29 Apr, 2019
Tourists out, turtles in at Conservation Centre run by Thai Navy
Phuket/Phang-nga, South Thailand – South Thailand’s famous beaches are visited by millions of tourists annually. But just a few kilometres off the coast of Phuket is an island where tourists are out, turtles are in. In an era when overtourism and beach closures are making headlines, Huyong island is a fine example of the need […]
more…31 Mar, 2019
Global e-commerce sales up 13% to roughly $29 trillion in 2017 – UNCTAD report
Geneva, 29 March 2019 (UNCTAD media release) – Global e-commerce sales grew 13% in 2017, hitting an estimated $29 trillion, according to the latest numbers released today by UNCTAD. Editor’s Comment This could herald bad news for the future of shopping tourism. If consumers can buy whatever they want at a click of a button […]
more…31 Mar, 2019
Civil Society under attack in 111 countries, with populists, nationalists and extremists at the forefront
27 March 2019 (CIVICUS media release) – Civil society organisations providing humanitarian assistance to migrants and refugees are being targeted by governments mobilising right-wing populists, nationalists and extremist groups as the world faces a crisis of global compassion. This alarming trend is one of the findings of the State of Civil Society Report 2019, an […]
more…30 Mar, 2019
Sustainable Development Forum flags chasm between rhetoric and reality
Bangkok — When Sabrina Rose Rasu, a young women’s rights activist from Vanuatu, spoke at the Sixth Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development on behalf of the Youth and Civil Society movements, she said explicitly, “We demand system change.” In four crystal clear words, she pinpointed both the problem (The System) and the solution (the need […]
more…18 Mar, 2019
June 14, 2019: First Forum on The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY
Bangkok – At 0900 hrs on March 18, exactly 59 years ago, what was then known as the Tourist Organisation of Thailand opened for business. Its duty, in the words of Gen Chalermchai Charuvastr, its first Director-General, was to promote visitor arrivals by “creating a wholesome image” of the Thai people. Editor’s Note The Forum […]
more…15 Mar, 2019
Revealed: How Alwin Zecha and I helped the TAT bring the PATA HQ to Bangkok
Alwin Zecha, who passed away on 12 March 2019, was a passionate believer in the grandeur and glory of Asia. His multi-cultural background and multi-lingual capabilities allowed him to convert his passion into action, using the travel & tourism industry and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as conjoined conduits. He was the first to […]
more…14 Mar, 2019
Asia Foundation releases results of first City Life Survey 2018 in Myanmar
Yangon, Asia Foundation media release, February 22, 2019 — According to a new survey released today by The Asia Foundation, urban residents in Myanmar’s cities report strong social cohesion and personal relationships. Trust is high, people are very charitable, and people say they are willing to make personal sacrifices to improve their communities. Urban residents […]
more…14 Mar, 2019
Humanity ‘at a crossroads’ as damage to planet poses growing risk to health, UN environment agency warns
United Nations, UN News Centre, 13 March 2019 – Human activity is damaging the planet so badly, exacerbated by climate change, that it will increasingly put our health at risk, warns a major report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), released on Wednesday at the UN Environment Assembly, currently taking place in Nairobi. In a […]
more…13 Mar, 2019
As garbage mountains pile up, young Southeast Asian leaders seek ecotourism solutions
Luang Prabang – Appalled by the mountains of garbage and waste being generated by tourists and local citizens, emerging young leaders from Southeast Asian countries ended a five-day workshop in this UNESCO World Heritage City by pitching a broad range of reduce-reuse-recycle solutions designed to cutback everything from household waste and street trash to plastic […]
more…8 Mar, 2019
What the “Industry of Peace” can learn from the Indo-Pak conflict
In 2018, the South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka) received a total of 27.9 million tourists, a minuscule market share of 2% of the 1.4 billion tourists recorded globally. By contrast, the Southeast Asian countries received 129.3 million visitors (market share: 9.2%) and the Northeast Asian countries 168.4 million (market share: […]
more…5 Mar, 2019
Survey: 1 in 3 Older Adults Feel Lonely
By Kathleen Doheny Source: WebMD, March 4, 2019 — One in three older adults say they lack companionship, a new poll has found, and the feeling is more likely in people with health problems. The poll of 2,000 adults ages 50 to 80 also found that one in four people surveyed say they feel isolated, […]
more…5 Mar, 2019
Alcoholics Anonymous Releases Pamphlets for Women and LGBTQ Alcoholics
Source: Alcoholics Anonymous — “It doesn’t matter whether you are 16 or 60, rich or poor, college graduate or high school dropout, business executive or stay-at-home parent, a patient in a treatment facility, a prison inmate, or living on the street. Help is available.” So states a new pamphlet for women alcoholics issued by Alcoholics […]
more…5 Mar, 2019
U.S. Alcohol Problems Grow as Booze Gets a Bigger Kick
By Matt Smith, WebMD Health News Feb. 14, 2019 — Americans may not be drinking much more than they used to — but they’re drinking more potent stuff.And that trend toward higher-alcohol drinks may be part of what’s driving an increase in alcohol-related deaths and illnesses, according to new research. Sales of wine and liquor […]
more…5 Mar, 2019
Women Who Work Long Hours May Face More Depression – Study
By Amy Norton, HealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Feeling trapped behind a desk, a counter or on the factory floor does no favors for the mind. Now, research helps confirm that women with jobs that demand long hours may be more prone to depression. Researchers found that compared with women who […]
more…5 Mar, 2019
WWF report reveals staggering impact of human life on Planet’s natural systems
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) — Human activity is pushing the planet’s natural systems that support life on earth to the edge, according to WWF’s Living Planet Report 2018. The report presents a sobering picture of the impact of human activity on the world’s wildlife, forests, oceans, rivers and climate. It calls for an urgent need […]
more…4 Mar, 2019
ITB Berlin good place to start monitoring “mental health” of Travel & Tourism executives
As the ITB Berlin, the world’s largest trade show, gets under way today, it may be a good time to shine a light on one of the most important UN Sustainable Development Goals – improved global health, or more specifically, mental health. “Health and Wellness” is one of the most high profile niche-market segments of […]
more…19 Feb, 2019
Asia-Pacific countries global leaders in mobile payments, report finds
DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE), 15 Feb 2019 — A new report highlights the growth in online and mobile payment services in Asia-Pacific. The report, entitled Asia-Pacific Online Payment Methods 2019, accents the potential growth of mobile wallets and showcases digital buyers’ payment preferences in Asia-Pacific’s top markets. The nations of the Asia-Pacific region are the global leaders […]
more…18 Feb, 2019
Travel Impact Newswire Editor quits PATA membership. Here’s why.
Bangkok – This year, PATA began its third decade in Asia. I marked the occasion by terminating my membership. It was not an easy decision, but one I feel will actually benefit PATA over the long run. Everyone joins an association, or any club or organisation, for a reason. Mostly, it is to grow a […]
more…12 Feb, 2019
Nominations open for prestigious ASEAN Prize 2019
JAKARTA, 11 February 2019 – ASEAN is calling for nominations for the ASEAN Prize 2019—a prestigious regional award which aims to acknowledge the inspiring and outstanding achievements of an individual or organisation in fostering the ASEAN identity, promoting the ASEAN spirit and championing the ASEAN way. Nominees should have exceptional merit in contributing to the […]
more…7 Feb, 2019
How Social Media is Dehumanising Humanity
Global communications, both professional and personal, is dominated by social media. Like legacy airlines and travel agents, the mainstream channels of media and marketing, such as newspapers, magazines, TV and Radio, are gradually losing ground to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and the like. Note from the Editor This inaugural column by Reshma Dhewan, a […]
more…6 Feb, 2019
The best analysis of Thailand’s 2018 record-breaking visitor arrivals
Bangkok — A detailed and comprehensive analysis of Thailand’s 2018 visitor arrivals and expenditure released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports last week show some fascinating results that will have long-term implications for Thailand, ASEAN and the entire Asia-Pacific region. The two charts below show total Thai visitor arrivals and expenditure by month. More […]
more…16 Jan, 2019
Global Cross-Channel Payment Fraud Grows 13% During 2018 Peak Holiday Season
NAPLES, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– January 15, 2019 – New benchmark data from ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ:ACIW), a global provider of real-time electronic payment and banking solutions, revealed a 13 percent increase in fraud attempts in the ‘buy online pickup in-store’ (BOPIS) channel during the 2018 peak holiday season. Based on hundreds of millions of merchant transactions, including some of the world’s leading global […]
more…16 Jan, 2019
Data Breach Class Action Powerhouses Team Up to File Fifty-State Lawsuit Against Marriott Over Disastrous Data Breach
GREENBELT, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–January 10, 2019 — National class action law firms DiCello Levitt; Hausfeld; Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll; Cohen & Gresser; and Kramon & Graham have teamed up to file the nation’s largest class action complaint against Marriott (NASDAQ: MAR) following a massive, long-running data breach at the company. With 176 Plaintiffs from all […]
more…16 Jan, 2019
DiscoverEU gives 14,500 more young people the chance to explore Europe
Brussels, 14 January 2019, European Commission – Press release – More than 14,500 18-year-olds have been selected from almost 80,000 applications to receive a DiscoverEU travel pass. Participants will be able to travel between 15 April and 31 October 2019 for up to 30 days. The second round of the European Commission’s DiscoverEU initiative attracted […]
more…11 Jan, 2019
Thailand plans seven ASEAN centres in 2019 to enhance regional sustainability, security and culture
Bangkok – Seven ASEAN Centres that could provide significant intellectual support for the growing challenge of managing the region’s rapidly growing travel & tourism industry are expected to be established/upgraded in Thailand over the course of 2019, when the kingdom will hold the chairmanship of the 10-member grouping. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Division Director […]
more…8 Jan, 2019
India: Mass worker protests against Modi government ahead of elections
Brussels, 7 January 2019 (ITUC OnLine): Trade unions are holding a two day nationwide general strike 8 – 9 January in opposition to further attacks on working conditions in India. The government is under pressure ahead of elections as ITUC affiliates CFTUI, HMS, INTUC and SEWA with other unions in India mobilise millions of workers […]
more…8 Jan, 2019
In “disruptive” move, Thai Tourism Minister publishes stats on scams, cheats and rogue cabbies
Bangkok – Thai Tourism Minister Weerasak Kowsurat has taken an extraordinarily “disruptive” step by publicly releasing the results of a crackdown by the Thai Tourist Police on hundreds of scams, frauds and other illegal actions faced by visitors to Thailand between Jan-October 2018. This is arguably the first time that any Tourism Minister worldwide has […]
more…24 Dec, 2018
Looking to liven up a boring tourism conference? Call “The Intrepid Traveller”
Many in the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism industry are familiar with publications such as TTG Asia, industry events such as IT&CMA, editorial personalities such as Yeoh Siew Hoon. Not many are aware of the behind-the-scenes persona who facilitated the rise of all three in the 1980s-90s. The 1980s was a golden period for Asia-Pacific travel. […]
more…19 Dec, 2018
First Buddhist University conf on SDGs mulls challenge of averting Global Warming AND Global Meltdown
Bangkok – When the Rector of the World Buddhist University (WBU), the Venerable Phra Anil Sakya was invited to speak recently at a conference of bankers and economists on alleviating poverty and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, he asked if they had made a mistake inviting him in the first place. After listening to […]
more…13 Dec, 2018
FREE DOWNLOAD: Network of global law firms publishes expanded Anti-Corruption Compliance Guide
HOUSTON (PRWEB) December 12, 2018 – Lex Mundi, a network of independent law firms in 100+ countries, has published a global version of its anti-corruption guide. The Lex Mundi Global Anti-Corruption Compliance Guide, originally published earlier this year with a focus on Latin America, has been expanded into a global guide. Covering 78 jurisdictions around the […]
more…13 Dec, 2018
New Era for Travel Journalism: Rating Bali on the First Tourism SDG Scorecard
Bali, Indonesia — A new era for travel & tourism requires new genres of travel journalism. Today, I am proud to launch a new kind of travelogue that transcends the traditional been-there done-that narrative. Instead, it will track how well destinations are faring in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Bali, the Island of […]
more…5 Dec, 2018
Coral Spawning Signals New Life for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
QUEENSLAND, Australia (PRWEB) December 01, 2018 – Like an orchestra in rehearsal, hard and soft corals on Moore Reef off the coast of Cairns, Queensland slowly began releasing eggs and sperm on Tuesday night ahead of what marine biologists believe will be a mass synchronized coral spawning event on the Great Barrier Reef starting Thursday, […]
more…5 Dec, 2018
PATA Destination Marketing Forum skips addressing mistakes of dispersal and overtourism
Khon Kaen, Thailand – The PATA Destination Marketing Forum held in this Northeastern provincial city between 29-30 Nov stuck to the long-standing travel events formula of over-discussing topics within the traditional comfort-zones and under-discussing everything beyond. Based on the theme “Growth with Goals”, the forum was designed to promote secondary and tertiary cities in Thailand […]
more…3 Dec, 2018
As rich get richer, ordinary workers struggle to survive, Trades Union global poll shows
Copenhagen, 2 December 2018 (ITUC OnLine): Workers across the globe are struggling to make ends meet, believe their jobs are insecure and don’t believe their voices matter in politicsm according to a new global public opinion poll from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the ITUC, said: “Governments are failing […]
more…29 Nov, 2018
12,000 travel passes available for 18-year-olds to explore Europe in 2019
Brussels, 29 November 2018, European Commission Press release – The European Commission is launching a second DiscoverEU competition. From today (12:00 CET) until Tuesday, 11 December (12:00 CET), young people aged 18 can apply for a travel pass to discover Europe next summer. This follows the successful first round which gave 15,000 young people the […]
more…29 Nov, 2018
Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim on Palestine: Their pain is my pain
Bangkok – With Israel wiping Palestine off the map in slow motion, accompanied by a wink-and-nod acquiescence from a growing number of Arab and African countries, the last remaining hold-out appears to be Asia. On 23 November, resurrected Malaysian political leader Anwar Ibrahim delivered an inspiring message of support for the long-suffering Palestinians in their […]
more…27 Nov, 2018
Marriott, Ryanair, Uber CEOs shortlisted on ITUC World’s Worst Boss Poll
Brussels, 27 November 2018 (ITUC OnLine): The CEOs of Marriott International, Ryanair and Uber are amongst the 10 global CEOs shortlisted in the poll for the 2018 Worst Boss in the World organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The shortlist was unveiled today ahead of the 4th ITUC World Congress in Copenhagen to […]
more…26 Nov, 2018
Antitrust: European Commission to investigate airline ticket distribution services
Brussels, 23 November 2018, European Commission – Press release — The European Commission has opened a formal investigation to assess whether agreements between booking system providers Amadeus and Sabre on the one hand, and airlines and travel agents on the other, may restrict competition in breach of EU antitrust rules. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge […]
more…22 Nov, 2018
Juniper Research: Annual online payment fraud losses to hit $48 Billion by 2023
BASINGSTOKE, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 20, 2018 — A new study from Juniper Research has found that annual online payment fraud losses from eCommerce, airline ticketing, money transfer and banking services, will reach $48 billion by 2023; up from the $22 billion in losses projected for 2018. Juniper’s new research, Online Payment Fraud: Emerging Threats, Segment Analysis […]
more…22 Nov, 2018
$36.52 million ADB package for wastewater management in Lakeshore Tourist Areas in Kyrgyz Republic
BISHKEK, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (21 November 2018) ADB media release — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $36.52 million financing package to help improve wastewater management systems and strengthen the sustainability of water supply and sanitation facilities in the two lakeshore cities of Balykchy and Karakol on Issyk-Kul lake, one of the most popular […]
more…22 Nov, 2018
Courage, Innovation and Integrity Honoured at Annual Environmental Enforcement Awards
Bangkok, Thailand, 22 November 2018 – Nine institutions and individuals from across Asia have been recognized by the United Nations, USAID, Interpol, and the Freeland Foundation for outstanding work in preventing transboundary environmental crime in an annual award ceremony in Bangkok. Wildlife trafficking was in the spotlight as winners from China, India, the Republic of […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Full text of the Airbnb announcement delisting properties in the illegal Israeli settlements
Listings in Disputed Regions There are conflicting views regarding whether companies should be doing business in the occupied territories that are the subject of historical disputes between Israelis and Palestinians. US law permits companies like Airbnb to engage in business in these territories. At the same time, many in the global community have stated that […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Global trades union seek strong measures to protect women against work-related violence, harassment
Brussels, 20 November 2018 (ITUC OnLine): The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are calling on governments and employers to stop playing games with working women’s lives and back a strong and inclusive international labour standard on violence and harassment in the world of work. The call comes on […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Report Finds Workers Increasingly Aware of Digital Skills Gap, Yet Optimistic about the Future
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 19, 2018 – Udemy, the global marketplace for learning and teaching online, today released the “2018 Skills Gap Report,” the company’s third survey asking full-time workers directly how they feel about digital transformation and what, if anything, they’re doing to prepare and respond to workplace changes. According to the Udemy research, awareness […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Organized Retail Crime Losses Reach All-Time High – Annual Study
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 19, 2018 – Organized retail crime is continuing to grow, with nearly three-quarters of retailers surveyed reporting an increase in the past year, according to the 14th annual ORC study released today by the National Retail Federation. “Retailers continue to deal with increasing challenges and complications surrounding organized retail crime,” NRF Vice […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Airbnb to remove all vacation rental listings in illegal Israeli settlements
Announcement from Jewish Voice for Peace, 20 November 2018 HUGE, BREAKING NEWS. Airbnb just announced it’s removing all vacation rental listings on its site that are in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank!!! Two years ago we helped kick-start a deluge of public criticism on Airbnb for allowing settlers to profit off Palestinian’s […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
New Index to map global peace over the centuries, and find ways to improve it
Sydney, November 19, 2018: (IEP media release) – The Seshat: Global History Databank (Seshat) and the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) have announced a partnership to launch the Historical Peace Index at the University of Oxford. The Index will use cutting-edge statistic methods and robust historical data to map Global Peace over thousands of […]
more…15 Nov, 2018
World Leaders ‘Cannot Be Sleepwalkers’ about Rising Nationalism, Climate Change, UN Chief Stresses at Peace Forum
Paris, UN Media Centre — Following are UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ address to the Paris Peace Forum, in Paris on 11 November: Ten years ago, in 2008, Lazare Ponticelli, the last known French veteran of the Great War, died at the age of 110. Every year on 11 November, Mr. Ponticelli, an Italian immigrant, honoured […]
more…15 Nov, 2018
Nov 16: Int’l Day for Tolerance to Spotlight How Videos Bring People Together, at UN HQ
United Nations – The UN Department of Public Information will host an educational event on the International Day of Tolerance, which will feature the 2018 YouTube Creators for Change programme, on Friday, 16 November, in the Economic and Social Council Chamber. Beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m., the event will include a […]
more…15 Nov, 2018
Indonesia uses 9.8 billion plastic bags every year
Jakarta (ANTARA News) – 12th November 2018 – Indonesia used 9.8 billion plastic bags every year, almost 95 percent of it would end up as waste, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said at the 14th Asia Pacific Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP) here on Monday. “Plastic waste can pollute the environment because […]
more…13 Nov, 2018
The Hindu attacks Hindu ruling party’s assault on India’s Muslim heritage
Bangkok – One of India’s leading intellectual newspapers, The Hindu, has blasted what is shaping up as a plan by India’s Hindu fundamentalists under the ruling Modi administration to wipe the country’s Muslim heritage off the map. In an editorial headlined, “The BJP’s rechristening spree goes against India’s plural ethos,” published on 10 November, the […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
UN to hold global events highlighting importance of human rights
GENEVA (6 November 2018) – The UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday announced the start, in mid-November, of “a month of activation,” involving events all across the world, leading up to the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the iconic Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948. The UDHR, based on the […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Australia to trial program to help young Australians deal with depression, anxiety
Canberra, Department of Health, 8 November 2018 – A thousand adolescents across the country will participate in a trial designed to prevent and reduce the risk of depression, anxiety and eating disorders. The Morrison Government will provide $210,000 to the Healthy Minds Program to trial the mental health and wellbeing project in 10 high schools. […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Australia’s Pacific Highway: Final link Woolgoolga to Ballina nearing completion
Canberra, 07 November 2018, Media Release by the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development – The final link in the Pacific Highway upgrade is in its peak construction period, with more than 3,300 jobs being delivered to finish the final stage of the project. Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Alarming rise in anti-Muslim prejudice in Germany: Leipzig University study
By Ayhan Simsek Berlin, (Antara/Anadolu-OANA) – Prejudice against Muslims, migrants and asylum seekers have significantly increased in Germany, according to a new study by the Leipzig University. Almost 55 percent of Germans claimed they felt like foreigners in their own country because of large numbers of Muslims. In 2010, before the refugee crisis, 33 percent […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Indonesians fear China’s lifting of tiger bone ban will increase killing of Sumatran tigers
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 11th November 2018 – China`s decision to reverse the 25-year ban on the trade of tiger bones and rhino horns has triggered an outcry from various conservation groups internationally and considered the move a regress in wildlife conservation efforts. In response to the move, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued a statement in […]
more…11 Nov, 2018
Brown Univ study tabulates casualties of the “War on Terror”, a wake-up call for the “Industry of Peace”
Bangkok — For the last few decades, and especially since the 9/11 attacks, the United States, the self-proclaimed “leader of the free world”, has been involved in several wars under the umbrella of the “War on Terror.” Today, as the killings continue unchecked, academic studies are striving to tabulate the grim costs in human life, […]
more…9 Nov, 2018
American Spring: Energised Muslims, Arabs, moderate Jews, set to battle Trump on travel ban, Palestine, and more
A number of Muslim, Arab-American and Jewish advocacy groups in the United States have celebrated what they consider to be historic victories in the U.S. midterm elections, along with rousing calls for more solidarity, unity and funding support to ride the wave to even bigger wins. This dispatch of Travel Impact Newswire compiles four such […]
more…9 Nov, 2018
Indonesian Bamboo Bicycle wins ASEAN “Good Design” Award
TOKYO, Nov 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — A Spedagi bamboo bicycle produced by the CV Pirani Works, Indonesia, which was chosen by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (www.asean.or.jp/en) as part of its program titled “Good Design Award: ASEAN Design Selection”, achieved a prodigious feat of winning the Gold Award of the Good Design Award 2018, which was announced […]
more…8 Nov, 2018
Festival to position UAE as global hub for Islamic Art and Culture
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 06, 2018 – The UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development today announced the program of the inaugural edition of Al Burda Festival that aims to position the UAE as a global hub for Islamic art and culture and an incubator for creativity. Set to run on November […]
more…22 Oct, 2018
Fair Trade Movement and UNCTAD join forces to ensure fairness for farmers, workers
Geneva, 19 October 2018 (UNCTAD media release) – The Brussels-based Fair Trade Advocacy Office and UNCTAD are joining forces to improve the living and working conditions of artisans, workers and smallholder farmers and producers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The two organizations, which have both been calling for a more equitable trading system for […]
more…22 Oct, 2018
ITB Asia 2018 continues the Great Dumbing Down of global travel trade shows
Singapore – Although the core focus of the mega-billion travel & tourism industry has unmistakably shifted from marketing to management, international events such as the ITB Asia, the region’s self-proclaimed “leading travel trade show” are still failing to reflect that transition. A search of the ITB Asia 2018 conference programme website yielded 113 results for […]
more…8 Oct, 2018
Limiting global warming to 1.5ºC will require changes “in all aspects of society” – IPCC Report
INCHEON, Republic of Korea, 8 Oct, IPCC PRESS RELEASE – Limiting global warming to 1.5ºC would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, the IPCC said in a new assessment. With clear benefits to people and natural ecosystems, limiting global warming to 1.5ºC compared to 2ºC could go hand in hand […]
more…7 Oct, 2018
$4.2 Trillion Wellness Industry growing nearly twice as fast as global economy
CESENA, Italy (PRWEB) October 06, 2018 — The global wellness industry grew 12.8% in the last two years, from a $3.7 trillion market in 2015 to $4.2 trillion in 2017, according to an in-depth research report, the 2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, released today by the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI). This all-new data on […]
more…4 Oct, 2018
UN Green Industry Conference opens in Thailand
Bangkok (ESCAP News) — The Fifth Green Industry Conference opened in Bangkok on Wednesday 03 October, with a strong focus on the opportunities green growth could yield for businesses and emerging economies. Organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), together with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific […]
more…4 Oct, 2018
Blasts from the Past: Two historic speeches to cement the future of PATA
Langkawi, Malaysia — Backed by a disruption-free global and regional environment and commensurately steady rise in travel flows, the Pacific Asia Travel Association took positive steps forward at the PATA Travel Mart in Langkawi, Malaysia, between 12-16 Sept 2018. From an energetic Youth Symposium to a quality-not-quantity Travel Mart, high-profile Gold Awards ceremony to panoramic […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Jewish fanatics intensify provocations in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque
JERUSALEM, September 27, 2018 (WAFA) – Jewish fanatics intensified on Thursday their provocations of Palestinians in the Old City of Jerusalem and Muslim worshippers inside the holy site, Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to witnesses. They said Palestinian residents of the Old City confronted a group of Jewish extremists who attempted to hold prayers outside some […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Palestine reports surge in Asian, European overnight hotel guests
RAMALLAH, September 27, 2018 – Overnight hotel guests from Asia and Europe visiting Israeli-occupied Palestine have surged in the first half of 2018, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) said in a joint report Marking World Tourism Day Sept 27. Asian overnight hotel guests rose 64.23% […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
WHO: 20% of Palestinians denied access to medical care outside Gaza were cancer patients
JERUSALAM, September 27, 2018 (WAFA) – A fifth or 20% of the August applications by patients in the Gaza Strip that were denied by Israel a permit to leave the besieged enclave for medical treatment in East Jerusalem or Israeli hospitals were cancer patients, said the World Health Organization’s monthly report on health access for […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Free Global E-Learning Academy Launched to Support Women’s Advancement
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– September 28, 2018 – Badiri E-Academy, a free, global, multilingual online academy was launched by the Sharjah-based NAMA Women Advancement Establishment on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly session in New York, offering educational resources and professional courses that can be accessed online by anyone around the world. The […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Guangzhou Launches Culture Journey to Connect Maritime Silk Road
AYIA NAPA, Cyprus–(BUSINESS WIRE) – September 28, 2018 — On 27 September, “Floral Whisper along the Silk Road—Culture Journey of Maritime Silk Road” marks a successful end in Cyprus. It is a global campaign to accelerate the cultural construction of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the “Belt […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Filipina environmental and indigenous rights activist wins Champions of the Earth Award
United Nations, 26 September 2018, UNEP media release — Joan Carling, one of the most prominent fighters for environmental and indigenous rights in the Philippines, has been recognized for her work with a Champions of the Earth Award for lifetime achievement, the UN’s highest environmental distinction. For more than 20 years, Carling has been at […]
more…30 Sep, 2018
Palestine Circus Festival’s “United for Freedom” opens in Ramallah
RAMALLAH, September 29, 2018 (WAFA) – The second edition of the Palestine Circus Festival, entitled “United for Freedom”, opened in Ramallah on Thursday with the participation of about 200 local and international artists, according to press release. Palestinian officials, a representative of the European Union, representatives of international and local cultural and artistic organizations, municipalities […]
more…30 Sep, 2018
Palestine files lawsuit against US at the International Court of Justice
RAMALLAH, September 29, 2018 (WAFA) – The State of Palestine has filed a lawsuit against the United States at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the main judicial body of the United Nations, for violating international law by moving its embassy in Israel to the occupied city of Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Riyad Malki said on […]
more…29 Sep, 2018
ADB’s new Access to Information Policy “expands some areas of disclosure”
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (28 September 2018) News Release — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors today approved a new Access to Information Policy that aims to maintain ADB’s high standards of transparency. The policy, which will come into effect on 1 January, 2019, will replace the current Public Communications Policy (PCP). The new policy […]
more…26 Sep, 2018
UK-based watchdog group Tourism Concern dies, aged 29, due to funding shortage
Bangkok, 26 September 2018 — The UK-based tourism watchdog group Tourism Concern has announced its closure, citing a “lost battle for financial survival in these difficult times.” The group’s website has been shut down and replaced with the closure notification. The group was funded by volunteers, charities, foundations and membership fees. The closure announcement said […]
more…26 Sep, 2018
Langkawi’s “Green Laboratory” owner to share expertise at PATAcademy Dec 11-13
Langkawi, Malaysia — This is Anthony Wong, owner and Managing Director of the the award-winning,Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa. Hosting the PATA Environment Committee meeting just before the recent PATA Travel Mart 2018 in Langkawi, he sat quietly all through, listening patiently to the committee members banter on about their sustainability initiatives. After all the […]
more…26 Sep, 2018
Youth2030: UN chief launches bold new strategy for young people ‘to lead’
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 24 September 2018 — The United Nations Secretary-General launched a new partnership strategy with the world’s 1.8 billion young people on Monday, to help put “their ideas into action”. Noting that it was “a rare treat” to see so many young faces at the UN, to launch the new “Youth2030” […]
more…26 Sep, 2018
China plans education reform for seniors to counter shrinking workforce
Beijing, (China Daily) September 25, 2018 – Policymakers are considering changing the syllabuses at Chinese elderly universities, education centers that target senior citizens, to include more practical courses, equipping retirees with a modern skill set in response to the nation’s rapidly aging society and shrinking labor force. The idea has been welcomed by retirees who […]
more…25 Sep, 2018
Forging ASEAN integration at the PATA Travel Mart 2018: Two Buddhists and a Muslim visit a prominent Langkawi temple
Langkawi – One of the core objectives of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community 2025 Integration Blueprint is to build “a dynamic and harmonious community that is aware and proud of its identity, culture, and heritage.” UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the United Nations Agenda 2030 is to promote “peaceful and inclusive societies.” And Travel & […]
more…25 Sep, 2018
Leaders Call for New Global Architecture for Sustainable Markets at World Economic Forum Summit
Geneva and New York, 24 September 2018 (WEF media release) – The World Economic Forum’s second annual Sustainable Development Impact Summit opened in New York City with a call for government, business and civil society leaders to scale up proven initiatives to build sustainable global markets. “The thinking has been done. Now is the time […]
more…25 Sep, 2018
Australian consumer watchdog warns of social media celebrity endorsement scams
Canberra, 24 September 2018 (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission media release) — People are increasingly being caught out by celebrity endorsement scams, with reports to Scamwatch increasing 400 per cent and losses increasing a staggering 3,800 per cent so far in 2018. These scams often appear as online advertisements or promotional stories on social media […]
more…24 Sep, 2018
7 Oct: World Day for Decent Work will highlight “deeply entrenched injustice of the global economic system”
Brussels, 24 September 2018 (ITUC OnLine): Workers from around the world will be holding activities to mark the 11th World Day for Decent Work on 7 October. This year’s global theme, “Change the Rules”, highlights the deeply entrenched injustice of the global economic system alongside shrinking democratic space and deteriorating labour rights in many countries, […]
more…24 Sep, 2018
Australian welfare debt dodgers being hit with travel bans
Canberra, 22 September 2018, Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation media release – Welfare debt dodgers are being warned they could be hit with international travel bans as part of a new push to recover hundreds of millions of dollars owed to taxpayers. The Department of Human Services began issuing Departure Prohibition Orders (DPOs) […]
more…23 Sep, 2018
Survey finds today’s children are spending 35% less time playing freely outside
MONTREAL–(BUSINESS WIRE) — September 20, 2018 – Kamik, a footwear and apparel manufacturer, today announced new survey result findings that indicate a significant decrease in outdoor play among children ages 3-12. An overwhelming majority of mothers agreed that their best childhood memories took place outdoors while playing with a friend or a sibling, recalling these […]
more…23 Sep, 2018
HSBC Value of Education Survey reveals the U.S. has the largest college funding gap
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 20, 2018 – HSBC Bank, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, today published a global study on education trends, parents’ hopes and fears for their children’s education, and their attitudes and behaviors towards funding. The survey, entitled, The Value of Education, also explores students’ own experiences while studying. Key […]
more…23 Sep, 2018
2018 Busan One Asia Festival to be held Oct 20-28
BUSAN, South Korea September 20, 2018–(BUSINESS WIRE) — BUSAN METROPOLITAN CITY announced that the Busan One Asia Festival (BOF) will be held from October 20 to 28 in Busan. BOF will open with a spectacular ‘BOF Opening Performance’ on October 20 and end with the ‘BOF Closing Performance’ on Oct 28, both will be at the Busan […]
more…21 Sep, 2018
Wars, conflict will bleed Gulf States to death, with U.S. arms dealers to be main beneficiaries, report confirms
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 06, 2018 – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are forecast to spend over USD100 billion on their defence capabilities for the first time next year, with increasing budgets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) driving growth between 2018 and 2027. Across the Gulf states comprising the GCC (Saudi […]
more…21 Sep, 2018
The three Prize-winning essays of The Olive Tree Awards Round II essay competition
First Place Co-winner Twinkle Malukani: Tourism to accelerate UN SDGs: From personal level to industry level and beyond boundaries of regions and economy Leisure has not been the sole purpose of moving from one place to another. From the time Plato propagated the concept of Cave Allegory in which his protagonist philosopher once breaks through […]
more…21 Sep, 2018
Three young women from India sweep top awards in The Olive Tree essay competition
Bangkok – Three young women from India have swept the top honours in the second round of The Olive Tree awards, a unique essay competition launched by this editor to forge a stronger linkage between Travel & Tourism and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Twinkle Malukani, 22, Vinita Srinivasan, 22, and Natasha Goel, 25, received […]
more…18 Sep, 2018
Report exposes ugly truth behind Israel’s blood-soaked “security” apparatus
September 12, 2018 (Jewish Voice for Peace media release) – From the acting Deputy Director of ICE to the current Chief of Police in Washington DC, from San Diego to Chicago to Atlanta, since 2002 thousands of American law enforcement officials have trained in Israel with Israeli police, military and the Shin Bet. And thousands […]
more…18 Sep, 2018
Israeli-occupied Palestine has world’s highest unemployment rate – UNCTAD Report
Geneva, 12 September 2018 (UNCTAD news release) – Unemployment in the Occupied Palestinian Territory rose to more than 27 per cent – the highest rate in the world – while per head income declined and agricultural production contracted by 11 per cent, as socioeconomic conditions in the past year worsened, according the latest UNCTAD annual […]
more…18 Sep, 2018
Americans urged: Oppose Jewish lobby’s bid to gag anti-Israel events on U.S. College Campuses
The following announcement has been circulated today by the the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). American expatriates living abroad, especially in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, take note. Te American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) urges you to call and email your Senators and demand they: (+) Oppose U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Assistant […]
more…15 Sep, 2018
‘Shadow’ of persistent inequality is growing worldwide, key UN human development report reveals
United Nations, 14 September 2018, UN News — While health, education, and income levels have improved overall across the globe, “wide inequalities” both among and within countries, are casting a shadow on sustained human development, a new United Nations report shows. Looking at the widening gap in real terms, a child born in Norway today […]
more…15 Sep, 2018
Seven Thai Dishes You Should Never Order
Thailand may be promoting Gastronomy Tourism, but the health promotion website WebMD has put out a bulletin warning that not all Thai food is good for health. It says, “Thai food is often packed with vegetables and lean protein, but your favorite restaurant’s menu also has some fat and calorie bombs. Here’s what to order […]
more…15 Sep, 2018
Asia will need $8.4 trillion to build new transport infrastructure
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (12 September 2018) ADB News Release — Meeting Asia and the Pacific’s transport needs will require $8.4 trillion in financing by 2030, said Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Mr. Takehiko Nakao at the Transport Forum 2018, which opened today at ADB’s headquarters, coorganized by ADB and the ADB Institute. The theme of Transport […]
more…14 Sep, 2018
Five Aviation/Aerospace stakeholders launch global study on women in leadership
Halifax, 13 September 2018 (Airports Council International media release) – Five stakeholder organizations in the aviation and aerospace industry will launch a global study – “Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling” – to identify and promote means by which the aviation and aerospace industry can more effectively recruit and advance women into leadership roles. The study […]
more…12 Sep, 2018
How long before Langkawi becomes another Boracay?
Langkawi, Malaysia — How long before the once pristine, unspoiled island of Langkawi goes the same way as Boracay, the Philippines island that was shut down earlier this year for a few months breather from the pressure of tourism? That was the question I posed right at the start of a workshop on forging stronger […]
more…3 Sep, 2018
Hyatt under pressure to drop annual convention of U.S. anti-Muslim hate group
Shoulder to Shoulder, a coalition of 34 religious denominations and organizations which says it is “committed to standing with American Muslims to uphold American values”, has written to Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt Hotels, urging the chain’s property in Crystal City, Virginia, to drop the annual convention of ACT for America, […]
more…3 Sep, 2018
Equal Pay Day: Australian agency offers tips to narrow the male-female earnings gap
Canberra, Workplace Gender Equality Agency — Equal Pay Day falls on Friday 31 August this year. It marks the additional 62 days that women had to work to earn the same amount as men did on 30 June this year. “Although the gender pay gap has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years at […]
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