News

If you haven’t made plans to visit Rio de Janiero for the 2009 Carnival, there’s still time. This year’s Carnival celebration begins on February 20th and ends on Fat Tuesday, February 24th. The party is a great time to have some fun in the sun, and also a good time to see what is so […]

Housing starts in the United States are expected to fall to record low levels in 2009, according to recent news. At the International Builders Show being held in Las Vegas, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) predicted that single family housing starts will drop to about 441,000 for 2009. That is the lowest number

Despite the economic slowdown in many parts of the world, tourism to Indonesia was very good in 2008, according to recent announcements. Indonesia’s Tourism and Culture Minister Jero Wacik said that there were increases in both foreign tourists and foreign exchange revenue for 2008.   “The number of foreign tourists until the end of 2008

The new Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket is set to open on April 2, 2009. This will be the first property in Outrigger Enterprises Group’s planned expansion into Asia. The property is located in the Chalong Bay area and consists of 78 luxury one and two bedroom apartments.   The resort will have seven

The Caribbean Island of St Kitts is about to receive a boost with the construction of luxury hotel and residences planned for Christophe Harbour.   On the southern end of the spectacular Caribbean island of St. Kitts is one of the most luxurious resorts to be found anywhere, Christophe Harbour. Set on some 2,600 acres

SafMus Holdings of Dubai has purchased the island of Great Britain in Dubai’s The World development. The sales price for the 11 acre island is a reported US$ 63.3 million. The developer plans to construct a mix of residences, hotels and commercial projects on the island with a reflection of British architectural influences.   Safi

A new luxury retail, residential and business center is being developed in New Cairo City and is named Cairo Festival City. This new development is set to have six districts and will be set on 730 acres of land. It is envisioned as the retail and leisure center for New Cairo City.   The US$9

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to present a new stimulus plan for the country. In response to the worldwide economic situation and predictions of a recession for the eurozone in 2009, the government of France is proposing a 20 billion euro package. This new plan will target the country’s car industry, housing and household

The European Commission has forecast that the economy in Europe will shrink by 1.9 percent in 2009 and grow by 0.4 percent in 2010. The commission said that it hopes it will be possible “to create the conditions for a gradual recovery in the second part of 2009” for the eurozone economy.   Economy Commissioner

In its efforts to attract highly qualified foreign nationals to Taiwan, the Executive Yuan has simplified the visa process. Beginning on January 1 of 2009, three visas are now being issued to qualified foreigners who want to visit or reside in Taiwan: an academic and commercial travel card, an employment pass, and a permanent residency