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 […]
more…2 Sep, 2018
World Council of Churches to mark Global Week for Peace in Palestine & Israel, 16-23 Sept
World Week for Peace in Palestine & Israel, 16-23 September, 2018 Investing in young people A week of education, prayer and action for peace in Palestine & Israel, initiated by the World Council of Churches. Planned events below This year’s theme is “Youth and Children: Raising Hope and Making Change”. Youth and children are the ones […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Israel continues Palestinian home demolitions, displacements in July 2018
JERUSALEM, August 18, 2018 (WAFA) – The month of July 2018 recorded the highest number of Palestinian structures Israel has demolished or seized (54), and of Palestinian civilians displaced (97) in the occupied territories, since January 2017, a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Indonesian government pursues 50% local component for infrastructure projects
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 24th August 2018 – Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi said that the Indonesian government encourages the use of 50 percent of local components for infrastructure development, especially railways. “We will intensify our train manufacturing industry, so that `local content` would increase. When we built the first `local content,` it was […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Indonesia posts 7.5 million tourist arrivals in first half 2018
Baubau, S.E. Sulawesi, (ANTARA News) – The Tourism Ministry reported that Indonesia recorded 7.5 million visits by foreign tourists in the first six months of this year. “This represented an increase from the same period and from the second half of last year. Therefore, hopefully the target of 17 million visits this year could be […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Foreign college tours for Chinese teens a growing market
CHICAGO, Xinhua, 2018-08-26 – As growing numbers of Chinese families are sending their teens on college tours in other countries, they are creating a potentially lucrative market for universities, college towns and tourism-related businesses, a study of the University of Illinois (UI) suggests. In 2013, more than 300,000 young people from China participated in overseas […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
More than Half of U.S. Employees Say Technology Makes Them Feel Isolated
CHICAGO-August 21, 2018 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–More than half of U.S. employees say technology (smartphones, social media, etc.) has resulted in more feelings of isolation, according to ComPsych® Corporation, which claims to be the world’s largest provider of employee assistance programs. The poll surveyed the 8 million employees who use ComPsych’s GuidanceResources Online site. There were 12,754 […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Major global killer, alcohol caused 3m deaths in 2016, Lancet study reveals
SEATTLE, August 23, 2018. University of Washington media release – A new scientific study concludes there is no safe level of drinking alcohol. The study, published today in the international medical journal The Lancet, shows that in 2016, nearly 3 million deaths globally were attributed to alcohol use, including 12 percent of deaths in males between […]
more…27 Aug, 2018
International Buddhist Conclave 2018 held in India
New Delhi, 23-August-2018, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Tourism – The President of India Mr Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Buddhist Conclave (IBC), 2018 here today. The Minister of State (Independent charge), Mr K.J. Alphons presided over the inaugural function. The 4 days long Conclave has been organized by the Ministry of Tourism in […]
more…27 Aug, 2018
Australian consumer protection body takes action against Trivago over “misleading” hotel price ads
Canberra, 23 August 2018, Australian Competition and Consumer Protection media release – The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against trivago N.V. (Trivago) alleging it made misleading hotel pricing representations in its television advertising and website, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC alleges that from at least December 2013, Trivago […]
more…22 Aug, 2018
Illegal 2018 World Cup gambling: Asia-wide Interpol raids yield US$1.6 bln in bets
LYON, France (Interpol media release) Aug 17, 2018 – Thousands of raids have been undertaken and suspects arrested in an INTERPOL-led operation against illegal gambling conducted throughout Asia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Operation SOGA VII (short for soccer gambling) saw more than 14,900 raids at illegal gambling dens across China – including Hong […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Philippines “Build, Build Build” Policy Gets a Boost from ADB’s $300 Million Loan
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (20 August 2018) — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors has approved a $300 million policy-based loan to support the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen the framework under which the private sector can participate in the government’s “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) infrastructure development program. Government reforms supported by ADB under the Expanding […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
ASEAN Research Institute warns of serious impact of US-China Trade War
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) — While ASEAN member states typically will respond to the United States-China trade war on the basis of individual national interests, it is also in the member states’ national interest to collectively make ASEAN economic integration and beyond more real in order to position the East Asian Region as the […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Malaysia’s SME & Entrepreneurship Business Awards event to be held 14 November
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) — The SME & Entrepreneurship Business Award 2018 (‘SEBA 2018’) is back again for the third consecutive year and will take place on 14 November 2018 at the Grand Ballroom, Palace of the Golden Horses. Calls for nominations are currently open via www.seba.asia According to Nitesh Malani, Founder of Yayasan […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
China’s leading robotics group flags trends in US$17.4 billion market
BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — HIT Robot Group, one of China’s leading robot manufacturers, presented the Analysis Report on Robot Industry in China 2018 alongside its new “Robotics Biosphere” business model during the World Robot Conference 2018, held from August 15-19 in Beijing. Jointly conducted and produced by HRG, the China Institute of Science and Technology, and HIT Insights, […]
more…4 Aug, 2018
Malaysians warned about shock phone bills after Haj pilgrimage, get tips on how to avoid them
CYBERJAYA, Aug 3 (Bernama) — International roaming services offered by mobile telecommunications providers can help consumers communicate with their friends and family easily even while they are abroad. However, usage of this service without knowing the correct mechanism may result in your phone bill to skyrocket. There are also consumers who experienced bill shock as […]
more…4 Aug, 2018
ASEAN launches region-wide Car-Free Day initiative
JAKARTA, 3 August 2018 (ASEAN media release) – The region-wide ASEAN Car-Free Day (CFD), where dedicated areas or roads will be regularly free from traffic for a particular time, will be launched in Jakarta on Sunday, 5 August. The ASEAN Car Free Day is a regional advocacy initiative led by the Ministry of Health Indonesia […]
more…27 Jul, 2018
India sees rising crime against women, Dalits under Modi regime
New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, 24-July-2018- As per the latest available published information with National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the details of cases registered under total crimes against women and Scheduled Castes from 2013 to 2016 is as below: Cases registered 2013 2014 2015 2016 Crime against women 309,546 339,457 329,243 […]
more…27 Jul, 2018
New digital rights to give travellers more legal cover, better access across Europe during summer holidays
Brussels, 27 July 2018, European Commission – Press release – This summer, European citizens will enjoy more digital rights than ever before. Following the end of roaming charges across the European Union last year, holidaymakers can now travel with their online TV, film, sports, music or e-book subscriptions at no extra cost. In addition, everyone […]
more…27 Jul, 2018
Sri Lanka’s Jetwing group hosts world’s first communications course linking travel & tourism to UN SDGs
Colombo — On July 17-18, twenty young executives from the hotel and travel divisions of Sri Lanka’s prominent Jetwing group attended what is claimed to be the first global training course on improving the communications linkages between travel & tourism and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With the support of Jetwings Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
At the World Cup in Russia, BeautyCam photo exhibition proclaimed “Every Skin Color is Beautiful”
MOSCOW–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 13, 2018 – On July 11, at VDNKH Plaza, outside a football stadium in Moscow, a set of photos featuring diverse skin colors caught the eyes of visitors. This is a charity art exhibition themed “NO COLORISM” hosted by BeautyCam, a facial beautification camera app, in Russia, during the World Cup. In the […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
Creating an inclusive ASEAN digital economy will require revamp of trade and investment policies
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) — Despite the projection that the digital economy will add US$1 trillion to ASEAN GDP by 2025, there are policy hurdles that must be overcome by ASEAN to realise the digital economy potential for the region which now has a combined GDP of over US$2.6 trillion. Among others, ASEAN needs […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
Europe, Japan deal to create “world’s largest area of safe data flows”
Tokyo, 17 July 2018, European Commission – Press release – The EU and Japan successfully concluded today their talks on reciprocal adequacy. They agreed to recognise each other’s data protection systems as ‘equivalent’, which will allow data to flow safely between the EU and Japan. Each side will now launch its relevant internal procedures for […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
What Obama really said in his Mandela tribute lecture: The uber-rich and powerful have become threats to freedom and democracy
Johannesburg – On July 18, the day marking the 100th birth anniversary of South Africa’s iconic leader Nelson Mandela, former U.S. President Barack Obama delivered the 16th annual Nelson Mandela lecture. It was his first major public speech since he stepped down after eight years as the United States’ first African-American president. Unfettered by diplomatic […]
more…13 Jul, 2018
Other Side of Gastronomy Tourism: Thai Univ Forum to mull perils of Corporate Concentration in Food & Agriculture
Bangkok – Focus on the Global South, the ETC Group and Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI) are organizing a Forum on Corporate Concentration in Food and Agriculture; Implications on Food Sovereignty in South East Asia on 24 July. The rate and scale of corporate mergers and acquisitions over the past three years in the […]
more…13 Jul, 2018
Imtiaz Muqbil to deliver first communications course on enhancing Travel & Tourism’s linkages to UN SDGs
Bangkok/Colombo – On July 17-18, 2018, I expect to deliver the first, ground-breaking communications training course on enhancing the linkages between Travel & Tourism and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Executives from Sri Lanka’s Jetwing hotels and travel group will be the first beneficiaries of this tailor-made, 12-hour course, entitled “People Planet Profits — How […]
more…13 Jul, 2018
Pakistan’s Buddha of Swat smiles again 11 years after being dynamited
Peshawar, July 12, 2018 (PTI) – The iconic Buddha of Swat, carved on a cliff in the 7th century, has been restored to its almost original form with Italian assistance in northwestern Pakistan,nearly 11 years after it was dynamited by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan during their control over the area. The Buddha seated in a […]
more…13 Jul, 2018
CAIR Report: U.S. Anti-Muslim Bias Incidents, Hate Crimes Spike in Second Quarter 2018
(WASHINGTON, DC, 7/12/18) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released an update on anti-Muslim incidents nationwide in the second quarter (April-June) of 2018. CAIR’s quarterly report indicates that anti-Muslim bias incidents and hate crimes are up 83 and 21 percent respectively, as compared to the […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
27% of Palestinian working-age population out of a job
RAMALLAH, July 11, 2018 (WAFA) – As the world marks International Population Day, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Wednesday that based on the results of the Population, Housing and Establishments Census 2017, the total population of Palestine in 2017 was about 4.78 million; 2.43 million males and 2.35 million females. The […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
Aug 9 deadline nearing for US$600,000 Zayed Sustainability Prize
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 11, 2018 – With less than one month to go until the August 9 deadline, the Zayed Sustainability Prize today issued a call for companies, social good organizations, and schools to submit their entries for the annual global award. This year, the Prize broadened its mandate to align itself with the United Nations […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
Israeli police wreck work to renovate compound of Al Aqsa mosque
JERUSALEM, July 7, 2018 (WAFA) – Staff of Al-Aqsa Mosque were able to stop late Friday and early Saturday Israeli destruction of what the Muslim Waqf, the official party in charge of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and Muslim endowment, has been introducing of recent to the area of the closed Bab al-Rahmeh, also known as the […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
UN: Jewish state demolished 197 Palestinian structures in occupied territories in first half of 2018
JERUSALEM, July 11, 2018 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities demolished 197 Palestinian structures in the occupied territories during the first half of 2018, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian territory said on Wednesday. It said in its monthly report on West Bank demolitions and displacement for […]
more…11 Jul, 2018
The “Circle of Economists” Issues Declaration for More Peaceful Dialog in the World
AIX EN PROVENCE, France–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 08, 2018 – After three days of debates with 250 international speakers, the 18th Rencontres Economiques d’Aix en Provence concluded today with the “Declaration of Proposals” from the Cercle des Economistes. In terms of technology, migration, environment, identity and geostrategy, the world has undergone many metamorphoses over time. But now […]
more…11 Jul, 2018
New Travel Information and Authorisation System is NOT a visa, Europe claims
On 5 July 2018, the European Commission issued the following Fact Sheet to explain the procedures and other implementation details of the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System. As is normal with official government announcements, it is couched in all the appropriate language claiming what a smooth, seamless, hassle-free process it will be, all […]
more…10 Jul, 2018
International Day of Cooperatives sets stage for ethical, sustainable production and consumption
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 07 July 2018 – Each year on the first Saturday in July, the international community celebrates the International Day of Cooperatives – successful businesses based on ethical values and principles. This year, the Day focuses on the theme “Sustainable consumption and production of goods and services.” Simel Esim, head of the […]
more…10 Jul, 2018
UN Human Rights official tells Myanmar to show some “shame” over ethnic cleansing of Rohingyas
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 July 2018 – Myanmar should experience feelings of “shame” after attempting to convince the world that it is willing to take back hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled an “ethnic cleansing campaign” last year, given that “not a single” one has returned officially, the United Nations human rights […]
more…10 Jul, 2018
Myanmar: Discriminatory policies means no return for refugees anytime soon, says expert
GENEVA (9 July 2018) – The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, said the Government’s failure to redress discriminatory laws against the Rohingya made it impossible for hundreds of thousands of refugees to return to their homes anytime soon. “As it is now clear that the Government of […]
more…10 Jul, 2018
Socialist International blasts Israel’s racist, apartheid policies, calls for military embargo on Jewish state
GENEVA, July 8, 2018 (WAFA) – The Council of the Socialist International (SI) has called for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) for Palestinian rights at their meeting in the United Nations in Geneva. SI also called for a “total embargo on all forms of military trade and cooperation with Israel.” Socialist International brings together 140 […]
more…9 Jul, 2018
Jewish fanatics raze hundreds of Palestinian vineyards
BETHLEHEM, July 7, 2018 (WAFA) – Jewish fanatic settlers Saturday cut down hundreds of fruitful vineyards belonging to Palestinians in the town of al-Khader, in the southern West Bank district of Bethlehem, said a local activist. Ahmad Salah, coordinator of the Anti-Settlement Committee in the town, told WAFA correspondent settlers cut down around 200 fruitful […]
more…9 Jul, 2018
More jobs available, but wages at unprecedented levels of stagnation: OECD report
Paris, 04 July 2018, OECD news release – Economic growth is picking up and unemployment has reached record lows in some OECD countries but wages continue to stagnate. Unless countries can break this cycle, public belief in the recovery will be undermined and labour market inequality will widen, according to a new OECD report. The […]
more…9 Jul, 2018
The Olive Tree Ed 8 highlights World of Work, Decent Jobs, in Travel & Tourism
Bangkok – Discussions of human resources in travel & tourism for the most part focus on the shortage of qualified personnel for our rapidly-growing industry. This is a chicken-and-egg issue. Has the travel & tourism sector ever done a serious, comprehensive study of our working conditions, and critically compared them to those in other equally […]
more…8 Jul, 2018
Forests ‘essential’ for the future, UN agriculture chief spells out in new report
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 July 2018 — Time is running out for the world’s forests, warns a new report by the United Nations agriculture agency, urging governments to foster an all-inclusive approach to benefit both trees and those who rely on them. Halting deforestation, managing forests sustainably, restoring degraded forests and adding to […]
more…8 Jul, 2018
Low quality healthcare is increasing the cost burden of illness globally: OECD/WHO/WB report
Paris, (OECD news release), 05/07/2018 – Poor quality health services are holding back progress on improving health in countries at all income levels, according to a new joint report by the OECD, World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank. Today, inaccurate diagnosis, medication errors, inappropriate or unnecessary treatment, inadequate or unsafe clinical facilities or […]
more…8 Jul, 2018
$99.4 million ADB loan to Upgrade Thailand Highways, Improve Road Safety
Bangkok, ADB news release, (4 July 2018) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Thailand today signed a $99.4 million loan agreement to help the country upgrade 125 kilometers (km) of highways and improve road safety management in the country’s northeastern region. The agreement was signed by Thailand’s Finance Minister and ADB […]
more…8 Jul, 2018
FIFA President lauds ‘fantastic’ Russia-hosted World Cup
Moscow, July 06, (TASS News Agency)- FIFA President Gianni Infantino in an exclusive interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman. — Mr. President, thank you very much for this meeting. I know how busy you are but this Mundial, this World Cup in Russia comes to the final way. I have a very easy […]
more…8 Jul, 2018
‘Just One Inch of Water’ Exhibition To Go on Show at UN HQ, 9-29 July
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 05 July 2018 – An opening reception for an exhibition entitled “Just One Inch of Water” will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 9 July 2018, in the Visitors’ Lobby. The exhibition is organized on behalf of the United Nations Group of Friends on Drowning Prevention by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). […]
more…11 Jun, 2018
Survey: Women Crush Men at Conquering Workplace App Overload
BELMONT, Calif.–June 07, 2018 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG), a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications and collaboration solutions, today released new findings exploring how workers manage app overload in relation to their gender, geographic location, and age group. While workers around the world still have a long way to go to effectively manage […]
more…9 Jun, 2018
Thai Foreign Correspondents Club to hold first Panel Discussion on Thai outbound travel boom
Inbound Thai tourism is booming. What is not commonly known is that so is Thai outbound travel. Thanks to a rising middle class, strong spending power and intense marketing by airlines, hotel groups, credit card companies, the number of Thai outbound travellers is expected to cross 10 million this year. A panel discussion will be […]
more…9 Jun, 2018
GDPR – Another chapter in the book of European extra-territorial neocolonialism
Bangkok – The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is yet another example of European neocolonialism in an age of globalisation and borderless communications. While the Information Superhighway is opening up vast opportunities to create a better, more peaceful, stable and sustainable planet, it is simultaneously and very paradoxically also doing quite the opposite. Slap in […]
more…6 Jun, 2018
Submissions invited for The Olive Tree Awards Essay Competition Round 2: US$2,000 in prize money
Bangkok – Applications are now open for the second round of the Olive Tree Awards essay competition, the first such endeavour specifically designed to give young people a voice in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Millennials under 30 all over the world are invited to submit essays of up to 1,200 words on the […]
more…28 May, 2018
A thought-leadership SWOT analysis of the PATA Annual Summit 2018
Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea: The most perceptive thought-leadership question asked during the PATA Annual Summit 2018 was by Christina Luo Xiao Yan, 21, a student of Hotel Management at Macau University of Science and Technology. After listening to the speaker, Ms Raya Bidshahri, the Canadian-based CEO of Awecademy, an online platform, discuss the impact […]
more…23 May, 2018
Korea’s new, improved tourism marketing & development strategy to counter arrivals decline
Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea – From developing its Muslim-friendly facilities to promoting travel by physically-challenged people and supporting SMEs, Korea has embarked upon a detailed marketing and development strategy to counter a sharp decline in visitor arrivals in 2017. Details of the plan were outlined to media covering the PATA Annual Summit 2018 by […]
more…23 May, 2018
PATA Annual Summit: Ex-UN Chief says leaders “talk big” at UN but don’t walk the talk once back home
Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea – Delivering a powerful message to the global travel industry, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon told delegates at the PATA annual summit here on January 18 that the world needs “global leaders” and “global citizens” to “stem the alarming rise in racism and xenophobia.” In his keynote address, Mr. Ban […]
more…22 May, 2018
PATA signs first peace-building pact with Buddhist temple in Korea
Woljeongsa Temple, Odaesan National Park, Korea — This beautiful Buddhist temple, located in the midst of Korea’s largest natural forest, was the site of the first peace-building agreement signed by the Pacific Asia Travel Association on 19 May 2018. The Memorandum of Understanding commits the signatories to “cooperate for the development of peace through tourism” […]
more…18 May, 2018
Female billionaires grew 18% in 2018, Wealth-X report reveals
New York, 15 May 2018 (Wealth-X media release) – The fifth edition of the Wealth-X Billionaire Census reveals that billionaire wealth surged by 24% to a record level in 2017, and the billionaire population rebounded by 15% to 2,754 individuals, surpassing the previous peak of 2,473 in 2015. The report attributes this significant increase in wealth […]
more…18 May, 2018
First TIR transports in China advance Belt and Road prospects
Dalian, 18 May 2018, (IRU media release) – The world’s biggest trading nation opens its borders for TIR (“Transports Internationaux Routiers”) operations today. Offering time savings in China of up to 80%, the global customs transit standard connects 73 countries across the world and is a cornerstone of the Belt and Road initiative to boost […]
more…18 May, 2018
Australia moves to ensure foreign investors pay their fair share of tax
Canberra, 17 May 2018, Media Release from the office of the Treasurer Scott Morrison – The Turnbull Government is continuing to protect the integrity of Australia’s corporate tax system – ensuring foreign investors don’t have a competitive advantage over Australian investors. Today we released exposure draft legislation and explanatory material for public consultation on the […]
more…16 May, 2018
Japanese operators set up Alliance of Responsible Tourism Agencies
Kyoto, 16 May 2018 (JARTA media release) — On the occasion of the 2017 International Year of International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, a number of responsible travel agencies in Japan have united to establish the Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies. Asia including Japan is projected to be one of the most active regions […]
more…16 May, 2018
PATA Annual Summit 2018: A chance to move beyond clichés and Censorship by Sponsorship
Gangneung, Korea — A confluence of recent global events has set the stage for this week’s PATA annual summit in Korea to be a potentially historic game-changer – but only if the speakers rise to the occasion. Focussing on the theme of “Building Bridges, Connecting People,” the summit will bring together one former United Nations […]
more…14 May, 2018
Save our planet by protecting migratory birds and their ‘epic journeys,’ urges UN chief
United Nations, UN News Centre, 11 May 2018 — As they make their global journeys, migratory birds not only set birdwatchers’ binoculars agog, they also help the planet maintain its essential ecological balance. That’s one of the key messages from United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, for World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated on Saturday, with the soaring […]
more…14 May, 2018
UN to live broadcast Palestinian Rights Committee meeting, 17-18 May
United Nations, 14 May 2018 – The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will convene the United Nations Forum on the Question of Palestine under the theme “70 Years after 1948 — Lessons to Achieve a Sustainable Peace” on 17 and 18 May in the Trusteeship Council Chamber of United Nations Headquarters in […]
more…14 May, 2018
For Rohingya refugees, imminent surge in births is traumatic legacy of sexual violence – special report
United Nations,(UN News Centre) 11 May 2018 – Late last year, as violent repression in Myanmar sent Rohingyas fleeing to safety in Bangladesh, women from the mainly Muslim minority were subjected to what a United Nations official called “a frenzy of sexual violence”. Now, a surge in births among these women is imminent, according to […]
more…11 May, 2018
Digital Ad Spend Hits All-Time High of $88 Billion in 2017, with Mobile Upswing Unabated
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 10, 2018 — Total U.S. digital ad spend reached a record-setting $88 billion last year, according to the latest IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report, released today by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), and prepared by PwC US. This represents a 21 percent uptick over the previous year at $72.5 billion, and marks […]
more…11 May, 2018
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights lauds Malaysian election outcome
Official statement issued by the APHR Board on 11 May 2018 On behalf of the membership of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), we offer our heartfelt congratulations to the Malaysian people on a historic election. Despite irregularities and other challenges that prevented the vote from being a fully free and fair contest, we are […]
more…11 May, 2018
IOGT International welcomes new alcohol taxes introduced in Peru
Düsseldorf, Germany, May 10, 2018 – The government of Peru has just introduced new taxes to address harms caused by alcohol, tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages. IOGT International welcomes these new measures and commends the Peruvian government for their leadership to protect the health and wellbeing of their people. “Alcohol taxation is a triple-win measure as […]
more…11 May, 2018
New UN agency guidelines aim to sustain forest benefits for future generations
United Nations, UN News Centre, 10 May 2018 – New guidelines designed to give poor and isolated communities more of a say in how tropical forests are used and preserved around the world were published on Thursday, by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO is the lead United Nations agency on the sustainable […]
more…11 May, 2018
Trump’s Iran deal reversal proves Israel controls the U.S.
The U.S. decision to unilaterally exit the nuclear agreement with Iran cements the country’s status as the greatest threat to global stability, totally subservient to Israel, the Jewish lobby and its own military-industrial complex. The latest in a series of my-way-or-the-highway policy reversals, the Trump Administration has no regard for international norms and is accelerating […]
more…5 May, 2018
Palestinian lecturer’s assassins used fake Serbia, Montenegro passports to enter Malaysia, fled to Thailand
BANGKOK, Thailand May 4 (NNN-Bernama) – The two men linked to the killing of Palestinian lecturer Dr Fadi Mohammed Al Batsch last month were believed to have used fake passports from Serbia and Montenegro to enter Malaysia. After executing the precision-timed hit on the Hamas-linked academician on April 21, the alleged assassins slipped into Thailand […]
more…5 May, 2018
The REAL Brand USA: 35,000 gun-violence deaths a year, Brady Campaign report reveals
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 03, 2018 — As the National Rifle Association begins its 2018 convention, a new report from the Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence details what the NRA has done in the last year, juxtaposed against shockingly frequent shooting incidents. As the report shows, the NRA’s extremism, knee-jerk opposition to life-saving gun […]
more…4 May, 2018
ADB Seminar Considers Challenge of Technological Change, Globalisation, and Jobs in Asia
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (4 May 2018) — As Asia and the Pacific seeks inclusive and sustainable economic growth, countries are adapting to the possibility that new technologies in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence may lead to challenges for some industries and groups of workers, according to participants at a high-level Asian Development Bank (ADB) […]
more…4 May, 2018
Survey Finds Employers Reeling from Regulatory Shifts and New Forces Impacting the Workplace
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 02, 2018 – Littler, which claims to be the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has released the results of its seventh annual survey, completed by 1,111 in-house counsel, human resources professionals and C-suite executives. The Littler® Annual Employer Survey, 2018 analyzes the impact that sweeping regulatory changes and other […]
more…3 May, 2018
More than 100 “high-risk” Australians being probed for tax evasion
Canberra, 2 May 2018, (Minister of Revenue and Financial Services media release) – The Turnbull Government is committed to uncovering anyone who seeks to mask the true nature of their tax affairs. More than 100 Australians with links to Swiss banking relationship managers alleged to have actively promoted and facilitated tax evasion schemes have been […]
more…2 May, 2018
Study Shows Tariffs Against China Would Destroy Thousands of American Jobs
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 01, 2018 — The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports, coupled with retaliation promised by China, would reduce U.S. gross domestic product by nearly $3 billion and destroy 134,000 American jobs, according to a new study released today by the National Retail Federation and the Consumer Technology Association. The […]
more…29 Apr, 2018
Korean peace will force change in Israel’s live and let die policy towards Palestinians
The Korean peace deal has confirmed the status of Israel under its current government as an extraordinarily stupid country. In an age when the pursuit of peace has become the greatest hallmark of visionary, pragmatic, sustainable leadership, Korean leaders have risen to the occasion. Not so the Israelis. On the same day that the Korean […]
more…27 Apr, 2018
OECD Latin America report: Regaining citizens’ trust in public institutions is key to inclusive growth and well-being
Brussels, 09 April 2018 – Three out of four Latin Americans today show little or no confidence in their national governments. Around 80% think corruption is widespread. These levels are both up from 55% and 67% respectively in 2010. Mistrust is rising as in most regions of the world and risks deepening the disconnect between […]
more…27 Apr, 2018
Open Letter: Palestinian Christians and Muslims call on faith communities to help end Israeli occupation
Open Letter on April 26, 2018 Palestinian Christians and Muslims march together to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to protest to a new Israeli tax policy and proposed property law which caused Christian leaders to temporarily shut the doors of the church in February, 2018. (Photo: Seth Herald) Then the Lord saw […]
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