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 […]

13 Jun, 2017

EXPO-2017 Exhibition Opens in Astana

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The EXPO-2017 International Specialized Exhibition dedicated to Future Energy opened in Astana with a magnificent light and multimedia show. “This is a new achievement in the promotion of our country and Kazakhstan’s national brand in the international arena. As we have selected Future Energy as the theme of […]

12 Jun, 2017

Holy month of Ramzan makes the Hindu-Muslim bond stronger in Old Delhi – Hindustan Times

For members of the Muslim community, the holy month of Ramzan involves fasting, devotion and charity. In Old Delhi, the month holds significance for its Hindu brethren, too. In a show of solidarity, many are choosing to not eat anything for the whole day. Mohd. Shaan, owner of Kallan Sweet Shop in Old Delhi, tells […]

10 Jun, 2017

Number of Potential Migrants Worldwide Tops 700 Million – Gallup Polls

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WASHINGTON, D.C. 8 June 2017 (Gallup Polls) — After cooling off in the wake of the Great Recession, worldwide, people’s desire to migrate permanently to another country showed signs of rebounding between 2013 and 2016. Gallup found 14% of the world’s adults — which translates to nearly 710 million people — saying they would like […]

6 Jun, 2017

Will the U.S. Neocons’ Long War Ever End? by Nicolas J S Davies

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America’s Long War or Global War on Terror has taken some ugly turns as the West’s continued war-making in the Muslim world leads to new terrorism against Western targets, with no end in sight, explains Nicolas J S Davies. Source: www.tikkun.org/nextgen/will-the-neo-cons-long-war-ever-end June 5, 2017 – The recent news from Kabul (in Afghanistan), from Manchester and […]

27 May, 2017

European Commission simplifies rules for public investment in ports, airports, culture and the outermost regions

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Brussels, 17 May 2017, European Commission – Press release – The European Commission has approved today new state aid rules that exempt certain public support measures for ports, airports, culture and the outermost regions from prior Commission scrutiny. The objective is to facilitate public investment for job creation and growth whilst preserving competition. Commissioner Margrethe […]

27 May, 2017

Report: More European sites meet excellent bathing water quality standards than ever before

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Brussels, 23 May 2017, European Commission – Press release – More than 85% of bathing water sites monitored across Europe in 2016 met the most stringent ‘excellent’ quality standards — meaning they were mostly free from pollutants harmful to human health and the environment, according to the annual bathing water quality report published today. Over […]

21 May, 2017

Chinese visitors flock to Philippines after bilateral ties are reset

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Beijing (People’s Daily Online)  May 19, 2017 – The number of Chinese people applying for visas to travel to the Philippine recently shot up by 200 percent, as the Chinese government canceled all travel alerts for citizens going to the country, according to Philippine news site Inquirer.net on May 18. With a booming tourism industry […]

21 May, 2017

China tourism investment to top 1.5 trillion yuan in 2017

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BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) — China’s tourism investment is expected to maintain rapid growth in 2017 as ongoing consumption upgrades will keep the sector on the fast track. The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Friday said tourism will remain a magnet for private capital, predicting direct investment will jump more than 20 percent from last […]

21 May, 2017

U.S. Families Will Spend Average of 1/3rd of Their Summer Staring at a Screen

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CHICAGO-May 18, 2017 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–With warmer weather finally arriving in most parts of the country and the school year winding down to a close, Groupon (NASDAQ: GRPN) (www.groupon.com) asked 1,000 U.S. parents how much time their families plan to spend on their electronic devices this summer––and the results were staggering. The average American family will […]

20 May, 2017

Amid ‘alarming rise’ in obesity, UN study finds one in three European adolescents overweight

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 17 May 2017 – Citing eating habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviours, the United Nations health agency launched a new publication today at the European Congress on Obesity in Portugal which revealed a rising number of obese adolescents in many countries across Europe. “Despite sustained efforts to tackle childhood obesity, […]

20 May, 2017

Big data can have a ‘big impact’ on achievement of Global Goals, UN says on IT Day

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 17 May 2017 – Mastering and measuring ‘big data’ – to map poverty from space or use mobile phones to track food security – could boost evidence-based decision-making at local and global levels and drive the implementation of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations telecommunications agency said […]

20 May, 2017

Societal Impact of Pain Costs the EU up to 441 Billion Euros Annually

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BRUSSELS & VALETTA, Malta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 19, 2017  – Pain causes a problem for individuals as well as a challenge for healthcare systems, economies and society: each year, approximately one in five Europeans or 20 percent of the adult population in Europe are affected by chronic pain. This includes 153 million people suffering migraine or other […]

20 May, 2017

“The Olive Tree”: New Publication launched to help Travel & Tourism meet UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Colombo — A pioneering publication designed to help the travel & tourism industry put its shoulder to the wheel of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been launched at the PATA Annual Summit here in the Sri Lankan capital this week. Although discussion of the SDGs is taking up a lot of time and […]

18 May, 2017

Global Trade Unions Call for G20 Commitment to Fair Globalisation

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Brussels, 17 May 2017 (INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION OnLine): The G20 Summit in July must finally agree on conditions for fair globalisation, according to the international trade union movement. This was the central message in the statement of Labour-20 trade union centres handed to German Chancellor and G20 President Angela Merkel at a meeting in […]

17 May, 2017

International Poll by World Union Body Shows Global Governance Failure on Jobs

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Brussels, 15 May 2017 (ITUC OnLine): The annual global poll commissioned by the 181 million-member International Trade Union Confederation shows that globalisation is failing people. The poll shows that 73 percent of people are worried about losing their jobs and 80 percent say the minimum wage is not enough to live on. Half the population […]

15 May, 2017

FREE Download: UN report assesses ‘huge benefits’ and challenges of green energy revolution

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 12 May 2017 – The latest United Nations report on energy-efficiency technologies shows that low-carbon technologies apparently aid clean air, save water and cut land use, and could reduce 25 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 17 million tonnes of particulates a year. “We are on the right track. […]

15 May, 2017

Taiwan’s Startup Wogogo Launches Tour Guide Platform

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TAIPEI, Taiwan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 12, 2017 – Taiwanese travel startup Wogogo has recently launched a tour guide platform, aiming to coordinate with local tourist guides to develop tours for travelers and serving them in a nice and simple way with exclusive and professional experiences, the company said on 12 May. Wogogo COO Muse Fang said the […]

12 May, 2017

European Union Ready to Build Cooperative New World Order, Its Top Diplomat Tells UN Security Council

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United Nations, (UN meetings coverage record) 09 May 2017 – Describing the European Union as an indispensable partner of the United Nations, the bloc’s senior-most diplomat told the Security Council today that it was ready to move beyond the current international uncertainty and join the Organization in building a more cooperative world order. “The European […]

12 May, 2017

Volvo Group Innovation Summit May 16 to Focus on Transport in Smart Cities of the Future

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GÖTEBORG, Sweden, May 9, 2017, (PRNewswire) – With a focus on ‘Smart cities – infrastructure and transport of the future’, Volvo Group will host its inaugural Innovation Summit in London on May 16, 2017. Moderated by Richard Westcott, the BBC’s transport correspondent, the event will gather leading people from government, major transport systems, industry bodies […]

12 May, 2017

Sixth UNWTO Int’l Conference on Tourism Statistics in Manila, June 21-24

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Madrid, 11 May 2017 (UNWTO media release) — On the occasion of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, the Government of the Philippines and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are organizing the 6th International Conference on Tourism Statistics to be held in Manila from 21 to 24 June 2017 with the primary […]

11 May, 2017

Time for a new tourism roadmap: Imtiaz Muqbil to speak on ASEAN, Islamic Tourism and Sustainability topics

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Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor of Travel Impact Newswire, will be speaking on a diverse range of subjects at a number of regional travel industry events in May and June. Travel & tourism is entering a new era. The “operating environment” is no longer the same as it was at the turn of the millennium. Clearly, […]

10 May, 2017

As World Economic Forum meets in Cambodia, ASEAN MPs say human rights as important as economic growth

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PHNOM PENH, 10 May 2017 (Press Release from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights) – As senior decision-makers and stakeholders from the economic sector gather in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the World Economic Forum on ASEAN starting today, regional parliamentarians urged participants, as well as all Southeast Asian leaders, to ensure that human rights concerns are […]

10 May, 2017

Travel website shows Muslims dumping U.S. for Asia, Europe, Africa

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By Irfan Ahmed, CEO & Editor in Chief, Irhal Inc. [Irhal is an Arabic/English travel website and app aimed at the world’s 100 million Muslim travelers. It has 90+ city guides with information on tourist attractions, shopping and hotels. It also lists Halal restaurants, mosque locations and prayer timings for each city. 85% of Irhal’s […]

10 May, 2017

FREE Download: New CAIR Report Shows 57% Spike in Anti-Muslim Incidents in U.S.

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(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/9/2017) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which claims to be the U.S.’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released a report showing a 57 percent increase in anti-Muslim incidents in 2016 over the previous year. This spike in anti-Muslim incidents was accompanied by a 44 percent increase in anti-Muslim […]

10 May, 2017

Australia unveils $20 billion investment in nationwide rail upgrade

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Canberra, 09 May 2017 – Joint release by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport and the Minister for Urban Infrastructure — The Turnbull-Joyce Government is delivering a $20 billion investment in rail that will cut congestion in cities, grow the regions and create thousands of new jobs. This long-term investment in passenger and freight rail will […]

9 May, 2017

‘Save Lives: Slow Down’: UN health agency launches Global Road Safety Week

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 5 May 2017 – Spotlighting the relationship between speeding and traffic fatalities – speeding contributes to one in three traffic deaths – the UN health agency, ahead of Global Road Safety Week, is urging countries to take measures to curb dangerous driving behaviour. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), […]

9 May, 2017

Time to find ‘magic formula’ for peaceful coexistence, says UNESCO chief

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 May 2017 – It is time to find that “magic formula” that will encourage people to live together in peace, the head of the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) urged earlier today at the end of a UN-backed conference on intercultural dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan. In […]

9 May, 2017

Worsening food insecurity forcing more people to migrate, finds new UN report

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 5 May 2017 – Highlighting the complex link between food insecurity and migration – where increase in one forces the other to rise and then spirals back to push the former even higher – the United Nations food relief agency has urged greater investments in food security and livelihoods at […]

24 Apr, 2017

Global Coral Reef Experts Launch Major Restoration Efforts in the Caribbean

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San Francisco, 13 April 2017, (Business Wire) – A powerhouse group of scientists and conservationists are joining forces to tackle the unprecedented decline of coral reefs worldwide. The California Academy of Sciences, SECORE International, and The Nature Conservancy are sealing their commitment to help rehabilitate coral reefs and preserve them for future generations by spearheading […]

20 Apr, 2017

Australian critical infrastructure organisations targeted by cybercriminals hundreds of times each day – Survey

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Canberra, (19 April 2017), Joint media release by the Attorney-General, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator George Brandis QC,  Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security, Dan Tehan MP — The Government has today released a comprehensive cyber security survey, published by the Australian Cyber Security Centre, of Australian government and major […]

20 Apr, 2017

CAIR-NY Condemns Racially, Religiously Motivated Attack on Sikh Man in New York

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NEW YORK, NY, 4/18/17 (CAIR media release) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the attack on a Sikh man in the Bronx as a suspected hate crime. According to police, Harkirat Singh, a 25-year-old Sikh man and taxi driver, […]

12 Apr, 2017

Meet Zia Hussain, the stranded Fulbright scholar barred from re-entering US – DAWN.COM

Syed Zia Hussain Shah, a 25-year-old graduate of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and a Fulbright scholar, was on his way back from a winter break to continue his post-graduate studies at the University of Chicago when he was stopped from boarding a plane to the US. “When they checked my ticket at […]

12 Apr, 2017

Applications open for Transparency Summer School on Integrity 2017, scholarships available

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Calling all university students, graduates and young professionals under the age of 35 who are eager to learn how to make a stand against corruption: apply now for the Transparency School on Integrity (TISI) 2017, taking place during 10-16 July, 2017 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Since 2010, the School on Integrity has welcomed over 700 students, […]

12 Apr, 2017

Aerial surveys help combat coral bleaching at Great Barrier Reef

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Canberra, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority media release, 10/04/2017 – Results from recent aerial surveys of the Great Barrier Reef will be used to target recovery efforts in those areas worst affected by this year’s coral bleaching event, as well as boost the resilience of those parts that remain largely unscathed. Great Barrier Reef […]

12 Apr, 2017

“Trust & Transparency” theme of Australian Privacy Awareness Week, 15-19 May

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Canberra, 10 April 2017, (Office of the Australian Information Commissioner) – With privacy attracting a record level of attention from Australian consumers and communities, Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, has today previewed key events of this year’s Privacy Awareness Week (15 to 19 May 2017). ‘Australians are more conscious of personal data issues […]

9 Apr, 2017

Mini Symposium on Islamic Tourism to be held in KL 13-14 April

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Kuala Lumpur (ITC media release) — Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), under the purview of Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia is organising its first Mini Symposium on Islamic Tourism 2017. The symposium will take place from 13 to 14 April 2017 with eight (8) confirmed paper presenters of Islamic tourism from Masters and Ph.D researchers […]

9 Apr, 2017

Misleading travel booking websites a growing problem in Europe

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Brussels, 7 April 2017, European Commission Press release — The European Commission and EU consumer protection authorities launched a coordinated screening of 352 price comparison and travel booking websites across the EU in October 2016. They found that prices were not reliable on 235 websites, two thirds of the sites checked. For example, additional price […]

3 Apr, 2017

ASEAN to recognise biodiversity heroes

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JAKARTA, 27 March 2017 (ASEAN secretariat media release) – What is biodiversity? Ask people what they think it means, and chances are only a few can accurately define it. Fewer still can explain its significance to human survival. The immense communication gap between the biodiversity conservation community and the general public is a major factor […]

3 Apr, 2017

China launches Integrated work permit to attract talent, make it easier for foreigners to work

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Beijing, April 02, 2017,  (CRI Online)  – Foreigners who want to work in China now only need to apply for one work permit, as of April 1. The new system unifies the two work permits required before into just one, and took effect across China on Saturday after a six-month pilot scheme in a number […]

3 Apr, 2017

Australia nabs child offender, 68, as part of efforts to stop them going abroad

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Canberra, 31 March 2017 (Joint media release by the Minister for Justice, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter Terrorism, and Minister for Foreign Affairs) — Officers from the Australian Federal Police and Victorian Joint Anti-Child-Exploitation Team (JACET) today arrested a 68-year-old man who was allegedly planning to travel overseas with the intention of sexually […]

3 Apr, 2017

Reality check: Chinese visitors spend more than any other country in U.S.

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Beijing, 01 April 2017, (People’s Daily Online commentary) – Recently, China-U.S. relations have attracted global attention. While some find endless faults with the trade relationship with China and blame China for America’s decline, we shouldn’t overlook the numerous positive aspects of the bilateral relationship, which overall outweigh the disadvantages.   One way to explain this […]

3 Apr, 2017

Improper disclosure hits Citibank Australia with $5 million refund in credit card int’l transaction fees

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Canberra, 31 March 2017 – (Australian Securities and Investments Commission media release) — Citigroup Pty Limited (Citibank) has refunded approximately $5 million to around 230,000 customers, for failing to properly disclose that credit card international transaction fees apply to Australian dollar transactions where the merchant uses an entity based overseas to process its transactions. In […]

3 Apr, 2017

Chinese-made passenger jet ready for maiden flight, will compete with A320 and Boeing 737

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SHANGHAI, 25 March 2017, (Xinhua) — China’s first large domestically designed and built passenger jetliner has passed a major technical assessment, bringing it a closer to its maiden flight, sources with the developer said Saturday. An evaluation committee consisting 63 aviation specialists from across China has agreed the C919 is technically ready for its maiden […]

24 Mar, 2017

High ratings for first resinar “ASEAN Travel & Tourism: The Next 50 Years”

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Bangkok – The first resinar (newly-coined shorthand for ‘research’ and ‘seminar’) organised in Bangkok on “ASEAN Travel & Tourism: The Next 50 Years” has been warmly applauded by many of the participants. Fifteen participants attended the March 17 resinar at the PATA Engagement Hub, designed to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN by providing the […]

20 Mar, 2017

Astana to host First Summit on Islamic Science & Technology

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 20 March 2017 (21 Jumaada al-Akhir 1438). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ THIS SPACE OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP Islamic Travel Newswire, an influential and widely-read weekly compilation of […]

16 Mar, 2017

Trump’s rump gets kicked again: Hawaii judge blocks Muslim Ban V.2

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A federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday (15 March) halted President Donald Trump’s new travel ban that was supposed to take effect at midnight – one of a series of blows against the administration’s order since January. The order would temporarily bar refugees and people from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. Trump blasted the ruling during […]

10 Mar, 2017

OIC Secretary-General: Islamophobia is gradually becoming institutionalized

Geneva, 01 March 2013, (OIC) – The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen has expressed his serious concern that Islamophobia, an affront to human rights and dignity of Muslims, is gradually becoming institutionalized. Al-Othaimeen who sounded the warning in a remark at the High Level Segment of the 34th […]

10 Mar, 2017

ForwardKeys shared damaging travel data with White House prior to Travel Ban II

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LONDON, (Tarsh Consulting media release) 6 March 2017 – ForwardKeys, which monitors future travel patterns by analysing 16 million flight reservation transactions each day shared its latest analysis of the negative impacts of the travel ban on the US travel industry with the White House prior to the new ban coming in to force. The […]

10 Mar, 2017

Travel Ban II Poses Less Uncertainty for Global Biz Travellers, But Could Be PR Challenge For US Travel Biz

7 March (ACTE News release) — The global membership of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives regards the second version of a US travel ban as less threatening, yet the order, signed into effect on Monday, March 6, 2017, may still be a public relations misstep for the United States travel industry. According to a […]

1 Mar, 2017

ASEAN Travel & Tourism: The Next 50 Years

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Bangkok – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is marking the 50th anniversary of its founding this year with another tourism marketing campaign under the slogan VisitASEAN@50. The ASEAN tourism industry, one of the greatest success stories of the global economy, has played a major role in helping the 10 member grouping create jobs […]

28 Feb, 2017

U.S. Children’s Museums Start 90-Day Campaign to Celebrate Role in Welcoming Immigrants, Refugees

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ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) has launched a new campaign—90 Days of Action—to showcase the important role children’s museums play in welcoming immigrant and refugee children and families to their communities. The campaign includes a variety of elements including a social media push, a survey of its members to learn more about […]

25 Feb, 2017

Sonu Shivdasani, Founder, CEO and Chairman, Soneva

ASEAN Travel & Tourism Hall of Fame – Initiated by Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil to recognise the many veterans who helped grow and shape ASEAN tourism over the last 50 years.

  Date and Place of birth: 23rd November 1965, London Marital and family status: Married to Eva Malmström Shivdasani Education: Eton College, followed by Le Rosey in Switzerland, Masters Degree, Oxford University in English Literature, 1993 Career: After graduation, spent two years with the family business set up by his father in in finance, trade […]

24 Feb, 2017

Indian techie shot dead in US, shooter yells ‘get out of my country’

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Houston/Washington, Feb 24 (Press Trust of India) An Indian engineer was killed and two others were injured after an American navy veteran yelling “terrorist” and “get out of my country” opened fire on them in a crowded bar in Kansas City in an apparent racially motivated hate crime, police said today. Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working […]

24 Feb, 2017

Ethisphere’s Global Ethics Summit To Take Stock of Corporate Culture

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New York, NY (PRWEB) February 23, 2017 – The Ethisphere Institute, established to define and advance the standards of ethical business practices, is set to host the 9th Annual Global Ethics Summit when over 200 different companies and organizations will descend upon midtown New York City, March 15-16. A Summit where over half the delegation […]

24 Feb, 2017

World of Hyatt Welcomes New Era with “For a World of Understanding”

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CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February 23, 2017 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the launch of World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s new global platform grounded in the simple idea that a little understanding goes a long way. This reflects Hyatt’s purpose and reaffirms its commitment to building genuine and trusted experiences and engaging its community of loyalists […]

22 Feb, 2017

Increase in arms transfers driven by demand in Middle East and Asia, says SIPRI

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Stockholm, 20 February 2017, (SIPRI media release) – The volume of international transfers of major weapons has grown continuously since 2004 and increased by 8.4 per cent between 2007–11 and 2012–16, according to new data on arms transfers published today by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Notably, transfers of major weapons in 2012–16 […]

22 Feb, 2017

Call for Entries: 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

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BANGKOK, 20 Feb 2017 (UNESCO media release) – Submissions are now being accepted for the 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Awards recognize the efforts of private individuals and organizations that have successfully restored or conserved structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region. The Awards emphasize the importance of […]

15 Feb, 2017

Organizations Wasting Billions on Outdated Customer Loyalty Programs – Accenture Strategy Study

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February 14, 2017 – Organizations are wasting billions of dollars each year on customer loyalty programs that don’t work like they used to, according to new research from Accenture Strategy. With millions of loyalty points sitting dormant and the majority of U.S. consumers (78 percent) retracting loyalty at profit-crushing rates, organizations must pay […]

6 Feb, 2017

Trump-ing the Odds

By Punam Mohandas

By Punam Mohandas Bangkok – Donald Trump has been hogging all the headlines recently. As it should be too – after all, one of the super powers of the world has a new leader. However, Trump is less in the news for his leadership skills than for the fact that, hands-down, he appears to be […]

3 Feb, 2017

Strategy Analytics: Global Smartphone Shipments Hit Record 1.5 billion Units in 2016

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BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–January 31, 2017 – According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global smartphone shipments grew 3 percent annually to hit a record 1.5 billion units in 2016. Apple iPhone recaptured first position with 18 percent global smartphone marketshare in Q4 2016, while OPPO grew 99 percent annually and was the star performer. Linda […]

3 Feb, 2017

PageFair Reports 615 Million Devices around the World Block Ads

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DUBLIN, 31 January 2017, (Business Wire) – A new PageFair report estimates that 615 million devices are now blocking ads. This represents year-over-year global growth of 30%. Mobile adblock usage grew by 108 million, reaching a total of 380 million active devices. Despite ever smaller numbers of people using desktop and laptop computers, adblock usage […]

2 Feb, 2017

US travel ban “breaches Washington’s human rights obligations” – UN experts

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GENEVA (1 February 2017) (UN Office of the High Commissioner, UN Human Rights) – A group of United Nations human rights experts today said that the Executive Order signed by US President Donald Trump on 27 January 2017 breaches the country’s international human rights obligations, which protect the principles of non-refoulement and non-discrimination based on […]

2 Feb, 2017

Muslim ban “endangers the recent solid growth of the U.S. exhibition industry” – UFI

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Paris, 1 February 2017 – U.S. President Donald J. Trump has issued an order to temporarily ban visitors from seven countries from entering the United States. On this matter UFI, as the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, states: Latest UFI research shows that more than half of the companies in the US exhibition industry […]

2 Feb, 2017

UN Chief Guterres to US: Avoid “Measures that Spread Anxiety and Anger”

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 1 February 2017 – Reacting to the recent suspension by the United States of its longstanding refugee programme, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today said resettlement is often “the only possible solution” for people fleeing conflict and persecution, and that the US policy, which bars entry of Syrians into the […]

2 Feb, 2017

Transport Workers Federation condemns “escalation of the US government against immigrants”

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01/02/2017 (ITF media release) – Commenting on President Trump’s travel ban ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) president Paddy Crumlin stated: “The 2016 national election in the US featured a heavy focus on immigration. President Donald Trump’s post-election actions have signalled that this will continue. The latest attack on immigrants has targeted the nationals of seven […]

31 Jan, 2017

Govts must build bridges, not walls: UNWTO, PATA join chorus of denunciations of Trump’s Muslim-ban

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The UN World Tourism Organisation and the Pacific Asia Travel Association both joined the global chorus of condemnations and criticism of US President Donald Trump’s Muslim-ban. Here are full texts of both statements: UNWTO Statement on US Travel Ban Madrid, 31 Jan 2017 – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Specialized Agency for […]

25 Jan, 2017

Trump set to sign “Muslim ban” orders

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Bangkok – Jewish and Muslim activist groups are set to come out strongly against what the Jewish Voice for Peace calls “a package of Executive Orders targeting Muslims, Arab, refugees and immigrants, making national policy of his racist, Islamophobic campaign rhetoric.” Read the following announcements by JVP and the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR): Message […]

23 Jan, 2017

Arabian Travel Mart launches 2017 exhibitor awards 

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Dubai, 18 January 2017, (ATM Press Release) – Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017 exhibitors will be pulling out all the stops to showcase their creative and business flair at this year’s event as organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions, reprises its popular Best Stand Awards initiative for a third year running. Launched in 2015, the awards recognise […]

23 Jan, 2017

2017 Metro Manila Tourism Forum to be held Feb 9-10

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Manila — The 2017 Metro Manila Tourism Forum will be held on February 09-10, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City. This year, it commemorates the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in celebrating 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. As such, the theme will be “ASEAN: Enhancing City Tourism […]

18 Jan, 2017

Emirates introduces sustainable blankets made from 100% recycled plastic bottles

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Dubai, UAE, 17 January 2017 – Emirates has introduced new sustainable blankets made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The soft and warm blankets are made using ecoTHREAD™ patented technology and is now available in Economy Class on all long-haul Emirates flights. Each Emirates ecoTHREAD™ blanket is made from 28 recycled plastic bottles. With the latest […]