Author Archive
19 Feb, 2012
Bangkok attack: Iranians warn of another web of lies, and ask who’s really responsible?
Originally Published: 19 February 2012 Although the anti-Iran campaign is in full swing, major holes are emerging in the story spun so far. Although facing media criticism, the Indian and Thai governments’ cautious handling of the matter is putting counter-pressure on the U.S. and Israeli governments to prove that they are not behind what appear […]
more…19 Feb, 2012
Facebook Fatigue | The Manila Bulletin Online
A lot of the habitués of the popular social networking site have been deactivating their profiles. “How did you know the fatigue had hit you?” I asked Archie, a confessed Rizaleño-by-choice. “I just woke up one day to find out that I did not want to check my profile and felt good that I did […]
more…18 Feb, 2012
The Nightmare of Terror-Related Blacklisting (And Its Impact on Travel)
JURIST Guest Columnist Maureen Duffy of the University of Calgary Faculty of Law says that the use of “blacklists” as a tool for counter-terrorism efforts does not increase public safety, and instead may result in a form of legal punishment based on a subject’s associations alone…
more…18 Feb, 2012
Airports Training Challenges: No Longer Just About Operating an Airport
The aviation industry appears to be on the path to recovery and the upturn in fortunes means that despite the tough economic times airports should once again start preparing for traffic growth and the extra demands that this will bring. And with money tight, an airport’s ability to meet that service delivery challenge will be […]
more…18 Feb, 2012
UNCTAD Conf Gives Boost to Global Trade in Organic Products
Nuremberg, 17 February 2012 – The European Union (EU) and the United States signed a landmark “organic-equivalency” agreement here following a conference on opening markets to organic products. And an Asian group of government officials and representatives of organic farmers and marketers adopted an Asian Regional Organic Standard that should greatly expand trade in such […]
more…17 Feb, 2012
UN Chief Calls on Countries to Heed Voices of Women and Young People
Feb 16 2012 (UN News Centre) – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed today the need to empower women and youth, who have been at the centre of recent social protest movements worldwide, and warned countries against ignoring their voices as they are critical to countries’ development. “Tahrir Square [in Cairo] and the fight for democracy throughout […]
more…17 Feb, 2012
Will US Ever Accept The Truth?
Beijing, 2012-02-16. — It is a matter of routine for the media in the United States to carry articles written by top US scholars at the end of a year and the beginning of the next, expressing concern over the country’s prospects. In one such article, “The end of the American era”, Stephen M. Walt, […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
The “Rise of the Planet of the Apps”: 7 Key Trends
Hong Kong, China (PRWEB) February 16, 2012 — Today App Annie (appannie.com), an app store provider of analytics and market intelligence, unveils the 7 key trends in the “Rise of the Planet of the Apps”. App Annie’s premium service – ‘App Annie Intelligence’ – employs statistical and data models to generate what it claims to […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Research: Four Guiding Principles To Help Employees Navigate Through Change
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 15, 2012 — Recent global research conducted by TNS Employee Insights names four guiding principles to improving an organization’s chance of success in times of change. Based on the notion of “moving the needle” in engagement, their findings maintain that employees must understand how engagement relates to bringing about change. Change, […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
New Study: Consumers Poised for Radical Shift in TV Consumption
Boston, MA (PRWEB) February 15, 2012 — A new study of over 1,400 consumers, from market research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey, uncovers major changes in how people are watching TV and movies, and the choices they make when it comes to the content they watch online. Once the domain of early adopters, more than half […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Agoda Unveils 10 Fresh Asian Destinations 2012
Singapore (PRWEB) February 15, 2012 — The global hotel booking site Agoda.com, a part of NASDAQ-listed Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN), today announced its Fresh Destinations 2012. Launched in 2011, agoda.com’s Fresh Destinations list aggregates traveler booking data and customer reviews and ratings to identify Asian cities that have showed a marked increase in popularity over […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
UN Chief Urges More Companies To Embrace Business Sustainability Ideals
Feb 14 2012 (UN News Centre) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today encouraged more businesses to embrace the principle of sustainability in their strategies, noting that with the most of the world’s ecosystems in decline, widening social inequality and climate change, global prosperity, productivity and stability was at stake. “We need corporate sustainability to be […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Bid to Open Markets for Organic Products From Developing World
Feb 13 2012 (UN News Centre) – A United Nations-backed conference addressing the future of access to markets for organic products began today with delegates and experts gathered to examine the impact that trade standards are having on organic farmers in the developing world. The two-day forum, held in the German city of Nuremberg, will […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
“Blue Economy” Needed To Protect Mediterranean Sea And World’s Oceans
Feb 10 2012 (UN News Centre) – The Mediterranean Sea is a “key pillar” for the development of the countries in the region, a senior United Nations official said today, warning that continued degradation of the aquatic environment could put its entire ecology at risk. The call came as delegates from 22 Mediterranean and European […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Call for Universal Ratification Of Treaty To End Use Of Children In Conflict
Feb 13 2012 (UN News Centre) – The United Nations envoy for children and armed conflict today called for universal ratification of a treaty protocol that outlaws the use of minors to fight wars and encourages States to set 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment. “So far, almost three fourths of the world […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Emerging Economies Need To Play Greater Role In Global Governance
Feb 13 2012 (UN News Centre) – Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today called for the wider inclusion of emerging economies in global governance mechanisms, noting that powerful decision-making bodies do not sufficiently reflect the growing impact of developing and new markets on the world economy. “We need to ensure both greater synergies among, as well […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Women Must Be Empowered To “Create The Future We Want”
Feb 14 2012 (UN News Centre) – United Nations Member States must boost economic empowerment for women to help them realize the global community’s common goals, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro urged today, warning that gender discrimination around the world was still too widespread. “Too many countries still have discriminatory laws on the books. Laws that […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
WHO Expands European Centre to Monitor Health Impact of Environment; Poor Worst Hit
Copenhagen and Bonn, 14 February 2012 (World Health Organisation) — One citizen out of five dies from environment-associated diseases in the WHO European Region. The environmental burden of ill health varies significantly across the Region, however, ranging from 14% to 54%. Within countries, the poor can be exposed to environmental risks five times more often […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
UN Postal Union Acquires World’s First Postage Stamp Issued In 1840
Feb 15 2012 (UN News Centre) – The United Nations postal union reported today that it has acquired what is probably the world’s best-known stamp – the Penny Black – which was issued 172 years ago and shows a profile image of United Kingdom’s Queen Victoria on a black background. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Finland Has Largest Share Of Economy Based On Information Technology
Feb 15 2012 (UN News Centre) – Finland has the world’s largest portion of domestic economic activities related to information and communication technology, with almost a tenth of the European country’s non-agricultural business workforce employed in the ICT sector, according to United Nations data released today. The data, released by the UN Conference on Trade […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Prof Kishore Mahbubani’s Letter to Netanyahu: Time is No Longer on Israel’s Side
The following Open Letter to the Prime Minister of Israel was printed in the Financial Times and posted on Prof Kishore Mahbubani’s website on November 10, 2011. Its contents are of growing relevance today as the US and Israel prepare to start another war against yet another Islamic country. The travel & tourism industry should […]
more…16 Feb, 2012
Israel’s Leaders Are The Real Liars — Times of India Commentator
15 February 2012 – In Oliver Stone’s JFK, Kevin Costner, playing an attorney who wants to dig out the truth behind President Kennedy’s assassination, meets X, a former CIA operative, to know who really pulled the trigger on JFK. ‘X’ chuckles and says, “The real question isn’t “Why?”… The “how” is just “scenery” for the suckers…, […]
more…15 Feb, 2012
As Trust Frays, Corporate Focus on Sustainability Reporting Grows – KPMG
NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Corporate leaders are focusing increasingly on long-term sustainable opportunities to gain a competitive edge, in part by taking a critical look at their operations to manage supply chain and other risks, said John B. Veihmeyer, chairman of KPMG’s Americas region and Chairman and CEO of KPMG LLP (U.S.), in […]
more…15 Feb, 2012
Financial Markets A “Systemic Threat” To Global Economic Stability – UNCTAD Chief
Bangkok – Dr Supachai Panitchapakdi is not very well-known to most people in travel & tourism, except perhaps to my readers in Thailand. The 65-year-old former Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister was closely involved in rebuilding the devastated Thai economy in the wake of 1997 currency attack by the Jewish market speculator George […]
more…14 Feb, 2012
Germany Economic Report Issued — Useful Info for ITB 2012 Participants
Paris, 14 February 2012 (OECD News Release) — The German economy recovered rapidly from the 2008-09 recession, with GDP topping pre-crisis rates during 2011 and unemployment falling significantly. According to the OECD’s latest Economic Survey of Germany presented today in Berlin by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, Germany has an impressive economic track record, but now […]
more…13 Feb, 2012
FAO Food Price Index Rebounds in January
9 February 2012, Rome (Food & Agriculture Organisation) – The FAO Food Price Index rose by nearly two percent or four points from December to January – its first increase since July 2011. Prices of all the commodity groups in the index registered gains last month with oils increasing the most, followed closely by cereals, […]
more…13 Feb, 2012
As Thai Tourism Rebounds, An Old Crisis Lurks in the Shadows
BANGKOK – As Thailand’s tourism industry gets set to soar again, a regional meeting on the global AIDS pandemic organised here last week has refocussed attention on a rarely-discussed subject: the extent to which Thailand’s nightlife and entertainment industry contributes to the global spread of HIV/AIDS. Although the Thai tourism industry robustly touts its contribution […]
more…13 Feb, 2012
What’s Cooking? New Study on Food Trends Can Boost Culinary Tourism
What and how we eat today might look quite baffling to anyone who’s missed the past decade: buying gluten-free treats from a food truck, for instance, or “Foodspotting” an order of locally sourced, heirloom vegetables. Yet at the same time we’re reconnecting with our past, looking to eat more communally and celebrating regional food traditions, […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
Cruise Survey: Couples Have Better, More Frequent Intimate Moments Onboard
Miami (PRWEB) February 10, 2012 — For couples looking to rekindle the spark in their romance, the sea is calling with a million ways to fall in love again. According to a recent survey commissioned by Royal Caribbean International*, most Americans (90%) astoundingly ranked sex as the top activity on their cruise itinerary. Respondents also […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
New Book Exposes How “Pirates of Manhattan” Hijacked America’s Savings Plans
(PRWEB) February 09, 2012 — Barry James Dyke, author, speaker and financial consultant has released the sequel to his first best-selling book, The Pirates of Manhattan is being released as of February 7, 2012 off the author’s website, http://www.thepiratesofmanhattan.com. The sequel, The Pirates of Manhattan II: Highway to Serfdom, The Hijacking of America’s Savings is […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
Wikipedia Co-founder’s Top 3 Business Startup Tips
(PRWEB UK) 10 February 2012 — Jimmy Wales co-founded free online encyclopaedia, Wikipedia in 2001. By 2006, Time magazine had named him in its list of the world’s most influential people and today, Wikipedia is the largest information resource on the web (ranking 6th globally). CambridgeElevator.com – the free social network for startups – met […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
World Bank Launches “Women of the World” App
Washington DC, February 8, 2012 – The World Bank and Fotopedia, the publisher of popular iOS apps and winner of the Best Tablet App of the Year Crunchies Award, today announced their collaboration on a new free app titled “Women of the World” for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. “Women of the World” takes users on an […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
World Bank Hails Role of Diaspora as a Resource for Development
Buenos Aires, February 2, 2012 (World Bank News Update) – Some years ago, the immigration from China, India, Taiwan, and Israel to Silicon Valley contributed to transforming sectors in these countries, through activities such as consultancy, policy recommendations, the establishment of new government departments, and participation in advisory committees and discussion groups. Could other diasporas […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
UN Wraps Up Year Of Forests By Highlighting Their Social, Economic Value
Feb 9 2012 (UN News Centre) – The United Nations will wrap up today its year-long campaign to raise awareness on the importance of forests and the people who depend on them with a series of events that spotlight their role and impact in socio-economic activities. “Each of us, all seven billion people on Earth, […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
Report Warns Of Dangers Of Increasing Electronic Waste In West Africa
Feb 10 2012 (UN News Centre) – West Africa is facing a significant increase in waste generated by electronic equipment which poses mounting health and environmental risks, according to a United Nations report released today. About 85 per cent of the waste produced in the region comes from domestic consumption, the report reveals. However, the […]
more…12 Feb, 2012
UN Invites Countries To Tune In For First World Radio Day On Feb 13
Feb 10 2012 (UN News Centre) – The role of radio as a facilitator of education, freedom of expression and public debate will be celebrated as World Radio Day is observed for the first time on Monday by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “In a world changing quickly, we must make […]
more…11 Feb, 2012
Islamophobia is America’s Real Enemy
The hysterical campaign to stigmatise US Muslims poses a far greater threat than radicalisation to America’s civic union. Daisy Khan is executive director and co-founder of the American Society for Muslim Advancement and co-founder of the Cordoba Initiative 9 February 2012 — A report released this week has at last confirmed what we Muslim Americans […]
more…10 Feb, 2012
India-ASEAN Links Grow: Myanmar A New “Bridge”, Bangkok A New Hub
BANGKOK – The Look East Policy of India and the Look India Policy of ASEAN will combine the 600 million population of ASEAN and the 1.2 billion population of India into a multi-dimensional cooperative network. Two important developments to watch are the emergence of Myanmar as a bridgehead between South Asia and Southeast Asia, and […]
more…10 Feb, 2012
Australia Invites Comments on “Asian Century” Issues Paper
Canberra, February 9 2012 (Australian Ministry of Trade Press Release) – Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson on February 10 will meet peak business and industry associations to canvass their views on the ‘Australia in the Asian Century’ White Paper. The meeting will include high-level representatives from the agriculture, mining, services and manufacturing sectors. “An important […]
more…10 Feb, 2012
Thailand To Start Dredging Canals to Avert Future Flooding
Bangkok, Feb 8 — The Thai government has agreed to an integration of responsibility for dredging canals in and around Bangkok between the city government and nine ministries in order to improve the capacity of water management in Bangkok areas, according to a Cabinet announcement. A newly-established umbrella grouping, the Strategic Committee for Water Resources […]
more…8 Feb, 2012
Report on Romance Sets the Record Straight About Love As You Age
TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Seniors are setting the record straight – love and romance aren’t just for the young, according to the Revera Report on Romance, a new survey by Revera Inc., a Canadian provider of seniors care and services. Seven-in-ten seniors over age 75 say you are never too old for love […]
more…8 Feb, 2012
Australian Inbound-Outbound Movements: 10-Year Analysis
CANBERRA – Figures on international movements through Australian border crossings over the last 10 years show some remarkable changes. Short-term visitor arrivals from Japan, once the blue-eyed boy of Asia-Pacific tourism, have fallen from 673,600 in 2001 to 332,600 in 2011 with a commensurate fall in market share from 13.9% to 5.7%. By contrast, short-term […]
more…8 Feb, 2012
UN Marks Interfaith Harmony Week: “Common Ground for a Common Good”
Feb 7 2012 (UN News Centre) — The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser today stressed the potential of all of the world’s religions to promote global peace and stability, saying that faiths have common principles that can be used to bring about grater unity and harmony among people. “We recognize and celebrate […]
more…8 Feb, 2012
Free Downloads: Horwath’s 26 Market Reports for 2012 Hotel Yearbook
London — Horwath Hotels, Tourism and Leisure (HTL), the prominent global hospitality consulting network, contributed 26 key market reports to the latest edition of the Hotel Yearbook. Published annually, the yearbook provides in-depth and cutting edge opinion and commentary about the industry for the coming 12 months. One of the key areas of the Yearbook […]
more…8 Feb, 2012
Why Universities Should “Beware the Seductive Attractions of Money Power”
Reporting on the management changes at Research in Motion, Tim Weber, business editor, BBC, wrote that the co-chief executive officers’ departure was ‘long overdue.’ The once-dominant company had ‘thrown it all away… in an orgy of poor executive decisions, lacklustre innovation, unkept promises in delivering new product and — the greatest sin of all — […]
more…8 Feb, 2012
China Again Blasts EU: Cannot Act As Sole Toll Bearer of the Skies
Full Text of Commentary reprinted in the official Chinese publication People’s Daily Online Beijing – China has taken a tough stance against the EU charges on carbon emissions from flights in and out of the EU by forbidding domestic airlines from taking part in the carbon-emissions system on Monday. According to the Civil Aviation Administration […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
2,000 More African Communities End Female Genital Mutilation in 2011
UNITED NATIONS, 6 Feb 2011, (UNFPA Press release) — Almost 2,000 communities across Africa have abandoned female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in 2011. This brought the total numberof communities renouncing the practice to 8,000 over the last few years, according to new findings by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
Connection Technologies “Critical To Building the Future We Want”
Feb 6 2012 (UN News Centre)–The upcoming United Nations summit on sustainable development is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set the world on a durable track that guarantees a decent standard of living for everyone today without compromising the needs of future generations, a top UN official says. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
Thieves Worsen Global Warming With Attack on Iconic Glacier
GENEVA, 2 February 2012 (UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) – Climate change was a key driver in 2005 when 168 UN member states agreed on an international blueprint for disaster risk reduction but there is no reference in the Hyogo Framework for Action* to the environmental threat posed to the world’s retreating glaciers by […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
British Singer-Actress Becomes UNESCO Artist For Peace
Feb 6 2012 (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced today that the renowned British singer and actress Sarah Brightman will join its roster of Artists for Peace who use their prestige and charisma to promote the agency’s programmes and messages. Sarah Brightman Ms. Brightman will be formally […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
Nominations Open for Global Business Awards That Follow Rio+20 Principles
02 February 2012 – The World Business and Development Awards today launched a call for nominations for successful business initiatives that are in line with the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development. All organisations, regardless of size or location, engaged in innovative business models that are delivering both commercial success and helping improve social, economic […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
World Freerice Week Launched To Fight Hunger Through Social Media Power
ROME, 01 February 2012, (World Food Program) – The theory of “Six Degrees of Separation” says that every person in the world is connected to every other person in the world through, at most, six other people. Through its online hunger-fighting game Freerice.com, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is encouraging Freerice players to use […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
Declaring Settlements “Illegal,” UN Chief Calls For End To Israeli Occupation of Palestine
New York, Feb 6 2012 (UN News Centre)– Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today renewed his call for progress in the Middle East peace process, citing the toll taken on the economy and lives of the Palestinians by the ongoing Israeli occupation. “Economic progress cannot be reached and sustained absent a credible political solution on the horizon,” […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
Asia, Emerging Markets Led Air Travel Surge in 2011: World Airports Report
Montreal, 3 February 2012 (Airports Council International) – The international traveller is leading the global growth curve in passenger traffic since the stock of international passengers has risen by almost 7 percent year over year in December 2011. Overall passenger traffic posted gains of 5 percent for both the month of December and the entire […]
more…7 Feb, 2012
Distribution Specialist Demands Protection for Passengers Against Airline Insolvency
DREIEICH, Germany Feb 2, 2012 (Business Wire)–Hahn Air is demanding the introduction of a protection mechanism for passengers against airline insolvency. In future, only airlines with comprehensive insurance coverage should be allowed to sell through travel agencies in Europe. “Furthermore, travel agencies have to face unnecessary risks due to the outdated programming of global distribution […]
more…6 Feb, 2012
China Hits Back, Bans Airlines From Paying EU Carbon Tax
BEIJING, 6 February 2012, (Xinhua News Agency) – China’s airlines are not allowed to pay a charge on carbon emissions imposed by the Europe Union (EU), and neither to hike freights nor to add other fees accordingly without government permission, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said Monday. The CAAC said in a statement […]
more…5 Feb, 2012
Europe Needs 1.5 Trillion Euros To Upgrade Transport Networks by 2030; Bonds, User Charges Coming
Text of speech (as prepared for delivery) by Siim Kallas, Vice-President and European Commissioner for Transport on “Transport Financing: The Way Ahead” at the European Policy Centre Brussels, 2 February 2012 Europe needs to invest heavily in transport infrastructure before 2050 to remain competitive. At the moment, Europe is going through difficult economic times. There […]
more…5 Feb, 2012
EU Moves to Upgrade Cruise Ship Safety
Brussels, 03 February 2012 (European Commission Media release) – Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport today was briefed by the board of the European Cruise Council about cruise ship safety. Mr Kallas announced that the Commission strongly supports a passenger ship safety review at IMO (International Maritime Organisation) to ensure that European citizens can […]
more…5 Feb, 2012
ElBaradei’s book exposes the lies and liars behind the war in Iraq
Originally Published: 05 February 2012 The sabre rattling over an attack on Iran, now in full swing, is following the identical game-plan that was mounted before the 2003 attack on Iraq, according to a tell-all book by Dr Mohamed ElBaradei, the former director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The key question facing the world […]
more…4 Feb, 2012
New Report Out: European Tourism 2011 – Trends & Prospects
Brussels, 30 January 2012. (www.visiteurope.com) – Although 2011 will prove to have been a record year for travel to Europe, the latest report by the European Travel Commission says that the Eurozone economic crisis is set to have a significant impact in 2012. According to Leslie Vella, Chairman, ETC Market Intelligence Group, “Last year will […]
more…3 Feb, 2012
Joint Statement Demands End to NY Cops Surveillance of Mosques
Washington, DC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee) www.adc.org – February 2, 2012 — Recent reports indicate that the New York Police Department (NYPD) has been conducting covert surveillance of mosques in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The targeted mosques, highlighted in the secret NYPD document dated May 15, 2006 released by the Associated Press earlier today, […]
more…3 Feb, 2012
ASEAN Tourism Country Reports & Presentations 2011
The following reports on the tourism situation of 9 of the 10 ASEAN countries were presented at the ASEAN Tourism Forum meetings in Manado in January 2012. They have been made public in order to promote a better understanding of official ASEAN tourism policies, strategies, directions and trends, build the ASEAN tourism brand image and […]
more…2 Feb, 2012
New UN Initiative Taps Power Of Social Media To Fight Global Hunger
Feb 1 2012 (UN News Centre) – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is launching a week-long campaign in which users of the popular online trivia game Freerice can recruit their friends to help bring food to the world’s most vulnerable populations. World Freerice Week, from 6 to 11 February, will have as its […]
more…1 Feb, 2012
Feb 4: US Activist Groups Invite World to Join Protests Against Attack on Iran
Source: International Action Center A broad spectrum of U.S.-based anti-war organizations, including the IAC, agreed on a Jan. 17 conference call to hold coordinated protests across the country on Saturday, Feb. 4. The demands will be: “No war, no sanctions, no intervention, no assassinations against Iran.” The ad-hoc group that took part in the call […]
more…1 Feb, 2012
India Issues 12,761 Visas on Arrival in 2011, New Zealanders Head List
New Delhi, Jan 31, 2012 (Press Information Bureau) – During December 2011, a total of 1640 Visa on Arrival (VoAs) were issued to foreign tourists, up from 1,382 in November. The breakdown was as follows: New Zealand (473), Japan (265), Indonesia (247), Phillippines (173), Singapore (194), Finland (246), Cambodia ( 7), Vietnam (18), Luxemburg (8) […]
more…1 Feb, 2012
India Embarks on Massive Railway Stations Upgrade Project
New Delhi, Feb 1, 2012 (Press Information Bureau) – The Ministry of Railways has moved to set up a separate corporate unit to upgrade and improve the country’s thousands of railway stations. In what was described as a “path-breaking initiative,” the Ministry signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle […]
more…1 Feb, 2012
China’s Firm Stance on Iran Issue: No Nukes, And No War
As Israel, the United States and Europe continue to ratchet up their anti-Iran threats, China has made clear that it does not support a war. The following is the full text of a commentary published in the official media, People’s Daily Online. By Zhong Sheng (People’s Daily) February 01, 2012, Edited and translated by People’s Daily […]
more…1 Feb, 2012
Whither Diversity? ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan on Tourism, Culture & Heritage
Continuing a series of dispatches on the Thai travel & tourism industry 25 years after 1987 Visit Thailand Year. Click on the image below to access the full text of the speech
more…1 Feb, 2012
Global Weather Body Launches Data Exchange System to Reduce Risks, Costs
Geneva, 31 January 2012 (WMO), A new international information system to improve and expand the current exchange of weather, climate and water data – and cut the costs involved – has become operational. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Information System will make it easier to find and use meteorological observations and products and to share […]
more…31 Jan, 2012
World Set to Ponder What Next After Capitalism
(PRWEB) January 26, 2012 — The Millennium Project announces its findings from the report “Some Elements of the Next Global Economic System over the Next 20 Years” found in The 2011 State of Future. The following two paragraphs are excerpts from the report: “Capitalism, socialism, and communism are early industrial-age systems. Surely new systems are […]
more…31 Jan, 2012
U.S. Air Travel Becoming Stressful, Frustrating & Exhausting – Survey
Kansas City, Mo. (PRWEB) January 26, 2012 — According to a new America THINKS survey from HNTB Corporation, modern air travel can recapture its glamour and appeal by incorporating new technology and better amenities into passengers’ everyday experience. “For many Americans, air travel has lost its spark,” said Tom Rossbach, AIA, ACI, director of aviation […]
more…31 Jan, 2012
Thai Professor Alerts Travel Industry to Impact of Attack on Iran
BANGKOK – A prominent Thai economics professor has alerted the Thai tourism industry to the impact of an Israeli attack on Iran, including high oil prices and the dangers of a wider conflict. Addressing the joint annual meeting of the Thai Hotels Association and Association of Thai Travel Agents on Jan 30, Assoc.Prof. Somchai Pakapaswiwat […]
more…30 Jan, 2012
Former Thai Tourism Chief Says Industry Has “Lost Focus,” Needs New Roadmap
(First in a multi-part series of dispatches on the Thai tourism industry 25 years after Visit Thailand Year) BANGKOK: 25 years after the historic 1987 Visit Thailand Year, a number of industry veterans are voicing concern about the state of the industry and its future directions. With the number of arrivals skyrocketing, and future growth […]
more…29 Jan, 2012
Thailand to Host Conference on Battling Alcohol Abuse
Bangkok – The Thai tourism industry’s efforts to promote more niche-market visitors is set to take a step forward when the Global Alcohol Policy Conference convenes jere between 13-15 February 2012. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization, the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the […]
more…29 Jan, 2012
Indian Vice-President: Vibrant Journalism is Watchdog Journalism
Address by the Vice President Of India Dr. M. Hamid Ansari at the Presentation of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2010-11 on 16 January 2012, New Delhi. I am happy to be participating in this function to pay tribute to Ramnathji’s memory. Today, as we identify and recognise the excellence and contribution of […]
more…29 Jan, 2012
India, Brazil, South Africa Issue Davos Declaration, Urge More South-South Ties
Davos, 28 January 2012 (Press Information Bureau, India) — Ministers Anand Sharma of India, Antonio Patriota of Brazil and Rob Davies of South Africa, had a meeting of the IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Trade Ministers forum on the sidelines of the 42nd meeting of the World Economic Forum, on January 27, 2012 in Davos, to review […]
more…29 Jan, 2012
UN Marks Holocaust Day; Criticises Israeli Demolition of Palestinian Homes
The following five Press Releases were published back to back by the UN News Centre last week. Well worth thinking about. (Click on each link to go to the story) Jan 23: New Online Tool Featuring Video Testimonies Of Holocaust Survivors Debuts At UN Jan 25: Raising Awareness Of Holocaust Essential To Prevent Acts Of […]
more…28 Jan, 2012
Negotiation US style – Opinion – DAWN.COM
LIKE individuals, nations have a style, an attitude and an outlook. They are reflected most strikingly in the style of their diplomacy. Our region is at a crossroads today. Afghanistan holds the key to regional peace; so does Iran. The United States` diplomacy on both will make the big difference between peace and protracted conflict. […]
more…28 Jan, 2012
Indian Realtors plagued by Rs 120,000 cr debt as banks play hardball – Hindustan Times
The (Indian) real estate sector, which has seen a 36% surge in its outstanding debt at Rs 120,000 crore so far in 2011-12, has become a cause for concern to the banking industry. Most real estate firms including the big daddies such as DLF, Unitech, Parsvnath have sizeable debt on their books. While they are […]
more…28 Jan, 2012
Torture, lawlessness abound as Libya ‘victory high’ ends | The Jordan Times
Violent crime and clashes between armed militants are running rife in Libya as the jubilation of last year’s liberation fades, to be replaced by the harsh and unromantic reality of building a new state. Although much less frequent than the celebratory shooting in the weeks after Muammar Qadhafi died in October, the sound of gunfire […]
more…27 Jan, 2012
Europe Hotel Room-Nights Hit 1.6 billion in 2011, up 3.8%
Brussels, (January 26, 2012) – In 2011, the number of nights spent in hotels and similar establishments1 in the EU27 reached a peak of 1.6 billion nights, up by 3.8% compared with 2010. The evolution of the number of nights spent in hotels in the EU27 showed alternating phases of growth and decline over the […]
more…27 Jan, 2012
More Than Half of “Happiness Country” Bhutanese Are Not Happy
26-01-2012, The Gross National Happiness index based on results of the GNH 2010 survey shows that 41 per cent of Bhutanese can be classified as happy, while 59 per cent are “not-yet happy”, according to an analytical presentation available on the GNH website. The categorising was determined by a sufficiency threshold and a happiness threshold. […]
more…27 Jan, 2012
Financial Short-Termism Obstructs Sustainable Change in Business: Experts
Nairobi/ Paris, 26 January 2012 – Financial short-termism represents a critical barrier to businesses’ transition to sustainability, according to a new poll. The latest wave of The Sustainability Survey – GlobeScan and SustainAbility’s regular survey of attitudes across businesses, NGOs, academia and government – reveals that a very large majority (88%) of the 642 experts […]
more…26 Jan, 2012
Diverse, Flexible Manpower Models Will be Key To Success – HR Consultancy Report
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Manpower (NYSE: MAN), a supplier of contingent and permanent recruitment workforce solutions from ManpowerGroup, today called for organizations to adjust their workforce strategy to incorporate a more flexible, agile approach if they hope to successfully navigate the Human Age in a new insight paper published at the World Economic […]
more…26 Jan, 2012
UN Outlines Five-Year Action Plan to Build ‘The Future We Want’
25 January 2012, UN News Centre – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today outlined a series of actions he believes the global community must take over the next five years to build “the future we want.” In a speech to the General Assembly last September Mr. Ban had presented five imperatives – or generational opportunities – that […]
more…26 Jan, 2012
Gallup Poll: Americans’ View of Big Business, Big Gov’t At Record Low
by Frank Newport. www.gallup.com PRINCETON, NJ, January 19, 2012 — Americans’ satisfaction with the size and power of the federal government is at a record-low 29% and their satisfaction with the size and influence of major corporations remains near the all-time low at 30% — making both highly susceptible targets for politicians and presidential candidates […]
more…26 Jan, 2012
Europe Seeks Reform of Data Protection Rules to Boost Privacy, Cut Business Costs
Brussels, 25 January 2012 (European Commission – Press release) – The European Commission today proposed a comprehensive reform of the EU’s 1995 data protection rules to strengthen online privacy rights and boost Europe’s digital economy. Technological progress and globalisation have profoundly changed the way our data is collected, accessed and used. In addition, the 27 […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
Which U.S. Presidential Candidate Would Avoid Another War?
(PRWEB) January 25, 2012 – If America is truly at a crossroads as many of the GOP candidates hint towards, which of the current presidential candidates would best serve our nation in avoiding war and keeping the peace? LatexMattress.org has sponsored an informative infographic of each candidate’s position on several important issues of our day […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
Britons Feel Life Getting Too Complicated – Insurance Company Survey
CARDIFF, Wales, January 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Admiral MultiCar, the UK insurance company, has revealed that Britain is a complicated place to live, according to new research. It shows that over half the population believe their lives are too complicated, with money, work-life balance and family issues causing the complication. The car insurance specialist found […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
Half of Real Estate Investment Concentrated in 30 Cities — JLL Report
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — As world leaders gather to address global challenges at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, a new report by Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL) reveals that more than half of all global real estate investment resides in 30 cities. A quarter of the total investment is […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
Stress Reducing Strategies for Chronically Unhappy Wives
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 25, 2012 — In 2009, AOL and Women’s Day took a poll that revealed 70% of American women seriously admitted they were considering divorce. “Obviously, women are not happy and believe that breaking up their marriage and starting another relationship will bring them the happiness they desire. This is an overwhelming […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
New Report Highlights Role Of Universities in Entrepreneurship, Job Creation
LOS ANGELES and WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation today announced a new report titled Universities in Innovation Networks: The Role and Future Promise of University Research in U.S. Science and Economic Policymaking by USC Vice Provost for Innovation Krisztina “Z” Holly. This is the fourth report in a series […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
Labour Leaders Demand Jobs, Growth And Equity In Davos
25 January 2012 (ITUC, WEF media releases): The international union movement has put its case for the reform of capitalism at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week with five principles for dealing with current economic challenges. Addressing political and business chiefs, trade union leaders from Indonesia, USA and the UK and the international […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
Jewish Casino Baron Behind Anti-Muslim Films Being Shown to NY Cops
NEW YORK, N.Y., 1/24/12, (CAIR Media Release) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to offer a concrete plan to help counter the misinformation about Islam and Muslims provided to almost 1,500 officers through the screening of “The Third Jihad,” […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
US Public Now Focussed on Poor Economy But Still Backs “Tough Stand” on Iran
Washington DC., Jan 23, 2012 (Pew Research Centre Media Release) – As the 2012 State of the Union approaches, the public continues to give the highest priority to economic issues. Fully 86% say that strengthening the economy should be a top priority for the president and Congress this year, and 82% rate improving the job […]
more…25 Jan, 2012
STR Global Releases World Hotel Performance Results 2011
Hotels in Venice, Abu Dhabi, Santiago and Asian cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Singapore were among the big winners of 2011, according to hotel occupancy and revenue data compiled by STR Global and released on January 24. The performance of Bangkok was a surprise inclusion. Cities worldwide showed the impact of both […]
more…24 Jan, 2012
World Economic Forum 2012 Gives Youth A Chance to Speak Out
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 24 January 2012 (WEF Press release) – A new worldwide essay competition will tap into the ideas and energy of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Shapers Community in order to tackle the growing youth unemployment crisis. The Global Shapers, a worldwide network of people aged between 20 and 30 who have demonstrated […]
more…24 Jan, 2012
Western Economic Crisis Has Cost 27 Million Jobs, And It’s Not Over Yet
The global economic crisis increased the number of total unemployed by 27 million, raising to 1.1 billion people the number of people out of work, most of them young people, women and those already poor, according to a blistering report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a United Nations agency. Mincing no words, the report […]
more…23 Jan, 2012
Chinese Researcher: Beware Of US Game Over Iran
The author is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, affiliated to the Ministry of Commerce. Published in China Daily, 2012-01-20 — The United States is expediting its efforts to persuade its allies like Japan and the Republic of Korea to reduce their oil imports from Iran. Even the European […]
more…23 Jan, 2012
World Economic Forum: Most Global Experts Fear Looming Geopolitical Disruption
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 23 January 2012 (World Economic Forum media release) – Fear among international experts of a major geopolitical disruption over the next 12 months has risen significantly to 54%, just as confidence in the state of global cooperation has dropped, according to the World Economic Forum’s third Global Confidence Index. The bleak outlook at […]
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