With some of its cultural practices rapidly disappearing, China is a member of a special inter-government committee to protect intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This year, according to an article on XINHUA.net, the country is holding its first international conference on protecting ICH.
The conference features a special meeting of the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which aims to set criteria for a world ICH list and identify ICH around the world that needs preservation. In addition, there will be performances, an exhibition and special forum. The article reports that a special park dedicated to ICH protected will open during the event, which runs from May 23 to June 10, 2007.
According to the article, UNESCO’s definition of ICH includes “practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.” This event will focus on ways to prevent this heritage from being lost.
April 23, 2007
April 19, 2007
All hail the King – or else
While many Western countries routinely poke fun at their leaders, this practice could get travellers into trouble with the law in Thailand. Here insulting the King – a crime known as lese-majesty – is against the law.
Are the consequences severe? Yes... According to a recent article from the BBC, a Swiss man was sentenced to ten years in prison for insults and vandalizing a poster of the monarch. His sentence was reduced by half because he pled guilty to all five offenses with which he was charged.
Online criticism is equally unwelcome. Thailand also recently implemented a country-wide ban on popular video-sharing site YouTube when owners refused to remove an offensive clip ridiculing King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Are the consequences severe? Yes... According to a recent article from the BBC, a Swiss man was sentenced to ten years in prison for insults and vandalizing a poster of the monarch. His sentence was reduced by half because he pled guilty to all five offenses with which he was charged.
Online criticism is equally unwelcome. Thailand also recently implemented a country-wide ban on popular video-sharing site YouTube when owners refused to remove an offensive clip ridiculing King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
April 16, 2007
What is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC (short for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.
This important anniversary is marked every year with ceremonies to commemorate the campaign and the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives.
The Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs website outlines the history of ANZAC Day and provides information about worldwide events on this day.
According to a recent article on NEWS.com.au, security measures will be even tighter for this year’s events in Turkey. For example, attendees with be required to wear a wrist-band to show that they have passed security screening, and alcohol and inappropriate entertainment will be banned.
Both the Australian and New Zealand governments have issued special travel bulletins.
This important anniversary is marked every year with ceremonies to commemorate the campaign and the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives.
The Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs website outlines the history of ANZAC Day and provides information about worldwide events on this day.
According to a recent article on NEWS.com.au, security measures will be even tighter for this year’s events in Turkey. For example, attendees with be required to wear a wrist-band to show that they have passed security screening, and alcohol and inappropriate entertainment will be banned.
Both the Australian and New Zealand governments have issued special travel bulletins.
April 12, 2007
Tell it to the customs machine
Can an ATM do the job of a customs agent? Norway says yes.
Declaring extra alcohol or cigarettes at Norway airports is now as easy as withdrawing money from an ATM. According to a recent article on NEWS.com.au, Norway is the first country to install automated teller machines as part of its customs. As of April 1, travellers can declare goods and even pay duty with their bank cards.
The move will free up customers personnel to deal with more serious incidents of smuggling.
Declaring extra alcohol or cigarettes at Norway airports is now as easy as withdrawing money from an ATM. According to a recent article on NEWS.com.au, Norway is the first country to install automated teller machines as part of its customs. As of April 1, travellers can declare goods and even pay duty with their bank cards.
The move will free up customers personnel to deal with more serious incidents of smuggling.
April 9, 2007
New Delhi drivers first to “butt-out”
Driving in New Delhi is dangerous enough without addition distractions. According to a recent article on ABC News, the city’s high court implemented a series of measures to improve driving habits. Cell phone use and smoking were both banned in an effort to minimize road chaos in the city of 14 million people.
New Delhi is the first city to implement a ban on smoking while driving. The article also cautions of penalties if you get caught. The $32 fine is a sizable amount in that country, and five offenses results in the driver’s license being revoked.
The new safety measures are in effect as of April 9th.
New Delhi is the first city to implement a ban on smoking while driving. The article also cautions of penalties if you get caught. The $32 fine is a sizable amount in that country, and five offenses results in the driver’s license being revoked.
The new safety measures are in effect as of April 9th.
April 5, 2007
Who lost the most luggage?
Has your suitcase gone missing in action? You’re not alone. Every year millions of bags go missing in Europe’s airports – 5.6 million bags to be exactly, according to a recent article on BBC News that reports on data released by the Association of European Airlines (AEA). That’s an average of 16 bags per 1000 travellers among the 24 major airlines. Not all major airlines and low-cost carriers submitted statistics.
The year’s worst offender? British Airways with an average of 23 bags lost per thousand travellers. Germany’s Luftansa, Italy’s Alitalia and Air France also had below-average performances. Increased security measures and increased volume reportedly add to the problem.
The good news? About 85% of bags are returned to their owners within 48 hours.
The year’s worst offender? British Airways with an average of 23 bags lost per thousand travellers. Germany’s Luftansa, Italy’s Alitalia and Air France also had below-average performances. Increased security measures and increased volume reportedly add to the problem.
The good news? About 85% of bags are returned to their owners within 48 hours.
April 3, 2007
Where’s the 2006 Go-to Region?
The World Tourism Organization released its 2006 results. Which region has tourists flocking to visit?
According to a recent report, the WTO cites a record number of 842 million international tourists for 2006 – that’s a growth rate of about 4.5 percent. Africa boasts the largest growth rate of 8.1 percent.
The reason? The report notes that sub-Saharan Africa is seen as being far away from the centre of tension and unrest. Other draws include the wildlife and natural resources.
The weakest growth rate was in the Americas.
According to a recent report, the WTO cites a record number of 842 million international tourists for 2006 – that’s a growth rate of about 4.5 percent. Africa boasts the largest growth rate of 8.1 percent.
The reason? The report notes that sub-Saharan Africa is seen as being far away from the centre of tension and unrest. Other draws include the wildlife and natural resources.
The weakest growth rate was in the Americas.
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