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WORST YEAR IN TOURISM HISTORY WITH 1 BILLION FEWER INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS

Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping by 74% according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Destinations worldwide welcomed 1 billion fewer international arrivals in 2020 than in the previous year, due to an unprecedented fall in demand and widespread travel restrictions. This compares with the 4% decline recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis. According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the collapse in international travel represents an estimated loss of USD 1.3 trillion in export revenues - more than 11 times the loss recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis. The crisis has put between 100 and 120 million direct tourism jobs at risk, many of them in small and medium-sized enterprises. Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, many countries are now reintroducing stricter travel restrictions. These include mandatory testing, quarantines and in some cases a complete closure of borders, all weighing on the resumption of international travel. At the same time, the gradual rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to help restore consumer confidence, contribute to the easing travel restrictions and slowly normalize travel during the year ahead. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “While much has been made in making safe international travel a possibility, we are aware that the crisis is far from over. The harmonization, coordination and digitalization of COVID-19 travel-related risk reduction measures, including testing, tracing and vaccination certificates, are essential foundations to promote safe travel and prepare for the recovery of tourism once conditions allow."

Create: Jan 29, 2021 Edit: Jan 29, 2021

2020 Was Worst Year in Tourism History, UN Says

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, global tourism had its worst year ever in 2020, with international arrivals down 74% compared to 2019. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the drop meant $1.3 trillion less in revenues, which is 11 times more than the drop caused by the 2009 economic crisis. The U.N. said the drop in global tourism has put between 100 and 120 million tourism jobs at risk. The outlook for a rebound is cloudy. “While much has been made in making safe international travel a possibility, we are aware that the crisis is far from over,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said in a statement. All world regions saw a drop in tourism, with Asia and the Pacific leading with an 84% decrease. The Middle East and Africa saw drops of 75%. Europe declined by 70%, and the Americas saw a dip of 69%. According to the U.N., 45% of its panel of experts predict a better year in 2021, while 25% say 2021 will be about the same, and 30% saying 2021 will be worse. “Looking ahead, most experts do not see a return to pre-pandemic levels before 2023,” the U.N. wrote in a news release.

Create: Jan 29, 2021 Edit: Jan 29, 2021

Hyatt Announces Plans for the Addition of Three Story Hotels in Sweden

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into franchise agreements with Story Hotels Holding AB to bring three hotels in Sweden under the JDV Hotel brand, helping to grow Hyatt's independent collection brand in Europe. The three boutique hotels – Story Hotel Riddargatan and Story Hotel Signalfabriken in Stockholm, as well as Story Hotel Studio Malmö, Sweden – will all retain their individual hotel names and unique identities. The three Story Hotels will be available for reservation through Hyatt's booking channels and for World of Hyatt members to earn and redeem points for stays starting April 1, 2021. Hyatt's independent collection portfolio is a collection of brands that not only embrace the locations in which each hotel resides, but serve as a gateway to some of the most sought-after destinations worldwide. Each property brings a sense of place to the guest experience in new and unforgettable ways. "We are very excited to bring these three Story Hotels in Europe under Hyatt's JDV Hotel brand portfolio and at the same time grow the Hyatt hotel footprint in Sweden," said Felicity Black-Roberts, vice president development for Europe at Hyatt. "We are focused on thoughtful growth in locations that meet our guests and members needs, and the upcoming addition of three Story Hotels help us fuel this growth in markets like Scandinavia, as we collaborate with owners who want to maintain each property's unique identity. With their strong design focus and neighborhood feel, Story Hotels will be the perfect representation of Hyatt's independent collection in Europe." Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö are ideally located at the heart of their destinations and each will celebrate the unique neighborhoods in which the properties reside. With modern, Scandinavian design that reflects the edgy nature of both cities, the hotels will offer amenities for both business and leisure travelers. "It was clear at an early stage that Hyatt and Story Hotels had a very similar vision of how modern upscale living should look and feel," said Staffan Åkerlind, CEO Story Hotels. "We are thrilled to introduce the JDV Hotel brand to Europe and Scandinavia and, we are proud to be working with such an experienced, international hospitality company like Hyatt. We look forward to leveraging their experience to offer excellent service to our guests and benefit from their global scale and distribution platform." All three hotels will feature individually designed boutique guestrooms, vibrant public spaces and food and beverage offerings popular with both visitors and locals alike. Boutique in size as a reflection of their urban locations, each hotel will offer complimentary access to local gyms during their stay. Story Hotel Riddargatan, Stockholm An 83-room property widely believed to be one of Stockholm's original boutique hotels, the Story Hotel Riddargatan will have an industrial design to represent the building's former life as an apartment complex, barber shop and garage. The property is centrally located in the Östermalm area with easy access to vibrant neighborhood restaurants, cafés and bars as well as the high-end shopping district. The hotel will also feature a restaurant, Ling Long, specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine, and one indoor and one outdoor bar. Story Hotel Signalfabriken, Stockholm Story Hotel Signalfabriken will feature 83 individually designed guestrooms and a vibrant bar and restaurant, which will host regular DJ performances. Formerly a fire station and town hall, this listed property in Sundbyberg's Torg neighborhood will attract business travelers with meetings in the surrounding areas of Solna, Bromma and Kista. Leisure guests will enjoy the small town feel and abundance of restaurants nearby with quick access to Stockholm's city center in less than ten minutes via the nearby tram, bus and subway lines. Story Hotel Studio Malmö Story Hotel Studio Malmö will feature 95 unique guestrooms, all creative and playful in their design to reflect the young and vibrant population of the city. Situated on the top floors of a high-rise building, the hotel offers spectacular views overlooking the city and water. The hotel is part of the mixed-use STUDIO building, which also houses conference and meeting facilities, corporate offices, retail outlets, several restaurants and a café. With its unique waterside location at Universitetsholmen, and close proximity to Malmö's central station, guests can easily explore the city, and nearby Copenhagen via a 35-minute train ride. The hotel's restaurant and cocktail bar, Kasai in the Sky, will deliver food and drink on Malmö's highest outdoor terrace with views of the ocean and city skyline. Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö are expected to increase the number of Hyatt hotels in Sweden to four, following the 2020 opening of Stockholm's Hotell Reisen, which is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Fueled by guests' growing desire for unique, differentiated experiences that foster genuine connections with people and cultures, Hyatt recently announced its intention to grow by more than 30 percent in Europe, with a significant focus on developing the footprint of its lifestyle brands.

Create: Jan 29, 2021 Edit: Jan 29, 2021

Best Western Debuts GLo by Best Western Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport Hotel in Florida

Best Western Hotels & Resorts today announced the latest property to join its energetic and exciting boutique GLō brand – the GLō by Best Western Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport Hotel in Hollywood, Florida. Known for its stylish and bright design concept, GLō aims to make travelers stay in the sunshine state even brighter with its unique use of LED lighting, bold pops of color, sleek furnishings, and cutting-edge architecture. In addition to GLō hotels’ chic and fresh aesthetic, properties are designed to meet the needs of today’s connected travelers by offering modern amenities, tech-centric spaces and features that help guests work smarter, play harder and live healthier on the road. While revolutionary in style, GLō takes a classic approach to customer care – providing warm and personalized service to every guest. GLō is proud to be welcoming guests in key cities throughout North America including Brooklyn, New York; Asheville, North Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ottawa, Ontario; DeSoto, Texas; Lexington, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee; and now Hollywood, Florida. “We are excited to introduce GLōto Florida with the opening of the GLō by Best Western Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport Hotel in Hollywood,” said Brad LeBlanc, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “The GLō brand goes hand-in-hand with the unique and expressive personality of this one-of-a-kind beach town, and we’re confident that this property will be an exceptional addition to our growing portfolio.” The 113-room GLō Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport Hotel welcomes travelers with its signature bright and bold design and invites travelers to unwind and recharge with its eye-catching lobby, spacious common areas and tech-centric workspaces. The hotel also offers complimentary breakfast, a state-of-the-art fitness center, sundry shop and a full-service business center. Guestrooms include in-room workstations, gel-topped signature mattresses and space-saving bathrooms featuring stylish amenities. The GLō Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport Hotel is also committed to keeping its guests’ healthy and safe through Best Western’s We Care CleanSM program. The program’s industry-leading cleaning standards address everything from guest room and common area cleanliness, to streamlined processes that minimize contact between guests and associates while maintaining superior customer service. “We are thrilled to bring the illuminating GLō brand to the sunshine state,” said Daisy Shum, general manager of GLō Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport Hotel. “As the world begins to heal and travel once again, we look forward to welcoming visitors to our sunny beach town by delivering a unique and vibrant experience that is sure to bring pent up travel dreams to life.” GLō by Best Western Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport Hotel is conveniently located minutes from the local airport and is nearby to some of the area’s most popular attractions including the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, the Yellow Green Farmers Market, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, and the area’s most popular dining and shopping attractions. Additionally, with Hollywood’s central location between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, guests are able to conveniently explore the beautiful and lively attractions of its neighboring cities.

Create: Jan 27, 2021 Edit: Jan 27, 2021

Hyatt Signs With ESTMA HPT OU for First Hyatt-Branded Hotel in Estonia

Hyatt announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management and related agreements with ESTMA HPT OU for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Estonia, Hyatt Place Tallinn. Expected to open in early 2023, the 168-room select service hotel will be located near the Old City Harbor, one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe. Situated in Estonia’s capital and cultural hub, Hyatt Place Tallinn will be near Tallinn’s picturesque Old Town, which is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The surrounding neighborhood is set to undergo a large-scale renewal project and once complete, is expected to bring more business and entertainment experiences to the area. The Linnahall, a former sports and cultural venue, is included in this revitalization project and will be converted into a concert hall and conference center near the planned location of Hyatt Place Tallinn. “We are thrilled to announce plans for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in the Baltics as we continue to prioritize thoughtful growth in locations that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members, customers and owners,” said Takuya Aoyama, vice president of development for Europe and Africa, Hyatt. “Hyatt Place Tallinn will cater to the growing leisure and business demand in Estonia and deliver seamless experiences to help guests get the most out of their stay.” In addition to offering 168 guestrooms, Hyatt Place Tallinn will feature the Zoom restaurant and a lobby bar, a fitness center and flexible event spaces. Hyatt Place Tallinn’s central location, modern facilities, and flexible service offerings will be particularly suited for visitors seeking approachable, unexpectedly elevated experiences through thoughtful and intuitive design. “We look forward to collaborating with Hyatt on Hyatt Place Tallinn,” said Galina Ignatenko, owner of ESTMA HPT OU. “As the largest city and the capital of Estonia, Tallinn has established itself as a dynamic and entrepreneurial destination for travelers across Europe, making it a natural fit for the Hyatt Place brand.” Hyatt Place Tallinn will join the growing Hyatt Place portfolio in Europe, which currently includes Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport, Hyatt Place West London Hayes, Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport, Hyatt Place Frankfurt Airport, Hyatt Place Yerevan and Hyatt Place Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Additional Hyatt Place hotels under development in European destinations include Hyatt Place Cannes, Hyatt Place Rouen, Hyatt Place Krakow, Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle and Hyatt Place London City East.

Create: Jan 27, 2021 Edit: Jan 27, 2021

Wyndham Partners With The Thrash Group to Add Seven Hotels Managed by Charlestowne Hotels

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 90 countries, today announced plans for further growth with seven new hotel franchise agreements for its namesake, upscale, Wyndham :registered: brand in the U.S. The hotels are owned by national hotel development company, The Thrash Group, and managed by Charlestowne Hotels. The properties include The Thrash Group’s Origin Hotel Collection, consisting of five lifestyle hotels as well as one historic hotel and a brand new construction hotel all of which will operate under the Wyndham umbrella. “We are thrilled to welcome the Thrash Group to Wyndham. Now more than ever hotels can benefit by working with a brand that travelers know and trust that can generate more visitors to an owner’s property,” said Chip Ohlsson, chief development officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Our global sales, marketing and loyalty teams are looking forward to helping more travelers discover these award-winning hotels in historic and sought-after leisure destinations across the country.” “Uniting these hotels under the Wyndham name will help us simplify the operations of our hotels, reduce our costs by leveraging Wyndham’s negotiated discounts with suppliers, and connect us to the award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program,” said Ike Thrash, founding partner, The Thrash Group.

Create: Jan 27, 2021 Edit: Jan 27, 2021

AC Hotel Scottsdale North Opens in Arizona

AC Hotels by Marriott:registered: , the design-led lifestyle brand from Marriott International, announced today the opening of the 165-room AC Hotel Scottsdale North, inviting travelers to experience a stylish hotel adjacent to world-class shopping at Kierland Commons and palm lined storefronts of the Scottsdale Quarter. Located in a desirable shopping and entertainment district in Scottsdale, the anticipated new hotel embodies AC Hotels’ brand promise of going beyond the conventions of travel to create experiences that strike the perfect balance of details that guests want and the services they need.Developed by Host Hotels and Resorts and managed by OTO Development, the hotel introduces purposeful, curated, and elevated style along with AC Hotels’ signature beverage and food programming. Built by general contractor DPR with architecture and interior design services by DLR Group, the design of AC Hotels’ first hotel in Scottsdale draws from the surrounding desert landscape offering reprieve from the sun and evoking the shadow of surrounding mountains. Crisp white accents contrasting the dark architectural backdrop creates a contemporary palette enhancing the European aesthetic of the AC Hotel by Marriott brand. The project is striving for LEED Silver certification.AC Hotel Scottsdale North takes shape with sophisticated and clean-lined interiors offering a respite to the arid desert environment outside. Inspired by the desert at night, the public space celebrates an active and invigorated setting for guests to explore. Black wood tambour walls, and dark chestnut millwork connects the design narrative inside out and reinforces the native desert inspiration. Quality sourced art and timeless, modern touches evoke the feeling of a well-curated gallery. Embracing AC Hotels’ focus on harmonious design and tailored style, the hotel features minimalist guest rooms that allow travelers to use the space in whatever way they see fit.A signature offering of the brand includes an innovative beverage and food program at the hotel’s AC Kitchen, where European-inspired breakfast features signature butter croissants imported from France, artisan cured meats, such as thinly sliced Italian Prosciutto from AC’s iconic Berkel slicing machine, an international selection of cheeses, as well as yogurts and cereals, seasonal fruits and local specialties.The hotel’s AC Lounge:registered: invites travelers and locals to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, local craft beers and wines, and a concise food menu inspired by the tapas of Spain. Of particular note is the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Scottsdale Spire, named for the iconic 125-foot steel and glass spire originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Crafted with vodka, dry vermouth and blue curacao, this specialty cocktail is topped with a sugar “fire” float, creating an entertaining and delicious experience.

Create: Jan 26, 2021 Edit: Jan 26, 2021

Kimpton St Honoré Paris Set for Spring Opening in France

Unveiling a new chapter in its European expansion, IHG:registered: Hotels & Resorts’ boutique luxury brand, Kimpton:registered: Hotels & Restaurants, will open its first property in France this spring. The opening of Kimpton St Honoré Paris will see the brand’s playful and sophisticated design, innovative approach to restaurants and bars, and immersive guest experiences that foster genuine human connections, offer a fresh perspective on hospitality in the City of Light.Kimpton St Honoré Paris will breathe new life into a heritage building which once housed the much-loved luxury department store “Samaritaine de Luxe”. Located on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris’ Opéra district, the hotel will infuse true Kimpton style, harmoniously blending luxury and creativity across 149 stylish guest rooms (including 24 suites), an indoor swimming pool, gym and a Spa with luxury treatment rooms. Its landmark original 1917 Art Nouveau façade, distinctive staircase and unique elevator will all be thoughtfully restored and celebrated French interior designer Charles Zana is transforming the spaces to bring Kimpton’s elegant and playful design to life within. Hotel interiors will be inspired by 1930’s Art Deco and each guest room will have the feel of a chic, modern, design-centric Parisian apartment, with balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtfully-selected works of art.Culinary and cocktail experiences at Kimpton St Honoré Paris will bring a refreshing light-heartedness and authenticity in its service to the neighbourhood, with exciting outlets and Kimpton’s famed daily Social Hour offering the opportunity for guests to enjoy interesting, locally inspired drinks and swap stories. The light-filled ground-floor will see a Californian-inspired restaurant and bar designed by Humbert & Poyet set to combine light, seaside-inspired recipes infused with American generosity. On the tenth-floor rooftop, a terrace bar with 360-degree views of the city will welcome guests for unique cocktails and bites cleverly paired with social moments in mind, set to become as popular with locals as with visitors to Paris.With 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Jean-Paul Dantil, who has been appointed General Manager of Kimpton St Honoré Paris, comments: “France is famed for its hospitality, and Paris for its art, design, culture and admiration of originality, so we are thrilled to be delivering Kimpton’s philosophy of relaxed, stylish and uniquely personal service with this magnificent new flagship hotel. The opening of Kimpton St Honoré will bring with it a refreshing sense of joie de vivre, reinvigorating a building associated with traditional luxury and infusing it with a modern approach to indulgence which welcomes, acknowledges and celebrates the individual without the fuss.”Founded in 1981 in San Francisco by Bill Kimpton, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ heartfelt approach to hospitality has translated to unique, design-led hotels across city centres, beachside resorts, and mountain getaways around the world. Kimpton’s recent notable new openings include Kimpton:registered: Maa-Lai Bangkok, Kimpton:registered: Shinjuku Tokyo, Kimpton:registered: Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, UK and Kimpton:registered: Vividora Hotel in Barcelona. The brand is also set to make its debut in Bali this year, and more hotels are in the pipeline for Germany, Mexico, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and the Netherlands in the next 2-5 years.

Create: Jan 26, 2021 Edit: Jan 26, 2021

Marriott International Signs Agreement With Mario Julen to Bring The Ritz-Carlton Brand to the Swiss Alps

Marriott International today announced it has signed an agreement with Mario Julen to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Zermatt, debuting the first Ritz-Carlton ski resort in Europe. Expected to open in 2026, the 69-guest room property will bring the brand’s legendary service and elegant design to the world-famous Swiss resort destination. Once open, the property will serve as the second Ritz-Carlton hotel in Switzerland, joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva.“We are thrilled to announce this milestone signing with Mario Julen who has a fantastic vision for the project,” said Satya Anand, President, Marriott International Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Zermatt is synonymous with outstanding skiing, mountaineering and jaw-dropping scenery. As the epitome of modern luxury, this landmark development and stunning destination will enhance our portfolio of iconic Ritz-Carlton properties across the globe, offering guests an exciting opportunity to experience Zermatt’s year-round snowy peaks, world-class ski slopes, and the iconic Matterhorn mountain. Today’s signing reflects the heightened demand for our luxury hospitality brands across Europe, Middle East and Africa.”The Ritz-Carlton, Zermatt will be designed by award-winning Paris-based firm AW² led by partner architects Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux, with the architectural and interior design expected to offer a refined take on the classic mountain chalet. The property will offer unobstructed views of Matterhorn from both guestrooms and dining establishments. Design plans are slated to feature two restaurants and two bars, an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining, and a private dining room for intimate gatherings. An array of recreational activities such as ‘ski-in ski-out’ access to the slopes, a tranquil spa with a gym and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools are part of the vision for guests to enjoy. The resort is also expected to offer meeting and event facilities.“This is an emotional project for me as I have worked passionately for many years to bring it to life. It is not only a declaration of love to my hometown of Zermatt, but also to the luxury hotel business and its ability to inspire travel. As the first major, international brand in Zermatt, my wish is that this project will bring a new level of hospitality to the Swiss Alps,” said Mario Julien.Zermatt affords unrivalled skiing for all levels, climbing across the Matterhorn peak as well as easy access to Cervinia in Italy for off-piste, heli-skiing and glacier skiing in the summer months. The town is well renowned for its après-ski activities offering outstanding restaurants and luxurious retail. Visitors can travel to Zermatt from Geneva and Zurich international airports in under four hours by train through enchanting Alpine scenery, or via private helicopter.

Create: Jan 26, 2021 Edit: Jan 26, 2021

50,000 Israeli tourists travel to the UAE in two weeks

Washington Post report; 50,000 Israeli tourists travel to the UAE in two weeks About 50,000 Israeli tourists have traveled to the UAE since the start of commercial flights between the UAE and Israel. Israeli tourism officials predict that number will rise to more than 70,000 in the next week.

Create: Dec 20, 2020 Edit: Dec 20, 2020

Reopening the doors of the UAE to foreign tourists

The UAE plans to open its doors to foreign tourists from early January, reduce restrictions and gradually get rid of the Corona pandemic. According to an official from the UAE's Culture and Tourism Department, the country will allow tourists traveling to the region from certain countries.

Create: Dec 20, 2020 Edit: Dec 20, 2020

Tourism cannot be stopped until the end of the vaccination process

The World Tourism Organization announced; Tourism cannot be stopped until the end of the vaccination process. Results of the last meeting of the Crisis Committee of the World Tourism Organization (unwto) in Portugal; The tourism sector cannot wait for the vaccination process to be completed in all countries. Responsible and safe travel is the best way to revitalize this important industry.

Create: Dec 20, 2020 Edit: Dec 20, 2020