18 Sep, 2020
New wave of famine could sweep the globe, overwhelming nations already weakened by years of conflict, warn UN officials
United Nations, 18 September 2020, (UN News) – The global hunger crisis caused by conflict – and now compounded by COVID-19 – is moving into a dangerous phase, the head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Thursday, stressing that without resources, a wave of famine could sweep the globe, overwhelming nations […]
more…18 Sep, 2020
Bespoke’s Customer Engagement Chat Service ‘Bebot’ Launches at Vienna Airport
Travel & Tourism was once very proud of its human touch and personal service. Strangely, it does not seem to have much to say about its fraying credibility as robots take over nearly all points-of-contact jobs. TOKYO, 15 September 2020, PRNewswire – Vienna Airport and Bespoke Inc. are proud to announce the launch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) […]
more…18 Sep, 2020
Groundbreaking AI-based Platform Maps And Monitors The Drivers Of California Wildfire
Satellite imagery, sourced from the “eyes in the skies”, is a highly effective way to address many of the sustainability challenges facing Travel & Tourism, such as a deforestation, marine pollution, flooding, water levels, forest encroachment, and much more. If the industry can overcome its myopic obsession with social media, it may realise that technology […]
more…17 Sep, 2020
KnowLedger Publishes NextGen Wealth Management Trends for 2020 and Beyond
KIMBERTON, Pa., Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — KnowLedger, a fast-growing accounting technology company, has published a new white paper that examines the challenges and opportunities for family offices and other wealth management firms in today’s volatile economy. This special, 20-page report examines how recent events and market trends—as well as demographic, social, and technology shifts—are creating […]
more…17 Sep, 2020
Fodor’s and WebMD Launch E-book to Help Travelers Decide Whether, When, and Where to Travel in the Age of COVID-19
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As millions of people look forward to a return to travel, a new e-book, launched today from Fodor’s and WebMD, can help travelers navigate the ‘new normal’ in the age of Covid-19. Fodor’s Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel: Practical Tips and Information for the Age of COVID-19 […]
more…17 Sep, 2020
Tech Companies Pledge to Preserve Addressable Advertising with Privacy
Such a pledge would be welcome in the Travel & Tourism industry too. NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As the IAB Tech Lab’s REBOOT 2020 virtual summit kicks off today (and continues on the 16th and 17th), IAB Tech Lab Board members have committed to the principles of Project Rearc and collaboration towards open […]
more…17 Sep, 2020
“State of Women in Tech” Report Details Rampant Harassment and Discrimination Across Silicon Valley and Tech Industry
Has similar research ever been conducted in Travel & Tourism? No? I wonder why… May prove embarrassing to some heavyweight CEOs. WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly 50% of women founders and women working in tech have experienced harassment, a statistic that has barely budged since 2017, according to Women Who Tech’s new report State […]
more…17 Sep, 2020
Californians Move To Protect Their Privacy, Restrict the Sale of Personal Information
As the Covid-19 pandemic triggers massive shifts to online communications, payments, education, health & wellness, meetings, and more, the issue of privacy protection is rarely mentioned. Travel & Tourism technobabble forums tend to gloss over this issue, which is not surprising, give the industry’s long-standing fondness for sweeping sensitive issues under the carpet. One day, […]
more…16 Sep, 2020
Certification scheme tests all seafood for mercury levels
As hygiene, health and safety are now global priorities, this certification would help restaurants boost their competitive advantage. Assuring patrons that all the fish consumed in the restaurant has been tested for mercury levels would certainly go a long way towards boosting sales. Surely, our institutes of technology across Asia can come up with something […]
more…16 Sep, 2020
U.S. 2020 aerospace and defense report shows why global conflicts and crises are here to stay
This report should be must-reading in the Travel & Tourism sector. It proves that the benign sounding “aerospace and defense” (read: armaments and weaponry) industry is a major driver of jobs and economic livelihood in the U.S. If this is expanded worldwide, the numbers become even more sinister. To survive economically, the “aerospace and defense” […]
more…16 Sep, 2020
70% of Consumers say They Will Exclusively Shop with Brands that “Personally Understand Them” this Holiday Season
This media release is a clear indication of the extent to which technology can be used (or misused) to influence decision-making. This sentence says it all: “The retailers that use real-time data to understand individual consumer preferences, make changes the data shows are needed, and effectively leverage multiple channels will be much more successful in […]
more…16 Sep, 2020
Trust, Balance, Communication: Employees Worldwide Share Top COVID-19 Concerns for the Workplace of Today and Tomorrow
Technology is pervading and intruding into every aspect of life, but when crises strike, old-fashioned human relations count for everything. It’s all about trust, balance, communications. That message comes out loud and clear in this survey. LOWELL, Mass., 15 September 2020, BUSINESS WIRE – In a sweeping survey of employees and business leaders across 11 nations, The […]
more…1 Sep, 2020
Customers Want Effective Experiences Most of All, Aspect Software’s Consumer Index Reveals
WESTFORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 20, 2020 – As part of Aspect’s ongoing desire to report on current customer experience sentiment across a variety of customer service and contact center interactions, Aspect Software, in partnership with Farrell Insight, conducted a national study of 1,100 Americans 18–74 years of age. The macro objective of this specific study is […]
more…1 Sep, 2020
Pandemic To Drive Web Conferencing Market to $78.5 Billion by 2030
NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown measures have been imposed in various countries, so that person–person contact can be limited and the virus spread contained. This has forced a large number of companies across all verticals to either cease operations or shift to the work-from-home (WFH) model, till […]
more…1 Sep, 2020
10 Key Trends gathered at the 2020 China Beauty Expo
SHANGHAI, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — On July 11, the 25th China Beauty Expo and Supply World came to a successful end at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Featuring 15 large halls, 10 theme halls, and dozens of brand VIP halls, the expo covered a total exhibition area of 220,000 square meters, the three-day […]
more…1 Sep, 2020
“Doesn’t dining out sound good?”: U.S. Restaurant Association Launches Revival Campaign
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Grills firing up; silverware against a plate; and the familiar clink as glasses connect over the laughter of friends together again, these are the rhythms and rituals of dining out that the National Restaurant Association is highlighting in its new multimedia Restaurant Revival campaign launching today. The national ad taps […]
more…11 Aug, 2020
Geopolitical impact of Covid-19 pandemic enters the agendas of global Travel & Tourism forums
Bangkok – The far-reaching geopolitical impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the future of tourism is to be the topic of a game-changing webinar to be organised by the Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett on Aug 26. Former UN World Tourism Organisation Secretary-General Dr Taleb Rifai and Chairperson of the UN SDGs Advocate Alumni Ambassador […]
more…5 Aug, 2020
Survey flags the Top Three Learning, Development and Training Activities of HR departments
NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The three learning, development, and training activities in which HR staff are most involved are sexual harassment prevention training, anti-discrimination training, and new hire onboarding, according to 325 US employers responding to XpertHR’s 2020 Survey on Learning, Development, and Training. The survey asked about 10 learning, development, […]
more…27 Jul, 2020
The Death of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying global recession is set to trigger “years of depressed and disrupted economic growth”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on July 1, 2020. He painted a grim picture of acute suffering, saying that extreme poverty and hunger are set to increase drastically. Many healthcare systems are at breaking point and a […]
more…21 Jul, 2020
How Visit Thailand Year 1987 crafted the original “New Normal” for global tourism
Bangkok – In 1987, Thailand spearheaded an historic event which crafted a “New Normal” for Global Travel & Tourism well before the current rage. With an unprecedented show of political, social, economic and cultural unity, the Thai people celebrated the auspicious 60th birthday of His Majesty the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej the Great with Visit […]
more…19 Jul, 2020
How the Pandemic Has Become a Windfall for Video Conferencing Platforms
PALM BEACH, Florida, July 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The face of video communication has changed dramatically due to the global pandemic. In 2020, there’s a huge range of video communication platforms to choose from based on your needs… which is spurring the growth of the global video conferencing markets. A recent report from MarketsAndMarkets said […]
more…9 Jul, 2020
Samui Unlock Sale: Thai Tourism private sector fails the balance test – again!
Bangkok – The first Thai domestic travel promotion event launched after the gradual relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdowns saw the tourism private sector turn up for another resilience-and-recovery campaign. True to form, it repeated all the same mistakes of previous post-crises campaigns. Focussing on the popular Samui island, the event was awash with discounts and […]
more…2 Jul, 2020
1980 UNWTO Manila Declaration Shows How Global Travel & Tourism Failed Its Mandate and Vision
Bangkok – In hot pursuit of REcovery from the devastation caused by Covid-19, global Travel & Tourism is abuzz with “New Normal” buzzwords: REthink, REbuild, REdesign, REform, REimagine, REinvent, RE-this and RE-that. A better option would be to press the REwind button and REflect on its own history, especially the failures and mistakes. If the […]
more…24 Jun, 2020
REality Check: FCCT event will help Thai tourism prepare for the next potential crisis
Bangkok – The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand will organise a livestream panel discussion on “Thai History and Nationhood since 1932”. It will be broadcast via the FCCT’s Facebook page with English translation at 7 pm tonight. A line-up of eminent scholars, social activists and political scientists will discuss the upheavals and turbulence that have […]
more…23 Jun, 2020
Dump bloggers and influencers, cut military budgets to help global Travel & Tourism “Build Back Better”
Bangkok – The Travel & Tourism industry should dump bloggers and influencers and redirect its marketing budgets into quality journalism and communications platforms if it wants to attract “quality tourists.” As a self-proclaimed “industry of peace,” it should also start paying more serious attention to the trillions of dollars wasted on global wars and conflict […]
more…18 Jun, 2020
Unity, Accountability, Transparency, Efficiency: Thai PM launches post-Covid nation rebuilding agenda
Bangkok — Thai Prime Minister Gen (retd) Prayuth Chan-o-cha has launched a new nation-rebuilding programme for the post-Covid era, one that will “lay down the fundamentals for sustainable prosperity, and open the way for Thais to rediscover who and what they really are and all that they are truly capable of achieving.” In a nationwide […]
more…11 Jun, 2020
As Thailand eyes victory over the virus, a return to the “Old Normal” seems certain
Bangkok – Thailand is within sight of declaring victory over the dreaded Covid-19 virus. As it is has done through many previous crises over the past 40 years, Thailand overcame what the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) called its “celebrated ‘mai pen rai’ culture” to discipline itself and absorb serious short-term pain in order […]
more…8 Jun, 2020
How Thailand Contained Covid-19: Why a Public Health System with Popular Support Matters
Bangkok – One of ASEAN’s preeminent political scientists has heaped praise on the Thai healthcare system for the clean-up campaign that averted a potential Covid-19 disaster, but also obliquely hinted whether the kingdom can also clean up its fractious and divided political system, too. In an analysis published on June 7, Prof Walden Bello, Co-chair […]
more…8 Jun, 2020
FCCT June 9 Live Webcast: Why has Thailand done so well combating Covid-19?
Announcement by the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. As of June 2, Thailand had officially confirmed 3,085 cases of Covid-19 and suffered 58 deaths; only 59 infected people were still hospitalized. The pandemic is far from over, and has completely changed the way people live. It has also wrought economic mayhem that has yet to […]
more…3 Jun, 2020
UN Human Rights chief alarmed by Asia-wide clampdown on freedom of expression during COVID-19
GENEVA (3 June 2020) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet expressed alarm at the clampdown on freedom of expression in parts of the Asia-Pacific during the COVID-19 crisis, saying any actions taken to stop the spread of false information must be proportionate. Many countries in the region already have laws governing alleged […]
more…28 May, 2020
Thai Prime Minister, Foreign Minister flag importance of balance in “Build Back Better” strategy
Bangkok – Two of Thailand’s top leaders have reaffirmed the importance of balance and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in charting the future course of national development, with tourism playing a major role. Thai Prime Minister Gen (retd) Prayut Chan-o-cha reaffirmed this in two speeches to local and international audiences on May 21 and May 26, […]
more…13 May, 2020
NGO World Animal Protection pushing for permanent end to Global Wildlife Trade
NEW YORK, 12 May 2020, PRNewswire – Wildlife trade has become big business and the subsequent exploitation of wild animals puts our health, economies and biodiversity at risk, says World Animal Protection as it launches a global campaign today, targeting G20 leaders to support a permanent wildlife trade ban to protect animals and prevent future zoonotic pandemics. […]
more…13 May, 2020
เคล็ดลับและกับดัก: การทำงานจากที่บ้านระหว่างช่วงวิกฤต
โดย Mishari Muqbil และ Pakapak Sangkhasuntorn วิกฤตการณ์ครั้งใหญ่ที่คนทั้งโลกกำลังต้องเผชิญหน้ากันอย่างคาดไม่ถึงอยู่ในตอนนี้ นโยบายการห้ามการเดินทางบีบบังคับให้บริษัทต่าง ๆ ต้องให้พนักงานทำงานจากที่บ้านแทนการเดินทางเข้ามาทำงานยังออฟฟิศ เหตุนี้ทำให้เกิดการพลิกผันในรูปแบบการทำงานและการใช้ชีวิตของคนจากที่เคยเป็นมา แต่อย่างไรก็ดียังมีบางคนที่รู้สึกมีความสุขจากความเพลิดเพลินของการทำงานจากที่บ้านมาหลายปีแล้ว จากรูปแบบการทำงานที่เรียกว่า “การทำงานจากระยะทางไกล (Remote Work)” Gitlab เป็นตัวอย่างที่ดีที่สุดตัวอย่างหนึ่งสำหรับบริษัทที่มีพนักงานถึงหนึ่งพันสองร้อยคนจากหกสิบห้าประเทศ ที่ทำงานร่วมกันโดยไม่มีออฟฟิศ นี่คือบริษัทที่ทำงานจากระยะทางไกลอย่างแท้จริง คู่มือการทำงานของพวกเขาคือสิ่งที่ควรค่าแก่การศึกษาอย่างแท้จริง ถ้าคุณอยากจะรู้วิธีการจัดการกับทีมงานให้ทำงานจากระยะทางไกลแบบมีประสิทธิภาพได้ ลองอ่านดูที่นี่ https://about.gitlab.com/company/culture/all-remote/ และเนื้อหาต่อจากนี้คือเคล็ดลับบางประการสำหรับมือใหม่ที่ต้องทำงานจากที่บ้าน วัดผลลัพธ์จากการทำงาน (+) ในมุมมองของบริษัทสิ่งสำคัญที่สุดของการทำงานจากที่บ้านก็คือการวัดผลลัพธ์จากการทำงาน หลายบริษัทคุ้นเคยกับการให้พนักงานคอยอยู่รอบ ๆ เพื่อรอรับคำสั่ง แต่การทำงานจากระยะทางไกลนั้นมีแนวคิดที่ต่างออกไป เมื่อมีการมอบหมายงาน และตัวงานมีการวัดผลในแง่มุมของผลงานหรือที่ดีกว่านั้นคือผลลัพธ์ แต่ไม่ใช่เวลาที่ใช้สำหรับการทำงานนั้น ๆ ตัวอย่างของผลงานอาจจะเป็น “การสร้างแคมเปญโซเชี่ยลมีเดีย” ผลลัพธ์ก็คือ “ลูกค้าใหม่หนึ่งร้อยคน” เมื่อกำหนดเนื้อหางานและผลลัพธ์ได้แล้วย่อมแปลว่าพนักงานจะมีความยืดหยุ่นในการจัดรูปแบบการทำงานและชีวิตส่วนตัวในสภาวะแวดล้อมการทำงานที่มีขอบเขตไม่ชัดเจน บางคนสามารถทำงานรวดเดียวได้แปดชั่วโมงติดต่อกัน บางคนอาจจะรู้สึกว่าอยากทำงานหกชั่วโมงในตอนเช้า และอีกสองชั่วโมงในช่วงหัวค่ำ และบางคนอาจจะตัดสินใจว่าตนเองต้องการใช้เวลาแค่สี่ชั่วโมงในการจัดการงานทั้งหมดของตัวเอง จงเตรียมพร้อมสำหรับสิ่งเหล่านี้ ยืดหยุ่นในสิ่งที่จำเป็น และต้องมั่นใจว่าคุณจะวัดผลในสิ่งที่สำคัญ หลายบริษัทที่ทำงานจากระยะทางไกล กำหนดให้พนักงานเข้ามาแสดงตัวในช่วงเวลาบางช่วง เพื่อแสดงให้เห็นว่าพวกเขามีความพร้อมที่จะทำงานในวันนั้น แต่ไม่ได้มีการติดตามผลว่าพนักงานลงมือทำงานจริง ๆ […]
more…11 May, 2020
Smokers opting out, thanks to COVID-19 Pandemic health fears, stress
NEW DELHI, India, May 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The damage done by the COVID-19 pandemic is twofold: in addition to suffering from direct effects of the virus, the world is grappling with the challenge of social distancing. The mental and physical toll of this practice may be particularly profound for millions of smokers who, as […]
more…9 May, 2020
Hotels in focus as Thai PM holds second personal meeting with tourism sector
Bangkok – Thai Prime Minister Gen (retd) Prayuth Chan-o-cha continued his extraordinary personal interaction with the Thai tourism industry on 08 May with a meeting with committee members of the Thai Hotels Association to discuss the business impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and remedial measures for the kingdom’s top service sector and job-creating industry. Similar […]
more…5 May, 2020
Tips and Traps: Working from home during a crisis
By Mishari Muqbil and Pakapak Sangkhasuntorn Bangkok – The crisis that the world is facing now is unprecedented. Movement restriction policies are forcing companies to have their staff work from home instead of coming into the office, causing widespread disruption in process as well as culture. Some of us however have been enjoying the luxury […]
more…4 May, 2020
อนาคตของอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยวและการเดินทางคืออะไร? เริ่มโดย…มอบความนับถือแก่ปู่ย่าตายาย
โดย Mishari Muqbil จากวิกฤตการณ์ของไวรัส โควิด 19 ที่รุนแรงขึ้นเรื่อย ๆ และยังมองไม่เห็นหนทางแก้ไข จึงเป็นเรื่องสำคัญที่เราจะต้องมองไปยังอนาคตระยะยาวว่าอุตสาหกรรมการท่องเที่ยวและการเดินทางจะพบกับผลกระทบอย่างไรบ้าง สิ่งใดจะเกิดความเปลี่ยนแปลง และสิ่งใดจะยังคงเป็นเหมือนเดิม มุมมองหนึ่งที่สามารถนำมาช่วยในการประเมินวิกฤตการณ์ครั้งนี้คือทฤษฎี Lindy Effect ซึ่งเป็นทฤษฎีที่ถูกคิดค้นขึ้นโดยนักวิทยาศาสตร์ชื่อว่า Benoit Mandlelbrot และถูกนำขยายความต่อโดย N. Taleb โดยใจความสำคัญของทฤษฎีนี้ก็คือ ยิ่งสิ่งใดดำรงอยู่มานานเท่าไร สิ่งนั้นยิ่งมีโอกาสจะดำรงอยู่ได้ยาวนานมากขึ้นเท่านั้น ยกตัวย่างเช่น กวีชื่อดังอย่างเชกสเปียร์ (Shakespeare) ผู้ได้รับการขนานนามยาวนานร่วม 400 ปี ดังนั้นเราจึงคาดหวังไว้ว่าผลงานของเขาจะโลดแล่นไปได้อีกถึง 400 ปี รวมเป็นเวลาร่วม 800 ปีเลยทีเดียว หรือหากเทียบกับนวนิยายยอดนิยมของไทยอย่าง “คู่กรรม” ที่ได้รับความนิยมมากว่า 40 ปีแล้ว ก็ย่อมคาดได้ว่านวนิยายเรื่องนี้จะยังคงความนิยมต่อไปได้อีก 40 ปีเช่นกัน แต่ในขณะเดียวกัน เราจะเห็นได้ว่ากระแสของละครดังอย่าง “บุพเพสันนิวาส” ในช่วงสองปีก่อนนั้นเริ่มซาลงไปบ้างแล้ว เราลองมาดูที่ภาพรวมของอุตสาหกรรมการท่องเที่ยวกันบ้าง เพื่อดูว่าทฤษฎี Lindy […]
more…1 May, 2020
Thai PM makes historic visit to tour operators HQ to hear industry’s concerns
Bangkok – In a global first, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha personally visited the offices of the Association of Thai Travel Agents on April 30 to get a first-hand update on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country’s most important service economy sector and generator of foreign exchange. A spokesman for the […]
more…28 Apr, 2020
PwC Survey: As States Look to Reopen, CFOs Prioritise Workplace Safety and Employee Health
NEW YORK, April 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The fourth release of PwC’s COVID-19 CFO Pulse Survey reveals 77% of US chief financial officers (CFOs) anticipate changing workplace safety measures upon returning to on-site work. As employers focus on protecting employees, 65% anticipate reconfiguring work sites to promote physical distancing and 52% anticipate changing and/or alternating shifts […]
more…28 Apr, 2020
Research Finds COVID-19 Robs Americans Of Sleep And Brings New Waves Of Stress
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Better Sleep Council (BSC), the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), released its latest research findings from “The 2020 State of America’s Sleep” study. It revealed COVID-19’s arrival caused America’s quality of sleep to significantly decline. Read the report. The BSC launched wave two […]
more…28 Apr, 2020
The “Make America Great Again” dream is quickly being undone by Covid-19
By Hassanal Noor Rashid WHO IS AT FAULT? The Covid-19 pandemic has been a real roller-coaster ride as far as geo-politics is concerned. Through the chaos and the barrage of information and updates on the on-going pandemic, there are still those, especially among the political elite who have moved ahead of the pandemic management curve […]
more…27 Apr, 2020
COVID-19 Stimulus Measures Must Safeguard Nature and Reduce the Risk of Future Pandemics
Expert Guest Article by Professors Josef Settele, Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondizio and Dr. Peter Daszak on 27 April 2020 Click here to read this article in عربى / español / English / français / русский /中文 / Deutsch. There is a single species that is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic – us. As with the climate and biodiversity crises, […]
more…27 Apr, 2020
Global Trades Union: Protect workers who get Covid-19 and then face financial ruin
The following is the full text of a Council of Global Unions Statement on Recognition of COVID-19 as an Occupational Disease. Protection of workers’ health by prevention of infection should always be the first priority, but workers who do become ill should be focused on recovery, not worrying about whether they will face financial ruin […]
more…22 Apr, 2020
Covid-19 solves Climate Change problem
GOLDACH, Switzerland, April 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — IQAir (www.iqair.com), a global leader in air quality data and solutions, today published the COVID-19 Air Quality Report that shows that air pollution levels in 10 major global cities have dropped 9 to 60 percent, during government-mandated lockdowns due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The report examined fine […]
more…21 Apr, 2020
What’s next for Travel & Tourism? For starters, more respect for grandparents
By Mishari Muqbil With the COVID-19 problem reaching new highs with no end in sight, it’s important to look at things from a long term perspective to see what it means for the travel and tourism industry, what changes will come and what remains the same. One lens that can be applied to this […]
more…20 Apr, 2020
Slap the U.S. in the face, Donate to WHO Solidarity Response Fund
NEW YORK, 18 April 2020, PRNewswire – International advocacy organization Global Citizen, together with Lady Gaga, tonight announced $127 million in commitments to date in support of healthcare workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate partners and philanthropists announced their support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN […]
more…1 Apr, 2020
UN launches COVID-19 plan that could ‘defeat the virus and build a better world’
United Nations, (UN News) 31 March 2020 — The UN chief launched on Tuesday a new plan to counter the potentially devastating socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling on everyone to “act together to lessen the blow to people”. “The new coronavirus disease is attacking societies at their core, claiming lives and people’s livelihoods”, […]
more…30 Mar, 2020
Trip.com Group Chairman James Liang: Beware the xenophobia epidemic
SHANGHAI, March 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — James Liang is an economist and entrepreneur. Trip.com Group Ltd. is one of the world’s largest OTAs. The following are his thoughts on current events. These opinions are his own, and do not necessarily reflect those of Trip.com Group Ltd. as a whole: The international outbreak of COVID-19 […]
more…27 Mar, 2020
COVID-19: When Might We See a Recovery? Three Possible Scenarios
NEW YORK, March 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Given the high uncertainty on how the epidemiological trajectory of COVID-19 and the economic response to this crisis will develop over the next few months, The Conference Board has developed three scenarios for the development of the US economy through the remainder of 2020. Editor’s Note: The same […]
more…23 Mar, 2020
Masterpiece Earth Summit 1992 speech by ex-UNWTO chief shows how Travel & Tourism bungled the agenda
Bangkok – The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) last week held a Global Tourism Crisis Committee meeting in preparation for the launch of a global guide for recovery. Some important-looking people were shown conducting their first virtual meeting. The press release promised a set of recommendations for recovery is to be released “in the coming […]
more…20 Mar, 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts UN Meeting Plans Around the World
United Nations, (UN SDGs Knowledge Hub) 19 March 2020 — The wave of postponements and cancellations of UN meetings around the world is affecting preparations for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Glasgow Climate Change Conference, and the fifth UN conference on the least developed countries (LDCs), as well as efforts to reach […]
more…20 Mar, 2020
Boracay “cesspool” shutdown goes viral, Planet Earth “cesspool” in clean-up mode
Bangkok – In April 2018, Philippines President Roderigo Duterte announced a shutdown of Boracay Island. His unprecedented move after describing one of the archipelagic country’s most popular tourist spots as a “cesspool” shocked the tourism industry and triggered widespread wailing about the loss of jobs and income. He stayed the course. When the island reopened […]
more…10 Mar, 2020
Lively Halal Fest 2020 bucks cancellation trend, lights up Bangkok tourist district
Bangkok – At a time when public events are being cancelled and/or postponed worldwide, a grouping of young Thai-Muslim business leaders forged ahead with the World Halal Fest 2020, a long-planned event designed to promote Islamic cuisine, culture and commerce in Thailand. Attended by high-profile Thai politicians as well as business and religious leaders, entertainment […]
more…4 Mar, 2020
This should make the Indian travel & tourism industry hangs its head in shame
The following Joint statement was issued by Amnesty International India, CIVCUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, FORUM-ASIA and FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights) on 02 March 2020. Reproduced here verbatim, it should make the Indian travel & tourism industry hang its head in shame. A once proudly free, democratic and secular country, home to […]
more…3 Mar, 2020
Global Trades Union calls for Workplace Safeguard Measures Against Coronavirus
Geneva, ITUC media release, 03 March 2020 — With some 90,000 people in dozens of countries currently infected by the COVID 19 virus, the International Trades Union Congress (ITUC) is calling for urgent measures to ensure that workers who show symptoms can take sick leave without fear of losing their jobs or their incomes, and […]
more…3 Mar, 2020
Have Your Say: What should be the Travel & Tourism priorities in the post-Covid19 recovery era?
Bangkok – It is more than likely that the Covid-19 virus will be brought under control some time in the second quarter of 2020. A highly relieved global Travel & Tourism industry will swing into action to get business moving again. But should it revert to business as usual, or take a deeper look at […]
more…2 Mar, 2020
OECD report on Covid-19 impact: Global economy faces gravest threat since financial crisis
OECD media release – Paris, 2 March 2020 – The coronavirus Covid-19 presents the global economy with its greatest danger since the financial crisis, according to the OECD’s latest Interim Economic Outlook. Covid-19 is spreading from China to other regions causing human suffering and economic disruption. It is raising health concerns and the risk of […]
more…1 Mar, 2020
Industry Poll: Was cancelling ITB Berlin 2020 the right decision?
Bangkok – The last-minute decision to cancel ITB Berlin 2020 has caused mayhem in the global travel & tourism industry, with billions of dollars worth of lost business and cancellations, and incalculable waste of time for thousands of people. The official press release blamed the stringent health conditions imposed by Federal Ministry of Health and […]
more…27 Feb, 2020
Healthy menu options will remain strong – 2020 State of the Restaurant Industry Report
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the National Restaurant Association released its 2020 State of the Restaurant Industry Report which examines key factors impacting the restaurant industry including the current state of the economy, operations, workforce, and food and menu trends across segments from quickservice to fine dining. The report is an authoritative look […]
more…27 Feb, 2020
Breathtaking photographs link African Wilderness to Buddhist Wisdom
Bangkok – Prominent Bangkok-based photographer David Lau has captured the grandeur of an East African safari in a catalogue of images exhibited in Bangkok between Feb 20-23. More than just proving his professional prowess, Mr. Lau has raised the value of his artistry to a more sublime level by including reflections from a well-known Buddhist […]
more…25 Feb, 2020
Intensive Thai coronavirus prevention campaigns producing results
Bangkok – The number of new COVID-19 cases has remained unchanged at 35 in the nine-day period between Feb 17-25, official statistics show. Meanwhile, the number of recovered cases has risen from 15 to 21 in the same period, with not a single death. These figures below, compiled and distributed by the Ministry of Tourism […]
more…17 Feb, 2020
Expatriates left voiceless at Thai tourism crisis brainstorming session
Bangkok — When Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports organised the historic brainstorming session on February 13 to unite the Thai tourism industry in response to the coronavirus crisis, one vital sector was missing– the expatriate community. Although the meeting was called to brainstorm responses to the slump in visitor arrivals, conducting it entirely in […]
more…12 Feb, 2020
Overtourism is dead. Two landmark lectures to shape a New Future for Global Travel & Tourism
The coronavirus crisis is set to shake up the future of global travel & tourism. The world’s largest service industry now has to rethink and revamp its entire business model. Overtourism is dead. Overexposure, over-confidence, over-building, over-optimism, over-indulging and over-hyping are the new risks and threats. The over-arching need of the hour is for the […]
more…12 Feb, 2020
Thai-Muslim Trade Association to go ahead with World Halal Fest 2020 in show of commitment, confidence
Bangkok — The Thai Muslim Trade Association (TMTA) and CentralWorld Shopping Complex will organize a “World Halal Fest 2020” event between March 5th-8th, 2020, 11.00am. – 21.00 pm at the Central World Square under the theme of ‘Beauty in Diversity’. Although planning and preparations for the event have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis, the […]
more…10 Feb, 2020
Science model predicts near-end of new coronavirus infections in China by February 23
SUZHOU, China, Feb. 10, 2020 /CNW/ — Based on publicly available data, a data model on a recently launched website set up by an ad-hoc group of scientists predicts the number of new, confirmed novel coronavirus cases in China to dwindle to almost nothing in under two weeks. “The current model predicts a rapid decrease […]
more…4 Feb, 2020
CDC and WHO’s Coronavirus Data now searchable via blockchain dashboard
ATLANTA, DALLAS, Feb. 3, 2020, PRNewswire/ — Acoer, developer of blockchain-enabled applications, today announced that it is helping its healthcare and life sciences clients to easily track and visualize the Coronavirus outbreak with its HashLog data visualization engine. Built to interact in real-time with Hedera Hashgraph, the enterprise-grade distributed public ledger, the Coronavirus HashLog dashboard […]
more…4 Feb, 2020
PATA CEO announces exit, leaving association facing 11-month transition in a critical period
Bangkok – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has come under fire for announcing the year-end departure of its CEO Mr Mario Hardy at a time when the regional travel industry is experiencing one of its worst crisis in history. Mr Hardy made the announcement in his CEO blog on February 3, after the Executive […]
more…3 Feb, 2020
Market overexposure overtakes overtourism as lead industry challenge
Bangkok – One welcome casualty of the corona virus crisis will be all further discussion of “overtourism”. This dreadfully humdrum topic has been overtaken by the much more serious threat of overexposure to any single market as a source of business. Virtually overnight, the pendulum has swung from one extreme to another. Although it had […]
more…30 Jan, 2020
Report flags sharp divide in U.S. Wellness “Haves and Have-Nots”
NEW YORK AND MIAMI, 28 JANUARY 2020, PRWEB – Today, researchers at the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute™ (GWI), revealed new US data from its recent study: “Move To Be Well: The Global Economy of Physical Activity” at a press conference in New York. The data shows a sharp divide between the “haves and have-nots” in […]
more…30 Jan, 2020
Top Trends for Incentive, Reward and Recognition Programs in 2020
WASHINGTON, 28 JANUARY 2020, PRWEB – The Incentive Research Foundation is pleased to announce the release of its signature study, The IRF 2020 Trends Report. The report highlights key trends that will affect organizations, their products and services, and the workforce in 2020. “The IRF 2020 Trends Report clearly demonstrates that professionals in the non-cash […]
more…30 Jan, 2020
Report identifies 10 trends that will impact $4.5 trillion global wellness industry
NEW YORK, 28 JANUARY 2020, PRWEB – The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) released its top 10 wellness trends for 2020, the new directions that the organization believes will have the most meaningful—not fleeting—impact on the $4.5 trillion global wellness industry. The trends emerged from the insights of the 550 experts from 50 nations that gathered […]
more…30 Jan, 2020
Erasmus+ annual report released: A life-changing experience for 10 million young Europeans
Brussels, 28 January 2020, European Commission Press Release – The 2018 annual report on Erasmus+, published today, shows that over the last three decades, more than 10 million people have participated in what turned out to be a life-changing experience for many of them. Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: […]
more…30 Jan, 2020
Five Places to Retire for the World’s Best Climate — InternationalLiving.com
BALTIMORE, 28 JANUARY 2020, PRWEB – Climate is one of the most important considerations for retirees choosing where to settle overseas. In International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index 2020, the countries that claim the best climates in the world all offer a variety of options—from warm beach areas to higher-altitude regions that offer year-round spring-like temperatures. […]
more…30 Jan, 2020
Sanctions and Money Laundering: Report charts future of financial crime compliance in 2020
NEW YORK, LONDON, AND SINGAPORE, 28 JANUARY 2020, PRWEB – ComplyAdvantage, the regtech company transforming the compliance industry through data science and Machine learning to neutralize the risk of financial crimes, today released the ‘2020 Global Compliance Report.’ From regtech innovation to the ever shifting regulatory landscape, the report explores how technology and politics are set […]
more…30 Jan, 2020
New Research Indicates Political Disinformation is Omnipresent in US Elections and Spreading to the Private Sector
MILFORD, MASS., 28 January 2020, PRWEB – Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), a leading IT analyst, research, and strategy firm, today released new research examining disinformation—false information spread deliberately to deceive a person or group—as the US 2020 election nears. The results indicate that political disinformation is a major problem that frustrates voters and leaves them questioning […]
more…29 Jan, 2020
Flashback: The Thai who saved global Travel & Tourism from a much worse virus
Bangkok – As the 2019-nCoV coronavirus crisis enters its second month, there is much talk about the need to learn from previous crises and deal with it in an open and transparent way. Medical teams are being praised for their dedication and commitment. Public protection is the order of the day. Suddenly, Chinese tourists who […]
more…28 Jan, 2020
Thai tourism can convert the short-term coronavirus crisis into a long-term opportunity
Bangkok – There’s nothing like a good crisis to focus the mind. Natural disasters and economic and geopolitical crises also hurt tourism, but none trigger a call to action like a potentially life-threatening health scare. Thailand has experienced, and overcome, many crises over 60 years of tourism history. Although this, too, will pass, it presents […]
more…24 Jan, 2020
Year of ASEAN Identity 2020 launched
Jakarta, January 21 (VNA) – The ASEAN Secretariat launched the Year of ASEAN Identity 2020 and presented awards for winners of the Year’s logo design competition on January 21. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Secretary General in charge of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Kung Phoak said 2020 is chosen as Year of ASEAN Identity to […]
more…23 Jan, 2020
UN official outlines priorities to harness potential of Lao PDR’s young population
By Víctor Valdivieso, UNFPA Deputy Representative Vientiane, 22/01/2020 (KPL) The Lao PDR has one of the youngest populations in Southeast Asia, with over half (50.8%) of the population being between the age of 10 and 35 years (Lao Statistics Bureau [LSB], 2015). The age structure and demographic transition presents an advantageous direction and great potential […]
more…23 Jan, 2020
Thailand helps fund US$65.6 million road access to Luang Prabang
Vientiane, 17 January 2020 – (KPL) This week witnessed an inauguration ceremony held in Chomphet district, Luang Prabang, for newly built Road 4B stretching 114 km between Hongsa district of Xayaboury and Xiengmen district of Luang Prabang. The road was built with THB 2 billion, approximately over US$65.6 million, including 80% as loan and 20% […]
more…23 Jan, 2020
Should Indian airports prioritise duty-free financial health over human health?
Editor’s Note: Both alcohol and cigarettes are known health hazards. But they are also major revenue spinners for private companies and governments. The Indian government wants to cap the sales of both at the airport duty-free shops. Airports Council International Asia-Pacific opposes the move because it “is inconsistent with the Government’s fruitful efforts to date […]
more…16 Jan, 2020
B2B session at Thai outbound travel show hits all-time high
Bangkok – The 26th bi-annual Thailand International Travel Fair, an outbound show, began on Jan 15 with a business matching turnout of 159 suppliers, the highest ever. China was the top country represented with Japan coming in second and India third. The B2B networking session precedes the four-day event organised by the Thailand Travel Agents […]
more…10 Jan, 2020
Unmatched Lectures on Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY
Bangkok – This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International, the two founding pillars of what is now the kingdom’s largest service economy sector and job-creator. This meteoric rise did not happen by chance. It was the result of a broad range of comprehensive policy shifts, marketing […]
more…5 Jan, 2020
New Study Reveals Paid Family Leave Policies Lead To 20% Fewer Women Leaving The Workforce
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — A new study funded by the March of Dimes Center for Social Science Research and conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), underscores the long-term effects of paid family leave on women’s participation in the workforce. The analysis of states that have implemented paid leave policies […]
more…28 Dec, 2019
Families Of Americans Killed And Injured By Terrorists Sue Eight Multinational Corporations For Allegedly Financing The Attacks
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Two lawsuits were filed today on behalf of hundreds of Americans, including members of more than 100 Gold Star families, against eight multinational corporations and the Islamic Republic of Iran, both of which stand separately accused of supporting a campaign of terrorism in Afghanistan that was led by al-Qaeda […]
more…28 Dec, 2019
Simplicity and Sustainability top Agoda Research Travel Trend Expectations for The 2020s
Singapore, (agoda media release) December 27, 2019 – Single apps for all travel needs, passport free travel, and mobile app check-in are the top three ‘new travel norms’ expected by travelers in the next decade, according to new research by Agoda, the world’s fastest growing digital travel platform. With the continued advancement of technology, revolutionary […]
more…27 Dec, 2019
New Decade: 2020 eCommerce Industry Threats and Predictions
TAMPA, Fla. (PRWEB) December 26, 2019 – According to a recent report, retail e-commerce sales around are projected to grow to 6.54 trillion in 2022. But this immense growth comes at a cost, with an additional cost burden of $3.00 for every $1.00 in payment fraud paid by merchants, and the rate of chargebacks increasing […]
more…27 Dec, 2019
American Consumer Credit Counseling on Top Money Mistakes to Avoid in 2020
BOSTON (PRWEB) December 26, 2019 – Making better money choices allows consumers to strengthen their finances and avoid debt. Financial mistakes here and there may seem innocent, but they can add up quickly and lead to bad habits and financial disaster. To help, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) explains five money mistakes consumers […]
more…26 Dec, 2019
Over $24 Billion Was Lost in 2018 Due to Payment Card Fraud Worldwide – Report
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 23, 2019 – SmartMetric, Inc. (OTCQB: SMME) reported that in 2018, $24.26 Billion was lost due to payment card fraud worldwide. The United States leads the world in credit card fraud with 38.6% of reported card fraud losses in 2018. Credit card fraud increased by 18.4% in 2018 and is still increasing. […]
more…24 Dec, 2019
Visitors to Malaysia will now breathe cleaner air
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 – Visit Malaysia Year 2020 is set to get off to a great start with the announcement that all PETRONAS stations across Malaysia are now supplying a cleaner fuel with 10 times less sulphur content than the previous category. The new Euro 4M RON 95 fuel is now already available at […]
more…20 Dec, 2019
Top Thai developer MQDC to build Thailand’s first town purposefully designed for healthier, happier living
BANGKOK, Dec. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), one of Thailand’s leading property developers, today, announced that it is increasing investment in its 48-hectare The Forestias development on the outskirts of Bangkok and expanding the project size from US$2.98 billion to US$4.14 billion to make it a new, global prototype for a […]
more…19 Dec, 2019
European MPs say digital revolution facilitating tax avoidance by large companies
Brussels, 17 Dec 2019, (European Union media release) – Europeans expect EU action to ensure multinationals pay fair taxes on EU soil, MEPs said during a plenary debate on 16 December. The discussion centred on international efforts led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to modernise corporate tax rules in line with […]
more…18 Dec, 2019
Indigenous Languages Face Extinction as Two Vanish Every Month, U.N. General Assembly told
United Nations, Dec 17, 2019 (UN press release and meetings coverage) — Indigenous languages are in danger of extinction unless concrete measures are taken to protect them, speakers warned today, as the General Assembly convened a high‑level event marking the conclusion of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages. Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the […]
more…18 Dec, 2019
Economic growth does not make “knowledge workers” healthier, happier or richer
It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the busiest. With the decade coming to a close, what career goals are American knowledge workers focused on? The Work Resolutions Report by Zapier — Zapier Editorial Team / Published December 16, 2019 2020 is almost here and knowledge workers are thinking […]
more…18 Dec, 2019
Conference to expose workings of Israeli Lobby in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The “Transcending the Israel Lobby at Home and Abroad” conference (IsraelLobbyCon) takes place all day on May 29, 2020, in Washington, DC, at the National Press Club ballroom. The conference will feature the following speakers: Gideon Levy is a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. In his keynote speech […]
more…18 Dec, 2019
Why the Shopping Experience adds to Festive Season stress
RICHMOND HILL, ON, Dec. 16, 2019 /CNW/ – At a time when holiday cheer should be at an all-time high, a majority of Canadians report that the busy holiday shopping season elicits feelings of stress. According to a recent survey commissioned by Staples Canada, 60 per cent of Canadians stated that they find holiday shopping […]
more…18 Dec, 2019
Beware the Deadly Danger of Alcohol during the Festive Season
BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Many of us look forward to celebrations during the holidays, yet it is also a time when some people are more likely to drink beyond their limits than at other times of the year. Some will suffer adverse consequences that range from fights to falls to traffic crashes. […]
more…17 Dec, 2019
How Israeli “fam-trips” help brainwash American decision-makers and the public
JERUSALEM, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — A bipartisan delegation of Secretaries of State from across the United States are visiting Israel with the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Project Interchange. The program features in-depth discussions on cybersecurity policies and practices at the state, local, and federal level as it relates to business services, election administration, and […]
more…17 Dec, 2019
Asian NGOs blast Modi government, Delhi Police for violent student crackdown
(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 17 December 2019) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) unequivocally condemns the irresponsible and unprofessional conduct of the Delhi Police and the Union Government in orchestrating violent attacks against protesting students of Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia University on 15 December 2019. FORUM-ASIA believes these were deliberate attempts […]
more…17 Dec, 2019
‘Seasons Cheatings’: AARP Survey Finds Many Retirees at Risk from Holiday Scams
WASHINGTON, 12 December 2019, PRNewswire – Consumer fraud schemes escalate each year during the holidays, and a new research report, “Seasons Cheatings,” from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Fraud Watch Network finds that a significant number of consumers are at risk of becoming victimized by common seasonal scams. Nearly 20% of those surveyed […]
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