31 Aug, 2017

Africa visitor arrivals projected at 18 mln in 2017, driven by digitalisation, niche tourism

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Market Research Company Euromonitor International revealed today the key trends shaping travel and tourism in Africa at the 41st Annual World Tourism Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. According to Euromonitor International’s new data, international arrivals to Africa are projected to grow by 6.5 percent in 2017, to […]

31 Aug, 2017

Business jet company launches app to promote one-way and empty leg flights

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LONDON, Aug 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VistaJet, global aviation company, has launched VistaJet Direct, an app-based digital membership offering priority access to VistaJet’s one-way and empty leg flights at preferential rates. VistaJet sets another milestone of what the future of private travel will look like, becoming the only company in its sector to offer a […]

31 Aug, 2017

New Atlanta Stadium installs waterless urinals, saving annual water bill by $230,000

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VISTA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 29, 2017— The new home for the Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes Benz Stadium, has just opened in Atlanta and has already been called the most environmentally responsible sports venue ever built. The stadium was first planned in 2007. Since then, there has been much more focus on green and sustainability issues. As a […]

31 Aug, 2017

Air Travel to Totality Cities Nearly Doubled for Aug 21 U.S. Solar Eclipse

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ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 30, 2017 – The August 21 solar eclipse proved to be a highlight of the 2017 summer travel season as air travel to U.S. cities located along the path of totality nearly doubled for the weekend prior to the eclipse compared to 2016*, according to analysis by the Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). The […]

31 Aug, 2017

In Palestine, UN chief says two-state solution ‘only way to guarantee peace’

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 29 August 2017 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today reiterated his call for a political solution to the Middle East conflict that would end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and would create an independent Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. “It is my […]

29 Aug, 2017

Grants help Australian researchers and SMEs go global

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Canberra, 17 August 2017, (Ministry of Industry News) –Eighteen Australian researchers and 11 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) will share in $1.4 million in government grants to meet and collaborate with global partners to progress their ideas.  The grants, under the Global Connections Fund,  will provide seed funding to help viable Australian projects to grow in scope and […]

29 Aug, 2017

Young people in despair as conditions deteriorate in Israeli-blockaded Gaza

GAZA, Palestine, 12 August 2017, (NNN-XINHUA) – Mahmoud Taha, a man in his mid-20’s from the Gaza Strip, is dominated by despair, due to the deteriorating conditions in the blockaded territory. Working 15 hours a day, Taha’s daily income is below 20 New Israeli Sheqel (NIS), or about six U.S. dollars, which forced him to […]

29 Aug, 2017

Construction of Thailand-China high-speed railway to start in October

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Bangkok, 20 August 2017, (Xinhua) — China and Thailand are working together to sign two contracts of the first phase of Thailand-China railway project in September to begin the construction work of the first section in October, Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said in a statement Saturday. According to the statement, the two countries concluded negotiations of […]

29 Aug, 2017

Guizhou becomes 6th Chinese regional govt to ban alcohol at official events

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22 August 2017, (China Daily) — Guizhou government has banned serving of all alcohol at official functions for civil servants effective from Sept 1. Rolling out the strictest regulation, the government said no alcohol, including those offered by individuals or organizations, will be served at official receptions and functions. It bans civil servants from using […]

29 Aug, 2017

Indonesia acts to curb stunted child growth via improved nutrition

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Jakarta, 26 August 2017, (ANTARA News) — Children are the most valuable assets of a nation, as the future of a country lies in their hands. If the children are malnourished, they will experience stunted growth, and their brain development will not be normal. Indonesia is currently facing the issue of child malnutrition, and the […]

29 Aug, 2017

Malaysia wins bid to host World Congress of Surgery 2021

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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2017,  (Bernama) — The International Society of Surgery (ISS) has announced that Malaysia will play host to the 49th World Congress of Surgery (WCS) in 2021. The announcement was made by ISS at the 47th WCS General Assembly, which is currently being held in Basel, Switzerland. The Malaysian delegations to this […]

29 Aug, 2017

Anzac Portal brings Australia’s war history to life

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Australia, 17 August 2017, (DVA News) — Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Mr Dan Tehan today encouraged Australians to visit the Anzac Portal website after a recent renovation. The Anzac Portal website at http://www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/ aims to promote awareness of Australia’s wartime history. Mr Tehan said the portal now contained information and educational resources spanning campaigns from […]

29 Aug, 2017

Malaysian E-sports academy kicks off with a Dota 2 Training Bootcamp

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KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2017, (Bernama) — The Academy of Esports (AOES), Iskandar Malaysia’s first Esports education institute, was officially opened for registration from aspiring gamers and game enthusiasts; taking the future of Esports in Malaysia a step higher. During at an event at Makespace, Kuala Lumpur, AOES offers certification-level education and is powered by […]

29 Aug, 2017

12 global cities slated to participate in Asia’s biggest Smart City event

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SHAH ALAM, Malaysia Aug 28 (Bernama) — Barcelona and Selangor have come together to collaborate on the Selangor Smart City & Future Commerce Convention 2017. The convention from 7 – 9 September at Setia City Convention Centre is set to be the first of its kind in the region to explore how smart, digital & […]

26 Aug, 2017

UN rights experts criticize US failure to unequivocally reject racist violent events

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 23 August 2017 – The United Nations body monitoring implementation of the global convention on prohibiting racial discrimination has called on high-level politicians and public officials of the United States to unequivocally and unconditionally reject and condemn racist hate speech and crimes in Charlottesville and throughout the country. “We are […]

26 Aug, 2017

Chinese tourists can now use Alipay in all 242 Starbucks across Malaysia

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HANGZHOU, China, Aug 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Alipay, the world’s largest online and mobile payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group (“Ant Financial”, “Ant”), is now available for Mainland Chinese tourists at all 242 Starbucks branches across Malaysia. Chinese tourists can find a nearest Starbucks through the in-app Discovery platform, and pay for their […]

26 Aug, 2017

New platform launched in Malaysia as a “One Stop Centre” for holistic tourism services

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) — TW Global Connections Sdn Bhd, also known as “Tours Wealth”, a uniquely positioned entity in the Tourism Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 22 Associate companies along with a Distributorship Agreement with Forest City, Johor; confirming collaboration of joint related Tourism activities benefitting Malaysia and ASEAN. […]

24 Aug, 2017

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Uncovers U.S. Passport Holders More Likely to Be Content with Their Lives

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MCLEAN, Va., 17 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Approximately 41 percent of Americans have a valid U.S. passport,1 and it turns out, that’s a good thing. Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton (NYSE: HLT), has uncovered that Americans with passports are more likely to be content with their lives than those who do not […]

24 Aug, 2017

China’s middle class face peer pressure to send kids on study tours abroad

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Beijing, 10 August 2017, (Global Times) — China’s urban middle class are under growing peer pressure to send their kids on expensive study tours abroad which have become the latest fad. Recently, a post titled “A monthly salary of 30,000 yuan could not afford [my] child’s summer holiday” has been widely circulated on social networks […]

24 Aug, 2017

Thai Foreign Ministry fam trip spotlights double-edged future facing the Kingdom

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Courtesy of the Thai Foreign Ministry, 16 Bangkok-based foreign correspondents were treated to a whirlwind 15-hour fam trip on Aug 18 which spotlighted the double-edged future facing Thailand. While three of the stops underscored Thailand’s positive scientific, agricultural and infrastructure progress in line with its 4.0 national development policy, the last stop was […]

21 Aug, 2017

Chinese Artificial Intelligence software beats doctors at diagnosing certain diseases

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Beijing, (Xinhua) August 20, 2017 — After listening to the patient’s symptoms, “he” provides checklists for the patient and medical advice based on the results. Then the therapy will be verified by human doctors. A China-made AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based software made its debut Saturday at a seminar held in Hengyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. […]

21 Aug, 2017

Chinese Commentary: US is not a human rights paradise, nor the world’s moral leader

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By Shi Feiran (People’s Daily Online) Beijing, 17 Aug 2017 – The U.S. Department of State issued its report on International Religious Freedom for 2016, once again using human rights as a political tool to interfere in the internal affairs of China, tarnish its international image, and promote U.S. strategic interests. In response to the report, […]

17 Aug, 2017

Next wave of U.S. white supremacist hate rallies planned on Sept 9

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(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/16/2017) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on officials in cities targeted by a nationwide series of hate rallies scheduled for September 9 to step up security measures to ensure public safety. [NOTE: Earlier today, CAIR’s Minnesota chapter called on the […]

17 Aug, 2017

‘Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia are poisoning our societies’ – UN chief

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United Nations, 16 August 2017, (UN News) – Urging people everywhere to speak out against hate speech and hate crimes, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today reiterated his call for tolerance, respect for the other and the importance of recognizing diversity. “Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia are, as I mentioned yesterday, poisoning our societies,” the […]

17 Aug, 2017

What Charlottesville and the emergence of white supremacists means for the future of global travel

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – The emergence of the American white supremacist movement in the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia, has opened up a Pandora’s Box of issues that will have a significant impact on travel & tourism to and from the United States and around the world. By further complicating an already unstable geopolitical environment, it will have […]

17 Aug, 2017

New Analytics Product Helps Airbnb Hosts Compete with Hotels

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DENVER, 16 August 2017, (PRNewswire) — Leading provider of vacation rental data AirDNA has released a cutting-edge market intelligence product to help professionalize the Airbnb host community. Market Minder displays key hospitality metrics for every Airbnb rental worldwide, enabling hosts to compete on the same level as hotel executives. In a simple, interactive dashboard complete […]

13 Aug, 2017

AirAsia celebrates inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Langkawi

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LANGKAWI, Aug 10 (Bernama) — Low-cost airline AirAsia today welcomed its inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Langkawi with 89 percent load factor. The flight AK 1713 was greeted by a water canon salute upon arrival into Langkawi International Airport and was also received by Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, Chief Executive Officer, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA). […]

13 Aug, 2017

UNITE HERE files Federal labor charges against Anbang demanding hotel ownership disclosure

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CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 10, 2017 – UNITE HERE this week filed federal unfair labor practice charges against Anbang Insurance Group and three of its hotel operators for failing to comply with its request for information on the firm’s ownership and sources of financing. The charges come as China-based Anbang reportedly may be under pressure to sell […]

12 Aug, 2017

30% of Palestinian population are millennials, aged 15-29

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RAMALLAH, August 10, 2017 (WAFA) – Marking the International Youth Day and under the theme “Youth, Peace and Security”, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said Thursday that a third of the Palestinian society is young. Statistics show that the percentage of youth in the age group of 15 to 29 in Palestine comprises […]

12 Aug, 2017

Cancer-stricken Palestinian woman dies after Israel delays permit to reach hospital

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GAZA, August 10, 2017 (WAFA) – A 47-year-old woman with cancer died in Gaza on Tuesday Aug 8 while waiting for an Israeli army permit to get treatment in a hospital outside Gaza, al-Mezan human rights center said on Thursday. It said Itimad Fathi Rabi, from Shabora refugee camp in Rafah, was suffering from cancer […]

10 Aug, 2017

JetBlue Partners with Gladly to “put Humanity back into Air Travel”

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SAN FRANCISCO & NEW YORK, 8 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) and Gladly, a modern customer service platform, today announced a partnership that will enable travelers to have one continuous conversation with JetBlue’s customer support team across multiple communication channels. Gladly’s people-centered approach empowers companies like JetBlue to humanize the customer service experience by treating […]

10 Aug, 2017

U.S. News & World Report Reveals 2017-18 Best Travel Rewards Programs

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WASHINGTON, 9 August 2017, (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels, Best Cruise Lines and Best Vacations, today announced the 2017-18 Best Travel Rewards Programs. The annual rankings identify 26 hotel and airline loyalty programs with the most rewarding perks for everyday travelers. Marriott Rewards ranks No. 1 in Best Hotel […]

10 Aug, 2017

XE.com Global Payments Report: Top Reasons People Transfer the US$ around the World

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SAN FRANCISCO, 8 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–XE.com, part of Euronet Worldwide, Inc., (NASDAQ: EEFT) one of the world’s largest global payments companies, today announced findings from its global payments report based on U.S. dollar transactions that shows when, where, and for what reasons U.S. residents transfer money around the world. “Now is a great time […]

10 Aug, 2017

ComPsych Wellness Report 2017: High Rate of Employees Taking Medication for Chronic Conditions

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CHICAGO, 7 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–ComPsych today released its yearly aggregate report of health assessments across its book of business, including data from hundreds of thousands of employees of all ages, occupations, regions and industries. The report provides a snapshot of employee physical and emotional health as well as guidance for employers on how to […]

10 Aug, 2017

Last chance to enroll for unique Farm Tourism Course in the Philippines

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Manila — Farm tourism is a fast-growing branch of sustainable tourism that offers additional and significant income for farmers and local communities. It offers tourists a respite from the city by going back to the simple, healthy and down-to-earth lifestyle of the countryside. This course aims to provide the basics of setting up your own […]

9 Aug, 2017

Entries for 21st Japan Media Arts Festival Now Open

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Japan, Tokyo, 1 August 2017, (Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet) –The Japan Media Arts Festival Executive Committee is now accepting entries for the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival. All artists around the world, without distinction as to professional, amateur, independent, or commercial, are invited to submit their works to the four divisions — Art, Entertainment, Animation, and Manga. […]

9 Aug, 2017

European taxpayers fork out another €20M to July payment of Palestinian salaries and pensions

JERUSALEM, 3 August 2017, (WAFA) — The European Union Thursday contributed €20 million to the payment of July salaries and pensions of 57,500 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners. This is the third yearly contribution in the framework of its Direct Financial Support to the Palestinian Authority (PA). “For the year 2017, the EU has allocated […]

9 Aug, 2017

Interbrand Releases First-Ever Best Asia Brands Study: Engage to Grow

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SINGAPORE, 1 Aug 2017, (Bernama-Business Wire)–For the first time, Interbrand has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the best brands in Asia. The 2017 study compiles insights from Best Japan Brands, Best China Brands, Best Korea Brands and Best India Brands, while delving into how brands are growing within Australia and the markets of Southeast […]

9 Aug, 2017

ASEAN to deepen regional integration as it marks Golden Jubilee

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MANILA, 8 August 2017, (ASEAN Secretariat News) – Today, ASEAN celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of its journey. To mark this golden jubilee, various commemorative activities are being carried out across the region. A tribute to the five Founding Fathers at a grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN is scheduled today in Manila, the Philippines – […]

9 Aug, 2017

Full text: ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN

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8 August 2017, (ASEAN Secretariat News) — The following is the full text of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN. 1. The 50th Anniversary of ASEAN is a historic occasion that highlights our success in building an ASEAN Community that is rules-based, people-oriented, and people- centered. 2. As we celebrate this […]

9 Aug, 2017

Malaysia hosts ASEAN 50th Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony and Related Commemorative Events

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 August 2017, (Bernama) — The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) commemorates its 50th founding anniversary today, 8 August 2017. This is a significant milestones year for the regional bloc. The extended community of ASEAN with the important pillars of political, economic and social shows the solidarity of its own community […]

9 Aug, 2017

ASEAN MPs call for stronger protections for migrants and refugees

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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 August 2017, (APHR News) –ASEAN lawmakers urged regional governments today to do more to protect migrant workers and refugees, arguing that all members of the ASEAN community are entitled to basic rights and deserve to have their dignity and humanity respected. Members of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) made the call […]

9 Aug, 2017

ASEAN@50: New book shows how ASEAN tourism undermined the ASEAN Miracle

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – When ASEAN marked the 50th anniversary of its founding on 08 Aug 2017, let the record show that the travel & tourism industry of Thailand, where ASEAN was born, negotiated and signed, did nothing, absolutely nothing, to commemorate the event. Neither did the Ministry of Tourism & Sports, nor the Tourism Authority of […]

5 Aug, 2017

Pew Research: Globally, more people see U.S. power and influence as a major threat

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August 1, 2017 (Pew Research Centre) – Concerns about American power and influence have risen in countries around the world amid steep drops in U.S. favorability and confidence in the U.S. president. Across 30 nations surveyed by Pew Research Center both in 2013 and this spring, a median of 38% now say U.S. power and […]

5 Aug, 2017

Indian Armed Forces veterans condemn Modi govt: “Dissent is not treason”

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New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) A group of Indian armed forces veterans have flagged their concern over “divisiveness” and “relentless vigilantism” gripping the country and condemned the targeting of Muslims and Dalits. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 114 veterans wrote that issues like vigilantism and “targeting of Muslims and Dalits” have […]

5 Aug, 2017

The “Cooler Lumpur” Festival of Ideas returns for its fifth instalment 17-20 August

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) — Southeast Asia’s first and only festival of ideas, The Cooler Lumpur Festival, will be returning with its fifth edition – Notes from the Future – at its home ground Publika, Solaris Dutamas from 17 to 20 August 2017. The KL-centric festival that adopts specific themes each year, aims to […]

5 Aug, 2017

ETOA Statement: Ministerial Response to European Border Delays is ‘Self-Mutilation’

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London, 4 August 2017 (ETOA media release) – The new Schengen border controls, which were planned and announced before the Brexit vote last year, impose rigorous checks on those people entering the Schengen zone, which embraces 26 European countries. This has caused severe delays – the very kind of delays routinely experienced by visitors entering […]

5 Aug, 2017

U.S. Govt’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Approach Continues to Single Out Muslims

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By CAIR Government Affairs Coordinator Amineh Safi (aSafi@cair.com) Last week, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a congressional hearing examining the government’s policy for countering violent extremism (CVE) domestically.  Disappointingly, like the federal government’s overall CVE program, the oversight committee singled out the American Muslim community as the sole focus of its countering violent extremism […]

4 Aug, 2017

How Thai tourism’s history deficit saw it lose a huge ASEAN@50 opportunity

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – As ASEAN prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of its formation on 08 Aug 2017, the Thai tourism industry has lost a major opportunity to celebrate the central role played by the Kingdom in ASEAN’s formation, and better understand the significant linkage between peace, ASEAN integration, diplomacy and travel. Had there been greater […]

3 Aug, 2017

European passengers face four-hour security queues, flight delays this summer

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Brussels, 27 July 2017, (A4E) –Thousands of flights recently had to be delayed because EU border controls are significantly understaffed to comply with tightened immigration checks — some passengers even missed their flights. During this busy summer travel season, airline travellers have become victims of the disproportionate impact that the implementation of a new EU […]

3 Aug, 2017

Hundreds of Jewish extremists break into Al-Aqsa mosque compound

Jerusalem, 1 August 2017, (WAFA) – More than 800 Israeli settlers Tuesday forced their way into al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, only a few days after the mosque was reopened to Muslim worshipers following a two-week closure by Israeli authorities. WAFA correspondent said about 870 settlers under heavy police protection entered the holy site […]

3 Aug, 2017

Ananda Hua Hin Resort & Spa Brings Luxury Stays to Thailand’s Nostalgic Seaside Destination

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Thailand, Bangkok, 1 August 2017 — Ananda Hua Hin Resort & Spa is fast becoming a favoured family vacation choice for domestic and international travellers looking to combine a modern luxury escape with engaging multigenerational activities and in a classic beachside setting. The 196-key resort offers luxury, quality and convenience in abundance with a fresh, […]

3 Aug, 2017

Lessons from the Malaysian National Museum for the future of ASEAN

Imtiaz Muqbil

Kuala Lumpur — As a history buff, I enjoy visiting museums. These homes for the preservation of history are the best places to learn the lessons of history, and perhaps avoid repeating past mistakes. Last week, I visited the Malaysian National Museum in Kuala Lumpur for the third time. This visit had a special significance. […]

1 Aug, 2017

Langkawi’s PATA Event to help Malaysia hit 2020 tourism target

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Malaysia, Langkawi, 29 July 2017, (NNN-Bernama) — The PATA Travel Mart 2018, to be held in Langkawi, will pave the way for Malaysia to achieve its 2020 target of 36 million tourist arrivals annually with a RM168-billion income from the tourism industry. Tourism Malaysia director-general, Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said the event, which will be held […]

1 Aug, 2017

Malaysia: Wat Charok Padang Continues to Attract Tourists

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Malaysia, SIK, 27 July 2017, (NNN-Bernama) — A bottle-shaped Buddhist temple, Wat Charok Padang, here continues to attract tourists who came to see the First Bottle-Made Temple in Malaysia as listed in the Malaysia Book of Records. The temple, which was inspired from Wat Pa Maha Kaew or the Temple of Million Bottles in Sisaket, […]

1 Aug, 2017

Qatar Airways Sticks to Plane Orders Despite Crisis

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Doha, Qatar, 29 July 2017, (NNN-QNA) — Qatar Airways continues to make money, and will go through with jet orders it’s already committed to, as the nation seeks an international ruling, restoring its access to air corridors, the Minister of Transport & Communications, Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, said. “We are continuing and maybe we’ll go […]

1 Aug, 2017

Kenya Eyes More Chinese Tourists After Jack Ma’s Visit

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Kenya, Nairobi, 31 July 2017, (NNN-Xinhua) — Kenya’s tourism marketers promised to bring more Chinese tourists to the East African nation after a visit by Chinese business magnate Jack Ma. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said travel agents have termed the visit by the billionaire a major boost and endorsement to their campaigns – that seek […]

1 Aug, 2017

New Air Route to link Vietnam’s Da Nang and China’s Zuni

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China, Beijing, 31 July 2017, (NNN-Bernama) — Chinese tourist arrivals in Vietnam are expected to rise after the launch of a direct air route between Vietnam’s Da Nang city and China’s Zunyi city, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. The route, to start on Aug 5 and served by an Airbus A321, will take off at […]

1 Aug, 2017

China to boost green manufacturing in Yangtze River Economic Belt

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China, Beijing, 30 July 2017, (Xinhua) — China will develop green manufacturing in the Yangtze River Economic Belt to reduce pollution and boost economic growth. The total industrial output of green manufacturing in the region will reach 5 trillion yuan (742 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020, according to guidelines released by the Ministry of Industry […]

1 Aug, 2017

Chinese smart bike-sharing platform Mobike launches service in London

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LONDON, 31 July 2017, (Xinhua) — Chinese bike-sharing company Mobike on Monday announced the launch of its popular service in London, starting in the West London borough of Ealing. The launch comes hot on the heels of Mobike’s success in launching the UK’s first council and community backed bicycle sharing scheme in Manchester just a […]

1 Aug, 2017

Thai conglomerate to invest US$311 million in Maldives’ first multi-island resort

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Republic of Maldives, Male, 31 July 2017, (PRNewswire) — Mr. Moosa Zameer, Minister of Tourism, joined Chairman of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, Mr. Chutinant Bhirombhakdi; Director, Chairman of Executive Committee, Mr. Chayanin Debhakam, D.B.A; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Naris Cheyklin; and the company’s Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Thiti Thongbenjamas, at an official groundbreaking ceremony […]

1 Aug, 2017

Traveloka raises nearly US$500 million to tap potential of Southeast Asia travel market

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, 31 July 2017,(PRNewswire) — Traveloka announced today that the company has raised approximately $500 million through investments from global online travel leader Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), East Ventures, Hillhouse Capital Group, JD.com and Sequoia Capital within the last year. The investment by Expedia, Inc. will deepen the existing partnership in hotel supply, allowing Traveloka to provide even greater selection […]

1 Aug, 2017

China supports two-state solution on Palestinian issue: President Xi

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BEIJING, 18 July 2017, (Xinhua) — China supports a political settlement of the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state solution, President Xi Jinping said Tuesday. China supports Palestine in building an independent, full sovereignty state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, Xi said in his talks with visiting Palestinian […]

1 Aug, 2017

UN agency develops new guidelines to help countries better monitor forest resources

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26 July 2017, (UN News) – The United Nations agriculture agency has created new guidelines to help countries develop a strong mechanism to monitor national forest resources. “The demand for reliable, up-to-date and more diverse forestry data and stronger analytical capacities at a national level has grown considerably in recent years,” said Eva Muller, Director […]

1 Aug, 2017

“This Is Palestine” documentary charts brutality of life under Israeli boot

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Israeli-occupied Palestine, 16 June 2017, (TrocairePLUS)–‘This Is Palestine’ follows the journey of Riverdance founder John McColgan through the West Bank and Gaza as he explores the impact of ongoing conflict and military occupation on the people who live there. The documentary features powerful interviews with people who have lost their home, land and family members […]

1 Aug, 2017

More Chinese students go on overseas study tours

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BEIJING, 29 July 2017, (Xinhua) — More and more Chinese students are putting overseas study tours on their agenda this summer. Consisting of language courses, sightseeing and international communication, study tours meet the demands of Chinese parents and students for a long and fruitful holiday, despite high costs of around 4,000 to 6,000 U.S. dollars. […]

1 Aug, 2017

China to plow big money into emerging industries

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BEIJING, 30 July 2017, (Xinhua) — China is set to boost investment in emerging sectors ranging from artificial intelligence to biopharmaceuticals as it seeks fresh growth impetus in the new industrial revolution. A number of local authorities, including Ningxia, Guangxi and Shandong, have rolled out support policies and detailed investment plans, eyeing a bigger proportion […]

1 Aug, 2017

Chinese tourists to Vietnam up 51% in 7 Months

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Hanoi, Vietnam, 28 July 2017, (NNN-Xinhua) — Vietnam is estimated to welcome over 2.2 million Chinese visitors in the first seven months of this year, up 51 percent against the same period last year, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said on Friday. Vietnam this year has so far received a total of over 7.2 […]