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4 Culture Attributes a PMS Technology Company Must Possess to Help Ensure Your Property’s Success

Hospitality is built on the development and nurturing of personal relationships, extending beyond interactions with guests to include other hoteliers and even vendor partners. Hotel and resort owners and operators know that it’s not always enough to deliver positive results to customers, sometimes it’s more important to develop a connection with guests when providing service. This mentality can be a challenge for technology partners who have been conditioned by other industries to deliver results without emotion. However, company culture defines the way partners work together, and technology companies can learn a great deal from hospitality’s service-driven ethos. One thing hotel technology partners must be mindful of is the increasing complexity of software used throughout the industry. They should remain patient with operators who are stepping outside of their comfort zones to use technology they are unfamiliar with. Furthermore, many independent chains and boutique hotel groups operate without the benefit of an internal IT department, and for them, it is crucial that the technology supplier be a partner they can rely on to help solve problems in a collaborative and solution based approach. Here are four culture attributes a PMS company must possess to help ensure your hotel’s success: Be AdaptableThe service-oriented nature of hospitality creates an environment where many small-scale changes are taking place industrywide, from adapting to new guest booking patterns to creating new avenues for communication with travelers. In an environment like this, it is important for vendors to be open to receiving constructive criticism to improve service and make the most of current market conditions. Conducting business in the service arena requires some degree of humility, and sometimes well-intentioned efforts can backfire due to the way they were delivered, or other unforeseen factors. Receiving free feedback can be invaluable, whether it comes from an industry consultant or your hotel partners. Opening your offerings up to occasional scrutiny from those who use them every day can help provide inspiration to improve your products and services going forward, and even more effectively navigate your chosen business segment. Be AccessibleTech partners will always struggle with visibility due to the nature of the space they operate in, so it may be necessary to find ways to “walk the floor” with your customers the same way hotel GMs do. Since contact with hotel partners occurs most often when things have gone awry, the most efficient answer to this concern is for tech providers to make it easier for hoteliers to reach them. Direct text chat has seen runaway growth in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic, and it provides several benefits as a means of communication between hotels and tech partners. For one, tech chat allows users to be more deliberate with their messaging, reducing confusion in the long run. Additionally, all communications over text can be easily recorded and shared, helping with future technical issues and assisting with troubleshooting. Lastly, it is the ideal method for sharing e-learning materials, as users can retain them for long-term reference. Be ResourcefulKnowing your customer is everything, so why not consider hiring former hospitality workers for training and support roles? Your technical support personnel are more likely to help resolve customer issues in a reasonable manner if they walked a mile in their shoes. The hotel industry is currently going through a labor crisis, and it is important to make an immediate connection with hotel partners. Former revenue managers, salespeople, and GMs are perfect for these positions as they are fluent in hospitality lingo and already possess the service mindset to help other hoteliers find the solutions to their problems. Hospitality and technology are continually becoming intertwined, and connections such as these will be necessary to sustain future success as the level of complexity in a hotel’s day-to-day business continues to increase. Be HospitableHospitality employees are typically friendly, outgoing, likeable people. Many of them were attracted to hospitality for its focus on people, and the desire to provide a high-quality experience. They love solving problems and making others’ lives easier. Technology providers should strive for the same qualities in our own offerings. If, culturally, your organization’s people are pushing to do a better job every day to better serve customers, and go above and beyond when the opportunity presents itself, they are in the right place.

Create: Jun 9, 2021 Edit: Jun 9, 2021 Hotel Management

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Tokyo Tatemono and HPL Announce Plans for Brand New Hotel in Osaka, Japan

International luxury hospitality leader Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd, a developer of condominiums and office buildings, and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), a Singapore-based real estate company, have announced plans for the One Dojima Project in Osaka, Japan, which will include a brand-new Four Seasons hotel. The One Dojima Project, which began construction on August 1, 2020, is a large-scale redevelopment project in the Kinki region of Osaka. The building will be approximately 195 metres high (49 stories) with a total floor area of approximately 85,000 square metres, making it one of the largest in Osaka City. The high-rise tower will feature residences by Brillia, a meeting hall that serves as a base for tourism and business, and the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Osaka. The project will contribute to the development of Osaka by creating a new symbol of the city. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Tokyo Tatemono, one of Japan’s leading real estate companies, on our investment in the One Dojima Project,” says Ong Beng Seng, Managing Director, Hotel Properties Limited. “We look forward to combining the reputation, strength and network of Tokyo Tatemono and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a world-renowned hotel management company, to create an iconic complex development landmark in Osaka – a city that is attracting global attention.” We are honoured to expand our presence in Japan with our long-time partners at HPL and with our new collaborators at Tokyo Tatemono, whose vision for the One Dojima project will create a new luxury lifestyle destination in Osaka,” says John Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are proud to be part of the One Dojima project with the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, where our guests will soon enjoy the beautiful atmosphere created by local Japanese designers, along with the legendary Four Seasons service that is renowned in Japan and around the world.” Dojima is located near several of the waterways in Osaka City, which is also known as the water capital. The area has developed as a commercial centre since the opening of the Dojima Rice Exchange, the world’s first futures exchange and the origin of trading in Japan. Today, the area has become the centre of business in Osaka. In addition, nearby Nakanoshima is a thriving art district with galleries and the Nakanoshima Art Museum Osaka scheduled to open in February 2022. Dojima is also easily accessible to Umeda, the centre of transportation in Osaka. Fumio Nanjo has been appointed as the art supervisor, and many of the world’s top artists have participated in the project curated by him. Through the development of this high-rise complex, the project aims to promote and vitalise the flow of visitors between Umeda and Nakanoshima with its location directly between the two areas. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is being created through a collaboration of world-renowned designers and will become a new symbol of Osaka’s ever-growing status as a global city. The 175 guest rooms will boast sophisticated design and a spacious atmosphere. Guests from all over the world will be able to unwind thanks to the highest level of hospitality provided by Four Seasons. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is being designed by award-winning interior designer Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity, as well as Shinichiro Ogata of SIMPLICITY, and Yasuhiro Koichi of Design Studio Spin. Nikken Sekkei, one of Japan’s leading architectural firms, has been appointed to design the entire building. Otani, the master architect of Nikken Sekkei, has created a graceful design that evokes the image of a sail. Takenaka Corporation, which used to be headquartered in this area, has been selected to construct the building. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka will complement the brand’s existing properties in Japan, including Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, and the upcoming Four Seasons Resort Okinawa.

Create: Jun 9, 2021 Edit: Jun 9, 2021 International News

Iran, safe and desirable destination for foreign tourists, minister says

Having unique tourism capabilities, Iran is a safe and desirable travel destination for visitors from around the world, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan has said. He made the remarks during a meeting with Russian and Iranian tourism activists in Moscow on Monday. In recent years, Iran’s tourism sector has flourished because new branches of traveling, such as eco-tourism, health tourism, mining tourism, and agritourism, have all been gaining popularity, the minister said. Iran offers an impressive range of tourist attractions, including historical, cultural, and natural monuments, handicrafts, dense forests, towering mountains, roaring rivers, and beautiful deserts, while there are also over 700 museums that can be visited in different cities, he explained. Tourists can find the country to be one of the pocket-friendly destinations in the world, he mentioned. He also noted that some 400 hotels and over 2,000 eco-lodge units have been established across the country. Iran’s image in the world is being tarnished by the U.S.’s anti-Iran policy, but traveling to Iran could change this image for foreign tourists, he added. Mounesan on Monday signed an action plan to implement a bilateral visa-free agreement for tourist groups. The signing of the agreement, which emphasizes a waiver of visas for tourist groups, was due to the good relations between the two countries as well as the interest of Iranians in visiting Russia and the existing capacity in the country for cultural tourists and history buffs, he noted during the signing ceremony. He also expressed hope that the signing of the joint action plan, as well as the process of increasing vaccination and overcoming the corona crisis, would result in a growth of tourism between Iran and Russia. In 2017, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inked a visa-free agreement for tourist groups. A joint technical committee has been developing an action plan for the previously agreed visa-free travel arrangements since then, to put the agreement into effect. Based on the 2017 agreement tour groups of 5 to 50 people heading to [easternmost parts of] Russia from Iran or vice versa are granted a visa-free stay of up to 15 days. Earlier this month, Mostafa Sarvari, who presides over the tourism marketing and advertising office of the Iranian Tour Operators Association, announced many Russian tourists are eager to travel to Iran, recounting his Russian counterparts. “Many [potential] Russian travelers are motivated to visit novel and lesser-known destinations such as Iran that could be a safe and attractive destination,” he said. “According to Russian tourism experts, the feedback from Russian tourists who have traveled to Iran has been very positive, and its reflection, especially on social media, has caused a great deal of enthusiasm and interest.” According to Ebrahim Pourfaraj, who heads the Iranian Tour Operators Association, rounds of negotiations have been held between Iranian tour operators, travel marketers, and their Russian counterparts. “We’ve been commenced talks with some Russian travel agents to put Iranian destinations on their itineraries…. And the Iranian Tour Operators Association has also entered negotiations with Russian unions for outbound tours to attract more travelers from Russia.” Pourfaraj says the majority of potential Russian travelers are unaware of the vast tourist attractions that exist in every corner of Iran. “The fact is that Iran’s political and economic relations with Russia are considered as good, but this has nothing to do with attracting tourists because it is directly connected with the Russian people. It is the Russian people who must choose Iran as their destination.” Iran is taking proactive measures in line with the long-term goal of 20 million tourists by 2025.

Create: Jun 9, 2021 Edit: Jun 9, 2021 Regional News

Iran, Russia to remove obstacles on tourism industry

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, and Head of Russian Federal Agency for Tourism emphasized tourism development between the two countries to remove possible barriers for the tourists. At a meeting on Monday, the two sides called to implementation of tourism agreements between the two countries as soon as possible and remove possible barriers to the tourists from the two countries. Mounesan said: "Facilitating the movement of tourists has been one of the important policies of Iran to calculate the income from it in GDP." Mounesan emphasized Iran moved from historical and cultural tourism to ecotourism because Iran also has eye-catching natural beauties in addition to historical and cultural attractions. The Minister said: "We launched ecotourism and rural and agriculture tourism, and the target countries were also identified. Before Corona, we had 10 million tourists from Iran, 65,000 of whom traveled to Russia. Zarina Doguzova, the head of the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, also said that it is necessary to increase tourists to the two countries due to the warm relations between the two countries and the excellent tourism capacities. Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali Asghar Mounesan arrived in Moscow on Sunday to sign a deal on lifting individual visa requirements for tourist groups, Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday. "Today, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali Asghar Mounesan is arriving in Moscow to sign an agreement on lifting visa requirements for tourist groups," the ambassador wrote. According to the diplomat, under the deal, tourists of both countries will be able to travel to Iran and Russia through accredited companies, and the entire group will receive one visa. Jalali stressed that tourism is a foundation for developing Iranian-Russian ties.

Create: Jun 8, 2021 Edit: Jun 8, 2021 Regional News

Iran Pres inaugurates tourism, cultural projects across country

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated several big cultural and tourism projects with 2,537 billion tomans of investment in different parts of the country Thursday. The inauguration ceremony was held through a video conference based in Tehran. The projects which are located in north and west of the country will provide employment for 2,697 people. A five star hotel in the gracious landscape of Heiran as well as renovation project of Amjad palace in Talesh both located in the northern province of Gilan are among the projects inaugurated today. 33 Renovation projects together with two major tourism centers in western province of Lorestan were also officially opened by President Rouhani today. At the ceremony, the president appreciated good efforts made to boost tourism industry. Also, he hoped that tourism would enter new conditions after public vaccination slated for final months of the Iranian calendar year which started on March 21. At his remarks, the president referred to return of 2,723 Iranian historical works and antiques from US and Europe to the country during past eight years. As he stressed, such return was kind of fulfillment of the Iranian people's rights. Every week, the president opens several important projects on petrochemicals, oil, industry, tourism, sports, infrastructure, development and health to follow goals behind "Surge in Production" which is the name of the past Iranian year (March 20, 2020- March 20, 2021) declared by the Supreme Leader.

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

Paramount Lodging Advisors Arranges the Sale of the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel

St. Louis, MO—Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has successfully sold the DoubleTree St. Louis Airport located at 4505 Woodson Rd. PLA Associates Beau Mullenix and Lora Simpson, and Senior Managing Director Adam Montufar represented the seller in this transaction. The sale of the 158-room hotel is the second property transacted by PLA in the St. Louis market to close this month. The DoubleTree by Hilton STL Airport recently underwent a comprehensive $5.5MM renovation and is ideally located directly South of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. “Selling a privately owned, full-service airport hotel during COVID is not an easy assignment. I am very proud of how hard our team worked to deliver a successful outcome for our client despite the many challenges,” stated Montufar

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

Scenic Karaj-Chalus road considered to become national heritage

Preliminary work of collecting data about Karaj-Chalus road, its associated structures, and nearby villages has been commenced by the tourism directorate of Alborz province to have the scenic road registered on Iran’s national heritage list. Based on follow-up field visits and preliminary investigations, it was decided to develop a dossier for the national registration Karaj-Chalus road as a historical, cultural, and natural route that has considerable potential in the field of tourism, CHTN quoted the provincial tourism directorate as saying on Monday. Natural landscapes, villages with historical texture, the architecture of different periods, local food, traditional clothing, and the original Karaji dialect are among the attractions of the Karaj-Chalus axis, a provincial official said. In connection with political geography, the Karaj-Chalous road was once the most important route and connection of the southern slopes of Alborz to the northern regions of the country. As a piece of history, Chalus Road, also less well known as Road 59, was constructed during the Qajar era by the local people with very primitive hand tools. The 160 km road crossing and crawling up the Alborz Mountains offers beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and springs. Each season presents its own special beauty along the road. The mesmerizing view changes as one travels on Chalus; from trees lining up on both sides of the pavement to getting engulfed and surrounded by the Alborz, and sometimes have dramatic views of the Karaj River, which runs along part of the road. The road between Tehran and the Caspian Sea has become a destination in itself for many Tehranis who take it just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or for a relaxing day out with family and friends.

Create: May 26, 2021 Edit: May 26, 2021 Regional News

Hotels Are Slowly Recouping Business, But When Will the Corporate Guest Return

Predicting the return of corporate travel would be a cinch if foretelling the future was foolproof. No one, however, has that extraordinary prescience and even if they did, the future is, at best, murky. The continuing popularity of work-from-home arrangements, the COVID-19 induced reluctance of both individuals and companies to get back out on the road, and issues throughout the travel supply chain are all converging to create a less-than-hospitable environment for individual business travelers. “Before you get corporate travel back, you have to get people back to the office,” said Daniel Lesser, President and CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors. “It’s going to be a bit of a slog, at least until Labor Day.” Among the short-term problems, he continued, is airline flight capacity. “A lot of it will have to do with air lift. Carriers are being careful about yield management,” he said. However, Lesser added, “The summer is going to be phenomenal [for leisure travel] but the rubber will hit the road after in terms of group and corporate business.” Shifting BusinessLWHA’s COO and Principal Evan Weiss sees an even more dramatic delay on the horizon. “At the beginning, I thought the recovery would come first with leisure business, then leisure group, corporate transient and then corporate group,” he said. “But there’s been a paradigm shift. Companies now can cut back their travel by, for example, having two in-person board meetings and two on Zoom.” He continued, “After leisure, which is certainly back, we’re thinking corporate groups will be next to come back, and then corporate transient business.” That creates problems for hoteliers. In the U.S., the corporate average room rate in February 2020—the last full month before the coronavirus squeezed the life out of most of the global hotel industry—was $175.15. A year later, it stood at $111.03, down 35.6% year-over-year, according to HotStats data. In Europe, in February 2021, the corporate rate was €77.30, down 35.2% YOY. Meanwhile, in China, corporate travel didn’t have the dramatic swoon seen in other parts of the world. Its lowest point was in April 2020, when the corporate rate hit $65.65, a 24.8% YOY decline. As of April 2021, the $73.03 corporate rate was up 11.2% on the year prior, but still 16% lower than April 2019. The absence of corporate travel is equally disadvantageous since road warriors are typically higher-spending guests than their leisure counterparts. “Corporate folk pay at the last minute, then they book the Ritz-Carlton, and they’re often the ones who drink the most. If you lose that, it’s problematic,” Weiss said. But Chris Green, CEO of third-party management company Chesapeake Hospitality, has a rosier outlook on the return of corporate, framing it in the context of the domino effect. “Once a big player like Bank of America or Deloitte says ‘As long as you’re vaccinated and feel comfortable, you can travel,’ then it’s off to the races,” he said. “I believe companies will say ‘If you’re in a client-facing role, you have to get out there.’” Still, some timid travelers could remain skittish if they don’t feel safe and comfortable back at a hotel, Green noted, meaning properties must get the word out on the extraordinary efforts being taken to keep COVID-19 at bay. To do so, Chesapeake is “asking key questions about traveler confidence and experience and then using responses in sales and marketing presentations,” said Green. The company also is encouraging guests to share their experiences on travel-review sites. “We’re cleaner, safer and more sanitized than we’ve ever been,” Green said. “That needs to be the front-facing message because companies must feel certain that the hotels where they’re putting travelers are good citizens.”

Create: May 25, 2021 Edit: May 25, 2021 Hotel Management

The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Debuts in Historic Town of St. George’s

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. Extending the legacy of St. Regis from New York’s finest address of 55th and Fifth, the resort blends the timelessness of a bygone era with avant-garde Bermudian design and cultural influences. Situated in the historic Town of St. George’s, an UNESCO World Heritage site, and nestled among the soft sands and turquoise water of St. Catherine’s Beach, the resort is the first Marriott International luxury brand property to debut on the island. Drawing upon the celebrated spirit of leisure travel, The St. Regis Bermuda Resort seamlessly brings together elegant accommodations, exceptional amenities, and the brand’s signature Butler Service to create an enchanted island escape. “Bermuda has long served as an exclusive destination for the global luminaries, making it the ideal location to debut a glamorous new St. Regis resort. Much like the island, St. Regis is steeped in rich history, offering a storied past and exciting future,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “The St. Regis brand’s founding family, the Astors, spent time on this beautiful island more than a century ago. Now, the House of Astor’s celebrated traditions and rituals will bring this visionary spirit, avant-garde style and impeccable service back to Bermuda where our address is your muse.” Spanning St. Catherine’s Beach in a gentle arc, the OBMI designed architecture and interiors of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort draw inspiration from the destination’s notable local geography, heritage and traditions, beautifully weaving the island’s legacy together with the glamourous spirit and sophistication of St. Regis. The resort features 120 elegant guestrooms, including 21suites and an ultra-luxury residential development offering two and three-bedroom residences. Each guestroom features a private balcony and is designed to immediately draw the eye to expansive ocean views and stunning vistas of Bermuda’s celebrated Fort St. Catherine. Speaking to the island’s bold fortitude, stone foundations and formations inform texture and patterns, while the purposeful irreverence of Bermuda’s fashion is brought in through saturated colors and striking geometry. The St. Regis Bermuda Resort promises to be an enchanted beachfront oasis for guests and local luminaries alike,” said Jan Vanhaelewyn, General Manager at The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. “With bespoke service, exquisite design, outstanding culinary venues, the historic Five Forts Golf Course, and more than a dash of glamour, we hope to inspire and contribute to the local hospitality landscape and help elevate luxury in this iconic leisure destination.” The resort’s sophisticated food and beverage offerings include Lina, a flavorful all-day restaurant whose name is a playful nod to the nickname of St. Regis’ founding patroness Mrs. Caroline Astor. This venue features a delectable, light and fresh menu that leans into Bermuda’s coastal offerings and is inspired by the irreverent glamour of yachting clubs of the past. In the evening, the signature blackboards of famed BLT Steak NY will share daily specials, offering guests the finest in modern steakhouse fare. At the iconic St. Regis Bar, guests can socialize and celebrate while enjoying champagne, libations and light bites. The resort will also debut the Gates Bay Mary, its unique twist on the brand’s signature cocktail – the Bloody Mary. The Gates Bay Mary is named for the turquoise bay bordering the resort and infuses native fennel, Goslings Gold Seal Rum, Outerbridge’s Original Sherry Peppers Sauce, and a special spice mix created on the island Overlooking azure waters, the resort features both an adult and a family pool where guests can lounge luxuriantly or enjoy a private cabana for an exclusive retreat. Indulgence and relaxation awaits at the St. Regis Spa, which offers a comprehensive menu of unique personalized treatments using natural and precious elements and featuring products by Sothys. Additionally, a 24-hour fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment. Younger guests will be able to enjoy unique amenities and enriching activities at The St. Regis Children’s Club, while Family Traditions programming offers meaningful excursions and experiences for the whole family. True to the Astors love for sports and speed, both guests and locals can relax with a day on the links or a night at the casino. Breathing new life into a historic landmark, the scenic Five Forts Golf Course is a marvelous and challenging 18-hole course. Named for the five notable forts that surround it, leisure seekers will tee off near Fort Victoria and enjoy captivating ocean views as they make their way through the 4,436-yard course, concluding at Fort St. Catherine. State-of-the-art, GPS-enabled golf carts will ensure the brand’s bespoke service reaches guests no matter where they are on the green. For a dazzling evening of sophistication and glamour, the resort proudly features the St. Regis brand’s first casino, slated to open later this year. This 5,500 sq. ft. gaming floor offers a variety of options for guests looking to roll the dice, in addition to a salon privé with two private tables. As the finest address for truly bespoke events and celebrations, the resort also features 10,989 sq. ft. of event space. Perfect for executive retreats, family gatherings, or enjoying milestone moments, offerings include a state-of-the-art boardroom, an exceptional ballroom that can host up to 150 people and a stunning terrace for oceanside events. The resort can also create a personalized, private set up on the beach while an additional event lawn located at the 18th hole of the Five Forts Golf Course offers spectacular sunset views overlooking both the ocean and Fort St. Catherine. Informed by the brand’s legacy of celebration from the Gilded Age to the present day, each event at The St. Regis Bermuda is thoughtfully curated and complemented with exceptional service.

Create: May 25, 2021 Edit: May 25, 2021 International News

Khorramshahr, a prime destination for war tourism

In the past, war tourism destinations were mainly the object of interest of photojournalists appearing solely on pages of crime, but now they can be traced in top travel books and websites. Whatever you call it, from war tourism, dark tourism, disaster tourism, or danger tourism, Iran has more to offer after being involved in the second-longest war of the 20th-century after the Vietnam War. Amongst many border cities directly involved in the 1980–1988 war, Khorramshahr is highly honored as a symbol of resistance during the war against Iraqi invaders. Moreover, the port city is high on the ‘will go’ index of adventure travelers interested in such niche tourism. At this time of the year, Iranians hold special ceremonies to honor the fallen soldiers and to cherish the strength and resistance of the people during “the Sacred Defense Week”, starting on Shahrivar 31 (September 21 this year) when Iraqi armed forces invaded western Iran. The third of Khordad (May 24) marks the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr from Saddam Hussein’s invading army back in May 1982 when Iranians laid another foundation for sacrifice, resistance, and final victory with their blood. Iranian forces recaptured the southwestern strategic port city in a landmark operation code-named Beit ol-Moqaddas. According to Sajad Goharpak, the tourism chief of Khorramshahr, 25 spots have so far been identified in the port city which makes it a noteworthy destination when it comes to war tourism. “Khorramshahr is so great that right now we are facing a museum city because countless incidents took place in every neighborhood of the city.” For now, the country has largely been restored, and very few signs of the war, apart from street names and murals of the martyrs on some streets, can be found. These are the areas where domestic travelers usually go by tour packages are called “Rahiane Nour” (“The Path of Light”). For those interested to visit an epitome of frontlines elsewhere from the former battlefields, Tehran embraces several destinations; the Sacred Defense Museum, Tehran Peace Museum, and Behesht-e Zahra—a graveyard where many of the martyrs are buried. The epic-scale Sacred Defense Museum does bargain something different in modern Iranian history where you can delve into wreckages of rockets, tanks, rifles, vessels, mortars, radars, air defense systems, grounded jets, military supplies, and artillery pieces amongst others. The museum is equipped with a state-of-the-art visual system including projections and video walls, while audio recordings relevant to each period contribute to its charm. The recreation of the liberation of the city of Khorramshahr by the means of virtual exhibits and video projections is amongst the main features of the museum where stands a replica of the Khorramshahr mosque adorned with creamy and turquoise patterned tiles. Some tourists say they are not just interested in visiting live or former warzones out of curiosity. What motivates them is guessing the stories of people who lost their lives, being displaced, wounded, captured, or lost their loved ones in those bitter moments of the history of mankind.

Create: May 25, 2021 Edit: May 25, 2021 Regional News

Iran could become hub for ‘vaccine tourism

Iran has the potential to become a destination for vaccine tourism regarding considerable efforts the country is making to develop series of domestic COVID-19 vaccines, the tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan has said. There is a capacity to add ‘vaccine tourism’ to the ‘health tourism basket’ of the country after all [Iranian] people are received vaccines…. and the move could fuel a boom in the tourism sector of the country.” In the near future, we will possess the capacity to provide foreigner travelers with the COVID-19 vaccine, especially those from the neighboring countries,” Mounesan said. The Islamic Republic is among the first countries which started developing a vaccine against coronavirus, and now four companies are endeavoring to release their products by September and inoculate the whole population. Out of 16 vaccine production cases, four cases have received a code of ethics and are undergoing clinical trial; it is hoped that another three to four cases will succeed in receiving license by September. According to available data compiled by the tourism ministry, the number of foreign visitors to Iran plunged 94% in the first nine months of the past Iranian calendar year (ended March 20, 2021) as the coronavirus pandemic takes a heavy toll on the tourism industry. The coronavirus epidemic has ruined more than 1.5 million jobs in Iran’s travel sector, tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said in December. “Over 1.5 million jobs have been lost in the tourism sector of Iran due to the COVID-19 disease…. Many of the tourism-insiders are now unemployed or they are staying at home,” according to Mounesan. Tourism [industry of Iran] was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, near the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent, the minister explained. The ancient land embraces hundreds of historical sites 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, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: May 24, 2021 Edit: May 25, 2021 Regional News

Iran considers opening borders to vaccinated travelers

Iran is weighing plans to open its borders to vaccinated tourists though it isn’t yet clear exactly when tourists will be allowed to arrive. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts have already started extensive consultations with other government ministries for the reopening of borders to vaccinated travelers, the deputy minister Vali Teymouri said on Wednesday. “One of the issues that we are pursuing strongly through various committees is the arrival of international citizens who have been vaccinated so that won’t pose a threat or concern to the Iranian society,” the official said. “We have put forward the proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and to the President (Hassan Rouhani) as well.” He went on to say that other countries are planning to open borders to vaccinated tourists. “We estimate that soon, various tourist destinations in the world, including the European Union, will open their doors to international tourists implementing a vaccine-passport approach….” Earlier in March, the Head of the Iranian Tour Operators Association Ebrahim Pourfaraj asked the government to issue tourist visas for the international applicants who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “The Ministry of Health and the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control can at least agree that the international tourists who have received the [second dose of] coronavirus vaccine would be allowed to enter Iran,” Pourfaraj said. He also lamented that the continuation of such a trend would result in losing international tourist markets more than before. “Or at least they should make it clear so that we can respond appropriately to foreign companies and tourists to not to miss the international tourist markets more than before,” he said. According to available data compiled by the tourism ministry, the number of foreign visitors to Iran plunged 94% in the first nine months of the past Iranian calendar year (ended March 20, 2021) as the coronavirus pandemic takes a heavy toll on the tourism industry. “Some 450,000 foreign travelers arrived in Iran for mainly medical or trade purposes during the first nine months of the year… tightened measures to tackle the new coronavirus has reduced international travel to the country by 94 percent,” Teymouri said. The coronavirus epidemic has ruined more than 1.5 million jobs in Iran’s travel sector, tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said in December. “Over 1.5 million jobs have been lost in the tourism sector of Iran due to the COVID-19 disease…. Many of the tourism-insiders are now unemployed or they are staying at home,” Mounesan said. Smart and responsible traveling should replace “do not travel” recommendations, the minister stressed, adding: “In our country, Corona has caused problems in the tourism industry and the worrying point is the continuation of this trend.” Tourism [industry of Iran] was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, near the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent, the minister explained. The ancient land embraces hundreds of historical sites 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, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

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