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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

30 Jul, 2017

89 Chinese uber-rich to go on uber-luxury holiday to Kenya, Tahiti

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by Zhang Lei Beijing, chinadaily.com.cn, 2017-07-28 – Crystal Skye, a luxury Boeing 777, will leave Hong Kong on Sept 30 for maiden eight-day cruise to Kenya and then Tahiti. Only 86 Chinese passengers will take the trip and be waited on by butlers and served Michelin-star quality food. The plane can hold up to 450 […]

29 Jul, 2017

Cruises: European Union moves to improve working conditions of seafarers on EU-flagged ships

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Brussels, 27 July 2017, European Commission media release – The European Commission is proposing that an agreement between social partners to improve the working conditions of seafarers on board of EU-flagged vessels, be enshrined in EU law. The proposal will ensure that seafarers are better protected against abandonment in foreign ports in the future, and […]

27 Jul, 2017

UK 20-something fashion designer details harsh reality of modern dating in chatty, real-life memoir

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LONDON, July 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Remember the story about the girl kissing a frog and how the frog turned into a charming Prince? Well, this is it, except for the turning into a charming Prince part. In her hilarious debut novel, Katie Miller writes candidly about the dating life of a twentysomething single girl and […]

27 Jul, 2017

Tech Leaders, Office Workers Say Email Will Continue to Dominate in 2020, Followed by Instant Messaging

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MENLO PARK, Calif., July 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — While offices are steadily going paperless, inboxes will still be filling up in the next three years, according to respondents in two surveys recently conducted by Robert Half Technology. Regardless of their relationship to the technology – either those leading the group who manages and implements communication platforms […]

27 Jul, 2017

Vancouver Rally on July 30 For Pluralist India

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Source: An Hour For India — by Press Release — There has been a systematic attack on the rich pluralist society and culture of India since Narendra Modi came to power with a Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) majority in 2014. A secular, democratic republic with guaranteed citizenship rights and constitutional protection of minorities is in the […]

27 Jul, 2017

Welk Resorts Files Suit Against Timeshare Exit Team For Alleged “Racketeering Scheme”

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SAN DIEGO, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE –Welk Resorts, developer of family-friendly vacation resorts, has filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against Reid Hein & Associates, operating as “Timeshare Exit Team,” and law firms in two states for allegedly operating a nationwide racketeering scheme to induce vacation owners to […]

27 Jul, 2017

87% of Retailers to Increase Use of AI in Customer Engagement During Next 24 Months – Research study

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SUNNYVALE, Calif., 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE —Linc, the customer care automation platform that powers digital experiences to strengthen brand/shopper relationships, today announced the release of its new research study, How AI Technology Will Transform Customer Engagement. In partnership with BrandGarage, this study highlights the overwhelming emphasis retail executives are placing on automated platforms to improve […]

27 Jul, 2017

Busan One Asia Festival, Asian No.1 Korean Wave Festival, to be held in October

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BUSAN, South Korea, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–Best K-pop singers will meet their Hallyu (Korean Wave) fans from all over the world in Busan in October. They will come together in the 2017 Busan One Asia Festival (BOF), Asian No.1 Korean Wave Festival. The fest will be hosted by Busan Metropolitan City Government and run […]

27 Jul, 2017

AIDS still a global “burning crisis”

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PARIS, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE –The latest data presented at the 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science in Paris suggest that the AIDS crisis is on track to be over by 2020, but many persistent problems with access to treatment and prevention in hard-hit countries seem to contradict this optimistic outlook. “We are concerned that leaders […]

27 Jul, 2017

Amazon Introduces Prime Now in Singapore: Free Two-Hour Delivery on Tens of Thousands of Items

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SEATTLE, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the launch of Prime Now in Singapore, which offers free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items right from your phone. Customers can shop on the Prime Now app for everything on their list from eggs, cold beer and ice cream to baby […]

21 Jul, 2017

Thousands of Palestinians march towards Al-Aqsa to protest Israeli mosque restrictions

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JERUSALEM, July 21, 2017 (WAFA) – Thousands of Palestinians Friday afternoon marched towards Jerusalem’s Old City to express their rejection of the metal detectors, which the Israeli cabinet has decided to leave in place despite Palestinian protests. Islamic Waqf in charge of running the mosque compound called earlier this week on Palestinians in East Jerusalem […]

21 Jul, 2017

U.S. Retailers Say Border Tax Would Shift Corporate Tax Burden to Consumers

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WASHINGTON, 19 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–The National Retail Federation today urged Congress to reject a proposed border adjustment tax that would drive up the price of imported merchandise, saying the measure would force consumers to pay the cost of lowering taxes for large corporations. “The solution for reducing the corporate tax rate should not be […]

21 Jul, 2017

Chinese community joins S. Africans in marking Mandela Day by helping the poor

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CAPE TOWN, 20 July 2017, Xinhua — The Chinese community in Cape Town joined South Africans on Tuesday in marking the Nelson Mandela International Day by helping the poor. The Chinese Community Police Forum (CCPF) in the Cape West Coast hosted a charity event by donating daily necessities to the elderly at a time when […]

21 Jul, 2017

Chinese tourism study reveals expenditure shift from shopping to culture

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Beijing, 15 July 2017, China Daily — Chinese tourists are the biggest spenders in the world, but increasingly direct their dollars away from shopping to local culture. Their overall trip expenditure is still on the rise, according to a recent survey. The new study by Oliver Wyman, an international management consulting firm, covered 2,000 correspondents […]

21 Jul, 2017

China tightens regulation of private museums

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Beijing, 20 July 2017, Xinhua — China has issued new rules to strengthen the management of non-state-owned museums, forbidding private museums to distribute property among founders and sponsors when they are shut down. According to the regulation issued by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the residual property should be used for the public interest. […]

21 Jul, 2017

Citizens Against Government Waste Releases 2017 U.S. Congressional Pig Book

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WASHINGTON, 19 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) released its 2017 Congressional Pig Book, the 25th edition of the group’s exposé on pork-barrel spending. CAGW President Tom Schatz was joined at the Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. by Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chair […]

21 Jul, 2017

Wisconsin Tourism Flushes Competition for First-Ever International Toilet Awards

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MADISON, Wis., 19 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s award case is so clogged with trophies – nearly 100 amassed in the last six years alone – it may need to call in a plumber to make room for this latest award. Wisconsin was the only destination in North America to be honored […]

21 Jul, 2017

UnionPay International report: Chinese students abroad spend over 380 billion RMB

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SHANGHAI, 20 July 2017, PRNewswire — According to the Report on the Spending of Chinese Students’ Abroad (2017) issued by UnionPay International on July 20, Chinese students who study abroad spend over 380 billion RMB overseas each year and 80% of it are tuition fees and daily expenses (figures estimated based on the overseas spending […]

20 Jul, 2017

On Nelson Mandela International Day, Palestinians say he was an inspiration

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RAMALLAH, July 19, 2017 (WAFA) – On the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Wednesday honored the anti-Apartheid South African leader saying the long struggle he led against apartheid and its defeat in 1994 was an inspiration for all those struggling for justice around the globe. “The […]

20 Jul, 2017

2017 Taxi Price Index released – Travellers guide for taxi costs around the world

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London, United Kingdom, 13 July 2017, Carspring News — Online used car dealership Carspring have produced a study revealing the price of taxi use in 80 cities around the world. With their interests in all things automotive, the online dealer looked to bring transparency to the public regarding taxi costs, particularly for those who may […]

20 Jul, 2017

CAIR Report: 2017 on Track to Becoming One of Worst Years for Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes

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WASHINGTON, DC, 17 July 2017, CAIR News –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 in the second quarter (April-June) of 2017. CAIR’s quarterly report indicates that the number of hate crimes in the first half of 2017 spiked 91 percent […]

20 Jul, 2017

Jerusalem’s religious figures call for not using Israel’s e-gates at Al-Aqsa mosque

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JERUSALEM, 17 July 2017, (WAFA) — Jerusalem’s top Islamic religious figures Monday called upon Palestinians seeking to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque not to go through the metal detectors installed by Israeli police the day before at the entrances to the mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City. The officials, who included the Mufti of Jerusalem, the head […]

17 Jul, 2017

Egencia survey – Business Travelers Expect to Manage Travel on All Devices

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BELLEVUE, Washington, July 11, 2017, PRNewswire — Egencia®, the business travel arm of the Expedia group, announces results from its 4th edition Egencia Business Travel and Technology Survey* today, highlighting the increasing desire by business travelers for technology access and cross-device integration, along with greater productivity offerings, on the road. Instead of incentives such as […]

17 Jul, 2017

FREE DOWNLOAD: The Olive Tree – How Travel & Tourism can Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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The Olive Tree is the first and only publication designed to help Travel & Tourism become a more committed part of the solution in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Free download. Click on any of the images below. ++++++++++ The Olive Tree Edition 20, July-August 2020 ++++++++++ The Olive Tree Edition 19, May-June 2020 […]

14 Jul, 2017

New global partnership to help countries tackle increasing e-waste challenges

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Geneva, 12 July 2017, ITU News –As digital and tech devices become more available worldwide, their responsible disposal is becoming a challenge for many countries. In response, ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technology (ICT) has partnered with the United Nations University (UNU), acting through its Vice Rectorate in Europe hosted […]

14 Jul, 2017

Over 12 mln yuan in fines issued in Chinese tourism industry crackdown

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Beijing, 11 July 2017, Xinhua — Over 12 million yuan (1.76 million U.S. dollars) in fines were issued during the country’s largest ever crackdown on its tourism industry. From February, the tourism watchdog worked with public security, industry and commerce authorities to launch the three-month long crackdown on irregular practices in the tourism industry. Thousands of inspectors […]

14 Jul, 2017

Chinese tourists to get visas on arrival in Qatar

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Beijing, 11 July 2017, People’s Daily Online — Qatar recently announced that tourists from China will be able to get 30-day visas on arrival for roughly $30. According to the official WeChat account of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Chinese foreign ministry on Monday, Chinese tourists only need a passport with at least six months […]

14 Jul, 2017

Chinese company contracted to build Pakistan’s largest airport

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Beijing, 11 July 2017, People’s Daily Online — China Construction Third Engineering Bureau has won a 41-billion rupee (about 2.6 billion RMB) contract to engineer, procure, and construct the Allama Iqbal International Airport. It will be Pakistan’s largest airport after reconstruction, and local infrastructure will be improved too. It is the largest project that the Third Engineering […]

14 Jul, 2017

Billions around the world lack safe water, proper sanitation facilities: UN

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2 July 2017, UN News – Some three in ten people around the world lack access to safe and readily available water at home, and almost six in ten to safely managed sanitation, a new United Nations report has warned, calling on countries to do more to fulfil these basic human needs. According to the […]

14 Jul, 2017

Asia-Pacific moving in ‘wrong direction’ on some development targets, notes UN regional report

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United Nations, 11 July 2017, UN News – Despite an impressive track record, the Asia-Pacific region will need to scale up development efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the target envisioned, the United Nations development arm for the region has said. “The region is making progress towards achieving the Goals on […]

14 Jul, 2017

Eleven global banks partner with UN to make financial markets more climate transparent

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United Nations, 11 July 2017, UN News – Representing over $7 trillion, eleven major financial institutions around the globe have joined forces with the United Nations to promote climate transparency in financial markets, the Organization’s environment wing said today. According to a news release by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), ANZ, Barclays, Bradesco, Citi, Itaú, […]

11 Jul, 2017

Museum Visits Top Half a Million through Access Program for Low-Income Families

WASHINGTON, 6 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–Museums for All, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), has facilitated more than 514,000 museum visits for low-income community members since its inception in 2014. There are currently 190 museums participating in this initiative to encourage families of […]

11 Jul, 2017

Japan’s Rakuten Ichiba Ceasing Ivory Sales

WASHINGTON, 6 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) praised Japanese internet retail giant Rakuten Ichiba for its decision to end all sales of elephant ivory. Rakuten’s comprehensive policy change to ensure elephants are protected from the trade in ivory became effective July 1. “EIA commends Rakuten for supporting African countries in protecting their […]

8 Jul, 2017

UN agency launches video to ‘forecast’ visual impact of climate change on global cities

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 5 July 2017 – In a year already marked by heatwaves and new daily temperature records, the United Nations weather agency and television weather anchors have joined forces to create video forecasts that explore how climate change would make future summers even hotter in major cities of the world. The […]

8 Jul, 2017

Second Global Cybersecurity Index launched

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 5 July 2017 – Only about half of all countries have a cybersecurity strategy or are in the process of developing one, the United Nations telecommunications agency today reported, urging more countries to consider national policies to protect against cybercrime. Releasing its second Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), the International Telecommunication […]

8 Jul, 2017

Univ of Phoenix Survey Finds Need to Use Personal Devices on Vacation Outweighs Cybersecurity Concerns

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PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 05, 2017 — The University of Phoenix® today released the results of its summer travel cybersecurity survey, which found that while half of registered U.S. voters worry about cybersecurity risks while on vacation, 55 percent feel that the need to use personal devices outweighs those risks. “Vacations are often a time when we […]

8 Jul, 2017

UNCTAD launches World Consumer Protection Map for the Digital Age

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Geneva, 7 July 2017, UNCTAD/PRESS – Another global malware attack, another leak of personal details online, this time of 200 million US citizens. It’s no wonder that consumers are concerned about online security, data protection and cybercrime. Trust in the internet is essential for inclusive e-commerce, but trust must be earned. So how can we […]

3 Jul, 2017

EU pledges to help Israel suppress criticism – The Electronic Intifada

3 Jul, 2017

Toronto hotel is paying millions to drop Donald Trump’s name

3 Jul, 2017

The India I love and will always be proud of appears to have receded – by Karan Thapar, Hindustan Times

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3 Jul, 2017

A million bottles a minute: World’s plastic binge “as dangerous as climate change”

3 Jul, 2017

Chinese spend 3 hours a day on smartphones, ranking 2nd globally: Survey

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Beijing, People’s Daily Online, 2017-06-28 — Chinese nationals spend an average of three hours a day on their smartphones, ranking second in the world after Brazilians who spend two additional hours on their phones, according to a survey by a German internet company. In just a few years, smart phones have transformed from a communication […]

3 Jul, 2017

The 2017 International Toilet Tourism Award Winners Announced

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03 July 2017 – Six public toilets loved by tourists have officially wiped the floor with the competition. Winners include a cliffhanger dunny where you can sit and watch crocodiles basking while you do your business. Overall winner Toowoomba Portable Toilets; basking crocodile under the cliffhanger loo (top right) at Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territories, Australia; […]

30 Jun, 2017

Asia Premiere of banned documentary film “Sittwe” on Myanmar’s Rakhine State

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Bangkok – Sittwe is a short documentary about two teenagers affected by conflict in Burma’s Rakhine state. The film was banned to premiere at the Human Rights, Human Dignity International Film Festival in Myanmar by government censors. It will be shown at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok at 7pm, Wednesday July 5, […]

30 Jun, 2017

ASEAN to further empower persons with disabilities

PHUKET, 23 June 2017 (ASEAN media release) – The 3rd ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Regional Dialogue on the Mainstreaming of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community was held on 19-21 June 2017 in Phuket, Thailand. The dialogue focused on the issues pertaining to access to justice, persons with […]

30 Jun, 2017

APEC Helps Small Fashion Houses Go Global

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Hong Kong – China | 23 June 2017 — Trade officials from APEC member economies and the USD1.3 trillion fashion industry have sewn a new partnership to make it easier for up and coming designers in the Asia-Pacific to build their brands and trade internationally. Under the arrangement, officials, together with fashion designers and industry […]

30 Jun, 2017

Muslim lynchings by cow vigilantes batter India’s image

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India’s image is taking a global battering these days. Here is a collection of news items, both in India and abroad, showing the public relations crisis facing the country as it abandons its once cherished democratic, secular credentials and steadily drifts towards becoming a Hindu theocracy Modictatorship. The impact of this on travel & tourism […]

26 Jun, 2017

Israel’s failing P.R. campaign: The more Americans know, the less favorable they are

The news out of Israel is that a survey by an American Zionist group says that Israeli PR (or hasbara) isn’t working, and the more Americans learn about Israel, the less favorably they feel about the country. The Times of Israel describes the data as devastating: “‘Devastating’ survey shows huge loss of Israel support among […]

26 Jun, 2017

Everbridge Research: Growing Mobile Workforce Expects Companies to Help Protect Them While Traveling

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BURLINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 21, 2017 — Everbridge, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVBG), a global software company that provides critical event management and enterprise safety applications to help keep people safe and businesses running, today announced the findings of its research into the safety of mobile, remote and traveling workers. The report, “Protecting the Modern Mobile Workforce,” focuses […]

25 Jun, 2017

EIA: Leaked EU-Japan Trade Agreement Would Increase Illegal Logging Globally

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 23, 2017 – Draft documents published today set the terms for a new trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Japan (JEFTA) that, in its current form, would likely result in increased illegal logging and timber smuggling, including within Europe’s last remaining virgin forests. The documents, posted to the website www.trade-leaks.org by […]

25 Jun, 2017

China e-commerce market to grow 19% in 2017: report

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SHANGHAI, June 22 (Xinhua) — The e-commerce market in China is expected to grow by about 19 percent year on year in 2017, a report said on Thursday. China has entered “a new retail era” characterized by online and offline (o2o) retail that has created huge potential and demand, especially for customized products, according to […]

25 Jun, 2017

As of 2019, Beijing’s new 7-runway airport to be world’s biggest aviation hub

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Beijing, (CRI Online) June 24, 2017 — The new airport under construction south of Beijing will become the world’s biggest aviation hub, reports the financial media company Bloomberg. Located on the southern part of Daxing district, along the border with Hebei province, the new airport is planned to go into service in 2019. “There are […]

23 Jun, 2017

Thousands lose jobs as restive Kashmir’s tourism economy dwindles –  Hindustan Times

At the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Rizwan Ahmad Bhat stands next to his shikara (a traditional boat), named Do Badan Ek Jan (two bodies, one soul), waiting for tourists. Last year this time, the lake was packed with visitors exploring its waters and the views of the surrounding Zabarwan hills. This summer, the lake and […]

23 Jun, 2017

China counts 1.58 million high-net-worth individuals in 2016

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By Sun Wenyu Beijing, (People’s Daily Online)  – China’s population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), defined as those who have investable assets in excess of 10 million RMB, reached 1.58 million in 2016, according to the China Private Wealth Report, jointly issued by China Commercial Bank (CMB) and management consulting firm Bain on June 20. The […]

22 Jun, 2017

Nominations for 2017 Australian Disability Awards Open

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Canberra, 21 June 2017 – The Hon Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services has announced that nominations are now open for the 2017 National Disability Awards. Individuals, workplaces, and service providers, who have improved the lives of Australians with disability, are encouraged to submit a nomination for the Awards before […]

22 Jun, 2017

China to standardize use of English on public signs

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By Kou Jie Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), June 21, 2017 — Chinese authorities on June 20 issued a national standard for the use of English in the public domain, eradicating poor translations that damage the country’s image. The standard, jointly issued by China’s Standardization Administration and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, aims to […]

22 Jun, 2017

China to launch 2nd phase of cross-border interbank payment system for RMB

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SHANGHAI, June 21 (Xinhua) — The second phase of the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) will be launched in Shanghai to promote the global use of the Chinese currency and the Belt and Road Initiative. The upcoming launch of CIPS Phase II in Shanghai will further boost the building of the international financial center there, […]

22 Jun, 2017

Voice of China: US should look in the mirror before lecturing the world on human rights

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By Curtis Stone Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), June 20, 2017 – Responding to US President Donald Trump’s announcement on June 16 that he is reversing steps to normalize relations with Cuba, the Cuban government said the US is in no position to lecture on human rights. In a speech described by the Cuban government as “full […]

22 Jun, 2017

Here’s why you should read this new anthology on the Israel-Palestine conflict — Hindustan Times

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The book was launched on June 18 to commemorate this month’s anniversary of the 1967 Mideast War, in which Israel took control of the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. Hebrew and Arabic versions are to hit bookshelves in Israel and the Palestinian territories later this week. Speaking to reporters at Jerusalem’s American Colony […]

22 Jun, 2017

China takes measures to boost sharing economy

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BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — A guideline to further boost the blossoming of sharing economy was approved at a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. According to the guideline, the sector will enjoy easier access, greater policy transparency, and better protection of legitimate rights of platform companies, resources providers and […]

21 Jun, 2017

Are we sleepwalking towards another major Middle East war? – Sydney Morning Herald

Julien Barnes-Dacey, an analyst with the European Council on Foreign Relations, worries that the new US administration has not learnt the lessons of its predecessors in Iraq. Barnes-Dacey writes: “A fight against Iranian proxies in eastern Syria is likely doomed to failure and would distract attention away from other important areas of the country. A […]

21 Jun, 2017

This woman’s ‘thank you’ note to Pakistan for defeating India in cricket is a must read | The Indian Express

After the match, many took to social media and even news media to lambast Indian skipper Virat Kohli and the rest of the team for the poor performance. The ‘mauka mauka’ ad man ruled the Internet space as the green T-shirt finally worked its magic and Pakistan beat India in ICC Champions Trophy final by […]

20 Jun, 2017

Muzzling freedom of expression in India – The Hindu

By Kapil Sibal What I eat is part of my freedom of expression. It is part of my identity. Also my desire to eat what I want, unless prohibited by law, is a matter of my choice. Exercise of choice is part of a person’s individuality. No one can pre-empt my right to exercise that […]

20 Jun, 2017

Switzerland tops World Innovation Index; India and other emerging markets on the rise

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 15 June 2017 – Innovation is a key development tool that could boost economies and provide a way out of the growing squeeze on the world’s food resources – one of the major challenges of the 21st century – according to a new United Nations report. “Innovation is the engine […]

20 Jun, 2017

Qatar Blockade: Global Trades Union blasts Gulf royal families for jeopardising lives of migrant millions

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Brussels, 19 June 2017 (ITUC OnLine):  Concerns over the conditions of migrant workers in Qatar are mounting, as the blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other countries continues.  Workers from Bangladesh, India and Nepal are telling of essential food prices doubling with the sealing of the Saudi border and closure of air […]

19 Jun, 2017

Australia opens Great Barrier Reef cruise ship policy for public consultation

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Canberra, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 16/06/2017 – Public feedback is invited on a draft policy for cruise ship operations in the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s draft policy brings together all current management arrangements for cruise ships operating across the Reef and promotes ecologically-sustainable activities. Great Barrier Reef […]

19 Jun, 2017

Theme Index and Museum Index 2016 shows Asian waterparks making a big splash

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HONG KONG, June 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The 2016 TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index, an annual study of attendance at top theme parks, water parks and museums around the world, reveals mixed results for calendar year 2016. While attendance at the top 25 global theme parks dipped by 1.1 percent, the world’s top 10 […]

19 Jun, 2017

ASEAN, EU to boost student mobility in the ASEAN region

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MANILA, 14 June 2017 (ASEAN secretariat media release) – Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines’ Commission for Higher Education (CHED), and the European Union (EU) joined forces to organise the First ASEAN Student Mobility Forum in Manila to capture and promote the benefits of student mobility in ASEAN. About 200 students […]

19 Jun, 2017

A Darkened Age – The Rule of Law in Protecting Morality and Humanity

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JURIST Guest Columnist, David M. Crane, of Syracuse University School of Law discusses the importance of the rule of law in restoring the ideals of humanity and morality on a global scale… There is a growling of a discontent, an unrest, just below the surface, festering ready to erupt into a boil of frustration. The […]

19 Jun, 2017

One Professor’s Journey from Israeli-occupied Palestine to Israeli-occupied USA

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By Prof Mazin Qumsiyeh I spent 40 hours on grueling travel between Palestine and the USA and my documents (and luggage) were checked 15-20 times along the way. The Israeli occupied United States is not much different from Israeli occupied Palestine. I will not bore you with details of going from Bethlehem to Jordan. I […]

14 Jun, 2017

Global aviation growth projects need for 530,000 pilots, 550,000 technicians over 20 years

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Bangkok, 14 June 2017 – The world’s passenger aircraft fleet above 100 seats is set to more than double in the next 20 years to over 40,000 planes as traffic is set to grow at 4.4 percent per year, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast 2017-2036. Over this period, increasing numbers of first time […]

14 Jun, 2017

Asia-based HIV Workers Explore Innovative Use of Social Media to Combat Rising Infection Rate

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BANGKOK, June 14, 2017 (APcom Press release) – Reducing rising rates of HIV transmission among Asian gay men through the innovative use of digital communications is the focus of a special event which opened today in Bangkok. Connecting Asia is a three-day regional consultation – the first event of its kind in Asia – that […]

13 Jun, 2017

U.S. Extremist Anti-Islam Rallies a ‘Bust,’ Counter-Protests Far Overshadowed Hate Marches

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WASHINGTON, June 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said anti-Islam rallies held around the country on Saturday were a “bust” and were far overshadowed by counter-demonstrators who outnumbered the Islamophobes and their white supremacist and anti-government allies almost 10-to-1. SEE: NY Anti-Sharia […]