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 […]
more…16 Oct, 2014
On World Food Day, UN lauds role of family farmers in ending global hunger
16 October 2014 – With over 800 million people worldwide still lacking access to healthy, nutritious food, family farmers must play an increasingly vital role in the global war on hunger, United Nations officials affirmed today, adding that the strong participation of the world’s family farmers can help “turn the tide” in shaping a new […]
more…16 Oct, 2014
Chinese commentary: How long can HK keep on squandering?
(People’s Daily Online), October 15, 2014 – After one unreasonable demand after another, after every new incident of tedious political wrangling provoked by pan-democratic camps like the Civil Party, Hong Kong – a district which once surpassed the mainland in efficiency and ranked among the strongest in the world – is losing ground. Now beginning […]
more…16 Oct, 2014
Jordanian Who Teaches Women To Defend Themselves Wins UNCTAD Women In Business Award
Geneva, 15 October 2014, UNCTAD media release – The founder of SheFighter, a company that trains women in Jordan in self-defence techniques, Lina Jalil Khalifeh, has won the first place in UNCTAD’s Empretec Women in Business Awards. The awards honour businesswomen from developing countries who have founded successful firms, created jobs, and become role models […]
more…16 Oct, 2014
NextGen Warfare Will See Machines Taking ‘Life-and-Death’ Decisions, UN Committee hears
United Nations, 14 October 2014, (UN Department of Public Information) – The development of new technologies of warfare, including autonomous weapons or ”killer robots” and cyberwarfare, raised fundamental concerns about the acceptability of allowing machines to independently take life-and-death decisions, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard today. As States and observers from diverse […]
more…16 Oct, 2014
Total NHS alcohol-related admissions in England nears 10 million
London, (Alcohol Concern media release), 15 October 2014 -A new map of alcohol harm published today has shown that the total number of alcohol-related NHS admissions, including inpatient, outpatient and A&E visits, hit almost 10 million in England during 2012-13. The findings, taken from Alcohol Concern’s newly updated Alcohol Harm Map, show that whilst A&E […]
more…16 Oct, 2014
China to build first luxury cruise ship
BEIJING, Oct. 15 — (Xinhua) – The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) will form a joint venture with American cruise company Carnival Corp to build China’s first luxury cruise ship. The move will accelerate development of the country’s cruise industry and foster new growth points of the Chinese economy which is experiencing a slowdown, said […]
more…15 Oct, 2014
Thailand launches campaign to promote family-friendly destinations
Bangkok, National News Bureau of Thailand, 15 Oct 2014 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is launching a new campaign to promote family-friendly destinations in the country in a bid to boost the economy. TAT Director of Product Promotion Pataraporn Sithivanich said recognizing the importance of family units in the tourism sector, the body […]
more…15 Oct, 2014
In Pictures: Spain Balances Sun-and-Sand with Soul-Searching as Way of St James Draws Pilgrims by the Thousands
Santiago de Compostela, Spain — When the UN World Tourism Organisation organised the First International Congress on Tourism and Pilgrimages between 17-20 September 2014, it accepted an invitation from the Spanish tourism authorities to hold it in Santiago de Compostela, home to the majestic Cathedral of the same name. The UNESCO World Heritage site commemorates […]
more…15 Oct, 2014
FREE Download: American Express Meetings & Events 2015 Global Forecast
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 13, 2014 – According to the American Express Meetings & Events 2015 Global Meetings Forecast, meetings are expected to play a critical role in a return to business fundamentals in 2015, a trend which should help drive the long-term health of the industry. Following a period of economic recovery for the meetings […]
more…14 Oct, 2014
Chinese Commentary: China-Russia partnership based on win-win cooperation, not joint confrontation
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Moscow on Sunday for a three-day visit to Russia aimed at further enhancing the globally significant partnership between the two neighboring giants. The China-Russia relationship, now at its highest level in history, has become a good example of stable, healthy and mature international relations […]
more…14 Oct, 2014
FREE Download: Australia Issues Best Practice Guide to Collecting Cultural Material
The Australian Best Practice Guide to Collecting Cultural Material outlines principles and standards to assist Australia’s public collecting institutions when acquiring cultural material by purchase, gift, bequest or exchange. The guide outlines ethical considerations and legal obligations that apply to collecting institutions and provides guidance on transparency and accountability measures. Sections of the guide may […]
more…14 Oct, 2014
Australia Plans to Boost Competition in Credit Card Industry
Canberra, 12 October 2014 – The Government is taking action to increase competition in the credit card industry by expanding the number of companies that can issue cards or process card transactions for retailers. Currently, only registered banks or specialist credit card institutions can issue credit cards or accept credit card transactions on behalf of […]
more…14 Oct, 2014
Thai province plans to boost English, Lao language skills to prepare for ASEAN Community
UTTARADIT, 13 October 2014 (NNT) – Director of Uttaradit Primary Education Service Area 1 Amornsak Pinthong has indicated that the office will spend the allocation from the 2015 educational budget on preparing school executives and students for the upcoming ASEAN Community by giving them knowledge and understanding about the new regional bloc. Under the policy, […]
more…14 Oct, 2014
Thailand to push for practical sufficiency economy in rural development
BANGKOK, 12 Ict 2014, (NNT) – The Thai Government is preparing to initially implement His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy philosophy in 18,000 villages nationwide, as part of its plan to develop the livelihood of the citizens. According to Prime Minister’s Office Deputy Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will today meet […]
more…14 Oct, 2014
Thai province Phrae becomes No.1 in living by five Buddhist precepts
PHRAE, 13 October 2014 (NNT) — Phrae has become Thailand’s number one province in terms of practitioners of the five precepts village program, said official. Acting Deputy Governor of Phrae province Somwang Puangbangpho, announced at the granting ceremony of a five precepts village sign today, that Phrae province now has the greatest number of practitioners […]
more…14 Oct, 2014
EU countries should remove visa barriers for Chinese visitors
Beijing, (China Daily) 2014-10-13 – But the reality is that China needs the barriers removed and the doors to be opened first before such discussions can produce results. Li has been making efforts to accomplish this country by country. Some may ask: Why do some European countries hesitate to remove visa barriers against Chinese investors? […]
more…13 Oct, 2014
Global sports industry touches down in Seoul
Seoul, Oct 10, 2014, Korea.net — Experts from the global sports industry gathered in Seoul on October 7 for the second annual Sports Industry Conference 2014, a special event aimed at exchanging information and ideas about how to make a difference in the current sports industry environment and how to further boost the industry. Held […]
more…13 Oct, 2014
Chinese vacationers fly to Korea for Golden Week shopping spree
Seoul, Oct 10, 2014, Korea.net – Many Chinese tourists flew to Korea to go on a shopping spree during mainland China’s golden-week of national holidays from October 1 to 7. Where on earth did the Chinese shoppers — commonly known in Korean as youkers — go to do their shopping? What, exactly, did they purchase? […]
more…12 Oct, 2014
China an important driving force for world economic recovery: Chinese PM tells Europe
HAMBURG, Germany, Oct. 11 –(Xinhua) – Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Saturday that China is still an important driving force for world economic recovery, which would also benefit economic and trade cooperation between China and Europe. There will not be a hard landing for the Chinese economy, Li said in a keynote speech at […]
more…12 Oct, 2014
Fanatic Jewish Settlers Assault Palestinian Olive Harvesters
SALFIT, October 11, 2014 – (WAFA) – Israeli settlers assaulted Saturday Palestinian olive harvesters in Yasuf to the northeast of Salfit, said local witnesses. Seven settlers descended from the illegal Israeli settlement of Tafuh, built on land seized from the villagers, and assaulted several Palestinian farmers while they were harvesting their olive trees in Khallet al-‘Ayn area. Settlers brutally […]
more…12 Oct, 2014
Xinhua Insight: China’s corruption crackdown expands into academia
BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) — The arrest of four professors has raised public concern over corruption in China’s scientific research system. The four were arrested for misappropriation of state research funds through false research projects, the anti-corruption watchdog said Friday. Li Ning, a professor at the Chinese University of Agriculture and member of the elite […]
more…12 Oct, 2014
VICTORY: U.S. Govt Officially Takes 7 ACLU Clients Off the No-Fly List
PORTLAND, Ore., October 10, 2014, (ACLU media release) – Following a court order, the government today notified seven people who were on the No Fly List that they are cleared to fly. The six men and one woman are part of an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit filed in 2010 on behalf of 13 Americans challenging their inclusion […]
more…12 Oct, 2014
U.S. Cosmetic Surgeries Double in Past 12 Years – Study
Chicago (PRWEB) October 11, 2014 – Despite the economic downturn of the early 2000s, cosmetic surgery grew from 2000 to 2012, in large part due to an increasing volume of minimally invasive procedures, including injectables. This growth, though not without appreciable deceleration at the low point of the recession, approximately doubled the volume of cosmetic […]
more…11 Oct, 2014
Business “provocateurs” told: Good disruptors should take being called “crazy” as a compliment
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 09, 2014 – Successful leaders today must abandon old schools of thought and change course at any given moment in an increasingly disruptive business world, according to the world’s top thought leaders at this year’s World Business Forum. WOBI, the leader in management and leadership conferences, gathered 3,000 executives from 55 countries […]
more…11 Oct, 2014
Tourism, advertising ‘least trusted’ industries in China: survey
Beijing, People’s Daily Online, 2014-10-09 – Although the Chinese people’s trust in society has improved, there are certain industries that have a long way to, a new survey shows. The third China Social Psychology Research Report, released Wednesday by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shows a general improvement in social trust, especially in government […]
more…11 Oct, 2014
Job Security Concerns Surging in U.S. Military Families, First Command Reports
FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 09, 2014 – America’s career military is growing increasingly anxious about how defense downsizing and sequestration will impact their near-term job security. The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® reveals that 50 percent of middle-class military families (senior NCOs and commissioned officers in pay grades E-6 and above with household incomes of […]
more…11 Oct, 2014
Report: Investment in Training Affects Hospitality Industry’s Bottom Line
WESTFIELD, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 09, 2014 — Investing in training is important to hospitality organizations and restaurant and lodging companies’ bottom lines, says a new report released by the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) and People Report, a TDn2K company. The report, 2014 Trends in Hospitality Training & Development Study, serves as a benchmark […]
more…11 Oct, 2014
Major Labor Dispute Escalates in Las Vegas with Fourth Largest Casino Employer
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 09, 2014 – Today, clergy leaders and union casino workers from the Strip and Downtown will join Station Casinos workers in a march through Summerlin to Red Rock Casino Resort to demand that Station Casinos stop treating their employees like second-class workers. Station Casinos is the worst labor law violator in the […]
more…11 Oct, 2014
European Business and Community Leaders Launch Charter to Target Depression in the Workplace
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 09, 2014 – Today, business leaders from across Europe will meet to launch a Business Charter that aims to prevent the disabling effects of depression among employees and reduce the burden of depression on employers. More than 30 million people in Europe are affected by depression, most of whom are working age. The […]
more…10 Oct, 2014
Moral trade-offs are for the common good – Sydney Morning Herald
By Ross Gittins, Sydney Morning Herald Economics Editor Biologists (and economists) have long stressed the importance of competition between us – survival of the fittest and all that – but it’s not hard to see that humans’ domination of the planet arises from our unmatched ability to co-operate with each other to overcome problems. So […]
more…10 Oct, 2014
Why outgoing PATA CEO Martin Craigs lasted only one term
Bangkok – When his resignation was announced at the PATA Travel Mart in Phnom Penh this past September, outgoing PATA CEO Martin Craigs took an indirect swipe at the PATA board. He was quoted by the TTG Asia e-Daily as saying that it needed more diversity, thus: “People who have served their time on the […]
more…9 Oct, 2014
Fitch: Hacking Epidemic Puts US Colleges and Universities at Risk
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 07, 2014 – Cyber-attacks are becoming more prevalent at U.S. colleges and universities and media attention surrounding an attack poses reputational risk that could push down enrollment, according to Fitch Ratings. Smaller private institutions with less resources and more operating challenges may have weaker security systems in place and a less prepared […]
more…9 Oct, 2014
U.S. Survey: 62% of Kids Think Parents Too Distracted to Listen, Mobiles Main Culprit
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — A majority of kids (62 percent) say their parents are distracted when kids are trying to talk to them, according to Highlights magazine’s 2014 State of the Kid survey results, an annual survey that gives children ages 6 to 12 a national platform to share their thoughts and […]
more…8 Oct, 2014
EXCLUSIVE: Incoming PATA CEO Plans to Restore the Balance, Boost Focus & Efficiency
Bangkok – Just 10 months after being appointed Chief Operations Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Mario Hardy is to take over as Chief Executive Officer, effective Nov 1. In an exclusive interview, his first since the official announcement, he has pledged to maintain the original agenda of creating a more focussed, results-oriented organisation, […]
more…8 Oct, 2014
Warning to Australian travellers of kidnapping risk
The following media statement was released by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on 07 Oct 2014. I urge Australians to carefully consider their need to travel to locations where there is a high threat of kidnapping. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reissued its kidnapping threat bulletin on locations around the world where […]
more…7 Oct, 2014
Britain, Ireland ink visa deal to benefit Chinese, Indian travelers
LONDON/DUBLIN, (Xinhua) October 07, 2014 – Britain and Ireland on Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on visa cooperation to allow Chinese and Indian visitors to travel to the two island nations on a single visa. The landmark visa deal will help Britain and Ireland share data and exchange information to inform and determine immigration […]
more…7 Oct, 2014
FREE Download: Biodiversity report warns against ‘business as usual’ behaviour, consumption
United Nations, UN News Centre, 6 October 2014 – The parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity began meeting today as a new United Nations report on the status of biodiversity warned that much more efficient use of land, water, energy and materials are needed to meet globally-agreed targets by 2020. “Bold and innovative action […]
more…7 Oct, 2014
Int’l Flight Training Center Opens for Business in Bangkok
BANGKOK, Oct. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Pan Am International Flight Training Center, together with All Nippon Airways, Nok Air, and Assumption University, announced today the opening of a new world-class flight training center located on Assumption University’s Suvarnabhumi Campus in Bangkok, Thailand. Pan Am International Flight Training Center – Thailand will serve the training needs […]
more…7 Oct, 2014
Chinese insurance firm buys Waldorf Astoria New York for $1.95 Billion
MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 06, 2014 – Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. today announced it has entered into an agreement with Anbang Insurance Group Co. Ltd., under which the Beijing-based insurance company has agreed to purchase the Waldorf Astoria New York for $1.95 billion. As part of this long-term strategic partnership, Anbang will grant Hilton Worldwide a […]
more…7 Oct, 2014
Myanmar Launches Process for World Heritage Nomination of Bagan
YANGON, 7 October 2014 (UNESCO media release)– Myanmar will launch the process to nominate Bagan to the UNESCO World Heritage List with an international consultation meeting to be held from 10-12 October 2014 in Bagan. The ancient archaeological site is at the top of the country’s priority list for future World Heritage nominations. The meeting […]
more…6 Oct, 2014
First halal tourism conf in Spain awakens Europe to US$181 billion Islamic market
Granada, Spain – Spanish tourism authorities could double the number of visitor arrivals if they better market the country’s rich Islamic heritage, a unique competitive advantage over the rest of Europe. Indeed, speakers at the first Halal Tourism Conference (HTC) organised in Europe between 22-23 Sept 2014 sent clear messages that countries, companies and communities […]
more…2 Oct, 2014
Plastic waste causing US$13 billion damage to marine ecosystems annually
Athens, 1 October 2014 (UN News Centre) – Leading scientists and policymakers meeting in Athens this week acknowledged that marine litter remained a “tremendous challenge” in almost all regions of the world, with significant socio-economic consequences and clear impacts on marine ecosystems. The three-day 16th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans […]
more…2 Oct, 2014
JCB to Launch the JCB Ultimate Card for Affluent Chinese
Tokyo, Sept 30, 2014 – (ACN Newswire) – JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., is pleased to announce the launch of JCB Ultimate card, the highest-status JCB card in China, for the expanding market of affluent Chinese consumers. In mid-October, China CITIC Bank will start issuing the China […]
more…2 Oct, 2014
What if every hotel room in the world displayed this “Poster of Peace”?
What if every hotel room in the world were to display this multi-lingual “Poster of Peace”? I pose this question in this special dispatch on Oct 2, universally marked as a Day of Non-Violence in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, whose Ahimsa philosophy of non-violent resistance was at the […]
more…27 Sep, 2014
U.S. Immigrant Population Hits Record 41.3 Million
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A new report by the Center for Immigration Studies finds that nearly one in six adults in the U.S. is foreign-born. The report, based on newly released Census Bureau data, also found that the nation’s immigrant population (legal and illegal) grew by 1.4 million from July 2010 to July 2013. […]
more…27 Sep, 2014
Consumers Are Poor at Judging Probability: Stanford Graduate School of Business Research
STANFORD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 24, 2014 – It’s a typical afternoon, which means that you’re on Facebook instead of doing whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. You notice an ad from a company you follow — say, Chevrolet — offering you a chance to win a car if you sign up for a newsletter. […]
more…27 Sep, 2014
European Languages Survey: English, French, German Most Popular but Spanish Growing
Brussels, (Eurostat News Release) – On the occasion of the European Day of Languages, celebrated each year on 26 September, Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, publishes data on language learning at school. The general objectives of this event are to alert the public to the importance of language learning, to promote the […]
more…27 Sep, 2014
Capgemini Report: Role of Social Media in Shopper Journeys Overhyped, Trust & Privacy Key Issues
PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 25, 2014 – A global report by Capgemini, a provider of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, reveals that consumers consider social media a less important part of their customer journey – from awareness, through to post-sale activity – compared to two years ago, suggesting that the social media hype in the consumer goods […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
PURE Rooms Launches Booking Engine for Allergy Travel Hotels
Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) September 16, 2014 — Health-conscious hotels looking to reach travelers online can now find an additional tool in the PURE Rooms website. PURE Rooms, which provides allergy travel accommodations at nearly 300 hotels nationwide, has recently launched a new booking engine that will enable travelers to reserve an allergy-friendly room at these […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
Chinese Commentary: As possibility of Third World War exists, China needs to be prepared
Beijing, (Global Times), September 16, 2014 – As the Ukrainian crisis deepens, international observers have become more and more concerned about a direct military clash between the US and Russia. Once an armed rivalry erupts, it is likely to extend to the globe. And it is not impossible that a world war could break out. […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
International students eye China, not just for language this time
Beijing, (Global Times), September 23, 2014 – On August 25, 24-year-old American Chris Campbell landed in Beijing, excited, looking forward to life as an international student here. But he was also well aware that he would face six to eight hours of classes each day, with another four to five hours of preparation as well. […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
More than 630 million Chinese to hit the road during Oct 1-7 Golden Week Holiday
Beijing – (People’s Daily Online) September 25, 2014 – According to the Ministry of Transportation, during the coming National Day Holiday, there will be a significant increase in the volume of road and waterway passenger transportation. It estimates that road passenger volume in the golden week will exceed 630 million and the average daily volume […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
ADB issues Asian Development Outlook 2014 Update
Manila, ADB media release, Sept 25, 2014 — Developing Asia is continuing along a stable growth path. Although US policy could still surprise markets the effect on developing Asia would be modest compared to the shock caused in 2013 by anticipated tightening. Demand does not threaten to reignite inflation, as regional economies continue to produce […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
Gallup Polls: World Faces Shortage in Purpose Well-Being
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 23, 2014 – Gallup Polls – Fewer than one in five adults worldwide can be considered thriving — or strong and consistent — in levels of purpose well-being, as measured by the inaugural Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index in 2013. Residents living in the Americas are the most likely to be thriving […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
$800 Million ADB Facility to Help Sri Lanka Upgrade 2,200 kms of Poor Rural Roads
Colombo, 25 September 2014 (ADB Media release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an $800 million loan facility to fund rural and national road upgrades in six provinces in Sri Lanka that will significantly improve access of remote communities to markets, services, and jobs. “Providing all-weather road access to towns and villages in […]
more…26 Sep, 2014
Gallup Polls: Americans Continue to Say a Third Political Party Is Needed
PRINCETON, NJ – September 24, 2014 – Gallup Polls – A majority of U.S. adults, 58%, say a third U.S. political party is needed because the Republican and Democratic parties “do such a poor job” representing the American people. These views are little changed from last year’s high. Since 2007, a majority has typically called […]
more…22 Sep, 2014
Challenges Facing Financial Officers in the Airline Business
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 17, 2014 — What makes the difference between success and failure in the airline industry? During his keynote address at the first World Financial Symposium in Abu Dhabi, John E. Luth, the founding partner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seabury Group, a global advisory and professional services firm, […]
more…22 Sep, 2014
UNWTO Congress Merges Power of Pilgrimages & Tourism to Drive Spiritual & Material Growth
Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain — The global travel industry took another giant leap forward with the organisation of the first Congress on Tourism and Pilgrimages in this historic UNESCO World Heritage site city between 17-19 September. In what proved to be a unique interaction, religious leaders of all castes and creeds became tourism promoters, […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
Largest Survey of This Generation of Veterans Reveals Devastating Toll of America’s Global Wars
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 16, 2014 — Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) today released the results of their 2014 Annual Alumni Survey. Based on the responses of more than 21,000 wounded veterans, it includes the largest sample size of service members injured since 9/11 and is the most statistically relevant survey response of that population to date. […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
Appeal to Pro-Palestinian Christians to Visit Palestine as Gesture of Solidarity
RAMALLAH, September 16, 2014 – (WAFA) – Premier Rami Hamdallah called on Tuesday pro-Palestinian Christians, especially US Christians, to visit the occupied Palestinian Territory as a gesture of solidarity. The Premier made his call during a meeting with a delegation from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at his office in Ramallah. The meeting […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation Holds Annual Conference in San Diego
SAN DIEGO, September 17, 2014 – (WAFA) – Seventy five pro-Palestinian US organizations churches among other member groups of the US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation will hold their annual conference in San Diego, California. The conference, which will start on Friday, September 19 and end on Sunday, September 21, is titled the Mainstreaming of […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
Over 800 million world’s population hungry, says UN report
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — One in nine people in the world — or more than 800 million — suffer from hunger, a UN spokesman said here Tuesday, adding that the number of hungry people has dropped by more than 100 million in the past ten years and by more than 200 million in […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
China outlines six-point proposal for future relations with ASEAN
NANNING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — Following is the translated version of the full text of a speech by Zhang Gaoli, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China at the 11th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
Wealth-X and UBS Launch 2014 Report on the World’s Billionaires
The second edition of the Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire Census 2014 has been released. The only comprehensive, global study on the composition and dynamics of this top-tier segment of the world’s ultra affluent population, the 2014 edition identifies key trends and statistics on the world’s ultra high net worth (UHNW) population. Writing in the foreword, […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
A4A Applauds House Action to Protect Travelers from More Security Tax Hikes
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 17, 2014 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, applauded unanimous House passage of bipartisan legislation authored by Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA), along with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), to protect airline customers […]
more…21 Sep, 2014
Sept 21 Int’l Day of Peace Message: Give New Meaning to www – World Without Wars
United Nations, UN News Centre, 19 September 2014 – With John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine” as the backdrop, the United Nations today marked the International Day of Peace underscoring that all people have the right to peace. “We must douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said […]
more…16 Sep, 2014
New Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index Upgrades Ways to Measure What Makes Life Worth Living
WASHINGTON & NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 16, 2014 – As part of their ongoing partnership in innovation, global well-being improvement company Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) and management consulting firm Gallup have released their inaugural analysis of the state of global well-being. More than 133,000 surveys in 135 countries or other areas led to the new report, entitled, […]
more…16 Sep, 2014
5,000 overseas students trained for master’s degree in teaching Chinese
BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) — China has trained more than 5,000 overseas students pursuing Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL) degrees. Since the MTCSOL was set up in 2007, 5,052 students from more than 100 countries have studied in China. About 3,500 have graduated, most of whom have returned to their […]
more…16 Sep, 2014
In major milestone, 150 states ratify UN disability convention
United Nations, UN News Centre, 15 September 2014 – Guyana became the latest country to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is widely regarded as the first international human rights treaty of the twenty-first century and one of the fastest to be ratified. “The 150th ratification is evidence […]
more…15 Sep, 2014
Gallup Polls: Americans’ trust in all branches of federal govt at or near record lows
PRINCETON, NJ, September 15, 2014 (Gallup media release) — Americans’ trust in each of the three branches of the federal government is at or near the lows in Gallup’s trends, dating back to the early 1970s. Americans’ trust in the legislative branch fell six percentage points this year to a new low of 28%. Trust […]
more…15 Sep, 2014
Chinese Commentary: Snowden nails US lie on its economic spying
(China Daily) 2014-09-13 – The US government is an expert at taking the moral high ground when it comes to justice. But instead of being apologetic after the devastating revelations made by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden in June last year, its top US officials, President Barack Obama included, have been claiming that […]
more…15 Sep, 2014
Bureau of Investigative Journalism files case challenging UK govt over media surveillance
Brussels, (BIJ media release), September 14, 2014 – The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is asking a European court to rule on whether UK legislation properly protects journalists’ sources and communications from government scrutiny and mass surveillance. The Bureau’s application was filed with the European Court of Human Rights on Friday. If the court rules in […]
more…15 Sep, 2014
Snowden leak: U.S. Govt tapping expats to help maintain global “supremacy”
From students to academics and businesspeople, American expatriates and citizens are being tapped to provide the U.S. government with information on anything that could help uphold its global supremacy, especially in the sectors of business, science, technology and defence, according to the latest Edward Snowden leak published by journalist Glenn Greenwald on 05 September. The […]
more…15 Sep, 2014
Israel Denies Palestinian Education Minister Travel Permit to Gaza
RAMALLAH, September 14, 2014 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities on Sunday prevented Minister of Education Khawla Shakhshir access to the Gaza Strip for the opening of the new school year, which was delayed by almost three weeks due to the recent Israeli aggression on the coastal enclave. A press release by the Ministry of Education […]
more…15 Sep, 2014
Israeli Professor blasts Europeans for looking the other way as Israel unleashed “holocaust” in Gaza
BRUSSELS, Belgium, Sept 14 (NNN-KUNA) – A well-known Israeli academic and human rights activist, lambasted the Israeli atrocities being committed against the Palestinians in Gaza, but also condemned the West’s double-faced policy on the Palestine question. “I am a linguist and therefore very conscious of the power of words. What has been happening in Gaza […]
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