Delta Air Lines is pledging $1 million in cash and in-kind support to disaster relief efforts in Japan following last week’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. The airline’s efforts are centered on two relief programs:

Nations around the world are bracing themselves for a large slump in tourism arrivals from Japan, following last week’s devastating earthquake. Touism chiefs in Queensland fear falling arrivals from Japan could further dent a region already struggling to recover from the devastating floods. And everywhere from Taiwan to India, destinations are already feeling the pinch.

Messe Berlin has reacted with sorrow and dismay following the latest news from the disaster-struck areas in Japan and news of the tsunami threat to countries in Asia and Oceania in the Pacific.

As many as 250 civilians are feared dead after an earthquake sent a tsunami crashing into the north of Japan earlier. Many more are missing, with extensive damage reported across the region. Pictures from local television stations show buildings toppling under pressure from a huge wave of water, with cars, boats, and even roads also swallowed up.

China has issued a travel warning for Japan after a group of Chinese tourists were attacked on a trip to the port of Fukuoka in the wake of a bitter territorial dispute between the two countries.

Japan has relaxed financial criteria for Chinese travellers seeking individual visas to enter the country. In an effort to boost visitor numbers, the Japan Tourism Authority has also increased the number of Chinese locations at which applications can be made.