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PEG Companies and EKN Development Group Open Hyatt House Rochester

After nearly three years of planning and zoning, 20 months of construction, and a global pandemic that presented unique development challenges, joint-venture partners PEG Companies [PEG] and EKN Development Group [EKN] have formally opened Rochester, MN’s first completed opportunity zone project, the Hyatt House Rochester / Mayo Clinic Area. With In-Group Hospitality: A PEG Company [IGH] managing operations, the highly anticipated hotel hosted a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebration with the community this week. Located at 315 1st Ave NW, Hyatt House Rochester / Mayo Clinic Area brings 172 apartment-style, extended-stay suites to the area. The upscale hotel boasts fully equipped functional kitchens, comfortable living rooms featuring Hyatt’s signature Cozy Corners, spacious bedrooms, and stylish bathrooms. “This project reflects ongoing investment in our community, which is so important to the economic development and availability of employment in the area…” said Rochester Mayor Kim Norton. “The amenities of the hotel, as well as room offerings, support our community’s focus on being a place of care, hope and healing for our many visitors.” Hyatt House Rochester / Mayo Clinic Area became the first-ever Qualified Opportunity Zone [QOZ] project to break ground in the City of Rochester back in April 2019. The property previously belonged to the American Legion Post #92, which relocated after selling the site to the developers. “From the first day of discussions to acquire the American Legion property, and discussions with our neighbor, the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, EKN was welcomed by the community with tremendous support,” said Ebbie K. Nakhjavani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at EKN Development Group. “The City Stakeholders and DMC’s well-structured framework for investment and development in Rochester contributed to making the Rochester Hyatt House a reality and exceptional success.” The new hotel continues to receive positive support from the community and Destination Medical Center [DMC], a statewide economic development initiative designed to position Minnesota as a global center for the highest quality medical care and to generate high-value jobs, new tax revenue, and businesses. Because of the significant role that Hyatt House Rochester / Mayo Clinic Area plays in the DMC initiative, public officials deemed construction of the hotel an “essential business” during the COVID-19 shutdown, allowing work to continue during the pandemic with proper health and safety protocols in place. “In many ways, the pandemic provided us with opportunities to rethink and improve our design,” explained Cameron Gunter, Founder/Chief Executive Officer at PEG. “We quickly adapted our plans to provide an enhanced hospitality experience equipped with the latest technology including touchless doors, an abundance of hand sanitizer stations, and other improvements to maximize the project’s ability to operate in a post-COVID-19 environment.” “We are excited for the opportunity to lead the hospitality industry out of these unprecedented times,” said Graydon Pearson, President of In-Group. “With a dedicated operations team that’s uniquely qualified to provide the safest, most welcoming and comfortable environment for our valued guests, our goal at Hyatt House Rochester / Mayo Clinic Area is to help everyone feel right at home.”

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

Here are destinations near Tehran to escape summer heat

Summer has arrived in the northern hemisphere. It is great news for the sun-lovers flocking to beach resorts. But what about those who want to beat the heat? If cool weather and even cooler destinations are more to your taste, here are places around the Iranian capital where scorching heat will be nothing more than an afterthought! On the northeast side of Tehran, you can find plenty of cool townships and villages such as Fasham, Ahar, Meygoun, Oushan, Damavand, Cheshmeh A’la, and Garmabdareh to name a few. These destinations, in addition to the fresh air, fruit gardens, and lush gardens, are mostly equipped with proper recreational facilities and abundant local restaurants. On the east, Shahandasht waterfall may be the top of your agenda. The 50-meter cascade is situated off the Haraz road, which connects Tehran to the Caspian Sea in the north. Adjacent to the falls stands a Sassanid-era (224 CE to 651) stronghold, named Qaleh Malek-Bahman, which worth paying a visit. Tangeh Vashi, a popular mountainous resort that is known for having a pleasant, cool stream can be your other choice in the east direction. Tangeh Vashi is where many opt for walking for minutes to cool off. Situated some 15 kilometers west of Firouzkouh, Tangeh Vashi also bears a 19th-century bas-relief commissioned by Fath Ali Shah Qajar (r. 1797 – 1834) to commemorate hit hunts during summer excursions. Apart from the east, you can choose to stay in Kan and Sulaqan, which are riverside rural districts westward. Another cool spot may be colorful valleys across the popular Chalous road that embraces hectic rows of restaurants and coffee shops. The villages of Darband and Darakeh stand out when it comes to the north of Tehran. Those are amongst the most accessible cool destinations for relaxing and enjoying good Iranian cuisine, good weather even climbing easy mountain routes. Tajrish Square is a gateway to the rocky Darband where people hike upward trails. A few kilometers uphill from the atmospheric square the road ends, becoming a path winding up a narrow rocky valley, with water cascading down the slopes. The trail heads up into the hills past a picturesque succession of teahouses, restaurants, and fruit-conserve stalls. A visit to Darband can easily be combined with Sadabad Cultural-Historical Complex. You may exit the once royal complex via the top entrance and keep going up the hill and perhaps drink a cup of tea and puff on a qalyan (hobble-bobble) while submerged with a mountain-village feel. Also, Darakeh is where you can enjoy the lovely nature, listen to the sound of the river, and rest for a while. It is teeming with beautiful scenery, a good trekking path, and countless riverside restaurants and cafes. For people who want to do more, it is possible to hike towards the Tochal cable car and beyond. The bustling Iranian capital, however, never disappoints its travelers! Exploring this mesmerizing metropolis will transport you on a journey through more than 250 years of Iranian history – from the dazzling Golestan Palace and the adjacent Grand Bazaar to the majestic Borj-e Azadi (“Azadi Tower”) and the former U.S. embassy in downtown Tehran. The Iranian capital is also home to prestigious museums such as Treasury of National Jewels, Niavaran Palace Complex, National Museum of Iran, Glass & Ceramic Museum, Masoudieh Palace, Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Carpet Museum of Iran, to mention but a few. Serene gardens, contemporary cafes, and traditional teahouses are other options where you can relax and enjoy all that is good about Tehran.

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

China Releases Plans for Permanent Mars Base

China’s state-owned Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) has announced some ambitious plans to establish a permanent crewed base on the surface of Mars. In a speech at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2021), CALT head Wang Xiaojun elaborated on the country’s three-step approach for future missions to the Red Planet, state-owned newspaper Global Times reports. The announcement sends a strong signal that China is just as interested in developing a human presence on the Red Planet within the next 20 or so years as NASA and SpaceX — or, at least, that it sees propaganda value in planning out such missions. Three Steps to Mars China is hoping to start with a Mars sample return mission in the early- to mid-2030s, as well as a mission to find the best spot for a future base. Next is a crewed mission, which will involve laying the foundations for the Mars base. In the early 2040s, the country is hoping to establish a “large scale Earth-Mars cargo fleet” for “large scale development of the Red Planet,” according to Global Times. Sky Ladder China is hoping to use nuclear power to allow the first crews to travel to Mars, according to Wang. The scientist even mentioned a “Sky Ladder,” essentially a type of space elevator, that could carry cargo and crews to the Moon using just four percent of the cost. This would involve a capsule traveling along a carbon nanotube to a space station before relaunching towards the Moon. These ideas may sound mostly like science fiction at this point. But if China’s recent track record is anything to go by — the country has managed to send rovers to both the Moon and Mars as well as establishing a space station in orbit over the course of just several years — it may just have a shot at realizing its Mars exploration goals as well.

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

The 6th Meeting of the Ministers in Charge of Tourism of the Turkic Council convened in Uzbekistan

The 6th Meeting of the Ministers in Charge of Tourism of the Turkic Council convened on 24 June 2021 in Kokand,Uzbekistan. The meeting was hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, moderated by the Secretary General of the Turkic Council H.E. Baghdad Amreyev and attended by the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Fuad Nagiyev; Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Aktoty Raimkulova; Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy; Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Kyrgyz Republic H.E.Seyit Rysaliev and Ambassador of Hungary to Uzbekistan H.E.Peter Szanto. Secretary General Baghdad Amreyev briefed the Parties regarding the current state of tourism and developments, as well as the socio-economic implications and reflections of the Covid-19 pandemic in the regional and global level. Informing the Parties on the tourism relations among the Member States, as well as undertakings and activities of the Secretariat, Secretary General expressed that the close collaboration and coordination among the Turkic countries are of utmost importance to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic, as well as attract more tourists to the region in the post-pandemic period. Secretary General of the Turkic Council communicated the new programs and projects namely “Turkic World Tourism Capital”, “Tabarruk Ziyorat” and “Tourism Map of the Turkic World” and underlined the importance of increasing the number of flights between the major cities of the Member and Observer States. The Secretary General also noted that vocational training programs provided in the field of tourism under the umbrella of the Turkic Council created a unique opportunity for the tourism employees in developing their skills, until now more than 1000 employees benefited from these trainings, the Secretariat will further coordinate the efforts for the continuation of the training and capacity building programs. As the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting, the Ministers agreed to launch “Turkic World Tourism Capital” project in order to promote tourism in the region, in which one of the cities from the Member States will be designated as “Turkic World Tourism Capital” annually. At the end of the Meeting, city of Kokand announced as the first “Turkic World Tourism Capital” until the next Ministerial Meeting on Tourism of the Turkic Council. In this regard, international conferences and various events will be held in Kokand with participation of public sector, civil society, private sector, academia and other relevant actors from the Member States to promote tourism in the city, as well as promote the city in the Member States and the region. Ministers in Charge of Tourism exchanged experience, information and the precautions taken by the Member States for the safe travel of the tourists during the pandemic; discussed the current tourism relations among the Member States and ways to carry forward the cooperation in the sphere of tourism, as well as prospective plans in the post-pandemic period. Ministers agreed to work on the details of the “TabarrukZiyorat” project and expressed their readiness to involve the holy places of the respective countries to the project. Parties agreed to prepare the “Tourism Map of the Turkic World” to list the main historical, cultural and touristic destinations in the Turkic World, which will be the reference project in determining the main touristic destinations in the Member States. Following the Ministerial Meeting, Secretary General held bilateral meetings with the Ministers in Charge of Tourism of the Turkic Council Member States. During the bilateral meetings, Secretary General and Ministers discussed the cooperation opportunities, as well as the future plans and projects in the field of tourism to realize in the bilateral and multilateral level.

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

Luxury in the clouds: Shanghai opens world's highest hotel

The world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, has opened in Shanghai to guests with deep pockets and a head for heights. Elevators whizz guests up the intimidating spiral-like skyscraper at ear-popping speeds of 18 metres per second to the J Hotel's 165 opulent rooms. The hotel occupies the top floors of the 632m Shanghai Tower in the city's financial district, the second-tallest building in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Its opening was delayed partly by the coronavirus pandemic but the hotel has now started receiving well-heeled guests who can call on the services of a dedicated butler at any hour, day or night. Patrons can also enjoy one of the hotel's seven restaurants, bars, spa, 84th-floor swimming pool, and all the other usual trappings of a top-notch hotel. It does not come cheap. To celebrate its opening J Hotel is offering a "special experience rate" of 3,088 yuan (US$477) a night, but prices for its 34 suites sky-rocket. A night in a "J Suite", complete with crystal chandeliers and sauna, this Saturday costs more than 67,000 yuan (US$10,360). The hotel is part of Jin Jiang International Hotels, a major Chinese state-owned group, and officially opened on Saturday. "On the day of our opening even the web page was overloaded with so many visitors with strong interest and they have such (a) strong will to come and experience our hotel," said Renee Wu, sales and marketing director. "Of course this is very encouraging to all of us, but at the same time, we are committed to making sure that all our guests are well taken care of."

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

IHG Signs With Asset World Corporation for Three Thailand Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, is proud to announce the signing of three hotels in Thailand with long-standing partner Asset World Corporation (AWC), the country’s leading integrated lifestyle real-estate group. The multi-property agreement includes the new-build InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown – the first luxury hospitality development in the area – and two further projects in Chinatown and Pattaya, totalling 629 rooms. Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia & Korea, IHG, said: “We’re excited to work with our long-standing partner Asset World Corporation to unveil these three outstanding properties across Bangkok and Pattaya. Together, they will provide an extraordinary luxury hospitality, retail and lifestyle experience for our guests. “InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown will be our third InterContinental hotel in Bangkok, and is the perfect choice for Verngnakornkhasem, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Meanwhile, we’re in advanced discussion with AWC regarding the brand positioning of the other two properties in our agreement, in Bangkok and Pattaya. “We plan to double our portfolio in Thailand in the next three to five years and these signings represent the strong growth momentum of IHG in Thailand and South East Asia. We look forward to working closely with AWC to expand their diverse hospitality and lifestyle offerings and bring our IHG family of brands to city and resort destinations throughout this wonderful country.” Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corporation (Plc), AWC, added: “AWC remains confident Thailand’s tourism industry has a strong future and will continue with its investments. “The expansion of our cooperation with IHG further diversifies our hospitality portfolio and allows us to deliver even more impressive experiences while meeting a wider array of customer demands, in turn bolstering the potential of Thailand’s tourism sector to expand its customer base. It will also deliver experiences that will attract tourists from across the globe who emphasise selection and international service standards.” “We’re delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, who share our vision of bringing world-class destination concepts to Thailand. Signing an agreement with a world-class partner coincides with our quality development plan and we share a vision towards creating a better future through sustainable growth. This collaboration also reaffirms our dedication to playing a part in enhancing Thailand’s tourism competitiveness. Our projects will feature distinct architectural designs as well as impressive experiences while also generating value for their surrounding communities, society and the environment,” Wallapa further stated. “As the first luxury hospitality development in Chinatown, InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown is sure to instantly become an iconic landmark in Bangkok, while our other hotel in Chinatown will elevate the mixed used development project, and offer a fantastic lifestyle experience to our guests.” Set to open in 2027, the 332-room InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown hotel will be located within a vibrant mixed-use development in historic Verngnakornkhasem. It will feature two hotels, residences and a retail mall, including a 24-hour food centre on Charoen Krung Road. Combining the brand’s world-renowned reputation with the wonders of local culture, the hotel will feature three restaurants and bars, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre and a vast 1,400 square metres of events and meeting space supplemented by eight private rooms. The mixed-use development will also boast the second property under this agreement – a 63-room lifestyle boutique hotel, converted from traditional four-storey shophouses to provide a stylish and authentic stay for visitors to the “Heritage of Asia City” Visitors will be spoilt for choice as they enjoy the biggest array of underground retail outlets in Bangkok, a heritage walk and an entertainment boulevard with space for festive celebrations and cultural performances. A new historical and cultural attraction – “The Golden Pagoda” – is under commission, as well as the construction of an entrance gate to welcome people into the history and culture inspiring destination. A short drive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the development is located close to popular tourist attractions including the Grand Palace, the shopping district, Sathorn and Silom. It will form part of the transformation of Verngnakornkhasem and ensure its status as a “must-visit” destination. Another boutique hotel under the agreement – will open in Pattaya in early 2024. Located within the Aquatique district, Pattaya’s first iconic lifestyle destination, it will be at the heart of a major lifestyle and entertainment complex featuring hotels, retail and dining outlets, and convention spaces. With 234 rooms and suites, the hotel will also feature restaurants, a rooftop bar, a swimming pool, spa and meeting rooms in excess of 670 square metres. The triple signing is part of a long-standing partnership between IHG and AWC to manage a portfolio of properties offering more than 1,200 rooms across Thailand, including the 306-room InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping Hotel that will open in 2022. IHG and AWC are also exploring opportunities for the Kimpton brand, a design-led luxury boutique hotel with award-winning restaurants and bars, and heartfelt service in leading resort destinations within Thailand. Thailand continues to be a strong growth market for IHG, with 32 hotels across eight brands in the country and another 33 properties in the pipeline.The new signings are part of the company’s aim to grow its Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio in Thailand by 50%, as well as its estate, across all of its brands, in the country.

Create: Jun 23, 2021 Edit: Jun 23, 2021 International News

Another recreational pier to be constructed in northern Iran

A new recreational pier will be constructed near the city of Noshahr, which is bounded by the Caspian Sea in northern Mazandaran province. Some 100 billion rials ($2.4 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) have been allocated to the project, which is to be carried out by the private sector, Noshahr’s tourism chief has announced. “Through the project, maritime tourism in the region will be reinforced and more tourists will be attracted,” IRNA quoted Mohammad Valipur as saying on Tuesday. There are also plans to construct twelve more recreational piers on the coastline of the city, but they have not yet found investors, the official added. Back in January, the head of Noshahr’s Fisheries Department Mostafa Rezvani said that constructing such piers could boost the infrastructure needed for developing fisheries investments. This capacity could also facilitate the activities of the fish farms in the coastal waters of the region, he noted. Last August, the construction of the first recreational pier in Mazandaran began in the city of Ramsar. Some 150 billion rials ($3.5 million) were allocated to the project, which aimed to enhance coastal and maritime tourism in the region. With a width of three meters and a length of 100 meters, the pier is being constructed by private investors in close collaboration with the provincial cultural heritage department. This pier is one of the 134 piers, which are decided to be built in the future across the province’s coastal strip, provincial tourism chief Mehran Hassani said. The project, which is planned to come on stream in one year, also includes restaurants, water sports space, and boat mooring. Stretched along the Caspian Sea and Alborz mountain range, Mazandaran is a popular destination for domestic holidaymakers and it is home to more than 3500 villages and rural areas.

Create: Jun 23, 2021 Edit: Jun 23, 2021 Regional News

5-star hotels being constructed in Qom

Upon their completion in the near future, these hotels will bring a significant change to the tourism industry in the central Iranian province, the provincial tourism chief has said. The official briefed on one of the accommodation projects, as an example, saying: “An investment of 2.6 trillion rials (about $62 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been made in the Zaferanieh Hotel, one of the under-construction projects,” the official added. “Covering an area of 1,500 square meters, the project is expected to generate 80 job opportunities directly,” he stated. “The hotel will have 90 rooms and will add 200 beds to the hospitality sector of the province,” he noted. 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: Jun 23, 2021 Edit: Jun 23, 2021 Regional News

Hyatt Regency Taghazout Opens in Morocco

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Taghazout, representing the third Hyatt-branded hotel in Morocco. The 190-room hotel is located directly at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and offers breathtaking ocean views from every room. Hyatt Regency Taghazout, a beachside property, caters to business and leisure guests alike with stress-free travel experiences. For business travelers who are seeking productive and seamless experiences, Hyatt Regency Taghazout offers several sophisticated venues fit for events and meetings of all sizes. For guests who are looking for energizing experiences, Hyatt Regency Taghazout offers everything from world-class surf spots to small fishing villages to the 27-hole Taghazout Golf Club. Or guests can take a 25-minute drive to reach Agadir City, where they’ll never be without something to do. Travelers will also find themselves close to many of the area’s main tourist attractions such as Paradise Valley, an oasis of mountains and stunning natural rock pools, and many surf schools catering to all levels. “We are excited to welcome guests to the peaceful village of Taghazout. Bordered by the ocean and bathed in year-round sun, we are proud to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand into a new market that matters to World of Hyatt members and guests,” said Pascal Leprou, general manager Hyatt Regency Taghazout. “The property has been thoughtfully designed to create spaces where guests can connect and recharge while enjoying dynamic interactions in our generous public spaces and meeting facilities.” Guestrooms Hyatt Regency Taghazout features 190 exquisitely decorated guestrooms, including 12 Regency Suites, six Executive Terrace Suites – four of which include private swimming pools – and 10 Terrace Suites. Many rooms offer terraces and breathtaking ocean views. Each guestroom offers high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi and streaming ability, providing guests with the option to recharge and relax with some entertainment after a productive day. Dining The new hotel also features a range of culinary experiences to tempt the tastebuds of every guest. Exciting international cuisine with a Moroccan influence can be enjoyed at Citron Brûlé – offering both à la carte or live station meal options – meanwhile Sud, Km 17 offers fresh French and Italian Riviera cuisines and is the perfect place for dining and socializing, with a menu filled with shared plates and exotic cocktails. La Vie en Blue is a pool bar to enjoy fresh sandwiches and salads with superb views overlooking the sea. And finally, Lobby Bar is the ideal place for a lighter snack and a great location to connect and catch up with others. Meetings and Events Hyatt Regency Taghazout offers a selection of sophisticated venues fit for official, social, and personal events – ranging from weddings to business meetings. The hotel boasts three interconnecting meeting rooms, which all include state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities and fill the room with natural daylight through the windows – the perfect backdrop for face-to-face or virtual meetings. Additionally, guests have a selection of function rooms to choose from including a 2,475 square-foot (230-square-meter) ballroom that can be divided into two spaces, a large pre-function area, and an outdoor space spanning 10,763 square feet (1,000 square meters). Fitness and Relaxation Area Ilel Spa offers guests a carefully curated selection of beauty and wellness treatments, including individual and couples’ treatment rooms, a serene relaxation area, sauna, and whirlpool, and a hammam for an authentic Moroccan wellness experience. The hotel also boasts a well-equipped fitness center overlooking the two swimming pools and offers a selection of Yoga and Pilates classes, as well as a variety of nautical sports. Hyatt Regency Taghazout expands the Hyatt portfolio in Morocco demonstrating the country’s growing commercial importance. It becomes the second Hyatt Regency branded hotel in the country alongside Hyatt Regency Casablanca and the second Hyatt branded hotel in Taghazout next to Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay. Further strengthening the Hyatt brand footprint in Morocco, Park Hyatt Marrakech is under development.

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

Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle Coming to Morocco in 2023

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the debut of its second brand and third hotel in Morocco with the signing of Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle in partnership with Al Hoceinia Hospitality. With construction already underway, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2023 and will consist of 133 guestrooms and suites. Located in the heart of Casablanca’s vibrant and exclusive Gauthier district, one of the prominent corporate, financial and entertainment districts, Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is just 2.5 km from the glistening La Corniche, the charming Old Medina, and Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world. The hotel will offer a unique view over the Arab League Park and will also form part of La Citadelle, a new, premium mixed-use development which will comprise of residences, offices and retail outlets. Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Morocco is a strategic bridge between Europe and the rest of Africa, and a key focus market in our African development strategy. We aim to grow our Moroccan portfolio to over 15 hotels within the next three to five years, and Casablanca is a key city where we are looking to expand our footprint to more than five hotels. Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is the Moroccan debut of our fastest-growing brand in Africa, and marks our third hotel in the country, joining our other two successful properties, Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center and Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden. We expect to introduce each of our remaining three brands but also cover all segments, from business hotels to resort properties, as well as serviced apartments. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, Al Hoceinia Hospitality, for their trust as we look at working together to reinforce our presence across Morocco with additional properties.” Hamza Laghrari, Managing Director of Al Hoceinia Hospitality, Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle managing company said, “It is with great pleasure that we commence this journey and long-term relationship with Radisson Hotel Group and together introduce the upscale Radisson brand to the Moroccan market. The hotel which will be equipped with the latest innovation to accompany the changing expectations of business customers, will provide a new and an ideal venue for business and leisure guests and an enhancement to the city of Casablanca. As part of our group’s diversification strategy, the tourism industry is an important growth sector in which we see opportunities in the near future, and we are pleased to partner with Radisson Hotel Group to introduce this property and eventually many more. We aim to open a total of five hotels by 2025 in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Tangiers.” The Scandinavian-inspired, upscale brand, Radisson, will make its Moroccan debut with the new build, 133-room hotel, consisting of contemporary superior rooms and suites. Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle will enable guests to focus on a work/life balance and find harmony in their travel experience, while enjoying the hotel’s modern, state of the art technology, and design. Various cuisine options will be available at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, patio as well as its panoramic rooftop restaurant. Meetings and event venues will include a large conference and function room as well as five meeting rooms. Perfectly equipped for guests to strike a healthy balance, the hotel will offer both a fitness room and a rooftop pool. Radisson Hotel Group’s top priority is the continued health, safety and security of its guests, team members, and business partners. The Group applies its Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol created in collaboration with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and recently unveiled its new comprehensive testing program as the first hotel group to roll out a rapid testing service for meeting and event attendees at properties across its EMEA portfolio.

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

First agritourism farm to make debut in Minudasht

The first-ever agritourism permit in Minudasht county has been issued for a vast farm, which is located in the lush green Golestan province in northern Iran, Minudasht tourism director announced on Sunday. Such permits are granted to eligible farm owners in the country to launch agritourism businesses, aiming to set certain standards in a move to ensure the quality of their services. Setting up in an area of 40 hectares, the farm is expected to create jobs for 100 people,” Reza Pourmehdi said, CHTN reported. The farm includes a greenhouse, gardens of blueberry, olive, pears, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pomegranates, and it has sections for wheat cultivation, and animal breeding, fish farming, and beekeeping, the official explained. Agritourism is a relatively new branch of the travel industry in which tourists stay with local people in rural areas. Farm/ranch recreation refers to activities conducted on private agricultural lands, which might include fee-hunting and fishing, overnight stays, educational activities, etc. Experts believe that in addition to the customer services jobs, agritourism pays special attention to the production sector, saying agricultural tourism is much more important and practical than other branches of tourism because it creates a new chain and diversity in the field of production and services. Agritourism and nature-tourism enterprises might include outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, wildlife study, horseback riding), educational experiences (cannery tours, cooking classes, or tea or coffee tasting), entertainment (harvest festivals or barn dances), hospitality services (farm stays, guided tours, or outfitter services), and on-farm direct sales (u-pick operations or roadside stands). Agritourism is a subset of a larger industry called rural tourism that includes resorts, off-site farmers' markets, non-profit agricultural tours, and other leisure and hospitality businesses that attract visitors to the countryside.

Create: Jun 21, 2021 Edit: Jun 21, 2021 Regional News

Magnificent ancient places on Earth: The Gate of Xerxes

The bronze trumpets that once signaled the arrival of important foreign delegations to Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire, may now be silent, but it is still possible to capture the sense of awe while visiting the colossal Gate of Xerxes. Built during the reign of Achaemenid king Xerxes I (r. 486 – 465 BC), who called this his Gate of All Nations, the pillared entrance is guarded by bearded and hoofed mythical figures in the style of Assyrian gate-guards. On arrival at Persepolis one is confronted by an imposing wall, completely smooth and plain, about 15 meters tall: this is the artificial terrace on which the palaces were built. This vast terrace of Persepolis, some 450 meters long and 300 meters wide, was originally fortified on three sides by a tall wall. The only access was from the monumental staircase, which leads to the Gate of All Nations. The gateway bears a cuneiform inscription in Old Persian, Neo-Babylonian, and Elamite languages declaring, among other things, that Xerxes is responsible for the construction of this and many beautiful wonders in Persia. Centuries of graffitists have also left their mark, including explorer Henry Morton Stanley. A pair of colossal bulls guarded the western entrance; two man-bulls stood at the eastern doorway. Engraved above each of the four colossi is a trilingual inscription attesting to Xerxes having built and completed the gate. The doorway on the south, opening toward the Apadana, is the widest of the three. According to sources, pivoting devices found on the inner corners of all the doors indicate that they must have had two-leaved doors, which were probably made of wood and covered with sheets of ornamented metal. Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, whose magnificent ruins rest at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat ("Mountain of Mercy"), was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It is situated 60 kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province. Persepolis was the seat of the government of the Achaemenid Empire, though it was designed primarily to be a showplace and spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the kings and their empire. The royal city ranks among the archaeological sites which have no equivalent, considering its unique architecture, urban planning, construction technology, and art. The city was burnt by Alexander the Great in 330 BC apparently as revenge to the Persians because it seems the Persian King Xerxes had burnt the Greek City of Athens around 150 years earlier The immense terrace of Persepolis was begun about 518 BC by Darius the Great, the Achaemenid Empire’s king. On this terrace, successive kings erected a series of architecturally stunning palatial buildings, among them the massive Apadana palace and the Throne Hall (“Hundred-Column Hall”). This 13-ha ensemble of majestic approaches, monumental stairways, throne rooms (Apadana), reception rooms, and dependencies is classified among the world’s greatest archaeological sites.

Create: Jun 21, 2021 Edit: Jun 21, 2021 Regional News