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I invite all travelers interested in culture to visit Iran: Venezuelan tourism minister

“I invite all [potential] travelers who are interested in culture to visit Iran and see that Iran is a peaceful and hospitable country,” Venezuela’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade Ali Padron Paredes has said. “I am stunned by the beauties of Isfahan”, Padron Paredes added in an interview with CHTN on Thursday while touring the ancient city during his four-day visit to the Islamic Republic. The minister had toured several travel destinations and museums in Kerman before flying to Isfahan. He called his visit to Kerman as memorable. “I convey to the people and the government of Iran greetings of the people and the government of Venezuela.” “I enjoyed the journey to Iran and I want to experience this pleasure again. Iran has very hospitable and friendly people who are also friendly with the Venezuelan people,” the minister stated. Before setting off for Isfahan, Padron Paredes and his Iranian counterpart Ali-Asghar Mounesan inked a memorandum of understanding to deepen mutual tourism ties. Back in October, Mounesan exchanged views with former Venezuelan Tourism and Foreign Trade Minister Felix, Ramon Plasencia Gonzalez, in a video conference to deepen tourism relations, especially through simplifying visa rules, launching fam tours, and setting up exhibits. They also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding in a bid to broaden bilateral ties. Last November, Mounesan said that visa-free access and direct flights are the two important advantages for Iran and Venezuela to develop tourism cooperation. The relationship between Venezuela and Iran became more serious following an official visit by the then Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to Tehran in 2001. Isfahan, the capital of a province of the same name, is nicknamed “Nesf-e-Jahan” which is translated into “half the world”, meaning it contains fully half of the world's wonders. In its heyday, it was also one of the largest cities in the region with a population of nearly one million. The cool blue tiles of Isfahan's Islamic buildings, and the city's majestic bridges, contrast perfectly with the encircling hot, dry Iranian countryside. Big and sprawling Kerman is something of a cultural melting pot, blending various regional cultures over time. It is also home to rich tourist spots and historical sites including bazaars, mosques, caravanserais, and ruins of ancient urban areas.

Create: Feb 26, 2021 Edit: Feb 26, 2021 International News

Auro Hotels Opens AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville Downtown

Auro Hotels is pleased to announce the opening of its AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville Downtown located at the corner of Main and Broad streets in the heart of Greenville, SC. The eight-story hotel features 196 guestrooms and suites, seven distinct food and beverage concepts, nearly 29,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a private collection of art featuring more than 100 works by 35 local artists. Auro Hotels also celebrates the opening of the first of the hotel’s seven food and beverage concepts, Paloma, a Mediterranean-inspired tapas bar located on the ground floor with indoor and outdoor dining. The space is separated by a NanaWall that opens to chic tables with white umbrellas for al fresco dining. Auro Hotels will debut its additional food and beverage concepts located throughout the project this April including Juniper, the 16,000 square-foot rooftop space with multiple high-energy dining zones, as well as The Press Room, a modern speakeasy that will provide an intimate cocktail bar experience. “The opening of the AC Hotel Greenville Downtown and Paloma marks an exciting milestone for Auro Hotels,” said DJ Rama, president and chief executive officer. “This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to its location, scale, level of detail and amenities, as well as a unique opportunity to celebrate our hometown of Greenville. The hotel, along with the thoughtfully-curated food and beverage concepts, will be treasured by visitors and the local community for generations.” The AC Hotel Greenville Downtown is anchored by six pillars including textile mills, the art scene, bygone spaces, nature and mountains, community and The Greenville News, whose offices were previously located on the site. The destination and beloved local area have inspired the look and feel of the property and its seven restaurants and bars: Juniper, The Secret Garden, Fire Box, The Press Room, Paloma, Social Burger and AC Kitchen. Design elements that reference Greenville include a dramatic metal mesh curtain suspended above the bar in Paloma nodding to The Peace Center as well as the entrance to The Press Room, which will incorporate cherished relics from The Greenville News archives. The hotel’s robust art collection beautifully complements the modern design and features works by both emerging and established artists in a range of mediums and styles. According to general manager John Deck, “Auro Hotels has created an unparalleled product that will be led by a very talented team that shares a passion for hospitality and the city of Greenville, and together, we are pleased to open our doors to visitors and local residents. In addition to being Greenville’s newest hotel, we look forward to becoming one of its top destinations for dining and entertainment, meetings and events, and weddings. The future of this project, with Greenville as its backdrop, is very bright.”

Create: Feb 26, 2021 Edit: Feb 26, 2021 International News

Vision Hospitality Group Plans Spring Opening of The Grady Hotel

Vision Hospitality Group announces its newest hotel destination, The Grady Hotel, is slated to open Spring 2021. Nestled in the heart of Louisville’s downtown Market District at 601 W Main St, in a historic building dating back to the 19th century, The Grady is deeply rooted in Louisville’s rich past. The 51-key luxury hotel is located at the corner of W Main Street and N 6th Street, just steps away from the Muhammed Ali Center, Frazier History Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum, distillery row, and many of the area’s buzziest restaurants and bars. “The warm hospitality of Bourbon City lives on in a refined and gracious setting at The Grady,” said Laurent Géroli, General Manager at The Grady. “Guests will be surprised and delighted by local in-room amenities and sophisticated design, paying homage to the city and building’s history.” Commissioned in 1883 by pharmacist J.B. Wilder, the original building housed an apothecary, where Wilder concocted his own medicinal bourbon, sold alongside a host of remedies and elixirs. Another original resident of the building in the 1920’s was Swann-Abram Hat Co., most prominently known for designing the first hats worn at the Kentucky Derby. Named after the late Grady Clay, beloved local journalist and key contributor to the New Urbanism movement, The Grady is a historic gem that embraces the vibrant urban renaissance of Louisville. “We are thrilled to have had an opportunity to restore this historic building and tell Bourbon City’s story through the lens of the hotel,” said Mitch Patel, Vision Hospitality Group President & CEO. “Guests can expect authentic guidance to notable attractions and the neighborhood’s hidden gems, encouraging them to venture beyond the hotel walls.” Accommodations and Amenities The elegant hotel fosters a sense of belonging, celebrating the Louisville story through an approach that honors tradition and redefines modern opulence. Guests are invited to see the Grady through the eyes of a child – a seek-and-find treasure trove – with delights to unlock and vintage keys to unlock them. Surprises and good luck charms abound at the Grady from the complimentary honor bar to signature services. Guests will find horseshoes – to hold in the luck (and remind them of the city’s racing heritage), shamrocks – once engraved on coins to promote the Swann Hat Company, and butterflies and bees – both state symbols and allusions to The Greatest – Louisville’s very own Muhammad Ali. Guests can wrap themselves in silky robes reminiscent of the beloved boxer, they can spot the sparrow – totem of steadfast service, or behold Grady Green – a luxurious jade, a symbol of serenity, harmony, and balance. A complimentary artisanal breakfast is served daily or delivered to rooms for a nominal service fee. Design and Decor The Grady promises an experience and design unmatched in Louisville – “a zestful curiosity about the world” – rooted in tradition, resonating with a sophisticated charm that is both warm and contemporary. The hotel prides itself on details and discovery; displays of patina metals and smooth, dark textures tell the story of Louisville’s bourbon heritage, while hints of lush greens voice an affinity for the City of Parks and the outdoors. The Grady pays homage to its storied past through distinctive touchpoints, including the restoration of its renaissance revival-style façade clad with ornamental detailing. Each of its 51 guest rooms provide pops of navy, copper and maroon, featuring 10-15’ original reclaimed wood ceilings, tufted headboards, and an array of locally-inspired art. Similarly, the hotel’s public spaces feature warm and inviting tones, complete with a library area, art gallery and central fireplace for guests to gather. Food and Beverage Intimately steeped in Louisville’s history, The Wild Swann exudes modern southern elegance and rich heritage, paying homage to the city’s iconic history and the legacy of famous cocktails all over the world. Bestowing tribute to the classic styles of the Swann-Abram Hat Co. and J.B. Wilder, guests enter a world of hand-crafted beverages, fastidious service, and delicious small plates. The Wild Swann’s bar keepers and hosts hold numerous secrets of the city. Ask about the “Swann Song” while sipping meticulously crafted cocktails from gold-rimmed glasses, and they will tell you a story or two.

Create: Feb 26, 2021 Edit: Feb 26, 2021 International News

Tehran tourism fair opens; activists hope for boom when corona vaccine is ever-present

Tehran’s international tourism and handicrafts fair opened to the public on Tuesday in defiance of a government campaign to improve the hugely-battered travel sector in the face of the novel coronavirus. Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan and his deputies for tourism, and handicrafts were amongst attendees to the opening ceremony of the fair, which is underway at Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds. Activists, including tour operators, hoteliers, transport businesses, and tour guides, are hopeful that such days would be numbered at the COVID-19 vaccine is getting more widespread. Since it first surfaced late in 2019, the pandemic has created a greater demand for experiences away from crowds, which is opposite to many traveling pillars. Experts say that such preference for solo travel would probably continue till a coronavirus vaccine is ever-present. “Safe and Responsible Travels” has been picked as the motto of the four-day event that according to organizers could help boost synergy among the two sectors as people have a chance to visit them maybe in a day-long visit! The event is being held according to health protocols announced by the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control, and following the necessary coordination with the relevant agencies in this field, according to Vali Teymouri, the deputy minister for tourism. Travel agencies, airlines, sea or rail companies, entrepreneurs, startups, banks, insurance brokers, agents or hospitals in charge of health, medical tourism, sports clubs, pilgrimage & eco-tourism companies, representatives of hotels, guesthouses, touristic villages, and free zones are amongst exhibitors in the tourism sector. Furthermore, tens of booths and stands in various exhibition halls have been dedicated to craftspeople, artisans, live performers, and tribespeople who are coming together from every corner of the ancient land to promote skills inherited from generation to generation. Though its main goal of the sales exhibit is to make money and sails of the handicrafts, souvenirs, foodstuff, and various other regional products, it can be a venue for dialogue between exhibitors and visitors and even visiting officials, according to organizers. The fair showcase arrays of personal ornamentation, woodwork, illuminated manuscript, miniature, textile printing, enamel, leatherwork, handwoven textile, calligraphy, traditional musical instrument, metalwork, and marquetry among tens of others while nomadic culinary arts, live workshops, and performances that would gather own fans every corner. 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 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. So it will undeniably try its best to achieve a relatively ambitious goal but when that happens the travel industry is likely to look more altered.

Create: Feb 24, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 Regional News

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise Announces Two Key Appointments Ahead of March 2021 Opening

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise, the first hotel in Sunrise in 15 years and the first AC Hotel brand in Broward County, has appointed Michael Lauria as general manager and Christine Caraccia as director of sales and marketing. The pair will oversee the launch of the eight-story, 174-room hotel when it opens in March 2021. The hotel is located just steps from the iconic Sawgrass Mills Mall shopping center, one of the largest outlet and value retail shopping destinations in the US.It is our pleasure to have two prominent industry leaders opening the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise, where their hospitality expertise and deep knowledge of the South Florida market will position the hotel as best in class,” said Ken Polo, regional vice president of Concord Hospitality, the hotel’s management company. “Their hard work, dedication and leadership have prepared the hotel and staff for a successful opening. We know they will thrive in their respective roles and provide the unparalleled service both customers and employees expect and deserve.” Lauria brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience to AC Hotels. In his role, Lauria oversees all aspects of property management including financial performance, guest satisfaction and day-to-day operations. A loyal member of the Concord Hospitality family for five years, he most recently served as general manager of Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach Surfside and general manager at Hyatt Place Miami Airport – EAST. Prior to joining the Concord Hospitality team, Lauria served as hotel manager at Bonaventure Resort & Spa in Weston, Fla. In addition, he previously held multiple positions over a 22-year span with Hyatt Hotels in full-service hotels across North America to include Grand Hyatt New York, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Va, Hyatt Regency Austin, Texas, Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, Hyatt Regency Newport, R.I. He also spent three years outside of the US at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Spa. Lauria is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. It has been a privilege to be part of the Concord Hospitality team for the last five years and I look forward to continuing to uphold Concord’s core values and deliver memorable experiences for our guests each time they stay with us,” said Lauria. “Christine and I are looking forward to serving the community and bringing our shared vision of this hotel to life.” With more than 15 years of hospitality experience, Christine Caraccia is responsible for hotel sales revenue including guest rooms, meeting space and banquets; developing and implementing marketing programs; overseeing the sales team; and ensuring top-notch client service. A Los Angeles native, she moved to South Florida in 2015. Preceding her current role, Caraccia was the director of national accounts for Fontainebleau Miami Beach for nearly three years. Her past engagements include group account manager at W Fort Lauderdale, senior sales manager at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and group sales manager at W South Beach. She also served as senior sales executive at Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa in California, where she started her career. A graduate of California State University Northridge, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management and a minor in Marketing and is fluent in Armenian.

Create: Feb 24, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 International News

Accor Partners With Twenty14 Holdings to Open the Pullman Downtown Dubai

Twenty14 Holdings, an Abu Dhabi-based hospitality company that owns assets throughout the globe has partnered with Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, to open a new Pullman in one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai, Business Bay. “We are pleased to partner with Accor and be part of their strong footprint and network in the region,” said Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings. “Pullman is aligned with our expectations and vision as an asset owning company, and with Accor’s loyalty program and management expertise, we are confident that guests at our property will get to experience the best of global hospitality.” Located in Business Bay, the hotel offers stunning views of the Dubai Canal, the Dubai Skyline and the iconic Burj Khalifa. Business Bay is near Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), as well as the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition centre. Talking about the partnership, Mark Willis, CEO of Accor Turkey, India, Middle East & Africa, said, “We are very proud to finally partner with Twenty14 Holdings. There is no doubt that this property is set to become a flagship for the Pullman in Dubai due to its ideal fit with the brand.” The hotel features 353 rooms and suites, as well as a ballroom, two meeting rooms, a private boardroom, a club lounge, a spa, fitness facilities with sauna and steam rooms, a squash court, a lop pool, a children’s pool, and outdoor Jacuzzi. In addition, Accor and Twenty14 Holdings are working closely to develop the dining offering at the hotel with six “in-trend” and well-designed dining experiences.

Create: Feb 24, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 International News

Statistics to Guide Restart of Tourism in the Caribbean

From the need for enhanced political engagement to developing relevant expertise, the World Tourism Organization, jointly with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, have united their Members in the Caribbean to address the key challenges they face in making effective use of statistics to drive the restart of their tourism sectors. Over the course of two days, a regional virtual workshop analysed the importance of tourism data for supporting the sector in the present and helping tourism to restart in the Caribbean in a timely and sustainable manner. The workshop brought together around 130 participants from 23 States, including the leaders of National Tourism Administrations, National Statistical Offices, Central Banks and Migration authorities. The high-level status of participants ensures that they will in turn spread UNWTO’s technical expertise within their own countries, empowering more tourism professionals with knowledge of how best to analyse and use data to guide decisions. Through the sessions, the Caribbean tourism community got a better understanding of the fundamentals of tourism statistics. They were also given an overview of UNWTO’s Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) data, as well as guidance on how this can be used to guide decision-making. Welcoming UNWTO’s technical assistance, Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization said: “We recognize the importance of data and statistics in the development of COVID-19 recovery programs and comprehensive sustainable tourism strategies. We thank the UNWTO for supporting our efforts at capacity building in tourism statistics analysis and reporting in the Caribbean.” The workshop also emphasized the relevance of tourism statistics, both for informing the sector’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic but also, looking ahead, for its role in guiding sustainable development across the Caribbean region. As with every other global region, the crisis has hit the Caribbean hard. According to the latest UNWTO data, Caribbean destinations experienced a 67% fall in international tourist arrivals in 2020 compared to the previous year. Given the reliance of many destinations on the sector, this has placed large numbers of livelihoods and businesses at risk and makes the timely restart of tourism vital.

Create: Feb 21, 2021 Edit: Feb 21, 2021 International News

Accor Signs With Craig Road Property Holdings to Develop First Mondrian Property in Singapore

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announced Singapore’s first Mondrian hotel will be built in the heart of the city’s prominent Duxton Hill neighborhood and is set to open in early 2023. The property is being developed by Craig Road Property Holdings. This news comes on the heels of Accor’s recent announcement regarding its planned venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle and entertainment operators set to include Mondrian hotels. Mondrian Singapore, a luxury lifestyle hotel comprised of 300 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant, a lounge and a rooftop bar will combine historic architecture from Singapore’s centuries-old shophouses with a new build of modern, contemporary influences. Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer of sbe said: “We are thrilled to bring the iconic Mondrian brand to Singapore’s Duxton Hill neighborhood. Mondrian is a natural fit for a global destination like Singapore. The property will provide a cultural hub of food and beverage experiences for locals and travelers alike. Mondrian Singapore will be more than a hotel; it will be a destination.” Sun You Ning, Director, Craig Road Property Holdings said: “We are excited to debut the Mondrian brand in South East Asia and Singapore with our partner Accor. Mondrian Singapore will provide guests an opportunity to stay in the heart of Duxton Hill, a vibrant heritage conservation area surrounded by Michelin-starred eateries, award winning bars, and iconic retail stores – all within walking distance to the Central Business District.” A collaboration between DP Architects and Studio Carter, Mondrian Singapore will feature a lower three-story building in a contemporary take on the famous Singapore ‘shophouse’ building typology. This portion of the hotel features a terracotta roof and colonial-style window shutters and will include the hotel’s premier guest accommodations in loft suites. The hotel will then be expanded with a new, contemporary tower housing the majority of the hotel’s guestrooms as well as a rooftop pool and bar and signature restaurant. The two buildings will be united by an urban oasis landscape deck to remind guests of their location, as Singapore is known as the “Garden City.” In addition to the rooftop pool, the hotel will also feature a speakeasy bar with a hidden entrance for travelers and locals to explore. sbe subsidiary Dakota Development, led by President Joe Faust, will provide design management services for the project. Mondrian Singapore will be the first Mondrian hotel in Singapore, further expanding the brand’s luxury lifestyle experiences in South East Asia. The hotel’s location in the charming “day-to-night” Duxton Hill neighborhood of Singapore’s bustling Downtown Core District positions itself as a prime location for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local cultural explorations. Located 20 minutes from the iconic Changi Airport and within walking distance to the major business district, the property will be a draw for global travelers looking for close proximity to the major transportation hub. Mondrian Singapore is one of the new Mondrian properties that Accor plans to open globally and will be one of the first to open in early 2023 in its next phase of expansion following Accor’s acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands. It follows the company’s recent announcement of Mondrian Gold Coast opening in 2023 and the upcoming opening of Mondrian Shoreditch London in Q2 2021 and Mondrian Bordeaux and Mondrian Cannes in France in 2022. The debut of the Mondrian brand to Singapore reflects the strategic expansion of the brand’s international footprint, which will include soon-to-be announced Mondrian properties in the Dominican Republic, Germany, the Maldives, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 International News

Valor Hospitality Partners Opens The Valley Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama

Valor Hospitality Partners announced today the opening of The Valley Hotel, a 129-room upper upscale boutique hotel in the heart of charming downtown Homewood, Ala., minutes south of Birmingham. As the latest addition to Curio Collection by Hilton™, The Valley Hotel blends Southern charm and contemporary lifestyle with subtle nods to Birmingham’s history across its spacious rooms and suites and public art offerings, chef-driven dining venues and over 7,000 square feet of meetings and event space. An urban retreat located in bucolic Homewood, The Valley Hotel boasts 129 tailored guest rooms, including nine suites that evoke the sophisticated and vibrant essence of Homewood. The guestrooms’ fresh color palette mimics the natural environment of Homewood and its proximity to Red Mountain, while crisp wood and linen accents recall classic Southern hospitality. Bespoke furnishings offer a subtle tie to Homewood’s thriving artistic community. Additional room amenities include a 55” LCD TV, oversized bathrooms and a curated collection of original artwork from local photographers. In addition to offering upscale accommodations and thoughtful design elements, The Valley Hotel introduces three new dining venues – Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails, The Terrace Bar and The Valley Coffee Co. – to Homewood’s burgeoning culinary scene. Curated by Executive Chef Doug Zuk, who is renowned in the culinary world for his work in Las Vegas, The Valley Hotel’s culinary options all pay homage to Birmingham’s industrial origins in both menu and design. Among cast iron furnishings and intimate dining nooks, the property’s upscale full-service restaurant, Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails, serves reimagined Southern comfort cuisine utilizing quality regional ingredients. Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails is complemented by The Terrace Bar, offering craft cocktails, cozy fireside seating and unparalleled views of downtown Homewood. For a more casual dining experience, The Valley Coffee Co. serves meticulously roasted craft coffee offerings and specialty seasonal breakfast and lunch items in a warm, welcoming environment. The property’s tie to its location extends beyond rooms and dining. The Valley Hotel introduces a new public art offering to the local Birmingham community and guests with its outdoor art sculpture, The Outpouring, designed by renowned artist Salem Barker. Located next to the hotel entrance, The Outpouring’s metal construction speaks to Birmingham’s history with the iron and coal industries, while the curved elements draw on the area’s emphasis of the arts and music. The Valley Hotel is the ideal destination for a wide range of corporate events, weddings or other social gatherings with more than 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including coveted al fresco options. The over 4,000 square foot Red Mountain Ballroom offers customizable options, as well as an adjacent pre-function space. The Vulcan Boardroom and exquisite Shades Creek Room with copious natural light provide options for intimate board meetings and corporate engagements. “Guests will look to The Valley Hotel as an oasis that simultaneously offers both relaxation and the opportunity to explore Birmingham’s unique history,” said Danny Hiatt, regional director and general manager at The Valley Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming both travelers and locals and offering a thoughtful ‘home away from home’ experience in Homewood.” As part of Curio Collection by Hilton™, The Valley Hotel embraces the industry-leading Hilton CleanStay and Hilton EventReady with CleanStay programs, reinforcing a commitment to the wellbeing of both guests and team members. The Valley Hotel is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app. The Valley Hotel is located at 2727 18th Street S. in Homewood, Ala., providing guests with easy access to explore Homewood’s unique culture, local shops, art galleries and golf courses, as well as the neighboring University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, Red Mountain Park and downtown Birmingham’s top attractions.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 International News

Saudi Tourism Authority launches new campaign

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched ‘Journeys in Arabia,’ an exclusive online event curated especially for travel trade partners around the globe. Saudi Arabia is a relatively new destination on the global stage. As the authentic home of Arabia, Saudi offers unique, diverse and unparalleled experiences, a land of natural assets, rich culture and heritage and adventure. The virtual engagement series, taking place across six markets around the world, is a first-of-its-kind initiative for STA, a source of inspiration and excitement, designed to inform partners about the diverse products and experiences that Arabia offers. The Middle East Journeys in Arabia webinar brought together local partners, for an opportunity to hear from thought leaders and experts in the tourism industry. The session provided insights into the current state of travel and the opportunities and challenges in addressing the growing demand and interest in Saudi as a new destination. Panellists discussed the huge shift in domestic travel and potential of the regional audience as an untapped segment, highlighting infrastructure, connectivity and capacity as the three fundamentals in further developing the local tourism ecosystem. Giga projects including Neom were referenced as key in driving tourism to Saudi in the future, while investment into activities and experiences was also identified as critical components in elevating Saudi’s appeal among key stakeholders and potential partners. Following up on the success of the webinar, STA will also be hosting an immersive virtual roadshow for the Middle East on March 8th-9th, partnering with the most relevant destination, experience and hospitality brands in Saudi to showcase the best of what the Kingdom has to offer.

Create: Feb 17, 2021 Edit: Feb 17, 2021 International News

Hotel Equities Opens Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Fort Myers, Florida

Today, Hotel Equities (“HE”) announced the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Myers Airport is officially open. The property’s close proximity to Southwest Florida International Airport will make it a first choice for travelers visiting the region. The hotel is owned by Shivam Soham, LLC. Hotel Equities manages the property. “We are proud to officially open our doors to guests visiting southwest Florida,” said HE’s VP of Operations, Keith Hensley. “With a phenomenal General Manager leading the team, I have complete confidence that our hotel will quickly become a leader in the market. Carol Drummond serves as the hotel’s general manager alongside Lucie Wirgin as director of sales. “Opening this property has truly been a labor of love and I’ve cherished my role working alongside a great team,” said Drummond. “Lucie and I are thrilled to have already built many great relationships in the community and we look forward to providing a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.” The hotel’s design offers a fresh, energetic atmosphere and includes amenities to fit the needs of all travelers. Communal areas feature an open, pod-style desk area and flexible seating including community tables with built-in wired and wireless charging stations. The fully equipped guest rooms offer a variety of configurations and additional amenities include a swimming pool, board room, fitness center, and guests can enjoy a hot breakfast during their stay. The thoughtful design incorporates safety and cleanliness measures with reduced contact at check-in, in addition to touchless transactions, sanitizing stations and regular deep-cleaning of high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas. The hotel’s location is just minutes from JetBlue Park, the Boston Red Sox spring training facility and CenturyLink Sports Complex, the Minnesota Twins spring training facility. With an 8-minute drive from Southwest Florida International Airport and just 20 minutes to the famed Fort Myers beaches, the hotel is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. Also in close proximity is Rockstar Harley Davidson, Skyplex, Plantation Golf & Country Club and The Club at Renaissance.

Create: Feb 17, 2021 Edit: Feb 17, 2021 International News

IHG Hotels & Resorts Reveals Guests’ Growing Passion to Travel Better

People are more mindful than ever about travelling consciously following the Covid-19 pandemic, reveals a new global survey by IHG:registered: Hotels & Resorts. The research is commissioned as part of IHG’s launch of ‘Journey to Tomorrow’: a 10-year action plan comprising a series of far-reaching new commitments to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel. 60 per cent of the 9,000 adults surveyed across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, the UAE and Australia agree that they want to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels. This is led by 69 per cent of younger travellers (aged 18 to 24) compared to just 48 per cent of 55s and over. It appears travellers not only intend to do more for the planet and communities around them, they are willing to pay for it too. The research found that consumers will spend an average of 31 per cent more on accommodation they know operates responsibly – with 51 per cent happy to fork out more than 20 per cent extra a night. Community first: Guests connecting with purposeWith the world travelling more locally – or not at all – right now, it seems the pandemic has made consumers more mindful about preserving and connecting with the communities around them. More than half of respondents across the globe (57 per cent) say they care more about doing their bit for local communities and the planet while travelling, now than they did 10 years ago. In fact, 46 per cent of people say they are more likely to be mindful about avoiding tourist activities that have a negative impact on the local environment and communities since the global pandemic. 86 per cent of people say it is important to get to know the local community when visiting somewhere new, with two thirds doing this by supporting local eateries (67 per cent), followed by shopping locally (64 per cent), speaking with the locals (61 per cent), and getting involved with local tours (48 per cent). A further 3 in 10 choose to stay with travel companies that offer local community programmes. As for activities such as volunteering and restoration projects, young travellers aged 18-24 are nearly three times as likely to get involved when visiting another country, compared to those 55 and over. Travelling better for a sustainable futureThe appetite for better, greener travel is ripe. An incredible 82 per cent of adults around the world say they are committed to taking their everyday sustainable habits with them when they travel, with using the correct waste and recycling disposal for different items taking the top spot as the number one habit. And it seems sustainability doesn’t need to take a backseat on holidays. Hotels are a welcome spot to do better: the two most popular habits when travelling include re-using towels and walking short distances to explore the local neighbourhood. And, when asked what people would avoid so they could be a more responsible traveller, 47 per cent of respondents said they would avoid leaving the air conditioning on when they leave the room.Our Journey to Tomorrow Keith Barr, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “As we look to the future, the global response to Covid-19 reminded us what can be achieved when we come together and work towards the greater good. This has made us all more conscious than ever about caring for people, communities and planet. Journey to Tomorrow embodies IHG’s strengthened commitment to make sure we do what’s right, not just what’s needed, and we are determined to contribute towards positive social and economic change, to stand up for key issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion, and human rights, and to make more responsible environmental choices. “A great guest experience at our hotels is inextricably linked to operating thoughtfully and growing sustainably. So, while travel may have been temporarily paused for many, we want the next stage of our journey to be successful in every sense of the word.” The ambitions and commitments are firmly rooted in an understanding of what is most important to colleagues, guests and partners across the world when it comes to doing business in the right way, as well as how IHG can play its part in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in this important 10 years of action. For decades, IHG has been championing its purpose of True Hospitality, from providing skills and education to supporting young people, and taking action for environmental change, to partnering with experts globally on urgent causes such as humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. Commenting on IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow, Laurie Lee, Chief Executive Officer, CARE International UK said: “For the past decade, IHG Hotels & Resorts has demonstrated its commitment to responsible travel by working with CARE International UK to respond to emergencies around the world with a special focus on providing safe shelter. IHG’s support of CARE has remained firm despite the unprecedented challenges facing the travel industry – and the communities we serve – as a result of the pandemic. In the past year alone, CARE and IHG provided essential Covid-19 prevention resources to almost 5,000 people in the Bogor district of Indonesia, a region severely affected by floods and subsequent Covid-19 outbreaks. “Furthermore, with IHG’s support, CARE helped nearly 20,000 people following Vanuatu’s devastating cyclone by providing emergency materials as well as the training and tools to rebuild homes. These life-saving humanitarian efforts are critical to helping communities respond to, and recover from, crises wherever they happen, and we look forward to continuing the next decade of action with IHG.” With a family of 16 brands and almost 6,000 hotels and resorts at the heart of local communities around the globe, IHG is here when travellers are ready. IHG recognises the power of collaboration and will join forces with all who stay, work and partner with them to reduce carbon emissions in line with climate science, eliminate single-use items or move to reusable/recyclable alternatives, reduce food waste, and collaborate locally to tackle water sustainability in high-risk areas.

Create: Feb 17, 2021 Edit: Feb 17, 2021 International News