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…14 Nov, 2012
Early Warning Alert Nov 29: Next Global Crisis Looms as Israel Gears to Block Palestine Statehood
CAIRO, November 13, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday night said that the date for voting on the resolution the Palestinian Authority will submit to the United Nations to become a non-member state will be on November 29. He said, during a speech at the meeting of the Extraordinary Session of the Arab League […]
more…14 Nov, 2012
Australia to Grow Work and Holiday Visa Country List for Young People
Canberra, 13 November 2012, Ministry of Immigration & Citizenship – Australia will begin talks with the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Poland, and the Slovak Republic on establishing reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangements, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today. ‘The start of discussions for these new […]
more…14 Nov, 2012
More Flights Approved Between Australia and Thailand
Canberra, Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, 13 November 2012 -Australia and Thailand have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on air services, allowing for more flights between Australia and Thailand. The new MOU will allow Australian and Thai airlines to increase their flights in this key travel market—each side can now operate up to […]
more…14 Nov, 2012
Australia Report Forecasts Doubling of Domestic Air Passengers by 2030
Canberra, 13 Nov 2012, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport – The number of air passenger movements through Australian capital and non-capital city airports is predicted to double to 279 million within the next two decades showing our city airports are set to become even busier in the future. This is the key finding of the […]
more…11 Nov, 2012
Indian-Born Professor at Columbia Univ Wins Kyoto Prize for Global Achievement
KYOTO, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 10, 2012 – Professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, an Indian literary critic and educator and Professor at Columbia University, was one of three eminent people conferred the annual Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award for global achievement. She was honoured with the Arts and Philosophy Prize in the field of Thought and […]
more…11 Nov, 2012
Indian Carriers Get Air Traffic Rights to Historic City of Najaf, Iraq
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 9 November 2012 – The historic Islamic city of Najaf, Iraq, is among a number of cities that will be accessed by Indian carriers under new international traffic rights approved by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh for the next three seasons i.e. winter 2012, summer 2013 and […]
more…9 Nov, 2012
FREE Download: OECD Reports Examine Global Growth Trends Until 2060
Paris, 9 Nov 2012, (OECD Media release) – There will be major changes in the composition of world GDP (taken as sum of GDP for 34 OECD and 8 non-OECD G20 countries), according to an OECD report released today. The following is a brief summary with links below for free downloading of the full reports.
more…9 Nov, 2012
FREE Download: UN Statistical Yearbook for Asia-Pacific 2012
Bangkok (UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section) (8 Nov 2012) – Asia and the Pacific has made impressive gains in improving the living conditions of its people and promoting economic growth but faces wide development gaps, particularly in basic health care and gender equality. According to the Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific […]
more…8 Nov, 2012
EU Plans Visa Revamp to Grow Tourism, Economies
Brussels, European Commission Media release, 07 Nov 2012 – In a strategic Communication adopted today, the Commission examines how the implementation and development of the common visa policy could help growth in the EU by facilitating travel opportunities for third country nationals willing to visit the EU. With a total of 18.8 million jobs in […]
more…7 Nov, 2012
Will Obama Now Honour his 2009 Pledge To Make Peace With Islamic World?
On June 4, 2009, the same year he won the Nobel Peace Prize, President Barack Obama stood behind a podium at Cairo’s Al Azhar University, one of Islam’s most eminent centres of learning, and delivered his famous speech to the Islamic world. His objective was reset the United States’ relations with Islam and make “a […]
more…6 Nov, 2012
As A New World Order Emerges, Will the East-West Transition be Peaceful?
BANGKOK – A former U.S. market trader who spent five years in jail “for telling the truth” has forecast the continuing economic and financial decline of what he called a “brain-dead” United States, a shift towards Asia which will last for about 200 years, a second-term win for President Barack Obama and a “high probability” […]
more…4 Nov, 2012
11 Reasons Why I Am Giving the 2012 WTM London a Miss
After 25 years of covering the World Travel Market London, I am giving this year’s show a miss. Here’s why: 1. Britain and Europe are no longer as important as sources of visitors, ideas and industry innovations. The rise of Asia and the emergence of new source markets such as Russia, Brazil, Latin America and […]
more…2 Nov, 2012
Rediscovering the Awakening Dragon: A Journey to Renaissance
Beijing, October 29, 2012 – To have a deeper understanding of the present, it is, often times, necessary to get a grip on history first, or to say, where China’s present notion of innovation came from and how it unfolded into reality. It came right from a national congress 10 years ago, a historical series […]
more…2 Nov, 2012
Joint German-French visa center to increase Chinese tourists
2012-10-31 – Germany and France officially opened the first joint visa application center in Beijing on Tuesday, to ease the application process and attract more Chinese to Europe. The newly built center can make the process of applying for a visa more convenient, but Chinese are still required to provide extensive material in the application […]
more…2 Nov, 2012
Cricket Matches, Visas Open Up as Indo-Pak Ties Thaw
ISLAMABAD, DAWN.COM, 1 Nov 2012: Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved four agreements signed with neighbouring India, including a much-anticipated agreement on a liberalised visa regime aimed at promoting bilateral trade between the two countries. The cabinet’s ratification Wednesday came more than a month and a half after the agreement’s initial signing on Sept 8, […]
more…1 Nov, 2012
Chinese Commentary: “Grotesque income gaps undercut social harmony”
October 30, 2012 – A comprehensive report in 2010 titled “China’s Wealth Gap Is Testing the Limit of Social Toleration” is still compelling reading for policy makers today. Authored by a Xinhua team, the report pointed to the danger of accelerating concentration of social wealth in the hands of the few, and the yawning gap […]
more…1 Nov, 2012
New Website Explores American Indian Culture
(PRWEB) October 31, 2012 – Native American folklore and history is being explored on a new website that just launched to provide visitors with valuable information about American Indian tribes in the United States. “I’m excited to announce the launch of this new website,” said Shelly Vickerson with NativeAmericanHistoryandCulture.com. “Hopefully, visitors will leave with a […]
more…31 Oct, 2012
Mobile Phone Operator Survey: World Prefers Obama By a Long Shot
BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Jana, a Boston-based mobile startup, released the results of its 2012 Presidential election survey on Tuesday. The survey, conducted with the Jana Research platform, polled Jana’s members in emerging markets on their preferences in the upcoming United States election. Jana’s proprietary technology can target and reward 3.48 billion consumers […]
more…31 Oct, 2012
U.S. Business Jet Market Still in Recession-Related Slump
Utica, NY (PRWEB) October 30, 2012 – Today, the JETNET iQ State of the Market Briefing at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 2012 convention in Orlando, Florida was hosted by Rollie Vincent, JETNET iQ Creator/Director, and featured Paul Cardarelli, JETNET Director of Sales & Marketing, and industry veteran Susan Sheets Brogan, JETNET iQ Director, […]
more…29 Oct, 2012
Harvard Professor: Sovereign Debt Defaults by U.S., Japan, Germany “A Real Worry”
United Nations, 25 Oct 2012, (UN Department of Public Information) – Any international plan to combat the risks of sovereign debt default must be capable of handling a potential crisis in one of the world’s largest economies, the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the 67th UN General Assembly heard today. Delivering the keynote address […]
more…29 Oct, 2012
UN Expert Names, Seeks Boycott of Global Companies Profiting from Israeli Settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories
United Nations, 25 Oct 2012, Department of Public Information – A United Nations expert today called for boycotting businesses that were profiting from Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian lands until they brought their operations in line with international human rights and humanitarian law, as he presented his annual report to the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian […]
more…29 Oct, 2012
US pulls Pakistani cricket star from flight for “interrogation” on drones
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani politician Imran Khan has said he was pulled off a New York-bound plane by US immigration officials and interrogated about his view on American drone strikes in his country. Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf PTI, was headed to New York to attend a fund raiser organised by his party when he was […]
more…28 Oct, 2012
Travelzoo Reports Declines in Third Quarter 2012 Results
October 25, 2012 NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Travelzoo Inc., (NASDAQ: TZOO) a global Internet media company, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012, with revenue of $35.4 million, a decrease of 8% year-over-year. Operating income was $4.2 million, down 55% year-over-year. Net income was $3.4 million, with earnings per share of $0.22, […]
more…27 Oct, 2012
Warning: The Coming U.S. Fiscal Tsunami Threat To Future Generations
October 23, 2012, STANFORD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hoover Institution Press today released Entitlement Spending: Our Coming Fiscal Tsunami, by David Koitz. Although the nation’s largest entitlement programs—Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security—are perceived as pillars of the U.S. governmental safety net, Koitz argues that those programs are actually the largest drivers of a severe and impending fiscal crisis. […]
more…25 Oct, 2012
Costa Antunes Out as Macau Tourism Chief, But Will Remain PATA Chairman
PATA Chairman João Manuel Costa Antunes is to step down from his full-time job of 24 years as director of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), effective December 20, but will continue to chair the Bangkok-based association for the rest of his two-year term until April 2014. According to Macau’s Secretary for Social Affairs and […]
more…25 Oct, 2012
U.S. Islamic Group Asks New York City Council to Stop Police ‘Baiting’ of Muslims
(New York, NY, 10/23/12) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on the New York City Council to pass legislation that would increase oversight of the NY Police Department and cut the department’s unconstitutional spying program, including the aggressive “baiting” of Muslims by NYPD informants. CAIR-NY said the […]
more…25 Oct, 2012
Travellers To Foot Big Chunk of US$2,595 Billion Global Homeland Security Bill Over 10 Years
The global market for homeland security equipment is expected to generate US$2,595 billion in business between 2012-2022, according to a market research report released by Strategic Defence Intelligence (SDI). Demand will be driven by security threats such as terrorism, illegal border infiltration, piracy, drug trafficking, cyber espionage and critical infrastructure security, among several others. The […]
more…25 Oct, 2012
Australia Alerts Diwali Revellers to Biosecurity-related Import Curbs
Canberra, 24 October 2012 – (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry) – The Diwali festival sees a large number of customary gifts come through Australia’s airports and mail centres. However, this gift exchange doesn’t come without its share of biosecurity risks that may impact on our environment, agriculture and tourism industries. Commonly known as the […]
more…25 Oct, 2012
$300 Million ADB Loan To Overhaul Ageing Water, Sewer Systems in Colombo
Colombo, Asian Development Bank (25 October 2012) – The ADB is providing $300 million in loans to overhaul the quality, coverage, and management of water and wastewater services in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. “Parts of Colombo’s water supply distribution network are over 100 years old and some areas only get water for less than […]
more…25 Oct, 2012
U.S. Anti-Domestic Violence Group Boosts Fund-Raising Efforts, With UBM Help
VENICE, Calif., Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — A Window Between Worlds (AWBW), the only national nonprofit using art to help end domestic violence, is celebrating its 21styear of service to communities in Los Angeles and across the country. AWBW has experienced tremendous growth and is celebrating stepping into the next decade with new events and opportunities […]
more…25 Oct, 2012
Wisconsin Terrorist Was a Wife-Beater, But Easily Bought a Gun – U.S Mayors
NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The bipartisan coalition of Mayors Against Illegal Guns today announced that the gun used to kill three people and injure at least four more at a spa in Brookfield, Wisconsin was bought from an unlicensed private seller advertising on Armslist.com – a popular firearms vendor New York City […]
more…22 Oct, 2012
Why The “People Industry” Has a “People Problem”
With the Asia-Pacific travel & tourism industry facing a major human resources crunch, attracting people to work in it has become as much of a challenge as getting them to stay in it. To address that issue, ITB Asia 2012 organised its first Future Leaders Forum, inviting about 100 of the top students at five […]
more…20 Oct, 2012
India Pulls Ailing Airline Kingfisher’s Operating Permit
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 20-October, 2012 – The Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the Scheduled Operator’s Permit of Kingfisher Airlines dated 26.08.2003 with effect from 20th October, 2012 till such time the Kingfisher Airlines submits a concrete and reliable revival plan ensuring safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable Scheduled Air Transport Services to the satisfaction […]
more…19 Oct, 2012
Women Gain in US Company Boardrooms – 2012/20 Gender Diversity Index
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – October 17, 2012 – Women now hold 15.6% of the boardroom seats of America’s largest public companies, a one percentage point gain over last year, according to the latest 2020 Women on Boards Gender Diversity Index of Fortune 1000 Companies released today. Smaller companies (numbers 501 – 1000) showed the largest gain […]
more…19 Oct, 2012
Norwegian Cruise Line Orders Huge New Ship with Option for Second
MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE) – October 17, 2012 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with Meyer Werft Gmbh of Germany to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017. The new ship, at 163,000 gross tons and […]
more…19 Oct, 2012
“Boutique” ASEAN Airlines To Regroup, Rebrand for New AEC Era
Two medium-sized ASEAN airlines, Bangkok Airways and Royal Brunei Airlines, are regrouping and restructuring their financial and operational structures in preparation for the era of open skies under the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Bangkok Airways, which positions itself as Asia’s first “boutique airline”, is preparing for a public listing in the first half of […]
more…18 Oct, 2012
Cruising, Senior Citizens Offer Huge Niche-Market Potential for Travel Agents
The National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore has identified cruising and Asia’s ageing population as two key niche-markets that offer considerable business future potential for travel agents. Nearly 400 agents turned up for a session on the “Future of Tourism in Asia” organised by NATAS alongside the ITB Asia to hear representatives of both […]
more…18 Oct, 2012
Singapore Airlines Lists Challenges, Responses for Managing in a “Turbulent World”
Singapore Airlines has outlined the key challenges and responses facing airline managements in a much more “volatile and turbulent world.” Mr Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President (Commercial), Singapore Airlines, presented this list in a session on the “Future of Tourism in Asia” organised by the National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore (NATAS) at […]
more…16 Oct, 2012
Indian Aviation Minister Outlines Full National Plan, Projects and Strategy
New Delhi, 12 Oct 2012 (Ministry of Civil Aviation) – Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh, addressing the Economic Editors’ Conference in New Delhi today, said that the Government’s decision to allow 49% FDI by foreign airlines in Indian carriers will help in rapid growth of airline sector in India. The Minister highlighted […]
more…14 Oct, 2012
“U.S. Blame-game Players Should Apologize to Chinese People”
Beijing, 2012-10-12 – Regardless of who wins the Nov 6 election, US President Barack Obama and the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, both owe Chinese people an apology for their indecent use of fear-mongering about the Asia nation in their campaigns. Both candidates have tried hard and often to use China as a bogeyman, by spreading […]
more…14 Oct, 2012
Indian Activists: Don’t Let Israeli Apartheid Onstage!
New Delhi, October 11, 2012 – In solidarity with the Palestinians and their just demand for freedom, equality and justice, Indian academics, artists and activists came together in 2010 as the Indian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (InCACBI) to support the international campaign for the academic and cultural boycott of Israel. […]
more…14 Oct, 2012
China: Will Economic War (Including Cancelled Trips) Awaken Japan?
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online Commentary), October 13, 2012 – Chinese consumers have expressed their outrage at Japan’s illegal “nationalization” of China’s Diaoyu Islands through voluntary actions. The spontaneous economic war launched by angry Chinese people against Japan mainly focuses on two aspects: temporarily stop buying Japanese cars and cancel trips to Japan. Statistics showed that […]
more…12 Oct, 2012
Technology Causes One in 10 Consumers Sleepless Nights, Reports Mintel
BELFAST, Northern Ireland–(BUSINESS WIRE)– October 11, 2012 — While technology ownership in Ireland has seen swift growth – with 60% of NI (Northern Ireland) and 51% of RoI (Republic of Ireland) consumers owning smartphone and a further 18% of Irish technology loving consumers saying they plan to buy one by the end of 2012 – […]
more…12 Oct, 2012
Philippines Leader Hails Tourism Benefits of Historic Peace Deal With Muslims
When Philippines President Benigno Aquino III announced the historic peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on October 7, he specifically cited the benefits to tourism at the same level as the benefits to local people. “This Agreement allows us to dream,” he said. “The time is near when any foreigner visiting the Philippines […]
more…11 Oct, 2012
US$225,000 Grant by ADB, Norway to Help Myanmar Manage Tourist Boom
ADB Media release – 11 October 2012 – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Norway will help Myanmar cope with an exploding tourism sector with a $225,000 grant designed to generate a sustainable tourism master plan. “Myanmar is undergoing a period of dramatic change, and the skyrocketing number of tourists visiting the country is already […]
more…11 Oct, 2012
Promoting Healthy Ageing Can Help Reduce Rising Health Costs – EIU/Pfizer Report
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– October 10, 2012 – In 2050, the number of people aged 60 years and older worldwide will increase from 605 million to nearly 2 billion. While it’s good news that people are living longer, the number of older adults who will be affected by long-term, chronic conditions will increase, leading to a […]
more…9 Oct, 2012
Indian VP Calls For More Women Leaders in Global Parliaments
Vice President’s Secretariat, 03-October, 2012 – The Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Prof Dr M. Hamid Ansari has said that women comprise nearly half the number of humans in any society and are equal shareholders. However, they still face prejudices and stereotypes that translate into unacceptable social value judgments. Addressing the 7th […]
more…9 Oct, 2012
Europe Sees Hope in The Seas To Create Growth and Jobs
Brussels, 8 October 2012, European Commission Press release – A European agenda for creating growth and jobs in the marine and maritime sectors was adopted today by European Ministers for maritime policy and the European Commission, represented by President Jose Manuel Barroso and Commissioner Maria Damanaki at a conference in Limassol organised by the Cypriot […]
more…9 Oct, 2012
Take This Australian Police Survey To Ward Off Identity Theft
Canberra, October 08 2012 (AFP Media release) – The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has established an identity crime survey to help the global public test their vulnerability to identity crime, one of the fastest growing categories of global crime, with some studies estimating annual increases of 10%. The survey coincides with National Identity Fraud Awareness […]
more…8 Oct, 2012
Chinese Golden Week Holiday Wrap-up: Domestic, Overseas Travel Hits Record
By Zhao Qian (Global Times) October 08, 2012 – A record number of Chinese tourists travelled overseas during the eight-day Golden Week holiday from September 30 to October 7 and greatly contributed to local consumption, but shopping and visiting places of interest are not their only reasons for travel any more. Around 100,000 Chinese visitors were […]
more…7 Oct, 2012
India Okays Five More Airports As International Gateways
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 04-October, 2012 – The Union Cabinet today approved the declaration of Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport Varanasi and airports at Tiruchirapalli, Mangalore and Coimbatore as international airports, to fulfill the demand of State Governments, and to offer improved international connectivity, wider choice of services at competitive cost […]
more…5 Oct, 2012
Japanese Carmakers in China Feel the Pinch of Geopolitical Island Dispute
Beijing, September 29, 2012 (Global Times) – Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp on Monday resumed its production at all of its nine factories in China that had been halted since September 18, despite the ongoing territorial dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands. “The situation is developing, and there might be changes [regarding […]
more…4 Oct, 2012
Imtiaz Muqbil’s Presentation at the “Thrilla in Manila” PATA Debate
MANILA: On 27 September 2012, Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil and PATA CEO Martin Craigs faced off in an historic debate, arguably the first of its kind at a travel industry forum. Marketed as the “Thrilla in Manila”, it was held at the PATA Youth Forum held alongside the PATA Travel Mart in […]
more…4 Oct, 2012
Flashback: PATA’s Landmark Total Tourism Survey 2005 (Free Download)
In August 2005, PATA published a comprehensive survey of its members designed to monitor their concerns over the then rising gale storms of change, and help them navigate through it. After a brief flurry of publicity, the survey disappeared from PATA’s radar screen. Today, as the 61-year-old association ponders its future and ability to cope […]
more…3 Oct, 2012
Youth Shifting Attitudes On Money & Social Issues; Realism Replacing Idealism
CHICAGO, (BUSINESS WIRE), October 02, 2012 – A newly released study of nearly 6,000 young people finds that the generation often criticized for being coddled and entitled has become more realistic than idealistic in its attitudes toward money and career preparation. Announced today, the study findings suggest that Millennials who came of age as economic […]
more…3 Oct, 2012
Linking Northeast India to Southeast Asia Will Boost All Economies
Ministry for Development of North-East Region 01-October, 2012 – The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mr Paban Singh Ghatowar has said that over the two decades, economic and strategic connections with Southeast Asia has increased manifold. Addressing the 158TH Annual […]
more…3 Oct, 2012
India’s Village Industries “More Relevant in an Age of Globalisation”
Ministry of Rural Development, 01-October, 2012 – Union Minister for Rural Development Mr Jairam Ramesh said that village industries and particularly Khadi have become more relevant in India in an age of privatization, liberalization and globalization. Talking to media after inaugurating an Exhibition on Gandhiji Textiles of Peace here, Mr Ramesh said, his endeavor will […]
more…3 Oct, 2012
New Tunnel Highway to Provide All-Weather Access to Laddakh
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 02-October, 2012 – In a major initiative to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in the State of Jammu & Kashmir and also to facilitate all-weather road connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has decided to construct a tunnel called “Z-Morh” Tunnel on Srinagar-Leh […]
more…3 Oct, 2012
China to Build More High-Speed Railways
BEIJING, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — China is aiming to build separate passenger and freight networks within its railway system, one of the world’s busiest. It may come true on some bustling lines in 2015, when a high-speed passenger transport network is expected to become fully operational. According to a five-year plan on China’s transport system […]
more…3 Oct, 2012
Knight Frank Releases Highlights of Global Property Trends
London, UK (PRWEB UK) 2 October 2012 – Knight Frank LLP, a leading independent property advisor, today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 March 2012 as well as a roundup of global property trends. Highlights: Global Outlook The prime residential London market has seen very strong performance over the past year, with […]
more…3 Oct, 2012
“Open Trade, Open Minds” Key To Coping With An Uncertain Future: WTO Chief
Washington DC, (WTO News Release) 1 October 2012 – World Trade Organisation Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech at the Brookings Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on 1 October 2012, said that “the challenges of the future will be no less complex or challenging than those we face today. In fact, there is every reason to […]
more…2 Oct, 2012
Youth Unemployment Storm Gathering – Global Trades Union
2 October 2012 (International Trades Union Congress): With the global economic crisis still hitting working people hard in every part of the world, trade unions around the world will once again organise mobilisations, events and activities on October 7 to demand decent jobs and full respect for workers’ rights. A special campaign website launched by […]
more…2 Oct, 2012
Asian Development Bank to Promote Islamic Finance in Asia
MANILA, 2 October 2012 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate international cooperation between the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in promoting the development of Islamic finance in common developing member countries was signed today at the ADB headquarters in Manila. “The importance of Islamic Finance in the […]
more…2 Oct, 2012
PATA’s Future Challenges: Empower, mPOWER and People Power
Manila – When Mr. Runeep Sangha, 57, a former senior executive of American Express, Citibank and Lionel India Ltd, took over as Executive Director of the PATA India Chapter last August 1, he decided to take a simple step to better understand the members’ “wants and needs”: Just ask them. Soon, the roughly 240 chapter […]
more…30 Sep, 2012
Air New Zealand Launches Global Search for “The Great Walker”
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 25, 2012 – A global search is underway to find four adventurers to take on the challenge of a lifetime by completing all of New Zealand’s nine famous Great Walks in just nine weeks. The winners will embark on an unforgettable journey to experience New Zealand’s striking landscape – beech forests, […]
more…30 Sep, 2012
India to Give Tourists from Buddhist Countries Visa on Arrival
Ministry of Tourism, 29-September, 2012 – Union Tourism Minister Mr Subodh Kant Sahai has said that tourist from countries having sizable Buddhist population such as Thailand and Malaysia would be provided the facility of Visa on Arrival (VOA). Inaugurating a two-day International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi today, he said his Ministry had also decided to […]
more…28 Sep, 2012
Railway Summit To Be Held in Bangkok
BANGKOK – The 7th Rail World Summit 2012 is to be held in Bangkok between 24-26 October, for the first time outside China. The three-day summit will address the most critical industry issues in Southeast Asia and globally and will draw attendees from government, railway authorities, projects, equipment and technology companies, aiming to help to […]
more…28 Sep, 2012
Global Buddhist Conclave To Be Held in Varanasi
Ministry of Tourism, 27-September, 2012 – Union Tourism Minister Minister Mr Subodhkant Sahai will inaugurate the Second International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi on September 29, 2012. The conclave is being held with a view to showcasing and projecting the Buddhist Heritage of India. The Conclave invitees include the International Buddhist scholars, tour operators and media […]
more…26 Sep, 2012
Amid ‘Time Of Turmoil,’ UN Chief Says World In A Race Against Time
United Nations HQ, Sep 25 2012 (UN News Centre) – Citing widespread insecurity, the squandering of vast funds on deadly weapons instead of economic development, and the growing impact of climate change, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned the world today that it is in a race against time to save itself. “This year, I […]
more…26 Sep, 2012
Asia’s Pension Systems Unprepared for Rapidly Aging Populations – ADB
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 September 2012 (ADB Media release) – Pension systems in many parts of developing Asia are unprepared and underfunded to meet the needs of the region’s rapidly aging population, especially as globalization breaks down traditional family support, says a new book launched today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “Across Asia, great divides […]
more…26 Sep, 2012
Global Water Report Identifies Tourism Growth as Part of the Problem
Bangkok, 24 September 2012 (UNEP Media release and Travel Impact Newswire) – A study of almost 200 major international water-related projects over the past 20 years has identified a suite of existing and emerging challenges and how science can offer remedies. The report also clearly identifies tourism growth as being part of the problem. The […]
more…24 Sep, 2012
Wellness Gurus: Spas Only “Temporary Refuge” Against “Global Feng Shui”
Bangkok – Health and wellness professionals attending the World Spa and Well-being Convention 2012 between Sept 19-21 agreed that efforts to help over-worked, over-stressed individuals relax and recharge can provide only temporary refuge in a turbulent, chaotic world. Although herbal and spa treatments go a little deeper, tackling the root-cause of stress may require an […]
more…24 Sep, 2012
Free Download: First Global Broadband Report
United Nations, 23 September, 2012 – The Broadband Commission for Digital Development has released its first-ever country-by-country snapshot of the state of broadband deployment worldwide. The State of Broadband 2012: Achieving Digital Inclusion for All report evaluates the roll-out of broadband around the world and tracks progress towards achieving the four advocacy targets set by the […]
more…23 Sep, 2012
China Voice: Is Chinese economy sliding into dangerous position?
BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) — In the past few weeks, there has been growing debate at home and abroad about China and its economic growth, with rhetoric speculating about an imminent economic blowout in the world’s second-largest economy. It’s interesting to observe the difference between what pessimists predict about China’s economy and what’s actually going […]
more…23 Sep, 2012
Another Blistering Blast by China: US Suffers ‘Arab Winter’
September 20, 2012 – The American film “Innocence of Muslims” has triggered a wave of anti-US protests across the Middle East, which is spreading quickly to other regions. It reveals flaws of the U.S. Mideast policy and the Arab spring is turning into the Arab winter. The anti-US protests started in Benghazi, the cradle of […]
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