24 Mar, 2018
Siam Society lecture on Preserving the Underwater Cultural Heritage
Bangkok — One of Thailand’s leading cultural institutions, the Siam Society, will host a lecture on “Preserving the Underwater Cultural Heritage” by Etienne Clément, former Deputy Director Regional Asia Pacific Bureau of UNESCO on Thursday, 5 April 2018 at 7:30 p.m. The underwater cultural heritage is represented by ancient shipwrecks, submerged archaeological sites and other […]
more…24 Mar, 2018
Global labour unions accuse UN of violating its own rules on the “rule of law”
Brussels, 22 March 2018 (ITUC OnLine) – Staff at the International Labour Organisation are taking strike action today in the latest of a series of walkouts by United Nations employees in protest at the unilateral imposition of significant pay cuts by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), which sets terms and conditions for employees in […]
more…20 Mar, 2018
Three millennials win first essay competition on tourism’s contribution to UN SDGs
Bangkok, 13 March 2018 – Three young people under 30, a Filipino, Mexican and Pakistani, have won top honours in the first global essay competition organised by a travel trade publication to underscore the contribution of Travel & Tourism to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The co-winners of The Olive Tree awards competition are: Michael […]
more…16 Mar, 2018
UN spent US$4 billion on travel in 2012-15, to cutback on first-class trips
United Nations, March 15, (UN media release) – The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) took up the air travel policies of the United Nations on day two of its resumed seventy‑second session today, with delegates voicing support for the Secretary‑General’s proposal that high‑ranking officials fly business class — rather than first class — to help […]
more…13 Mar, 2018
In spite of occupation, Palestine abounds with cultural centers, museums and theaters
RAMALLAH, March 13, 2018 (WAFA) – Cultural Centers, museums and theaters have flourished in Palestinian in 2017 in spite of the 50-year long Israeli occupation. A report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) on the status of cultural institutions in Palestine on the occasion of Palestinian National Culture Day, which coincides on Tuesday, […]
more…13 Mar, 2018
UN General Assembly Adopts Resolution to Combat Illicit Diamond Trade
United Nations, March 7, 2018, UN media release — The UN General Assembly, welcoming progress made by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to break links between the diamond trade and conflict, today adopted a consensus resolution aimed at intensifying that work and aligning it with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign […]
more…13 Mar, 2018
Millennials’ essays highlight need to disrupt the global tourism agenda
Bangkok – Perhaps the most important thing that struck me upon perusing the great essays sent in by young people for my competition was the yawning disconnect between their very perceptive views on the global status quo and the topics that figure on the agendas and programmes of global travel & tourism forums. Embedded within […]
more…5 Mar, 2018
Investigative reports expose corruption risks of Golden Visa schemes in Europe
Berlin, 5 March 2018, Transparency International Secretariat – Today, a series of investigations published by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) have detailed how citizenship- and residence-by-investment schemes, commonly referred to as ‘Golden Visa’ programmes, are vulnerable to abuse and undermine the fight against corruption in the European Union and neighbouring countries. […]
more…3 Mar, 2018
“The Next Big Thing”: Outbound Travel from Thailand Set to Hit 10 million in 2018
Bangkok – Outbound travel from Thailand is set to hit 10 million this year, according to the first comprehensive market research report on what is expected to be the “The Next Big Thing” in Asia-Pacific tourism. Designed to help destinations worldwide better understand the dynamics and drivers of this promising source of business, the report […]
more…16 Feb, 2018
Americas Tops the Global Gambling Market – Technavio report
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–09 February 2018 – The latest market research report by Technavio on the global gambling market predicts a CAGR of more than 8% during the period 2018-2022. The report segments the global gambling market by type (lottery, betting, and casino) and by geography (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC). It provides a detailed illustration of […]
more…16 Feb, 2018
World invited to visit Palestine, see the reality of life under occupation
RAMALLAH, February 15, 2018 (WAFA & Travel Impact Newswire) – Omani Foreign Minister Yousuf bin Alawi Thursday called on all countries to accept the invitation of President Mahmoud Abbas to visit Palestine and occupied Jerusalem to assert solidarity with the Palestinian people. Abbas Thursday met bin Alawi at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, after which […]
more…16 Feb, 2018
Northeast Asian destinations hammering ASEAN in pursuit of Thai outbound travel boom
Bangkok – With Japan at the forefront, Northeast Asian countries and Special Administrative Regions are clobbering the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in attracting the booming Thai outbound tourism market. A survey of the recent Thailand International Travel Fair, held between February 7-11 showed clearly how Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR […]
more…9 Feb, 2018
“Jailing critics does not make society safer”: A speech that will NEVER be heard at a travel industry event
BANGKOK (5 February 2018) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein started today his official visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, urging all governments to employ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – in its totality – as a guide to law and policy. “The way to ensure we […]
more…9 Feb, 2018
20 years after moving to Asia, PATA’s pursuit of relevance remains elusive
The Pacific Asia Travel Association this week marks the 20th anniversary of its move from San Francisco to Bangkok. Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil, who has covered PATA since 1981, takes a look back and a look ahead. Bangkok – When PATA began pondering its move from San Francisco to Asia in the […]
more…6 Feb, 2018
Malaysian Competition Commission signs the Corruption-Free Pledge
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) — The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is one of the government agencies that responded positively to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s call in signing the Corruption-Free Pledge (better known as IBR). The pledge signing ceremony held at Menara SSM, Kuala Lumpur was led by YBhg. Dato’ Abu Samah Shabudin, Chief […]
more…21 Jan, 2018
Indonesia to develop border areas to boost social justice
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 18th January 2018 – Development in border areas promotes social justice for all people across Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto stated. “All people of Indonesia should get justice. People of Indonesia not only live in cities but many of them also reside in rural areas, and they […]
more…21 Jan, 2018
Number of Indian tourists to Bali up by 48.25 percent
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News), 16 January 2018 – The number of Indian tourists to Bali surged to 243,639 people during January-November 2017, up 79,283 people or 48.25 percent, from 164,345 people in the previous year`s same period. “Most of them arrived at the International Airport of Ngurah Rai by direct flights from their country, and […]
more…21 Jan, 2018
UNESCO opens applications for 2018 Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Awards
BANGKOK, 15 January 2018, (UNESCO News) – Submissions are now being accepted for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. This year’s awards cycle will mark the launch of a three-year partnership with Think City, a Malaysian urban renewal body that will support the programme and host the annual Awards Jury meeting in Penang, […]
more…21 Jan, 2018
18th Int’l Anti-Corruption Conf to focus on Development, Peace and Security
21 Jan 2018, Transparency International media release – In December 2016 at the 17th IACC in Panama City, Panama, more than 1,600 people from over 130 countries had one common call: The time for Justice, Equity, Security, and Trust is now. Today’s polarized politics fuels many evils: populism and extremism, violence, human rights violations, trafficking and illicit money, […]
more…21 Jan, 2018
ASEAN Tourism Forum V.1 is dying, Time to Plan ATF V.2
The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2018 to be held between 22-26 January in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai will have the lowest turnout of buyers and sellers in the last 10 years. The figures reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand of 240 buyers and 275 seller organisations continues a downtrend that began three […]
more…19 Jan, 2018
Sikhism fastest growing religion in Australia
Canberra, Jan 18, 2018 – Australian Bureau of Statistics — World Religion Day (Jan 21) aims to foster interfaith understanding and harmony, and is an opportunity to recognise the diversity of religion present in modern day Australia. The 2016 Census of Population and Housing found that three-fifths of the Australian population (61 per cent, or […]
more…8 Jan, 2018
UnionPay Cross-border B2B Payment Service Platform facilitates exports of SMEs in Yiwu
SHANGHAI, 8 January 2018, (PRNewswire) — UnionPay International announced today that the official website of Yiwu Market (www.yiwugou.com), the world’s largest commodity wholesale market, now connects to UnionPay Cross-border B2B Payment Service Platform. Purchasers outside China are able to pay safely and conveniently with UnionPay cards issued overseas to buy goods at www.yiwugou.com. This cooperation between UnionPay International […]
more…8 Jan, 2018
Innovative Securities: Higher Risks May Come in 2018
BUDAPEST, Hungary, 29 December 2017, (PRNewswire) – We are living in the decade of bullish markets. Because of record returns (and low interest rates) retail money floods the market. What could 2018 hold for the investors after all this? Innovative Securities’ prognosis tries to answer. In 2017, the already expensive stocks (and other instruments) became […]
more…8 Jan, 2018
Women Leaders Launch “TIME’S UP” Campaign
LOS ANGELES, 1 January 2018, (PRNewswire) – TIME’S UP, an unprecedented movement started by women in the entertainment industry, today announced the launch of TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund is one of a series of TIME’S UP’s ongoing commitments to combat the systemic power imbalances that have prohibited many women, especially […]
more…8 Jan, 2018
Christmas eve 2017: When Jewish Intellectual Noam Chomsky went to bat for Palestine
On Christmas eve, 24 December 2017, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), one of the groups on the entry-ban list issued by the Israel government, issued a fund-raising appeal featuring a personal message by Prof Noam Chomsky, Professor Emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and laureate professor at the University of Arizona. I am […]
more…8 Jan, 2018
Global publicity follows Israel entry ban on 20 pro-Palestine groups
Jewish Voice for Peace, a prominent U.S.-based group of Jews battling the Israeli occupation of Palestine, is among a list of 20 global civil society movements whose activists will be barred from entering Israel. It is the only Jewish group on the list released by the Strategic Affairs Ministry on 08 Jan and published by […]
more…7 Jan, 2018
UN readying training guidelines to help airline cabin crews identify, report human trafficking
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 January 2018 – The United Nations is taking the global combat against human trafficking into the skies as the Organization’s human rights office and its Montreal-based civil aviation agency begin putting the final touches on training guidelines that could help airline cabin crew spot possible victims. Human trafficking is […]
more…3 Jan, 2018
Mandela Peace Summit, Sufficiency Economy amongst highlights of The Olive Tree Edition 5
Bangkok – The January-February 2018 edition of The Olive Tree has been published on the Travel Impact Newswire website. This Edition 5 of the first and only publication designed to help travel & tourism achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals is sponsored by Jetwing Hotels Sri Lanka, the Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, Asian Overland […]
more…3 Jan, 2018
World-Class Urban Greenway Slows Pace of Life in Central China’s Wuhan
WUHAN, China, Dec. 29, 2017 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ — Featuring China’s most intensive relics of ancient Chu culture, most splendid display of classic Chinese poetry and calligraphy, as well as top-level modern art works and sculptures as well as graffiti and three-dimensional street paintings, the second phase of a green belt encircling China’s largest urban lake in […]
more…3 Jan, 2018
Bravo Jakarta for reporting waste generated by New Year’s Eve celebrations
Bravo to the Jakarta Administration and the Antara News Agency. Instead of running the usual hackneyed Press release announcing what a wonderful time thousands of revellers had on New Year’s eve, the Indonesian national news agency Antara ran an interview with the head of the Environmental Affairs office of the Jakarta administration reporting that the […]
more…3 Jan, 2018
Malaysia 2018 Social Media Campaign Continues With Photo And Short Video Contest
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 29 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) continues organising a photography and short video contest on social media with the sub-theme #MyCuisine starting from 1 January 2018 to 28 February 2018. To enter, participants need to submit a creative photo or short video related to the uniqueness and diversity […]
more…3 Jan, 2018
Gallup Poll: Americans see more trouble ahead in 2018
As Americans look ahead to 2018, eight in 10 predict it will be a troubled year filled with international discord rather than peace, according to the results of a Gallup Poll released at the end of 2017. The public is more optimistic about the economy, with a slight majority anticipating a year of economic prosperity. […]
more…3 Jan, 2018
U.S. travel industry off to a most Unhappy New Year
The people of the United States will awaken this morning, the first day of work after wishing each other a Happy New Year, to news that will make them most unhappy. Preliminary statistics published by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) for July 2017 show visitor arrivals heading south big-time. While other countries are […]
more…18 Dec, 2017
Aligarh: A Captivating Tale of Two Remarkable “Sities”
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India – Between Nov 27-29, one of India’s best-known institutions of higher education, Aligarh Muslim University, held its first Tourism Research Conference. Made possible thanks to a grant of Rs 852,500 (about US$13,300) by the Ministry of Tourism, it was packed with world-class presentations by research students, academics and private sector on […]
more…18 Dec, 2017
World-class research at Aligarh Muslim University tourism conference
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India — Although this was the first tourism research conference held at Aligarh Muslim University, the subject matter and depth of the presentations were world-class. Of the nearly 140 presentations included in the abstracts, 36 were devoted to the impact of the situation in Kashmir. Numerous others focussed on issues such as […]
more…18 Dec, 2017
Aligarh Muslim University – Much more than just a University
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India — Aligarh Muslim University is more than just a University; it is a citadel of cultural, architectural and artistic heritage. In accordance with the principles of its founding fathers and the constitution of India, the campus, museum and library brim with fine works of Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu traditions, all meticulously […]
more…18 Dec, 2017
In pictures: The amazing grace and rustic charm of Aligarh Old City
A motorcycle tour of Aligarh Old City, an experience beyond description. All pictures by Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil. One of a three-part compendium on the first Tourism Research conference held at Aligarh Muslim University between Nov 27-29, 2017 on the theme of “New Tourism Paradigms in a Changing World: Innovations, Dynamics and […]
more…16 Dec, 2017
‘American Dream’ quickly becoming an ‘illusion,’ says UN human rights expert
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 15 December 2017 – The number of Americans living in poverty and the already high income inequality could worsen further in the days to come, making the United States the most unequal society in the world, the United Nations expert on extreme poverty and human rights warned Friday. “The American […]
more…15 Dec, 2017
ADB clears $499 million loan to improve air quality in Greater Beijing
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (14 December 2017) — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors has approved a €428 million ($499 million) loan to set up a regional emission-reduction and pollution-control facility as part of a multiyear and multisector support program to improve air quality in the greater Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, which suffers from heavy air […]
more…15 Dec, 2017
136 civil society groups again target Myanmar over genocide in Rakhine State
Bangkok — Myanmar’s global image has sunk further with the issuance of a strongly worded statement by 136 civil society groups and individuals across multiple religious denominations, professions and nationalities calling on the Myanmar government to stop violence against the civilian population of Rakhine state and address the root causes of violence. The full statement, […]
more…15 Dec, 2017
Beauty and Braille at the first “Tourism for All” Miss Thailand Friendly Design Expo
Bangkok – Thailand’s rapidly ageing society is expected to lead to a major redesign and restructuring of the way Thai people live, work and move around in the years ahead. As many other countries are undergoing the same demographic transition, the changes will open up opportunities to attract more silver-aged visitors, too. The business potential […]
more…13 Dec, 2017
Frontiers 2017: UN Report flags Six Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern
How does our careless disposal of antimicrobial drugs produce bacteria that can resist them? Why are Marine Protected Areas vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals? Can off-grid solar plug the energy gap for cities in the developing world? UN Environment experts will address these and other emerging issues with the launch of Frontiers 2017, […]
more…13 Dec, 2017
A message from the Thailand Halal Assembly 2017 to the Myanmar tourism industry
Bangkok – A tourism-promotion forum organised as part of this year’s Thailand Halal Assembly has sent a clear message to the Myanmar tourism industry about the Thai approach to building inclusive, Muslim-friendly tourism and what Myanmar can learn from it. Editor’s Comment This special report is dedicated to the memory of my good friend, the […]
more…8 Dec, 2017
The TRiUMPh of Jewish extremist terrorism
U.S. President Donald Trump has just proved that terrorism works – Jewish terrorism, that is. It was on 4 November 1995 that the Jewish extremist fanatic terrorist Yigal Amir, then only 25 years old, shot and killed former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, a joint Nobel Peace prize winner with the late Palestinian leader Yasser […]
more…6 Dec, 2017
Human Rights Watch Report documents devastating impact of Trump’s Immigration policy
Washington, DC, Human Rights Watch Media release, 05 December 2017 – A surge in immigration arrests of people living in the United States under the Trump administration is having a devastating impact on long-term immigrants with strong ties to the US. According to numbers released by the US Department of Homeland Security on December 5, […]
more…6 Dec, 2017
Silence of the Lambs: Global travel industry associations remain mum on U.S. Muslim ban
Bangkok – The U.S. Supreme Court has produced a guilty-until-proven-innocent ruling that effectively allows the Trump Administration to “temporarily” implement a ban on arrivals from most or all nationals from six Muslim-majority countries. The ban effectively bypasses a number of legal and constitutional challenges currently being heard in the lower courts. According to the American […]
more…6 Dec, 2017
Deloitte survey: Greater boardroom diversity boosts competitive advantage, improves business performance
NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2017 (Deloitte media release) – The evidence is in. Business leaders clearly believe in the benefits of diversity on their boards of directors. Yet it’s equally clear that current methods of sourcing and selecting candidates tend to reinforce a lack of diversity. Three hundred board members and executives believe achieving greater […]
more…5 Dec, 2017
America First backlash: U.S. visitor arrivals swimming in a sea of red ink
The United States’ tourism industry is swimming in a sea of red ink. On 29 November, the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office released preliminary data of visitor arrivals for the first half of 2017. It showed an overall decline of 3.9%, with significant drops in arrivals from key markets such as China, Europe, the […]
more…5 Dec, 2017
Vistajet hits highest third quarter revenue earnings
LONDON, 30 Nov 2017, (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VistaJet, which claims to be the first and only global business aviation company, has announced record results in its third quarter trading update, driven by the continued demand for the company’s flagship Program Membership with a 38% increase in revenue. The Program segment achieved a record 32% increase […]
more…5 Dec, 2017
Online Initiative to monitor transparency of Government assistance to Malaysian SMEs
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Nov 2017, (Bernama) — In an effort to enhance the transparency of reporting and coordination of SME programmes, SME Corp. Malaysia developed an online initiative called the SME Central Incentives System (SCenIc). As a centralised database of beneficiaries of Government assistance, SCenIc served as an important referral to avoid duplication and optimize […]
more…5 Dec, 2017
Malaysia’s first Creative Arts Institute launched to promote fashion, film and beauty technology
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Nov 2017, (Bernama) — Snips College of Creative Arts (SCCA) unveiled its all-new comprehensive creative arts college on 28 November at its grand launch event held at SCCA Sungei Wang Plaza. This is in line with the government’s initiatives to spur the growth of the arts and cultural development in Malaysia. According […]
more…5 Dec, 2017
Malaysia and Industry 4.0: Executives Cite Need For Skilled Workers As Top Concern
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Nov 2017, (Bernama) — Shortfalls in talent and direction, and a general lack of awareness about the profound industrial revolution underway worldwide are the top concerns of senior business and government executives assessing Malaysia’s readiness for “Industry 4.0” — the automation and digitization of industrial processes through robotics and other emerging technologies. […]
more…5 Dec, 2017
Tourism Malaysia promoting Hat Yai to Penang Bike Tours for Thais
SADAO, 3 Dec 2017, (Bernama) — Tourism Malaysia held sending off ceremony for “Biker from Phuket” to promote Southern Thai Packages to Malaysia through bikers’ ride from Ban Dannok, Sadao, Songkhla to Bukit Kayu Hitam/Kedah with the aim to increase Thai arrivals to Malaysia especially from the Southern part of Thailand. Deputy Director General (Promotion), […]
more…25 Nov, 2017
Lifestyle survey highlights factors that make up the Good Life, and travel ranks 5th
22 November 2017 (GfK media release) — When it comes to the factors that make up ‘the good life’, the top three most popular items selected by people internationally are good health, financial security and leisure time – followed by a happy marriage, travel for leisure, a home you own, and control over one’s life. […]
more…25 Nov, 2017
‘Stand Against Hate’ Youth Essay Contest to combat white supremacy
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 21, 2017 – As Thanksgiving approaches and people around the nation are gathering and reflecting on the meaning of family and community, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the Heather Heyer Foundation continue their call for entries in a nationwide ‘Stand Against Hate’ youth essay contest through which three winning essayists (ages […]
more…25 Nov, 2017
Ottawa Business Survey flags value of immigrants to local economic growth
OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 20, 2017 — Businesses in the Ottawa region expressed access to a skilled workforce as a top priority according to new survey data from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce 2017 Ottawa Business Growth Survey. The survey reveals a key – yet overlooked – opportunity for Ottawa businesses to address skilled labour needs […]
more…23 Nov, 2017
Wonderful Indonesia Festival in Thailand highlights weaknesses in intra-ASEAN travel
Bangkok – The Indonesian Tourism Ministry held its biggest ever tourism promotion festival in Thailand over the Nov 17-19 weekend. Located at one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping malls, attendance at the outdoor event was strong on the opening day but impacted by both hot weather and rain over Nov 18-19. It also raised questions […]
more…20 Nov, 2017
Gastronomy Tourism on a roll: Cooking class at Thailand’s first fine-dining insect restaurant
Bangkok – The Thai tourism industry’s latest gastronomy marketing campaign is set to gain new impetus with the launch of cooking classes by the country’s first edible insect fine dining restaurant. The “workshop for the adventurous” was first held by Insects in the Backyard on 18 November and joined by Travel Impact Newswire’s Chief Information […]
more…17 Nov, 2017
Leading global media groups launch indicators, brand logo to certify trust, quality & reliability
PARIS, 17 Nov 2017, World Editors Forum news release — In a bid to revive faith in journalism, leading media companies representing dozens of news sites have begun to display Trust Indicators, which provide clarity on the organizations’ ethics and other standards, the journalists’ backgrounds, and how they do their work. The transparency indicators […]
more…16 Nov, 2017
2018 International Toilet Tourism Awards to open in February
Sydney, 16 November 2017, mytravelresearch.com Press release – The 2018 International Toilet Tourism Awards will open to submissions in February 2018, with winners in six categories to be announced in June 2018. The opening of the awards will take place in the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in Mittagong, NSW, Australia. The public loos at the […]
more…16 Nov, 2017
World Economic Forum report calls for sweeping overhaul of “slow, top-down, backward-looking” ASEAN bureaucracy
Bangkok, 14 November 2017 – A joint report issued by the World Economic Forum and the Asian Development Bank has called for a sweeping administrative, operational and financial overhaul of the ASEAN secretariat to make it more functional and efficient in meeting its own over-arching goal of closer socio-cultural, economic and political-security integration. According to […]
more…13 Nov, 2017
European Commission awards Paris as most innovative European city in 2017
Lisbon, 7 November 2017, European Commission – Press release — Today, the European Commission awarded the 2017 European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) prize of €1,000,000 to Paris (France). The iCapital award, granted under the EU’s research and innovation programme Horizon 2020, recognises Paris for its inclusive innovation strategy. Tallinn (Estonia) and Tel Aviv (Israel) were […]
more…13 Nov, 2017
Combatting fake news: European Commission sets up High-Level Expert Group, launches public consultation
Brussels, 13 November 2017, European Commission – Press release – The Commission launched today a public consultation on fake news and online disinformation and set up a High-Level Expert Group representing academics, online platforms, news media and civil society organisations. The work of the High-Level Expert Group as well as the results of the public […]
more…13 Nov, 2017
Chula Univ conf on Asian diaspora gives new meaning to “Thainess”
Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s latest marketing campaign, “Open to the New Shades of Thailand”, positions the kingdom as being welcoming to people of all “shades” regardless of caste, creed, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Packaged under the theme of “Thainess”, the campaign pitch presses all the normal tourism marketing buttons – culture, […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
World Economic Forum Launches Platform to Map Global Transformation
Dubai, 9 November 2017 (WEF media release) – Today the World Economic Forum opens access to its Transformation Maps – a dynamic knowledge tool covering more than 100 industries, countries and issues shaping the modern world. The Forum’s Transformation Maps were first developed in 2015 as a tool for understanding and visualizing industries, countries and […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
Governments mull new UN migration agenda for the Asia-Pacific
Bangkok, 6 November 2017, (ESCAP News) — The Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, opened in Bangkok this week with a call for governments in the region to take action through economic, social and environmental policies to safeguard the rights and interests of all migrants, high- and […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
At Bonn conference, Global Trades Union demand Just Transition to a zero-carbon future
Brussels, 6 November 2017, (International Trade Union Confederation OnLine) – The UN climate talks in Bonn open this week to discuss how to deliver the promises of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement to stay below a 2°C increase in average temperatures, and ensure a Just Transition to a zero-carbon future for workers and their communities. […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
Bonn: UN climate conference aims for greater ambition as 2017 set to be among top three hottest years
United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News – The United Nations Climate Conference opened on Monday in Bonn, Germany, with the aim of a greater ambition for climate action, as the world body’s weather agency issued a stark warning that 2017 is set to be among the three hottest years on record. The Bonn Conference […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
Corruption hits most vulnerable; obliterates faith in good governance, UN chief tells forum in Vienna
United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News – Corruption can strike anywhere and deny people’s hope of a better future, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the world’s largest anti-corruption forum which opened Monday in Vienna, while urging global leaders to set positive examples and restore faith in good governance. “I have seen how corruption […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
Journalism under fire amid rise of ‘fake news’ and social media-driven echo chambers – UNESCO report
United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News Centre – The media industry, which remains the primary source of news and information in the digital age, faces both vast opportunities and steep challenges, the United Nations cultural agency said on Monday in its flagship analysis of new trends in media freedom, pluralism, independence and the safety […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
Protect environment from wars and conflicts, UN urges on International Day
United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News – Commemorating the international day for lessening the impact of armed conflicts and wars on the environment, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the need to recognize that environment is also a victim of fighting. “Whether caused by fighting or a breakdown in Government control, the damage to […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
Bonn: UN climate conference to focus on ways of implementing Paris accord
United Nations,3 November 2017, UN News – One year after the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Bonn Conference, which opened on 6 November in Germany, is an opportunity for nations around the world to show their ambition for climate action and their determination to keep their promises. “While Paris […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
People without nationality face ‘stark realities’ of discrimination and persecution – UN report
United Nations,3 November 2017, UN News – Discrimination, exclusion and persecution are stark realities for many of the world’s stateless minorities, the United Nations refugee agency warned in a new report, calling for immediate action to secure equal nationality rights for all. “Stateless people are just seeking the same basic rights that all citizens enjoy. […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
UN backed-report highlights how business can help achieve Global Goal on Peace, Justice and Inclusive Societies
United Nations, 3 November 2017, UN News – Through anti-corruption measures, promoting diversity and supporting justice initiatives, companies play a crucial role in achieving targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on building accountable and inclusive institutions, according to a report released Friday by a United Nations-backed global fund. “While the notion of peace […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
Thousands of Rohingyas cross into Bangladesh overnight; child malnutrition soars in camps – UN
United Nations, 3 November 2017, UN News – As more than 3,000 desperate, tired and hungry Rohingya refugees have crossed into Bangladesh from Myanmar over the past two days, United Nations agencies and their partners are working around the clock to provide urgent life-saving aid and shelter to this latest influx. “Most people I talked […]
more…9 Nov, 2017
OECD strengthens global response to tax crime
Paris, OECD News release, 08/11/2017 – More than 200 global tax and economic crime experts have identified key areas for international action following the Fifth OECD Forum on Tax and Crime, in London. In a week dominated by media coverage of offshore issues, the Forum brought experts on tax, customs, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, policing, and […]
more…8 Nov, 2017
TripAdvisor removed warnings about rapes and injuries at Mexico resorts, tourists say
Did anyone express worry, describe problems or share experiences that might serve as warnings? The public had no way to know. The posts had all been removed from the forum. In their place was a message from TripAdvisor that cited various reasons for the deletions: They were “determined to be inappropriate by the TripAdvisor community,” […]
more…8 Nov, 2017
Former Indian PM denounces “tax terrorism” under Modi govt, says “winds of change” blowing in Gujarat
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 08 November 2017 – Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday slammed Narendra Modi government for implementation of demonetisation and the GST. Singh said that demonetisation was a “complete disaster” for the country’s economy and chided the Modi government for not having learnt “any lessons” from what he called the “monumental blunder.” Singh, […]
more…8 Nov, 2017
Banyan Tree Holdings only Asian travel company in Ethical Corporate Governance Awards 2017
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–03 November 2017 — Banyan Tree Holdings, Singapore Telecom, Media Prima and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) are among a carefully selected group of companies recognised in the Ethical Boardroom Corporate Governance Awards 2017 for their excellence in corporate governance. Organisations that value ethics and transparency, and work towards meaningful engagement […]
more…8 Nov, 2017
OECD updates country profiles on transfer pricing legislation and practices
Paris, OECD news release, 06/11/2017 – The OECD has published updated versions of transfer pricing country profiles (TPCP), reflecting the current transfer pricing legislation and practices of 31 participating countries. The country profiles contain up-to-date and harmonised information on key aspects of transfer pricing legislation, provided by countries themselves. Following the outcome of the OECD/G20 […]
more…8 Nov, 2017
The Delta Way: Outsourcing US-India Flights and American Crew Jobs To Foreign Partners
By Kevin Mitchell – November 6, 2017 Americans for Fair Skies, the anti-Open Skies lobbying arm of Delta Air Lines, argued yet again in recently tweeting that competition from Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways (Gulf Carriers) has driven Delta out of the non-stop US-India market. This repetitious political soundbite could not be further […]
more…8 Nov, 2017
UN Security Council Presidential Statement Calls on Myanmar to End Excessive Military Force, Intercommunal Violence in Rakhine State
United Nations, 06 November 2017 — Calling on the Myanmar Government to end the excessive military force and intercommunal violence that had devastated the Rohingya community in Rakhine State, the Security Council this afternoon urged the implementation of agreed‑upon mechanisms to assist return of those who have fled and to ensure access for humanitarian aid. […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
Uber Pledges $5 Million to Prevent xxxual Assault and Domestic Violence
SAN FRANCISCO, 6 November 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE) – Uber today announced a $5 million commitment over five years as part of its “Driving Change” campaign for sexual assault and domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives in partnership with groups including Raliance, the National Network to End Domestic Violence and NO MORE. These groups began working […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
Transparency International: Time to Clean up The Offshore Financial Havens
5 November 2017, Transparency International News –The ‘Paradise Papers’ revelations published on 5 November by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and its partners show how the rich and powerful around the world are able to hide wealth through complex and opaque financial structures which allow them to keep their business dealings secret. These secret […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
Islamic Group Offers U.S. Religious Institutions Security Advice Following Church Massacre
WASHINGTON, D.C., 6 November 2017, CAIR News – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the U.S.’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today offered security advice to religious institutions nationwide that are considering instituting additional safety measures in response to yesterday’s massacre at a Texas church. CAIR is urging all houses of worship to take […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
ParadisePapers Leaks Expose How Offshore Gurus Help Rich Avoid Taxes on Private Jets and Yachts
6 November 2017, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists – Formula One auto racing star Lewis Hamilton got a new luxury jet, a $27 million candy-apple-red Bombardier Challenger 605 with Armani curtains. He also got a refund on the value-added tax. And the lawyers at Appleby, an elite law firm founded in Bermuda, were there to […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
P&G releases “Citizenship Report” branding itself as “A Force For Good And A Force For Growth”
CINCINNATI, 1 November 2017, (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) today released its 2017 Citizenship Report, detailing progress in improving social conditions for those in need, advancing Diversity & Inclusion, building a world free from gender bias inside and outside the Company and reducing its environmental footprint. As P&G operates in about […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
How Israel profits by exporting its “security apparatus” oppression to America
By Ramzy Baroud Jeddah, Arab News, 31 October 2017, US Senate Bill S.720 should have been a wake-up call. The legislation drafted by the Israel lobby group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), would punish any individual or company that boycotts Israel with a fine of up to $1 million and up to 20 […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
Oxfam: Powerful film shows how global tax dodgers hit the poor where it really hurts
London, 07 Nov 2017, Oxfam International media release — Yesterday’s leak of millions of documents in the Paradise Papers has once again revealed the dark and murky world of tax dodging. From prominent politicians and celebrities to global corporate giants, tax dodgers have once again been exposed for not paying their fair share. Tax dodging […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
New YouGov research: Thai social media is missing a trick by ignoring baby boomers
Thailand, 7 November 2017, YouGov News – Millennials and baby boomers in Thailand feel they are represented better by the media than by advertising, according to new YouGov Omnibus research. The online survey comparing the opinions of respondents born between the mid-1940s and mid-1960s (baby boomers) and between the early 1980s and mid-1990s (millennials), asked […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
Petronas ICT launches programme to nurture “Brilliant Young Minds”
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 November 2017, (Bernama) — PETRONAS ICT Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS recently concluded its inaugural CSI programme named ‘The Brilliant Young Minds”, when participants at the programme showcase pitched to a panel of judges real-world solutions they had developed for the oil and gas industry. The Brilliant Young Minds […]
more…7 Nov, 2017
Thailand Halal Assembly 2017 to focus on the Power of Halal Wisdom
Bangkok – For the fourth time, the Thailand Halal Assembly 2017, to be held in Bangkok between 30 November – 3 December 2017, will converge the themes of Science, Technology, and Islamic Arts under a powerful unified concept of Halal Wisdom. This year’s Assembly, the fourth in a series of annual events, is expected to […]
more…3 Nov, 2017
A deeper look at the global trend towards assertion of identity
By Chandra Muzaffar News reports about communities and regions asserting their identity are capturing media headlines everywhere. While the media gives a lot of coverage to an event or action connected with the phenomenon — a referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan or a vote in the Catalonian parliament — the reasons that explain the assertion of […]
more…3 Nov, 2017
3 million Americans carry loaded handguns every day, study finds
Source: American Journal of Public Health. Published Online: October 19, 2017 Authors: Ali Rowhani-Rahbar MD, PhD, MPH, Deborah Azrael PhD, Vivian H. Lyons MPH, Joseph A. Simonetti MD, MPH, and Matthew Miller MD, ScDAuthor affiliations, information, and correspondence details Objectives. To determine the frequency of loaded handgun carrying among US adult handgun owners, characterize those […]
more…3 Nov, 2017
Flashback 25 years: The speech that exposes U.S. airline U-turns, hypocrisy and double standards
In March 1992, at the 41st PATA annual conference in Hong Kong, Mr Robert Crandall, former Chairman and President of American Airlines, and Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council, delivered the keynote address in which he castigated Hong Kong, the conference host, plus Thailand, Japan and Korea, for protecting the interests of their […]
more…3 Nov, 2017
This university leads in world’s first essay competition on Tourism and SDGs
Fifty-four multinational students from the University of Monterrey, Mexico, have taken the lead in sending their submissions to the world’s first essay competition on how Travel & Tourism can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Launched on Sept 21, 2017, the UN International Day of Peace, The Olive Tree Awards essay competition invites young […]
more…1 Nov, 2017
Australian study reveals startling stats on gambling-related mental & health problems
Canberra, 26 October 2017, (Australian Institute of Family Studies Media release) – Nearly one million Australians regularly gamble on horse and dog racing with a high proportion of them experiencing one or more gambling-related problems, according to new analysis by the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC), Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). AGRC researcher, Dr […]
more…1 Nov, 2017
VOICES: New publication launched to highlight importance of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
JAKARTA, 30 October 2017 (ASEAN secretariat) – The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Department of the ASEAN Secretariat launched the maiden issue of VOICES: Bulletin of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) today. This is a new quarterly bulletin which serves as a communication tool to keep ASEAN people informed on issues that have a direct impact on […]
more…1 Nov, 2017
Conservation of Hong Kong working class housing tops 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards
BANGKOK, 1 November 2017 (UNSCO media release) — The revitalization of the working class “Blue House Cluster” in Hong Kong, China, has received the Award of Excellence in this year’s UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Sixteen projects from six countries – Australia, China, India, Iran, New Zealand, and Singapore – were recognized in […]
more…22 Oct, 2017
“Selling Girls,” Original Investigation into U.S. Child Sex Trafficking, shown on TEGNA Station Digital Platforms
MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) announced today the premiere of “Selling Girls,” a six-part digital, episodic series investigating sex trafficking of children in America. Produced by award-winning investigative news teams from WXIA in Atlanta and KHOU in Houston, the entire series of “Selling Girls” rolls out first on TEGNA stations’ digital platforms beginning today, […]
more…
Loading ...
