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The Goodtime Hotel — A New Hospitality Endeavor Between David Grutman and Pharrell Williams — Opens on South Beach

The Goodtime Hotel — the first collaborative lifestyle hotel brand from David Grutman of Groot Hospitality and Pharrell Williams — has officially opened its doors on Miami Beach’s Washington Avenue and 6th Street. The 266-room property promises an escapist, transportive atmosphere through its reimagined Art Deco aesthetic, which unwinds over nearly 100,000 square feet of public space. Together, Grutman and Williams worked alongside the real estate developers Michael Fascitelli and Eric Birnbaum of Imperial Companies who assembled, and ultimately developed, the full square block between 6th and 7th Streets on Washington Ave. The Goodtime Hotel’s architect Morris Adjmi, designer Ken Fulk and landscape architect Raymond Jungles breathed life into its spaces and rooms. Ultimately, this team has created a unique marquee concept in Miami Beach’s hospitality scene: The Goodtime Hotel promotes an active, balanced lifestyle of equal parts happy pursuits and relaxed escapism, all within an everything-at-your-fingertips tropical oasis. The result? The Goodtime is a place for both hedonistic revelry and laidback R&R. “My first hotel needed to break the mold,” says David Grutman. “I wanted to provide the 360-degree Groot Hospitality experience that our other venues are known for, but I also wanted to add more. This is about providing a getaway within a town that’s already known as a vacation spot. When you arrive at the hotel, and walk through our doors, it becomes a full on experience. When you’re at the Goodtime, we want you to feel like your worries and anxieties have been left outside. I am proud to have worked closely with Pharrell, Michael, Eric and Ken Fulk on bringing this hotel to life.” “We want The Goodtime Hotel to impart a feeling of both revitalization and that rare, exciting thrill that takes over when you discover something special,” says Pharrell Williams. “It’s that adrenaline-fueled sensation of entering a whole new setting and a whole new mindset. This place will provide a natural good time, for all who come through.” The Goodtime Hotel stands in a central, historic section of South Beach. Its corrugated facade, airy atrium entryway, hand-painted hothouse murals and Deco plasterwork recall the opulence and nostalgia of a time gone by, but this building has been entirely designed for modern travelers’ tastes. Its 266 guest rooms range from majority individual Queen bed accommodations to a handful of Suites. Many rooms hold direct views east to the Atlantic Ocean or west to Biscayne Bay, which guarantee Instagram-worthy sunrises and sunsets on a regular basis. Moreover, each of The Goodtime Hotel’s guest rooms features custom bedding, bespoke drapes (including a blackout option, in the event you need a few more hours to recharge), leopard-print benches, Ortigia bath amenities, and a signature pink rotary dial phone. In the guest corridors, a carpet woven with mock wet footprints amplifies the playful charm of Miami Beach. The Goodtime will also be home to vibrant F&B options, retail and more, all of which have been curated to create experiences synonymous with the property’s namesake. Grutman’s Strawberry Moon, a restaurant and 30,000 square foot pool club, will serve up classic and casual Mediterranean fare and a full array of specialty cocktails for lunch and dinner, inside or poolside. Strawberry Moon amplifies modern Miami’s crossroads of culture and energy, with Fulk’s design concept channeling mid-century Caribbean and Central American resort towns (such as Havana and Acapulco in their throwback days). Think: broad stripe pastel tiling, vintage scalloped bar seating, pinstriped awnings, and more. The Goodtime Hotel holds additional key aspects, such as its 45,000 square feet of ground floor retail, its gym, featuring MyBeast and Peloton equipment, and its Library, a glossy peach-hued and natural oak-clad room meant for anything from coffee to cocktails to casual business meet-and-greets. The Library is a sociable meeting ground within the hotel, where guests may seamlessly transition from work mode to weekend mode, if and when they so choose. The Goodtime Hotel opens for guest stays on April 15, 2021. Additional details about schedule programming will be made available, soon.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

Hyatt Partners With Carlisle LLC for a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis, Tennessee

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Carlisle LLC for a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis, Tenn. The Caption by Hyatt brand is grounded in a commitment to caring for people and place and creating connections between them. “We’re excited to bring the Caption by Hyatt brand to Memphis, a brand that is truly committed to embracing the evolving needs of today’s traveler. We are confident this hotel will deliver on creating a welcoming space where both travelers and locals can hang out, be themselves, and feel connected to the community,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt’s global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “Hyatt is committed to growing in places that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and owners, and with the Caption by Hyatt brand, we have the opportunity to expand our footprint in a way that reflects the brand’s commitment to being truly of the community – not just in it. At Caption by Hyatt hotels, the people make the place, and we’re excited to see that come to life in Memphis.” Located at One Beale Street and adjacent Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, which is set to open on April 15, Caption by Hyatt Memphis is expected to debut in 2022 and will be integrated into the historic main building of Wm. C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, one of the earliest and longest running businesses in Memphis. The historic building will house the hotel’s ground and second floors, and a new 136-guestroom tower will rise above offering guests spectacular views of the Mississippi River and city skyline. The Caption by Hyatt brand’s signature marquee will adorn the hotel’s dual entrances, leading avid travelers and locals into the all-day, multi-functional lounge space, Talk Shop. The double height lounge will be enveloped by the historic building’s original heavy timber framing, decorative brick walls, archways, and clerestory windows. At Caption by Hyatt Memphis, Talk Shop will include an expansive patio and double height beer garden that will be incorporated into the building’s historic, decorative façade on Front Street – with locally driven tap beer offerings that will showcase the best beverages of the region, open fire-pits, exposed brick, and existing metal work, Caption by Hyatt Memphis will have an unmistakable neighborhood feel. Caption by Hyatt Memphis will work with Memphis-area purveyors and suppliers, making every effort to support local and minority-owned businesses whenever possible. “Carlisle is deeply rooted in the local Memphis community, and our properties reflect those roots. Just like our soon to open Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, the Caption by Hyatt brand is aligned with our vision to truly make Memphis a world class destination for business and leisure travelers, as well as residents,” said Senior Vice President of Development & Asset Management Stephen Kallaher, Carlisle LLC. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate again with Hyatt to introduce the Caption by Hyatt brand to Downtown Memphis and we look forward to providing guests and locals with authentic, fresh experiences and new opportunities for meaningful connections. Caption by Hyatt Brand Primed for Global Growth With additional projects underway around the world, including Shanghai, Caption by Hyatt hotels will combine the design and comfort of an upscale, lifestyle-forward hotel with the self-guided options of a select-service property. Further, the brand can flex and adapt to suit the needs of different locations and markets, offering a more sustainable approach to design and operations. Destined for urban and downtown markets and lifestyle mixed-use developments, the Caption by Hyatt brand is redefining hospitality by embracing the evolving needs of people and places and allowing them to make Caption by Hyatt hotels their own. Offering dynamic, welcoming spaces for those who seek meaningful conversations, Caption by Hyatt hotels will encourage guests and locals to embrace self-expression in a space that delivers on experience and connection. The Caption by Hyatt brand is committed to hiring diverse talent, vendors, artisans, and suppliers in the community, giving each Caption by Hyatt hotel its own authentic expression of place. “We are focused on expanding the Caption by Hyatt brand footprint globally with the hope of building our business in key urban and downtown locations, including emerging neighborhoods and mixed-use lifestyle centers, where we can best extend care while also making a positive impact on our guests and communities,” said Jim Chu, Hyatt’s executive vice president of global franchising and development. “There’s incredible excitement surrounding the Caption by Hyatt brand, and we look forward to collaborating with new and existing owners and operators to bring managed and franchised Caption by Hyatt projects to fruition. As a fellow owner, Hyatt is deeply committed to helping owners and operators fully tap the power of the Caption by Hyatt brand in an effort to achieve operating excellence and ultimately drive revenue.” With a signature marquee sign above each hotel’s main entrance, Caption by Hyatt hotels will be distinct and at the same time have an unmistakable neighborhood feel. Anchored by an eclectic contemporary-meets-urban industrial style, each property will feature a playful layering of colors, textures, and hand-drawn graphic art. At Caption by Hyatt hotels, animated social and food-and-beverage spaces with tech-forward features – like digital check-in, digital keys, and mobile-order food service – unite for a seamless and efficient guest experience. At the heart of the Caption by Hyatt brand experience will be the brand’s food and beverage concept, Talk Shop, that will serve as a lively welcome area, all-day lounge and workspace, coffee shop, eatery, grab-and-go artisanal market and cocktail bar. Menus will feature locally inspired all-day items and regional favorites with locally sourced ingredients in a spirited and upbeat setting.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

Hotel Melby, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Opens in Melbourne, Florida

Hotel Melby, a 11-story, 180-room state of the art, full-service hotel just minutes from Downtown Melbourne, Orlando-Melbourne International Airport and Melbourne Beach is the latest addition Tapestry Collection, one of Hilton‘s 18 market-leading brands. Hotel Melby offers welcoming beauty with architectural details and comfortable spaces that will capture guests’ imagination. Much like the Melbourne community, Hotel Melby is eclectic, vibrant, engaging and historical. The hotel’s inviting atmosphere will offer guests an authentic experience, that is casually approachable, free spirited and regionally hand crafted. “Hotel Melby’s entrance into the market will offer a one-of-a-kind, unique experience for our guests. Guests will enjoy excellently appointed, modern guest rooms with city and river views, while having the benefit of all the amenities expected of an upscale hotel,” said Carlos Cerda, general manager, Hotel Melby. Located in the Downtown area, Hotel Melby is the only hotel in the city center that offers walkable access to local downtown restaurants, night life and shopping. Offering quick access to the beach, corporations, Orlando-Melbourne International Airport and the Florida Institute of Technology. Additional hotel features and amenities include: DININGHotel Melby offers The Landing Rooftop with 180-degree views of the city and waterways and specializes in American fare, serving craft cocktails along with entrees such as a Burrata & Tomato Salad, Truffle & Brie Grilled Cheese, The Melby Burger and Braised Short Ribs. In addition to the on-property offerings, guests can also enjoy a variety of options from the area’s local eateries. AMENITIESGuests seeking exercise or relaxation have a variety of options, including: 24-hour fitness center with Peloton® equipment and free weights. MEETINGS & EVENTSWith 2,525 square feet of meeting space, Hotel Melby is the perfect venue for weddings, business meetings and other gatherings. Offering incredible floor-to-ceiling views of the river and city, the stunning New Horizons Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests. The Landing Rooftop will also be available for groups to rent out the entire floor for private events. Guests visiting Hotel Melby will enjoy peace of mind from check-in to check-out with Hilton’s new program, Hilton CleanStay, to enjoy an even safer and cleaner stay. New procedures include contactless digital check-in and a Hilton CleanStay room seal to indicate that the room has not been entered since being thoroughly cleaned. Hotel Melby is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly 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, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. To celebrate the hotel’s opening, Hilton Honors members will earn an additional 1,000 Points per night – up to a maximum of 5,000 Hilton Honors Points – for bookings through April 15, 2021-September 30, 2021, when booking directly with Hilton. Hotel Melby is located at 801 E Strawbridge Ave Melbourne Florida just 2.5 miles from Orlando- Melbourne International Airport.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

Iran to resume UK flights as of May 6

Iran’s flag carrier IranAir is set to resume flights to and from the United Kingdom as of May 6 after months of suspension imposed to curb the spread of a novel coronavirus variant into the Islamic Republic. “IranAir will resume flights between Tehran and London on May 6,” IRNA quoted Hossein Jahani, who presides over the airline’s public relations department, as saying on Sunday. Jahani said the flights to London will be operated on Sundays and Thursdays every week due to the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions in the UK. In December, the Islamic Republic halted flights to and from the United Kingdom, preliminary for two weeks, and then the ban was initially extended for one month at the discretion of the Health Ministry to prevent the transmission of the ‘British’ variant and to try to maintain public health. At that time, an ensuing wave of travel bans cut off UK travelers from much of Europe and other parts of the world. Some experts believed that there was no evidence the new variant was more deadly or would react differently to vaccines, but it was proving to be up to 70% more transmissible.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 Regional News

First Radisson Serviced Apartment Hotel Opens in Western Europe

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of its first serviced apartment property and eighth operating hotel in the Dutch capital. The 227 all-suite aparthotel Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South offers the perfect base for families and long-stay visitors. Nestled amidst a maze of canals in a leafy neighborhood, guests will have a quintessential Amsterdam experience with easy access to the city’s central business district. The upscale Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South is an aparthotel featuring 227 suites within eight suite types, spanning from 21m2 to 106m2. All the suites have a fully-equipped kitchen, individual climate control, free high-speed Internet access and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Whilst all suites include a walk-in rain shower, guests can also choose suites with designer bathtubs and even a private infrared sauna. A complimentary self-service laundry facility is available and, for guests with busy schedules, the hotel also features a 24/7 Grab & Go market, a fitness studio, underground parking, bike rental, and a restaurant, Keuken & Bar – created by Marije Richards, of RICHARDS Design. Yilmaz Yildirimlar, Area Senior Vice President, Central & Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, says, “We are delighted to open another highly successful Radisson Hotel Group brand in the city of Amsterdam especially during this challenging time. Our upscale Scandinavian-inspired Radisson brand has seen great traction since the EMEA launch in 2018, and we are thankful to our partners Cycas Hospitality, who operate the property, for being part of this incredible journey. We look forward to welcoming our first guests together in this key European destination.” Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South also features three modern meeting rooms, all with natural daylight and equipped with the latest high-quality audio-visual equipment. With convenient transport links to the Zuidas central business district (3km), city center (6km) and Schiphol Airport (8km), the property is well placed to cater to the growing demand for extended-stay accommodation options in this part of the city. For those looking to combine the best of both worlds – both the Dutch capital and the countryside – Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South is only a short walk or cycle ride from Amstelpark (2km) and Amsterdam Forest (2.5km), one of the biggest urban parks in Europe and three times bigger than Central Park. The surrounding area is the perfect complement to the pet-friendly hotel, which makes it much easier and more comfortable for pet owners and all members of the family to travel. Under the commercial umbrella of Radisson Hotels, Cycas Hospitality operates the all-suite property under a leased agreement with ECHO partners. Wayne Androliakos, Chief Operating Officer of Cycas Hospitality, the hotel management company operating the new Radisson property, said, “We are delighted to have opened our first Radisson-branded hotel in Cycas’s hometown of Amsterdam, and are confident that our extended-stay expertise will make Radisson’s first all-suite property in Western Europe a popular option for those visiting the city. The events of the last year have really highlighted the benefits aparthotels can offer travelers. By combining classic hotel services with the flexibility of home in one great property, we’re well-placed to cater for the current demand from essential travellers and, looking ahead, for the growing demand from longer-staying guests.”

Create: Apr 11, 2021 Edit: Apr 11, 2021 International News

Iran hotels remain open as fourth coronavirus wave gains momentum

Iranian hotels and other accommodation units remain open as the fourth coronavirus wave gains momentum across the country. To curb the outbreak, President Hassan Rouhani on April 8 announced plans to close down all non-essential businesses, including bazaars and malls in cities color-coded 'red' or very high-risk for a ten-day period as of Saturday. “Hotels and other accommodation unite will be remaining open during the fourth coronavirus wave,” according to the Iranian Hoteliers Association, ISNA reported. The total number of coronavirus cases surged past the two million on Thursday as the new wave of infections has overwhelmed hospitals in all major cities. “We are expecting even more hospitalizations caused by the viral disease over the next few days,” Health Minister Saeed Namaki said on Friday. ICU beds are filled in many cities and the government is to set up makeshift hospitals to make room for more patients and advising patients to visit hospitals only if it is necessary. The number of coronavirus cases rose after millions traveled across the country during the Noruz holiday, which officially began on March 20. The Islamic Republic reported its highest number of daily coronavirus infections in more than three months period after millions challenged government guidelines and traveled during the two-week holiday. Before Noruz, health officials voiced concerns about the fourth COVID wave due to the traditional travels, mostly to visit family and loved ones. Authorities had urged people to limit travel and in-person visits, saying that travels during the Noruz festival could lead to another wave of infections across the country. President Hassan Rouhani declared new travel bans for cities situated in the “red” and “orange” zones to combat the new COVID-19 variant. Rouhani called on people to avoid traveling during the Iranian New Year holidays to help contain the spread of coronavirus. He said it would be forbidden to make trips to cities marked as “red” and “orange” in terms of the prevalence of COVID-19. “We request people to avoid traveling during Noruz holidays for the sake of their own health… It will be forbidden to travel to red and orange towns and cities,” he said. “No one should make any plans to travel to these cities,” he stressed. The Ministry of Health has classified districts based on the rate of coronavirus infections with red color indicating high risk, orange meaning medium, while yellow implied low risk and blue being the least.

Create: Apr 11, 2021 Edit: Apr 11, 2021 Regional News

Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle Opens in Switzerland

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle, the first hotel under the Hyatt Regency brand in Switzerland. The 255-room hotel is located directly at Zurich’s brand-new hub The Circle, boasting retail shops, offices, health facilities, and restaurants, all situated on over 44 acres (180,000 square meters) and alongside a nearly 20 acre (80,000 square meter) park with greenery and running paths. Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle will be joined by the planned opening of a Hyatt Place branded hotel at The Circle hub. The Circle Convention Centre is expected to host its first events this spring. Just steps away from Zurich Airport and with direct access to The Circle Convention Centre, one of the largest conference venues in Switzerland, Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle is situated at one of the most prominent and well-connected locations. “Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle has been designed to meet the needs of travelers who seek flexible and energizing experiences, and will offer intuitive and seamless experiences to business and leisure travelers alike,” said Benno Geruschkat, general manager of Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle. “The Hyatt Regency brand fosters the connections that matter most, and we are excited to offer our guests the perfect place to work, engage and relax.” Guestrooms Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle features 255 guestrooms including 16 suites, one Ambassador suite and one Presidential suite with a terrace overlooking the park. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a dedicated working area in each room allow for productivity and peace of mind. Dining Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle features a range of culinary experiences that meet various dietary needs and preferences. Guests can discover Middle Eastern flavors in a contemporary setting with an open kitchen at Restaurant Babel. Bar Iris is a social hub at the hotel with views overlooking the main square and offers Swiss inspired dishes and signature drinks. The 24/7 take-away corner, Zum Mitnäh, offers refreshments and an extensive selection of gourmet sandwiches and healthy snack options, as well as freshly brewed coffee. Meetings and Events Suitable for large events and meetings, as well as galas, fairs and product launches, Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle will have direct access to The Circle Convention Centre, which is set to open by the end of 2020 and will be home to more than 2,800 square meters of event space divided over three levels. The convention center will offer pre-function spaces and 17 meetings rooms, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.

Create: Apr 10, 2021 Edit: Apr 10, 2021 International News

The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel, Now Welcoming Guests in Lake Forest, Illinois

A contemporary new hotel located at 200 N. Field Dr. in Conway Business Park, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel developed by Janko Group and operated by Janko Hospitality is a one-of-a-kind boutique inspired offering from the Hyatt Place brand. Marking the first hotel to open in the North Shore suburb since 1929, the property’s concept is inspired by the city of Lake Forest’s motto, “Naturae et Scientiae Amor,” which translates to “Love of Science and Nature.” The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel is at a similarly unique crossroads, offering all the benefits of a Hyatt Place hotel, while at the same time blazing new trails with unique offerings including Oaken Bistro + Bar, an upscale dining experience along with over 4,500 square feet of flexible event space. 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. At The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel, science and nature are woven throughout from artwork inspired by natural fractals and meeting rooms named after native plants and flowers, to the front desk itself being constructed of a solid, single white oak tree trunk. The property features 156 spacious guest rooms, including 10 suites, each with 55-inch flat-screen Smart HDTVs, complimentary WiFi, mini-fridges, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, blackout curtains, hair dryers, in-room safes and more. The hotel is pet-friendly, and offers complimentary parking to guests in a lot on premises. “As the picturesque city of Lake Forest continues to grow and thrive economically, we are honored to open the newest hotel in the city in nearly 100 years,” said Marlena Karwowski, General Manager, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with separate work and sleep areas, our multitasking guests can easily accomplish what they need to do while on the road. Lake Forest has long been at a unique crossroads of preservation and progress by way of open lands backing up to modern office parks and the cobblestone streets of historic Market Square offering coffee shops and retail stores, and this hotel was conceptualized at a similar juncture.” Ideally equipped to host events both large and small, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel boasts three event rooms and a pre-function space all featuring the latest technology. The Lupine Room offers exterior access to an outdoor patio and 1,676-square-feet of space, accommodating up to 186 guests, while The Aster Room, the hotel’s largest event space, is able to host up to 200 guests in its 2,232-square-foot space. Best suited for groups of up to 45 guests, The Blue Stem Room offers an intimate 378-square-foot space. The hotel also boasts a chef-driven, full-service restaurant, Oaken Bistro + Bar, now open for dinner, brunch and cocktails. The modern new bar and lounge area is filled with earth-toned features and foliage-inspired light fixtures at every turn. Led by Executive Chef Kristen Burman, formerly of Limelight Catering and Anthology San Diego, Oaken Bistro + Bar offers a robust menu rooted in flavors both strong and bold, like the many centuries-old White Oak Heritage Trees in Lake Forest. To complement, the restaurant also features an eclectic variety of wine and spirits including signature cocktails, infused with local flowers and herbs. Oaken Bistro + Bar offers diners an inspired menu that, like tree rings, will grow and change seasonally. The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel also offers: Complimentary breakfast for guests featuring a variety of pre-packaged or individually wrapped hot and cold breakfast items as well as a paid, dine-in breakfast option in Oaken.The Market serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or nightNecessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for freeFree Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestroomsFitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens

Create: Apr 10, 2021 Edit: Apr 10, 2021 International News

Over 1m visits to Kordestan sites recorded in Noruz

A total of 1,010,000 visits to the historical sites and tourist attractions of the western province of Kordestan was registered during the two-week New Year (Noruz) holidays (March 20-April 2), the provincial tourism chief announced on Monday. Travelers also made some 20,906 overnight stays in the official accommodation centers across the province during the mentioned time, Yaqub Guylian said. Some handicrafts exhibitions were also held during the period to promote the handmade products of the local artisans, the official added. He also mentioned that online visits and virtual tours of some of the province’s popular tourist attractions have been launched as well. Before the national holiday, President Hassan Rouhani declared new travel bans for cities situated in the “red” and “orange” zones to combat the new COVID-19 variant. Rouhani called on people to avoid traveling during the Iranian New Year holidays to help contain the spread of coronavirus. He said it would be forbidden to make trips to cities marked as “red” and “orange” in terms of the prevalence of COVID-19. “We request people to avoid traveling during Noruz holidays for the sake of their own health… It will be forbidden to travel to red and orange towns and cities,” he said. “No one should make any plans to travel to these cities,” he stressed. Late in February, the tourism minister said despite all the obstacles and issues and the outbreak of the coronavirus, the country’s tourism sector is still alive and dynamic. Noruz ceremonies and trips, if practiced under health protocols, could be beneficial for the revival of the tourism industry and handicrafts, which have been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic in many provinces, the minister explained. Iranians traditionally make hundreds of thousands of domestic trips during the New Year holidays, when most businesses and workplaces are closed, as are schools.

Create: Apr 10, 2021 Edit: Apr 10, 2021 Regional News

Over 1.1m visits to Khorasan Razavi sites registered in Noruz

A total of 1,176,415 visits to the historical sites and natural sights of the northeastern Khorasan Razavi province was recorded during the two-week New Year (Noruz) holidays (March 20-April 2). Historical city of Tus, the mausoleum of the epic Persian poet Ferdowsi, the mausoleums of poets Attar and Khayyam, and Naderi Garden were among the most visited sites, the deputy provincial tourism chief said on Sunday. Strict health protocols were demanded to be observed by the travelers during their visits, Marjan Akbari added. The capital city of Mashhad is home to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from various Iranian cities, neighboring countries, and even across the globe. According to official statistics, some 37 million Iranian pilgrims and travelers visited the shrine city of Mashhad during the first ten months of the Iranian calendar year 1398 (March 21, 2019- March 20, 2020). Dozens of five-star hotels and hostels are dotted around the holy shrine. The metropolis has the highest concentration of water parks in the country, and it also embraces a variety of cultural and historical sites that are generally crowded.

Create: Apr 5, 2021 Edit: Apr 5, 2021 Regional News

IHG’s InterContinental Brand Coming to Sorrento With Redevelopment Hotel Continental

IHG Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce that its luxury InterContinental brand will come to Sorrento in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula as part of the redevelopment of the Hotel Continental. It follows the signing of a management agreement with the Consortium behind the iconic Hotel Continental redevelopment on the state’s famed coastal strip. Hotel Continental, or the ‘Conti’ as it is endearingly called by locals, will have a new, luxurious lease on life when the InterContinental Sorrento opens in November 2021, as the property poises itself to once again become a beacon of glamour and sophistication on the Mornington Peninsula. Following a sensitive, state-of-the-art restoration by the Trenerry Consortium, which is owned by Victor Smorgon Group, the Kanat Group and Trenerry Property, InterContinental Sorrento will occupy the accommodation component of the 145-year-old heritage-listed limestone building and will feature 106 beautifully appointed, spacious guestrooms, many of them with water views. A high-profile chef partnership will soon be announced for the hotel’s signature restaurant, with the property also home to five other dining and bar outlets. In addition, the hotel will feature a sprawling wellness centre incorporating a luxury bathhouse, an outdoor pool, gym and three function and event spaces, including the Conti’s original iconic grand ballroom and will be lovingly restored catering for corporate and social events. Abhijay Sandilya, IHG’s Vice President, Development – Australasia, Japan & Pacific, said: “We could not be more delighted to be adding this very special hotel to our InterContinental portfolio and we’re so pleased to be embarking on the restoration process with this great Consortium of partners. InterContinental hotels around the world, all have a fascinating, alluring story to tell and InterContinental Sorrento with its rich 145-year history is no exception; it perfectly complements our portfolio. We have been looking to grow outside of central Melbourne for some time, and to be expanding into regional Victoria with a property of this calibre and in such a prime tourism location, is incredibly exciting. “With regional tourism in places such as the Mornington Peninsula benefiting from pent-up traveller demand due to Covid-19, the hotel is in a sweet spot to capitalise on this influx of travellers, and with very few luxury hotel offerings in the area, InterContinental Sorrento will be a welcome addition to the region and a treasured addition to the IHG network.” Peter Edwards from Victor Smorgon Group, said: “After working closely with our consultant team, we couldn’t be more pleased to have IHG Hotels & Resorts on board. We are confident that bringing the world’s largest luxury hotel brand to a destination like Sorrento will attract attention from both domestic and international travellers to the region, and we are excited to see the Hotel Continental enter an exciting new era. “Collectively we have a passion and vision for the hotel to be completely revitalised and returned to its former glory as one of the country’s most loved hotels and we’re excited to be embarking on this project with the team at IHG.” Hotel Continental first opened in 1875 and was the brainchild of actor, philanthropist and businessman, George Coppin, who was regarded as the “Father of the Theatre” in Victoria. Coppin’s vision was to create a tourism and cultural heart for the Peninsula where Melburnians and tourists could enjoy a premium seaside resort only a few hours from the city. The hotel sparked an industry that included the steamboat ferry system, transporting travellers from all over the world into the heart of Sorrento, and to the hotel. When InterContinental Sorrento opens in time for summer 2021/22, the beachside glitz, glamour and sophistication of yesteryear will return and once again, the hotel will be one of the state’s most captivating and in-demand luxury hotels. InterContinental Sorrento will be the 10th InterContinental Hotel in Australasia and will join award-winning InterContinental Resort Hayman Island, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Perth, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, InterContinental Adelaide, InterContinental Wellington and InterContinental Fiji. The hotel will also complement IHG’s broader InterContinental Resort portfolio in the region which includes Resorts in Bali, Bora Bora and Danang Sun Peninsula. IHG Hotels & Resorts currently has 60 hotels operating under six brands in Australasia, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, voco, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, with another 35 in the pipeline.

Create: Apr 3, 2021 Edit: Apr 3, 2021 International News

JdV by Hyatt Brand Expands into Canada With The 115-Room Anndore House in Toronto

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the continued expansion of the JdV by Hyatt brand with The Anndore House joining the brand today and plans for The Walper Hotel to join the brand later this year. This milestone signifies the JdV by Hyatt brand’s intentional growth in a new market while offering experiences in places that matter most to guests, members, customers and owners. While the brand has 14 properties across the United States and China, The Anndore House marks its debut in Toronto today, and The Walper Hotel is currently slated to join the JdV by Hyatt brand this May. “We are thrilled to introduce the JdV by Hyatt brand to Canada and expand our brand footprint in the Americas through two new hotels with The Anndore House and The Walper Hotel,” said Scott Richer, regional vice president of real estate and development, Hyatt. “The JdV by Hyatt brand offers our spirited guests a collection of vibrant, independent hotels and a socially inclusive stay through joy-driven service and eclectic, locally inspired experiences.” Further details on each of the new hotels are included below: The Anndore House, a JdV by Hyatt hotel Formerly a 10-story residential building, The Anndore House features décor and amenities reflective of its vibrant Toronto neighborhood. The 115-room boutique hotel currently offers two food and beverage outlets as well as lively artwork throughout the entire property. The food and beverage offerings include the Mediterranean eatery, Constantine, owned by the Mercatto Group and led by Chef Craig Harding. Crows Nest Barbershop is also in-house, and its team expects to open the very first Crows Nest Café later this year. The Walper Hotel, a JdV by Hyatt hotel The 92-room Walper Hotel, located in the heart of Kitchener, one of Ontario’s oldest neighborhoods and a hub of vibrant growth in the burgeoning Waterloo-Toronto Tech Corridor, is expected to join the JdV by Hyatt brand later this year. With enhancements currently underway on the existing hotel, The Walper Hotel will feature the JdV by Hyatt brand’s inclusive spirit and heartfelt service.

Create: Apr 3, 2021 Edit: Apr 3, 2021 International News