Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

17 Jun, 2016

Security fears to boost Western Europe defence budgets by $50 Billion through 2019, IHS Says

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 16, 2016 – A deteriorating security situation has caused Western European defence budgets to rise for the first time in six years, according analysis released at the Eurosatory defence and security trade show by IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS), the leading global source of critical information and insight. Approximately $50 billion will be added […]

more…

17 Jun, 2016

Bangkok Bank President urges more local entrepreneurship in Mekong region

Following is the full text of the Keynote Address by Mr Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Bangkok Bank President, at the CLMVT FORUM 2016, on the topic of “Enabling Trade And Investment In CLMVT: The Role Of Banking And Finance In Regional Development”,  Thursday, 16 June 2016, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand It is my great pleasure to […]

more…

17 Jun, 2016

Anti-Muslim sentiment in Germany hits record high

Berlin, (IINA) 16 Jun 2016  – The number of Germans with negative attitudes towards Muslims has hit its highest mark yet, Anadolu Agency reported citing the results of a recent study by Leipzig University released in Berlin on Wednesday. Some 50 percent of those surveyed said that they “sometimes feel like a foreigner in their […]

more…

15 Jun, 2016

UNWTO, The Netherlands to hold conference on Religious Heritage Tourism

To promote the role of religious tourism as an agent for cultural preservation, peace and understanding is the focus of the agreement undersigned by UNWTO and the Government of The Netherlands. The partnership includes the celebration of a conference on ‘Religious Heritage and Tourism: How to increase religious heritage tourism in a changing society’” that […]

more…

15 Jun, 2016

Bali Preparing for Jazz Market by the Sea, 19-21 Aug 2016

Bali, June 2016… Jazz market by the Sea is back for it’s 6th year! As always there’s the best of the Indonesian jazz scene, hotly-tipped emerging talent and exciting cross genre artists, with a programme that truly brings something for everyone. Attracting not just music fans, the festival includes vibrant market stalls showcasing local arts […]

more…

14 Jun, 2016

It’s official: Much more growth potential in Merchants of Death than Industry of Peace

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–13 June 2016 – Global defence trade reached a record-breaking $65 billion in 2015, according to the annual Global Defence Trade Report released today by IHS Inc. (NYSE:IHS), the leading global source of critical information and insight. The report examines trends in the global defence market across 65 countries and is based upon 40,000 […]

more…

13 Jun, 2016

Airport and Marine Port Security Market to double to US$110.5 billion by 2025 – Report

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 07, 2016 – Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Airport and Marine Port Security Market by Security Technology, by Service (Facility and Asset Management, System Integration, Training and Consulting), by Infrastructure Type, by Region (NA, Europe, APAC, MEA, LA) – Global Forecast to 2025” report to their offering. The airport […]

more…

13 Jun, 2016

Increase in Terrorist Activities to Propel Defense Technology Market – Technavio Report

LONDON–June 08, 2016  – As asserted repeatedly by Travel Impact Newswire over the years, terrorist attacks are manna from heaven for the military-industrial complex and the security industry. Both are set to make windfall profits, drive economic growth and create jobs which, of course, will be good for alleviating poverty and meeting the UN Sustainable […]

more…

13 Jun, 2016

High-powered Bangladeshi Expo bids to cut travel, trade gap with Thailand

Bangkok – The first Bangladeshi female ambassador  in 44 years of diplomatic relations with Thailand has pulled off a hugely successful trade and investment expo designed to help Thai businessmen “take a fresh look” at a rapidly emerging country with huge cost and competitive advantages. Several ministers, chambers of commerce leaders and dozens of businesspersons […]

more…

9 Jun, 2016

UN agency announces world’s first illegal fishing treaty now in force

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 5 June 2016 – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced that a groundbreaking international accord aimed at stamping out illegal fishing went into effect today and is now legally binding for the 29 countries and a regional organization that have adhered to it. “This is a […]

more…

9 Jun, 2016

UN unveils first-ever global standard to measure food loss and waste

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 7 June 2016 – A partnership of leading international organizations, including the United Nations, has announced the launch of a first-ever global standard to measure food loss and waste while at the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) 2016 Summit currently underway in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Food Loss and Waste Accounting […]

more…

9 Jun, 2016

Global Trades Union survey: Worst Year for Workers Rights, Free Speech and Democracy

Brussels, 9 June 2016 (International Trade Union Confederation OnLine): Weakening of workers’ rights in most regions is being aggravated by severe crackdowns on freedom of speech and assembly, according to the 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index.  Restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, including severe crackdowns in some countries, increased by 22%, with 50 out […]

more…

9 Jun, 2016

World Bank loans US$500 million to help Hebei Province, China, cut deadly air pollution

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2016 (World Bank media release) — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a loan of $500 million to help China’s Hebei Province reduce air pollutants. “Hebei has the highest annual average PM2.5 concentration in the Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) region. It is also responsible for about 70% of the emissions in […]

more…

6 Jun, 2016

ASEAN uses economic analysis to assess anti-competitive practices

Putrajaya, 6 June 2016 (ASEAN media release) – A Regional Workshop on Economic Analysis for Competition Law Enforcement was held on 1-2 June in Putrajaya, Malaysia to discuss the role and scope of economic analysis within the context of Competition Policy and Law (CPL). The workshop serves to highlight the significance of economic analysis in […]

more…

6 Jun, 2016

McKinsey report reflects state of denial in travel & tourism

A Mckinsey survey of global corporate chief executives shows that they increasingly see geostrategic instability as a very important business trend impacting on their profitability but do not quite understand what to do about it. The survey by the reputed consultancy company says that the share of executives identifying geopolitical and domestic instability as a […]

more…

5 Jun, 2016

Australia urged to raise alcohol taxes, ban alcohol sponsorship in sport

CANBERRA, June 1 (NNN-Xinhua) — The Australian government should ban alcohol sponsorship in sport, introduce higher alcohol taxes and mandate “lockout laws” to reduce alcohol-related harm, the nation’s largest not-for-profit health provider has said. St Vincent’s Health Australia has released its health “wish list” ahead of the 2016 federal election, and has urged both major […]

more…

2 Jun, 2016

Path to happiness lies in good health and a good job, OECD Better Life Index shows

Paris, 31 May 2016, OECD media release – Being healthy and having a good job are two of the most important ingredients associated with subjective well-being, according to the latest data from the OECD’s Better Life Index. It shows life satisfaction is generally highest in Denmark, Norway and other Nordic nations, as well as in […]

more…

2 Jun, 2016

Now Available: An Unrivalled hiSTORY of Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism

Bangkok – Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil, the Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism industry’s leading journalist-cum-historian, has curated 36 years of reports, notes, research and interviews into an unrivalled collection of Travel & Tourism hiSTORY. Now available for public presentation via lectures, university courses and/or keynote speeches, this authoritative and compelling collection of STORIES […]

more…

1 Jun, 2016

Singapore travel agents association ushers in “next-generation” Executive Committee

Singapore – The newly-reelected President of the National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore (NATAS) has set his sights on fulfilling three major objectives which in fact apply not just to his constituency but the global travel agency community at large. Mr. Devinder Ohri was re-elected NATAS President at the 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) […]

more…

31 May, 2016

1.7 M Expat Workers in Oman in April 2016

Muscat, May 28 (ONA) —- The total number of expatriate workers in the Sultanate witnessed an increase by the end of April 2016 totaling 1,763,710 workers increasing by 1% when compared with 1,747,097 workers by the end of March 2016. The report issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed that expatriate […]

more…

31 May, 2016

Hotels Will Lead Global Public Relation Robots Market Through 2020 – Technavio Report

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– May 30, 2016 – According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global public relation robots market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 26% during the forecast period. This research report titled ‘Global Public Relation Robots Market 2016-2020’ provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of […]

more…

31 May, 2016

Halal, Vegan Drive Ethical Label Market Projects 5% Growth per Year by 2020

London, 26 May 2015,(Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Global Market Research Company Euromonitor International launched today the new Ethical Labels database, responding to the growing movement towards sustainability, social responsibility and transparency on labels. According to the new research, halal and vegan labels are set to grow by a compound annual growth rate of over 5 percent […]

more…

31 May, 2016

Philippines: Peace panels affirm partnership for continuity of Bangsamoro peace process

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 May 2016, (PNA) — The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels concluded their May 29-30 special meeting in the Malaysian capital with the signing of the Declaration of Continuity of the Partnership of the GPH and MILF in the Bangsamoro Peace Process. In a […]

more…

31 May, 2016

New global poll: Corporate greed, corruption fraying trust in democracies

Brussels, 31st May 2016 (ITUC Online): Multinational companies are putting the brakes on global growth with a business model built on low wages according to a new poll from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) released at the OECD Forum in Paris, the annual meeting of high income developed economies. Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, ITUC […]

more…

31 May, 2016

ASEAN meeting to monitor effectiveness of competition policy and law enforcement

BANGKOK, 27 May 2016 (ASEAN media release) – A Brainstorming Session to Monitor the Effectiveness of Competition Regimes in ASEAN was held on 25-26 May in Bangkok, Thailand. The session is part of the initiative to develop an Assessment Toolkit on Competition Enforcement and Advocacy tailored to the ASEAN context under the ASEAN Competition Action […]

more…

30 May, 2016

300+ Stakeholders Convene for Meeting to Broaden Asia-Pacific Tax Collection

JAKARTA, Indonesia, (BUSINESS WIRE), 26 May 2016 – Fiscal officials from 15 Asia-Pacific countries met this week with leading academic specialists and private-sector representatives in Jakarta, Indonesia for the 13th annual “Asia-Pacific Tax Forum.” The meeting, organized by the International Tax and Investment Center (www.iticnet.org), in cooperation with the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance, […]

more…

30 May, 2016

Thai Medical agencies join hands to seek herbal cures for cancer

BANGKOK, 19 May 2016 (NNT) – An agreement has been signed by three medical bodies on their cooperation to research and develop cancer drugs from herbal ingredients. Participating in the agreement signing ceremony were heads of the three agencies, which consist of the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Medical Services and the Government Pharmaceutical […]

more…

30 May, 2016

Upgraded marketing, training facilities offered to Thai restaurants

Bangkok, 27 May 2016 (PR Department) – The Ministry of Commerce is starting to push for the promotion of the Thai restaurant business as a rising star in the country’s service industry. Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said that the policy to promote the restaurant business would generate more income for the country. It focuses on […]

more…

30 May, 2016

“Indonesians’ assets kept abroad are larger than those at home” – VP Jusuf Kalla

Jakarta (ANTARA News), 29 May 2016 – Indonesia is lagging behind other countries in economic development because of its own wrong policies, not because it lacks capability or potential, Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla said. “If we had not spent too much money on fuel subsidies in the past 10 years, we would have earned […]

more…

30 May, 2016

California hails Small Businesses as “economic engines”

SACRAMENTO, Calif., (BUSINESS WIRE), 25 May 2016 -Today, over 20 California governmental agencies, 25 small business organizations and 90 California State Legislators come together to recognize small business owners from across the state for their hard work and success. The annual event honors a few of the millions of small businesses that serve as the […]

more…

30 May, 2016

U.S. now seeking ways to quell “excessively long” airport security lines

WASHINGTON, (BUSINESS WIRE), 26 May 2016 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded the members of the House Homeland Security Committee for introducing legislation intended to help reduce the excessively long security lines experienced by passengers, particularly at the country’s largest airports. The Checkpoint Optimization and Efficiency Act of […]

more…

30 May, 2016

91 major reservoirs of India report huge water shortage

New Delhi, Press Information Bureau,  27 May 2016 – The water storage available in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on May 26, 2016 was 26.816 BCM which is 17% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This was 55% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 79% of storage of average of last ten years. The […]

more…

30 May, 2016

Gallup chairman warns universities: Disruption Is Coming

By Jim Clifton GALLUP, 19 MAY 2016 (The Gallup Organization) – Do we need universities anymore? What if they ran out of customers? Google announced it is hiring employees without college degrees, and Ernst & Young made a similar decision in the U.K. last fall. Both organizations see less value in a traditional college degree. […]

more…

28 May, 2016

U.S. behind dwindling leftist influence in Latin America: Argentinian Professor

HAVANA, May 13 (Xinhua) — The U.S. government aims to stamp out progressive governments in Latin America with the help of its conservative allies, Argentine political observer Atilio Boron told Xinhua. During a recent conference in Havana, the Harvard-educated professor and author said Washington launched a plan in 2013 to reinstate its influence in Latin […]

more…

28 May, 2016

Chinese commentary: ‘Money politics’ erodes US political systems

BEIJING, (Xinhua), May 17, 2016 – With estimated record spending, the 2016 presidential election will be one of the most “money-burning” in the US history, which demonstrated that “money politics” is eroding the US political systems. Bloomberg has predicted that 10 billion US dollars will be spent on the 2016 US election, which has outnumbered […]

more…

28 May, 2016

The Price of “Growth”: Asia Pacific Fast Losing its Unique Biodiversity – UNEP report

Nairobi/Bangkok, 22 May 2016 – Despite some progress in tackling growing threats to biodiversity and ecosystems on its lands, forests and waters, Asia and the Pacific is fast losing its unique flora and fauna. The rapid economic growth in the Asia Pacific region, accompanied by increased resource use by a growing urban and middle-class population […]

more…

27 May, 2016

China launches app to guide visually disabled

By LUO WANGSHU

Beijing, (China Daily) 2016-05-18 – A new app connecting millions of visually handicapped people with volunteers was launched in Beijing on Tuesday. The free app, see4me.org, has two channels-one for visually disabled users and one for volunteers. It allows the visually disabled to post requests, such as medical instructions or having mail read to them. […]

more…

27 May, 2016

For F&B Managers: Top 12 Ways World Can End Hunger, Stem Environmental Damage from Food Systems

Nairobi, 25 May 2016 (UNEP media release) – A major overhaul of the global food system is urgently needed if the world is to combat hunger, use natural resources more efficiently and stem environmental damage, the International Resource Panel (IRP) says. In its latest report, the IRP – a consortium of 34 internationally renowned scientists, […]

more…

27 May, 2016

Forget travel & tourism, here’s where the real money is….

When UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon addressed media at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on 24 May 2016, he made some shocking revelations about the state of human suffering. About 130 million people have been displaced by wars, conflicts and natural disasters worldwide. The UN needs 245 billion dollars a year to care for them. […]

more…

25 May, 2016

First star-rating report of Travel & Tourism press releases launched

Bangkok – Travel Impact Newswire has launched what is claimed to be the first report conferring a star-rating on travel and tourism industry press releases. In a revolutionary effort to “disrupt” the generally low-quality content and structure of industry releases, and force improvements, Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil has set the ball rolling […]

more…

21 May, 2016

354 European human rights, church groups, trade unions & political parties call on EU to back right to boycott Israel

The European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine (ECCPalestine) issued this Press Release on May 18, 2016 : More than 300 human rights and aid organisations, church groups, trade unions and political parties from across Europe have called on the EU to uphold its legal responsibilities and hold Israel accountable for its violations of […]

more…

21 May, 2016

Cvent Reveals 2016 List of World’s Top Meeting Destinations

TYSONS CORNER, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 17, 2016 – Cvent, Inc. (NYSE: CVT), a leading cloud-based enterprise event management company, today revealed its annual list of the top 50 cities for meetings and events in the United States, and the top 25 cities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and the Asia Pacific (APAC) regions. […]

more…

21 May, 2016

Terror Attacks Spark Fears of Veteran Travellers by More than 50%, New Study Shows

ALEXANDRIA Va., May 20, 2016 – The Association of Corporate Travel Executives expresses its condolences to the families of those lost aboard EgyptAir MS804 flight from Paris to Cairo. While the cause remains unknown at this time, this crash will create fear and anxiety to travellers considering the rise in number of terrorist attacks. In a […]

more…

21 May, 2016

Faith Matters: Fear-mongering vs. fearlessness

By Jimmy E. Jones 05/20/16 New Haven Register – “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning terror, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” In spite of these eloquent words uttered during his first […]

more…

19 May, 2016

Chinese consortium prepares for Singapore-Malaysia rail bidding

Beijing, (China Daily) May 14, 2016 – A Chinese consortium is preparing to bid for the high-speed project linking Malaysia’s Capital Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a source with China Communications Construction Group said on Friday. The source in Beijing-based CCCG, a major construction enterprise of transportation infrastructure and dredging projects, said that consortium members are […]

more…

19 May, 2016

Xinhua commentary: World not safer with the US as its policeman

By CHEN WEIHUA Washington DC., 2016-05-13 (China Daily) – When Elizabeth Trudeau, director of US State Department Press Office, read a statement on Tuesday about a US Navy surface ship “exercising the right of innocent passage” while transiting near China’s Yongshu Reef that day, she said it was to uphold the rights and freedoms of […]

more…

19 May, 2016

ADB, Japan-Assisted Project to Promote Tourism Jobs in Mon State, Myanmar

18 May 2016 – YANGON, MYANMAR (ADB media release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar today signed an agreement for a $3 million grant to support the development of tourism-based micro and small enterprises in Mon state. The grant, from the Japan Fund for […]

more…

19 May, 2016

Demonising Muslims in media, avoiding root causes, makes violence more likely, new study shows

PHILADELPHIA, May 17, 2016, (AFSC media release) – Islamophobia is at work in our national media, according to an original content analysis by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker peace and justice organization. The analysis shows a disturbing narrative link between Muslims and extremism, and then over-represents violent responses to politically motivated conflict. […]

more…

16 May, 2016

WTTC Report on Peace & Tourism Wipes Palestine Off the Map

A report issued by the World Travel & Tourism Council to stress the link between tourism and peace has effectively wiped the globally recognised state of Palestine off the map. The serious omission has proved why tourism will never be able to seriously contribute to global peace unless groupings like the WTTC and indeed, many […]

more…

13 May, 2016

The leading intellectual who will NEVER be invited to speak at a travel industry summit

Bangkok – He is often referred to as the “world’s leading intellectual.” His name is Prof Noam Chomsky, and Wikipedia describes him thus: “An American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, logician, social critic, and political activist. Sometimes described as “the father of modern linguistics”, Chomsky is also a major figure in analytic philosophy, and one […]

more…

13 May, 2016

Chinese Commentary: Rising nationalism, growing identity crisis spoil Europe Day

STRASBOURG, May 8 (Xinhua) — Europe Day, celebrated by all European countries annually on May 9, takes place this year around the theme of diversity, a notion often claimed to be at the heart of the European project. This 2016 edition, however, has been spoiled by the rise of nationalists in a European Union (EU) […]

more…

13 May, 2016

Post-80s and 90s born first-class passengers surging in China

Beijing, chinadaily.com.cn, 2016-05-06 — China’s post-80s and 90s born have surpassed the 70s to become the major force of first-class and business-class passengers, and the number is still growing, according to the first season report issued by Ctrip on Wednesday. The report shows that among these two kinds of seats takers, those born in 80s […]

more…

13 May, 2016

New Data Shows U.S. Female-Headed Households See Higher Levels of Poverty, Hunger

WASHINGTON, 06 May  2016, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Women, particularly single mothers, are disproportionately affected by poverty and hunger, according to a new analysis, Hunger and Poverty among Female-Headed Households, released today by the Bread for the World Institute. “Female-headed households make up just over half of American low-income households with children,” said Asma Lateef, director of Bread for the […]

more…

11 May, 2016

More countries commit to tackle tax evasion, avoidance in now “unstoppable movement”

Paris, OECD news release – 11/05/2016 – The OECD and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes announced today that Bahrain, Lebanon, Nauru, Panama and Vanuatu have now committed to share financial account information automatically with other countries. With these new commitments, 101 jurisdictions around the world have committed to […]

more…

11 May, 2016

Israel imposes travel ban on BDS movement co-founder Omar Barghouti

Palestinian BDS National Committee / Mondoweiss — May 10, 2016 – Israel has officially refused to renew the travel document of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement co-founder Omar Barghouti in a move that amounts to a travel ban and is an escalation of its attacks on Palestinian human rights defenders who nonviolently advocate for […]

more…

10 May, 2016

Jewish fanatic settlers continue Palestinian land-grabs

JERUSALEM, May 9, 2016 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers on Monday raided and took over a Palestinian-owned home in the Old City neighborhood of Jerusalem, claiming it was their property. Witnesses told WAFA that a group of settlers guarded by policemen broke into a three-storey building owned by local Youzbashi clan. The seized home overlooks the […]

more…

10 May, 2016

Hundreds of travel, tourism, aviation companies, consultants listed in Panama Papers disclosure

The travel & tourism industry is set to face a major crackdown by global tax authorities worldwide in the wake of the Panama Papers leaks which show a listing of hundreds of hotels, travel, tourism and aviation companies and individuals. A search of the database by this editor showed 113 companies with “hotel” in their […]

more…

9 May, 2016

UN Chief’s Action Plan exposes travel industry’s flawed response to security concerns

A Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism authored by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has exposed how the travel & tourism has long pursued a flawed and imbalanced strategy towards safety & security issues. The Plan also offers some concrete suggestions to “refocus priorities”, presenting a very important challenge to the travel & tourism […]

more…

2 May, 2016

Report: Half of older Australians living with disability

Canberra, Australian Bureau of Statistics Media Release, 29 April 2016 – Just over half (50.7 per cent) of Australians aged 65 and over reported living with disability in 2015, compared to one in 8 (12.5 per cent) aged under 65, according to new data published today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). First results […]

more…

1 May, 2016

Can The Travel & Tourism Industry Think?

In 1998, Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani, Professor in the Practice of Public Policy and Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, published a book called “Can Asians Think?” One review of the book says: “Asia’s economies are poised to surpass those of Europe and North America […]

more…

27 Apr, 2016

Australia bans drones at ANZAC day events

Canberra, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, 26 April 2016 — People with drones are being warned not to fly near ANZAC Day ceremonies or marches. Civil Aviation Safety Regulations generally do not allow drones to be flown near or over groups of people or within 30 metres of people. Drones could also pose a safety risk […]

more…

26 Apr, 2016

UN launches toolkit for floods early warning in transboundary river basins

Bangkok (ESCAP News) 26 April 2016 — Asia and the Pacific, the world’s most disaster prone region, is home to many transboundary river basins that are perennially affected by large scale flooding. Recent advances in science and technology, especially space technology applications, have enabled longer lead times of up to five to eight days for […]

more…

23 Apr, 2016

Arab-Americans launch campaign against blatant NYPD Surveillance of their communities

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 21, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) strongly encourages Arab residents of New York City and those impacted by the NYPD mass surveillance program to comment on the Proposed Modifications to the “Handschu Guidelines” for Investigations Involving Political Activity. Click here to read ADC’s comments on the proposed modifications to the […]

more…

23 Apr, 2016

Europe-wide campaign launched to promote sustainable work and healthy ageing for all

Brussels, 15 April 2016, European Commission press release — The European Commission and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) in cooperation with the Netherlands EU Presidency have launched a two-year Europe-wide campaign: Healthy Workplaces for All Ages, which is the world’s biggest campaign in this area. Focusing on sustainable work and […]

more…

23 Apr, 2016

‘Two-state solution in danger,’ warns new report from UN office on Middle East peace process

United Nations, 14 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The viability of a two-state solution, which envisages peaceful co-existence of both Israel and Palestine, is in danger due to the negative trends on the ground, including recent violence, ongoing settlement activity, demolitions, incitement, and the absence of Palestinian unity, a new United Nations report warned […]

more…

23 Apr, 2016

Oil & Conflicts signal beginning of the end for Gulf travel boom

In a report that signals the beginning of the end of the Gulf inbound and outbound travel boom, the International Monetary Fund has forecast a bleak future for the Gulf countries whose fragile economies are set to be rocked by low oil prices, raging regional conflicts and the emergence of Iran. In a media briefing […]

more…

23 Apr, 2016

Investing in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to four-fold return – UN report

United Nations, 13 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year, and every one dollar invested in scaling up treatment leads to a return of four dollars in better health and ability to work, according to a new study led by the United Nations health […]

more…

22 Apr, 2016

Experts Convene in Bangkok for Session on Advancing Standardization of Geographical Names

NEW YORK, 21 April (United Nations Statistics Division) — The twenty-ninth session of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names will convene from 25 to 29 April, at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Conference Centre in Bangkok. Organized by the Statistics Division of the United Nations Department […]

more…

21 Apr, 2016

Governments, religious ideologies, oligarchs all now a threat – World Press Freedom Index 2016

The 2016 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published on 20 April, 2016, shows that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom at both the global and regional levels. Ever since the 2013 Index, RSF has been calculating indicators of the overall level […]

more…

21 Apr, 2016

Palestinians losing US$285m a year under “arrangements” with Israel – World Bank

BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 19 (NNN-MA’AN) – The Palestinian Authority (PA), is losing up to $285 million a year, under its current economic arrangements with Israel, the World Bank said. The global financial institution announced the finding, in Brussels, a day before it presents its full report to the Ad Hoc Liaison committee, which decides on […]

more…

21 Apr, 2016

Australia to launch campaign to curb domestic violence that claims one life every week

Canberra, 20/04/2016 Media release, Minister for Social Services and Minister for Women – An A$30 million national campaign designed to help break the cycle of violence against women and their children will begin on Sunday 24 April. “Stop it at the start” targets the disrespectful attitudes and behaviours adults might dismiss or ignore in young […]

more…

21 Apr, 2016

Chocolate industry exposé : Companies get richer, farmers get poorer

Geneva, 21 April 2016, UNCTAD press release – Cocoa farmers in some of the world’s poorest countries are scarcely benefitting from a value chain which sees goods made from their crops, such as chocolate and cocoa butter-based cosmetics, sold for a premium in developed economies, a new UNCTAD report has found.  The report, the Cocoa […]

more…

21 Apr, 2016

FREE Download: ADB publication “Together We Deliver 2015: Partnerships Against Poverty”

Manila, ADB media release, April 2016 – Strong partnerships create better outcomes by improving coordination, providing specialized knowledge and expertise, and convening larger amounts of financing for ADB projects. Fourteen stories from across Asia and the Pacific highlight successful projects that demonstrate development impact, best practices, and innovation. They were implemented through the hard work of ADB’s developing member countries […]

more…

21 Apr, 2016

Card fraud cost Australia A$2.1 billion in 2014-15

Canberra, 20 April 2016, Australian Bureau of Statistics media release – Australia experienced card fraud of $2.1 billion during 2014-15, double the $1 billion in 2010-11, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. William Milne, Director of the ABS National Centre for Crime and Justice Statistics said even after reimbursements from financial institutions, […]

more…

12 Apr, 2016

Zero Dollar tours damage Thai tourism industry

BANGKOK, 11 April 2016 (NNT)-The government is working alongside the Thai tourism sector to stop overseas ‘Zero Dollar’ tour agencies damaging Thailand’s tourism industry. Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Major General Sansern Keawkamnerd said the government has received many complaints from tourists who traveled to the country on ‘Zero Dollar’ tours. They were tricked into buying […]

more…

12 Apr, 2016

Trouble Ahead! U.S. Baby Boomers’ Retirement Fears on the Rise

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 2016 – The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today released a new research report that found less than a quarter of Baby Boomers, 24 percent, are confident they will have enough savings to last throughout their retirement years. This is the lowest level since IRI began this research study in 2011, when […]

more…

12 Apr, 2016

Bangkok’s biggest gay party to have free HIV/AIDS testing campaign during Songkran holiday

12 April 2016 (Bangkok) APCOM media release – During Thailand’s festive Songkran Festival, which runs from 13 to 15 April each year, Bangkok has been hosting Songkran celebration exclusively catered to gay men. In addition to the city’s pink districts being a magnet for gay locals and tourists, the City of Angels is eminently known […]

more…

10 Apr, 2016

Indian President warns countrymen about “vested interests” stoking communal conflict

New Delhi, 09-April-2016 Press Information Bureau, Government of India President’s Secretariat- The President of India, Prof Pranab Mukherjee said pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of our civilization. India’s strength lies in her diversity. He was delivering a memorial lecture today (April 9, 2016) at New Delhi organized by the Arjun Singh Sadbhavna Foundation […]

more…

10 Apr, 2016

China’s cross-border e-commerce bids farewell to ‘tax-free’ age

Beijing, 2016-04-08 (Xinhua)  — A change of China’s tax policy on retails sales on cross-border e-commerce platforms has triggered mixed feelings among buyers and sellers as the policy is expected to raise retail prices.According to the new rules, retail goods purchased online will no longer be treated as personal postal articles but as imported goods, […]

more…

10 Apr, 2016

Social media is making us depressed: Learn to turn it off – The Independent

Do Facebook and Twitter make us happier? The answer it would seem is: no. A recent survey found as many as one in five people say they feel depressed as a result of using social media. That might come as a surprise to the generation under 30; social media is part of their DNA and […]

more…

10 Apr, 2016

Thailand launches scheme to upgrade rural products to global standards

Bangkok 8 April 2016, Royal Thai Government PR Department – The Government has launched a project to upgrade OTOP products through the use of science, technology, and innovation, in an effort to enhance the image of OTOP as international products. OTOP stands for “One Tambon (meaning subdistrict) One Product.” It is a local entrepreneurship stimulus […]

more…

10 Apr, 2016

Thai taxi driver honoured for returning cash-filled briefcase to HK visitor

Bangkok, 6 April 2016 Royal Thai Governnment PR department) – Suvarnabhumi Airport has presented a certificate of honor to a taxi driver for his good deed, as he returned a briefcase containing cash, credit cards, and other documents to a Hong Kong traveler. General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport Sirote Duangratana said that the taxi driver, […]

more…

10 Apr, 2016

Global tax administrations ready to act on “Panama Papers”

OECD news release – Paris, 8 April 2016 – Government officials from around the world have called on the OECD to convene a special project meeting of  the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration (JITSIC) Network to explore possibilities of co-operation and information-sharing, identify tax compliance risks and agree collaborative  action, in light of […]

more…

10 Apr, 2016

Palestinians mark 68th anniversary of Deir Yassin massacre by Jewish terrorists

BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 9 (NNN-MA’AN) – Palestinians on Saturday (today), marked the 68th anniversary of the massacre of more than 100 Palestinians civilians, carried out by Zionist forces at the village of Deir Yassin. Deir Yassin has long been a symbol of Israeli violence for Palestinians, because of the particularly gruesome nature of the slaughter, […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

85 Checkpoints: Israel’s Travel Curbs on Palestinians Violate 4th Geneva Convention

RAMALLAH, April 7, 2016 (WAFA) – Increasing Israeli checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian Territories punish the entire Palestinian population, which is a form of collective punishment, and therefore violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement Thursday. The statement said: “In addition to the 85 fixed checkpoints in the […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

Public spending on Thai New Year holiday will likely hit three-year high

BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting has forecast that the public spending during the Songkran festival this year will be over 124 billion baht—the highest in three years—due to government’s stimulus measures. The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting conducted a survey on public spending on the Songkran […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

Global Heritage sites threatened by industrial activities: WWF report

Geneva, 06 April 2016, (WWF News) – Nearly half of all natural World Heritage sites are threatened by harmful industrial activities, according to a new WWF report. These sites provide vital services to people and the environment, but are at risk worldwide from activities including oil and gas exploration, mining and illegal logging. The report, […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

Exposing the Exposers: Powerful force is behind Panama Papers

Beijing, 5 April 2016, (Global Times commentary) – A huge leak of confidential documents from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based law firm alleged to have been a facilitator of money laundering for its clients has shocked international public opinion. Over 11 million documents were passed to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung by an anonymous source. These documents have […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

China doubles dam water release to help drought-hit Vietnam

Beijing, 7 April 2016, (China Daily) – The village where Vo Linh Hue lives is dotted with oyster farms, but in recent weeks farmers there have done nothing but clear dead oysters from the ponds. Ben Tre province, in Vietnam’s southern Mekong Delta, is experiencing the worst drought in recent history, and saline intrusion has […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

China Unveils First Report on Quality of Higher Education

Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Xinhua) – A new national report on the quality of higher education in China has been released, suggesting more needs to be done to develop an ‘innovative spirit’ among Chinese college students. Research for the latest report began in 2012, as a joint effort among China’s Ministry of Education and a […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

FedEx Forecasts Annual Global Economic Megatrends

MEMPHIS, Tenn., 7 April 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – FedEx, the worldwide provider of transportation, e-commerce and business services, announces the launch of the 2016 Access 25—a list of 25 people, places and ideas defining global connectivity. This year’s list reveals three global economic megatrends that focus on the ways mobility is reshaping the globe—empowering individuals, fueling […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

Suvarnabhumi airport Facilitation Center to help passengers during Songkran festival rush

BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – Suvarnabhumi airport’s deputy director Phatchara Phornyutthaphong confirmed that a “Passenger Facilitation Center” is open at the international airport from April 8-18, 2016, to ensure safety and provide conveniences for passengers during the Songkran festival. The center, located on the fourth-floor lobby behind the R line ticketing booth in the […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

Japanese taxpayers provide $7M to support UNICEF work in Palestine

RAMALLAH, 6 April 2016, (WAFA) – The Government of Japan has donated $7 million in support of UNICEF’s humanitarian and development response to children in Palestine. This new grant will enable UNICEF and partners to implement interventions which are critical for children’s well-being and protection from violence, and to ensure their access to basic services […]

more…

8 Apr, 2016

China to inject $927b into high-tech, infrastructure

Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Chinadaily.com.cn) – China will invest more in the country’s high-tech research and development, as well as infrastructure development, including railway, fixed assets, water conservancy projects, the Securities Daily reported on Thursday. Total investment is estimated to exceed 6 trillion yuan ($926.6 billion) this year, half of which will be special funds […]

more…

7 Apr, 2016

A more sustainable world will be a safer world, UN chief tells LA World Affairs Council

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 April 2016 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon continued his programme in California today, where he received an honorary doctorate from Loyola Marymount University, after addressing yesterday the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, where he gave the audience an overview of United Nations efforts to meet today’s global challenges, from humanitarian […]

more…

7 Apr, 2016

Chinese commentary: Eliminating root causes of terrorism indispensable to nuclear security

BEIJING, 30 March 2016, (Xinhua) – As world leaders grapple with intensified nuclear security threats, they should not be distracted by the immediate urgency of safeguarding nuclear facilities and slack off in addressing the fundamental problem of terrorism. Eliminating the root causes of terrorism is essential to nuclear security, as that’s the only way to […]

more…

7 Apr, 2016

UN condemns Israel’s large-scale Bedouin home demolitions in occupied West Bank

United Nations, 6 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned today’s large scale home demolitions by Israeli authorities in the Bedouin refugee community of Um al Khayr in the South Hebron Hills. As a result, according to UNRWA, 31 […]

more…

7 Apr, 2016

Muslim-Americans file lawsuits challenging FBI’s watch list

5 April 2016, (The Detroit News) – A Michigan-based advocacy group for Muslim-Americans filed two federal lawsuits Tuesday challenging the FBI’s terrorist watch list, saying it’s time to act because the list has expanded. Officials with the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed the suits, one on behalf of 18 Muslim-Americans, including a 4-year-old, […]

more…

7 Apr, 2016

OECD Secretary-General on the “Panama Papers”: Secrecy of global tax evasion must end

The following is the full text of the statement issued by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría on the “Panama Papers” PARIS, 4 April 2016, (OECD News) – The “Panama Papers” revelations have shone the light on Panama’s culture and practice of secrecy. Panama is the last major holdout that continues to allow funds to be hidden offshore […]

more…

7 Apr, 2016

Australia to Expand Sports Development Programs to Asia

Australia, 6 April 2016, (MFA Media Release) –  The Australian Government is expanding its sport for development program into Asia. Under the new Asian Sports Partnerships (ASP) Australian national sporting organisations will deliver innovative sports programs which produce development outcomes in Asia. The ASP provides $4 million over 2015-17 and the first tranche of $2 […]

more…