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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 International News

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 International News

Iran ready to restore Syria’s tourism infrastructure damaged by ISIS

Iran is prepared to repair and restore Syrian historical monuments and tourism infrastructure that have been destroyed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has announced. He made the remarks during a meeting with the Syrian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Mohammad Samer al-Khalil on Sunday in the Expo 2020 Dubai. “The Iranian restorers can then exchange experiences with Syrian specialists,” the official added. He also emphasized Iran’s readiness to strengthen communication and develop tourism ties between the two countries. Health tourism and medical tourism is one of Iran's most important strengths in the tourism sector, and we welcome Syrian tourists to make use of this opportunity,” he noted. Al-Khalil for his part said that there is an increasing interest among Syrian tourists in visiting Iran, especially its northern coasts, as well as to Iranian holy cities, so the necessary grounds need to be created. The Expo 2020 Dubai opened on Thursday with a lavish ceremony of fireworks, music, and messaging about the power of global collaboration for a more sustainable future. Iran’s pavilion in the world fair is planned to showcase each Iranian province’s strengths and assets in tourism, cultural heritage, handicrafts, as well as its natural sites, traditional ceremonial practices, and historical significance. Many countries and companies are also looking to the expo - the first major global event open to visitors since the coronavirus pandemic - to boost trade and investment. According to organizers, the Expo, an exhibition of culture, technology, and architecture under the banner “Connecting Minds and Creating the Future”, is expected to be a demonstration of ingenuity, and a place where global challenges such as climate change, conflict, and economic growth can be addressed together. The Persian Gulf state has relaxed most coronavirus limitations but Expo requires face masks to be worn and for visitors over 18 to be vaccinated against, or test negative for, COVID-19. Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 26 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Create: Oct 3, 2021 Edit: Oct 9, 2021 Regional News

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 International News

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 International News

Hydrotherapy center opens in northwestern tourist city

A modern hydrotherapy center was inaugurated in the tourist city of Meshkinshahr, northwestern Ardebil province, on Friday. A budget of 160 billion rials ($3.8 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) was allocated to the project, the provincial tourism chief announced during the inauguration ceremony. Situated in the Qutursui tourist area, the center has the most acidic mineral spa in the world, CHTN quoted Nader Fallahi as saying. Water for the hydrotherapy center is sourced from hot water springs in the area, which is beneficial for skin ailments, the official added. This new complex, which features separate sections for women and men, will allow Meshkinshahr to attract more tourists from abroad and grow its tourism industry twice as fast as before, he noted. Meshkinshahr embraces several historical sites including Qale Khohneh (“Old Castle”), the ancient site of Shahr-e Yeri, and Qahqaheh castle. Situated near the high Mount Sabalan, Meshkinshahr enjoys a moderate mountainous climate and the Sabalan summit can be seen in the south of the city with eye-catching sceneries. The antiquity of the city dates back to the early centuries of Islam but in the Safavid era, it was thriving even more. The city is well known for its rugs and its mineral springs. Meshkinshahr suspension bridge with 345 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 80 meters high, which was inaugurated in 2015 and is said to be the largest of its kind in West Asia, is also one of the top tourist destinations of the city.

Create: Aug 1, 2021 Edit: Aug 1, 2021 Regional News

17 hotels, apartment hotels under construction in Qom

A total of 17 hotels and apartment hotels are being constructed across the central province of Qom, adding 2894 beds to the province’s hospitality sector. Over 16 trillion rials (about $381 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been invested in the hotel projects, the provincial tourism chief has said. Upon their completion in the near future, these hotels are expected to generate 936 job opportunities, Alireza Arjmandi announced on Saturday. In parallel with the growth of tourism, related industries, such as transportation, souvenir, and handicraft supply centers, will also expand, which could lead to economic prosperity, the official added. The second-holiest city of the country after Mashhad, Qom is home to both the magnificent shrine of Hazrat-e Masumeh (SA) and the major religious madrasas (schools). Apart from sightseers and pilgrims who visit Qom to pay homage at the holy shrine, the city is also a top destination for Shiite scholars and students who come from across the world to learn Islamic studies at its madrasas and browse through eminent religious bookshops. The antiquity of Qom goes back to the Sassanid era (224 CE–651) and several historical mosques, mansions, and natural sceneries have been scattered across the city as well as towns and villages nearby.

Create: Aug 1, 2021 Edit: Aug 1, 2021 Regional News

Five Ways Tech Builds the Next Stage of Local Authenticity for Hotel

Coming out of the pandemic, guest demands have irreversibly changed. They don’t want cookie-cutter rooms; they want experiences. This harks back to the push over the previous decade to make our properties more ‘locally authentic’. Now, with lean teams and skeleton crews, the only way to effectively meet this demand is through technology.For the post-pandemic travel landscape, local authenticity means more than just a cursory immersion in the arts, culture and heritage of one’s locale. It also equals peace of mind because, in light of the residual anxiety over COVID-19, guests need to feel as though their specific requests are being handled.As a simple leisure scenario, picture yourself going on an international vacation with your loved one for the first time since the virus struck. You have all the new airport procedures to contend with. You’ve been wearing a mask for hours on end, which is inherently uncomfortable. And now you’re in a foreign city and country and don’t know what attractions and stores have reopened or what the local safety guidelines are, on top of a myriad of other questions that would require some digging online. Instead, wouldn’t it be great to know that your host hotel has your back the whole way?In the past, luxury brands have provided this kind of omniscience by deploying an army of staffers, but this model won’t jive in the post-pandemic, hyper-labor-efficient market conditions. Moreover, hotels must be proactive in the pre-arrival stage to ensure incoming guests have everything that they need and to make arrangements on their behalf. This sets the pace for a great onsite experience in lieu of the outdated ‘reactive’ process of waiting for guests to reach out to you with their inquiries. Done right, hotels can utilize integrated platforms and build a versatile CRM to connect the entire guest journey that also offers a clear counterargument to the largely self-serve nature of home-sharing accommodation providers such as Airbnb. Here are five ideas to help you incorporate this newfangled, full-service model. 1. Home-sharing platforms offer a direct, two-way messaging service with the accommodation host, and hotels must do the same. Brands should be using a chatbot to immediately respond to the simpler questions –which represent the majority of inquiries – then bouncing the more complex ones onto your front desk or concierge. Ditto for the voice channel where booking engines are available 24/7 and so too must your intake team be ready at all hours in order to win the business. 2. Speaking of booking engines, these should no longer be only for rooms, particularly if we want to continue to push guests towards our websites from the OTAs. Customers should be able to plan their entire trip itinerary from these portals, starting with dining reservations and spa appointments through to arrival amenities and perhaps a few ‘surprise and delight’ freebies such as their preferred, complimentary welcome refreshment or departure gift. With so much confusion about what’s open and what’s not, being an ambassador means guiding guests through this uncertainty as early in the customer journey as possible. 3. Physically getting to an accommodation booked through a home-sharing platform is mostly a laissez-faire ordeal. So, why can’t hotels offer bespoke, point-to-point guidance on transportation to and from the rail station or airport, as well as recommendations on how to get to the city or region? As a guest’s perception of your arrival experience can depend on the agony of how one arrives at the hotel, why leave this to chance? Besides better integrations to flight trackers so that you know exactly when your guests are expected to arrive, such innovations as autonomous vehicles are just around the corner, which could drastically bring down the costs of shuttle services. Grandiose for now, perhaps a present-day possibility would be a flight tracker integration so that you know when guests are expected to arrive and can be ready with a warm welcome. 4. The future of travel will be more purpose-driven. Namely, with so many anxiety-riddled barriers following COVID-19, guests will want to maximize their time while aboard. Planning a guest’s itinerary or making local recommendations has traditionally fallen under the purview of the concierge, but the time is right for building a ‘pick your own adventure’ program of bundled, turnkey half-day and full-day activities. This will require deeper integrations with third-party operators as well as a rethink of what onsite or offsite services are most meaningful for guests based upon their given travel purpose. For instance, a late-afternoon, post-meeting relaxation package with a whiskey tasting, revitalizing nosh and back massage will have vastly different appeal from a daylong sightseeing tour that includes timed entrances to exclusive local events. 5. The post-stay relationship is where home-sharing hosts are weakest. The platform does the brunt of this, focusing more on exploring new destinations rather than return visits. For hotels, traditionally the last interaction between guest and staff was often a checkout at the front desk where the final bill was confirmed, representing an emotionless, transactional touchpoint. Now with contactless checkout, hotels can transform this into a meaningful ‘thank you’ gesture followed by a series of one-to-one messages based upon what a guest utilized while onsite. With a fully integrated CRM, this messaging can be sentient insofar as knowing when to push for additional sales and when to simply keep past guests up to date on the latest happenings.

Create: Jul 28, 2021 Edit: Jul 28, 2021 Hotel Management

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 International News

Noble Acquires the Hampton Inn and Home2Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown | Channel District

Noble Investment Group today announced the acquisition of Hampton Inn and Home2Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown | Channel District and Starbucks Coffee Channel District. Opened in July 2019, these newly built dual-brand hotels and retail Starbucks Coffee store are located in Tampa, Florida’s rapidly growing Downtown Channel District.Tampa is a vibrant metropolitan city that enjoys a depth and breadth of leisure, corporate, healthcare, and government demand. The market is anchored by 6.5 million square feet of office space, the 1,000-bed Tampa General Hospital, and the 600,000 square foot Tampa Convention Center. Tampa’s Channel District is connected to Water Street, a $3 billion, 9 million square foot development that has delivered a 350,000 square foot campus for the University of South Florida School of Medicine and will ultimately deliver more than 2.3 million square feet of new office space and 3,500 residential units. The hotels are central to the Tampa Cruise Port, Sparkman Wharf, Florida Aquarium, and Amalie Arena.

Create: Jul 28, 2021 Edit: Jul 28, 2021 International News

Roedel Companies Opens Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton

Visitors to the Greater Boston area have a new lodging option as Roedel Companies of Wilton, NH announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton today. Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton, conveniently located near Interstates 93 and 95 in Canton, allows easy access to Boston, Foxborough, and more, making it the perfect destination for parents of Boston college and university students, tourists exploring the city, and attendees of football games and concerts at Gillette Stadium. Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton is only the third hotel to open in Greater Boston since 2019 and will be the first hotel in the country to exclusively serve Dunkin’ Brands coffee to guests. Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton is also uniquely situated among prominent regional and national Massachusetts-based companies and the growing community of Canton, MA located just 18 miles south of Boston. Corporate headquarters of Boston Mutual Life Insurance, Dunkin’ Brands, and Harvard Pilgrim Tufts are all within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel is a short drive from the new Copperworks Canton Condominium community and growing Trillium Brewing Company. The hotel’s proximity to Dunkin’ Brands headquarters sparked a unique partnership as Dunkin’ Brands Coffee will be served exclusively at the hotel, a first for the Massachusetts-based coffee giant. “We look forward to the many opportunities this location will provide to guests of the Greater Boston area and beyond,” said David Roedel, Business Development Officer, Roedel Companies. “We are excited to introduce our brand to the community, to create a long-term, collaborative relationship with Dunkin’ Brands, and to be a gathering place for corporations, youth sports teams, and area residents through our dining options.” Only minutes from Blue Hills Reservation and the Blue Hills Ski Area, guests can enjoy a hike or hit the slopes locally. Proximity to the Blue Hills Country Club, Wollaston Golf Club, and other popular wedding venues offers a convenient and luxurious location for wedding parties. “Interest has been strong before our doors officially opened,” said Heidi Tessler, Director of Sales, Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton. “We are excited to welcome several wedding parties, bridal showers, golf tournament participants and corporate meetings in July and August. Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton boasts a 60-foot bar and open-concept restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. As the hotel forms a connection with the local brewers association, dining options will evolve over time to include local craft brews. Along with an open-concept lobby and restaurant, the hotel’s design pays homage to the history of Canton. Throughout the hallways and dining rooms, one will find abstract artwork that highlights the important landmarks of Canton, including Town Hall, downtown Canton and the Canton Viaduct, which, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, is believed to be the second-oldest multiple-arch masonry viaduct in the United States. The hotel also features an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center, complete with cardio machines and dumbbells. Large windows separate the two spaces, allowing for easy supervision if groups are split among the two spaces. The hotel features 135 guest rooms, five private dining/meeting rooms, and an event space with a large projector screen. All private dining rooms open to the courtyard where guests can enjoy cocktails around the fire pit with live music. There is one, one-bedroom suite on each floor of the four-floor hotel, perfect for bridal parties or other special occasions. Amenities in each room include a flat-screen TV, single-cup coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, and three-prong outlets and USB ports to charge electronics. Hilton Garden Inn Boston Canton and Roedel Companies looks forward to hosting a grand opening event in late summer or early fall to formally celebrate with the community and unveil its restaurant

Create: Jul 28, 2021 Edit: Jul 28, 2021 International News

Trans-Iranian Railway gains UNESCO World Heritage status

Trans-Iranian Railway that reaches a length of 1400 km has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The UN body accepted Trans-Iranian Railway during the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee, which will be running through July 31 in China’s Fuzhou. The railway can be regarded as a turning point for comprehensive developments in Iran. These developments include a wide spectrum of various economical, commercial, social, cultural, and even political aspects in a sensitive and important period of contemporary world history. Under the Pahlavi regime, the process of moving towards modernism gained momentum and the railway became the main pedestal of development in Iran. Consequently, the 1394 kilometers long Trans-Iranian Railway was built with a width of 1435mm and 90 working stations along its route. It starts at a point north of Torkaman port located southeast of the Caspian Sea. After going through Sari and Qaem-Shahr cities, the railway enters the mountainous region of Alborz through the high Firooz-kooh Pass which is linked with Tehran and Varamin Plain by numerous bridges and tunnels. Further on after crossing the flatlands of Qom and Arak, the Trans-Iranian Railway penetrates Zagros highlands in Lorestan Province and passing through a large number of tunnels and bridges reaches Andimeshk situated in the low Kuzestan Plain. Finally extending to the vicinity of Dezful, Ahwaz, and its grand bridge on Karoon, the Trans-Iranian Railway is divided into two branches ending separately at Khoram-Shahr and Imam-Khomeini ports on the Persian Gulf.

Create: Jul 28, 2021 Edit: Jul 28, 2021 Regional News