30 Jun, 2015

Australian Greek community prepares exodus, sends money home — Sydney Morning Herald

Australian Greek communities are preparing for an influx of migrating relatives as Greece’s economy crumbles and its banks bolt their doors. Global sharemarkets suffered from panic selling on Monday in the wake of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras pulling out of negotiations late last week for emergency funding in order to put the options to […]

30 Jun, 2015

Trade unions blast “troika” policies for triggering Greece crisis

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Geneva, 29 June 2015, (ITUC media release) – The closure of Greece’s banks, at least until after the surprise 5 July referendum announced by the Greek government on the demands set by the “troika”, underlines the folly of putting ideology ahead of economic sense, according to the International Trade Union Confederation. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General […]

30 Jun, 2015

Israeli Navy Seizes Gaza-Bound Freedom Flotilla III

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GAZA, June 29, 2015 (WAFA) – The Israeli Navy on Monday boarded and seized a boat leading a four-vessel flotilla of international activists bound for Gaza, to prevent them from reaching the blockaded coastal enclave, according to media sources. Petros Stergiou, a spokesperson for the flotilla, said that organizers lost contact with the Marianne at […]

30 Jun, 2015

Wheel:Life Publishes Accessible US Travel Guidebook for Wheelchair Users

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Atlanta, GA (PRWEB), June 29, 2015 – Wheel:Life, an online community for wheelchair users worldwide, has published Discovering: An Accessible US Travel Guide for Wheelchair Users as a new e-book on Amazon.com. Wheel:Life publications center on sharing resources and support for people who use wheelchairs. These accessible travel suggestions were crowdsourced by the Get Out […]

30 Jun, 2015

Lux* Maldives rolls out project to conserve coral reefs

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26 June 2015 (Media Release) — The LUX* Maldives Marine Biologist Center is to start implementing a coral reef monitoring project as part of continuing efforts to safeguard the biodiversity and resilience of coral reefs throughout the South Ari Atoll. The project aims to preserve and protect the marine ecosystems around Dhidhoofinolhu island and increase […]

30 Jun, 2015

European Cities Marketing opens membership to national and regional organisations

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Dijon, France, 26 June 2015 (ECM media release) – While keeping its focus on city tourism, European Cities Marketing, the leading association of cities in Europe, opens the door to regional or national tourist offices, convention bureaux and multi-functional urban marketing agencies established by regions or nations in Europe. During its last General Assembly in […]

30 Jun, 2015

Mandarin Oriental to manage second luxury property in Beijing

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Hong Kong, 29 June 2015 (Mandarin Oriental media release) – Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage its second luxury property in the heart of Beijing, scheduled to open in 2017, in the Wangfujing district of the capital city. Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing will be located in the new premier mixed use […]

30 Jun, 2015

Unicorn Hospitality Signs Sales & Marketing Pact With Maekok River Village Resort

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BANGKOK, 29 June, 2015 – Hotel management consultancy Unicorn Hospitality has signed an agreement to manage Maekok River Village Resort in Chiang Mai for global sales and marketing, as the company continues its growth by focusing on representing small and medium-sized boutique hotels and resorts in Thailand. Maekok River Village Resort in Chiang Mai is […]

30 Jun, 2015

GfK Global Study Tracks Satisfaction Levels with Leisure Time in 22 Countries

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 29, 2015 – Coinciding with the beginning of summer and the vacation season, the latest GfK study examined satisfaction levels with amounts of leisure time around the world – and United States consumers ranked as happiest with their time off. In US, 7 in 10 are satisfied The study shows that 69% […]

30 Jun, 2015

Beijing, Shanghai to offer tax refunds to overseas tourists

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BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2015-06-29 — Overseas tourists visiting Beijing and Shanghai will be able to obtain tax refunds on their purchases as of Wednesday, customs authority said Monday. Beijing and Shanghai have both filed plans to Ministry of Finance (MOF), the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and State Administration of Taxation, the GAC said in a […]

30 Jun, 2015

They are neither a ‘state’ nor ‘Islamic’: Why we shouldn’t call them Isis, Isil or IS – The Independent

By Rehman Chishti The shocking attack last week at a peaceful Tunisian tourist resort has shown us once again that terror continues to be a threat. There is no question that the group behind this attack, which refers to itself as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) or as “Islamic State” is an […]

29 Jun, 2015

Hindu Man Writes First Biography of Prophet Muhammad in Marwari

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of stories of interesting events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 29 June 2015 (12 Ramadaan 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS 2015 The […]

29 Jun, 2015

Jamaica launches two business models to track economic impact of sports events

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Kingston, Jamaica: June 26, 2015, (Jamaica Tourist Board media release): — The Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeill, has charged tourism and sports stakeholders to work together to maximize the potential of sports tourism and its benefits to Jamaica. He stated that, “given the strength of Brand Jamaica and our prominence in sports […]

29 Jun, 2015

Biblical conference to set right “misguided theologies” of travel to the Holy Land

Imtiaz Muqbil

The Society of Biblical Studies, a US-based organisation that promotes responsible travel in the Holy Land, is to hold its 2015 National Conference between 18-19 September 2015 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, under the theme of “Christians and the Holy Land: What does the Lord Require?” The conference is designed to better acquaint the estimated 1.6 million […]

29 Jun, 2015

Coalition Formed To Preserve Travel Distribution Channel Choice

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June 25, 2015, WASHINGTON, DC (BTC media release) – The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today  announced that in response to the Lufthansa Group’s (LHG) recently revealed policy to surcharge and discriminate against the travel agency channel, it has formed AirChannelChoice.travel as a broad coalition of global stakeholders to promote travel distribution system choice for travel […]

29 Jun, 2015

Let’s cut the useless anti-terrorism condemnations and pose some hard questions

Commentary by Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok — Last week, both the UN World Tourism Organisation and the World Travel & Tourism Council, the two apex bodies of the global travel industry, issued perfunctory condemnations after the spate of attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France. That put them on the record as having done their duty to do something. However, the […]

28 Jun, 2015

Will US churches help bring down Israel’s prison walls? | The Electronic Intifada

Three churches will debate resolutions this month to divest from companies supporting the Israeli occupation. The Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ and Mennonite Church USA will each discuss Palestine during their conventions. The discussions are taking place amid strenuous efforts by the Zionist lobby to counter the campaign for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) […]

28 Jun, 2015

The idea of Europe: Why five axioms that defined a scintillating culture are under threat – Dileep Padgaonkar

The spectre haunting Europe today is the sceptre of a terminal, and possibly irreversible, decline of its economic, political and, above all, cultural influence in the world. How serious is its existential angst? George Steiner, a much-acclaimed novelist, critic, cultural philosopher and academic, seeks to answer this question with unmatched eloquence, erudition and sensitivity. Earlier […]

28 Jun, 2015

India in danger of a return to authoritarianism – Indian Express

Can a 1975 Emergency-like situation recur again, is a question that is wrongly posed. What needs to be considered is whether authoritarianism can once again emerge to threaten the democratic system. All the basic causes for the Emergency four decades ago — a crisis of the political system, problems of stability and economic discontent — […]

27 Jun, 2015

West Bank museum to ‘keep Palestine’s memory alive’ – Al Jazeera English

Birzeit, occupied West Bank – The steady thud of hammers echoed throughout the valley and a large crane swung overhead as dozens of construction workers laboured in the summer heat. Located on the campus of Birzeit University, a Palestinian academic institution in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the half-finished building – the Palestinian Museum – is […]

27 Jun, 2015

AIIB Constitution ready for signing, projected launch by end 2015

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BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — Representatives of 57 prospective founding countries of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will meet in Beijing next Monday to sign the constitution of the bank, creating a legal framework for the existence of the entity. “This will be a significant event. The constitution will lay a solid foundation for […]

27 Jun, 2015

Healthier Lifestyles Pumping Up Global Sports and Energy Drinks Markets, mainly in Asia-Pacific

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Wellesley, Mass. (PRWEB), June 25, 2015 – Rapidly growing economies in China and India have significantly increased demand for sports foods in the past 10 years. BCC Research predicts in its new report that these emerging markets will approach and even surpass double-digit growth rates from 2015 to 2020. The global market for sports nutrition […]

27 Jun, 2015

Progressive Insurance Offers Motorcycle Accident-avoidance Advice as Summer Riding Heats Up

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MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 26, 2015 — The summer travel season is peak time for passionate motorcycle riders and after a brutal winter, they’re anxious to make the most of every mile. If fact, more motorcycle riders are hitting the road than ever before with new motorcycle sales up more than eight percent through the […]

27 Jun, 2015

UnionPay issues report on Chinese outbound travel for summer 2015

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Beijing, UnionPay International media release, 2015-06-24 – UnionPay International issued the “Report of 2015 Outbound Tourism Tendency of Summer Vacation” on June 24, which indicates that the outbound tourism of Chinese visitors is characterized with larger gross scale, higher transaction frequency, more scattered destinations and more rational purchase. Regards to the latest tendency of outbound […]

27 Jun, 2015

UnionPay cards now accepted for Turkey’s E-Visa application

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2015-06-17, UnionPay media release – Tourists who have recent plans to travel to Turkey will find that they can pay the visa fee by UnionPay cards as they apply for an E-Visa. UnionPay International announced today Turkey’s electronic visa application page is now accepting UnionPay cards (card number starting with 62), providing more convenient and […]

27 Jun, 2015

NEC tests disaster warning system in the Philippines

Tokyo, June 24 2015 – NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), in collaboration with the Philippine government’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the state-run broadcasting company, People’s Television Network (PTV), has built and conducted a field trial for a disaster information system enabling the provision of disaster-related information through the use of terrestrial digital broadcasting. […]

27 Jun, 2015

New assessment system to test if Malaysian graduates are ready for work

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Selangor, Malaysia, Jun, 24 2015 – (ACN Newswire) – Researchers in Malaysia are recommending an assessment tool for measuring whether university graduates have the practical skills required to enter the work force. Called the Graduate Employability Model (GEM), this tool would aim to address employability issues that currently plague Malaysian higher education. According to the […]

27 Jun, 2015

Vatican signs historic accord with Palestine – The Times of India

VATICAN CITY: The Vatican on Friday signed a historic first accord with Palestine, two years after officially recognizing it as a state. The accord, a treaty covering the activities of he Church in the parts of the holy land under Palestinian control, was the first since the Vatican recognized Palestine as a state in February […]

27 Jun, 2015

Human Rights: China tells U.S. to put its own house in order

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BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — China published a report on the United States‘ human rights situation on Friday, hitting back at U.S. irresponsible remarks about China. The report, titled “The Human Rights Record of the United States in 2014,” was released by the Information Office of the State Council, China’s Cabinet, in response to “the […]

26 Jun, 2015

Six Senses Enters China with the opening of Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain

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QING CHENG MOUNTAIN, China – June 25, 2015 (Six Senses media release) – One of the world’s most anticipated new resorts and Six Senses entrée into China, Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain will have its preview opening on August 1, 2015. Located at the picturesque gateway to the country’s majestic Qing Cheng mountains, Six Senses […]

26 Jun, 2015

Hanging Gardens Ubud unveils new spa collection

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Ubud, Bali (Hanging Gardens Ubud media release), June 24, 2015 — Due to high demand to share the magic of its gardens, this unique resort, home of the ‘world’s best pool’, has created ‘30° – a Spa Collection at Hanging Gardens Ubud’. The name is inspired by the steep slopes of the expansive resort gardens, […]

26 Jun, 2015

Massive damage to Nepal’s healthcare services has put millions of quake survivors at risk, UN warns

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 25 June 2015 – The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today warned the health of the people who survived Nepal’s twin earthquakes could be at risk if regular services are not urgently rebuilt and restored in a country where 80 per cent of health facilities in the 14 most […]

26 Jun, 2015

30 Rising Women Stars Reshaping Food Systems Around the World

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By Danielle Nierenberg, President, Food Tank, foodtank.com   There are hundreds of women who inspire us at Food Tank. They are entrepreneurs, stewards of the land, business owners, researchers, farmers, and innovators, who are the backbone of the world’s food systems. In fact, on average, women represent 43 percent of the world’s agricultural labor force […]

26 Jun, 2015

231 airlines, mostly in Africa, on European Commission’s updated safety-ban list

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Brussels, 25 June 2015, European Commission – Press release – Today the European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, the list of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union. All airlines from the Philippines, banned since 2010, have been released from the List and are […]

25 Jun, 2015

Indian media “falling in line with govt” – Kuldip Nayar, The Indian Express

One current development is ominous. Soft Hindutva is overtaking the print and electronic media. They go out of their way to blackout the minority point of view. One glaring example is a recent statement by a Muslim woman from Mumbai. She said that, as a Muslim, she could not get a house in any posh […]

25 Jun, 2015

EU Five Presidents’ Report sets 10-year plan to strengthen Europe’s Economic, Monetary Union

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Brussels, 22 June 2015, European Commission – Press release – Today, the five Presidents – European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, together with the President of the Euro Summit, Donald Tusk, the President of the Eurogroup, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, and the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz […]

25 Jun, 2015

2015 SITE Global Conference set for Oct 23-35 in India

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New Delhi, India is the host for this year’s SITE Global Conference, 23-25 October. It is the one time of the year when the global incentive travel community comes together to network and celebrate the incentive travel industry, while also learning how to conduct business with the destination. The conference promises to be a trip […]

25 Jun, 2015

EQ Travel Launch Online Service for SMEs with Standard Transaction Fee

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MITCHAM, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 24, 2015 — Scottish based EQ Travel Management has launched a bespoke travel service for SME’s called EQ Online. EQ Online means that users can book rail travel, flights, car hire and hotels via an online booking tool with a standard transaction fee per online booking.  The service is perfect for business […]

25 Jun, 2015

U.S. card companies raked in $78 bln in processing fees in 2014 – Nilson Report

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CARPINTERIA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 24, 2015 — General purpose and private label credit, debit, and prepaid cards generated $5.165 trillion in payments for goods and services in 2014. Processing fees, including interchange paid by U.S. merchants to handle that business, were $78.09 billion, up from $72.44 billion in 2013 when fees were $4.768 trillion, according to […]

25 Jun, 2015

Study: Female business owners need to set boundaries to achieve better work-life balance

You say you care about work-life balance, but do you, really? A new survey found that while women small business owners claim to value work-life balance more than men, women are less likely than men to actually take steps to achieve that elusive goal. Capital One’s latest Spark Business Barometer polled small business owners about […]

25 Jun, 2015

U.S. supermarkets fail to fulfill commitments to phase out greenhouse gases – EIA report

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 23, 2015 – Today the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) released a new report exposing leading U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Publix, and Safeway as doing little to meet public commitments to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), some of the most potent greenhouse gases (GHGs), used most commonly in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Beyond […]

25 Jun, 2015

Mauritius to join fight against international tax avoidance and evasion

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Paris, OECD media release, 24 June 2015 – In line with the international movement towards more transparency and exchange of information, Mauritius has taken a significant step to enhance its exchange of information legal framework and has signed the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. It is the seventh member of the […]

25 Jun, 2015

World Bank Group to provide up to US$500 million for Nepal earthquake recovery

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KATHMANDU, June 23, 2015, World Bank media release —The World Bank Group today said it would provide up to half-a-billion dollars to finance the reconstruction of Nepal after devastating earthquakes in April and May killed almost 9,000 people and left many mountain districts of the country in ruins. Subject to the approval of the Bank’s […]

24 Jun, 2015

White Americans, not Muslims, are biggest terror threat in U.S. – New America Foundation study

White Americans are the biggest terror threat in the United States, according to a study by the New America Foundation. The Washington-based research organization did a review of “terror” attacks on US soil since Sept. 11, 2001 and found that most of them were carried out by radical anti-government groups or white supremacists. Almost twice […]

24 Jun, 2015

New report identifies challenges faced by women journalists in Asia-Pacific media

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BANGKOK, June 23, 2015 UNESCO BANGKOK PRESS RELEASE – There are more women media professionals than ever in many countries across Asia-Pacific, but they still represent only three out of 10 newsroom staff, often earn less than their male counterparts and are subject to sexual harassment, while struggling to reach decision-making positions. These are some […]

24 Jun, 2015

Pentahotels opens second Hong Kong property

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Hong Kong – June 23, 2015: (Pentahotels media release) — Pentahotels continues its regional growth with the opening of a second Hong Kong hotel, introducing the brand’s “neighbourhood lifestyle” concept to a new Hong Kong home. Luks Industrial Company Ltd., the Hong Kong-based owners of the property, has appointed pentahotels to manage the 298-room pentahotel […]

24 Jun, 2015

Carlson Wagonlit report charts Five Major Trends Impacting Travel Programs

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SINGAPORE, 24 June 2015 (CWT media release) – Business travelers are continuing to adopt new tools and apps inspired by the leisure travel and retail sectors, while catching on to widespread trends such as the sharing economy. Key innovations such as Big Data, virtual credit cards and social media are all paving the way for […]

24 Jun, 2015

Myanmar National Airlines Gets First B-737 to expand Asian routes, effective August

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YANGON, Myanmar – 15 June 2015 – (MNA media release) – Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) has unveiled the first in a series of Boeing Next-Generation 737s that will be joining its fleet. The new fleet will link MNA’s 26 domestic destinations with an expanded international network starting with the launch of its Yangon-Singapore route this […]

24 Jun, 2015

Fast-food diets will propel childhood obesity to 70 million by 2025, warns UN health agency

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 22 June 2015 – Childhood obesity does not arise from lifestyle choices made by the child, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today, stressing that the huge problem, especially in developing countries on the marketing of sugar-rich non-alcoholic beverages, ultra-processed, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. “Childhood obesity can erode the benefits that […]

24 Jun, 2015

Hong Kong Jewellery Fair helps trade visitors save time, quickly find suppliers

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HONG KONG, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The organizers of the June Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2015, UBM Asia, announced today the launch of its mobile TradeBoard, a free interactive service helping visitors to locate products and suppliers at the fair. The mobile TradeBoard has been created for specifically for visitors of the […]

24 Jun, 2015

Thai tourism entrepreneurs invited to apply for global Creative Business Cup competition 2015

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok, 23 June 2015 – Creative Thai entrepreneurs with good business ideas are being invited to apply for a contest that could take them to a global creativity championship in Copenhagen between Nov 17-18, 2015. It is a great opportunity for young Thai tourism professionals to take the concept of “Thainess” to a new level, […]

24 Jun, 2015

UN environment agency urges ban on microplastics in cosmetics, personal care products

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 16 June 2015 – Next time you are in the shower using a refreshing exfoliating shower gel, take a moment to check what the scrubbing agents are made of. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), chances are pretty high they are made of tiny plastic beads, and by […]

24 Jun, 2015

Nepal: In earthquakes’ wake, UNICEF speeds up response to thwart child trafficking

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 22 June 2015 – At least 245 children have been intercepted from being trafficked and unnecessarily or illegally placed in children’s care homes since the first earthquake hit Nepal almost two months ago, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported. The children’s agency is working with the Government and the […]

24 Jun, 2015

Norwegian doctor authors book recording mercilessness of Israeli war machine: The Guardian

The book contains dozens of harrowing photographs, many of badly injured children, taken by Gilbert during his stay in Gaza last summer, although the most graphic were excluded. He describes his camera as “my Kalashnikov”, saying that this kind of medical documentation of war is a powerful weapon – and one that is feared by […]

24 Jun, 2015

India’s Muslim Vice President fair game for attacks by Hindu hate-mongers – Hindustan Times

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It is tough being Hamid Ansari: on the one hand you are the vice-president of India, and on the other your ‘patriotism’ is being questioned. The latest controversy surrounding Ansari emerged after BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, in a tweet, questioned the VP’s absence from International Yoga day celebrations at Delhi’s Rajpath. Ironically, Ansari is […]

24 Jun, 2015

Cuban authorities seek foreign investment in tourism

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HAVANA, June 23 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA)–The business director of the Cuban Ministry of tourism (Mintur), José Daniel Alonso, today said that during the first half of this year, the Cuban tourism grew a 15 percent in terms of international visitors. In particular traditional markets like Germany and France,it grew up to a 25 percent. Currently there […]

24 Jun, 2015

Exposed: Lawyers filmed explaining how to steer corrupt cash into Australia – Sydney Morning Herald

Australia has been exposed as a safe haven for corrupt funds from overseas after a pair of top lawyers were caught on video explaining how regional leaders steal money from their own people and park it in bank accounts here. Covertly-filmed footage using operatives posing as Australian businessmen opens an unprecedented window into how Australian […]

24 Jun, 2015

Indian govt cancels licences of 4,400 NGOs, top universities affected

New Delhi – The Home Ministry on Tuesday cancelled registration to receive foreign funds of over 4,400 non-governmental organisations including Delhi University, Supreme Court Bar Association and Kabir, an NGO started by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia. All associations were given proper notice by the Foreigners Division of the home ministry with adequate time to […]

23 Jun, 2015

African leaders want indictments of Bush, Blair and Netanyahu — National Public Radio

June 15 – As you surely heard, Sudan’s president, Omar al-Bashir, was able to visit South Africa and then fly out today ahead of calls for his arrest for charges pending against him in the International Criminal Court stemming from the genocide in Darfur. He was able to get away because some in South Africa […]

23 Jun, 2015

Australian Senator’s anti-halal crusade unleashes torrent of anti-Muslim hate

Liberal senator Cory Bernardi’s inquiry into halal food has attracted a flood of hateful and sometimes downright bizarre submissions. A month after Senator Bernardi successfully set up a Senate committee inquiry into the “third party certification of food”, the probe has already attracted 220 written submissions from the Australian public. While the inquiry is supposed […]

23 Jun, 2015

U.K. warms to idea of Japanese-style office naps | The Japan Times

Kyodo Jun 18, 2015, LONDON – Taking a quick nap at your desk or even in a meeting is not an uncommon sight in Japanese offices, but it’s something you’re unlikely to find in Britain, where workers are expected to remain alert at all times. In Japan, the practice is known as inemuri — taking […]

23 Jun, 2015

Jewish extremists spray anti-Arab racist graffiti, attack Palestinians with rocks

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TABARIYA, June 21, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli extremists Sunday sprayed anti-Arab graffiti on the walls running along a street in Tabariya, while settlers residing in illegal settlements in central Hebron attacked Palestinians with rocks, according to WAFA correspondent. Israeli extremists sprayed racist graffiti on the walls running along a street in Tabariya, inside the 1948 […]

23 Jun, 2015

Tourism Australia – Etihad Airways seal A$30M marketing deal

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Melbourne, Tourism Australia media release, 22 June 2015 – Tourism Australia and Etihad Airways have deepened their commercial partnership by signing a five-year, A$30 million marketing deal to promote Australia to leisure and business travellers in key overseas markets. The Memorandum of Understanding – signed on  22 June at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Melbourne – extends […]

22 Jun, 2015

“Tourism must dignify, not diminish our religious heritage” – UNWTO chief at Bethlehem conference

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Full text (as prepared for delivery) of opening speech by Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), at the historic International Conference on Religious Tourism, 15 June 2015 – Bethlehem, State of Palestine, on the theme of “Fostering sustainable socio-economic development in host communities” H.E. Dr. Rami Al-Hamdallah, Prime Minister of State of Palestine, H.E. […]

22 Jun, 2015

Israeli curbs on Palestinian movements, Gaza blockade must be lifted – UN expert Makarim Wibosono

United Nations, UN News Centre, 19 June 2015 – The international community must ensure the promise of universal human rights no longer rings hollow to Palestinian “living under the 48-year-long Israeli occupation,” today said a UN independent expert. “The crisis in war-torn Gaza is deepening. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, there are daily […]

22 Jun, 2015

Airbus wins $57 billion of aircraft orders at Paris Air Show 2015

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Paris, 22 June 2015, Airbus media release — During the 2015 Paris Air Show, Airbus won $57 billion worth of business for a total of 421 aircraft. The deals comprise firm orders for 124 aircraft worth $16.3 billion and commitments for 297 aircraft worth $40.7 billion. In the widebody market, Airbus kicked-off the show with […]

22 Jun, 2015

All Silversea Cruises guests to get free WiFi, effective Jan 2016

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HONG KONG – June 22, 2015 – Starting with voyages departing in January 2016, Silversea guests will enjoy the most comprehensive Wi-Fi package ever offered by an ultra-luxury cruise line: free Wi-Fi to all guests, throughout the ship, including all suites and public spaces, on all cruises, including expedition cruises. “For over 20 years, Silversea […]

22 Jun, 2015

Chic new boutique hotel, akyra Manor Chiang Mai, offers launch rates

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CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Luxury akyra Manor Chiang Mai, a hip urban concept hotel and new style beacon in the northern capital’s art precinct and ‘coffee street’ Nimman Haemin, has announced a special introductory rate for its opening. From August 1 to October 31, 2015, the starting rate for a Deluxe Suite is only THB4,200++ […]

22 Jun, 2015

First International Yoga Day marked worldwide

United Nations, UN News Centre, 21 June 2015 – The first International Day of Yoga is being celebrated around the world today following recognition by the United Nations General Assembly that the holistic benefits of the ancient Indian practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the UN. The inaugural Day has […]

22 Jun, 2015

Christians Observe Ramadan For Lent

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 22 June 2015 (05 Ramadan 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS […]

22 Jun, 2015

Australia Council puts up A$333,000 to support artists with disability

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Canberra, 19 June 2015, ACA media release – The Australia Council for the Arts has invested $333,000 for artists with disability to achieve their artistic ambitions. Australia Council Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski said 89 applications were received from individual artists and groups for projects and development grants for dedicated disability arts funding delivered through […]

22 Jun, 2015

Thousands rally against church arson by Jewish extremists

JERUSALEM, June 21 (Xinhua) — Thousands of Christians rallied Sunday afternoon outside the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish in northern Israel, in protest of the arson attack by Jewish extremists last week. A police spokesperson told Xinhua that some 3,000 people attended the rally at Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee. […]

22 Jun, 2015

June 24 Bike to Work Day: Pedal for a More Bikeable Region

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DENVER, Colorado, June 17, 2015 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–On June 24, 2015 tens of thousands of commuters from across the region will choose two wheels over four to get to work. Hundreds of businesses will host company teams and encourage employees to leave their cars at home. And volunteers from across nine counties in the metro Denver […]

21 Jun, 2015

What if the Charleston killing was carried out by a Muslim – The Nation, Thailand

Last week, a 21-year-old white male walked into a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina and shot dead nine people attending an evening Bible study. The young man, Dylann Storm Roof, was caught not long after the incident. He confessed to the killings of the nine African-American in an act that the local police […]

21 Jun, 2015

Pacific Island countries to develop cruise strategy

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Melbourne, Friday, 19 June 2015 (South Pacific Tourism Organisztion media release) – Pacific Island countries have agreed to develop a Pacific Cruise Tourism Development Strategy 2015-2019 that will assist the development of cruise tourism strategies and assist line ministries, government agencies, donors and development partners to determine appropriate investments in infrastructure and the necessary upgrades […]

21 Jun, 2015

How Android mobile apps are mining your personal data – Sydney Morning Herald

One in four apps on an Android mobile phone is loaded with an excessive number of un-related “trackers” that are funnelling valuable personal information to third parties. Popular games apps My Talking Tom and Swamp Attack in the Google Play store are among the worst apps, each loaded with more than 20 “connected trackers”, a […]

20 Jun, 2015

SilverNeedle Hospitality revamps loyalty programme

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Singapore, (SilverNeedle Hospitality media release) – SilverNeedle Select is a new eco-friendly frequent guest rewards programme that focuses on the professional and leisure lifestyles of business travellers. The programme, developed by SilverNeedle Hospitality, was launched on 1 June 2015 across all SilverNeedle Hotel Brands including SilverNeedle Collection, NEXT Hotels, Sage Hotels, Chifley Hotels, Country Comfort […]

20 Jun, 2015

Five-day ‘fasting’ diet that could lower your chances of heart disease, cancer and diabetes – The Independent

A simple five-day diet that mimics fasting can bring a host of health benefits, including cutting the risk of heart disease and cancer and boosting the immune system, American scientists believe. A team at the University of Southern California has developed the diet, which they call the ‘Fasting Mimicking Diet’ (FMD), which only needs to […]

20 Jun, 2015

The picture that exposes America’s racist double standards?

A day after the massacre, suspected gunman Dylann Roof was in custody, arrested in neighbouring North Carolina. But even the manner of his arrest says a lot about race relations in the US, particularly with regards to the police. Roof, suspected of murdering nine people in cold blood, was escorted from a building with police […]

19 Jun, 2015

Shooters of color are called ‘terrorists’. Why are white shooters called ‘mentally ill’? – The Washington Post

Police are investigating the shooting of nine African Americans at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston as a hate crime committed by a white man. Unfortunately, it’s not a unique event in American history. Black churches have long been a target of white supremacists who burned and bombed them in an effort to terrorize the black […]

19 Jun, 2015

Why don’t Americans call mass shootings ‘terrorism’? – The Guardian

The excuses to call a white, male mass-killer anything but “a terrorist” are familiar – they’re part of a refrain repeated over and over again when a horrific crime intended to terrify a group of people is committed by a white man. It’s a refrain of denial. (The same denial happened when Elliot Rodger penned […]

19 Jun, 2015

Why is the Media So Reluctant to Call Dylann Roof a Terrorist? – Alternet

By Terrell Jermaine Starr Who gets labeled a terrorist is usually a product of race, theirs and white-dominated newsrooms. So far, we know that Dylan Roof, a 21-year-old white man, is in custody in connection with the shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Charleston, S.C., where nine people were killed. Images of Roof […]

19 Jun, 2015

Pew Research: Growth from Asia drives surge in U.S. foreign students

By Drew DeSilver

June 18, 2015 (Pew Research Cenre) – As the last of this year’s crop of U.S. college graduates march across the stage to receive their diplomas, more of them than ever are likely to be from overseas. In fact, a new Pew Research Center analysis of degrees granted by American colleges and universities shows that foreign […]

19 Jun, 2015

Caribbean to refresh its tourism product along “The Singapore Model”

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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in partnership with the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, will be hosting a four-day workshop showcasing Singapore’s model for tourism product development.  This workshop takes place from 13-16 July 2015 at the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados, Barbados. The overall quality of the visitor experience is very much influenced by the […]

19 Jun, 2015

Royal Phuket Marina to invest US$150 million in major expansion

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Phuket, June 18, (Royal Phuket Marina media release) – The Royal Phuket Marina has announced a five-year five billion baht (approx. USD150 million) investment plan under the new campaign #DestinationRPM, which includes two hotels, a low-rise condominium development, a first-of-its kind water facility, marina expansion and the addition of a state-of-the-art RPM Children’s Zone, with […]

19 Jun, 2015

Six Senses Samui reopens on July 1 with refreshed interiors

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SAMUI, Thailand – June 18, 2015 (Six Senses media release) – After an extensive upgrade and revitalization of guest accommodations and public areas, Six Senses Samui reopens with refreshed interiors on July 1, 2015. The addition of floor to ceiling glass walls in the bathrooms make the accommodations feel brighter, airy and more spacious as […]

19 Jun, 2015

4 Muslims seek damages for time on U.S. Govt’s no-fly list – Newsday

New York: Four Muslim men who claimed in a lawsuit that they were put on the government’s no-fly list because they refused FBI efforts to recruit them as informants to spy on their mosques have been told that they are now free to fly. The news came on the eve of a federal court hearing […]

19 Jun, 2015

Japan set to ease visa rules for foreign ski instructors amid tourism surge | The Japan Times

Tokyo: The government may ease visa requirements for foreign ski instructors by March next year to cope with a recent surge in foreign tourists visiting resorts in Japan, officials said Thursday. The move comes amid rising calls from some of the nation’s prominent ski resorts asking for a greater number of foreign instructors, said a […]

19 Jun, 2015

Sikh barred from club over turban in New Zealand | GulfNews.com

Auckland: A 30-year-old Sikh man working in New Zealand was barred from a club because of his turban, prompting him to lodge a complaint alleging religious discrimination. Gurpreet Singh, a real estate agent was not allowed to enter the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club in Auckland for lunch with colleagues as he breached the club’s no-headwear policy. […]

19 Jun, 2015

Jewish Extremists Set Fire to Historic Church in Galilee

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GALILEE, June 18, 2015 (WAFA) – The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish in Galilee, was set on fire at dawn on Thursday by Jewish extremists, which led to injuring two people including a monk, and resulting in considerable damage to valuable property. The fire broke out during the night and was […]

19 Jun, 2015

Indonesian President breaks fast with orphans | The Jakarta Post

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo invited 400 orphans to a fast breaking gathering at the State Palace on Thursday and he used the occasion to present bicycles to ten selected orphans. The President presented the bicycles to the orphans who correctly answered one of his ten questions. The questions asked were related to the Prophet, angles, […]

18 Jun, 2015

Nominations open for ITU/UN Women GEM-Tech awards to recognise drivers of change

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Geneva, 18 June 2015 –Nominations are now open for the annual Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Technology (GEM-Tech) Awards, a global prize that recognizes outstanding contributions from women and men in leveraging the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote gender equality. The awards will be conferred on outstanding people or organizations working […]

18 Jun, 2015

Mercure’s survey with a difference: Yes, travel DOES build friendships

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AccorHotels media release – Jun 18, 2015 – Focussing on the theme of building friendships in an era of high-velocity technology advances and booming travel, Mercure hotels conducted a survey in collaboration with Institut TNS Sofres[1]. Carried out on a sample of 5,500 individuals from 13 countries, the survey sheds new light on the notion […]

18 Jun, 2015

Global Tourism Economy Forum: Macau 2015 charts new dynamics of cultural tourism

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June 17, 2015, Macao – The Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”), scheduled to take place at the Venetian Macao from 12 to 14 October, 2015, will unveil an innovative world class dialogue on cultural tourism with the theme of “One Belt One Road – Unleashing New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism”. A pre-event […]

18 Jun, 2015

“True Americans” called to join anti-Islam rally planned for Tucson – Phoenix New Times

An anti-Islam, freedom-of-speech rally will take place outside the Tucson Islamic Center on Saturday, July 18. The event is modeled after a protest at the Phoenix Islamic Cultural Center on May 29, which purportedly was a reaction to the two men who opened fire on a Muhammed cartoon drawing contest in Garland, Texas, earlier this […]

18 Jun, 2015

EFF Survey Report Ranks Apple, Google, Twitter, and more, on User Privacy Protection

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San Francisco, June 17, 2015 (EFF media release)  – Our digital lives are leaving data trails through social networking sites, email providers, Internet service providers, and mobile apps. But which companies fight the hardest to protect their customers from government data grabs of this sensitive information? Today, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) released its fifth […]

18 Jun, 2015

A trip into the heart of Palestine | GulfNews.com

By Marwan Asmar Dust flew as I kicked the ground, little particles of dirt slowly settling around me. It was then that I realised I was standing on the land of Palestine — a land that I was away from for the past 30 years, a land that’s a distant memory.  After nearly two decades […]

18 Jun, 2015

Hindu organizations demand ban on convent schools – The Times of India

PANAJI: ‘All India Hindu Convention’, organized by the right-wing organization Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, on Wednesday demanded a ban on convent schools, claiming that these schools do not allow Hindu students to follow religious traditions. The convention also demanded a ban on cow slaughter in the entire country. “Hindu students studying in convent schools are barred […]

17 Jun, 2015

Thailand’s Muslim-Friendly Destination Strategy Goes Well Beyond Just Tourism

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – When one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist-majority countries launches a tourism outreach to attract Muslim visitors, it clearly has a much wider significance than just a travel industry development. Although the primary goal of the tourism authorities is to boost visitor arrivals, expenditure and average length of stay, the Thai government is also […]

17 Jun, 2015

10th Sanur Village Festival set for 26-30 August in Bali

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DENPASAR, June 2015… Sanur Village Festival is a success as an independent tourism promotion effort that preserves and improves Sanur community ecology, economy, social cultural and creativity. Chairman of Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur (YPS) Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra claims the three parties that have worked closely together during the decade of festival are Sanur community, […]