Short takes...

Tourism is Malaysia's second-largest foreign exchange earner and the country is planning a boost in visitor numbers in 2007 to coincide with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence. The country has already launched a 'Visit Malaysia Year 2007' campaign and officials have vowed to work to felicitate travel arrangements and ensure the safety of tourists. The government hopes to attract some 20.1 million tourists in 2007, up from 15.7 million in 2004.

The Paris Mayor announced in his Paris Plages initiative that the artificial beach along the banks of the capital's Seine river will this year be boosted by a new swimming pool. This addition to offer a welcome respite to residents and tourists looking to escape the summer heat opens on July 20.

The fast-flowing and polluted Seine itself is unsuitable for swimming and the new municipal pool will be named the 'Josephine Baker' pool in honour of the US singer and dancer who became a French citizen. Paris Plages will see busy roads running along the Seine closed to traffic till August 20.

Redecorated with sand grassy areas, deck chairs, hammocks and palm trees the area is given a French Riviera feel.

Singapore is seeking to further liberalise air services with its neighbours including China and India to maintain the city-state's Changi Airport as a regional aviation hub.

"The competition for Changi's hub position has grown keener with newer, bigger airports around all with the latest equipment," Lee Kuan Yew said at a function to celebrate the airport's 25th anniversary. "Changi must continue its efforts to upgrade and update its services and facilities in preparation for the challenges ahead.

We all also continue to liberalise out air services agreements with China, India and ASEAN nations to facilitate the growth of both Singapore and foreign carriers at Changi." The Singapore airport's third terminal costing 1.75 billion Singapore dollars (1.1 billion US) is due to open in 2008 and will raise its passenger handling capacity by another 20 million to 64 million. In March, it opened a purpose-built terminal for budget carriers to serve the booming demand for low-cost travel in Asia.

Changi Airport serves 82 airlines offering flights to more than 180 cities as of June and handled a record 32.4 million passengers in 2005, up seven percent from the previous year.