Hotel News Professional and Inclusive Hospitality Group

Official news agency of Iran Hotel Industry

Search result...

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

Transforming Tourism: UNWTO Global Startup Competition Winners Announced

Startups from around the world have been recognized for their unique contributions to sustainable and responsible tourism in the UNWTO SDGs Global Startup Competition. The competition, which was supported by the United Nations Innovation Network, attracted some 10,000 initial proposals. From these, the jury chose 25 winners from 18 countries, highlighting the array of tourism talent in every global region and its widespread ability to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shortlisted finalists were judged according to criteria which included the potential of the startups to contribute to a specific Goal, their ability to be scaled-up and the maturity of both the product and the team behind it. The 25 winning startups, selected by a jury made up of leaders from across the tourism sector, offer distinct solutions for advancing the SDGs. The Americas led the way in submitting winning proposals, with nine of the competition winners coming from the region. Europe provided eight winners, Asia and the Pacific six, and Africa and the Middle East one winner each. Potential for a better future“The winners show the power of new ideas for transforming our sector”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili in recognizing tourism’s potential to contribute to all Sustainable Development Goals. He added: “By embracing innovation, we can realise this potential and build a better future for people and planet through tourism. I congratulate them all and look forward to seeing these startups grow and deliver positive change.” Lisandro Menu-Marque, Director-General of International Business Development for Globalia and Wakalua said: "The take-off of post-Covid tourism is moving closer and closer. The implementation of many of the innovative solutions, which have been brought us entrepreneurs from all over the world, will be part of this. The collaboration of institutions, governments and corporations will help host and scale up many of these projects through the Wakalua Hub, to make tourism a much more sustainable, responsible and socially impactful sector, all with the support of the UNWTO.” Globalia is a key ally of UNWTO in its shift to lead the positive transformation of the sector, working together to identify and promote innovation through several competitions over recent years. Support and GuidanceThe winning startups will now be given expert support and backing to develop further, including through guided mentorship programmes from Amadeus, Google, IE University and FarCo, and tailored mentorship sessions from Mastercard and ClarkeModet. The winners will also be invited to take part in a pitching event, to be hosted by Wakalua within the framework of Spain’s International Tourism Fair (FITUR). Another pitching event will take place at the Tourism Tech Adventures Forum, due to be held in Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Airways and Qatar National Tourism Council, another partner for the project. Furthermore, the winners will benefit from access to all UNWTO’s collaborators for the competition, opening the door for potential game-changing pilots and networking opportunities with Amazon Web Services, Globant, BBVA, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and IDB Lab, Telefonica, Plug and Play, the Advanced Leadership Foundation, Impact Hub, mentorDay and the destination partners for the Competition.

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

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Arrives in Cambodia With Opening of Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company and leading provider of hotel management services with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries on six continents, has opened its first hotel in Cambodia, the Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville, a brand new landmark on the country’s tropical coast. Howard Johnson by Wyndham continues its expansion in Southeast Asia with the opening of Blue Bay Sihanoukville following successful openings for the brand in China and South Korea. Howard Johnson by Wyndham is a globally recognised brand with hotels in more than 320 locations across three continents: North America, South America and Asia. The 522-key upscale hotel is the latest addition to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of over 1,500 hotels across the Asia Pacific region. “We are delighted to celebrate Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ entry into Cambodia with the opening of Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville. Across Asia Pacific, we are committed to growing our portfolio in amazing destinations – such as Sihanoukville – and we are confident that the hotel’s prime location by the beach, along with its excellent amenities, will make it one of the most desirable places to stay in the city,” said Joon Aun Ooi, President, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “This is an incredible milestone opening for Wyndham and we look forward to continuing our strong growth momentum. Through our robust pipeline of franchise and management contracts across the region, we anticipate more than 100 openings in Southeast Asia in the next 3-5 years. This will further strengthen our value proposition for Wyndham Rewards members as well as that for our owners and partners,” he added. Seafront Style with Five-Star FacilitiesHoward Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville is a stunning 36-storey upscale hotel comprising 322 contemporary rooms and suites with city and sea views, perfectly positioned at Independence Beach, close to the centre of Sihanoukville and overlooking the sparkling sea. Guests can unwind in style in the hotel’s guestrooms, which feature plush bedding, marble bathrooms with rain showers and, in some rooms, sea-facing balconies with spa tubs. For the ultimate indulgence, the hotel’s Presidential Suite offers an extensive 200 sqm of space with loft-like interiors and flexible open space, suitable for families or romantic getaways. Boasting an air of tranquillity, guests can savour glittering views of the Gulf of Thailand from the private bathtub or entertain friends and family in its spacious living and dining area. Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville also offers plenty of opportunities for guests to relax and unwind at the hotel with leisure and wellness facilities including an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic sea views, a well-equipped fitness centre, a spa, and a duty-free retail outlet. The hotel is also home to three dining outlets, including: Andaman Sea, the all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites alongside Sichuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisine; the Private Dining Room, serving local, Chinese and Western specialties; and the Infinity Lounge, which serves a refreshing array of beverages and cocktails. Visitors who want to explore the local area can take advantage of an onsite tour desk or request for professional services at the business centre. Guests staying on club floors can also enjoy bespoke amenities at the dedicated club lounge offering daily breakfast as well as cocktails and canapés every evening. The hotel is also directly connected to the region’s largest shopping mall and a major gaming centre, while the soft sands of Independence Beach are just moments away. Discover the Wonders the Cambodian RivieraSihanoukville is a serene seaside town and fishing port on the Cambodian coast and the capital of Sihanoukville Province. The coastal city is home to a string of sandy beaches, including Independence Beach, Victory Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, Otres Beach and Serendipity Beach, which offer an exotic blend of warm, clear seas, palm-fringed sand, and exhilarating water sports. The city is also the gateway to Cambodia’s idyllic offshore islands, such as Koh Rong, which offer pristine landscapes and spectacular snorkelling activities. The new hotel is located just 26km away from Sihanouk International Airport, while the Cambodian capital city, Phnom Penh, is 225km away.

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

Koucar Management Opens Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), continues to expand in key markets across the country with the opening of its newest downtown location: the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront. The nine-story, 154-room hotel is the brand’s fifth property in the greater Washington, D.C. area, among Cambria hotels in College Park, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; Arundel Mills, Maryland; and in D.C. near the Convention Center. The hotel also marks the brand’s expansion in the D.C. and Maryland region, with six properties now open including in Ocean City, one of the most popular beach and vacation destinations on the east coast. Located at 69 Q Street SW, the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront is situated in the heart of the District’s growing Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. The hotel provides travelers with picturesque views of the Potomac River and convenient access to nearby attractions, including The Wharf, which features concert venues, restaurants and local shops; Nationals Park; the Yards Marina, and the new Audi Field soccer stadium. The hotel is also within three miles of the U.S. Capitol, Fort McNair and the National Mall, and just a short walk to the Navy Yard Metro Station, which connects guests to destinations in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. “For Choice Hotels, along with many of our collaborators on this project, this area is our home, so we’re especially proud to continue our expansion in the region and support the community we love with the opening of yet another Cambria hotel,” said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. “Like all Cambria properties, the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront is designed to ‘wow’ guests with locally inspired touches and stunning design, and built to accommodate the evolving needs of today’s traveler — whether they’re just getting back on the road, wanting to elevate their telework venue, or seeking the perfect staycation spot.”

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 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

Venezuelan minister to Visit Tehran to discuss tourism cooperation

Venezuelan Tourism and Foreign Trade Minister Felix Ramon Plasencia Gonzalez will visit Iran in the next few days to discuss tourism cooperation, Caracas’ Ambassador to Tehran Carlos Antonio Alcala Cordones has said. “Felix Plasencia is going to visit Iran next week to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on expansion of tourism cooperation with the Islamic Republic,” IRNA quoted the envoy as saying on Wednesday. The Venezuelan ambassador made the remarks on Wednesday night in a meeting with Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan, noting that Plasencia’s visit is aimed at paving the way for more collaboration in the tourism industry. The ambassador also noted that he has been in Iran for two years and it is obvious that a short visit by the Venezuelan minister will not give him enough time to get acquainted with the history and tourist attractions of the country, the report said. Cordones underlined that joint venture in the tourism industry will bolster ties between Iran and Venezuela and help the two countries’ economies. He further noted that Plasencia intends to offer a pavilion to Iran at the International Tourism Fair of Venezuela. For his part, Mounesan said that during a webinar with former Venezuelan tourism minister, both sides decided to expand tourism ties and hold an introductory tour. The Iranian minister added that the two countries are going to sign an MoU to expand cooperation in the tourism industry and that tourism practitioners from Venezuela and Iran will hold talks for future cooperation. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has determined a five-day trip for the Venezuelan delegation, but it seems that they are going to stay less time in Iran, he noted. The relationship between Venezuela and Iran became more serious following an official visit by the then Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to Tehran in 2001. Now, the two nations are determined to expand cooperation in tourism, the news agency explained. According to previous agreements, Venezuelan and Iranian nationals can have visa-free travels to each others' countries to stay for two weeks. The visit by the Venezuelan minister is expected to pave the ground for expansion of cooperation in cultural, economic, and political fields as well. Last November, Mounesan said that visa-free access and direct flights are the two important advantages for Iran and Venezuela to develop tourism cooperation. “We are ready to expand our relations with Venezuela in the arena of tourism by organizing familiarization tours in both countries with the participation of the private sector,” Mounesan said in a meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador. Back in October, Mounesan exchanged views with Plasencia, 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. 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 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 Regional News

206 tourism projects put into operation in Tehran

Iranian tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan on Tuesday inaugurated 206 tourism-related projects in Tehran province through a video conference. The tourism infrastructure of Tehran province is essentially needed to be developed due to its political and commercial importance, IRNA quoted the minister as saying during the inauguration ceremony. The projects, which include hotels, apartment hotels, eco-lodge units, tourist complexes, boutique hotels, traditional restaurants, travel agencies, and handicrafts workshops, are estimated to generate 936 jobs. Furthermore, the mentioned projects will be adding 816 beds to the hospitality sector of the Iranian capital. Establishing more eco-lodges as well as different types of accommodation centers could facilitate traveling and staying in this metropolis, the minister said. Referring to the outbreak of the coronavirus and the problems and issues it has caused to the travel sector, Mounesan noted that smart travels under the supervision of the tourism and health ministries is the only way to overcome the current situation. Hugging the lower slopes of the magnificent, snowcapped Alborz Mountains, Tehran is much more than a chaotic jumble of concrete and crazy traffic blanketed by a miasma of air pollution. This is the nation's dynamic beating heart and the place to get a handle on modern Iran and what its future will likely be. The metropolis has many to offer its visitors including Golestan Palace, Grand Bazaar, Treasury of National Jewels, National Museum of Iran, Glass & Ceramic Museum, Masoudieh Palace, Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Carpet Museum of Iran, to name a few. The first time Tehran is mentioned in historical accounts is in an 11th-century chronicle in which it is described as a small village north of Ray. It became the capital city of the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century but later declined with factional strife between different neighborhoods and the Mongol invasion of 1220.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 Regional 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

NewcrestImage Sells Hyatt House in Frisco, Texas

NewcrestImage has sold its 132-suite, six-floor Hyatt House in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, Texas to a hotel group based in the northeastern United States. The hotel, built by NewcrestImage, opened in March of 2016. “This sale demonstrates that despite the upheavals of COVID, a well-positioned asset in a strongly-performing market has attractive investment appeal,” said Mehul Patel, Chairman and CEO of NewcrestImage. Added Patel, “Our company constantly evaluates how we can best add value and boost profitably for our investors. Proceeds of the Frisco transaction enable us to move ahead promptly and efficiently with additions to our portfolio of new properties and new opportunities in new markets.” Dallas-based NewcrestImage owns and operates 30 distinctive hotels nationwide, including through its private real estate funds.

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

Tehran conference to explore cultural impact of coronavirus on tourism

The social and cultural impact of the novel coronavirus on the arenas of tourism and cultural heritage will be explored at a Tehran conference. The event is set to be held at the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage & Tourism (RICHT) on February 17 and 18, according to organizers. Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan, and Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi are scheduled to deliver opening speeches. A host of cultural experts, sociologists, academia, Iranologists, archaeologists, have been tourism insiders invited to the event. The average of international travels to and from Iran fell by 84 percent during the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 20, 2020) from a year earlier. Passenger traffic from land and air borders during the first nine months of this year compared to the same period last year, decreased by 84.57% in incoming passenger traffic and 84.33% decrease in outgoing passenger traffic, according to the Customs Administration. Furthermore, international tourist arrivals to Iran plunged 72% during the first eight months of the year when compared to 2019, according to data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. Optimistic forecasts, expect the country would achieve a tourism boom after coronavirus contained, believing its impact would be temporary and short-lived for a country that ranked the third fastest-growing tourism destination in 2019. According to a UNWTO Barometer, international arrivals plunged 81% last July and 79% in last August, traditionally the two busiest months of 2020 and the peak of the Northern Hemisphere summer season. The drop until August 2020 represents 700 million fewer arrivals compared to the same period in 2019 and translates into a loss of $730 billion in export revenues from international tourism. UNWTO’s Panel of Experts foresees a rebound in international tourism in 2021, mostly in the third quarter of 2021. However, around 20% of experts suggest the rebound could occur only in 2022.

Create: Feb 17, 2021 Edit: Feb 17, 2021 Regional 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