23 Oct, 2013
Call for Presentations at UNWTO Knowledge Network Symposium, TedQual Information Seminar
The following is an announcement about the new deadline of proposal submission (28 Oct 2013) to the UNWTO Knowledge Network Symposium and the UNWTO TedQual Information Seminar to be held on 16-17 November 2013 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China. The Symposium, scheduled for 16 November, will provide a unique […]
more…23 Oct, 2013
UN Experts On Indigenous Issues Urge Greater Focus On Environment, Women’s Rights
United Nations, (UN News Centre), Oct 22 2013 – While there have been encouraging responses to human rights concerns of indigenous peoples and to helping States and other stakeholders address them, the realities for indigenous groups remain a concern, a United Nations expert has noted. “Although I’m encouraged by positive developments in many places…I remain […]
more…23 Oct, 2013
Oct 26: Civil Rights Groups to Organise ‘Stop Watching Us’ Rally Against NSA Spying
WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/21/2013 — On October 26, thousands of civil rights activists will participate in the “Stop Watching Us” rally against mass surveillance at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Taking place on the 12th anniversary of the USA PATRIOT Act, the rally demands that Congress provide transparency, accountability and reform of the NSA’s mass […]
more…20 Oct, 2013
Study: “30 minutes of cellphone use per day leads to 40% increased risk of brain tumor”
New York, New York (PRWEB) October 16, 2013 – As cell phone radiation lawsuits (http://www.consumerinjurylawyers.com/cell-phone-radiation-lawsuit.html) continue to move forward in courts around the U.S., Bernstein Liebhard LLP notes a French safety watchdog has issued new recommendations regarding the use of cell phones by children. According to a report published by The Telegraph, the National Agency […]
more…20 Oct, 2013
Buddhist-Muslim Forum on Peace & Sustainability to be held in KL, Nov 1
Two leading social activists and thinkers from Thailand and Malaysia are to be amongst main speakers at an International Buddhist-Muslim Forum on Peace And Sustainability to be organised in Kuala Lumpur on 01 November 2013. The forum is being organised by the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) […]
more…19 Oct, 2013
Chinese rating agency cuts U.S. credit rating, cites lingering insolvency fears
BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) — Dagong Global Credit Rating Co. Ltd., a Chinese credit rating agency, on Thursday downgraded the local and foreign currency credit ratings of the United States to A- from A, maintaining a negative outlook. The decision came shortly after the U.S. Congress approved the resolution to end the partial government shutdown […]
more…19 Oct, 2013
China plans films to highlight culture, lifestyle of all its minorities
Beijing, (Xinhua), October 14, 2013 – Chinese government will produce at least one film for each of its 55 ethnic minorities, the State Ethnic Affairs Commission announced on Sunday. At a ceremony, names of four proposed films featuring Mongol, Dong and Manchu minorities were unveiled. These films will showcase the culture and life of the […]
more…19 Oct, 2013
More Chinese students returning home after studying abroad
Shanghai, 2013-10-17 (China Daily) – Facing a stagnant economic situation overseas, more Chinese students are returning home after studying overseas, a trend that looks likely to continue in coming years, a report released this week says. The report on the situation in 2013, conducted by the Chinese international education service provider EIC, said 22 percent […]
more…19 Oct, 2013
Thai Central Bank Chief tells US to take same medicine IMF prescribed to Asia in 1997
Beijing, 2013-10-17 (China Daily) – Before and after last weekend’s annual World Bank/IMF meeting, financial leaders from across the globe presented their views on the world economy at Harvard University. What did their views have in common? And what do they imply for China? All the financial leaders voiced concern over the failure to lift […]
more…19 Oct, 2013
Confucian wisdom opens new chapter in China-ASEAN ties
BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) — “Gentlemen seek harmony but not uniformity.” The ancient Chinese philosophy championed by Confucius has had far-reaching influence on the values of the Chinese people. In the contacts and exchanges with ASEAN countries, China’s policy of seeking good-neighborliness, concord and win-win cooperation has perfectly conveyed its diplomatic concept. At this crucial […]
more…19 Oct, 2013
Xinhua News Analysis: Risks linger despite U.S. debt resolution
BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) — The U.S. decision on Thursday to once again lift its debt limit has been welcomed but risks remain, according to to Chinese financial experts. The U.S. congress passed a deal to lift the U.S. government’s borrowing limit, in an effort to pull the country from the brink of a debt […]
more…17 Oct, 2013
Danish Operator Wins Innovation Award for Coach-Cycle Road Tour Concept
Kortrijk (IRU media release) 17 Oct 2013 – The IRU Coach Tourism Innovation Award 2013 was attributed to the Danish family-owned coach company Papuga A/S, for its “Let’s Cycle Together” concept, which allows cycling enthusiasts – clubs, companies, individuals – to tour Europe by coach with their bicycles, revealing a market potential that can attract […]
more…17 Oct, 2013
European MPs support ITU push to create a universal mobile phone charger
Geneva, 17 October 2013 (ITU media release) – Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have embraced an opportunity to mandate the use of universal charging solutions for mobile phones. An amendment to the Radio Equipment Directive of the European Parliament will require radio equipment – and in particular, mobile phones – to be compatible with a […]
more…17 Oct, 2013
Multinationals, economists and media they control will continue to lead people astray
Beijing, 2013-10-15, (China Daily) – This world of ours is flush with ideas, ideas that generate in the minds of ordinary people as well those who occupy the opulent interiors of glitzy edifices. One would imagine that the ideas engendered by all the minds would combine to chart the course of the world. But if […]
more…17 Oct, 2013
Chinese Mainland-Taiwan individual travelers surge
BEIJING, 2013-10-16, (Xinhua) — Individual tourists from the mainland to Taiwan outnumbered those on package tours during the recent seven-day holiday, said a mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday. About 23,600 independent tourists from the mainland visited Taiwan from Oct 1 to 7, up 144.25 percent over the same holiday last year, said Fan Liqing, spokeswoman with […]
more…17 Oct, 2013
Advancing the internationalization of the renminbi
Beijing, 2013-10-16, (China Daily) – The European Central Bank’s announcement of a new $350 billion swap agreement with the People’s Bank of China on Oct 10 comes at a curious time. Namely, we suspect that the current dysfunction in Washington may have accelerated the ECB’s discussions on the matter and may have tipped the scales […]
more…17 Oct, 2013
The fatality of America’s debt addiction
Beijing, 2013-10-16, (China Daily) – The stalemate between US President Barack Obama’s administration and Republican- majority House of Representatives over raising America’s debt ceiling has partly shut down the federal government since Oct 1. On Oct 10, Obama rejected Republicans’ offer of increasing the debt ceiling for six weeks, aiming to push the negotiations’ deadline […]
more…17 Oct, 2013
China Plans Nationwide, Lifelong Health Care System
Beijing, 2013-10-16 (China Daily) – According to guidelines issued by the State Council on Monday, the country will strive to set up a national health service system, spanning cradle to grave, and lift the value of the sector to more than 8 trillion yuan ($1.31 trillion) by 2020. To facilitate the plan’s fulfillment, the government […]
more…16 Oct, 2013
FREE Download: UNCTAD Report says New Policies Needed to Navigate New Dynamics of Global Economy
United Nations, Oct 14 2013 (UN News Centre) – Countries must adopt new economic policies to adjust to structural changes in the world economy sparked by the onset of the global financial crisis five years ago, according to a new United Nations report. The Trade and Development Report 2013 (click here to download free) notes […]
more…16 Oct, 2013
Angry India berates IMF for global economic surveillance failures, downturn projections
Ministry of Finance, 13-October, 2013 – Indian Finance Minister Mr P.Chidambaram has blasted the International Monetary Fund for its failure to identify risks and provide clear warnings about global macroeconomic turbulence. He has also demanded a detailed advance-warning study of the upcoming impact on the global economies of the rollback of the “quantitative easing” policies, […]
more…16 Oct, 2013
Developing World Faces Breast Cancer Surge, Study Suggests
October 15, 2013, CHALFONT ST. GILES, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rising breast cancer incidence and mortality represent a significant and growing threat for the developing world, according to a new global study commissioned by GE Healthcare. Explained report co-author Bengt Jönsson, Professor in Health Economics at the Stockholm School of Economics: “Breast cancer is on the rise across […]
more…15 Oct, 2013
Gambling Industry Salivates at Prospects of Online Boom
SARASOTA, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-October 09, 2013 – As OBJ Enterprises (OTCBB: OBJE) works to expand its share of the $13 billion global electronic games industry, a new generation of gaming consoles and mobile technologies is poised to spark a dramatic rise in game revenues in the next year. This week, CNBC Mad Money host Jim Cramer […]
more…15 Oct, 2013
ILO Chief Tells IMF-World Bank How to Avoid the Risk of a Slow-Growth Trap
Geneva, (ILO Media release) – Jobs are central both for the economic recovery and the long-term development of the global economy, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said in a statement to the International Monetary and Financial Committee and Development Committee of the IMF-World Bank on 11 October 2013. The following is the full text of his statement: […]
more…15 Oct, 2013
New Association Set Up to Tap Opportunities for Gap-Year Students in U.S.
Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) October 15, 2013 – Gap year programs, long a staple of education systems in Europe and Australia, have grown substantially in popularity in the United States during the past six years. In response to this trend, a team of leading education and gap year experts have joined together to support a new […]
more…14 Oct, 2013
Pakistan PM announces Rs.200M fund for Trust to help victims of Church bombing
PESHAWAR, October 10 (APP): Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Thursday announced allocation of Rs.200 million fund for a Trust to be set up by Christian community to rehabilitate victims of devastating suicide bomb blasts at All Saints Church on September 22 which claimed 83 precious lives and injured 140 persons. The announcement was made […]
more…14 Oct, 2013
Italian Minister Denies Hebron Visit ‘In Solidarity With Jewish Settlers’
BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Oct 12 (NNN-MA’AN) – Italian Minister of Tourism and Culture Massimo Bray has denied allegations of acting in “solidarity” with Israeli settlers after meeting with a leader of the illegal Jewish settler community in the Old City of Hebron on Tuesday. A statement released by the Italian consulate denied these “specious” allegations, highlighting […]
more…13 Oct, 2013
CNTA survey: Most Chinese want National Day Golden Week abolished
Beijing, 2013-10-12 – (China Daily) – Zhang Ji usually plays badminton with his colleagues on Saturdays at the Beijing University of Technology stadium. But not this week, because they have to work according to a revised holiday schedule. “This Saturday has become a working day because of the week-long National Day holiday,” said Zhang, who […]
more…13 Oct, 2013
Poll finds majority unhappy with China’s public holiday rules
Shanghai, (Shanghai Daily) October 12, 2013 – Most Chinese are unhappy with the country’s public holiday arrangements which feature long breaks at the cost of working extra days, according to a nation-wide poll. The national holiday coordinating office, which is affiliated to the National Tourism Administration, opened a poll at news portals on Thursday. Voting […]
more…13 Oct, 2013
European Parliamentarians urge end to impunity of CIA rendition and secret detentions
Brussels, European Parliament Plenary Session Press release – Citizens’ rights / Fundamental rights − 10-10-2013 – The climate of impunity surrounding EU member states’ complicity in the CIA’s secret “rendition” and detention programmes has allowed violations of fundamental rights to continue unchecked, as revealed by mass surveillance programmes run by the US and some EU […]
more…13 Oct, 2013
Europe’s 10-point Reform Agenda for Maximum Impact on Growth and Jobs
Brussels, 11 October 2013, European Commission – Once the EU’s 2014-2020 budget is confirmed by the European Parliament and EU member states, Cohesion Policy will invest € 325 billion in Europe’s regions and cities to deliver the EU-wide goals of growth and jobs, as well as tackling climate change and energy dependence. This will in […]
more…12 Oct, 2013
China’s wealthy shift focus to investment: Survey
Beijing, 2013-10-10 (China Daily) – China’s top entrepreneurs, who have achieved extraordinary business success in the past decades, are moving away from their core businesses to become more involved in investment, a ranking of the wealthiest investors in the world’s second-largest economy showed on Wednesday. “It is a clear trend that many entrepreneurs are shifting […]
more…12 Oct, 2013
Congestion makes Chinese wonder whether national holidays are a time for leisure or stress
2013-10-08 – (China Daily) – National holidays provide rare opportunities for the general public to travel and get a well-deserved rest, both physically and mentally, from their daily work routine. However, problems exposed by travel arrangements involving hundreds of millions of people, from overburdened tourist accommodation facilities at major scenic spots and poor services to […]
more…12 Oct, 2013
Combating the Hazards of Waste: New Strategies to Fight Health, Environmental Risks
Vienna, 7 October 2013 (UNEP media release) – Some 3.5 billion people, or half of the world’s population, are without access to crucial waste management services, posing significant environmental and health hazards and harming economies.This staggering statistic is the baseline for a new document released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United […]
more…12 Oct, 2013
India-Indonesia Strategic Partnership Pact to Boost Intra-Asian Travel
Indian Prime Minister’s Office, 11-October, 2013 – India and Indonesia are to step up travel & tourism exchanges, cultural and educational links as part of Strategic Partnership Agreement discussed during Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s official visit to Indonesia from 10 to 12 October 2013. The increased trade, investment and other contacts between Asia’s […]
more…11 Oct, 2013
China Flags Setting Up Infrastructure Funding Bank to Boost Links with ASEAN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang put forward a seven-point proposal on further broadening and deepening cooperation between his country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The China-ASEAN relations have grown to maturity and the bilateral cooperation has got on the fast track, Li said at the 16th […]
more…11 Oct, 2013
Reform R&D tax systems to boost innovation and help young firms, OECD Report
Paris, (OECD media release) 10/10/2013 – Most OECD governments use tax incentives to encourage businesses to invest in research and development (R&D) to boost innovation and drive economic growth. Others, like China, India and South Africa, are doing the same. But reforming these incentives would give countries a better return on their investment and support […]
more…11 Oct, 2013
Chinese Metaphysics Expert Offers Global Feng Shui Consulting
Singapore (PRWEB) October 10, 2013 – Award winning expert in Chinese Metaphysics disciplines, Kevin Foong, now offers consulting on a global basis. The founder of Kevin Foong Consulting Group, he now offers consulting in markets such as Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Foong’s consultancy firm focuses on the teaching of Feng […]
more…11 Oct, 2013
UN global survey explains why so many people with disabilities die in disasters
GENEVA, 10 October 2013, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) – The results of the first-ever UN global survey of persons living with disabilities on how they cope with disasters, illustrates why they die, or are injured, in disproportionate numbers in disasters. An estimated 15% of the world’s population lives with some form […]
more…11 Oct, 2013
Indian PM: India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway Making Progress, Completion Expected by 2016
Brunei Darussalam, 10-October, 2013 – Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo sector of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is nearing completion, and that India will work with its partner countries to ensure that the project is completed by 2016. In his Opening Statement at the 11th India-ASEAN Summit here, Dr Singh also […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
Indigenous Peoples “Must be Represented in Climate Change Deals on Future of Global Forests”
Indigenous peoples should have a permanent representative in a partnership of 75 countries that aims to decrease the global carbon footprint through reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Asia- and Australia-based members of the REDD+ Safeguards Working Group (R-SWG), a North-South coalition of civil society and indigenous peoples’ organizations, today issued the call […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
US$200 million ADB loan to Upgrade Major Highway in China’s Inner Mongolia
Asian Development Bank, 10 Oct 2013 – A major highway and rural roads in a remote northern area of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will be upgraded to support increased movement of goods and people, through a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). A $200 million loan will upgrade a major […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
All Anti-Terrorism Measures Must Observe International Law, UN meeting hears
United Nations (08 Oct 2013) Department of Public Information – As the UN 68th General Assembly, Sixth Committee (Legal) continued its debate on measures to eliminate international terrorism, delegates insisted that all courses of action must remain within the framework of international law. Rejecting unilateral acts against States and the use of force under the […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
China calls on US to stay solvent, ensure safety of massive Chinese assets
(China Daily), October 08, 2013 – In its first response to the US government shutdown by a senior official, China asked the United States to solve the political impasse and stay solvent to ensure the safety of massive Chinese assets. Vice-Minister of Finance Zhu Guangyao said on Monday that China, the US’s biggest creditor, is […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
Chinese Golden Week overcrowding dampens holidaymaker spirit
(Xinhua) October 08, 2013 – The National Day holiday which ends on Monday is just the latest chance to witness the characteristic overcrowding of Chinese holidays. While the world-famous tourist spots such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall, West Lake of Hangzhou and Nanjing Road in Shanghai were predictably packed with tourists, other places have […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
Business Travel Coalition Survey: More Airline Transparency Needed on Ancillary Service Fees
October 7, 2013 – Business Travel Coalition (BTC) on October 4, 2013 initiated a survey of travel industry participants from around the world with respect to the highly anticipated U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rulemaking regarding the disclosure of airline ancillary fees. The survey will remain open until DOT publishes its rulemaking with final survey […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
Xinhua analysis: Global economy grows in low gear, entering another transition
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday lowered its forecast for global economic growth, saying the world economy has entered another transition with a set of challenges that call for new reform efforts. The Washington-based global lender cut its growth forecast for the world economy to 2.9 percent this year, […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
Chinese anti-corruption drive cools holiday gift market
NANJING, 2013-10-04, (Xinhua) – Holiday season used to be boom time for gift companies in China, but the country’s frugality campaign is meaning many of them will have a hard time surviving this time around. In the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, where people swarm during Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holiday to buy […]
more…10 Oct, 2013
Emerging Asian economies expected to remain resilient, says new OECD Economic Outlook
Brunei Darussalam, 8 October 2013 – The economic outlook for Emerging Asia (Southeast Asia, China and India) remains robust over the medium term, anchored by the steady rise in domestic demand, according to a new report from the OECD Development Centre. GDP growth in Emerging Asia is projected to moderate gradually but stay resilient over […]
more…8 Oct, 2013
Survey Charts Online Queries for Boutique & Lifestyle Hotels
London (PRWEB UK) 7 October 2013 – There were three times as many online searches for Lifestyle & Boutique hotels in the UK than there were for those located in short-haul and long-haul destinations combined, reveals the latest analysis of specialist hotels search data from independent digital marketing agency, Greenlight. The agency’s “Boutique Hotels Sector […]
more…8 Oct, 2013
First high-level meeting to move beyond GDP in Asia, calculate “Value of Nature”
8 October, Bangkok (UNEP Media release) – Statisticians, economists, ecologists and policy makers across Asia are convening in Bangkok from today until 10 of October to look at ways to calculate the value of natural resources that could reshape the way country success is measured. The conference included technical discussions on “green accounting” systems and […]
more…7 Oct, 2013
Latest ITU Tech Stats Released: 30% of Global Youth Are Now ‘Digital Natives’
Geneva, 7 October 2013 (ITU media release) – Mobile broadband over smartphones and tablets has become the fastest growing segment of the global ICT market, according to ITU’s flagship annual report Measuring the Information Society 2013. New figures released today show buoyant global demand for information and communication technology (ICT) products and services, steadily declining prices […]
more…7 Oct, 2013
Gallup Poll: Americans See Current Shutdown as More Serious Than in ’95
WASHINGTON, D.C. -October 4, 2013 – (Gallup poll) – As non-essential parts of the federal government remain closed, 70% of Americans view the shutdown as a crisis or a major problem, even higher than the 56% saying the same at the height of the last shutdown in 1995. Leaders looking to gain ground in public […]
more…7 Oct, 2013
European Day of Languages: How to say “I Like You” in 24 Languages
Brussels, European Commission Press release – How do you say ‘I like you’ in 24 languages? This very useful information is brought to you by the European Commission on the occasion of the European Day of Languages (EDL) which was marked on 26 September 2013. It’s the minimum you’ll need to know if you’re planning […]
more…7 Oct, 2013
Early warning: Averting the next looming threat to ASEAN peace & prosperity
Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Thailand – Regardless of how many highways and airports emerge in ASEAN, or how many telecommunications, single-visa and energy and currency swap deals the ASEAN leaders sign, the real bridges of peace and prosperity will be built only if they can overcome the looming threats of religious/ethnic discord. Discussions at an […]
more…5 Oct, 2013
U.S. Gov’t shutdown Already Taking a Toll On Small Tour Companies
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) October 05, 2013 – Bindlestiff Tours operates from its home-base in Las Vegas to provide unique “adventure-tour” services to visitors and tourists from both the United States and the world through their website. Popular with foreign visitors from Europe and stretching as far as Sri Lanka and India, Bindlestiff Tours allows […]
more…5 Oct, 2013
Overseas Migration Fuels Western Australia Population Growth
Canberra, 26 September 2013 – Net Overseas Migration continues to fuel Western Australia’s population growth, accounting for almost two thirds (63 per cent) of the state’s total growth in the year to 31 March 2013, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “WA’s population nudged 2.5 million people at the […]
more…5 Oct, 2013
Australia releases revised directory of family and domestic violence statistics
Canberra, 03 Oct 2013 – The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released the updated Directory of Family and Domestic Violence Statistics, aimed at improving the evidence base for family, domestic and sexual violence. The 2013 directory provides a detailed analysis of national and state and territory based data collections, encompassing both survey and administrative […]
more…4 Oct, 2013
Heritage Bank Survey: How Far Australians Go To Save a Dollar in 2013
(PRWEB) October 04, 2013 – Heritage Bank today released surprising results about our nation when it comes to how far people will go to save a dollar in 2013. The research was conducted as part of the Bank’s Number 1 for Value campaign, being rolled out across Queensland this month. Research covered a number of […]
more…4 Oct, 2013
UK spy agency faces legal action over mass surveillance
London, 03 Oct 2013, (Media release) — Today Big Brother Watch, working with the Open Rights Group, English PEN and German internet activist Constanze Kurz, has announced legal papers have been filed alleging that GCHQ has illegally intruded on the privacy of millions of British and European citizens. We allege that by collecting vast amounts of […]
more…3 Oct, 2013
$700 Million ADB Loan to Spur Crucial Private Investment in India Infrastructure
3 October 2013 – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $700 million in loans to support the Indian government’s efforts to accelerate investment in the infrastructure that the country urgently needs to ensure strong economic growth. “Poor infrastructure is one of the biggest drags on growth and development in India and there is a large […]
more…3 Oct, 2013
Chinese tourists affected by US govt shutdown
LOS ANGELES, 2013-10-02, (Xinhua) – On the first day of US federal government shutdown, a Californian resident may not feel the impact, but many Chinese tourists are sad and their tour guides are nervous. Tony Lu has run a travel agency in Los Angeles for 20 years. Four tourist groups from China’s mainland organized by […]
more…2 Oct, 2013
FREE Download: FAO Report says global hunger down, but millions still chronically hungry
1 October 2013, Rome – Some 842 million people, or roughly one in eight, suffered from chronic hunger in 2011-13, not getting enough food to lead active and healthy lives according to a report released by the UN food agencies. The number is down from 868 million reported for the 2010-12 period, according to the […]
more…2 Oct, 2013
FREE Download: New Index Identifies Countries’ Ability to Develop and Nurture Human Capital
New York, USA, 1 October 2013 – The World Economic Forum’s first Human Capital Index has identified the most successful countries in the world when it comes to maximizing the long-term economic potential of their respective labour forces. The Index, which measures countries on their ability to develop and deploy healthy, educated and able workers […]
more…1 Oct, 2013
Recovering alcoholics welcome in Brunei, says Sultanate’s top tour operator
BANGKOK – Millions of recovering alcoholics around the world are being invited to take their next holiday or hold their next big event in one of the world’s few publicly ‘dry’ destinations – Brunei Darussalam. Michael Lee, Managing Director of Freme Tours & Travel, based in the Bruneian capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, says the […]
more…1 Oct, 2013
Australian releases guide for mobile app developers, urges them to put privacy first
30 September 2013 – The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has today released Mobile privacy: A better practice guide for mobile app developers. With 6 in 10 Australians choosing not to use a smartphone app because of concerns about the way personal information would be used [1], the Guide will assist mobile app developers […]
more…1 Oct, 2013
China honours 50 foreign experts with Friendship Awards
Beijing, 2013-09-29 (chinadaily.com.cn) – For Craig Joseph Heck, winning a Friendship Award is an once-in-a-lifetime experience, celebrated when he was one of 50 to receive China’s top award for foreign experts at the Great Hall of the People on Sunday afternoon. After winning an award from the local government in Wuhan last year, the 54-year-old […]
more…1 Oct, 2013
Chinese airlines hit by 80 false terror threats this year
Beijing, (Xinhua), September 29, 2013 – Chinese airlines and airports have suffered more than 80 cases of false terrorist threats so far this year causing panic among the public, a court official said Sunday. Those involved in fabricating and deliberately spreading false terrorist threats will receive harsh punishments ranging from detention to a jail term […]
more…1 Oct, 2013
Xinhua Insight: China’s new tourism law to upgrade industry
NANNING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) – He Yuhan feels both happy and disappointed while visiting Detian Waterfall on the China-Vietnam border, eleven years after her first visit. Back in 2002, the then 15-year-old girl traveled from Beijing to admire the breath-taking waterfall. Located in Daxin County in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, it is the […]
more…1 Oct, 2013
China Focus: Tourism to be leading industry along Silk Road
XI’AN, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) — Tourism will become one of the leading industries along the Silk Road economic belt, which covers western China, central Asia and Europe, according to officials and experts. The road has great charm and tourism will be a leading industry for the Silk Road economic belt, said Pavlos Geroulanos, former Greek […]
more…1 Oct, 2013
PATA UK Chapter Chairman: APD issue has expired its shelf-life, time to move on
Bangkok – The chairman of the PATA UK chapter has signalled PATA CEO Martin Craigs to cease going on about the UK Air Passenger Duty, saying the issue has run out of shelf-life. In a wide-ranging interview, Mr. Chris Lee said the UK government has not responded to Mr. Craigs and other travel industry leaders […]
more…30 Sep, 2013
Are branding gurus driving confused cabbies crazy?
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” So spake my ole pal, Shakespeare. Ahh, but he didn’t have to do battle with cabbies in Bangkok or Mumbai now, did he?! Cab drivers know all the little back alleys and short cuts and are kings […]
more…30 Sep, 2013
Strong tourism season gives Europe an economic boost and much needed jobs
Brussels, 27 September 2013, European Commission Press release – Despite the economic crisis, Europe remains one of the favourite destinations. International tourist arrivals in Europe grew by 5 % during the first half of 2013, with best results recorded in Central and Eastern Europe (+ 9 %) and Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+ 6 %)1. […]
more…29 Sep, 2013
Smoking costing U.S. employers $278 billion annually in absenteeism, healthcare
WASHINGTON, D.C. -September 26, 2013 – Gallup Polls – Workers who smoke cost the U.S. economy an estimated $278 billion annually in lost productivity due to absenteeism and extra healthcare costs. This figure is based on an analysis of the cost of extra missed workdays due to poor health, partial absenteeism due to smoke breaks, […]
more…29 Sep, 2013
Schiphol Airport to relieve traveller hassles by ending security checks at individual gates
Brussels, 27 Sept 2013 (Europa media release) – The European Investment Bank (EIB), Europe’s long-term lending institution has agreed to provide a EUR 200 million loan to Schiphol Group to finance significant transformation of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This will improve passenger experience at the airport through construction of a central security screening facility, ending the […]
more…29 Sep, 2013
India Expands Inter-City AC Double Decker Train Services
Ministry of Railways, 27-September, 2013 – The AC Double Decker train between Habibganj and Indore, the first ever such train service in the state of Madhya Pradesh, was flagged off by the Minister of State for Railways Mr Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury at Habibganj railway station in Bhopal on 27 September 2013. This LHB AC Double […]
more…29 Sep, 2013
Chinese Golden Week Travel: Bangkok leads top 10 searched destinations
Beijing, 2013-09-26 (chinadaily.com.cn) – As the National Day week-long holiday period approaches, travel search site Tianxun.cn released findings about popular searches from Aug 1 to Sept 30 over the past three years. It shows that Bangkok remains at the top of searched destinations for the third year running, but Taipei, Los Angeles and Singapore have […]
more…29 Sep, 2013
Gallup Poll: Globally, Men Twice as Likely as Women to Have a Good Job
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 27, 2013 — In every region of the world, men surpass women when it comes to having a “good job” — that is, full-time work for an employer, or what Gallup refers to as the Payroll to Population (P2P) employment rate. Worldwide, the P2P employment rate for men is 34%; it […]
more…27 Sep, 2013
Geopolitical instability tops the list of risks to growth: McKinsey Global Survey results
September 2013 (McKinsey & Company) – Global executives are increasingly positive about the direction of the world economy, though in our latest survey on economic conditions,1 the source of their optimism has shifted away from emerging markets and toward the developed world. For the first time since we posed the question 18 months ago, respondents […]
more…27 Sep, 2013
As support grows for internal overhaul, PATA comms manager exits
Bangkok – The communications manager of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Ms Halona Padiachy, has resigned after only four months in the job. Her departure, effective immediately, comes just weeks after PATA CEO Martin Craigs publicly declared at the UN World Tourism Organisation General Assembly in Zambia that “the media must be confronted”. Ms Padiachy […]
more…27 Sep, 2013
Australia ends “nasty surprises” for its citizens using int’l mobile roaming
Canberra, (Australian Communications and Media Authority) – From Friday 27 September 2013 there will be fewer surprises for Australian consumers using international mobile roaming services. The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s International Mobile Roaming Standard takes effect from this date, although the implementation of the standard’s various components is staged. From tomorrow, all Australians travelling […]
more…26 Sep, 2013
Incheon Airport Breaks Ground on Terminal 2, will set global benchmark in traveller comfort
INCHEON, South Korea, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Incheon International Airport (ICN), the country’s busiest airport, and the only airport in the world to be voted best in the world by Airports Council International for eight consecutive years, breaks ground on Terminal 2. Gensler, as the collaborating design architect with the HMGY (Heerim-Mooyoung-Gensler-Yungdo) Consortium, designed […]
more…25 Sep, 2013
Create cinema which builds a tolerant, harmonious India, President tells Indian film industry
President’s Secretariat, 24-September, 2013 – The President of India Mr Pranab Mukherjee called upon the film industry to create Cinema which contributes to social transformation and moral upliftment. He was speaking on the occasion Centenary celebrations of Indian Cinema organized by Government of Tamil Nadu and South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce today (September 24, […]
more…25 Sep, 2013
UNCTAD Report Urges Harmonised Steps In ASEAN To Reap Potential Of E-Commerce
Geneva, 25 September 2013 – Countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), already well advanced in using e-commerce, should boost the development payoff of these technologies by taking steps to build consumer trust (see table 1 below), address payment fraud, and overcome difficulties in assessing the quality of products offered online, a […]
more…25 Sep, 2013
New study of professional creatives finds stress is stagnating or killing creativity
NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Professional creatives are struggling to produce creative and effective campaigns in an increasingly stressful work environment, according to a new survey released today from iStock by Getty Images during Advertising Week 2013 in New York City. One in two (48 percent) creatives believes levels of creativity in their industry […]
more…25 Sep, 2013
U.S. TSA $6.8m Contract Just for Bottled Liquid Scanners at Airports
EDGEWOOD, Md.-September 23, 2013-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Smiths Detection has won a contract award for $6.8 million to supply RespondeR Bottled Liquid Scanner (BLS) units to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for use at U.S. airport passenger screening checkpoints. RespondeR BLS is a compact system that uses Raman spectroscopy technology to identify hazardous liquids in sealed bottles. The […]
more…24 Sep, 2013
Sinister Motive Behind Uptick in Communal Riots – Indian Home Minister
NEW DELHI, Sept 23 (NNN-PTI) — Voicing concern over rise in incidents of communal violence, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said frequency of riots has suggested that there is a sinister motive behind such clashes and attempts are being made to polarise the society. He said statistics on the communal violence show an increasing trend in […]
more…24 Sep, 2013
FREE Download: Report tracks how I.T. can transform lives of the disabled
Geneva/New York, 24 September, 2013 – A new report released today demonstrates how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), have become a positive force of transformation and a crucial element of any personal development, empowerment and institutional framework for inclusive development. While the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) represent a concerted effort to address global poverty, there is […]
more…24 Sep, 2013
Thailand Chapter Chief Calls for PATA Overhaul to Put Chapters in Driving Seat
BANGKOK – The chairman of the PATA Thailand chapter, Mr. Bert van Walbeek, has called for an overhaul of the PATA management and administrative structures in order to better prepare the association for the challenges of rapidly changing times. “I don’t think that those who had the foresight to move the headquarters to Asia (in […]
more…24 Sep, 2013
Gallup Poll: Americans’ Belief That Gov’t Is Too Powerful at Record Level
PRINCETON, NJ, (Gallup Polls) September 23, 2013 — Six in 10 Americans (60%) believe the federal government has too much power, one percentage point above the previous high recorded in September 2010. At least half of Americans since 2005 have said the government has too much power. Thirty-two percent now say the government has the […]
more…23 Sep, 2013
FREE Download: MasterCard Study Says Cash Heading for Extinction
PURCHASE, N.Y.-September 23, 2013, -(BUSINESS WIRE)–MasterCard (NYSE:MA) today unveiled a new global report, “The Cashless Journey,” that tracks how 33 major economies are progressing from cash-based to cashless societies. The report, produced by MasterCard Advisors, identifies new technologies, government programs and consumer preferences as key factors that are driving this shift, creating more productive and […]
more…23 Sep, 2013
China Promotes Golf as a Game of Peace
Beijing, 2013-09-19 (chinadaily.com.cn) – The consensus that sports can play an important role in promoting world peace was echoed by participators in a charity golf event on Wednesday in Beijing. The 14th “Peace Cup” International Golf Tournament, a non-professional event, attracted a lot of golf lovers from different circles and countries to promote world peace […]
more…23 Sep, 2013
FREE Download: Nielsen report on African-American consumer behavior, lifestyle trends
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–African-American buying power continues to increase and is expected to rise from its current $1 trillion level1 to $1.3 trillion by 2017, according to Resilient, Receptive and Relevant: The African-American Consumer 2013 Report. The report was released today by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy, […]
more…23 Sep, 2013
Sikh Professor Beaten in U.S., Called ‘Osama,’ ‘Terrorist’
(NEW YORK, N.Y., 9/22/13) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on state political and religious leaders to speak out against bias-motivated crimes after a Sikh professor was attacked Saturday night in Manhattan while being called “Osama” and “terrorist” by his alleged assailants. That same day, a Muslim […]
more…22 Sep, 2013
HSBC global survey: 63% of retired people fear not having enough money to live on
18 Sep 2013 (HSBC media release) – Nearly one in eight workers think they will never be able to afford to retire fully, according to HSBC’s latest report, The Future of Retirement: Life after work? Among those already retired, many have less money than they expected, and some feel they were too hasty in giving […]
more…22 Sep, 2013
American Express OPEN Launches CEO BootCamp for Women Entrepreneurs
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 20, 2013 – Today, American Express OPEN, the small business division of American Express, announced OPEN for Women: CEO BootCamp, a first-of-its-kind program that teaches women entrepreneurs some of the fundamental pillars for successful ventures – confidence, competence and connections as recognized by a number of renowned experts in entrepreneurship. According to […]
more…21 Sep, 2013
New rules to improve Chinese government transparency
Beijing, 2013-09-19 (China Daily) – The State Council, China’s Cabinet, on Wednesday announced that the procedures by which government information is disclosed will be improved. Government departments at all levels will be required to improve the quality of the spokesperson system, and to hold more media briefings to respond to public concerns, according to an […]
more…21 Sep, 2013
Americans Fault Mental Health System Most for Gun Violence – Gallup Polls
PRINCETON, NJ, September 20, 2013 (Gallup Polls) — Forty-eight percent of Americans blame the mental health system “a great deal” for mass shootings in the United States, unchanged from January 2011. At the same time, fewer blame easy access to guns now (40%) than two years ago (46%), making the mental health system the perceived top […]
more…21 Sep, 2013
Chinese MA60 aircraft set to fly Nepalese skies
KATHMANDU, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese-made MA60 aircraft is all set to enter Nepali skies after the government of Nepal decided to issue the type certificate to it for the first time. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) last Tuesday formally decided to award the type certificate to Chinese MA60 aircraft. A type certificate […]
more…21 Sep, 2013
Tougher penalties to hit Chinese outbound travel agencies
Beijing, (China Daily), September 20, 2013 – Travel agencies organizing overseas trips and group guides who buy fake admission tickets face stricter penalties, according to the China National Tourism Administration. The moves follow an incident where a group of Chinese tourists tried to use fake tickets to visit the Louvre Museum in Paris. In a […]
more…21 Sep, 2013
Tri-cultural Indian leaders say development impossible without communal harmony
New Delhi, 20 Sept 2013 – India’s top leadership is a unique blend of cultures. Its President Pranab Mukherjee is a Hindu, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is a Sikh and Vice President Prof M. Hamid Ansari is a Muslim. This tri-colour of cultures is also reflected in the Indian flag. No wonders that all […]
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