: Services sector potential engine of Asia-Pacific growth
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-11-06 -Services sector is an important potential engine for growth in the Asia-Pacific, said Dr Denis Hew, Director of the APEC Policy Support Unit, during a news briefing at the APEC International Media Center in Beijing on Thursday. The latest APEC Economic Trends Analysis Report in which key economic trends and outlook are […]
more…7 Nov, 2014
‘Ageing well must be global priority’, warns UN health agency
United Nations, UN News Centre, 6 November 2014 – The United Nations health agency warned today that as the world population aged 60 or older will jump from some 800 million to 2 billion in the next four decades, soaring levels of chronic illness and diminished wellbeing are poised to become a major global public […]
more…7 Nov, 2014
Pew Research: Crime, Corruption Top Problems in Emerging and Developing Countries
Pew Research Centre News Release, 05 Nov 2014 — Crime and corruption, common scourges of modern societies, top the list of problems cited by publics in emerging and developing nations, according to the findings of a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted in 34 countries among 38,620 respondents from March 17 to June […]
more…7 Nov, 2014
Water central to global peace, development, UN deputy chief tells London summit
London, UN News Centre, 6 November 2014 – The most basic of all human rights – water – is also a central element in global affairs and the development agenda with wide implications on international peace and security, the Deputy Secretary-General told participants today the World Water Summit held in London. “Around today’s world, we […]
more…7 Nov, 2014
South Pacific islands tourism chiefs: Expect more projects in 2015
Wednesday, 05 November 2014, (source: SPTO press release) – Expect tourism projects that focus on more assistance and development support for tourism operators in the Pacific Island region. These were the words of the Chief Executive of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation Ilisoni Vuidreketi at the end of the 24th Council of Ministers of Tourism […]
more…7 Nov, 2014
China to speed up construction of new Silk Road: Xi
BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) — China will accelerate the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and strengthen cooperation with the countries involved, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced. “We should prepare timetables and road maps for the coming years for the ‘One Belt and One Road’ project,” Xi […]
more…6 Nov, 2014
More than 40% of China’s arable land degraded: report
Beijing, (Agencies/chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-11-05 – More than 40% of China’s arable land is suffering from degradation, seriously reducing the country’s capacity to produce food for the world’s biggest population, Xinhua reported Tuesday. The rich black soil in Northeastern Heilongjiang province, which forms part of China’s bread basket, is thinning, while farmland in China’s south is suffering […]
more…6 Nov, 2014
Xinhua Insight: Key water diversion project arouses impact fears
WUHAN, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) — The first phase of the middle route for China’s South-to-North Water Diversion project will soon begin operation, transferring water from the Hanjiang River to thirsty cities in north China. The middle diversion route plans an initial yearly transfer of 9.5 billion cubic meters of water to Beijing, Tianjin, Henan and […]
more…6 Nov, 2014
Indonesia to waive visa requirements for five countries
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta November 05 2014 – The government will waive visa requirements for the citizens of several countries in a bid to attract 20 million tourists by 2020. “Based on the coordination meeting result, there will be five countries; Australia, China, Japan, Russia and South Korea, which are to be granted visa-free access […]
more…5 Nov, 2014
IDC Reveals Top Ten Retail Predictions for 2015
FRAMINGHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 04, 2014 — IDC Retail Insights today hosted a Web conference, IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Retail Agenda 2015 Predictions, to highlight the predictions based on the IDC FutureScape report. The session provided organizations with insight and perspective on long-term industry trends along with new themes that may be on the horizon. The Predictions […]
more…5 Nov, 2014
As apps proliferate, IRU seeks level playing field for taxi services
Brussels, IRU Press release, 5 November 2014 – – As the new European Commission (EC) takes office, the European taxi industry appeals to the Commissioners in charge of transport, tourism, digital innovation and the internal market, to consider the central role of taxis in any mobility policy proposals, collective transport funding, research, and notably, urban […]
more…5 Nov, 2014
Tourism project to reproduce scenes from Chinese Nobel winner Mo Yan’s novel
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-04 — Two years after Chinese writer Mo Yan won the Nobel prize for literature, his novel Red Sorghum has been adapted into a popular TV series. His hometown, Gaomi in Shandong province, is building a tourist destination for the public to better understand the writer and his works. According to Chengdu Business […]
more…5 Nov, 2014
Cultural identity of ancient Chinese town endangered by tourism
(Xinhua), November 04, 2014 – The local customs and cultural heritage of the ancient town of Pingyao in Shanxi Province is under threat due to the rapid development of tourism. In the 17 years since the 2,700-year-old town was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, it has seen tourism develop at a meteoric pace, with […]
more…5 Nov, 2014
AHLEI Awards Certified Guest Service Property Designation to Eleven Hotels in Palestine
Orlando, Florida, November 2014—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has awarded 11 hotels in Palestine with the designation of Certified Guest Service Property. To achieve this certification, the properties had to train with AHLEI’s Guest Service Gold® training program and certify all front-line staff as Certified Guest Service Professionals (CGSP®). Diyafa Hospitality Management […]
more…5 Nov, 2014
309 Human Rights Groups Call on EU to Hold Israel Accountable for War Crimes
BRUSSELS, November 4, 2014 (WAFA) – More than 300 human rights groups, trade unions and political parties from across Europe called on the EU to hold Israel accountable for its massacre committed in Gaza earlier this year by suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the main treaty between the EU and Israel. “Through the continued existence of […]
more…4 Nov, 2014
European Union: More than 120 million at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2013
Brussels, (04 Nov 2014) European Commission media release — In 2013, 122.6 million people, or 24.5% of the population, in the EU(1) were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This means that these people were in at least one of the following three conditions: at-risk-of-poverty after social transfers (2) (income poverty), severely materially deprived […]
more…4 Nov, 2014
Flashback: Historic reports, speeches show how a Jewish terrorist destroyed Middle East peace and tourism
Today, 4 November, marks 19 years since a Jewish fundamentalist fanatic terrorist named Yigal Amir assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the man who took a small step towards making peace with the Palestinians. Rabin is pictured below shaking hands with former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at the September 1993 signing of the framework agreement, […]
more…2 Nov, 2014
Yangtze River Economic Belt to Boost Liangjiang as Int’l Logistics Hub
CHONGQING, China, Oct. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The State Council recently released its Yangtze River economic belt plan in a bid to develop it into an inland river economic belt with a global economic influence. According to the plan, Chongqing has been named as one of the three major shipping centers in China, which will […]
more…2 Nov, 2014
Alibaba: Trading volume to exceed Walmart in two years
HANGZHOU, (Xinhua) 2014-11-01 — China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba said Thursday its online sales volume will exceed the worldwide sales of global retail giant Walmart in two years. “Within two years, the online retail volume of Alibaba will exceed the sales of Walmart,” said Alibaba’s president Jin Jianhang at a global e-commerce summit in East China’s Hangzhou […]
more…2 Nov, 2014
China amends law to support citizens suing government
BEIJING, Nov. 1, (Xinhua) — China’s top legislature adopted an amendment to the Administrative Procedure Law Saturday, aiming to expand the people’s right to sue the government. Members of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) passed the amendment through a vote at the close of the week-long, bi-monthly legislative session, saying it […]
more…2 Nov, 2014
Foreign spies targetted as China passes Counterespionage Law
BEIJING, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) — China’s top legislature adopted an Counterespionage Law Saturday aimed at more comprehensive state security. Members of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) passed the bill through a vote at the close of the bi-monthly legislative session attended by top legislator Zhang Dejiang. Formerly known as the National […]
more…2 Nov, 2014
New Indonesian Tourism Minister to Stress Infrastructure, ICT, Health and Hygiene
Jakarta (www.tourismindonesia.com) October 31, 2014 – The newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya, speaking to tourism officials and stakeholders at the recent handing over ceremony said that the three key factors in developing and promoting tourism are : Infrastructure, ICT and Health and Hygiene. Of the three, the factor that can and should be undertaken immediately is […]
more…2 Nov, 2014
Child Protection NGO Unveils Toolkit to End Google’s “Forced Friending”
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Parents beware: A reckless “forced friending” policy facilitated by the tech-giant Google puts your family at risk. Today, Stop Child Predators (SCP) – an organization dedicated to protecting children from sexual predators – has released a toolkit to help parents ensure their children’s safety. The kit includes a video […]
more…1 Nov, 2014
Tourist destinations in China to reduce prices from Nov
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-10-29 – Most scenic spots in China will start lowering their ticket price during the off-peak season, which usually lasts from November to March. Compared with the peak season, the start of low season will see prices of admission tickets drop by 20 to 30 percent on average, with some major attractions offering […]
more…1 Nov, 2014
Global Trades Union Blasts Israeli Settlement Expansion, Calls for Full Recognition of Palestine
Brussels, 29 October 2014 (ITUC OnLine): The International Trade Union Confederation has condemned Israel’s intention to build yet another 1,000 settlement dwellings in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 324 national affiliates. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said, “Binyamin Netanyahu’s government […]
more…1 Nov, 2014
Chinese austerity drive sees 25% of govt meetings cancelled
Beijing, (China Daily), 2014-10-30 – China’s government departments have canceled 586,000 unnecessary meetings amid the “mass-line” campaign that aims to improve work style and get close to the people, Xinhua News Agency reported. The canceled meetings account for about a quarter of the 2.38 million conferences held annually by government departments, Xinhua reported on Tuesday. […]
more…1 Nov, 2014
Survey: Qingdao ranks 1st and Beijing 9th for tourists’ satisfaction
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-10-30 — A report published by China Tourism Academy showed that Qingdao scored highest for tourists’ satisfaction during the third quarter of 2014, among 60 major tourism cities in China being surveyed. Qingdao, the coastal city in East China’s Shandong province, scored 81.19 on a scale of 0 to 100. The assessment was […]
more…31 Oct, 2014
Post-tsunami history lesson: How ancient wisdom helped save an Aceh village
Banda Aceh, Indonesia — When Rahmadhani Sulaiman, Director of Programming and Planning at the Aceh Tourism & Culture Office, narrates the story of the 26 Dec 2004 tsunami to visitors, he highlights the wisdom of the word “Smong07”. It is what saved the islanders of Simeulue, around 200 kilometers off the western coast of Aceh Province. Although […]
more…29 Oct, 2014
UN experts call for stronger global regulation of private security companies
United Nations, UN News Centre, 27 October 2014 – The United Nations working group on the use of mercenaries today appealed for stronger global regulations of private security, saying last week’s conviction of Blackwater contractors shows the need for all private security personnel to be held accountable for international human rights and humanitarian law violations. […]
more…29 Oct, 2014
‘Immediate action’ needed to protect Palestinian olive farmers from Israeli attacks – UN expert
United Nations, UN News Centre, 22 October 2014 – Nearly half of all cultivated land in the occupied Palestinian Territories is planted with olive trees making them a major driving force of the economy, said a senior United Nations official today as he travelled to two Palestinian olive-producing communities in the central West Bank. “The […]
more…29 Oct, 2014
UN agencies launch initiative to curb “unacceptably high” global food waste
United Nations, 24 October 2014 (UN News Centre) – The world wastes enough food to feed an estimated two billion people, the United Nations said today as its three Rome-based food agencies announced the launch of a digital platform designed to take aim at the growing problem of “food loss.” The new online programme, called […]
more…26 Oct, 2014
Bringing Western Depocrisy to Hong Kong
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), October 21, 2014 – The Western media have secured their prize. Just as it seemed that the Hong Kong Occupy demonstrations were about to peter out, evidence emerged that one of the protestors had been detained and beaten by police. The officers accused have been suspended, and an investigation is under […]
more…26 Oct, 2014
UN Study: Israeli Gaza Onslaught Significantly Impacted Women’s Reproductive Health
RAMALLAH, October 18, 2014 – (WAFA) – A recent UN study revealed that the Israeli onslaught on Gaza has significantly impacted women’s reproductive health. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) conducted a study titled Assessment of Impact of the Crisis in Gaza on Reproductive […]
more…26 Oct, 2014
Australian consumer watchdog group warning on how to avoid booking a scammer’s holiday
Canberra, 17 October 2014 – The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning consumers to watch out for travel scams. The ACCC has received 1,650 complaints about travel scams this year, with $100,000 reported lost. Most complainants were contacted by phone and many were offered holiday vouchers for $2,000 or $3,000. Others were sold fake […]
more…26 Oct, 2014
New Global Management Accounting Principles Released to Drive Better Organisational Decision Making
Hong Kong, Oct 23, 2014 – (ACN Newswire) – The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) – two of the world’s largest accountancy bodies – yesterday released new Global Management Accounting Principles to improve decision-making as organisations struggle with data overload, dispersed workforces and the blistering speed of […]
more…25 Oct, 2014
21 countries sign up as founding members of Asia’s first infrastructure bank
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-10-24 – A milestone agreement for the structure of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has been reached, with 21 Asian countries, including India, stepping forward as founding members. An intergovernmental memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday morning, opening the way for the formal establishment of the China-proposed financial body that will […]
more…25 Oct, 2014
UNWTO flags economic inequality, geopolitical tensions, conflicts as top global challenges
Madrid – Every 24 October, UN Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the United Nations United Nations while recalling the immense challenges that remain pending on the international agenda. UNWTO, the only United Nations agency with its permanent headquarters in Spain, celebrated the occasion together with the 13 other UN entities in […]
more…25 Oct, 2014
Jewish fanatics block Palestinians’ access to their own olive groves
JERUSALEM, October 23, 2014 (WAFA) – The ongoing Israeli settlers’ violence and the access restrictions imposed by Israel on Palestinians with regards to accessing their olive groves, continue to negatively impact their lives and livelihoods, said UN Humanitarian Coordinator James Rawley on Thursday. Community representatives and olive farmers in the towns of al-Janiya in the […]
more…24 Oct, 2014
India launches a National Portal for Museums
New Delhi, 21-October-2014, (Press Information Bureau) – Mr Shripad Naik, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Culture and Tourism today launched the National Portal for Museums www.museumsofindia.gov.in. The Ministry of Culture has decided to digitize the collections of all the Museums under its control as well as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In the first […]
more…24 Oct, 2014
Summit identifies five trends that will shape the Asian MICE sector
BANGKOK, Oct. 23, 2014, /PRNewsire/ — Panellists and delegates attending the 7th Asia for Asia Summit on 30 September 2014 in Bangkok agreed in consensus on five key trends identified as crucial to success in the business events arena in Asia, ranging from ever-increasing demands on business results and sustainability to transformational technology and strategic partnerships. […]
more…24 Oct, 2014
In Pictures: Aceh Marks 10 Years Since One of the World’s Worst Natural Disasters
Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Ten years after the Dec 26, 2004, which devastated huge swathes of coastline and the city of Banda Aceh, on the northern tip of Indonesia, the city is hosting its first travel show, the Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo. Attended by 60 buyers from 18 countries and 60 sellers from various parts […]
more…24 Oct, 2014
Right to online privacy at risk as governments engage in mass surveillance – UN expert
United Nations, UN News Centre, 23 October 2014 – States must be transparent about the nature of their electronic mass surveillance programmes, an independent United Nations counter-terrorism expert said today as he warned about the impact such measures might have on individuals’ right to privacy. “States need to squarely confront the fact that mass surveillance […]
more…23 Oct, 2014
Pollution choking China’s inbound tourism industry
Beijing, (China Daily), 2014-10-22 – China’s inbound tourism market is still struggling to bounce back in the midst of rising concerns about issues such as air pollution, according to a new report from the China Tourism Academy. The number of inbound tourists reached 129.08 million in 2013, down 2.51 percent year-on-year, the report said. About […]
more…21 Oct, 2014
FREE Download: Global Study finds religion is NOT the main cause of conflict today
New York & Sydney, 21 October 2014: Despite the connections between Islamic extremism and the current conflicts in the Middle East, there is no general causal relationship between religion and conflict, according to a new research report released today by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The report answers five questions based on recent global […]
more…21 Oct, 2014
Hangzhou offers 72-hour visa-free stays
HANGZHOU, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) — East China’s Hangzhou City began to offer 72-hour visa-free entry for international transit passengers on Monday, a move to boost tourism and business. The policy covers travelers from 51 countries, including the United States, Russia, Britain, France and Japan. They can enjoy a 72-hour stay in Zhejiang Province after entering […]
more…21 Oct, 2014
First UN-backed study probes how global film industry portrays women (Conclusion: not very well)
United Nations, UN News Centre, 22 September 2014 – Nowhere to be “scene,” women protagonists have less than one-third of all speaking roles in film and are largely absent from powerful positions, according to a United Nations-backed survey released today which argues for the involvement of more female film-makers in the industry, and for greater […]
more…20 Oct, 2014
Honeywell Forecasts 4% Average Annual Industry Growth in Business Jets Over Next Decade
ORLANDO, Oct. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — In its 23rd annual Business Aviation Outlook, Honeywell is forecasting up to 9,450 new business jet deliveries worth $280 billion from 2014 to 2024. The 2014 Honeywell outlook reflects an approximate 7 to 8 percent increase in projected delivery value over the 2013 forecast. Slightly higher unit deliveries are coupled […]
more…20 Oct, 2014
American Express to Boost Merchant Adoption of Secure Payment Terminals
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 17, 2014 – American Express is boosting efforts to combat fraud with a new $10 million program aimed at driving U.S. small-merchant adoption of more secure check-out terminals. President Barack Obama announced American Express’ Small Merchant EMV Assistance Program during a press conference today in Washington, D.C., urging members of the payments […]
more…20 Oct, 2014
In Pictures: Rising-star Thai designers showcase Thainess products to hospitality sector
Bangkok – The power of travel & tourism as a multi-sectoral job-creator and conduit for artistic innovation has taken another giant leap forward with the first exhibition organised in Thailand to bring together buyers in the global hospitality sector with sellers in the rapidly-emerging Thai design sector. Senior executives of hotels, spas, restaurants, cruise ships, […]
more…19 Oct, 2014
Why people in the UK are dying from lack of healthcare
London, 13 October, 2014, (Doctors of the World media release) – What comes to mind when you think of the UK? Perhaps cricket, rain, a sense of history, culture, somewhere with sturdy, progressive values. It’s not a place where heavily pregnant women who desperately need healthcare can’t get it. It’s not somewhere where some of […]
more…19 Oct, 2014
Doctors of the World Help Restore Health Services Destroyed by Israel in Gaza
London, 3 October, 2014 | by Doctors of the World UK – The media agenda may have shifted away from this decimated strip of land since the most recent conflict ended here, but Doctors of the World has continued to help Gazans to rebuild their health system, and most importantly, themselves. The 50-day-long Israeli military […]
more…19 Oct, 2014
For the first time, China pushes disability issues at Asia-Europe Summit
MILAN, Italy, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) — For the first time disability was included in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) agenda, as common work on this issue was at the center of a meeting held in Milan on Saturday on the sidelines of the high-level dialogues among leaders from the two continents. China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) […]
more…19 Oct, 2014
New Facebook Safety Check tool for disaster response makes travel advisories irrelevant
WASHINGTON, Oct 18, 2014, AFP-JIJI – Facebook has unveiled a Safety Check tool to allow users to alert friends and family about their status in emergencies, a system developed after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami devastated northeast Japan. “We want to provide a helpful tool that people can use when major disasters strike, so we’ve created […]
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