23 Jan, 2013
China’s First 3D Printing Museum Opens
January 19, 2013 – (China.org.cn) – China’s first 3D printing museum was opened at the Beijing DRC Industrial Design and Creative Industry Base on Jan. 15, 2013, giving visitors a chance to experience this amazing 3D technology, according to Beijing Evening News. In a bid to gain some full-on experience, visitors can have their entire […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
FREE Download White Paper: Hospitality Sector Offers Solutions to Youth Jobless Crisis
DAVOS-KLOSTERS, Switzerland–22 Jan 2013–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At a time when more than 75 million young people can’t find jobs, and countless more are underemployed, investing in opportunities for youth is not only a critical development issue but also a growth strategy for businesses around the world. In response to this challenge, Hilton Worldwide will announce at the […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
Call for Global Hotels, Restaurants to Join U.N. Campaign To Cut Waste, Reduce “Foodprint”
Geneva, 22 January 2013 – Simple actions by consumers and food retailers can dramatically cut the 1.3 billion tonnes of food lost or wasted each year and help shape a sustainable future, according to a new global campaign to cut food waste launched today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: UN Report Says Eurozone’s Debt Crisis, Austerity Policies Killing Growth
UN News Centre, 17 January 2013 – The debt crisis of the Euro zone, slowing external demand and high oil process continued to depress Europe, while austerity policies throughout the industrialized world will not keep the world economy from slipping back into recession, according to an annual UN report published today. “The euro area is […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: ILO Report Warns Of Second Jobs Dip
Geneva, 21 Jan 2013 – The International Labour Organisation has released its Global Employment Trends 2013 Report. Five years after the outbreak of the global financial crisis, the study offers the latest global and regional information and projections on several indicators of the labour market, including employment, unemployment, working poverty and vulnerable employment. It also […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
Labour Leaders Blast Global Leaders, Elite Bankers for Global Jobs Crisis
22 January 2013 (ITUC Media release): Labour leaders are at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to make the case for new policies to make jobs and equality cornerstones of the global economy. The annual Davos meeting gives the business and financial community the chance to show their hand […]
more…21 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: World Economic Forum Report on Future of Globalization
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21 January 2013 – The Outlook on the Global Agenda 2013 report outlines the key problems of the future and provides insights into how they might be tackled today, as leaders prepare to convene in Davos-Klosters for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The challenges of globalization, economic growth, geopolitics, hyperconnectivity, the post-2015 […]
more…21 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: World Economic Forum Report on Challenges of Green Growth
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21 January 2013 – Scaling up public sector funding by as little as US$ 36 billion in annual spending could unlock the private capital needed to close the green investment gap worldwide, leading to sustainable economic growth that attains global climate change goals. At a time when extreme weather events are increasingly frequent […]
more…20 Jan, 2013
India Outbound Boom Lifts SATTE, Heats Up Asian Travel Fair Competition
New Delhi: The South Asia Travel & Tourism Exhibition (SATTE), which ended here on Jan 18, was launched in 1993 as an inbound show but is now veering heavily towards outbound. Bought by UBM India in 2011 and first executed under the new ownership in 2012, this year’s well-attended show will heat up competition among […]
more…18 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: FHRAI’s Indian Hotel Industry Survey 2011-12
New Delhi – Just a few days before the opening of SATTE 2013, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) published the 15th annual edition of the Indian Hotel Industry Survey, in cooperation with HVS Hospitality Services. The survey includes in-depth information about the performance of hotels across various cities and provides […]
more…17 Jan, 2013
Global Ministers Urged: Cite Domestic Tourism as a “Performance Indicator”
New Delhi – Tourism ministers worldwide have been urged to start paying more attention to domestic tourism as a means of measuring the performance of their respective industries. Instead of constantly tracking foreign visitor arrivals, they would be far better off investing in the statistical and research tools to quantify domestic tourism and its ability […]
more…16 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: Study Reveals Shift in U.S. Meeting Trends
SAN DIEGO- 14 Jan 2013 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. meetings industry has recovered from the corporate travel cutbacks of the 2008 recession, but meetings will never be the same, according to a new study by The ACTIVE Network, Inc. (NYSE:ACTV), the leaders in Activity and Participant Management™ (APM) solutions. ACTIVE Network’s Business Solutions Group studied […]
more…16 Jan, 2013
More Americans killed in gun deaths than in terrorist attacks – CNN.com Blogs
It has now been one month since the grieving families of Newtown, Connecticut put their children on the school bus, only to have them never return. Teachers, of course, were victims too – but all of the lives lost in that American school massacre are just a small fraction of the total number of gun […]
more…16 Jan, 2013
Almost a third of Britons cannot afford a holiday, poverty report shows – Guardian
Almost 30% of people in Britain are unable to afford even a week’s annual holiday, up from less than a quarter before the financial crisis, according to an analysis by the Office for National Statistics , which reveals the day-to-day struggle facing many families. The finding is part of a wider report comparing levels of […]
more…15 Jan, 2013
OECD Stats Show “Signs of a Turning Point” in Global Economies
Paris, OECD News Release 14/01/2013 – Composite leading indicators (CLIs), designed to anticipate turning-points in economic activity relative to trend, show signs of stabilising economic outlook in most major economies. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the CLI continues to point to economic growth firming. In China and India, signs of a turning […]
more…15 Jan, 2013
Net U.S. Room Supply Growth A Fractional 0.5% in 2012 – STR Report
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee, 14 January 2013, (STR Press Release) —The U.S. hotel industry during 2012 opened 407 new properties with 43,865 rooms, according to data from STR/McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Pipeline Report. “Net U.S. room supply growth in 2012 should be 0.5 percent when the final numbers are in, the second consecutive year of very low […]
more…15 Jan, 2013
Man on FBI’s no-fly list sues U.S. Govt – OregonLive.com
A 56-year-old Tigard man is challenging his inclusion on the government’s no-fly list after being stranded last year in Tunisia as he tried to jet home from a humanitarian mission in his native Libya. Jamal Tarhuni, a naturalized U.S. citizen, accuses U.S. government officials of violating his civil rights. He alleges in a federal lawsuit […]
more…12 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: Report says Half of Global Food Ends Up As Waste
LONDON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) — As much as 50 percent of all food produced around the world ends up as waste, a new report said on Thursday. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers said in its latest report on “Global Food Waste Not Want Not” found that “between 30 percent and 50 percent or 1.2-2 billion […]
more…12 Jan, 2013
Asian Century Rising: At First Gandhi Lecture in Bangkok, Indian Activist Promotes “Soil Not Oil”
Bangkok (14 December 2012) – India’s highly-decorated social and environmental activist Dr Vandana Shiva inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi lecture series in Thailand on 14 December 2012 with a call for a Gandhian satyagraha against attempts by global agricultural and pharmaceutical corporations to control the global food and medicine chain. Warning that agricultural dependency on pesticides, […]
more…12 Jan, 2013
Viet Nam Targets 7.2 mln Arrivals in 2013
Ha Noi, (TITC / Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism) – On January 4, in Ha Noi, Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) organized a conference to carry out action plan in 2013. The event had the presence of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) Hoang Tuan Anh, Deputy Minister of MoCST Ho […]
more…11 Jan, 2013
New CDC Vital Signs Report Reveals Nearly 14 Million U.S. Women Binge Drink
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 11, 2013 – Binge drinking is a dangerous behavior that can lead to tragic circumstances. It’s not often recognized as a women’s health problem but nearly 14 million U.S. women binge drink about three times a month, and consume an average of six drinks per binge, according to a Vital Signs […]
more…11 Jan, 2013
China’s 2012 tourism revenues to top US$408 bln
CHENGDU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) — Tourism revenues in China are expected to top 2.57 trillion yuan (407.94 billion U.S. dollars) in 2012, up 14 percent year on year, the country’s tourism chief said Thursday. Domestic tourism markets reported 2.22 trillion yuan of revenues in 2012, up 15 percent year on year and 2.9 billion domestic […]
more…11 Jan, 2013
China Signals Bid to Fix “Unfavorable” WTO Rules
January 11, 2013 – When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, one of the frequently mentioned benefits was that China could get a better export conditions through using world trade rules to reduce disputes. The author is deputy director of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and […]
more…11 Jan, 2013
Tibet receives over 10 mln tourists in 2012
January 11, 2013, (Xinhua) – Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region witnessed booming tourism in 2012, with tourist arrivals hitting a record high of over 10 million thanks to improved transportation and government promotion. The number of tourists visiting the region surged 21.7 percent year on year to 10.58 million, sources from the region’s tourism bureau […]
more…11 Jan, 2013
First Travel Mart To Be Held Jan 18-20 in India’s Restive Northeast Region
Ministry of Tourism, 10-January, 2013 – The Union Ministry of Tourism will organise an International Tourism Mart at Guwahati from 18-20 Jan. Announcing this at a press conference in New Delhi today, Union Tourism Minister Mr. K. Chiranjeevi said that this will not only be the first ever International Tourism event to be organised in […]
more…11 Jan, 2013
India to Market Itself as “Land of Pi”
Ministry of Tourism, 11-January, 2013 – Recognizing the importance of cinema as a powerful tool for the development and promotion of various tourist destinations, Union Tourism Minister Mr. K. Chiranjeevi announced, several initiatives for promoting “Film Tourism” through films shot in India. Announcing this in New Delhi today the Minister said that a “Land of […]
more…11 Jan, 2013
Paying the Price of War: U.S. Veterans’ Children Suffer from Birth Defects
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Birth Defect Research for Children (BDRC) has been tracking the increased incidence of birth defects and developmental disabilities among children of U.S. military veterans since 1990, and is asking the public for help in garnering support for a Children’s Research Center to study the phenomena. BDRC started a petition […]
more…10 Jan, 2013
Indian Diaspora Pushes for an “Air Kerala” to Boost Links With Gulf
KOCHI, January 7, 2012 – The Government of India and the Government of Kerala today assured Non-Resident Indians, NRIs, in the Gulf, particularly, Malayalis, that their demands for better air connectivity to Kerala, grant of voting rights in local bodies, and liberal baggage and gold allowance, would be addressed on priority. Inaugurating a seminar on […]
more…9 Jan, 2013
India Tourism Woos Diaspora with Incentives, “Conducive Environment”
KOCHI, January 8, 2013. Incentive investors and give them a conducive environment and smoothen the approval processes and witness the surge of investment in the tourism sector, both from overseas and domestic investors. This was the message that tourism professionals conveyed to the Government at a pre-PBD Seminar on Tourism on the occasion of the […]
more…9 Jan, 2013
India’s 2012 Tourism Forex Earnings + 21.8%, Arrivals +5.4%
Ministry of Tourism, 08-January, 2013 – Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from Tourism during the year 2012 showed an increase of 21.8% as compared to FEEs of 2011. Foreign Tourist Arrivals ( FTAs) in the country also registered an increase of 5.4% during the year 2012 as compared to FTAs of 2011. The following are the […]
more…9 Jan, 2013
Top 10 Best Tourist Destinations of China in 2012
January 6, 2013 — Thanks to its long history, many scenic spots and superb services as well as accommodations, Beijing, the capital of China, ranked number one on the list of 2012 best city for tourism on Chinese mainland, according to a report recently released by Forbes China. Tourism is known as the “Smokeless Industry” […]
more…9 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: UFI’s 10th Global Barometer of the Exhibition Industry 2012
Paris – January 7, 2013: Results of UFI’s 10th Global Barometer survey broadly confirm that the exhibition industry continues to grow with a majority of companies reporting increased turnover for 2012. Reviewing the consolidated results over ten surveys, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, now perceives a clear shift between the two regions […]
more…6 Jan, 2013
Chinese Eye US Trip for Upcoming Long-Holiday in Feb
Beijing, 2013-01-05 (China Daily) – With the most important Chinese holiday approaching in February, many Chinese have begun signing up for travel to the United States, adding to a major source of US tourism. Chinese and US travel agents are monitoring the burgeoning market of middle-class Chinese families making trips during an otherwise slow winter […]
more…6 Jan, 2013
China’s Top Ten Internet Trends for 2012
(People’s Daily Online) January 04, 2013 (Xinhua) 1. First five-year plan for China’s Internet industry The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China released the “12th Five-year Plan for Internet Industry” in May 2012. The plan is made to innovate the application system, combine the informationization with industrialization, build “broadband China,” promote the overall […]
more…6 Jan, 2013
Maldives, Thailand Top Destinations Forecast in Kuoni Report 2013
UK tour operator Kuoni has released its Travel Trends Report 2013 and it reveals that hand-picked hideaways, secluded villas, pampering hotels and private islands are the order of the day, in destinations spanning the exotic Far East and Africa, magical Indian Ocean, and colourful USA, Caribbean and Mexico. These long-haul destinations have constant appeal but […]
more…3 Jan, 2013
A Dream Fulfilled in Amritsar: Reflections on Spiritual Travel, Peace & Conflict
Amritsar: On 26 December 2012, I visited the spectacular Golden Temple, the holiest spot of the Sikh faith. The visit to this revered site in Amritsar, the commercial capital of Punjab province in Northern India, fulfilled a lifelong dream to walk the sacrosanct grounds of the world’s primary holy spots at least once in my […]
more…2 Jan, 2013
One Death Every Four Minutes on Indian Roads
New Delhi (Press Information Bureau) – The 24th road safety week from 1st January to 7th January 2013, will be under the theme “Stay Alive, don’t drink and drive”. The valedictory function of 24th Road Safety Week will be held on 7th January 2013 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. “Road Safety Week” is observed all […]
more…30 Dec, 2012
A Message From the Chair of Jewish Voice for Peace
This is what I know: Each of us has the power to change – and when we do, the world changes, too. I know this because I changed. My name is Rebecca Subar, and I’m the Board Chair of Jewish Voice for Peace. It’s a role that would have seemed ridiculous 30 years ago when I […]
more…30 Dec, 2012
NY Subway Murder: Anti-Muslim Ads Lead to Horrendous Hate Crime
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | December 30, 2012 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is appalled and shocked at the horrendous murder of Sunando Sen, who was pushed onto the tracks of an elevated subway station in Queens, NY and crushed by an oncoming train, on Thursday, December 27. ADC extends deepest condolences to the […]
more…30 Dec, 2012
Oliver Stone to RT: ‘US has become an Orwellian state’ — RT
Oliver Stone: One million top security clearances. That is a pretty heavy number. In other words, we are living in a fish pond and I think the sad part is that the younger people accept that. They are used to the invasion. And that is true, how can we follow the lives of everybody? But […]
more…29 Dec, 2012
China Seeks to Build People’s Gross National Happiness
December 27, 2012, (People’s Daily Overseas Edition) – 2012 has been an eventful year for China and the rest of the world. Many topics are worth noting, including the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chinese dreams, Mo Yan’s Nobel literature win, the remote national college entrance examination, and aircraft carrier style. […]
more…29 Dec, 2012
Shanghai to be China’s Second Duty-Free Shopping Region
December 27, 2012, Shanghai Daily / Xinhuanet – SHANGHAI is to become the second region on the mainland to allow duty-free shopping for individuals traveling domestically, part of the city’s efforts to become an international trade center, according to a guideline that takes effect on January 1. “The city will explore tax rebates on departure […]
more…29 Dec, 2012
China Outlines Economic Policies for a Promising 2013
(Beijing Review) December 27, 2012 – As the end of the year is drawing near, Li Xuesong breathed a sigh of relief, for China’s economy had finally bottomed out and began to rebound after a slowdown spanning seven seasons. It is still hard to say how long the rebound will last. At the conference analyzing […]
more…25 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: EU Unveils Job-Creation Manifesto for 2013
Brussels, European Commission News Release, 24 12 2012 – The Commission sets out its plans for 2013, with a focus on returning the EU to growth and getting people back to work. Around 50 new initiatives (click on the link to download free) are to be tabled during the year and the first part of […]
more…25 Dec, 2012
The Burial Of Bethlehem – By Prof William A. Cook
23 December, 2012 – Countercurrents.org “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2) A few days ago I received this plea from Samuel Dowell, a cry from the […]
more…18 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: Site Foundation Forecast for the Motivational Events Industry
The Site International Foundation has released results of the latest Site Index Annual Survey. The Site Index compiles and compares data over a number of years to track changes and forecast trends in the motivational events industry. This third year of the study measures movement in key indices as well as introduces new topics of discussion. “The […]
more…18 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: UN Asia-Pacific Economic and Social Survey 2012 Year-end Update
Bangkok, 14 December 2012 – Development in Asia and the Pacific is increasingly being affected by the ongoing slowdown in the global economy as well as structural problems within the region’s economies, according to latest United Nations macroeconomic projections and policy advice released here today. Growth in the developed world continued to slow during 2012 […]
more…16 Dec, 2012
China to continue property controls in 2013
BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — China will continue its property market control policies next year, according to a statement issued Sunday after a two-day central economic work conference held in Beijing. The country will step up the construction and management of low-income housing, as well as the renovation of run-down areas, according to the conference, […]
more…16 Dec, 2012
Suspect Suspended in Air India Charters Cabin Crew Roster Malpractice Probe
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 14-December, 2012 – Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ajit Singh has taken a serious note of the complaints of irregularities, corruption and malpractices in the Cabin Crew Roster Section of Air India Charters Ltd. (AICL) and has ordered penal action against the officials involved. When a complaint in this regard […]
more…16 Dec, 2012
India, Pakistan Move to Ease Visa Curbs, Boost Bilateral Business and Trade
New Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs, 14-December, 2012 – Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde, Home Minister of India and Mr. A. Rehman Malik, Pakistan Interior Minister jointly operationalized the new Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan on 14 December, 2012 at New Delhi. However, the Visa-on-Arrival will come into effect from 15 January, 2013 and the Group […]
more…16 Dec, 2012
Indian, Chinese Real Estate Giants Sign US$1.5 billion Tie-up Deal
Shanghai, 15 Dec 2012 – The Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, a well-known commercial property developer, has decided to cooperate with Reliance Group, a large conglomerate led by the Indian billionaire Anil Ambani, to develop real estate projects in India. A worker at Wanda Plaza in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province. Dalian Wanda Group has […]
more…16 Dec, 2012
2013 CFO Outlook: Worry about the “Fiscal Ciff”, Curbs on Travel Costs
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– December 11, 2012 – With an eye toward seizing opportunities in 2013, a majority of senior finance executives in the U.S. plan to invest in their companies to drive growth and expect to achieve higher revenues and profits next year. In fact, a new American Express survey of 200 U.S. CFOs and […]
more…16 Dec, 2012
Workers in 10 Countries Call for an End to the Silencing of Workers at Walmart
MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 14, 2012 – US Walmart workers were joined by Walmart workers in nine countries on Friday to call for an end to Walmart’s attempts to silence workers for speaking out for changes at the world’s largest employer. As Walmart workers and community supporters marched in front of a Walmart store in Miami, workers […]
more…15 Dec, 2012
PATA, Saved By A Crisis-Free Year, Lays Plans for 2013
Bangkok – Saved from collapse by the absence of a global crisis in 2012, the Pacific Asia Travel Association is looking ahead to 2013 with fingers crossed. Specific plans falling into place could help it turn the corner and regain financial stability. An annual conference has been set for Bangkok between April 26-30, the annual […]
more…13 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: IATA Study Sees Travel Distribution Transformed by 2017
Geneva (IATA Media Release) 13 Dec 2012 – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the publication of an independent study identifying major trends that are transforming the travel distribution landscape. The Future of Airline Distribution – A Look Ahead to 2017 was commissioned by IATA and written by Henry H. Harteveldt, co-founder of Atmosphere […]
more…13 Dec, 2012
Chinese Young Consumers Boost Online Shopping Spree
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online / China Youth Online), December 12, 2012 – Cui Wanzhi, a 36-year-old man, owns four stores on Taobao and one store on Tmall, two websites operated by the Alibaba Group. On this years’ Singles Day, November 11, Cui’s five online shops realized some 35,000 transactions worth millions of yuan. But his […]
more…13 Dec, 2012
India Sets Visa Rules for Pakistan Cricket Fans
Ministry of Home Affairs, 11-December, 2012 — Central Government has granted permission for hosting the India-Pakistan Cricket series involving 3 One day internationals and 2 Twenty-20 matches from 25th December, 2012 to 6th January, 2013 in India. It has been decided that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would send 50 VIP tickets […]
more…13 Dec, 2012
Turkey supports Palestine to join UN agencies: Palestinian FM
RAMALLAH, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) — Turkey will support Palestine, now a non-member observer state in the United Nations, to join other bodies of the international organization, Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Riad al-Maliki said Wednesday. Turkey offered the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) a team of experts to advise on legal and political dimensions and what steps […]
more…13 Dec, 2012
China: U.S. “Double Standards Harmful to Mideast Peace”
December 12, 2012 – The international conference concerning the establishment of a free zone of nuclear weapons or other mass destruction weapons in the Middle East was originally scheduled to be held in Helsinki from Dec. 18 to Dec. 20. The international community wants to help reduce security threats in the Middle East and inject […]
more…13 Dec, 2012
China Upgrades Rights for Foreigners Who Get Residency
BEIJING, Dec.12 (Xinhuanet / Chinadaily.com.cn) — Foreigners who obtain permanent residency will have the same pension, employment and property rights as Chinese citizens, under new regulations announced on Tuesday. Access to schools for their children will also be on par with Chinese citizens the rules endorsed by central government departments in September state. The only rights […]
more…13 Dec, 2012
Sunflower brings beauty, profit to small town in central Thailand
BANGKOK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — At this time of the year, Chong Sarika, a small town in Lopburi province, some 150 kilometers north of this capital city, comes alive as the golden hue of sunflowers that are in bloom covers the entire town. The small town in central Thailand is now dubbed as the ” […]
more…12 Dec, 2012
Campaign To Avoid Infant Formula: 86 Nations Pledge to Protect Every Feeding Mother
New Delhi, December 10 (World Breastfeeding Conference News Release): After the three day-long extensive conference, 86 countries including more than 100 representatives from 50 Governments, 30 UN representatives and 150 civil society groups successfully concluded the future strategies to put breastfeeding on the global agenda and pledged to protect every feeding mother. The Valedictory ceremony […]
more…12 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: ILO Report on Global Employment Trends for Women 2012
GENEVA, 11 December 2012 (ILO News) – Women face higher unemployment rates than men globally, with no improvements likely in the coming years, according to an International Labour Organisation report. The ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Women 2012 (click on the link to download free) looks at gender gaps in unemployment, employment, labour force participation, vulnerability, […]
more…12 Dec, 2012
ASEAN, BRICS Surge Set to Help Thai Tourism Cross 20 Million Mark
Bangkok – Significant increases in arrivals from the ASEAN countries, China, Russia and India have helped the Thai tourism industry chalk up 19.7 million visitors in January-November 2012, up 13.57% over Jan-Nov 2011, according to latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism & Sports. Brazil and South Africa, the remaining two BRICS countries which […]
more…11 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: Accenture Global Consumer Survey
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec 5 2012 – In 2012, one in five consumers switched companies they buy from, including wireless phone, internet service, and retailers, according to new research released today by Accenture (NYSE: ACN). This marks a five percent increase in switching over 2011 levels. However, the eighth annual Accenture Global Consumer Survey also found […]
more…11 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: AirPlus Survey Outlook 2013
ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE) — December 05, 2012 – In the latest edition of The Wire…from AirPlus, 97 corporate travel managers from the United States and Europe share their opinions about the issues that will most impact the corporate travel industry in 2013. The Wire…from AirPlus is a monthly pulse report for the business travel industry […]
more…11 Dec, 2012
Chinese Official Hopes India Will Not Be “Wooed Or Ordered By Anyone Else”
BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo has given an interview to the resident correspondent in Beijing from Press Trust of India, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The full text of the interview is as follows: Editor’s Note Future relations between India and China will be a critical factor in […]
more…11 Dec, 2012
ADB to Assist Member Nations in Implementing Islamic Finance Standards
MANILA, 11 December 2012 (ADB News Release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will help grow access to Islamic finance in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan with a $750,000 technical assistance (TA) grant to help implement prudential standards developed by the Islamic Finances Services Board (IFSB). “Islamic finance can provide access to the unbanked and […]
more…11 Dec, 2012
Shanghai Joins Beijing in 72-hour Visa-free Stay for Transit Travellers
BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhuanet and cntv.com) — Shanghai will allow transit passengers from 45 countries to stay in the city for up to 72 hours without a visa, following a similar announcement by Beijing. Shanghai’s municipal authorities said the transit policy was recently approved by the State Council. The city has already been offering certain […]
more…9 Dec, 2012
First Forum on BRICS Economies Charts Way Forward, Mulls Development Bank
Beijing, December 07, 2012 – The first Forum on the Economic Situations of BRICS Countries was held in Beijing on Dec. 4, and attended by about 200 diplomats, officials, experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from 26 countries and regions. They had an in-depth discussion of the economic situations and prospects of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, […]
more…9 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: Ford Motors’ Inaugural Trend Report On Key Consumer Insights for 2013
NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Ford is releasing its first-ever trend report, Looking Further with Ford, revealing predictions about consumer habits and behaviors expected to shape 2013 and beyond. From the return of trust in companies and brands to the rise of personal accountability, global data from Ford’s trend report suggest the year […]
more…9 Dec, 2012
European Commission Issues New Guidelines to Remind Staff of Whistleblowing “Obligations”
Brussels, 6 December 2012, European Commission Press release – The Commission has today adopted new guidelines on whistleblowing to encourage staff to come forward and report any information pointing to corruption, fraud and other serious irregularities that they discover in the line of duty. The EU already has some of the strictest whistleblowing rules in […]
more…9 Dec, 2012
120 Malaysian Volunteers Enter Gaza To Provide Aid
Gaza Strip (Palestine), Dec 7 (NNN-Bernama) – One hundred and twenty Malaysians volunteers have entered the Gaza Strip as members of the Aman Palestin Solidarity Mission 2012 to deliver donations costing RM1.8 million. The volunteers, among them professionals, artistes and students, entered the Gaza Strip at 5.40 pm local time (11.40 pm Malaysian time) Thursday […]
more…9 Dec, 2012
Chinese Commentary: US Has No Right to Frequently Disturb the World
(People’s Daily Online) December 06, 2012 – The U.S. Republican and Democratic parties have not made any substantive progress in the first round of fiscal cliff talks, arousing worries that the country may fall off the fiscal cliff. The stalled budget talks reflect significant differences between the two parties’ governance styles. Objectively speaking, U.S. politicians […]
more…8 Dec, 2012
Chinese ‘Top 10 Concerns’ Survey Reflects People’s Anxiety
HEFEI, ( Xinhua) 2012-12-07 – A survey on what Chinese men and women worry about these days has revealed a gender divide, as male respondents reported worrying about not having enough money while female respondents said they fret about aging. Twenty million Internet users responded to the survey carried out by Chinese search engine Baidu, which […]
more…8 Dec, 2012
Beijing to Give 72-hour Transit Visas for 45 Nationalities As of Jan 1, 2013
BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) — Air travelers, including U.S. businessman David Brockman, are set to benefit from the announcement that Beijing will start a 72-hour visa-free stay policy for citizens of 45 countries in 2013. The move will bring much convenience to the likes of Brockman, who frequently flies to China, as getting a visa […]
more…6 Dec, 2012
Revealed: US, UK launched 1,200 drone strikes in recent wars
Recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq have seen almost 1,200 drone strikes over the past five years, according to new data released to the Bureau. The information, much of it classified until now, shows that US Air Force drones carried out most of the 1,168 attacks. However British crews are also responsible for a […]
more…6 Dec, 2012
UNESCO’s Latest 31 Additions to Intangible Heritage List To Preserve Art, Music & Traditions
PARIS, More than 600 experts, officials and practitioners from more than 110 countries met at UNESCO Headquarters from 3 to 7 December to take stock of the world’s intangible cultural heritage and the global measures underway to safeguard it. The 24 members of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage are taking […]
more…6 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: Maritime Transport 2012 Identifies Key Trends, Challenges
Geneva, 4 December 2012 – A glut of new carrying capacity — and declining rates and levels of competition — are continuing and worrisome trends among firms providing maritime transport, UNCTAD’s annual survey of the shipping industry reveals. World seaborne trade – a measure of demand for shipping, port and logistics services – climbed by […]
more…6 Dec, 2012
FREE Download: State of Australian Cities Report 2012
Canberra, Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, 04 December 2012 – While Australia’s major cities remain among the world’s most liveable and are increasingly powered by the knowledge industries of the future, they are also more than ever being affected by extreme weather events and struggling to house the continuing influx of new residents. These are […]
more…5 Dec, 2012
China Moves to Expand Confucius Institutes Worldwide
Beijing, 2012-12-03 – Confucius, the ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher, was renowned for many things, including extensive travels during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). It is little wonder that those affiliated with the institutes that have taken his name are similarly itinerant. While Confucius preached moral codes and ways of governance, the Confucius […]
more…5 Dec, 2012
India Set to Host 130m People for Kumbh Mela 2013, World’s Largest Spiritual Gathering
ALLAHABAD, India – A World Parliament of Religions and an International Conference on Ayurveda & Yoga are to be among the highlights of the Kumbh Mela, a spectacular commemoration of Hindu and Indian spirituality, culture and heritage to be held between January to mid-February 2013. Held every 12 years, this unique event is expected to […]
more…4 Dec, 2012
As U.S. Population Ages, So Does Religiousness – Survey
Editor’s Note: Ageing populations will lead to growing interest in religions and travel for religious reasons. This Gallup poll report indicates that the linkage between age and religious interest is now being tracked, especially in order to monitor the social and political impact it could have in the United States. The same trend will duplicate […]
more…4 Dec, 2012
Chinese Sports Boss: Big events aren’t for everyone
2012-12-03 (China Daily) – Holding major sporting events is not a panacea for every city in China, a top sports official has warned. Inspired by the Olympic legacy of Beijing, from which mass fitness campaigns and related business ventures have thrived since the 2008 Games, more and more cities have embraced major sports events, public […]
more…1 Dec, 2012
U.S.Workers Call for a Fair Share of National Wealth
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 30, 2012 – Statement by Andrew Friedman, Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy: Recent weeks have seen extremely courageous efforts by America’s most vulnerable and exploited workers to stand up for themselves and their families. Workers at fast food giants like [McDonald’s, at Walmart warehouses and stores, and […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Nobel Peace laureates call for Israel military boycott over Gaza assault
November 28, 2012 – A group of Nobel peace prize-winners, prominent artists and activists have issued a call for an international military boycott of Israel following its assault on the Gaza Strip this month, according to a report by Chris McGreal at Guardian UK. The letter also denounces the US, EU and several developing countries for what it describes […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Free Download: IBM Analytics Report Shows Black Friday Retail Surge
ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — According to IBM (NYSE: IBM), US shoppers once again took advantage of early promotions this holiday season, driving a 17.4 percent increase in online sales Thanksgiving Day. This increase set the stage for 20.7 percent growth on Black Friday. The biggest surge came from mobile consumers, with sales […]
more…28 Nov, 2012
Carter & Brundtland: A Vote for Palestine Is a Vote for the Rule of Law
Op-Ed Contributor Column published in the New York Times: November 25, 2012 If the recent rocket attacks on Israel and Israeli air strikes on Gaza tell us anything, it is that the status quo in the Middle East is not a safe choice for Israelis or Palestinians. In the current political climate, it is highly […]
more…28 Nov, 2012
Attn: Students. Airbus call for entries in €30,000 “Fly Your Ideas” challenge
Students wanting to help shape the future of flight still have time to take part in the global Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge. Airbus is asking students worldwide to develop ideas for a more sustainable aviation industry. The winners will share the top prize of €30,000; the runners-up €15,000. Those wanting to get involved can […]
more…27 Nov, 2012
Global Internet User Survey Reveals Attitudes, Usage, and Behavior
WASHINGTON & GENEVA, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A worldwide survey of more than 10,000 Internet users in 20 countries conducted by the Internet Society revealed attitudes towards the Internet and user behavior online. The Global Internet User Survey is one of the broadest surveys of Internet user attitudes on key issues facing the Internet. This year’s survey covered […]
more…26 Nov, 2012
Rising World Power India Promotes Word Power at Bangkok Literary Forum
Bangkok – Three well-known Indian authors in English, Amitav Ghosh, Jahnavi Barua, and Vikas Swarup, made stellar presentations at the first international conference organised in Bangkok to build literary bridges between South and Southeast Asia. Although the event’s theme topic was “Indian Writing in English,” the discussions became a sweeping examination of the changes shaping […]
more…25 Nov, 2012
Everyone Pays the Price of America’s Failed Palestinian Policy
November 23, 2012 – More than 160 Palestinians and 5 Israelis are dead, and as the smoke clears over Gaza, the Israelis will not be more secure and Palestinians’ hopes for self-determination remain dashed. It is time for a significant re-evaluation of the American policies that have contributed to this morass. The failure of America’s […]
more…24 Nov, 2012
Nov 25: New Initiatives Mark Int’l Day to End Violence Against Women
United Nations, 20 November—In her message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet is calling for bold action and decisive leadership to galvanize efforts to end the pandemic of violence against women and girls, which claims more casualties and victims than terrorism. [See […]
more…22 Nov, 2012
10 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka, and Contribute to Peace, Jobs & Reconciliation
Colombo — The historic transition towards an Asian Century is generating a treasure trove of both symbolic and real images of the shift from swords-to-plowshares. One of the most thought-provoking is the conversion of Sri Lanka’s former military headquarters in a prime location on the Colombo seafront into an area for mega-projects. Once dotted with […]
more…20 Nov, 2012
The REAL America Rises: Report Weighs Ethics & Costs of Generals Turning Consultants
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – November 19, 2012 – Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Brave New Foundation released Strategic Maneuvers, a new report and short film revealing the extent of the Pentagon’s revolving door phenomenon, in which retired high-ranking generals and admirals cash in on their years of military experience by taking […]
more…20 Nov, 2012
China Seeks to Create a Positive Image for its Globe-Trotting Tourists
Chinese are said to be the world’s second worst tourists, after Americans. Tiffany Tan and Liu Xiangrui find there is some truth to the accusation, but the situation is improving as more Chinese travel abroad. Beijing, November 19, 2012 – In September, a flight carrying 200 people from Zurich to Beijing had to turn around […]
more…17 Nov, 2012
Christian Leaders in Palestine Call on Europe to Support UN Bid
BETHLEHEM, November 15, 2012 (WAFA) – 100 Christian community leaders in the holy land called on European countries, Thursday in a statement published on Kairo Palestine wire, to support Palestine’s bid to become a non-member state in the United Nations. Hereby is the full statement: Palestine, the Holy Land is our homeland. Our roots here […]
more…16 Nov, 2012
Memo to President Obama in Asia: You Won the Nobel Peace Prize, Now Earn it
Welcome to Asia and Thailand, my adopted country. It is apt that you should begin your second term in office by coming first to three Buddhist-majority countries, all of which will play a major role in the future of the Asian Century. Your primary agenda, to promote the interests of the American people, may be […]
more…15 Nov, 2012
Work set to roll in 2013 on Laos-China railway
Vientiane, Vientiane Times, 15 Nov 2012 – Construction of the US$7 billion high-speed railway linking Vientiane to the Laos-China border is set to kick off next year, with the project scheduled for completion in 2018, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Deputy Minister Latta-namany Khounnyvong told Vientiane Times on Thursday that Laos […]
more…15 Nov, 2012
European Travel Commission Report Shows How Poor Economies are Impacting Travel
Brussels, 14 November 2012 – The European Travel Commission (ETC) has just published its third quarterly report on European Tourism in 2012 – Trends & Prospects. The report shows that people are still travelling but downtrading both in terms of expenditure and trips. There is much uncertainty ahead. The full report can be downloaded free by […]
more…
Loading ...
