11 Jun, 2014
UN to Convene First Meeting to Give Voice to Victims of Terrorism
8 June 2014 United Nations, (UN News Centre) – Imagine being caught up in a hotel bombing while vacationing abroad and you find yourself alone in a foreign hospital. You are treated for the severe physical injuries sustained in the horrific incident and are eventually released from the hospital. But you and your loved ones […]
more…11 Jun, 2014
UN envoy: Open border crossings will help Palestinians reap fruits of unity government
8 June 2014 United Nations, (UN News Centre) – The senior United Nations envoy in the Middle East visited the Gaza Strip today for the first time since the signing of the Beach Camp Agreement and the formation of a Palestinian government of national consensus, and pledged the Organization’s ongoing support as the nascent process […]
more…11 Jun, 2014
Theft and Labour Disruption Main Risks to World Cup Host Cities – IHS Report
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – June 08, 2014 – Today, IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS), a global source of critical information and insight, released findings from its study on security risks for each of Brazil’s 12 World Cup host cities. The Latin America Country Risk team at IHS identified theft and disruption due to labour unrest as the […]
more…9 Jun, 2014
How an Indonesian Fashionista, 23, Builds Tourism, Busts Stereotypes
The following is the full text of a powerful, inspiring, motivating speech by 23-year-old Indonesian fashionista Dian Wahyu Utami on the subject of “Growing Fashion Business in Halal and Sharia Compliance” delivered at the 1st OIC International Forum on Islamic Tourism, 2-3 June 2014, Jakarta, Indonesia. See the fabulous PowerPoint presentation that accompanied her speech […]
more…7 Jun, 2014
Gallup Polls: Few Consumers Trust Companies to Keep Online Info Safe
June 6, 2014, WASHINGTON, D.C. (Gallup Polls) — Recent incidents such as Target’s security breach, the Heartbleed bug, and eBay’s systems hack have called attention to how much consumers trust the businesses they patronize to keep their personal information safe. That trust currently appears to be hard to come by. Just 21% of Americans have […]
more…7 Jun, 2014
Abacus report shows real scourge of travel is more man-made
SINGAPORE, June 4, 2014 (Abacus media release) – While travel disruption is typically associated with natural disasters, it appears that the real scourge of travel is, more often than not, man-made. This is according to Abacus, Asia Pacific’s leading travel technology company, which today published metrics on the root causes of disruption across the region […]
more…7 Jun, 2014
Manila Bulletin: Sex offenders to be barred from entering Philippines
June 5, 2014, Manila Bulletin – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) banned the entry of foreigners who are registered sex offenders in other countries. BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison on Thursday said any alien whose name is found in the registry of sex offenders kept by foreign embassies and other watch groups will be issued an […]
more…6 Jun, 2014
Internet’s largest sites join activists to Reset the Net, stop government snooping
June 5, 2014 – Today as part of Reset the Net, tens of thousands of Internet users and the Internet’s largest companies rallied to protect billions. These companies and users interfered directly interfering in the NSA’s runaway surveillance programs by securing websites, apps, and services while supporting the largest ever movement in history to spread […]
more…6 Jun, 2014
5 Signs that America Has Gone Bonkers—and a Glimmer of Hope | Alternet
By Jim Hightower May 29, 2014 – It might appear that the U-S-of-A has gone bonkers. So let me clear up any confusion that you might have: Yes, it has! Yet, it hasn’t. More on that in a moment. First, though — whether looking at the “tea party” congress critters who’ve swerved our nation’s political […]
more…4 Jun, 2014
New ITUC Global Rights Index – The world’s worst countries for workers
19 May 2014 (International Trades Union Confederation) – A global leaderboard in the race to protect workers’ rights was released today at the ITUC World Congress in Berlin. The ITUC Global Rights Index ranks 139 countries against 97 internationally recognised indicators to assess where workers’ rights are best protected, in law and in practice. “Countries […]
more…4 Jun, 2014
New Legal Report: Workers’ Right to Strike Backed by International Law
3 June 2014 (International Trades Union Confederation) – A new 122-page ITUC legal report, confirming that the right to strike is protected under international law, has been released today as employers try to overturn decades of jurisprudence at the International Labour Organisation. Employer representatives at the ILO are continuing their efforts to strip back ILO […]
more…4 Jun, 2014
11 Ways to Reboot and Reform Thai Tourism
Bangkok – The Thailand Travel Mart+ which opens today comes in the midst of a wider national transition which has seen the Thai tourism industry, the largest service industry, hit by its worst crises in decades. The upheaval is no act-of-God, but an entirely self-inflicted political catastrophe which disproves the current tourism slogan: “Amazing Thailand: […]
more…1 Jun, 2014
Survey: Iranian-Americans want more travel, understanding with U.S.
May 27, 2014, Washington, D.C. – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) today released the findings of its sixth national public opinion survey of Iranian Americans. The 2014 survey was conducted by George Mason University in April and follows similar annual surveys commissioned by PAAIA. The surveys are an integral component of better […]
more…1 Jun, 2014
FREE Download: Report Says More Executives Seek Jobs Abroad During Global Recession
LONDON, June 1, 2014, /PRNewswire/ — The fifth Global Professionals on the Move Report from Hydrogen Group, a leading global recruitment company, found the number of people willing to work abroad has doubled over five years. 35% of those surveyed are willing to work abroad compared to 16% five years ago, and 40% believe that […]
more…1 Jun, 2014
Americans Say U.S. multinationals do poor job helping grow U.S. economy
PRINCETON, N.J. — (Gallup Polls) May 27, 2014 – Americans see large U.S. companies as having a more positive effect overseas than they do domestically. While 66% of Americans believe that large U.S. companies do a good job creating good jobs for citizens in other countries where they do business, far fewer, 43%, say the […]
more…1 Jun, 2014
U.S. pilots claim airlines in “survival mode against unfair foreign competition”
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 29, 2014 – U.S. airlines and their workers are in “survival mode” in their fight to compete against foreign airlines that do business with unfair economic advantages, warns the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) in a new white paper issued today. “U.S. airline workers, whom I believe are the best in the […]
more…1 Jun, 2014
City mayors urged to be at frontline of battle against climate change
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 29 May 2014 – The head of the United Nations agency on human settlements today said he hoped thousands of cities around the world will join forces to sign a compact to strengthen cooperation in tackling climate challenges when the UN convenes a summit on the issue four months from […]
more…30 May, 2014
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos Wins ITUC’s World’s Worst Boss Poll
22 May 2014 – (ITUC media release) Jeff Bezos CEO of Amazon was announced as winner of the world’s worst boss at the 3rd International Trade Union Confederation World Congress in Berlin. The ITUC representing 180 million workers, is meeting in Berlin with over 1500 delegates from 161 countries. Sharan Burrow, General Secretary ITUC said […]
more…29 May, 2014
Tit for Tat: China Outlines U.S. Surveillance of Companies, Countries, People
(Internet Media Research Center) 2014-05-26 – Source: Chinadaily.com Contents I. America conducts widespread secret surveillance across the globe II. America sets China as the main target of its secret surveillance III. America’s unscrupulous secret surveillance programs IV. America’s global surveillance program hit by worldwide criticism Foreword In June, 2013, the media in the UK, the […]
more…29 May, 2014
Good news for health & wellness sector: Obesity rising in OECD countries
Paris, 27/05/14 (OECD news release) – Most people in OECD countries are overweight or obese. The social and economic consequences of this epidemic are dramatic, exposing an increasing number of people to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. New OECD data and analysis reveal that obesity levels have continued to rise in most […]
more…29 May, 2014
China to relax curbs on foreign investment in hospitals
Beijing, (Agencies/chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-05-28 – China will ease curbs on foreign investment in joint-venture hospitals, the government said on Wednesday, as it deepens a sweeping overhaul of its healthcare system aimed at cutting costs and sprucing up overloaded public services. China is an appealing market for pharmaceutical firms and medical-equipment makers, with spending in the industry […]
more…29 May, 2014
China trims officials improperly working in enterprises
BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) — More than 40,700 Party and government officials, including 229 at provincial or ministerial level, have been halted from improperly working at enterprises due to concerns of corruption and unfair market competition. The clean-up effort started in October when the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee’s Organization Department issued rules to […]
more…27 May, 2014
CO2 concentrations top 400 parts per million across northern hemisphere
Geneva, 26 May 2014 (World Meteorological Organisation) – For the first time, monthly concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere topped 400 parts per million (ppm) in April throughout the northern hemisphere. This threshold is of symbolic and scientific significance and reinforces evidence that the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities are […]
more…27 May, 2014
Tourism’s Growth-Driven Quality Jobs Can Help Reduce Poverty in Post-2015 Era
United Nations, 23 May 2014, Department of Public Information – Sustained, inclusive growth aimed at creating decent, quality jobs for the millions of unemployed, underemployed and informally employed people around the world was the key to reducing poverty in the post-2015 era, speakers in the UN General Assembly said today. “We must focus on completing […]
more…27 May, 2014
ADB Paper: How Lanzhou’s Bus Rapid Transit System Brought Relief to Busy City
This document released by the Asian Development Bank shows how the bus rapid transit system in Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China, brings quick relief to urban commuters, fosters a livelier local economy, and promotes sustainable development. No doubt, it also benefits visitors to the city. Highlights The City of Lanzhou in the People’s Republic of […]
more…27 May, 2014
Naming of Poet Laureate hailed as “red letter day” for Jamaica’s cultural history
Kingston, Jamaica: May 22, 2014 – Distinguished poet and academic,Professor Mervyn Morris, was officially invested as Poet Laureate of Jamaica at a ceremony at King’s House on May 21, 2014, under the patronage of Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General and Lady Allen. At the investiture ceremony, Professor Morris received the insignia of the Poet Laureate, […]
more…27 May, 2014
Siem Reap to host 1st UNWTO-UNESCO global conf on tourism and culture
The world’s first ministerial-level conference on tourism and culture is to be held in Siem Reap, home of the World Heritage temple complex of Angkor Wat, between February 4-6, 2015. It will jointly organised by the UN World Tourism Organisation in cooperation with UNESCO. Announcing the event at the UNWTO’s regional meetings for Asia in […]
more…25 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 10 Conclusion: “Respect our past, give us recognition and respect”
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism industry, […]
more…25 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 9 : “We Must Have A Place, As Equals, at Decision-Making Table”
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism industry, […]
more…25 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 8 : Their Critical Role in Shaping Post-2015 Development Agenda
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism industry, […]
more…25 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 7 : ‘Do Not Lose Hope’, Indigenous Peoples Told
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism industry, […]
more…25 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 6: Higher Level of Participation Sought in World Conf in Sept
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism industry, […]
more…24 May, 2014
Report: Hate Crimes Against Sikhs On The Rise Globally
WASHINGTON, DC (5/21/14)- UNITED SIKHS’ 5th Global Sikh Civil and Human Rights Report was released on May 21, 2014 in Washington, D.C. to United States elected officials, agency representatives and the Sikh community. The report highlights the rising number of incidents of hate, violence, and bias against Sikhs worldwide, and it outlines the continuing acts […]
more…24 May, 2014
Indian Aviation Dept issues First ‘Standards of Services’ Document for Public
New Delhi, Directorate-General of Civil Aviation, 22 May-2014 – Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued, for the first time, the ‘Standards of Services’ Document enlisting the services/transactions offered by DGCA to the public, operators and others. The Document provides a concise detail of the work involved in processing an application/request including the related rules and […]
more…24 May, 2014
Public concerned Lao forests will be left with no big trees
Vientiane, Vientiane Times, 22 May 2014 — People are seeing scores of wood trucks on the roads every day in some parts of the country, prompting concerns that Lao’s forests may soon be stripped of all big trees. Most of the trucks look overloaded and some do not display number plates, leading to suspicions of […]
more…24 May, 2014
China injects US$2 bln into new Africa fund
KIGALI, May 22 (Xinhua) — The People’s Bank of China and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a new financing agreement worth 2 billion U.S. dollars setting up an Africa-wide investment vehicle dubbed “Africa Growing Together Fund” (AGTF). The resources from the AGTF are expected to be provided over a 10-year period and will […]
more…24 May, 2014
No Bail For Chinese Arrested With Rhino Horns At Windhoek Airport
WINDHOEK, May 23 (NNN-NAMPA) — Three Chinese nationals arrested with 14 rhino horns at the Hosea Kutako International Airport here in March this year, have been refused bail. Windhoek Magistrate George Mbundu on Thursday refused to grant bail to the three Chinese nationals on the grounds that they are facing a very serious charge of […]
more…24 May, 2014
FREE Download: Transparency Int’l Report on Corruption in South Asia
21 May 2014, Transparency International Secretariat – Governments in corruption-stricken South Asia must allow anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption independently, Transparency International said today in the first comprehensive study on transparency and corruption prevention in the region. The report from the anti-corruption group, Fighting Corruption in South Asia: Building Accountability, analysed how well […]
more…22 May, 2014
FREE Download: “Online Advertising and Hidden Hazards to Consumer Security and Data Privacy”
Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Washington, D.C – The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) today released a report titled “Online Advertising and Hidden Hazards to Consumer Security and Data Privacy” and held a hearing on the topic on Thursday, May 15, 2014. U.S. Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and John McCain (R-AZ), the Chairman and Ranking Member […]
more…22 May, 2014
Jobs, Government, and Economy Remain Top U.S. Problems
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 19, 2014 (Gallup media release) — Twenty percent of Americans name unemployment or jobs as the most important problem facing the country in May, up from 14% who mentioned these issues in April. Dysfunctional government (19%) and the economy in general (17%) also rank among the top problems. These three issues — […]
more…22 May, 2014
Gallup Polls: Americans’ Satisfaction With Direction of U.S. Remains at Low 25%
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2014, (Gallup media release) — Americans are as satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. as they have been for the past five months. One in four (25%) say they are satisfied with current direction of the country, while 74% express dissatisfaction. Americans’ satisfaction with the country’s direction […]
more…22 May, 2014
WEF East Asia: Young Global Leaders’ TABLE FOR TWO Launches Calorie Offset Programme
Metro Manila, Philippines, 22 May 2014 (WEF media release) – TABLE FOR TWO, a global non-profit committed to tackling hunger, malnutrition and obesity, launched today its Calorie Offset programme at the World Economic Forum on East Asia, taking place in Manila on 21-23 May. The new programme works by taking “excess” calories from the developed world […]
more…22 May, 2014
AirAsia CEO: “Visit Thailand to see what a coup that is not a coup looks like”
Manila – AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes says he has seen no downward impact of the Thai martial law on flights to Thailand. On the contrary, he told delegates at the World Economic Forum on East Asia, AirAsia is promoting Thailand and encouraging people “to go and see what a coup that is not like […]
more…20 May, 2014
Chinese state councilor urges cooperation in Silk Road projects
(China Daily) 2014-04-11 – Asian countries should build trust and optimize development mechanisms in the spirit of regionalism to advance the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives, a senior Chinese official said on Thursday. “China’s proposal for ‘The Belt and The Road’ is an open and cooperative proposal,” State […]
more…19 May, 2014
China to promote business services via favorable tax rates, investments
Beijing (China Daily) 2014-05-15 – China will boost its business service industries to restructure its economy, stimulate domestic demand and increase job opportunities, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting on Wednesday. The announcement is part of a broader central government effort to build up the nation’s long underdeveloped service sector […]
more…19 May, 2014
European airport charges report: More transparency but less evenly applied
European Commission Press release, Brussels, 19 May 2014 – The European Commission has released today a report on Member States’ application of EU rules on airport charges — the fees airlines pay to airports for the use of runways and terminals. Airport charges are estimated to account for up to 10% of airlines’ operating costs, […]
more…19 May, 2014
Farewell speech of Underprivileged Child of Partition who became a PM
New Delhi, Prime Minister’s Office, 17-May-2014 – Following is the text of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s farewell address to the Nation. My Fellow Citizens, I address you today for the last time as Prime Minister of India. Ten years ago, when I was entrusted with this responsibility, I entered upon it with diligence as […]
more…18 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 5: Indigenous Children Caught in Bitter Land Disputes
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is holding its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism […]
more…18 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 4: Govts Put Economic Interests over Respect for Traditional Cultures
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is holding its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism […]
more…18 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 3: Resolution of Land Claims ‘Dysfunctionalities’ Dominates Discussion
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism industry, […]
more…18 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 2: More needs to be done to ‘Right the Wrongs’
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is holding its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism […]
more…18 May, 2014
UN Indigenous Peoples Forum Day 1: Still Face Discrimination, Exploitation
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is holding its 13th session at UN Headquarters in New York between May 12-23, 2014. The UN Department of Public Information published daily reports on key points of the proceedings. In view of the importance of indigenous peoples to the culture and heritage of the global travel & tourism […]
more…16 May, 2014
First India Film Guide released at Cannes
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 15-May-2014 – The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting which is participating in the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival today released the India Film Guide at the India Pavilion. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, I&B, Mr Bimal Julka said the Resource guide endeavours to promote Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural and […]
more…16 May, 2014
China’s luxury market set for good times – EIU report
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-05-15 – Despite the current slowdown, China’s luxury market is expected to grow in the long run, as the market matures in the next two decades and the country’s household income increases, according to a report released by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Coach profits drive up in China Chinese market offers better times […]
more…16 May, 2014
EU adopts new strategy to boost film competitiveness
Brussels, 15 May 2014, European Commission Press release – European films represent nearly two thirds of releases in the EU but account for only one third of ticket sales. While the number of films produced in Europe increased from around 1100 in 2008 to 1300 in 2012, most European films are shown only in the […]
more…16 May, 2014
U.S. airline travel forecast to hit six-year high this summer
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)-May 15, 2014-Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today delivered its Summer Air Travel Forecast and first-quarter 2014 results for U.S. passenger airlines, which achieved strong operational performance and modest profitability in the face of one of the harshest winters in memory. A4A projects summer 2014 air […]
more…16 May, 2014
Govts should use procurement to ‘buy justice’ in food systems – UN right to food expert
GENEVA (15 May 2014) Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) – Governments must exploit the full potential of public food purchasing in order to make food systems fairer and more sustainable, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter, urged Thursday. “Governments have few sources of leverage over […]
more…16 May, 2014
FREE Download: World Health Statistics report 2014
Geneva, World Health Organisation, 15 May 2014 – People everywhere are living longer, the United Nations health agency today reported, mostly because fewer children are dying, certain diseases are in check, and tobacco use is down, but conditions in low-income countries continue to plague life quality there. According to the UN World Health Organization’s (WHO) […]
more…15 May, 2014
China urges Central, Eastern European states to realise the Silk Road dream
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-05-14 – Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on China and central and eastern European countries to combine their own development with the building of a New Silk Road Economic Belt and other proposals of major international cooperation. Wang met visiting national coordinators from the 16 central and eastern European countries during the […]
more…15 May, 2014
China travel boom reshapes spending patterns
Shanghai (China Daily) 2014-05-15 – Chinese consumers’ spending on dining, hotels and entertainment has surged more than 60 percent in the past three years because of increased overseas travel, a report said on Wednesday. UnionPay International, a unit of China UnionPay Co Ltd whose activities include cross-border transactions, surveyed Chinese consumers in more than 140 […]
more…15 May, 2014
Avoid the Protests: Bangkok’s Traffic-free River to the Rescue
As Bangkok struggles to stay afloat in the midst of the ongoing political uncertainty, it’s most important icon, the Chao Phraya river, is set to come to the rescue. Eight upmarket hotels have joined forces under an umbrella grouping known as the Bangkok Riverside Marketing Partnership to position their location as the primary Leisure and […]
more…14 May, 2014
Survey: How Women plan, book and spend for summer vacation
PHOENIX (PRWEB) May 13, 2014 – Women may be the primary decision-makers when it comes to purchasing, but their needs and wants often take a back seat when planning their summer vacation according to a new survey from Best Western International and Wakefield Research. The Best Western Female Travel Summer Survey found that 90 percent […]
more…13 May, 2014
Asia’s Growing Imbalance Chasm: Excessive Prosperity, Grinding Poverty
Sydney (China Daily), 2014-05-12 – Asia’s affluent middle class is rising rapidly as wealth in China is set to overtake Japan’s by 2015. No matter how you try to measure it, Asians are becoming wealthier. Fly into any capital city in the region and at once you will be struck by the display of wealth. […]
more…13 May, 2014
FREE Download: WHO report charts the devastation caused by global alcohol consumption
Geneva, World Health Organisation, 12 May 2014 – More than three million deaths in 2012 were linked to alcohol with a steady increase in alcohol use among women, the United Nations health agency today reported calling on Governments to do more to prevent alcohol-related deaths and diseases. The “Global status report on alcohol and health […]
more…13 May, 2014
The UK APD reform “victory”: The Real Story
When the Pacific Asia Travel Association holds its various board and annual general meetings in Xuhai this week, one of the key issues will be an extension of the three-year contract for PATA CEO Mr. Martin Craigs. In the last few weeks, a slew of announcements has emerged from PATA to indicate that the association […]
more…13 May, 2014
At int’l meeting on Jerusalem, Ban reiterates Israeli settlements are “illegal”
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 12 May 2014 – Continued inaction in the Middle East peace process could lead to further instability in the region, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today at an international meeting in Turkey, reiterating his calls on Israelis and Palestinians to avoid unilateral steps that would aggravate the situation and […]
more…13 May, 2014
China, Turkmenistan vow to develop Silk Road strategic partnership
BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov signed a number of deals in Beijing on Monday to develop a stronger strategic partnership. The documents include an agreement of China-Turkmenistan friendly cooperation, a joint declaration on developing and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership, and development plans for 2014-2018. […]
more…13 May, 2014
Experts: Swiss decision to disclose foreign accounts will help China fight corruption
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), May 12, 2014 – The Swiss government announced its support on 7 May for an agreement signed with the Organization for Economic Cooperation on the implementation of standards of automatic exchange of information between banks. The signing of this agreement will mean the end of a Swiss tradition stretching back hundreds […]
more…12 May, 2014
China, Kenya sign co-financing deal on East African railway
NAIROBI, May 11, (Xinhua) — China and Kenya signed a co-financing deal on Sunday to build a railway linking Nairobi to Mombasa, a critical infrastructure project to boost regional trade and deepen integration in East Africa. Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, together with presidents of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan as well as representatives […]
more…12 May, 2014
Asian Universities on the Rise: New Findings on Strategies to Boost Rankings, Research
BANGKOK, 12 MAY, 2014 (UNESCO media release) – As university enrolment continues to grow across Asia, a new report from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) analyses ways in which countries across the region can accommodate more students while strengthening the quality of their university programmes and research. Entitled Higher Education in Asia: Expanding Out, […]
more…12 May, 2014
China’s online travel service provider Tuniu debuts at Nasdaq
NEW YORK, May 9, (Xinhua) — Tuniu Corporation, a Chinese online leisure travel company, on Friday launched initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq market and raised about 72 million U.S. dollars. The company priced its IPO at nine dollars a share and sold 8 million shares. The stock, trading under the ticker “TOUR,” closed at […]
more…12 May, 2014
Learning Chinese language helps Americans know different world
LOS ANGELES, May 10 (Xinhua) — “The ancient China has a great saying which is there is nothing on heaven to fear, there is nothing on earth to fear, there is only one thing to fear that Kevin Rudd is still speaking Chinese,” the former Australian prime minister began his speech in such a humorous […]
more…12 May, 2014
Myanmar’s Peace Paradox – Situation Getting Both Better and Worse
Bangkok – While businessmen have rushed into Myanmar to tap the profit potential, the country’s almost overnight shift from military dictatorship to quasi-democracy has created a slew of problems ranging from land grabs, more communal violence, higher drug production and terrorism related to business conflicts. The role of foreign aid has also come under scrutiny […]
more…10 May, 2014
More Jewish fanatic graffiti “Death to Arabs and Christians”
JERUSALEM, May 7, 2014 (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem media release) – The wave of fanaticism and intimidation against Christians continues. Another threat, “Death to Arabs, Christians and all those who hate Israel”, was tagged on Monday, May 5, 2014, on a column in front of the Office of the Assembly of Bishops, Notre Dame of Jerusalem. […]
more…10 May, 2014
Turkey gets Euro 200 Million loan to complete first Euro-Asia rail tunnel
Ankara / Luxembourg, 8th May 2014 – The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a further EUR 200 million loan to the Republic of Turkey for the Marmaray project, the first rail connection between the European and Asian networks across the Bosphorus Strait. The finance agreement was signed today in Ankara in a public ceremony […]
more…10 May, 2014
17 Human Rights groups urge Palestinians to take case to Int’l Criminal Court
(Jerusalem) May 8, 2014 (Human Rights Watch media release) – Palestine should urgently seek access to the International Criminal Court (ICC), a group of 17 Palestinian and international human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, said today. In a letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the groups said that providing the ICC with jurisdiction could […]
more…10 May, 2014
19% More Commuters Join “Bike to Work Day” in ‘Frisco Bay Area
OAKLAND, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-May 08, 2014-Brisk temperatures throughout the region greeted morning commuters celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Bike to Work Day in the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout the region, Energizer Stations located near bike lanes, trails and transit stations were crowded with bike commuters — an indication that commuters are increasingly choosing two wheels […]
more…10 May, 2014
EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards Announced
Brussels, 5 May 2014, European Commission Press release – The winners of the 2014 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards were honoured this evening during a ceremony in Vienna. Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and Plácido Domingo, the opera singer and President of Europa Nostra, presented […]
more…10 May, 2014
Traditional Mongolian Medicine seeks its place in the sun
Beijing, 2014-05-05, China Daily – The practitioners of traditional Mongolian medicine want more people to know about the heritage of their healers, which dates back to the time of Xiongnu, the probable predecessor of the Huns, and they now want to take it abroad. In February 2013, a six-member delegation traveled to the United Nations […]
more…9 May, 2014
Australian competition watchdog seeks stronger penalties against Flight Centre
8 May 2014 (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission media release) – The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has today lodged a cross-appeal in relation to a penalty judgment of the Federal Court on 28 March 2014 ordering Flight Centre Limited (Flight Centre) to pay penalties totaling $11M for repeatedly attempting to enter into anti-competitive arrangements […]
more…9 May, 2014
Call to Action Signed to Usher in Freer Travel & Talent Mobility in Africa
Abuja, Nigeria, 8 May 2014 (World Economic Forum media release) – The Global Agenda Councils on New Models for Travel & Tourism and Africa have today agreed to collaborate on promoting a regional integration strategy through the facilitation of travel and talent mobility in the region using, among others, a common visa for regional blocs […]
more…9 May, 2014
Duryodhana, Stolen Cambodian Sculpture, To Be Returned from U.S.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 08, 2014 – An ancient Cambodian sculpture, originally from the Koh Ker period (928-942AD), will return to Cambodia later this spring. The sculpture, known as the Duryodhana, was stolen from Cambodia sometime in the early 1970s. The 225-kilogram statue depicts a Hindu warrior and is valued at around US$2 million. It […]
more…8 May, 2014
Film Festival Director Seeks Expanded Support for Independent Filmmakers
New York, NY (PRWEB) May 08, 2014 – The New York City Independent Film Festival has a new crowd funding campaign. The aim is to support more filmmakers than ever before. The festival started in 2009 and grew fast. “In the first few years, I kept the festival alive myself“, said Dennis Cieri, Executive director […]
more…6 May, 2014
Chinese tourists now get 24-hour travel passes to visit North Korea
The first group of 35 Chinese cyclists enter the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea via Tumen port in Jilin on Friday, after Tumen opened a one-day tour taking visitors to the DPRK. During the six-hour tour, the cyclists visited the Nanyo railway station and a statue of Kim Il-sung. [Photo/Xinhua] 2014-05-05, (China Daily) – Tumen […]
more…6 May, 2014
Malaysia will need to rebuild image in China after MH370, experts say
Beijing, (China Daily), 2014-05-05 – The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has led to a decline in the number of Chinese tourists to Malaysia during the May Day holiday, the China National Tourism Administration said. Many travel agencies have changed the once popular “Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand” itinerary to a “Singapore-Vietnam-Thailand” one due to the negative impression […]
more…6 May, 2014
China sees huge market for senior-services providers, including travel
Beijing, China Daily. 2014-05-05 – China’s aging population has created a huge market for senior-services providers from both home and abroad. Civil Affairs Minister Li Liguo made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the third China International Senior Services Expo, which kicked off in Beijing on May 4. The market value of nursing care […]
more…6 May, 2014
India launches tour-planning website developed by IIT alumni
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 05-May-2014 – Tripigator.com, a travel planning engine, was launched today in Delhi in partnership with Incredible India of Ministry of Tourism. Tripigator.com instantly generates personalized travel itineraries on fewer inputs and significantly reduces users’ effort by replacing ten tabs with one tab. The website has been chosen as the official […]
more…6 May, 2014
Indian Railways starts pilgrimage tourist train from Chennai to Nepal
KOLKATA, TNN, May 5, 2014 – After offering tour packages to popular destinations like Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, IRCTC has launched a tourist train from Chennai to Nepal, primarily aimed at pilgrims from south India. Those opting for this tour will be taken around Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in north India and Nepal. “It […]
more…6 May, 2014
Captive elephants in Laos face extinction – Univ of Queensland study
5 May 2014 (UQ News) – The captive elephant population in Laos will be extinct in just over a century if current management practices do not change, a University of Queensland study has found. It is estimated that only 480 captive elephants remain across Laos, and the study shows that changes to conservation management are […]
more…6 May, 2014
44% of world’s households will have Internet access by end 2014 – ITU report
Geneva, 5 May 2014 (International Telecommunications Union) – New figures released by ITU today indicate that, by end 2014, there will be almost 3 billion Internet users, two-thirds of them coming from the developing world, and that the number of mobile-broadband subscriptions will reach 2.3 billion globally. Fifty-five per cent of these subscriptions are expected to […]
more…5 May, 2014
Jakarta to host first Global Forum on Islamic Tourism
Jakarta – Tourism industry officials and executives from 57 countries of the Islamic world and beyond are to meet in Jakarta between 2-3 June 2014 for the first International Forum on Islamic Tourism. It is being organised by the Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in line with the commitment made at eighth Islamic […]
more…5 May, 2014
Applicants sought to head Mekong Tourism office
The Bangkok-based Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office is inviting applications for Executive Director position to replace Mr Mason Florence who is moving on at the end of a successful six-year term. Citizens of the Greater Mekong Subregion countries and women are especially being encouraged to apply. The initial contract will be for two years. Salary will […]
more…4 May, 2014
Israel imposes 3-day closure on West Bank
Occupied Jerusalem,May 4 (Petra)-Israeli occupation forces on Sunday imposed a general closure on the West Bank on the occasion of the so called Israel’s Independence Day. According to Israeli radio , the closure will start at 6 PM and will be lifted on Tuesday midnight. The announcement added that Palestinians will not be allowed to […]
more…4 May, 2014
Indian President Exhorts Film-makers to Reflect Deeply on their Key Messages
New Delhi, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 03-May-2014 – Indian President Mr Pranab Mukherjee today conferred the film awards for the year 2013 in various categories at the 61st National Film Awards Function held at the Vigyan Bhawan. In his address, the President said, “I take this opportunity to reflect upon an important aspect of […]
more…4 May, 2014
Lazy, dishonest workforce derails growth, says Ugandan President
NTUNGAMO (UGANDA), May 3 (NNN-NEW VISION) — President Yoweri Museveni has warned that there can be no growth and economic development when you have a lazy and dishonest workforce, stressing that a workforce that steals from its employer scares off investors and derails development. The President singled out the theft of road fuel on the […]
more…4 May, 2014
Lower dependence on foreign consultants – Bangladesh PM tells nation
DHAKA, May 4, 2014 (BSS)-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought support of the local engineers to lessen dependence on foreign consultants while preparing and executing development projects particularly big ones. In this regard, she urged Engineers Institute of Bangladesh (IEB) to constitute some teams with their members to provide consultancy services to the government in […]
more…4 May, 2014
U.A.E. citizens get travel safety tips, especially for UK
ABU DHABI, 29th April, 2014 (WAM) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called U.A.E. citizens wishing to travel abroad for tourism, study and medical treatment, mainly those heading to the UK, to take into consideration a set of important measures for their own safety. In a statement today, Rashid Ali Al Dhaheri, Director of […]
more…4 May, 2014
A Palestinian’s Open Message to the Jews: Even the holocaust began with “innocuous” graffiti on walls
The shocking absence on the part of Jewish leaders and intellectuals in Israel and abroad to the growing Jewish terrorist campaign against the Palestinian community in the occupied territories and Israel proper is raising many eyebrows among observers and intellectuals. Once again, we observe not only total inaction but a deafening silence among Jews toward […]
more…3 May, 2014
Chinese tourists urged to change “loud, rude, self-centered” behaviour
Beijing, (Xinhua) May 02, 2014 – With China on holiday for International Workers Day, tourist agency managers and sociologists want Chinese tourists to learn to avoid embarrassing behavior. Li Zhongguang, of the China Tourism Academy, believes it is time for everyone to have a global vision and think about the effects of their behavior on […]
more…3 May, 2014
China mulls ‘mega’ Free Trade Agreement for Asia-Pacific region
Beijing, Xinhuanet.com, May 02, 2014 – China has proposed studying the feasibility of a mega free-trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region as the many flourishing FTAs in the area could burden businesses with different standards, a senior official said on Wednesday. “We made a proposal to establish a working group to study the feasibility of […]
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