19 Feb, 2015
China Focus: Mind your manner – tourists advised before holiday travel rush
HANGZHOU, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) — As many Chinese prepare to travel abroad for the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, tourism industry insiders are appealing travelers to mind their manners. Ctrip, a NASDAQ-listed travel service company, published a report on Chinese travelers’ behavior abroad in January, which claimed most of the 1 million tourists using its package […]
more…19 Feb, 2015
Spotlight: Chinese Maritime Silk Road to boost regional prosperity
BEIJING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) — Overseas experts have made positive comments on China’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, saying it will promote the development of the countries along the route and boost regional prosperity. Professor James Peck from New York University told reporters that the strategic 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative will exert […]
more…19 Feb, 2015
Jewish fanatic settlers uproot hundreds of olive saplings near Hebron
HEBRON, February 18, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Wednesday uprooted around 550 newly planted olive saplings in the town of ash-Shuyukh to the northeast of Hebron, according to local sources. Sources told WAFA that settlers from the illegal settlements of Asfar and Bani Kadim uprooted olive trees’ saplings belonging to the families of Abd al-Qader […]
more…19 Feb, 2015
UN political chief warns of ‘increasingly toxic’ Gaza; calls for new talks, international support
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 18 February 2015 – Briefing the United Nations Security Council after “another tumultuous and deadly month” in the Middle East, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, warned that further escalation remains possible in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and could be highly damaging to both parties and to […]
more…19 Feb, 2015
Israeli Police Let Jewish Fanatics into Al-Aqsa Area, Block Palestinians Entry
JERUSALEM, February 16, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Tuesday continued their almost daily provocative visits to al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in Jerusalem, whilst Israeli police proceeded with imposing restrictive policies on Palestinian worshippers’ entry. Settlers, divided in small groups and protected by Israeli police, stormed the Mosque’s compound and carried out provocative tours, infuriating worshipers who […]
more…19 Feb, 2015
ADB Publishes Myanmar Business Plan 2015-17, Plans Minimum US$463m in Funding
Bangkok – The Asian Development Bank has published its Country Operations Business Plan for Myanmar covering the period 2015-2017. The indicative allocation for Myanmar amounts to $463 million but could go up to $680 million if cofinancing and funding from other sources is included. The key economic sectors targeted are Energy, Transport, Agriculture, Natural Resources, […]
more…19 Feb, 2015
FREE Download: European Long-Haul Travel Sentiment Survey Report
Brussels, 18th February 2015. (ETC Media release) – To best support the tourism sector facing uncertainties caused by threats of terrorism and Eurozone economic instability, the European Travel Commission (ETC), the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and the Eurail Group have jointly launched a new research initiative that monitors travel sentiment in key extra-European markets: Brazil, […]
more…19 Feb, 2015
Afghanistan cricketers, some ex-refugees, inspire on World Cup debut
Canberra, (International Cricket Council website), 19 February 2015 – The Cinderella story of world cricket did not achieve the fairy tale finish many hoped for on Wednesday, but Afghanistan’s maiden appearance at the ICC Cricket World Cup had a far greater significance than the score at the end of the Manuka Oval match. The Afghanistan […]
more…18 Feb, 2015
India to Help Myanmar Upgrade Border Infrastructure
Nay Pyi Taw, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 17-February-2015 — The 5th India- Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting was held in Nay Pyi Taw on 17 February, 2015. The meeting was co-Chaired by Minister of Commerce & Industry Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman and Myanmar Union Minister of Commerce U Win Myint. The […]
more…18 Feb, 2015
2014 Political crisis caused Bangkok hotels to be worst hit amongst Asia-Pacific cities
SINGAPORE, Feb. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — According to the HRS Annual Hotel Price Radar, Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore took the top slots for cities with most expensive average hotel room rates in 2014. Based on data collected from all hotel bookings made via the HRS hotel portal in 2014, the analysis looks at per night […]
more…18 Feb, 2015
Beijing pollution levels projected to spike with New Year fireworks
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-02-17 – When the fireworks light up the night to celebrate Lunar New Year in Beijing, air quality in the capital will get worse, possibly leading to three days of severe pollution, the municipal environmental watchdog said on Monday. The weather from Wednesday to Friday is expected to be windless, which means […]
more…18 Feb, 2015
Health & wellness: Mindfulness meditation may help older adults sleep better – study
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) — Mindfulness meditation practices may help improve sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep disturbance, a U.S. study said Monday. An estimated 50 percent of individuals 55 years and older have some sort of sleep problem in the United States, and moderate sleep disturbances in older adults are associated with […]
more…18 Feb, 2015
Happiness Index Survey: PhDs less happy than the less well-educated
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), February 17, 2015 – A report released by China Household Finance Survey last Thursday shows that the improvement in educational level has not created a greater sense of happiness, and that PhDs feel even less happy than the least well-educated. Overall, a higher level of education means less happiness. Primary school […]
more…17 Feb, 2015
European taxpayers fork out another €212 million to subsidise Israeli occupation of Palestine
Brussels, 17 February 2015, European Commission Press release — The European Union has released the first tranche of its 2015 financial support to the Palestinian Authority and to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), totalling €212 million. This new funding will help provide vital basic services […]
more…17 Feb, 2015
Festival of India in Thailand: Multi-faith Sufi Gospel Musicians Hail Unity of Humanity
Bangkok – When Indian singer Sonam Kalra introduced the musicians of her Sufi Gospel Project troupe at this year’s inaugural Festival of India performance in Bangkok, she made it a point to highlight the team’s multi-faith composition. Two are Hindus, two Muslims and two Sikhs (including herself). One, a Christian, was absent at this performance. […]
more…16 Feb, 2015
Beijing strengthens Chinese New Year holiday festival safety measures
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-02-14 – The Beijing city government is strengthening safety measures for Spring Festival following the deadly New Year’s Eve stampede in Shanghai. The number of visitors in tourist attractions will be strictly monitored, according to the Beijing Commission of Tourism Development, and police must be contacted immediately if they exceed the safety […]
more…16 Feb, 2015
Chinese New Year Luxury sales sag in corruption-plagued Shanxi
Beijing, (Xinhua) 2015-02-15 – The upcoming Lunar New Year is not making life for luxury retailers in Northwest China’s Shanxi province any easier as sales continue dropping amid the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. “In the past, wearing top brands at work attracted admiration. Now it invites suspicion over corruption, so everybody is being low-key these days,” […]
more…16 Feb, 2015
Health & Wellness: Alcoholics Will Pass their Drinking Problem on to their Children
New York (13-02-2015), Joint Press Release IOGT International, Nacoa UK, NACoA (USA) — – Marking Children of Alcoholics Week 2015, Civil Society leaders have called in a joint press release for stronger efforts to not leave children of alcoholics isolated and alone. “Children of Alcoholics are all too often silently suffering because their needs are […]
more…16 Feb, 2015
Superficial to spiritual: Buddhist monk to keynote at brand-building conference in Bangkok
Bangkok – Possibly for the first time in Asia, a Buddhist monk is to deliver the keynote speech at an upcoming conference on building brands. The Venerable Dr. Anilman Dhammasākiyō Phra Shakyavongsvisuddhi will officiate at the opening of the ‘Sustainable Brands ’15 Bangkok’ to be held March 18-19 on the innovative theme, “Reimagine, Redesign, Rebirth.” […]
more…13 Feb, 2015
Philippines: Thousands Call For Passage Of Bangsamoro Law to End Mindanao Conflict
COTABATO CITY, Feb 12 (NNN-PNA) — About 20,000 peace activists converged at the plaza here as part of simultaneous peace rallies in support of the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as a permanent solution to the decades-old Mindanao conflict. The peace rallies were staged in different areas in Mindanao — General Santos City; […]
more…11 Feb, 2015
U.S. Restaurants projected to add over 300,000 jobs in 2015
February 6, 2015, National Restaurant Association, – Restaurant industry job growth outpaced the overall economy for the 15th consecutive year in 2014, adding jobs at a robust 3.5 percent rate. Restaurants will continue to post solid payroll gains in 2015, and will add over 300,000 jobs for the fifth consecutive calendar year, according to the […]
more…11 Feb, 2015
US military spending will never be enough
Washington DC, 2015-02-06 – The US national debt clock near Times Square was ticking in the $16-trillion range when I left New York two years ago. On Tuesday, it had crossed $18.102 trillion. This means that each of the 319 million Americans owes a debt of more than $56,000. The US national debt was only […]
more…11 Feb, 2015
Business Travel Coalition Calls For Investigation of Unjustified Airline Fuel Surcharging
February 9, 2015, WASHINGTON, DC (BTC media release) – The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch a thorough and in-depth investigation with respect to the airline industry’s continued assessment of often-sizeable fuel surcharges on many itineraries in violation of DOT’s clear “Additional Guidance on Airfare/Air Tour Price […]
more…11 Feb, 2015
Luxury Hotel Okura being built in fast-growing Phnom Penh, Cambodia
TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February 9, 2015 – Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. announced it will open The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh, a luxury hotel to be built in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, in 2019. Hotel Okura has signed an agreement to manage the hotel with TEHO Development Cambodia Pte Ltd., a subsidiary of TEHO International, listed in Singapore. […]
more…11 Feb, 2015
To really understand why Israel fears a future Palestine, visit the Mekong countries
Siem Reap, Cambodia — In order to truly and fully understand why Israel fears the birth of a state of Palestine, try visiting the Mekong countries. What’s the connection? Read on. Forty years after the defeat of U.S. forces in Vietnam, peace and opportunity prevails throughout the Mekong river countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and […]
more…11 Feb, 2015
Rapid aviation growth creating “imminent” pilot shortage, will impact on safety, IATA warns
BANGKOK — The rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific aviation industry is set to create a major shortage of qualified pilots which in turn could impact on safety levels, the International Air Transport Association has warned. In a paper presented to Second High-Level Safety Conference 2015 organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montréal, 2 […]
more…10 Feb, 2015
World Interfaith Week Marked Under Theme “Multi-religious Partnership for Sustainable Development”
United Nations, 6 February 2015 (UN News Centre) – At a special event today which marked World Interfaith Week, top United Nations officials celebrated the importance of dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people. The President of the General Assembly told the event, titled “World Interfaith Harmony: […]
more…9 Feb, 2015
New alliance formed to unite all Australians with disability
Canberra, 6 February 2015, Minister for Social Services media release – A new Alliance representing the interests and views of all people with disability will provide advice to the Australian Government on improving social and economic participation, and breaking down barriers. The National Cross-Disability Alliance will provide the Government with practical advice to help improve […]
more…9 Feb, 2015
Australian State Tourism Ministers call for lower fuel costs to be passed onto customers
Sydney, Minister of Trade & Investment Media release, 6 February 2015 – Australia’s Tourism Ministers met in Sydney today with tourism industry leaders and the New Zealand Government. All Australian Ministers agreed that the tourism sector must benefit from all airlines and regional petrol sale outlets passing on oil price reductions in full. Ministers noted […]
more…9 Feb, 2015
Cambodia’s two World Heritage temples symbolise future of peace, culture and tourism
SIEM REAP, Cambodia — The World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat was the backdrop of the first world UNWTO-UNESCO ministerial conference on building a tourism-and-culture partnership between February 4-6, 2015. More than 900 delegates from 100 countries, including record numbers from the Arab world and Africa, mulled ways to save the tourism goose from dying […]
more…4 Feb, 2015
Delta Under Fire for Alleged Discriminatory Treatment of Arab Passengers
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | February 3, 2015 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is currently investigating an incident of discrimination against an Arab-American family on Delta Airlines. ADC has received video footage of a Delta Airlines employee threatening to remove a Muslim family off the plane after they were victims of xenophobic harassment by another […]
more…3 Feb, 2015
Iranian Leader’s Open Message to European, US youth: Be very, very careful about spoonfed lies about Islam
Tehran, IRNA, 21 January 2015 – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said in an open message to the young people of North America and Europe not to be taken in by the widespread attempts to tarnish the image of Islam and instead to do some serious study and research of the truth. […]
more…3 Feb, 2015
New spot on Asia’s spiritual tourism circuit: A replica of Bodhgaya pagoda in Myanmar
Nay Pyi Taw — After spending six days covering the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2015, I was given a whirlwind tour of Nay Pyi Taw, courtesy of Maung Maung Swe, Vice Chairman of the Myanmar Tourism Federation. My first stop was the Thatta Thattaha Maha Bodhi Pagoda (the first picture below), located a little on the […]
more…3 Feb, 2015
The colours, culture and costumes of the people of Myanmar
Nay Pyi Taw — The colourful culture, customs and costumes of the people of Myanmar were also on display at the ATF 2015.
more…3 Feb, 2015
Interesting Myanmar SME products on show at the ATF 2015
Nay Pyi Taw – The opening up of Myanmar to tourism is certainly having an extensive trickle-down effect on the country’s small and medium sized enterprises and independent owners / operators of many products and services. Many of them took the opportunity to participate in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2015 and gain some international exposure. […]
more…3 Feb, 2015
ATF 2015 caps long tourism career of Minister U Htay Aung
Nay Pyi Taw — The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2015 was a personal triumph for Union Minister of Hotels & Tourism U Htay Aung. It capped a long career that has seen him rise from a mid-ranked official in the country’s tourism apparatus to Minister over the span of nearly three decades. I have personally known […]
more…3 Feb, 2015
Talent Hunt: A Rising Star Young Myanmar Hotelier
Nay Pyi Taw — When I arrived at the Excel Capital hotel on Jan 22, a young man helped me ensure a smooth check-in. Over the course of the week that I spent at the hotel, this same young man helped me discover what good service delivery really means. He was on duty literally all […]
more…3 Feb, 2015
Spot the ASEAN logo contest: How tourism has failed to build a single ASEAN identity
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar – If the ASEAN tourism industry, and the ASEAN fraternity at large, has failed to generate a strong and united brand-image, these pictures below of the ASEAN Tourism Forum hosted for the first time in the Myanmar capital between January 22-29, 2015, will prove why. The ASEAN logo, the primary symbol […]
more…27 Jan, 2015
Political crisis saw Thai hotels take 11% occupancy hit in 2014
SINGAPORE, 26 January 2015, (STR Media release) —A recovery that began to emerge late in the third quarter of 2014 couldn’t help Thailand’s hotel industry overcome a dismal first half of the year as the industry reported a year-over-year occupancy decline of 11.3 percent. The country’s occupancy drop was primarily driven by Bangkok’s hotels, which […]
more…27 Jan, 2015
MasterCard Travel Survey Pinpoints Interesting ASEAN Consumer Trends, Preferences
Singapore, 26 January 2015 (MasterCard media release) – 80% of Southeast Asian travelers who went overseas last year, plan to holiday abroad the same or more this year, according to the MasterCard Consumer Purchasing Priorities survey. In Southeast Asia, Singapore residents display the most desire to travel internationally in the next 12 months, with 87% […]
more…27 Jan, 2015
Myanmar e-visas soaring, expansion to four Thai border checkpoints in the pipeline
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — Proving that facilitating accessibility can be far more effective than big marketing budgets for spurring visitor arrivals, Myanmar’s e-visa system is averaging between 600-700 approvals a day, up from 100-200 a day when it was launched in Sepetmber 2014. The numbers are set to grow exponentially this year when the […]
more…26 Jan, 2015
Israeli Occupation forces demolish Palestinian bedouin homes, sheds in Jerusalem Village
JERUSALEM, January 22, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Thursday demolished Palestinian residential structures and sheds in Beit Iksa village to the northwest of Jerusalem, said a municipal source. Head of Beit Iksa Village Council Sa‘ada Khatib said that Israeli troops with military bulldozers proceeded to demolish residential structures and sheds belonging to Ad-Dahawiq Bedouin tribe. […]
more…26 Jan, 2015
ASEAN secretariat under strain, overwhelmed by workload, inadequate resources, tourism ministers told
Nay Pyi Taw, Myammar – The 305-strong staff of the ASEAN secretariat are “stretched to capacity” handling the workload of over 1,200 meetings annually, and the entire ASEAN apparatus is badly in need of a thorough overhaul, the region’s tourism ministers were told on January 25. Right at the opening of their annual meeting, the […]
more…25 Jan, 2015
ASEANTA unveils plan to reinvent itself, rebuild ties with national tourism organisations
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — The ASEAN Tourism Association, which groups the private sector and some of the national airlines of the 10 member countries, has unveiled a series of measures to reinvent itself and re-establish a stronger partnership with the ASEAN national tourism organisations and tourism ministries. Addressing the 41st meeting of the ASEAN […]
more…25 Jan, 2015
Strengthening Yuan to increase Europe appeal for Chinese Spring Festival travellers
(China Daily), 2015-01-24 – The yuan’s appreciation against the euro following the quantitative easing program launched in Europe on Thursday is poised to increase the continent’s popularity as a travel destination for Chinese. The European Central Bank launched a government bond-buying program on Thursday to address a prolonged period of low inflation. Together with existing […]
more…24 Jan, 2015
WEF Davos: ASEAN Leaders Confident that AEC Will Be Launched By End of Year
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 23 January 2015 (WEF media release) – Political and business leaders from ASEAN member states told participants at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting that the ASEAN Economic Community, uniting 10 countries with over 600 million people in a common market, will be a reality by the end of 2015. “Some in […]
more…24 Jan, 2015
How China Will Steer its Economy: Full Text of Chinese Premier’s address at WEF in Davos
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) — Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered a special address at the World Economic Forum annual meeting here Wednesday. The following is the full text of Li’s address entitled: Uphold Peace and Stability, Advance Structural Reform and Generate New Momentum for Development Professor Klaus Schwab, President Simonetta Sommaruga, Distinguished Guests, […]
more…24 Jan, 2015
Chinese commentary: West should end its hypocrisy on anti-terror war
Washington DC, China Daily, 2015-01-22 — Senior US leaders invited sharp criticism at home for not attending last week’s solidarity rally in Paris against the terrorist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in which 12 people were killed. As a result, US Secretary of State John Kerry was in Paris this week to make […]
more…24 Jan, 2015
ATF 2003 Flashback: Iraq war and the journalists who saw tomorrow
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — When the ASEAN Tourism Forum was held in January 2003 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the dogs of war were preparing to be unleashed in Iraq to weed out “weapons of mass destruction”. The United States was putting together a “coalition of the willing” to attack the country and dismantle former […]
more…24 Jan, 2015
How Brunei can use its God-given wealth to make ASEAN an Abode of Peace
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — The theme of this year’s ATF is “ASEAN – Tourism Towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership.” After a long time, the word “peace” is mentioned in an ASEAN tourism theme slogan. That should strike a chord in Brunei, the only ASEAN country whose full name also includes the word “peace” — […]
more…24 Jan, 2015
OECD Report: Will Myanmar reap the last mover advantage?
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — Business marketing slogans often cite the importance of the “first mover advantage” but Myanmar is now well-placed to reap a “last-mover advantage.” Having for years been left behind by Western economic sanctions, and the advances of its Mekong region brethren, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, it is now rapidly making up […]
more…24 Jan, 2015
Why the 2015 ASEAN Tourism Forum in Myanmar is an historic event
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — More than 1,500 travel & tourism executives and government officials from within the ASEAN region and around the world are convening here for what promises to be a ground-breaking ASEAN Tourism Forum in many ways. Here are some points of interest: (+) For the first time, Myanmar is hosting the […]
more…22 Jan, 2015
Palestinian Children Call for Construction of Seaport, Lifting Gaza Blockade
GAZA, January 21, 2015 (WAFA) – Dozens of Palestinian children organized Wednesday a protest calling for the construction of Gaza seaport and lifting the blockade in Gaza city, reported Anadolu News Agency. Protestors took to the streets of Gaza city, urging the United Nations to assume its human and legal responsibilities toward the war-ravaged coastal […]
more…22 Jan, 2015
Thai public sector urged to follow King’s “Sufficiency Economy” concept in budgets
Bangkok, Prime Minister’s secretariat, January 21, 2015 — Today, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister, presided over an opening ceremony of a meeting to hand down policy on annual budgeting FY2016 to heads of government offices and state enterprises, as well as concerned agencies in order for all government offices to be on the same page […]
more…22 Jan, 2015
Mali: UN conference to examine conservation of Mali’s precious ancient manuscripts
21.01.2015 – UNESCOPRESS – Nearly two years after armed groups occupied northern Mali and destroyed cultural heritage there, an international conference will take place in the capital, Bamako, from 28 to 30 January to examine the long-term conservation of the country’s invaluable ancient manuscript collection UNESCO’s Office in Bamako, Mali’s Ministry of Higher Education and […]
more…22 Jan, 2015
A “Dangerous Mistake” to Ignore Uncertainty, Swiss President Warns at WEF in Davos
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21 January 2015 – Today’s global context is one of uncertainty, said Simonetta Sommaruga, President of the Swiss Confederation and Minister of Justice and Police. Uncertainty is prevalent in current conflicts and crisis regions as well as in the comparatively prosperous countries of Europe. “Overall, globalization has led to greater prosperity and reduced […]
more…22 Jan, 2015
FREE download: UNWTO Report on Shopping Tourism
From new mall designs to new ways to harness technology, new value-added experiences to new marketing campaigns, travel & tourism destinations worldwide are working overtime to make shopping a full-fledged reason for travel, not just a side-benefit of it, according to a report by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Released in time for the […]
more…20 Jan, 2015
Labour Leaders stress at Davos 2015: The World Needs a New Business Model
Brussels, 20 January 2015 (ITUC OnLine): The global economic system isn’t working for six billion people, warned labour leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Working people and their families need a new business model to stop the disintegration of democracies and economies. The world needs investment and jobs, said Sharan Burrow, General Secretary […]
more…20 Jan, 2015
WEF Global Risks report challenges claimed benefits of tourism
For decades, travel & tourism has positioned itself as an industry of peace, a major contributor to friendship, international understanding, sustainability, poverty-alleviation, economic growth and socio-cultural stability. But a provocative report issued by the World Economic Forum in advance of its annual meeting in Davos this week provides food for thought about whether those theories […]
more…20 Jan, 2015
China’s deputy tourism chief removed from post, under investigation
BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) — Huo Ke, deputy director of the China National Tourism Administration, has been removed from post for suspected “serious discipline and law violations.” The decision was made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee on Monday. The CPC’s discipline agency […]
more…20 Jan, 2015
Israel’s Freeze of Tax Revenues Devastating Palestinian Economy
RAMALLAH, January 19, 2015 (WAFA) – Palestinian Finance Minister, Shukri Bishara, Monday said that Israel’s illegal freeze of 70% of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) income, in tax revenues, is a devastating blow to the Palestinian economy. He stressed that this Israeli punitive measure, which came in response to acceding to the International Criminal Court (ICC), […]
more…20 Jan, 2015
Arab Scientist Ibn Al-Haytham a focus of UNESCO’s Int’l Year of Light Exhibition
Paris, UNESCO media release – The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015) is delighted to welcome as Founding Partner the award-winning educational organization 1001 Inventions. British-based 1001 Inventions has the specific mission to raise awareness of the contributions to science, technology and culture from the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization, and will […]
more…20 Jan, 2015
Radical shift in agriculture critical to making future food systems more efficient – UN
16 January 2015, Berlin (FAO media release) – Increasing competition for natural resource and emerging resource bottlenecks mean that global agriculture can no longer operate using a “business as usual” approach – the input-intensive agricultural development model used for the past 40 years is no longer sustainable, and a “paradigm shift” in food production is […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Chinese commentary: Western bigotry, double-standards a “detonator” of global terrorism
BEIJING, Jan. 17, (Xinhua) — Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine brutally attacked last week by Islamic extremists, once again published Wednesday its latest edition with a caricature of the Muslim prophet on its cover — a blasphemous move in the eyes of the Islamic world — which has triggered outcry and protests in many countries. […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Asian source-markets lead as Thailand visitor arrivals end 2014 on a high note
Bangkok – 16 January 2015 (TAT media release) – Strong recovery in visitor arrivals from China, India and the ASEAN countries played a major role in helping Thailand report an 11.76% upturn in total arrivals in December 2014. The figures indicated that a strong and sustained recovery in arrivals is well under way. TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Wrongly-detained Muslim wins 9/11 case against U.S. govt, gets “regrets” + compensation
NEW YORK, January 16, 2015, (ACLU media release) – The American Civil Liberties Union announced a settlement in a major test case challenging the U.S. government’s post-9/11 practice of imprisoning Muslim men as material witnesses without any basis for holding them. As part of the settlement, the federal government offered its regrets and agreed to […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Facing common threats from within: Muslim Jihadis in Pakistan. Hindu Zealots in India.
The slaughter of 132 schoolchildren and nine adults in an army school in Peshawar on Dec. 16 by the Pakistani Taliban marked a new low in terrorist depravity. The massacre of the innocents brings to a head several pathologies that need addressing and to that end could prove a catharsis for Pakistan. An Indian, even […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
STR Global Hotel Pipeline: 500,000+ rooms coming up in Asia-Pacific alone
LONDON, 15 January 2015 (STR media releases) — The Asia Pacific region reported 2,390 hotels comprising 537,726 rooms Under Contract, according to the December 2014 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report. The Under Contract data includes projects in the In Construction, Final Planning and Planning stages but does not include projects in the Unconfirmed stage. Among […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Chinese tourists abroad told to behave or face public shaming
Beijing, (Ecns.cn), 2015-01-16 – China will establish a public record of Chinese tourists who behave badly in foreign countries, the Beijing Times reported on Friday. Methods to manage and record bad behavior by tourists will be formulated and carried out in collaboration with airlines, travel agencies and hotels, said Li Jinzao, the head of China’s […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Top 12 tips for travelling in China
Beijing, (bbs.chinadaily.com.cn). 2015-01-15 – China is a vast and culturally diverse country, which makes traveling in it for the first time incredibly daunting. China Daily Forum readers share some tips — from their experiences — to make newcomers’ lives a little easier. 1. Travel light. Most hotels in China provide toothbrushes/paste, soap, shampoo, etc. They […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
Pew Research: Five facts about the Muslim population in Europe
Recent violence in France and protest marches in Germany have drawn renewed attention to Europe’s Muslim population. In many European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, concerns about growing Muslim communities have led to calls for restrictions on immigration. But just how large is Europe’s Muslim population, and how fast is it […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
Thailand Travel Mart 2015+ set for 3-5 June: Applications open for buyer-seller registration
Bangkok, 12 January 2015 (TAT media release) – The Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+) 2015, the country’s largest annual B2B tourism and travel trade event, has been set for 3 – 5 June, 2015, and opened for early-bird registration by buyers and sellers. To be held at the […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
Silversea launches included shore excursions and wifi on Mediterranean cruises
(Hong Kong — January 16, 2015) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is kicking off 2015 with an enticing new program that includes shore excursions and WiFi. This program is available for new bookings made on or after January 15, 2015 on any of the line’s 52 Mediterranean cruises this year. “We’re delighted to enhance the value proposition […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
First Islamic Tourism seminar in Sabah promotes understanding, clears up misconceptions
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah – The Kuala Lumpur-based Islamic Tourism Centre organised its first seminar here between 12 – 14 January to update the travel & tourism industry of Malaysia’s second largest state with ways to better understand and attract one of the world’s most promising niche-market customer segments, the Muslim traveller. In addition to a […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
Freedom of expression too has a price – it’s called human dignity
An assortment of world leaders assembled in Paris to pay tribute to the slain journalists who were killed in a savage attack that left twelve 12 people killed. The victims were all either staff of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo or security personnel. The newspaper which had become famed for its cartoons regularly ridiculed […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
Fighting terrorism: An overview of European Commission’s actions, measures and initiatives
Brussels, 11 January 2015 What is Europe’s role in the fight against terrorism, which is principally a national competence? What does the EU do to support Member States’ efforts? In 2010 the European Commission adopted an Internal Security Strategy for the period from 2010 to 2014. In the coming months, a European Agenda on Security […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
European Anti-Muslim Hysteria in Full Swing After Paris attacks
Paris (IINA), 14 Jan 2015 – Firebombs and pig heads thrown into mosques. Veiled women subjected to crude insults in the street. The Internet awash with threats against Muslims. Europe’s Muslims are feeling the heat of a fierce backlash following last week’s terror attack against French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. A climate of fear is taking […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
“The New Global Context” to be Theme of World Economic Forum caucus Jan 14-21
Geneva, Switzerland, 14 January 2015 (WEF media release) – Over 40 heads of state and government, as well as 2,500 other leaders from business and society will convene at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, from 21 to 24 January 2015 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to discuss The New Global Context. This context consists of […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
More Curbs on Palestinian Travel: Israel Closes all Entrances to Nablus
NABLUS, January 11, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli forces, early Sunday morning, closed all entrances to the town of Asira Ash-Shamaliya to the north of Nablus, according to a local official. Head of the town’s municipality, Nasir Jawabreh, told WAFA that Israeli soldiers in military vehicles arrived at dawn and closed all four entrances leading to […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
Jewish fanatic settlers chop down 150 olive saplings in West Bank
SALFIT, January 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Sunday chopped down around 150 Palestinian-owned olive trees in the West Bank town of Yasuf, according to local sources. Gassan Daghlas, who monitors settlement activities in the West Bank, said illegal Israeli settlers stormed the village of Yasuf and chopped down 150 newly planted olive saplings. Rabbis […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
New Australian online visa trial to increase numbers of Indian tourists
Canberra, Minister of Trade and Investment Media release, 12 January 2015 — A new pilot program for online lodgement of subclass 600 visas for Indian business and tourism visitors will be rolled out through selected travel agents in India. Launching the pilot, Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb said “India is one of the […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
Spanish Foreign Minister Arrives in Ramallah, To Visit Gaza
RAMALLAH, January 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo arrived in Ramallah on Monday in a Middle East tour to look into the situation in the Palestinian territories, with the Gaza Strip tour as the highlight of the regional visit. The Spanish delegation headed by Garcia-Margallo met with Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki and […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
UN study finds increase in corporate women managers, board members
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 12 January 2015 – The last 20 years has seen a surge in the number of women employed in senior and middle management positions, according to a new United Nations report, which notes that although all-male company boards are decreasing in number, more must be done to achieve gender parity. […]
more…11 Jan, 2015
Shanghai auto show may shut door on scantily-clad model girls
Shanghai, (China Daily) 2015-01-10 — Models in over-revealing costumes are disappearing quickly in China – first in TV dramas and now probably from trade shows. Female models may no longer be seen at one of the country’s most important auto shows, the biannual Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, scheduled for April. Market industry sources say […]
more…11 Jan, 2015
China issues guidelines to manage crowd control at scenic spots
Beijing, (CRIENGLISH.com) 2015-01-10 – Chinese tourism authorities have issued a set of guidelines on how to determine the maximum number of people that should be allowed in at popular scenic spots. The fresh guidelines were issued days after 36 people died in a stampede during a New Year event in Shanghai. The national Tourism Administration […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
China bans private cars from taxi-hailing market
Beijing, (Xinhua), 2015-01-09 – BEIJING — China’s Ministry of Transport forbade private cars from taking passengers for profit using taxi-hailing apps after local authorities cracked down on unlicensed drivers using apps as camouflage. The ministry has ordered app developers to rule out private cars from their platforms to ensure that all vehicles are owned by […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
‘We need to find a way to live together,’ says UN chief in special plea for tolerance
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 8 January 2015 – Making an impassioned appeal for tolerance, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for understanding among all communities to heal the tensions within societies – a particularly poignant plea following yesterday’s horrific attack on the staff at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, and in the face […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
“2015 can and must be time for global action,” Ban declares in briefing on U.N.’s priorities
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 8 January 2015 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon looked forward to a “year of opportunity,” as he briefed the 193-Member United Nations General Assembly on his priorities for 2015, and called for transformative global action that would ensure sustainable development and human dignity for all. “2015 is a chance for major […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
UN calls on Global Compact to help end poverty, transform lives, protect planet
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 9 January 2015 – Addressing the United Nations Global Compact board meeting this afternoon, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said everyone held a stake in ending poverty, transforming people’s lives and protecting the planet. “We live in paradoxical times,” said Mr. Ban. “We see enormous wealth, technological progress and unprecedented opportunity on […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
Website Allows Women To Book The Ultimate Las Vegas Girls’ Getaway Experience
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — VegasGirlsNightOut.com, Las Vegas’ first-of-its-kind boutique concierge service designed exclusively for women by women, today announced its official launch. The new online service will provide exclusive inside access to the Las Vegas party scene for the ultimate girls’ getaway. Through the support of live Las Vegas experts, VegasGirlsNightOut.com is […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
European Commission publishes TTIP legal texts as part of transparency commitment
Brussels, 07 January 2015 (EU media release) – The European Commission today published a raft of texts setting outEU proposals for legal text in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) it is negotiating with the US. This is the first time the Commission has made public such proposals in bilateral trade talks and reflects […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
Commentary: Not a “Chinese Century,” but a less Westernized world
BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) — As the world marches into 2015, the international landscape augurs just another year of what history wonks refer to as Pax Americana. A “Chinese Century” foreseen by Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz and many others has not begun. Even if — a very big if given the notorious inaccuracy of […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
Israel bars FIFA delegation from entering Gaza
GAZA, Jan 6 (NNN-WAFA) – Israeli occupation authorities barred Monday a FIFA delegation entry into the Gaza Strip via Beit Hanoun – Erez – border crossing. WAFA correspondent reported that a throng of footballers from the Palestinian Soccer Union were waiting the FIFA delegation at the Palestinian side of the crossing. The delegation was supposed […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
More Chinese to travel overseas for Spring Festival
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2015-01-05 – About 60 percent of Chinese people who plan to spend the Spring Festival holiday on a trip chose to travel overseas, according to interviews and research by Beijing Daily. According to the newspaper’s data from major Chinese travel portals, including ctrip.com and ly.com, the number of bookings from Chinese tourists for […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
How Thai tourism has failed a great King
Bangkok – As the Thai travel and tourism industry nears the end of an era, some heavy-duty soul-searching is overdue about its future in the new era. There is clear evidence that it has failed to comprehensively heed the 44-year-old guidance of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, and will have no choice except to place […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
2014 one of Iraq’s bloodiest years as casualty rates soar, UN mission reports
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 2 January 2015 – Casualty figures for Iraq in 2014 were at their highest in over five years amid a spate of deadly violence which has been convulsing the country, the United Nations mission in the country reported today. According to the latest figures issued by the UN Assistance Mission […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
What made Thailand a unique travel & tourism country in 2014
Bangkok – Thailand has become arguably the first in the world to statistically prove how political and geopolitical events at the local, regional and global levels can be both good and bad for the travel & tourism industry. From time to time, all countries are affected by negative man-made crises, and all benefit from positive […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
Surge in vacationing Chinese senior-citizens
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-01-02 — Domestic and overseas travel have seen a sharp boost in the past decade, as groups of freshly retired Chinese senior citizens with abundant time and financial support enter the country’s tourism market. Senior citizens in China love to go on a trip with companions. [Photo by Shi Yucheng / China […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
Macao casinos see their worst year
Macao, (China Daily) 2015-01-03 – Macao, the gambling capital of the world, saw its annual casino revenues decline for the first time in 2014 data released on Friday, as the Chinese government’s corruption crackdown ended a decade of booming growth for the industry. The release of special administrative region data showed gaming revenues falling by […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
14,952 Jews Broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2014
JERUSALEM, January 1, 2015 (WAFA) – Al-Aqsa Association for the Waqf and Heritage said that around 14,952 Israelis, including Jewish settlers, police, ministers and members of Knesset stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque during the year 2014. The association reported in a statistical report prepared with the help of witnesses staying daily in Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, the 14,952 […]
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