Hotel News Professional and Inclusive Hospitality Group

Official news agency of Iran Hotel Industry

Search result...

Iran tourism still holds its own despite virus restrictions, official says

Iran's tourism industry has made every effort to stand on its own two feet despite the considerable damage caused by the virus pandemic. A country’s prosperity depends on its economic and social development, and the tourism industry plays a key role in achieving this goal, the president of Iran’s University of Science and Culture Seyyed Saied Hashemi has said. He made the remarks during the two-day symposium of One Hundred Years of Iranian Tourism, which came to an end on Wednesday. After the coronavirus crises, tourism can hopefully be a positive influence on people’s lives, he added. Many nations owe their social and economic progress to [their] tourism [industries], so it is hoped that this symposium and such events can provide a meaningful solution for the new [Iranian] government, he noted. Due to the lack of adequate coordination and cooperation between scientific institutions on the one hand and policy-makers on the other hand, the country may have faced many problems in the tourism industry during this century, and that is why it could not get enough benefit from the tourism despite having good potential, he mentioned. Another speaker at the event, Mohammad Hossein Imani Khoshkhu, the head of the industrial park for science also said there is no connection between tourism sectors in the country, while all organizations and devices must help each other to develop tourism. For instance, currently, medical tourism does not exist in the country, but there are international patients and the medical tourism activists have now become taxi drivers at airports instead of activists for related tourism, he added. Back in July, ISNA reported that Iran’s tourism industry has suffered a loss of some 320 trillion rials ($7.6 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has also ruined more than 44,000 jobs in the once budding travel sector of the country, the report added. As a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran and the subsequent unemployment and financial losses, accommodation centers suffered the most. These statistics cover the period between February 2020 and the spring of 2021. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. “Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. So far, panels of travel experts have mapped out new marketing strategies hoping the sector would get back on its feet once again. Earlier this year, 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.” The expert 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.” Iran is potentially a booming destination for travelers seeking cultural attractions, breathtaking sceneries, and numerous UNESCO-registered sites. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. Even before the pandemic, Iran’s tourism was already grappling with some challenges, on top of those Western “media propaganda” aimed at scaring potential travelers away from the Islamic Republic. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to such a “media war”. They, however, consider bright prospects for the tourism sector of the country if it vigorously pursues comprehensive strategies to counter U.S.-led propaganda and strict sanctions, yet does its best to loosen tough travel regulations.

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

Iran sets new rules to resume foreign tourist arrivals

Iranian officials have announced new rules for foreign tourists interested in visiting the country, CHTN reported on Monday. As of October 23, direct and indirect entry and exit of nationals of Iran and other countries (both groups and individuals) from/to air and land borders are no longer restricted by presenting a valid vaccination card and following protocols approved by the Ministry of Health, the report added. A health certificate with a negative coronavirus PCR test result, issued at most 96 hours before arrival, is required for travelers. Direct or indirect travel from/to high-risk countries designated by the World Health Organization is excluded from this regulation. The Ministry of Health will announce the level of restrictions or bans on travels if disease processes in neighboring countries change. The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this instruction, and if any violations are observed, the authorities will be notified. Earlier this week, the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian announced that the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control agreed to reopen the country’s borders to foreign tourists, based on the new conditions prevailing in the country after crossing the fifth wave of the pandemic, increasing vaccinations, and at the request of the tourism ministry. As a condition for entry into the country, the headquarters has instructed all tourists and the host communities to follow all health protocols, the official added. As the post-coronavirus era emerges, extensive measures have been taken to revive the tourism industry, he noted. He also expressed hope that issuing tourist visas would result in an upsurge in tourism. Tourist visas Back in September, Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami announced that by the order of President Ebrahim Raisi the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists from land and air borders will be resumed from the month of Aban (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) following 19 months of suspension. Months of steep recession has taken its toll. Many travel insiders, hoteliers, and tour operators have faced big dilemmas such as bankruptcy, unemployment, debts, and the prospects of not being competitive on the international level. They now have good grounds of hope as Zarghami announced on September 19 that the country plans to lift visa restrictions to help the severely hit tourism industry. Meanwhile, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has continued to fall in the Islamic Republic, curbing a stubborn fifth wave of the pandemic, which has seen daily mortalities of up to 700 in recent weeks. As of September 22, the figure dropped to below 300 as the government has devoted a great deal of effort to vaccinate citizens against the nasty virus. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to Western “media war”. Several estimates have been released so far on the extent of the tourism-related losses incurred by the pandemic. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. “Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. Iran is potentially a booming destination for travelers seeking cultural attractions, breathtaking sceneries, and numerous UNESCO-registered sites. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Oct 25, 2021 Edit: Oct 27, 2021 Regional News

Iranian hotels ready to welcome foreign tourists

Iranian hotels are ready to receive foreign tourists as the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists from land and air borders will be resumed this month. Ninety percent of the hotel staff have been vaccinated against the coronavirus so far, so the hotels are ready to welcome foreign tourists, observing strict health protocols, the head of the Association of Iranian Hoteliers has announced. To ease the travel process, individual foreign tourists could confirm the reservations of accommodation centers at the border, CHTN quoted Jamshid Hamzehzadeh as saying on Monday. The destinations of foreign tourists in Iran are to specific cities such as Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan, and to return to the figure of over eight million incoming tourists before the outbreak of the coronavirus, serious planning is required, the official added. Iraqi tourists will flood the country once the borders open, but attracting tourists from Europe will require some time, he noted. Foreign advertising in foreign media and press, on the internet, and through well-known international bloggers should also be planned and taken seriously, he mentioned. Earlier this month, the official noted that Iranian hotels have lost 202 trillion rials (some $4.8 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) of potential revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two-thirds of the hotel staff have lost their jobs as well, he added. Back in September, Hamzehzadeh announced that all employees of accommodation centers across Iran are scheduled to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. “To vaccinate staffs of all accommodation centers, including eco-lodges, apartment hotels, and guest houses, as well as hotels, more coordination with the Ministry of Health is needed,” he added. Back in July, ISNA reported that the tourism industry of the country has suffered a loss of some 320 trillion rials ($7.6 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has also ruined more than 44,000 jobs in a once budding travel sector of the country, the report added. Experts believe accommodation centers suffered the most as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran and its subsequent unemployment and financial losses. Iran plans to resume issuing tourist visas Back in September, Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami announced that by the order of President Ebrahim Raisi the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists from land and air borders will be resumed from the month of Aban (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) following 19 months of suspension. Months of steep recession has taken its toll. Many travel insiders, hoteliers, and tour operators have faced big dilemmas such as bankruptcy, unemployment, debts, and the prospects of not being competitive on the international level. They now have good grounds of hope as Zarghami announced on September 19 that the country plans to lift visa restrictions to help the severely hit tourism industry. Meanwhile, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has continued to fall in the Islamic Republic, curbing a stubborn fifth wave of the pandemic, which has seen daily mortalities of up to 700 in recent weeks. As of September 22, the figure dropped to below 300 as the government has devoted a great deal of effort to vaccinate citizens against the nasty virus. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to Western “media war”. Several estimates have been released so far on the extent of the tourism-related losses incurred by the pandemic. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. “Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. Iran is potentially a booming destination for travelers seeking cultural attractions, breathtaking sceneries, and numerous UNESCO-registered sites. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Oct 18, 2021 Edit: Oct 19, 2021 Regional News

Maritime excursions main mission of Bushehr tourism, deputy minister says

Bushehr province should invest a great deal of effort to develop its maritime tourism, the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has said. TEHRAN - Busher province should invest a great deal of effort to develop its maritime tourism, the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has said. “If the southwestern Bushehr province wants to develop tourism, it should focus on maritime sector,” the official said on Thursday. “The province needs to inform investors about its capacity in this sector, especially its favorable location on the Persian Gulf coast.” He made the remarks during a meeting with the provincial tourism chief Mohammad Hossein Arastuzadeh. The coastal region, ports, islands and coasts of the Persian Gulf are among Bushehr's greatest natural gifts, therefore, directing the investment capacities and enthusiastic investors to the maritime tourism sector will facilitate the growth of Bushehr as a coastal tourist destination, Shalbafian explained. For his part Arastuzadeh said that by using cruise ships and traditional Lenj boats in the region, maritime tourism has grown. Over the past couple of years, the Islamic Republic has made various efforts to exploit maritime tourism potential by developing hospitality infrastructures, diversifying sea routes, and drawing private sector investors along its vast southern coasts. Prosperous maritime tourism could help the county to meet its ambitious target of attracting 20 million annual tourists by 2025. It also keeps an eye on tourism developments in the Caspian Sea in the north. Back in February, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop maritime tourism and make the best use of its potential in the southern and northern coasts of the country. Promoting the culture of using the sea as a tool to increase social vitality, development of coastal activities in the form of environmentally-friendly plans and programs, and creating the necessary grounds for cooperation and exchange of knowledge and information were also among the topics of the agreement. With over 6,000 years of history and significant monuments from the Elamite, Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanid eras, Bushehr is one of Iran’s most important historical centers. Besides its cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and lush palm groves make it an attractive destination for world travelers. The historical and architectural monuments of Bushehr include Islamic buildings like mosques and praying centers, mansions, old towers, castles, as well as gardens. When it comes to cultural attractions, there are many historical mounds in Bushehr including Tall-e Khandaq with Sassanid architectural style, Tall-e Marv located near an Achaemenid Palace, and Qajar era Malek al-Tojar Mansion. Qajar era Kazeruni Mansion, which has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, is another attraction that world travelers love to see among various ancient sites.

Create: Oct 16, 2021 Edit: Oct 16, 2021 Regional News

How Addressing ESG Can Also Save Hotels Money

Recent weather disasters, social unrest and a heightened awareness of racial bias have prompted hoteliers to double down on their commitments to become better corporate citizens and do more to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. These are moves toward a social good, sure, but also have ramifications on hotel company P&Ls. Marriott International, for one. It recently announced a commitment to reach net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. The pledge follows the previous setting of goals by the massive global company to reduce single-use plastics, cut down on food waste by 50% and significantly amp up the diversity of suppliers, among other measures. InterContinental Hotels Group is another. Earlier this year it announced plans “to make a positive difference for our people, communities and planet over the next decade.” The company’s new commitments include a 15% “absolute reduction” of energy use and carbon emissions; a reduction of waste that will include the elimination of single-use items and a “prevent, donate, divert” plan for food waste; increased water conservation efforts; new programs to “improve the lives of 30 million people in our communities around the world” and, for employees, to “champion a diverse culture where everyone can thrive.” All of these measures benefit the public good and also have impact on a hotel’s ability to control expenses, particularly in regard to energy management. “Saving energy can—and will—impact profitability,” said Denise Naguib, VP of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity at Marriott. “For many properties, the second largest cost after labor is energy, and in some markets it actually supersedes labor, so this is a real cost that impacts the bottom line.” Energy By The Numbers Energy costs are mainly variable and there are ways to control this expense, which is of the moment now as the expense creeps back up. In U.S. hotels, the cost of electricity jumped to $4.31 in August on a per-available-room basis, compared to $3.35 in July 2020, according to HotStats data. Year-to-date August, hotels were paying $3.32 for energy, compared to $2.94 over the same period a year prior. Europe saw a similar rise, with August electricity at €6.26 compared to €8.26 in the same month last year, and €8.67 in the first eight months of this year compared to €8.26 in the same period a year ago. Small Steps, Big Rewards Operational changes large and small can help drive energy efficiency. “One of our hotels that had a high energy bill brought on an energy manager,” Naguib said. “That person found energy efficiencies and reduced the property’s energy bill by $1 million.” On a broader level, she added, properties need to empower engineers and others to find energy efficiencies, such as shutting a foyer light that’s kept on all day, deploying technology to regulate temperatures and electric usage throughout the space. Smart uses of food, such as saving the ends of vegetables for stews or making more scrambled eggs at the start of breakfast to avoid whipping up too many at the end of service, can have an impact. Energy purchasing decisions and the education of employees also can make a difference. That hands-on approach also can be used when working to make hoteliers’ purchasing choices more inclusive, Naguib said. “If any of our associates are working on RFPs or RFIs, we help them seek out diverse suppliers, such as women or minority-owned businesses. It adds more voices to the table for bidding opportunities.” Such shifts generate customer loyalty, IHG noted when it announced the company’s enhanced ESG policies.

Create: Oct 13, 2021 Edit: Oct 13, 2021 Hotel Management

Private sector invests $523 m in North Khorasan’s tourism

The private sector has invested 22 trillion rials (some $523 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) in the tourism sector of the northeastern province of North Khorasan during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21). This investment has been put into 12 ongoing projects across the province, which are being carried out by the private sector, the provincial tourism chief has announced. A greater volume of investments in the tourism industry is required to accomplish the efforts being made to present the province in a true and correct light to the international community, Ali Mostofian said on Monday. Local travel insiders believe that traveling in North Khorasan is gaining momentum by degrees, creating lucrative opportunities for the tourism industry. According to Lonely Planet, most foreign tourists pass straight through North Khorasan in transit between Mashhad and Gorgan, but if you have time to explore, it's worth diverting south from the capital, Bojnurd, towards Esfarayen, famed for its wrestling tournaments, the remarkable citadel of Belqays and the partly preserved stepped village of Roein some 20km north.

Create: Oct 13, 2021 Edit: Oct 13, 2021 Regional News

Clean-up project completed on UNESCO-tagged desert

A clean-up project has recently been completed on Shahdad, part of the UNESCO-registered Lut desert, a local tourism official has announced. The project was carried out in collaboration with some eco-lodge owners nearby on the occasion of National Tourism Week (September 27-October 4), Hojjat Ebrahimizadeh said on Saturday. The project involved cleaning and collecting garbage left by some tourists in this area, the official added. Shahdad Desert receives a large number of tourists each year, making it imperative to adhere to hygienic principles so they can continue to enjoy its beautiful nature, he noted. Tourists are hence advised to collect their garbage from the region before they leave, he explained. Situated in southeastern Kerman province, Shahdad is home to shifting sands, salt plains, meteorite fields, and rocky terrain, which offers visitors breathtaking vistas and unparalleled serenity of the intact nature and wilderness. It has long been a destination for adventurers, nature lovers, off-roaders, and trekkers. The Lut Desert, widely referred to as Dasht-e Lut (“Emptiness Plain”), is a large salt desert encircled by the provinces of Kerman and Sistan- Baluchestan, and South Khorasan. It is the world’s 27th-largest desert and was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List on July 17, 2016. Seven years of satellite temperature data analyzed by NASA show that the Lut Desert is the hottest spot on Earth. Based on the research, it was the hottest during 5 of the 7 years and had the highest temperature overall: 70.7°C in 2005. The desert is also considered one of the top areas in the world for finding meteorites, thanks to its unique parameters. In recent years, significant finds have been made, with the efforts of national and international teams of researchers.

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

Hilton Expands All-Inclusive and Luxury Portfolio in Mexico With Signing of Three Beachfront Resorts

Leading global hospitality company, Hilton, announced today the signing of three managed resorts in Mexico, furthering the company’s all-inclusive and luxury expansion plans: Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort and the luxurious Conrad Tulum. The newest additions to the company’s portfolio showcase Hilton’s deep-rooted commitment to growing its unrivaled offerings in Mexico, where Hilton has more than 70 hotels open and more than 30 in the development pipeline. “Mexico has always been an incredibly important destination for Hilton. These new additions are one more symbol that tourism in Mexico is rebounding and it is with great pride that we continue evolving our offerings in this burgeoning market, especially in the luxury and all-inclusive segments,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton. “We are extremely proud of our new products, ongoing partnership with Parks Holdings and the resilient Team Members who are working to bring the warmth of hospitality to the new resorts entering our portfolio.” A development by Parks Hospitality and owned by Fibra UNO, Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort is expected to convert in Q4 2021. Situated between the beaches of the Bay of Banderas and the majestic Sierra Madres Mountain, the 444-room AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort features a picturesque private beach, two glistening pools, full-service spa, fitness center, six craft cocktail bars, and seven specialty restaurants offering a variety of cuisine including Asian, Italian and Mexican flavors, as well as seafood and tapas options. Catering to the evolving needs of today’s business traveler, the resort offers nearly 26,000 square feet divided with 13,000 square feet of outdoor event space and 13,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space. Owned and developed by Parks Hospitality, Conrad Tulum and Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort are anticipated to join the Hilton portfolio in Q4 2021 and Q1 2022 respectively. The distinctly unique hotels will each provide guests with a brand-exclusive experience featuring world-class dining and extensive recreation options, while offering visitors access to shared amenities including a meetings and events complex and a state-of-art spa. “We are honored and excited to be extending our successful partnership with Hilton with these iconic resorts and bringing new unprecedented luxury options to Tulum. We believe Mexico’s unique combination of people, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauties, make it the best global destination for tourism and we look forward to our continued future growth with Hilton. I would like to thank all of Parks, FUNO and Hilton’s team for all their hard work in bringing these amazing projects to reality,” said Charles Elmann Fasja, CEO Parks Holdings. Nestled among verdant tropical vegetation, overlooking the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters, and situated on an expansive stretch of beach, the new-build 349-room luxurious Conrad Tulum will be Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Quintana Roo on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Located near one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in Mexico, the property will provide a secluded haven for travelers featuring a bold design aesthetic inspired by Tulum’s lush landscape, picturesque beaches, and surrounding nature reserves. In addition to elegantly appointed rooms, the new hotel’s selection of accommodations will feature contemporary and sophisticated master suites, governor suites and presidential suites. Guests can choose from seven world-class restaurants and bars featuring an array of cuisine options from Mediterranean and Asian to a special Chef Table’s dining experience and relax and unwind in five pools. Like other properties in the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Conrad Tulum will draw on the destination’s local influence and offer a distinct experience for travelers. Travelers will enjoy an enriching escape with effortless and passionately delivered service as they explore and immerse themselves in Tulum’s culture and community. The 735-room oceanfront Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort will introduce travelers to an upscale and elevated all-inclusive experience in this sought-after destination. Set to boast unrestricted views of the picturesque waters of the Caribbean Sea, the resort will offer seven dining experiences featuring international cuisine, an expansive multiple pool complex with a waterpark, and a secluded beach. In addition to the variety of dining and recreation options at the luxurious Conrad Tulum or Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort, all guests at either hotel will have access to a 21,500-plus square foot spa, with 16 treatment rooms and a pool, in a private and quiet area surrounded by tropical resort grounds. Guests visiting for meetings or events will have access to a 55,000 square foot convention center and an auditorium that seats up to 400 people. Continued Growth in Mexico Hilton continues to showcase confidence in the tourism industry’s rebound, including in Mexico as seen with the recent opening of The Yucatan Resort Playa Del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton as well as the upcoming Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort located on 100 acres of Mayan coastline with a pool complex, 12 all-inclusive culinary experiences and 715 guestrooms. With these latest additions, travelers can choose from six Hilton all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and four luxury resorts, including the renowned Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, the recently opened Conrad Punta de Mita, and Waldorf Astoria Cancun, debuting in 2022. The addition of these resorts reinforces Hilton’s commitment to further our all-inclusive growth strategy and expansion of our luxury resorts portfolio in the top leisure destinations in the region,” said Juan Corvinos, vice president development, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “With today’s travelers planning that much-desired getaway, Hilton offers remarkable options. The announcement of these three new Hilton properties in Mexico comes on the heels of other recent all-inclusive development news: the May 2021 opening of The Yucatan Resort Playa Del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and the upcoming September 2021 opening of Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton and November 2021 opening of Hilton Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort.” Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 170 hotels and resorts welcoming travelers in the Caribbean and Latin America, including more than 70 properties in Mexico. The company continues to pursue additional growth opportunities in the region and currently has a robust pipeline of nearly 110 hotels throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, including more than 30 projects across Mexico. Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort, and Conrad Tulum will all participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly will have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.

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

Cycas Hospitality Opens Hyatt Place London City East

Hyatt Place London City East, the third Hyatt Place hotel in London, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. Hyatt Place London City East is managed by Cycas Hospitality. Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. The property is located a short walk from Liverpool Street and close to some of the capital’s most important cultural and artistic highlights, including Brick Lane, Spitalfield’s Market, and the Tower of London. Hyatt Place London City East offers guests a stylish place where they can be productive in a laid-back and casual environment. “With its central location and stylish design incorporating local art links, we’re confident the Hyatt Place concept will prove as popular with those enjoying a short break in the capital as it will with anyone traveling on business,” said Michael Mason-Shaw, general manager Hyatt Place London City East. “Above all, we look forward to introducing more people to the casual yet practical atmosphere associated with the Hyatt Place brand.” Hyatt Place London City East offers: 280 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play; many of the guestrooms feature their own private terrace and/or city skyline viewsBreakfast Bar with locally inspired breakfast options every morning in the form of a casual yet elevated buffetPocketsquare Skyline Bar and Terrace serving a perfectly curated cocktail and beverage menu that can be enjoyed with uninterrupted views of London’s iconic skylineZoom Restaurant providing a range of responsibly sourced global and local cuisineThe Market serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or nightThe Bar featuring specialty coffees and premium beers, as well as wines and cocktailsNecessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for freeFree Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestroomsTwo flexible event spaces each offering flexible, high-tech meeting/function space for up to 20 guestsFitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens“London is a vibrant city, filled with friendly people, great neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of great places to visit and things to do or see,” said Wayne Androliakos, Chief Operating Officer, Cycas Hospitality. “Our hotel is central to all of them, and we are confident that the Hyatt Place London City East will exceed guest expectations while providing them with everything they need while exploring the Capital.” HYATT PLACE LONDON CITY EAST LEADERSHIP Hyatt Place London City East is under the leadership of Michael Mason-Shaw, General Manager, Director of Operations Pino Dispinseri, and Director of Sales Silvia Abreu. In his role, Michael is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s approximately 45 associates and ensuring guests encounter the thoughtful service for which the Hyatt Place brand is known. Dispinseri oversees the day-to-day activities and ensures the highest level of service is provided to each guest. Abreu is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the London area.

Create: Jul 7, 2021 Edit: Jul 7, 2021 International News

Japanese envoy content to see Urmia Lake restored

Japan’s Ambassador to Tehran Kazutoshi Aikawa whose country closely cooperates with Iran on Urmia Lake expressed content on Tuesday to see the lake being restored. In a meeting with Deputy Governor-General of East Azarbaijan Province, Aikawa said that he had travelled to the province in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to see the process of implementing Urmia Lake restoration programs. Referring to the cooperation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with the restoration program, the ambassador said that good efforts have been done and he was pleased to see the lake is being restored. He said that East Azarbaijan Province has good capacities of tourism and Japan is very interested in expanding tourism ties with the northeastern Iranian province. UNDP representative in Iran Claudio Providas said that the UN agency has had many cooperation programs with Japan to revive Urmia Lake and all programs are in progress in the best possible way. He stated that Iran was affected by climate change and this cannot be changed, but there can be programs to elevate local people’s awareness of the situation. He also said that the UNDP has implemented several programs in local communities around Urmia Lake and then it would be going to digitalize the marketing process for local agricultural products. East Azarbaijan Province Deputy Governor-General Javad Rahmati said that the province is one of the greatest provinces of Iran with over 4 million people living in the province. He also underlined that the province has close economic ties with neighboring countries Azerbaijan Republic, Armenia and Turkey. Alternative livelihood and changing agricultural pattern in the lands around Urmia Lake was among plans the current administration implemented, Rahmati said.

Create: Jul 7, 2021 Edit: Jul 7, 2021 Regional 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

Blue Water Development Sells Two Bethany Beach, Delaware Hotels

Blue Water Development, a premier real estate investment and outdoor hospitality management company, recently announced the sale of the only two hotels in the popular East Coast beach community of Bethany Beach, Del. The 112-room Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott, and the 100-room Holiday Inn Express Bethany Beach were purchased by a privately-held real estate investment firm. Blue Water built the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites in 2015 as the first, and only, hotel on the resort’s boardwalk, and the oceanfront luxury hotel has been the upscale lodging of choice in Delaware’s Quiet Resorts ever since. “Our focus is creating standout accommodations for our guests, and we believed that navigating the complex process of a boardwalk build in one of the most desirable East Coast beach destinations would be well worth the effort – and we were right,” said Blue Water CEO Todd Burbage. “At Blue Water, we don’t shy away from complicated projects. The stellar performance of the Ocean Suites is just one example of our ongoing persistence and determination to create unique, high-end family-friendly assets in markets with high barriers to entry. We look forward to pursuing similar opportunities and know that we’re leaving this special project in good hands.” To further serve families and business travelers visiting Bethany Beach and the surrounding Coastal Delaware communities, Blue Water acquired the Holiday Inn Express in 2018. Offering an outdoor pool, fitness center, and ample meeting space, this is the only other hotel in the immediate area and is just two blocks from the beach. “Building, owning and operating these hotels – along with our numerous water-adjacent properties – has provided us with unique insights on what family beachgoers are looking for in both a destination and an experience,” Burbage added. “We’re excited to apply these insights to new regions throughout the country and work to provide the ultimate vacation experience for all of our camping, glamping and hoteling families.”

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