Economic Watch: China s travel boom buoys global expectations
BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- As the eight-day Spring Festival holiday draws closer, global tourist destinations are keen to attract Chinese holidaymakers, with high hopes for a tourism boom. In a video message last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists, as they had been the largest source of inbound tourism for the country. The prime minister expressed hopes that C.....»»
Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Nvidia exceeds expectations with strong results and forecasts as China sales decline significantly
Nvidia (NVDA) Exceeds Expectations with Strong Fourth-Quarter Earnings Graphics chip giant Nvidia (NVDA) has reported fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed analysts’ expectations, both on the top.....»»
Agoda Reveals: Khao Lak, Seoul, and Perhentian Island are the Top Destinations for Slow Travel
With slow travel being one of the most talked about travel trends, digital travel platform Agoda shares the top Asian destinations for slow travel for longer stays. Thailand’s Khao Lak takes the crown as the tourist destination where travelers spend the most time. Searches for slow travel have grown threefold in the past five years, […].....»»
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey: 4 in 5 Travelers Care About More Sustainable Travel
As Pinoy travelers venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 92% of Filipino travelers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel […].....»»
The Mental Wellness Odyssey: Unveiling Travel’s Transformative Power
In our hectic world, travel transcends leisure, impacting mental health beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, as supported by scientific evidence. Escape Stress: Travel breaks routine, offering a refreshing respite from daily demands, reducing stress. Joyful Exploration: Experiences, not possessions, bring happiness. Travel’s thrill and diversity elevate joy. Mindful Journey: Travel promotes mindfulness, offering moments […].....»»
Business boom expected in now Dawlah Islamiya-free South Cotabato
Officials are expecting a boom in businesses in South Cotabato in Region 12 as a result of the Philippine Army's having cleared the province from the presence of the Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group......»»
Data centers seen to boom this year
A unit of Globe Telecom Inc. said the data center business in the Philippines would boom this year in response to the growing demand for information storage worldwide......»»
PH Economy Remains Optimistic Amid Global Slowdown
The country is one of the fastest growing economies in East Asia and the Pacific according to the World Bank, foreseeing robust growth despite global economic slowdown. In the latest World Bank Global Economic Outlook report released on Tuesday, the Philippines is expected to maintain its economic growth rate in 2024 at 5.8%, slightly higher […].....»»
Xinhua world economic news summary at 0830 GMT, Jan. 18
DAVOS, Switzerland -- Although the global economy is facing sluggish growth and numerous challenges, business leaders attending the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) remain confident over the prospects of the Chinese economy. Over recent years, China has been an important engine for the global economy. China's gross domestic product (GDP) posted a growth of 5.2 percent year-on-year in 2023, h.....»»
China urges ROK to stay prudent on South China Sea issue: Chinese FM
BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Republic of Korea (ROK) to stay prudent when it comes to the South China Sea issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday. Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a media query about ROK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's biased and unfactual comments on the South China Sea issue over the past few days. "China.....»»
German manufacturing hits four-month low - S& P Global
Factory activity has dropped further than expected by economists, signaling a sharp downturn in the economy, data shows German manufacturing activity dropped well below expectations in February, indicating an accelerated rate of economic downturn, the latest data compiled by S&P Global has revealed. .....»»
Palawan Recognized as One of the Top Destinations in World for 2024
Palawan has once again earned recognition as one of the Trending Destinations in the World for 2024 on Tripadvisor, the global hub for travel deals and reviews. This follows Palawan’s outstanding global achievements in 2023, being named one of the World’s Most Desirable Countries for Adventure, making it to Travel + Leisure’s top Islands, and […].....»»
Cebu Pacific profit soars
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific reached a cruising altitude in the first quarter of the year, doubling its profit to more than P2 billion due to the holiday boom for air travel......»»
China Will Be Global Force for Peace : Wang Yi
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - China will be a global force for peace and stability, the country's foreign minister, Wang Yi, said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. - Other Media news - "In the face of complex turmoil in the international environment, China will persist in being a force for peace, a force for stability, and a force for progress in the world," Wang told reporters, AFP reported.Wang mad.....»»
China urges Philippines to stop provocations in South China Sea
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Philippines to immediately stop violating China's sovereignty and its provocations on Ren'ai Jiao, and return to observing the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday. Wang made the remarks when asked to comment on a statement made by the Philippine department of.....»»
China gets increasingly rambunctious in South China Sea
Hong Kong, April 1 (ANI): Chairman Xi Jinping, as part of his hardening stance against the Philippines, has obviously instructed agencies like the China Coast Guard (CCG), which is directly under his command, to demonstrate greater vigor in the South China Sea. Indeed, Second Thomas Shoal has emerged as a potent flashpoint in the South China Sea, a submerged reef situated 194km west of the Philippine island of Palawan. Th.....»»
China coastguard uses water cannons against Philippine ships in South China Sea
MANILA/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China’s coastguard said it had taken measures against Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Saturday, while the Philippines decried the moves, including the use of water cannons, as “irresponsible and provocative”. China’s actions led to “significant damage” and injury to personnel on a civilian boat hired to resupply.....»»
Australia, Britain Criticize China for Actions in Hong Kong
SYDNEY - Australia and Britain on Friday criticized China for its actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea and its support of Russia, after a meeting in which London and Canberra deepened their security ties.The two countries called out 'recent unsafe and destabilizing behavior by China's vessels against Philippine vessels and crew near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,' in a statement that contain.....»»
China says it opposes Philippine construction on Nansha Islands
China firmly opposes the Philippine side conducting any form of construction activity on the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands that it invaded and illegally occupied, a spokesperson for China's Defense Ministry said Thursday. "China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and the adjacent waters, which is fully backed by historical and legal evidence," Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the.....»»