International News

Official news agency of Iran Hotel Industry

International News

UK Travel & Tourism Sector May Only Recover by a Third This Year

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector’s year on year recovery may only claw back a third, whilst international travel spending continues to plummet. Latest research from WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism sector, shows the recovery has been severely delayed by the lack of spending from international visitors. WTTC blames strict travel restrictions, such as the destructive ‘traffic light’ system, for wreaking havoc on the sector. Now, despite its highly successful vaccine rollout, the UK is set to record further losses in inbound visitor spending than the previous year, a year in which international travel ground to an almost complete standstill. At the current rate of recovery, WTTC research shows the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy could rise year on year by just under a third (32%) in 2021, broadly in line with the global average of 30.7%. However, research conducted by the global tourism body shows the increase has been primarily spurred on by the recent boom in domestic travel, with domestic spending growth set to experience a year on year rise of 49% in 2021. While this surge in domestic travel has provided a much-needed boost, it will not be enough to achieve a full economic recovery and save millions of jobs still under threat. The research goes on to show that international spending is predicted to plunge by nearly 50% on 2020 figures – one of the worst years on record for the Travel & Tourism sector – making it one of the worst performing countries in the world. While other countries, such as China and the U.S., are set to see a rise in international travel spending this year, the UK lags and continues to record significant losses. Severe travel restrictions, ever-changing policies, and barriers to travel to the UK, such as the current requirement for visitors to take an expensive day two PCR test after arriving in the country, have had their toll. Last year, the UK Travel & Tourism sector saw 307,000 job losses across the country and research shows that jobs in the sector are set to remain flat this year. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “WTTC research shows that while the global Travel & Tourism sector is beginning to recover, the UK continues to suffer big losses due to continuing travel restrictions that are tougher than the rest of Europe. Looking ahead to 2022, WTTC research provides grounds for optimism. With the right measures and a strong focus on international travel, the UK could see Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP rise by 53% in 2022, resulting in an additional £66 billion to its economy. International visitor spending could also see a significant increase reaching £29 billion – just 20% below 2019 levels. Meanwhile, employment growth could see a 14% boost year on year, equating to additional 580,000 jobs in 2022, resulting in over 4.7 million jobs, which is 445,000 above 2019 levels.

Create: Oct 16, 2021 Edit: Oct 16, 2021

Russia to lift COVID ban on flights to Iran, other countries

Russia is scheduled to lift its COVID-19 ban on flights to Iran and several other countries as of Nov. 9, the government coronavirus task force said on Thursday. Moscow stopped normal commercial flights abroad when the pandemic struck last year, but it has since been gradually relaxing the restrictions, Reuters reported. The restriction will also be eliminated on flights to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, Oman, Tunisia, and Thailand. “The flight bans dealt a heavy blow to Russia’s airlines,” Reuters said. Russian tourists eager to visit Iran Many Russian tourists are eager to travel to Iran, an Iranian travel expert said earlier in May, recounting his Russian counterparts. “Many [potential] Russian travelers are motivated to visit novel and lesser-known destinations such as Iran that could be a safe and attractive destination,” said Mostafa Sarvari who presides over the tourism marketing and advertising office of the Iranian Tour Operators Association. “According to Russian tourism experts, the feedback from Russian tourists who have traveled to Iran has been very positive, and its reflection, especially on social media, has caused a great deal of enthusiasm and interest.” In 2017, President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inked a visa-free agreement for tourist groups.

Create: Oct 16, 2021 Edit: Oct 16, 2021

PM Hotel Group Selected to Manage the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel

PM Hotel Group, the industry’s leading independent hospitality management company, has been selected to manage the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel. This latest addition further expands PM Hotel Group’s Mid-Atlantic portfolio of Marriott-affiliated properties. Centrally located near Harrisburg’s key demand generators, the property is also 10 miles from Hershey, Pennsylvania’s famed Chocolate World and Hersheypark attractions. The expansive 347-room Sheraton Harrisburg features 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, as well as an on-site fitness center, restaurant and pub. Together with PM Hotel Group’s capex team, the award-winning hotel will immediately begin a multi-million-dollar renovation that will touch all areas of the building, restoring the property’s position as the market’s preeminent full-service hotel.

Create: Oct 13, 2021 Edit: Oct 13, 2021

UNWTO and Netflix Partner to Rethink Screen Tourism

UNWTO and Netflix have partnered on the publication of a report which looks at the role of film and series as drivers for tourism and cultural affinity. The Global Report on Cultural Affinity and Screen Tourism explores the growing affection one has towards a particular country or culture displayed on the screen. The findings of the research were presented in Madrid against the backdrop of the Iberseries Platino Industria - the largest international event for professionals linked to the audiovisual industry in Spanish and Portuguese. The report’s ultimate goal is to support policymakers and key stakeholders within the tourism sector to implement policies that make their destinations attractive for audio-visual producers. At the same time, it aims to help in the building of focused strategies to promote tourism and consumption of local culture, investing in skills and training to develop the local film and creative sectors to ensure a high level of talent, infrastructure and production capacity and integrating tourism and showcasing culture at film festivals to deepen the global audiences’ knowledge. UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Both tourism and the audiovisual sectors celebrate and promote culture, support jobs and provide opportunities in diverse locations. The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism. Dean Garfield, Vice-President, Public Policy, Netflix: “As highlighted in this research, we have been able to demonstrate conclusively what we instinctively already believed, which is that alongside the desire to travel and visit destinations, exposure to screen content also leads to greater interest in heritage, culture, language, and developing interpersonal relationships. This truly demonstrates that the creative industries, cultural exchange, storytelling, and tourism are all interlinked and can transform the way communities perceive and connect with each other.” Following the presentation of the Global Report, experts on tourism and the audio-visual industry shared their knowledge and insights into changing trends in screen tourism, its positive impacts on strengthening cultural affinity and the role of online streaming services in promoting tourism and cultural affinity between people, cultures and countries in line with the 2030 Agenda. The event also served to underline how public-private partnerships can support destinations to promote themselves as attractive locations for audio-visual producers.

Create: Oct 11, 2021 Edit: Oct 11, 2021

Each Iranian province to have one week to demonstrate capacities at Expo 2020 Dubai

Based on the planning, each Iranian province will be granted one week to showcase its capacities at Expo 2020 Dubai, according to the managing director of Iran International Exhibitions Company. Speaking during a press conference, Hassan Zamani underlined the economic, cultural, social and political significance of the Expo, saying that some 198 countries will participate in the event. Expo 2020 in Dubai runs from October 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022. Zamani said that Iran’s pavilion at the Expo will open on October 2 with the virtual presence of the Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade. Referring to Iran’s agenda at the event, he said that Iran is firstly focused on non-oil exports which are predicted to hit $100 billion and then the country will seek to observe investments for different projects. Iran has spent the least money on designing its pavilion in comparison with other participating countries, he said, however noting that the Iranian pavilion has been selected among the top eight pavilions in the event.

Create: Oct 9, 2021 Edit: Oct 9, 2021

IHG Hotels & Resorts Opens New Holiday Inn Near Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has opened Holiday Inn Paris – CDG Airport in partnership with the HPVA HOTELS group. Holiday Inn is one of the most recognized hotel brands in the world, offering a warm, welcoming, consistent, and affordable experience at all its hotels worldwide. Holiday Inn Paris – CDG Airport is a 10-minute free shuttle ride from Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport and only a 30-minute train ride to central Paris, making it a great choice for those looking for a warm welcome and a place to rest before or after a flight. The hotel’s 250 modern guest rooms have been designed around the concept of ‘central living’, allowing for a more central space for relaxing and casual working. Some rooms are fitted out with a sofa bed providing guests with a flexible space for watching TV, lounging, or working, whilst also providing families the flexibility to have another sleeping space for children. The hotel’s public shared spaces offer the brand’s stylish ‘Open Lobby’ concept, designed to combine the hotel’s reception area, restaurant, bar, and lounge into one open and cohesive space to provide guests with a place to relax, eat and work. For those travelling for business, Holiday Inn Paris CDG Airport also has a dedicated Business Centre, 705m² of meeting spaces with daylight that can accommodate up to 350 people, and plenty of parking with electric charging stations. Holiday Inn Paris CDG Airport has a Restaurant and Bar with its own terrace and garden space for guests to enjoy. The Restaurant has an all-day dinning menu offering French flavours and focuses on casual sharing plates prepared with local quality produce. For those looking to keep up their fitness regimes, there is a fully equipped gym on the top floor, including a sauna with great views of the airport’s runways. The hotel also has a dedicated Crew Lounge intended to welcome airline crew who are in transit and looking for a quiet and intimate setting to relax. Rooms at Holiday Inn Paris CDG start from €149 per night for bed and breakfast. IHG Rewards members will have access to exclusive member rates and can earn and redeem IHG Rewards points when they book direct at ihg.com. The Holiday Inn brand from IHG Hotels & Resorts has served hundreds of millions of guests worldwide during its nearly 70-year history and is one of the most recognised and trusted travel brands in the world.

Create: Oct 9, 2021 Edit: Oct 9, 2021

Wyndham Unveils All-Inclusive Resort Brand – Wyndham Alltra – Through New Strategic Alliance With Playa Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH), the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across nearly 95 countries, and Playa Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: PLYA), a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts in popular vacation destination in Mexico and the Caribbean, announced today the launch of a new all-inclusive resort brand, Wyndham Alltra. The announcement marks Wyndham’s 22nd brand and its first dedicated entirely to the fast-growing, all-inclusive segment. In conjunction with the brand launch, Wyndham begins a strategic alliance with Playa Hotels & Resorts, leveraging Wyndham’s unparalleled ability to drive sales, marketing and distribution in the economy, midscale and upscale segments via its 89 million enrolled Wyndham Rewards Members and distinct Everyday Travelers, combined with Playa’s ability to provide a best in class hospitality experience and exceptional value to guests. The new brand’s name “Alltra” is born from the brand promise of “All-Inclusive Travel for All,” keeping with Wyndham’s mission of delivering exceptional experiences to the everyday traveler. Wyndham Alltra creates an all-inclusive resort experience that is distinct to the upper-midscale segment, offering upscale food and beverage, services, amenities and activities with an expressive local flavor at an exceptional value. The brand will feature both family-friendly and adults-only resorts in the Caribbean and other resort destinations. The first two resorts to debut under the Wyndham Alltra brand are Playa’s 458 room Wyndham Alltra Cancun located in the heart of the Hotel zone with its 10 upscale restaurants, bars, lounges and pools, and the 287 room Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen in the heart of Playa Del Carmen featuring unlimited gourmet dining just steps from Fifth Avenue with its bars, restaurants and high-end shops. Currently undergoing renovations, both resorts remain open and are scheduled to complete renovations and become Wyndham Alltra resorts in time for the holidays in December 2021. The two resorts will mark the first of many properties to be developed under the strategic alliance between Wyndham and Playa in the upper-midscale, all-inclusive resort sector in the Caribbean and Mexico that Playa currently operates in. “Wyndham Alltra will introduce many of our over 150 million annual guests to our first all-inclusive brand,” said Geoffrey A. Ballotti, president and chief executive officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Partnering with a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts in prime beachfront locations, will create immediate access for our customers and our over 80 million Wyndham Rewards members to a fabulous, all-inclusive guest experience – members who will be able to redeem their Wyndham Rewards points for a new all-inclusive vacation experience at Wyndham Alltra resorts, and earn points for their stays.” “Today’s announcement combines Wyndham’s robust distribution capabilities and award-winning loyalty program with our highly acclaimed all-inclusive expertise. Together, we are launching a new experience in the upper-midscale resort segment to reach more first-time all-inclusive guests,” said Bruce Wardinski, chairman and chief executive officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts. Details about first two Playa properties to become Wyndham Alltra resorts: • Wyndham Alltra Cancun, All-Inclusive Resort – Guests can enjoy the ultimate all-inclusive vacation on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with a stay at Wyndham Alltra Cancun. Situated in the heart of the lively Hotel Zone, our sprawling beachfront resort is the perfect escape for families, couples, and group gatherings. From the moment guests arrive, they’ll be transported to paradise with more than 10 incredible restaurants, bars and lounges, multiple pools, and a host of included activities ranging from yoga classes to tequila tastings. Kids of all ages will love our pirate-themed splash park, waterslides, and mini-golf course, while teens can spend afternoons and evenings in our #Hashtag hangout room. Throughout their stay, guests can keep up with their workout routine in a state-of-the-art fitness center or with one of our many group fitness classes—and be sure to make time for indulgent treatments and the complimentary hydrotherapy area at Aura Spa. Just 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Cancun International Airport (CUN), our picture-perfect resort is close to ancient Mayan ruins, lively nightlife in downtown Cancun, and so much more. Each of our contemporary suites is appointed with everything a guest needs to unwind—from fully-stocked minibars to terraces with incredible views of the Caribbean Sea. If celebrating a wedding or planning a business meeting, guests can host a memorable gathering with customizable all-inclusive packages in one of our outdoor or indoor venues. • Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen, Adults Only All Inclusive – Guests revel in an adults-only paradise along the idyllic Riviera Maya, steps from a breathtaking beach, fantastic shopping along 5th Avenue, and vibrant nightlife. Just 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Cancun International Airport (CUN), Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen, Adults Only All Inclusive offers the ultimate carefree vacation with unlimited gourmet dining and creative cocktails as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center, daily activities like beachfront yoga and aqua aerobics, and nightly entertainment. Guests can take a dip in the sparkling Olympic-size pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the warm white sand, or get pampered at the full-service spa and salon. After a day of sunning, shopping, or sightseeing, guests will love retreating to one of our 287 non-smoking rooms and suites, featuring a balcony or terrace for savoring the sunset and thoughtful conveniences like a fully stocked minibar, complimentary bath products, and free WiFi. If guests want to book an excursion to Cozumel or snag a table at the hottest club, our friendly, multilingual staff are always on standby to ensure they have the vacation they’ve been dreaming about. Wyndham Alltra is designed to make it easier for the everyday traveler to find truly outstanding all-inclusive hotel experiences outside of the current upscale and luxury options. This will provide an opportunity for hotel developers, owners, and investors to welcome new customers to all-inclusive hotels with unmatched support from Wyndham. The brand invites hoteliers to take advantage of Wyndham’s scale, distribution, services and loyalty program through this new all-inclusive brand.

Create: Oct 9, 2021 Edit: Oct 9, 2021

WTTC Research Reveals Travel & Tourism’s Slow Recovery is Hitting Jobs and Growth Worldwide

The Travel & Tourism sector’s continued sluggish recovery will see its year-on-year contribution to global GDP rise by less than one third in 2021, according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, says the recovery of the sector has been hampered by the lack of international coordination, severe travel restrictions and slower vaccination rates in some parts of the world which still hamper many regions of the world. In 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector generated nearly USD 9.2 trillion to the global economy, however in 2020, the pandemic brought Travel & Tourism to an almost complete standstill which resulted in a 49.1% drop, representing a punishing loss of nearly USD$ 4.5 trillion. While the global economy is set to receive a modest 30.7% year on year increase from Travel & Tourism in 2021, this will only represent USD 1.4 trillion and is mainly driven by domestic spending. The economic modelling was conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of WTTC and calculated a baseline scenario based on the current global vaccination rollout, consumer confidence and relaxed travel restrictions in some in regions around the world. The research reveals that at the current rate of recovery, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the global economy could see a similar moderate year on year rise of 31.7% in 2022. Last year, WTTC revealed the loss of a staggering 62 million Travel & Tourism jobs around the world and with the current pace of recovery, jobs are set to rise by only 0.7% this year. Similarly, research shows a more hopeful potential year-on-year jobs rise across the sector next year, by a positive 18%. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: Our research clearly shows that while the global Travel & Tourism sector is beginning to recover from the ravages of COVID-19 there are still too many restrictions in place, an uneven vaccine rollout, resulting in a slower than expected recovery of just under a third this year. Last year, 62 million Travel & Tourism jobs were lost globally, and our data shows a rise of a meagre 0.7% this year. While next year is looking more positive in terms of the global economy and jobs, the current rate of recovery is simply not fast enough and is in the most part driven by domestic travel, which will not achieve a full economic recovery. If governments can start looking internationally and support Travel & Tourism with simplified rules to enable the safe return of travel, there is the opportunity to save jobs and boost economic wealth”. According to the research, the sector’s contribution to global GDP and the rise in jobs could be more positive this year and next, if the following measures are met: Allow fully vaccinated travellers to move freely, irrespective of their origin or eventual destination, removing complex tiered systems. The implementation of digital solutions which enable all travellers to easily prove their COVID status, so in turn speeding up the process at borders around the world. Recognition of all vaccines authorised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and/or any of the Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA).Agreement from all relevant authorities that international travel is safe with enhanced health and safety protocols. The future could be brighter The research shows that if these four vital rules are followed before the end of 2021, the impact on the global economy and jobs could be significant. According to the data, the sector’s contribution to the global economy could jump by 37.5% – reaching USD 6.4 trillion this year (compared to USD 4.7 trillion in 2020). However, there is still hope if restrictions continue being lifted and with more international cooperation, governments could bring back nearly 19 million jobs before the year ends (up 6.8%). The trend continues into next year when the sector’s contribution to the global economy could see a year on year rise of 34%, reaching USD 8.6 trillion, close to 2019, a record year for Travel & Tourism. Similarly, jobs could surpass 2019 levels – up 20.1% year on year, to more than 349 million.

Create: Oct 9, 2021 Edit: Oct 9, 2021

Dubai Expo 2020 opening ceremony to be broadcast around the world

The star-studded opening ceremony for Dubai Expo 2020 will be streamed live to more than 430 locations across the UAE, giving everyone the chance to participate in the spectacle, wherever they might be. This will be followed a night later by three spectacular fireworks displays in Dubai, marking the first full day of the Expo in a spectacular visual celebration commemorating the journey from winning the bid in 2013 to the opening. On Thursday, nation-wide opening ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country, thanking the nation for its support and inviting everyone to come together to celebrate this momentous occasion. Screens will be set up in locations ranging from airports and shopping malls to hotels and other landmarks, relaying the incredible music and cultural performances as they happen. Among those slated to perform are world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli; Grammy-nominated, Golden-Globe-winning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day; platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding; international mega-star pianist Lang Lang; and four-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo. The fireworks displays will take place on Friday evening, kicking off at 20:20, at Dubai Festival City, the Frame and the Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, with each presenting their own unique celebrations. The star-studded opening ceremony for Dubai Expo 2020 will be streamed live to more than 430 locations across the UAE, giving everyone the chance to participate in the spectacle, wherever they might be. This will be followed a night later by three spectacular fireworks displays in Dubai, marking the first full day of the Expo in a spectacular visual celebration commemorating the journey from winning the bid in 2013 to the opening. On Thursday, nation-wide opening ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country, thanking the nation for its support and inviting everyone to come together to celebrate this momentous occasion. Screens will be set up in locations ranging from airports and shopping malls to hotels and other landmarks, relaying the incredible music and cultural performances as they happen. Among those slated to perform are world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli; Grammy-nominated, Golden-Globe-winning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day; platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding; international mega-star pianist Lang Lang; and four-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo. The fireworks displays will take place on Friday evening, kicking off at 20:20, at Dubai Festival City, the Frame and the Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, with each presenting their own unique celebrations. Both the Pointe and Dubai Festival City will incorporate their fountains into a dazzling light and sound show themed on Expo 2020, while The Frame façade will be lit up in Expo colours. The flags of participating countries will also be displayed at each, with booths on the ground for purchasing Expo 2020 tickets. The roster of streaming locations for the opening ceremony includes more than 240 hotels nation-wide, including Emaar’s Rove, Armani, Address Hotels & Resorts, and Vida Hotels & Resorts, as well as Accor, Marriot, Hilton, IHG, Rotana, Jumeirah, Hyatt International and Atlantis the Palm. Expo 2020 Partners are also offering their invaluable support, with many, including Dulsco, Terminus Group, L’Oreal and Nissan, hosting Opening Ceremony viewing parties for their staff. Emirates, the official airline partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, will also stream proceedings across its first and business class lounges, both local and international.

Create: Sep 30, 2021 Edit: Sep 30, 2021

Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá Debuts in Colombia

Residence Inn by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announced today the opening of its newest property, Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá. Marking Residence Inn’s debut in Colombia, the hotel is located at Calle 90 # 16-30, just a few steps from 93rd Street Park and in the middle of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan area in the Colombian capital. Operated by oxoHotel — a company specialized in the conceptualization, development and operation of multi-brand and multi-segment accommodations — the new Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá welcomes business and leisure travelers with upscale design and architecture that enhances the guest experience with open spaces to relax and live without constraints. Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá provides direct access to Chicó Market (Mercado del Chicó), an innovative gastronomic complex with more than 30 gastronomic offerings, located adjacent to the hotel, as well as to Bodytech Calle 90, one of the best medical sports clubs in Colombia. “We are very pleased to introduce the Residence Inn by Marriott brand for the first time in Colombia,” said Diane Mayer, Vice President & Global Brand Manager of Classic Select Brands, Marriott International. “We’ve seen increased demand for longer stay brands that offer modern amenities, open room layouts and sophisticated design to spread out, recharge and maintain a healthy balance while on the road, whether for business or for fun. Travelers can make the most of their stay by choosing the Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá.” The hotel offers 131 all-suite, flexible guest rooms including studios and one- or two-bedroom suites. Guests will feel right at home with separate areas for living and sleeping with plush bedding and linens, providing an intimate atmosphere that invites connection and productivity. The hotel design makes use of organic materials and textures combined with warm colors, transition palettes, as well as textiles and ancestral Colombian goldwork that feature crisp and inspiring details, offering comfort the moment a guest enters the hotel lobby. LONGER STAY Designed for stays of five nights or more with maximum benefits in mind, Residence Inn stands out for its modern residential decor based on the idea of ‘travel the way you live.’ It is a concept where openness, freedom and love for life translate into personalized service and unrestricted experiences. Fully equipped kitchens in each suite – complete with a refrigerator, cook top, microwave, dishwasher, residential-size appliances, and dishes and cookware – set the stage for home-cooked meals, paired with Residence Inn’s complimentary grocery delivery. Guests will also appreciate large in-suite workspaces with a well-lit desk, ergonomic seat and high-speed wireless internet access. Residence Inn offers a wide variety of healthy and natural options on rotation for its daily complimentary breakfast, included in the room rate. We are delighted to open the first Residence Inn in Colombia in an area surrounded by impressive shops, restaurants and experiences that invite business and tourism. Each suite has been developed to create sensations of being close to home with personalized welcoming moments,” said Juan Carlos Galindo, CEO of oxoHotel. “With this opening, we are not only reaffirming our intention to offer enhanced experiences to our guests, but also to reignite tourism and new hotel projects in Colombia.”

Create: Aug 1, 2021 Edit: Aug 1, 2021

IHG Welcomes Australia’s First Next-Generation Holiday Inn to Melbourne’s West

IHG’s Holiday Inn brand, one of the most iconic and trusted brands in the world, has undergone a global transformation over the last 18-months and its next-generation design includes innovative open lobbies and incredible F&B. Opening in Melbourne’s West this week, Holiday Inn Werribee boasts these new brand hallmarks and is a great example of how vibrant and stylish the new-look Holiday Inn hotels have become. An exciting addition to one of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs, the brand new, purpose-built hotel in central Werribee, Victoria features 150 contemporary and modern rooms, an open lobby, onsite bar and restaurant and versatile meeting spaces. Encompassing the top four floors of 22 Synnot Street, Werribee, the hotel offers striking, unparalleled views over Werribee and towards Melbourne’s city skyline. A first for the Holiday Inn brand within Australasia, Holiday Inn Werribee features an Open Lobby concept that transforms the traditional hotel lobby and is based on understanding how people use space at home to give guests the most flexibility, to eat, relax, work, or socialise in one space. Designed with the needs of the modern traveller in mind, the public spaces feature a contemporary lounge area and an e-Bar for those who need to catch up on the day’s news or work, whilst still being part of the social vibe of that space. Guests along with members of the public can enjoy all-day-dining at Rosana Bistro & Bar, which serves up modern Australian cuisine with a menu full of fresh local produce, sourced from within the Werribee region. Offering comfortable and modern short stay accommodation, guests will feel right at home in Holiday Inn Werribee’s spacious, modern light-filled rooms, each featuring comfortable bedding, large TVs and free unlimited high speed WIFI. Families are well catered for with family rooms and interconnecting suites and the Holiday Inn signature promise that Kids Stay & Eat Free.* Conveniently located in the heart of Werribee, the hotel offers easy access to the world class tourism attractions which can be found within the Werribee Park Precinct, such as the Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Mansion, Victorian State Rose Garden and the National Equestrian Centre. It is also located within easy walking distance of the burgeoning foodie hub of Watton Street and is a short drive away from Werribee Mercy Hospital. Preston Miskelly, General Manager of Holiday Inn Werribee said his team was excited to open their doors and welcome their first guests to Werribee. “Reliably familiar, yet refreshingly different, Holiday inn Werribee is a comfortable and inviting home away from home. Our open lobby with its floor to ceiling windows and amazing views, not only gives our guests a warm and welcoming place to relax, work or socialise, it is also home to our modern restaurant and bar. It is the ideal location to enjoy dinner or drinks with family and friends as you watch the sun go down.” The opening is the first in an exciting period of growth for the Holiday Inn brand in Australasia with other new build hotels in the pipeline – including the opening of Holiday Inn Remarkables Park, Queenstown in October 2021 and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall in 2022. These hotels will join the 41 open or pipeline Holiday Inn brand family hotels in Australasia & Pacific. Globally, it’s the world’s largest brand family with more than 4,100 open and over 1,000 in the pipeline, continuing to create many more destinations for the moments that matter.

Create: Aug 1, 2021 Edit: Aug 1, 2021

Driftwood Hospitality Rebranding Former Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley to Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Today, Driftwood Hospitality and Hilton Hotels & Resorts announce the rebranding of the former Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley to Hilton Appleton Paper Valley. After a property refresh, the hotel will open its doors under Hilton’s flagship brand in late 2021. Located in a premier location in the heart of downtown Appleton, the 388-room hotel is poised to welcome leisure and business travelers with well-appointed accommodations, while boasting 38,000 square feet of flexible, customizable event space making it the ideal location for downtown meetings and celebrations. Connected to the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, the hotel offers unparalleled access to all that downtown has to offer such as performing arts, museums, and shopping. Renovated as recently as 2018, the property will undergo a full Hilton refresh, including guestrooms, public areas, and event space, prior to the official conversion. “The complete renovation of the hotel is a great indication of the strength of our hotel and is welcomed by our employees and guests alike,” remarked Linda Garvey, general manager. “We remain committed to serving our community as a major anchor to the downtown area and also an exceptional employer in the hospitality sector of our city.” Offering 38,000 square feet of meeting space, Hilton Appleton Paper Valley will allow meeting planners to choose from 26 function rooms and an outdoor courtyard area to accommodate important board meetings, business conferences, banquets, or wedding receptions. The well-appointed space can host up to 2000 guests and is the perfect venue for weddings, receptions, conventions, business conferences, small meetings, banquets, trainings, birthdays, and other social, educational, governmental, and corporate events. While staying at the hotel, guests can choose to dine at any of the five restaurants and lounges on site, including the award-winning Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse. Boasting sizzling steaks, superb wines and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere decorated with more than 400 pieces of the Green Bay coach’s personal memorabilia and classic photos, Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse is a dining icon in the Fox Cities. The Clubhouse and The Orchard Cafe are also perfect dining choices for guests in search of a more casual atmosphere. Jo a la Mode offers grab and go options and coffee, while the Blaze Bar is perfect for social gatherings, unwinding, business meetings, and happy hours at the end of a busy day. Additional amenities such as a heated indoor swimming pool and a beautiful outdoor courtyard with comfortable seating create a relaxing space for guests to unwind. A 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center is also available offering guests weights, treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bicycles, to keep up with their workout routine. With the property’s complimentary shuttle, visitors can travel to and from the airport stress free. To emphasize its commitment to the health and safety of guests, Hilton Appleton Paper Valley is participating in the Hilton CleanStay Program to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness. Hilton’s elevated processes and Team Member training have been developed with Reckitt, maker of Lysol and Dettol, to help guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.

Create: Jul 28, 2021 Edit: Jul 28, 2021