Dutch FM visits Isfahan, says ready to deepen tourism ties

Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Stef Blok said on Friday that his country is willing to expand economic and tourism relations with Iran, particularly with Isfahan province. “We came to Isfahan because we have heard a lot about the rich culture and hospitality of the people here,” Blok said in a meeting with Isfahan Governor General Abbas Rezaei. “Government of the Netherlands is ready to boost economic relations as well as tourism exchange with Iran, especially with Isfahan,”. Talking about U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic, the Dutch official noted that over the past two years, sanctions have limited bilateral cooperation, adding “Efforts are being made to expand cooperation [despite economic sanctions].” Rezaei for his part said the ground is fertile for expansion of bilateral tourism relations with the aim of hosting Dutch tourists in Isfahan.

Novel Coronavirus(2019-nCoV) - Situation Report 19

WHO has developed a dashboard for Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) with the number of confirmed cases globally, which includes cases in China by provinces, regions and cities, as well as confirmed cases outside China by country. HIGHLIGHTS No new countries reported cases of 2019-nCoV in the past 24 hours. The infection prevention and control (IPC) global network is convened through weekly teleconferences with international IPC experts to discuss technical aspects of IPC measures, share epidemiological updates and experiences regarding the IPC measures put in place in affected countries. In consultation with the global IPC expert network, WHO has released three key IPC interim guidance materials on IPC measures during health care and home care, as well as advice on the use of masks in various settings. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC During previous outbreaks due to other coronavirus (Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), human-to-human transmission occurred through droplets, contact and fomites, suggesting that the transmission mode of the 2019-nCoV can be similar. The basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections include the following: - Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. - Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. - Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals. - People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, coverncoughs - and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands). - Within healthcare facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments. - WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travellers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.

Tough year ahead for UK hoteliers with key issues to tackle

UK hoteliers face a tough year in 2020 with a growth in rooms supply increasing competition and dampening revenues, despite underlying demand remaining strong. ‘Hotels in the UK provinces found 2019 challenging and there seems to be little opportunity to improve this performance in 2020,’ commented HVS London chairman Russell Kett. ‘The pipeline of new hotel openings will continue to add further pressure to many hotels which have experienced a decline in occupancy and average rates, sometimes both. Once the current pipeline has worked its way through and post-Brexit demand levels have picked up, positive growth should be seen as we move into 2021 and 2022,’ he added. Demand for hotel rooms in London remained at a strong level throughout 2019 and hotels are likely to see a continuation of this, notwithstanding the growth in supply, especially at the luxury end of the market, which may lead to a softening of hotel occupancy levels. ‘Average rates in London should continue to grow, however, so overall RevPAR [rooms revenue per available room] is likely to remain flat throughout the year,’ added Kett. HVS has identified five key themes likely to impact the sector moving forward into the new decade – the need for a personalised offer; the importance of developing a relationship with the guest; the issue of corporate responsibility; attracting and retaining good staff; and the need to maximise profitability. Whether a hotel will get a particular guest’s business now depends on whether it will provide an appropriate experience beyond the minimum expectation of a comfortable bed, decent shower, fast efficient Wi-Fi and good value for money,’ said Kett. ‘Gen X and Gen Y travellers seek a more personal offer – an experience to remember that they can’t get elsewhere.’ Furthermore, hotels and hotel companies can no longer rely on loyalty schemes to build a relationship with guests as many no longer care about incentives such as free stays, especially when they are restricted from redeeming them. Hoteliers need to find a way to develop a meaningful relationship with customers to enhance their loyalty. HVS’s third concern is that of sustainability and social responsibility, which is increasingly forming part of consumers’ – and investors’ – decisions. It’s now essential for hotel operators to have such policies and to communicate them effectively to the guest – paying lip service isn’t enough. Credible environmental policies are now an essential part of business life. Likewise, the ongoing importance of attracting and retaining staff through competitive packages, providing training and meaningful career development has never been more vital in the sector, particularly post Brexit. Making staff feel part of a ‘family’, providing a flexible working environment and profit-sharing are already starting to make a huge impact in some businesses and more needs to be done to make the sector more attractive to potential recruits who live in the UK as well as ensuring current vacancies can be filled. Lastly, hoteliers need to ensure that as many areas of their hotel as possible are income producing in order to deliver a proper return on investment. A minimum of 15%, but preferably 20% profitability should be sought from F&B operations, for example, with under-performing areas of a hotel developed to provide overnight guests and non-residents with a well-designed range of refreshment options that make money. Concluded Kett: ‘The world is changing fast and hoteliers need to adapt and incorporate these changes in a creative way in order to survive and prosper.’

Hyatt Regency Hengqin Opens in Greater Bay Area of Southern China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Hengqin in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China. With 493 rooms, six dining outlets, and 40,440 square feet (3,757 square meters) of event space, the hotel is designed for business and leisure guests alike seeking a seamless, intuitive experience in the city. Situated in the heart of the dynamic and fast-growing Greater Bay Area of southern China, Hyatt Regency Hengqin is part of the vibrant Novotown complex, which features an impressive array of attractions including Lionsgate Entertainment World, Natinoal Geographic Explorer and more. The hotel is also within easy reach of the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge, offering convenient access for guests traveling throughout the region. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Hyatt Regency Hengqin,” said William Yuen, general manager of Hyatt Regency Hengqin. “As a new, international branded hotel in Hengqin, Zhuhai, we are excited to offer superior comfort and excellent service at a convenient location.” Guestrooms Hyatt Regency Hengqin has a total of 493 guestrooms, including 55 suites, ranging from and from 430 to 2,583 square feet (40 to 240 square meters). Subtle design touches include soft warm timber blinds, giving an overall feeling of natural comfort. Regency Club guests enjoy exclusive access to our club lounge offering a range of complimentary amenities including concierge service, private check-in and check-out, delicious bites served daily, and a dedicated meeting room. Drinking and Dining Boasting six restaurants and bars, the hotel offers a wide range of global cuisine. Market Café is a self-service, market-style restaurant where diners can watch their food being prepared by expert chefs at live cooking stations. La Cucina is an extension of Market Café, bringing the delicious flavors of Italy to Hengqin, with a variety of popular European dishes. The Lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere to decompress and features a vast selection of specialty teas, coffees, cocktails and snacks. In early spring of 2020, the hotel will open three additional food & beverage outlets. Xiang Yue Chinese restaurant will specialize in the delicate flavors of Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant will feature an open kitchen, reminiscent of a hawker-style eatery, allowing diners to watch chefs prepare dishes to order. With a series of fish tanks showcased throughout the dining space, the menu highlights fresh seafood and top-quality ingredients. Pool Pavilion will be a relaxing, al fresco dining venue delivering sumptuous barbecue and craft cocktails. The 180° rooftop bar, will be located on the 23rd floor, offering with a 180° outdoor landscape and stunning views. Here, visitors can enjoy the charm of Hengqin under the stars with wine, cigars and music. Meetings & Events Whether hosting a wedding, product launch, large-scale conference, or an intimate meeting, event planners will find their every need catered for at Hyatt Regency Hengqin. The hotel boasts a total of 40,440 square feet (3,757 square meters) of event space, including the 17,437 square foot (1,620 square meter) Regency Ballroom, which features an outdoor garden, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural lighting, and can accommodate up to 1,300 guests. The Regency Salon, a premium event venue with 10,258 square feet (953 square meters) of space, offers two open kitchen display areas. Three additional multipurpose rooms provide an ideal space for small groups and meetings.

Hormozgan Province

Razavi Khorasan Province

Qazvin Province

Kermanshah Province

Khuzestan Province

Domestic and International effect of National Challenge on Introducing Sistan and Baluchestan Province

Mashhad Tourism and Residence Statistics in the Final Decade of Safar Month

According to Hotel News, the Deputy of Tourism at the Office of Cultural Heritage Ministry and Chairman of the Travel and Welfare Committee of Khorasan-e-Razavi Province, referring to the presence of 505,000 pilgrims at the end of this this year, explained the Mashhad Tourism and Residence Statistics. According to Youssef Bidokhori, a total of 4,229,291,220 have been accommodated in formal and informal centers overnight, including an average occupancy rate of 78% for hotels, hotel apartments 75%, hostels 75% and guest houses. 80%.

Sistan and Baluchestan province attends tourism investment conference