18 Jul, 2012
Three Oklahoma City Billboards Call for ‘No War on Iran’
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma activists from the group Americans Against the Next War (AANW) are working to prevent military action or war against Iran. They have contracted with a local outdoor advertising company for three billboards, now on display in the metro area, carrying their message: “Tell Congress: No War on Iran.” A news conference […]
more…17 Jul, 2012
OECD Sees High Jobless Rates Continuing
Paris, 10/07/2012 (OECD News Release) – The current weak economic recovery will keep unemployment rates in OECD countries high until at least the end of 2013, according to a new OECD report. The Employment Outlook 2012 says that the OECD-wide joblessness rate is forecast to remain high at 7.7% in the fourth quarter of 2013, close […]
more…17 Jul, 2012
Full Details: Thailand’s Tourism Marketing Action Plan 2013
Bangkok, July 16 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled a series of strategies designed to maintain Thailand’s brand image, marketing profile and visitor arrivals in a world of unprecedented change. Announced today after the conclusion of the TAT’s annual action planning meeting, the strategies are designed to ensure that the travel and tourism […]
more…17 Jul, 2012
U.S. Violates WTO Rule, Misuses Trade Protection Measures
Beijing, July 16, 2012 – China and the United States will begin official negotiations from July 18 to July 19, regarding the case that China had reported the U.S. anti-subsidy measures on 22 exported products from China to the dispute settlement mechanism of World Trade Organization (WTO). China had proposed negotiations with the United States […]
more…17 Jul, 2012
India Monitors Food Impact as Monsoon Rains Play “Hide-and-Seek”
New Delhi, Ministry of Agriculture, 16-July, 2012 – The Agriculture Minister Mr Sharad Pawar today hailed the agricultural research system for the key role it has played in increasing farm production over the years. Recounting the shift in Indian agriculture from the era of famine and food imports to the present era of surplus, Mr […]
more…17 Jul, 2012
India To Push Development of Inland Waterways
NEW DELHI, Prime Minister’s Office, 16-July, 2012 – The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has been pushing for greater private investment in inland waterways, an area of considerable importance. Since January, PMO has identified and fast-tracked implementation of key projects in the National Waterways – 1, 2 and 3 (NW – 1,2,3). These are the Varanasi-Haldia […]
more…17 Jul, 2012
Americans Must Deal With Their Double Standards
WASHINGTON D.C. – Ralph Nader is without a doubt one of the truly transformational figures in contemporary American history. We drink cleaner water, breathe purer air, drive safer cars, and are better protected at work and at play, because of the movement he led. Ever the innovator, Ralph has taken on a new challenge: to […]
more…16 Jul, 2012
Campaign Targets US$ 870bn/year Transnational Organized Crime Business
16 July 2012 – UNODC today launched a new global awareness-raising campaign emphasizing the size and cost of transnational organized crime. Profiling this multibillion dollar a year threat to peace, human security and prosperity, the campaign illustrates the key financial and social costs of this international problem through a new public service announcement video and […]
more…16 Jul, 2012
UK Charity Seeks To Curb Alcohol Abuse/Misuse at Olympics
(PRWEB UK) 16 July 2012 – The national charity, which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use, thinks it’s important for people to have access to good quality advice at sites including football stadia and Olympic venues where alcohol is being sold. Alcohol has become synonymous with celebrations and sport […]
more…16 Jul, 2012
Efforts to Tackle Global Obesity Shaping a New Investment Megatrend
NEW YORK & LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Increasing efforts to tackle obesity over the coming decades will form an important new investment theme for fund managers, according to a new BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research report called “Globesity – The Global Fight Against Obesity.” “Global obesity is a mega-investment theme for the next 25 years and beyond. Obesity […]
more…16 Jul, 2012
Investigative Report Says Security Firms Contributing to Global Insecurity
With the travel & tourism industry facing soaring costs of security, an investigative report issued last month by the New York-based Global Policy Forum warns that international security contractors are operating in an environment of total impunity and secrecy that may be worsening the situation. Entitled, “Dangerous Partnership: Private Military & Security Companies and the […]
more…16 Jul, 2012
Global Banks Face Domino Risk, “Contrarian” Finance Editors Warn
New York, NY (PRWEB) July 15, 2012 – In a recent Investment Contrarians article, editor Danny Esposito comments how amazing it is that many economists out there continue to hold onto the notion that should a financial crisis take place in Europe, the U.S. will not be affected. Esposito believes the big banks in the […]
more…16 Jul, 2012
Key Global Issues That Will See €8bn Spent On European Research
Brussels, 12 July 2012 (EU Media release) – The EU’s latest call for research proposals aims to stimulate innovation for growth and jobs. About €8.1bn is available in 2013 for world-class research – key to returning the EU to growth and closing the innovation gap with its main trade competitors, the US and Japan. Research […]
more…15 Jul, 2012
Global Workforce Study Finds Most U.S. Workers Struggling to Cope with Tough Workplace Situations
NEW YORK, 11 July 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE) — As doubts reemerge about the strength of economic recovery in the U.S., a new Global Workforce Study by global professional services company Towers Watson (NYSE, NASDAQ: TW) reveals that almost two-thirds (63%) of U.S. workers are not fully engaged in their work and are struggling to cope […]
more…15 Jul, 2012
Study Shows Women are Primary Breadwinners in U.S.
NEWARK, N.J, .July 11, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The majority of women have emerged as primary breadwinners, whether they like it or not, according to Prudential Financial’s (NYSE:PRU) latest biennial study on the “Financial Experience & Behaviors Among Women.” The study, in its 12th year, finds that 53 percent of the more than 1,400 women […]
more…15 Jul, 2012
$800 Million Project to Link 4,200 Indian Villages to Services & Markets
MANILA, (ADB Media release) 12 July 2012 – A new four-part $800 million investment program from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will help build 9,000 kilometers of rural roads in five Indian states, connecting 4,200 far-flung communities year-round to crucial markets and services. “Thousands of kilometers of highways between major cities criss-cross India but building […]
more…12 Jul, 2012
New Masterplan Boosts Aboriginal Tourism Businesses in Top End Australia
Arnhem Land, 9 July 2012 – The Yolngu people of Arnhem Land are embarking on a bold plan to create thriving Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Australia’s spectacular Top End, boosted today with the announcement of a Federal Government grant of $825,000. The Yolngu Cultural Tourism Masterplan is the first of its kind in Australia and […]
more…12 Jul, 2012
Early Warning to Global Tourism: U.S. Congress Pushes War With Iran
Jul. 09, 2012 – In electing Barack Obama in 2008, the American people brought into the White House an outspoken opponent of the U.S. invasion of Iraq who not only withdrew combat forces from that country but promised to “change the mindset” — the idea that the United States could unilaterally make war against oil-rich […]
more…12 Jul, 2012
China: Negative Influence of US’ Asia Strategy Must Be Eliminated
Beijing, July 11, 2012 – In recent years, cooperation among East Asian countries has maintained a flourishing momentum. The peace, stability and development are common wishes of countries of the region. One major purpose for the economically-gloomy United States to declare its “returning to the Asia-Pacific Region” strategy in this period is to share the […]
more…11 Jul, 2012
Lloyds Bank Study Pitches “Happiness Impact” of UK Olympics
London, UK (PRWEB UK) 10 July 2012 – A report commissioned by Lloyds Banking Group on the Economic Impact of the UK 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, also includes a chapter assessing the impact of the events on UK residents’ happiness. The report, covering the period from the winning of the bid in 2005, through […]
more…10 Jul, 2012
Australia Appoints First Airline Customer Advocate to Address Complaints
Canberra, (Minister of Infrastructure & Transport), 08 July 2012 – Australia has appointed its first Airline Customer Advocate to look into complaints by airline customers. The position will be jointly funded by the Australian airlines themselves. The following is the full text of the statement by the Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the launch: Today I […]
more…9 Jul, 2012
China Creates New Visa Category to Attract Overseas Talent
Beijing, July 09, 2012 – On June 30, the 11th Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, passed a new Exit-Entry Administration Law at its 27th meeting. One of the highlights of the new law is a new visa category titled “talent introduction” which aims to attract talented individuals from overseas. The […]
more…7 Jul, 2012
UN Food Agency Blasts Human Cost of Speculation in Commodities, Crops
6 July 2012, Rome (UN Food and Agriculture Organisation Media Release) – The world needs to take a hard look at speculation on the financial markets and its potential impact on food price volatility, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva said today at a high-level debate on the issue at FAO Headquarters in Rome. “While […]
more…7 Jul, 2012
Where Do Women Feel Safe Walking At Night? Gallup Poll Has a Few Surprises
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Gallup Poll) 6 July 2012 — Crime rates typically drop as countries develop socially and economically, partly because their capacity to enforce laws improves and poverty declines. But Gallup data from surveys in 143 countries in 2011 suggest men and women often do not equally share the bolstered sense of security that these […]
more…7 Jul, 2012
Use of No-Fly List Puts Another U.S. Muslim in Extra-Judicial Exile
I hope that someday we will all look back in shame at how routinely the United States once barred traveling American Muslims from returning to their country. But while that day may be far off, Ali Ahmed serves as just the latest example of how the misguided and illegal use of the no-fly list imposes […]
more…6 Jul, 2012
Dr Mahathir, Israeli Columnist to Speak at Palestine Rights Confab in Bangkok
Bangkok – A meeting of the United Nations committee on Palestinian Rights, due to take pace in Bangkok between July 10-11, will give the Asia-Pacific travel & tourism industry a major chance to pursue ways to visit Palestine without seeking a visa from the occupying Israeli authorities. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad will join […]
more…5 Jul, 2012
Bengali Film Awards Bash in Thailand Fumbles With A String Of Indian “Faux Pas”
PATTAYA, Thailand — An awards ceremony held on July 1 to celebrate the best of Bengali cinema instead collapsed in a string of self-confessed “faux pas” to the extent where one of the co-sponsors from Kolkata TV publicly berated the Master of Ceremonies to find a more professional person for next year’s awards. Amidst continuous […]
more…4 Jul, 2012
Eurozone Crisis Has Little Impact on European Arrivals to Thailand
Bangkok — In spite of the Eurozone crisis, visitor arrivals to Thailand from all the European countries have shown a 10.9% increase in January-May 2012, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The arrivals of 2,690,783 from Europe contributed to a total visitor arrivals count of 8,871,930 in the […]
more…4 Jul, 2012
New EU App Gives European Summer Travellers Instant Access To Their Rights
Brussels, 4 July 2012 (EU Press Release) – Passengers stranded at airports or awaiting missing luggage may now use a smartphone application to check their rights immediately and on the spot. Just in time for the summer holidays, the European Commission has launched an application for smartphones which covers air and rail transport and works […]
more…4 Jul, 2012
Travelers Left Behind More Than 8,000 Mobile Devices at Top U.S. Airports
July 03, 2012 – ADDISON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Credant Technologies, a company specialising in data protection, today announced the results of their second survey of top airports in the United States. In the last year, travelers left behind 8,016 mobile devices at seven of the largest airports in the country, including: Chicago O’Hare, Denver International, San Francisco […]
more…4 Jul, 2012
Thoughts of an American Muslim on Independence Day
[Nihad Awad is national executive director for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the U.S.’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization. He can be contacted at: nawad@cair.com] As we mark one of history’s most triumphant acts of liberty, I want to share with you some of the many things America’s Muslims are doing to preserve […]
more…4 Jul, 2012
Indian Domestic Tourism Pegged at 850 Million Visits in 2011, Up 13.8%
New Delhi, 03-July, 2012 – The number of domestic tourist visits (DTVs) to the States/ UTs during 2011 was 851 million as compared to 748 million in 2010 and 669 million in 2009. During 2011, the number of domestic tourist visits to States/UTs registered an increase of 13.8% over 2010 as compared to increase of […]
more…3 Jul, 2012
PATA Reshuffles the Deck – Again!
Bangkok – The Pacific Asia Travel Association has undergone another reshuffling of the deck with the imminent departure of Stu Lloyd, Senior Director – Marketing and Membership Services, and the appointment of Sheila Leong as Chief Operating Officer, effectively making her the Number Two in the organisation. The departure of Mr. Lloyd as of July […]
more…29 Jun, 2012
New “Beijing Treaty” Firms Up Copyright Protection for Audiovisual Performances
Beijing, June 26, 2012 – The diplomatic conference to finalize a new treaty for audiovisual performers was concluded on June 26, 2012 as negotiators from member states of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) signed the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (BTAP) – so-named in recognition of the city that hosted the final round of […]
more…29 Jun, 2012
Stay Out of World Heritage Sites, Global Mining, Energy Giants Warned
26 June 2012 — The global rush for energy and minerals is likely to tempt many multinational corporations to venture into World Heritage Sites, and a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warns that they do so at the risk of their reputations and public image. The report, the result of […]
more…29 Jun, 2012
As Eurozone Crisis Bites, EC Targets Tax Fraud And Evasion
Brussels, 27 June 2012, European Commission Press release – Minimum sanctions for tax crimes, a cross-border tax identification number, an EU tax-payer’s charter and stronger common measures against tax havens. These are just some of the concrete ideas that the Commission has put forward today to improve the fight against tax fraud and evasion in […]
more…29 Jun, 2012
New Aviation Procedures Published to Mitigate Impact of Volcanic Eruptions
MONTREAL, 26 June 2012 (ICAO Press Release) – The International Volcanic Ash Task Force (IVATF), a special multidisciplinary group established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in response to the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in April 2010, has delivered a series of practical tools and recommendations to significantly mitigate the impact of future volcanic events on international […]
more…29 Jun, 2012
China Offers US$15 Billion for Latin America Development
SANTIAGO, June 27 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a speech at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean (ECLAC) on Tuesday. In order to deepen strategic relations with the region, he announced the creation of a cooperation fund for the region with an initial input of US$5 billion to promote, […]
more…29 Jun, 2012
South-South Trade Surging, Travel Sure to Follow
Geneva, 26 June 2012 (UNCTAD News Release) – South-South trade has grown dramatically in the past decade to about a quarter of the value of world trade, says UNCTAD’s newly-launched South-South Trade Monitor. The online publication, to be issued twice a year, monitors trade among developing countries. As trade is a precursor of travel trends, […]
more…29 Jun, 2012
U.S. Mayors: “Papers Please” Provision Will Pose Ethnic, Racial Profiling Challenge
Washington, D.C. June 25, 2012 – The following statement was issued by U.S. Conference of Mayors President, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter in reaction to the Supreme Court’s Arizona v. United States decision Immigration Law, also known as the ‘Papers Please’ Provision. As with all such statements, it is diplomatically and carefully worded in order […]
more…28 Jun, 2012
Africa Admits It Was “Ambushed” at Rio+20 Talks
ADDIS ABABA — The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has admitted that African leaders lost the battle at the negotiating table of the recent Rio+20 Earth summit. An official announcement posted on the ECA website on June 25 says frankly that the final outcome document, “The Future We Want”, only looks ahead towards creating […]
more…27 Jun, 2012
China to Slash Work Permit Periods for Foreigners
2012-06-27 (China Daily) – The minimum length for residential work permits for foreigners will be slashed from 180 days to just 90, according to the latest draft of a new immigration law currently under review. The draft law on exit-entry administration is receiving its third review from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress […]
more…27 Jun, 2012
China’s Building Boom: Symbol of Affluence or Trap of Luxury?
Beijing, June 26, 2012 (Edited and translated by People’s Daily Online) – I just returned from Shenyang a few days ago and learned that Shenyang is planning the construction project to prepare for the next National Games. One day later, I was told that an indoor stadium, which had cost 800 million yuan and was […]
more…27 Jun, 2012
China’s Gender Ratio Imbalance Set to be Big Problem for “Leftover Men”
Beijing, June 26, 2012 – China’s sex ratio at birth has been rising in the past 30 years. The sex ratio at birth is also known as newborn infant sex ratio. Under natural circumstances, the ratio of every 100 newborn girls to 103 to 107 newborn boys is normal. As the death rate of boys […]
more…27 Jun, 2012
RehabTech Asia Expo Aims to Improve Quality of Life for Disabled and Aged
Singapore – Asia’s first and only trade event for the assistive technology (AT), integrated care and rehabilitation engineering (RE) industry will be held from 27 February to 1 March 2013 at Singapore EXPO Convention & Exhibition Centre. The co-organisers are Fiera Milano S.p.A. and Singex Exhibition Ventures Pte Ltd., supported by Singapore Exhibition & Convention […]
more…26 Jun, 2012
“Radical Openness,” Theme of TEDGlobal 2012 Conference
EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — TED, the nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, opens its annual Europe-based TEDGlobal conference today in Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference, this year themed “Radical Openness,” shares the same format as its twin event in Long Beach, CA: inspired leaders, thinkers, makers, and performers from around the globe take […]
more…26 Jun, 2012
Indonesia To Host Major Conference On Disasters In Asia
BANGKOK, 26 June, 2012 (ISDR Press Release) – The Indonesian government today announced details of the Fifth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction which it will host in October as the region counts the cost of record-breaking disaster losses over the last year. Indonesia made disaster risk reduction a national priority following the 2004 […]
more…25 Jun, 2012
U.S. Pilots Seek “Level Playing Field” to Compete Against Foreign Airlines
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a white paper released on June 12 titled “Leveling the Playing Field for U.S. Airlines and Their Employees,” the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) outlines the clear solutions that the U.S. government must pursue to create a strong U.S. airline industry and fairly position U.S. airlines and their employees to compete and […]
more…25 Jun, 2012
European Giants Will Wipe Out Local Firms In ASEAN Exhibitions Boom
BANGKOK – The rapid expansion of European exhibition conglomerates in the ASEAN and Asian regions could drive local exhibition companies to “extinction,” the head of the Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations (AFECA) warned last week. Speaking at the first Thailand MICE International Forum (TMIF) 2012 on June 21, Mr. Edward Liu said that […]
more…25 Jun, 2012
PATA Finance Chief Says Adieu After Three Difficult Years
Bangkok – Ms. Nawarat Khamsai has resigned as the first Chief Financial Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, effective July 31. Although she described her move as being nothing beyond a normal completion of a three-year term of duty, it will create further image problems for the financially-beleaguered association as it seeks to maintain […]
more…20 Jun, 2012
Free Download: Cross-Border Stats Highlighted at Mekong Tourism Forum 2012
Chiang Rai, 12 June 2012 — Cross-border tourism is set to be one of the primary beneficiaries of the growing overland connectivity between the Greater Mekong Subregion countries (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Yunnan Province of Southern China). The six countries share the unique advantage of being all land-linked, which means that road and […]
more…19 Jun, 2012
Myanmar Tourism Industry Warned About Downsides of Gold Rush
CHIANG RAI: The Myanmar tourism industry heard more warnings at the June 13-14 Mekong Tourism Forum to beware the downsides of the tourism gold-rush. Industry stalwarts stressed that they were well aware of the emerging issues, and offered assurances that every effort would be made to do things right. Marking the 20th anniversary since the […]
more…19 Jun, 2012
Thai Royal Projects Chief: Global Rich-Poor Income Gap Could Trigger Next World War
CHIANG RAI, North Thailand: In a powerful, historic speech at the Mekong Tourism Forum on June 13, a man who has played a key role in one of the world’s most successful opium-eradication projects warned of another world war if the global rich-poor income gap is not addressed. Mr. Disnadda Diskul, Secretary-General of Thailand’s Mae […]
more…13 Jun, 2012
New “No Sweat” Design Allows Commuters To Run, Bike or Walk to Work
Manchester, MA (PRWEB) June 12, 2012 – For people that would love to ride a bike or run to work but can’t find a place to shower, change, or secure their gear and get ready for the work day, there is a solution! GreenSpace has pioneered a project that promises to revolutionize the workday commute. […]
more…13 Jun, 2012
Global Students Compete To Achieve Change in Volvo Adventure Awards
Rockleigh, N.J. (PRWEB) June 12, 2012 — Students from all over the world united in Gothenburg at the Volvo Adventure Awards to battle it out to be crowned winner of the world-class environmental education programme. After experiencing tough competition across more than 45 countries, just 12 teams remained to fight for the coveted Volvo Adventure […]
more…13 Jun, 2012
Savvy Summer Travelers Find Free Ways to Communicate on Phones, Devices
Marina del Rey, CA (PRWEB) June 12, 2012 — Summer travelers agree that it’s costly to communicate on the road and are looking for alternatives to save money, according to a new survey by leading free mobile communications app, textPlus. Over 500 respondents shared their habits when it comes to communicating while traveling both domestically […]
more…13 Jun, 2012
Female Traders Surge in Money Markets, Do More Research, Take Less Risk
LONDON, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Figures show that the average annual profit of the top 20 female traders with City Index is £271,225. Who are they and how do they do it? Since 2001, the number of female traders opening accounts with City Index has risen by 1434%; with the number of trades being […]
more…12 Jun, 2012
Thai Royal Projects to Get More Global Prominence at Mekong Tourism Forum
CHIANG RAI, North Thailand – In yet another indicator of their growing popularity on the global travel scene, Thailand’s royal projects are to be the subject of the opening keynote speech at the Mekong Tourism Forum that got under way here today. Mr Disnadda Diskul, Chairman, Doi Tung Development Project, will address the June 13 […]
more…12 Jun, 2012
Cleared of Trumped Up Graft Charges, Tourism Malaysia Chief Returns to Work
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama and Malaysian media reports) — Datuk Mirza Mohammd Taiyab Beg has returned to duty, as Tourism Malaysia director-general, effective June 11, the tourism promotion agency said in a statement. The decision for Mirza’s return was made by the disciplinary board of Tourism Malaysia following his acquittal by the Sessions Court, […]
more…12 Jun, 2012
Ahead of Rio+20, Global Trades Union Demand “New Development Paradigm”
Rio de Janeiro, 11 June 2012: The 3 day Trade Union Assembly organised jointly by the ITUC and Sustainlabour started today ahead of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development that is due to start next week. Trade unions have been lobbying world leaders, who will meet next week to revitalise commitments around sustainability, employment, […]
more…11 Jun, 2012
Are Security Agencies Spying on Muslim Travellers Worldwide?
A lawsuit filed on June 6 against the New York Police Department exposing how it allegedly spies on Muslim communities, businesses, mosques and individuals has raised serious questions about whether security and intelligence agencies of the U.S. and its geopolitical allies also similarly spy on Muslims, especially Muslim travellers, worldwide. With patience running thin amongst […]
more…11 Jun, 2012
OECD’s First Pensions Report: Those Who Live Longer, Will Have To Work Longer
Paris, 11 June 2012 – In a move that could impact on travel trends from the industrialised countries, especially by the growing numbers of senior citizens, the OECD report has issued a report calling for a revamp of pension schemes in order to keep ageing citizens at work for several years beyond present retirement age. […]
more…11 Jun, 2012
New Service Strives to Help More Americans Get Passports – Fast
(PRWEB) June 10, 2012 – Based on a study published by Data.gov, states such as New Jersey and Alaska have the highest passport ownership rates above 60% of the population. However, inland states such as Mississippi have passport ownership rates as low as 20% of the population. Such a figure is good news for expedited […]
more…8 Jun, 2012
Myanmar, Bhutan Tourism Market Briefs — Free Download
BANGKOK, 7 June 2012 – Country presentations by Myanmar and Bhutan were among the highlights of briefing sessions organised at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to The Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+2012) during 06-08 June 2012. Other countries that made presentations are Vietnam, Cambodia as well as Thailand itself. A sixth presentation was on […]
more…8 Jun, 2012
In Parting Shot, Ousted Thai Airways Chief Blows Whistle on Festering “Poor Governance”
BANGKOK – Making an unscheduled departure well before the official end of his four-year contract, the President of Thai Airways International has blown the whistle on a several instances of alleged poor governance, corruption and nepotism. Addressing the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) on June 1, Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand admitted having failed to adequately […]
more…7 Jun, 2012
Planned Israeli Settlements In West Bank Violate International Law, Says UN Envoy
United Nations, 7 June 2012 (UN News Centre) – A top United Nations envoy today reiterated that all settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territory represents a breach of international law, after the Israeli Government announced it will build 300 new units in the Beit El settlement. “All settlement construction – whether on private Palestinian […]
more…7 Jun, 2012
Muslim Advocates Files First Lawsuit By Victims of NYPD Spying Program
(Newark, NJ) – June 6, 2012 – Today, Muslim Advocates filed an unprecedented lawsuit against the New York Police Department challenging its policy of targeting innocent American Muslims for surveillance based on their faith. It is the first lawsuit by victims of the NYPD’s discriminatory spying program. The lawsuit, Hassan, et al. v. City of New York, […]
more…6 Jun, 2012
Travel Agents Head List of Occupations Most Likely to Gain Weight – CareerBuilder Survey
CHICAGO, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Workplace treats have your pants feeling a little tighter than usual? A new CareerBuilder survey found two-in-five workers (44 percent) said they have gained weight at their current job, on par with previous studies. Twenty-six percent of workers gained over 10 pounds, and 14 percent gained over 20 pounds. […]
more…6 Jun, 2012
Telecoms Union Calls for Reduced e-Waste By Stretching Life of Device
Geneva, 5 June 2012 (International Telecommunications Union) – Participants at the 7th ITU Symposium on ICTs, the Environment and Climate Change have issued a Declaration that encourages ICT manufacturers to make their products more easily upgradable without need for replacing the entire device. The call to promote a life cycle approach in the design of […]
more…6 Jun, 2012
Economic Slump, Geopolitical Change Affecting Workers Worldwide, Survey Shows
6 June 2012 (International Trades Union Congress): 2011 was a difficult and often dangerous year for workers throughout world, with those who dared stand up for their trade union rights facing dismissal, arrest, imprisonment and even death. That in essence is the picture that emerges from the annual survey of trade union rights violations published […]
more…6 Jun, 2012
Asia’s “Green Challenge”: Changing Consumption Patterns, Emission Cuts & Management of Water & Chemicals
6 June 2012 – On the eve of the landmark Rio+20 conference in Brazil, the UN Environment Programme has issued the following Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO 5) summary for Asia and the Pacific Region:
more…5 Jun, 2012
China-Bashing U.S. Politicians “Playing A Foolish Game”
Beijing (1 June 2012) – People in China get upset by the China-bashing rhetoric of people like Mitt Romney, who won the Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday, or the celebrity businessman, Donald Trump. But is it worth getting angry at their crowd-pleasing antics? I think it is better just to ignore them. Even the conservative […]
more…5 Jun, 2012
Chinese Commentator Urges Efforts to Counterbalance U.S. Domination of Global Opinion Market
Beijing (2 June 2012) – China urgently needs to carry out more effective public diplomacy if it is to overcome the misunderstandings, prejudice and suspicions that people in other countries have toward it. Public diplomacy is an indispensable part of a country’s approach to foreign relations as well as an important supplement to its traditional […]
more…5 Jun, 2012
China Continues to Prop Up Growth in Arrivals to Australia
Canberra, 04 June 2012 (Australian government media release) — New figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show visitors to Australia grew by a slow 1% April 2012, compared to April 2011. China provided most of this growth with a 34% increase in April 2012. It helped offset a 28% decline in arrivals […]
more…5 Jun, 2012
Spending Boost To Help Make More Australian Students “Asia Literate”
Canberra, 4 June 2012 (Australian government media release) — More students will be encouraged to learn Asian languages and cultures with the Gillard Government providing another $87, 000 funding to support the work of the Asia Education Foundation (AEF), School Education Minister Peter Garrett said today. The funding will go towards three projects which will […]
more…5 Jun, 2012
New Branding Slogan Sealed: “All That Glitters is Not Gold, But Myanmar Is”
Bangkok, (1 June 2012) – With the tourism gold rush in full swing, Burmese Vice Minister for Hotels & Tourism U Htay Aung says the industry will “learn from the mistakes” of other countries in ASEAN. However, he is realistic enough to recognise that that may be easier said than done.
more…5 Jun, 2012
ILO Report Outlines Dire Situation Of Workers In Israeli-Occupied Territories
GENEVA (ILO News), 04 June 2012 – The situation of workers in the occupied Arab territories is extremely worrying and remains precarious according to the annual report of the International Labour Organization (ILO) submitted to the 101st Session of the International Labour Conference. This is above all due to the realities of the occupation on […]
more…2 Jun, 2012
India Mulling Mandalay-Imphal Bus Service To Boost Travel to Myanmar
In an address to business leaders and academics in Myanmar on May 29, 2012, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India is considering the launch of a bus service from Mandalay to Imphal, capital of the Northeast Indian state of Manipur. He also met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and announced that she had been […]
more…2 Jun, 2012
Blaming the Victim in Palestine is Like Saying Colonialism was Good for the Natives
Jun 1, 2012 — In the wake of the commemoration of the Nakba last month, several Zionist commentaries appearing in both several Israeli publications and American publications have highlighted a similar and disturbing trend; they blame the victims of the Nakba for their fate. So what does it take to describe the depopulation of 500 […]
more…2 Jun, 2012
Careers & Dreams Delayed as 12% of US Young Adults Remain Jobless
WASHINGTON, June 01, 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Generation Opportunity, one of America’s largest organizations connecting with young adults through a strategy of social media outreach coupled with on-the-ground grassroots organizing, is today releasing the non-seasonally adjusted (NSA) 18-29 unemployment rate data for May: The youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds specifically (NSA) for May 2012 is […]
more…2 Jun, 2012
Facebook Hit By Class Action Lawsuit for Alleged U.S. Securities Act Violations
SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2012 –(BUSINESS WIRE) — The U.S. law firm, Pearson, Simon, Warshaw & Penny, LLP filed on May 31, 2012, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, a securities class action against Facebook, Inc., its officers and directors who signed Facebook’s registration statement, and the lead underwriters […]
more…31 May, 2012
Economic Sentiment Indicator Falls Sharply in Both EU and Eurozone
Brussels, 30 May 2012 (Europa Press Release) – The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) decreased sharply in May, falling by 2.7 points in the EU and by 2.3 points in the euro area, to 90.5 and 90.6, respectively. In both zones the decline was driven by falling confidence in all business sectors, especially in industry and […]
more…31 May, 2012
92% of Beaches at EU Holiday Destinations Meet Water Quality Standards
Brussels, 23 May (Europa Press Release) – Good news if you’re planning a beach holiday in Europe this summer. 92.1 % of bathing waters in the European Union now meet the minimum water quality standards set by the Bathing Water Directive. This includes the Serpentine Lake in London, which will host several Olympics events, including the […]
more…31 May, 2012
Dell Funds Report Encouraging Corporate Whistleblowers to Speak Up
ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New findings by the Ethics Resource Center (ERC) will shatter long-held perceptions of what constitutes a “whistleblower.” For years, the term has been used to describe those employees who go outside their company to report wrongdoing. They may do so because they do not trust their company to handle the issue appropriately or […]
more…31 May, 2012
Global Labour Organisation Chief Gives Myanmar Same Importance as Palestine
Address to the Plenary, 101st International Labour Conference, Geneva, 30 May 2012. We know that it’s time for a policy rethink. The financial crash of 2008 signalled the beginning of the end of the current growth and globalization model as I described last year in my report on “A new era of social justice”. Four […]
more…31 May, 2012
China to Arab World: “Historical Opportunity” For New Era of Bilateral Relations
An Article Written in the Run-up to the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, May 30, 2012 On 31 May, the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) will be held in Tunisia. At the beginning of 2004, President Hu Jintao paid a historic visit to the headquarters of […]
more…30 May, 2012
ADB Sees Asia Needing US$8 Trillion to Fund Infrastructure; Australia Tops PPP Schemes
MANILA, Philippines (ADB Media Release) – Asia and the Pacific has seen a boom in public private partnerships (PPPs) in the past decade but it needs more effective public sector oversight agencies, and in some instances more political will, to advance the process even further, says a new study commissioned by the Asian Development Bank […]
more…30 May, 2012
Road Union Makes Proposals to Double Bus & Coach Users in EU
Brussels, 30 May 2012 – The International Road Transport Union (IRU), in cooperation with the European Commission, launched the Public-Private Smart Move High Level Group (HLG) yesterday, with the objective to elaborate, concrete policy and business recommendations on how to double the number of users of passenger transport by bus, coach and taxis in the […]
more…30 May, 2012
Countdown Begins for World Environment Day, 5 June
Nairobi/Rio de Janeiro, 30 May 2012 – From the floor of the National Senate, to the streets of Rio de Janeiro, the countdown to World Environment Day (WED) on 5 June 2012 is well underway in Brazil. This year’s host country is preparing to lead what promises to be the largest WED celebrations in the […]
more…29 May, 2012
India, Myanmar Agree To Upgrade Road Link With Thailand by 2016
India and Myanmar have pledged to complete the road link from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar by 2016. The agreement was reached during the visit by Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Myanmar which ended on May 29. The road will complete one of the most important missing links […]
more…29 May, 2012
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games a Model of Corruption Prevention
Beijing, 2012-05-28 – China’s top anti-corruption officials have vowed to share their experience of running “corruption-free” Beijing Olympic Games as a model to others in the country’s battle against official greed. Huang Shuxian, deputy chief of the Communist Party of China’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, spoke highly of China’s experience of holding clean Olympic […]
more…29 May, 2012
Much-Needed Cooling Awaits China As West Slows Growth
Beijing, May 25, 2012 – Developing countries are now drastically out-competing the developed world. Capital is flowing away from “rich” countries to emerging ones via the huge trade deficits of developed nations. The US, with its ever-widening gap reaching $51.8 billion this March, serves as the prime example. Trade surpluses of the developing world, meanwhile, […]
more…29 May, 2012
Weak Euro Strengthens Attraction for Chinese Tourists
Beijing, 2012-05-29 – Wang Yalan is traveling to Europe again this year as the falling euro is prompting a rise in Chinese tourists. “The expenses for local transportation and accommodation in European countries are high, especially when I prefer to travel by myself rather than join tour groups,” said Wang, who has a budget of […]
more…28 May, 2012
Yen – Yuan Direct Trading Likely to Start in June
BEIJING May 27, 2012 — Japan and China are expected to start directly trading their currencies in June as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade and investment, financial sources in Beijing said Saturday. With the new step, exchange rates between the yen and the yuan will be determined solely by transactions of the two […]
more…28 May, 2012
Preparing for “Asian Century,” Australia Eases Visas to Draw Rich & Talented
Canberra, 25 May 2012 — The Australian Government has announced the launch of a new visa program, the Significant Investor visa, targeting migrants who could make an investment of at least $5 million in the Australian economy. It has also approved its first Enterprise Migration Agreement (EMA), granted to help a new iron ore mining […]
more…25 May, 2012
UN Declares 2013-2022 as “Asia-Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities”
BANGKOK – In what could prove to be a golden opportunity for the global travel & tourism industry to enhance its contribution to society, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has officially declared 2013-2022 as the “Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities” and invited all stakeholders to […]
more…24 May, 2012
Ultra High Definition Television: Threshold Of a New Age
Geneva, 24 May 2012 (ITU Media Release) – The International Telecommunications Union has announced a new Recommendation that represents a major advance in television broadcasting that will create an entirely new television broadcast environment with the advent of ‘Ultra High Definition Television’ or UHDTV. ITU’s Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) has developed the standard – or Recommendation […]
more…24 May, 2012
Not All Israeli Citizens Are Equal
Published: May 23, 2012 in the International Herald Tribune and distributed by the Jerusalem Fund and the Palestine Centre. I’M a Palestinian who was born in the Israeli town of Lod, and thus I am an Israeli citizen. My wife is not; she is a Palestinian from Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Despite our […]
more…22 May, 2012
Travel & Tourism Will Feel The Heat of India’s “White Paper on Black Money”
In a move that is set to have a significant impact on the way India, Indian companies and Indian people do business, the Manmohan Singh administration has published a unique battle plan outlining its “crusade” against tax avoidance and evasion. The “White Paper on Black Money”, published on May 21 goes into copious detail about […]
more…18 May, 2012
Zionist Jews Continuing Efforts to Wipe Palestine Off the Map
The following is a briefing report on the 342nd meeting of the Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People which took place at the UN headquarters in New York on May 16 May 2012. This committee has met 342 times and effectively achieved nothing. In fact, the relentless Zionist effort to wipe Palestine […]
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