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40% increase in foreign tourists in spring

According to HotelNews, the head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran announced a 40% increase in the number of foreign tourists in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year. "In the first three months of the year, we saw more than 3 million foreign tourists arriving, morethan 40 percent comparing the same period last year," said Tourism Deputy Minister "Vali Timuri". "We finished the year 97 with 7 million and 800,000 incoming tourists, which is a 52 percent increase over the year," he continued. This reflects the growth of the desire of foreign tourists visiting Iran.

Create: Aug 6, 2019 Edit: Aug 8, 2019 Regional News

East Africa's premier International Food & Agriculture exhibition

East Africa's premier International Food & Agriculture exhibition to host Exhibitors from over 20 countriesKenya's premier Food & Agriculture exhibition returns to Nairobi from 01 - 03 August, 2019. FOODAGRO AFRICA 2019 will showcase top products, equipment and machinery presented by exhibitors from over 20 countries.Building on the success of previous events, the FOODAGRO AFRICA 2019 just gets bigger and better. Also contributing is the recognition of Kenya as one of the major access point in Africa and the huge volume of imports in the country for its own consumption for over 40 million consumers. Last year, Kenya imported goods valued at $200 million and re-exported goods worth $520 million.

Create: Aug 5, 2019 Edit: Aug 8, 2019 Events and Exhibitions

Ascott expands global presence with 26 new properties across 11 countries

Steady rise in recurring fee income and enlarged asset size strategically position lodging business as a growing contributor to CapitaLand’s earnings. CapitaLand’s wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), is accelerating its growth globally with the signing of 26 properties with over 6,000 units across 22 cities and 11 countries. The properties, which will open in phases from 2019 to 2023, are mostly signed under management contracts, with three on franchise agreements. To date this year, Ascott has signed contracts for over 40 properties with more than 8,000 units, an increase of over 40% in units compared with the same period in 2018. Ascott has also opened 16 properties with over 2,000 units, a 70% increase in operational units compared with 2018. Mr Kevin Goh, Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are fast-expanding Ascott’s global network of properties as we continue to pursue an asset-light business model to boost our recurring fee income. While we achieve strong momentum in expanding our global lodging business through strategic alliances, management contracts, franchise and leases, we are also accelerating the number of new property openings. For the first quarter this year, our operational units have contributed S$59.7 million of fee income. We are targeting to open over 40 properties with about 8,500 units this year. For every 10,000 serviced residence units signed, we are expecting to earn approximately S$25 million in fee income annually as the properties progressively open and stabilise. Through these growth strategies, we are looking forward to the fee income boost when we achieve our target of 160,000 units worldwide by 2023.” With the recent completion of the Ascendas-Singbridge transaction, CapitaLand through Ascott has become the sponsor of both Ascott Residence Trust (Ascott Reit) and Ascendas Hospitality Trust (A-HTRUST). Including the assets held under these two hospitality trusts, lodging assets under CapitaLand are valued at S$31 billion, equivalent to 25% of the Group’s total assets under management. An announcement proposing to combine the two trusts has been made on 3 July 2019.

Create: Jul 22, 2019 Edit: Aug 2, 2019 International News

Marriott International introduces female leadership initiative in MENA

The initiative helps women through a series of networking and mentorship programmes Marriott International in the MENA region has introduced a Female Leadership Initiative (FLI) to support female leaders, the property has announced. The programme helps women through a “series of initiatives including a networking programme for existing leaders, a mentorship programme for future leaders and more focused learning and development initiatives”. Speaking about the initiative, Alex Kyriakidis, president & MD, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said: “Marriott established a Women’s Leadership Development Initiative in 1999 that is intended to increase the presence of women in the highest levels of management and in other key decision-making positions. “By forming FLI we aim to increase female leadership presence in the Middle East and Africa. Hotelier Middle East recognised nine female leaders at Marriott International Middle East and Africa in its top 25 women in hospitality power list 2019. This is a great testament to the calibre of female leaders in the region and our commitment to develop and grow more future leaders.” Currently, seven women lead Marriott International divisions globally with revenue greater than $100 million, and women comprise nearly 50% of the company’s executive leadership team.

Create: Jul 20, 2019 Edit: Jul 20, 2019 International News

Hilton Garden Inn opens at London Heathrow Terminal 2

Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 has opened its doors to guests. The 369-room hotel, located at Europe’s busiest airport, is the latest addition to the growing Hilton Garden Inn portfolio. Operating under a franchise agreement with Arora Group, the hotel becomes the eleventh property to be added to the Arora Group portfolio. Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 features runway views and is the first and only hotel at Heathrow Airport to provide guests with direct access to the Queen’s Terminal via a walkway, allowing them to reach departure gates in minutes. “More than 80 million people pass through Heathrow every year, and we are delighted to offer guests a great accommodation option to make their travel journey that much smoother,” said Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, EMEA, Hilton. “Hilton pioneered the concept of the airport hotel back in 1959, so we are proud to be opening the doors to our second Hilton Garden Inn property at Heathrow as we celebrate our 100th anniversary.” The 14-floor property features 369 comfortable guest rooms, including 23 family rooms and ten suites offering an adjoining seating area with a sofa bed and a 55-inch HDTV. Arora Group founder and chairman, Surinder Arora, commented: “This hotel is special, not just for us but for the Heathrow market too. “We are delighted to be partnering with Hilton Garden Inn and delivering the service, excellence and passion of Arora Group, while based at the convenience of Heathrow’s Central terminal area.” Guests can indulge at the hotel’s main restaurant, the Apron, and enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner. After a long flight, guests can visit the Runway Bar on the hotel’s rooftop (opening in August), and enjoy a range of cocktails and small plates while overlooking 360º views of Heathrow’s runway. The hotel is within proximity to frequent transport links, allowing guests to reach London in just 15-minutes using Heathrow Express. There are also several convenient and nearby attractions including, the picturesque Windsor Castle and Thorpe Park for thrill seekers.

Create: Jul 10, 2019 Edit: Jul 17, 2019 International News

Next Story Group Acquires Southbank Hotel for AUD45 Million in Melbourne, Australia

Singapore-based hospitality company, Next Story Group ("Next Story"), has acquired a newly built hotel in Melbournes Southbank for AUD45 million. Located at 167 city road and built on a 606-square-metre site, the 16-storey, 162-key property will become Next Story's first hotel under its upper mid-scale LinQ brand. This will also be Next Story's third hotel in Melbourne, complementing the 120-key Sage Hotel Melbourne in Ringwood and Next Hotel Melbourne which is slated to open in 80 Collins Street by Q2 2020. The soft opening is scheduled for 1 September 2019. The acquisition is part of Next Story's expansion plans, which focus on strategic growth in Australia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. LinQ brand targets budget-conscious corporate travellers with limited amenities and room sizes ranging from 15 to 22 square metres. Next Story currently has 40 operating and pipeline properties in its portfolio, which includes four hotel brands: Next, Sage, LinQ and Kafnu.

Create: Jul 9, 2019 Edit: Jul 10, 2019 International News

Blackstone acquires 3 Florida hotels from RLJ for $43.2M

Hospitality industry power-player Blackstone Group has acquired three Florida hotels from an affiliate of RLJ Lodging Trust for $43.2 million, according to The Real Deal. The purchased properties, all Marriott brands, are located in Broward County near Fort Lauderdale. Blackstone purchased the adjacent 125-room Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale SW/Miramar and 130-room Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale SW/Miramar, as well as the 138-room Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Plantation. All three hotels include an outdoor pool, fitness center and meeting space. The transaction comes on the heels of another Florida sale by RLJ, that of the 385-room Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and the 255-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. The REIT sold the two hotels for $156 million to an undisclosed buyer. Based on the trailing 12 months ending in May, the sales price represented a 12.9x earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiple and 6.7 percent capitalization rate, inclusive of $44.5 million in planned capital expenditures, according to the report.

Create: Jul 8, 2019 Edit: Jul 8, 2019 International News

KMA Group and Centara Signs MoU for Six Hotels in Myanmar

Thailand-based hotel chain, Centara Hotels & Resorts (Centara), will soon make its debut in Myanmar with six new upscale and upper-upscale hotels in major cities. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Centaras subsidiary, Centara International Management Co. Ltd., and Thai conglomerate, Kaung Myanmar Association Group of Companies (KMA Group), KMA group is investing USD63 million to revamp and rebrand three of its existing hotels with Centara brands and to build three new hotels in Bagan and Than Daung. Works at one of the existing hotels, the Centara Paradise Inle Resort & Spa in Inle, Nyaungshwe Township, Shan state, has been completed and is slated to open by the end of 2019. Meanwhile construction of the new hotels, namely Centara Bagan River Resort & Spa Kaytumadi Dynasty Bagan Resort, Centara Boutique Collection, and Shwe Than Daung Resort, as well as the refurbishment of Centara Royal Naypyitaw Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw and Centara Royal Kaytumadi Resort & Spa in Taungoo, Kayin State, will begin in the next few months. Centaras current portfolio comprises 63 properties spanning across major destinations in Thailand, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Oman, and Qatar.

Create: Jul 7, 2019 Edit: Jul 8, 2019 International News

Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection, opens doors in Spain

Hilton has unveiled its latest Spanish property, Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection. From the city that gave the world Picasso, the new hotel boasts 177 guest rooms, Malaga’s only sustainable Michelin-starred restaurant and jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Nestled behind the breath-taking Montes de Malaga, the hotel is conveniently located near Malaga’s vibrant city centre. Famously known as the heart of the Costa del Sol, the city offers something for guests of all ages, with its unique art districts, pristine sandy beaches and lively nightlife. “Malaga is one of Europe’s most popular destinations, with 12.5 million tourists flocking to its sunny shores last year,” said Simon Vincent, president, EMEA, Hilton. “With €1 in every €7 generated from travel and tourism in Spain, we are excited to expand our portfolio by 50 per cent in the next three to five years.” Each of the hotel’s elegant guest rooms feature unique Spanish touches, such as original lithography made with local materials. The hotel is set to add an additional 113 premium suites in 2020, bringing the total number of rooms available up to 290. With six different restaurants and bars, guests can savour fantastic farm-to-table produce and local dining. The Michelin-starred Sollo by Diego Gallegos serves innovative dishes based on river fish and caviar, all cultivated onsite at the hotel’s own hydroponic farm. “Higueron Hotel Malaga is the latest hotspot in the beautiful Costa del Sol, offering a truly unique experience to wind down and explore everything this remarkable location has to offer,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Create: Jul 2, 2019 Edit: Jul 3, 2019 International News

Orbitz Online Reservation

You love to travel, and we love to help make travel one of life’s greatest pleasures. That’s why millions of consumers search for and book a wide range of hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and destination activities with us. To make our travel deals even sweeter, Orbitz also offers the groundbreaking Orbitz Rewards loyalty program (it’s free!)—the only program where customers can earn rewards immediately on flights, hotels and packages, and redeem instantly on tens of thousands of hotels worldwide. It works that fast. Plus, when you use the Orbitz Rewards Visa® Card you can earn even more rewards (yes, rewards on top of rewards!). But there’s more: Our mobile apps make booking on your smartphone or tablet even easier, and we offer even more discounts for mobile users. Orbitz.com is owned by Expedia, Inc., one of the world's leading travel companies. CONTACT Orbitz Orbitz Orbitz Orbitz.com Support@Orbitz.com

Create: Jun 27, 2019 Edit: Jun 9, 2020 International Hotel Online Reservations

Agoda Online Reservation

Airbnb began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travelers looking for a place to stay. Agoda is one of the world’s fastest growing online travel booking platforms. From its beginnings as an e-commerce start-up based in Singapore in 2005, Agoda has grown to offer a global network of 2 million properties in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. It provides travelers with easy access to a wide choice of luxury and budget hotels, apartments, homes, and villas to suit all budgets and travel occasions. Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 4,000 staff in more than 30 countries. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 38 languages. CONTACT Agoda Agoda Agoda Agoda.com Support@Agoda.com

Create: Jun 27, 2019 Edit: Jun 9, 2020 International Hotel Online Reservations

IHG to Open InterContinental Hayman Island Resort After AUD100 Million Renovation

UK-based hospitality company, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), will open InterContinental Hayman Island Resort on 1 July 2019. Hayman Island is the most northerly of the Whitsunday Islands, right on the Great Barrier Reef and part of the Cumberland Islands, which are located off the coast of Central Queensland, Australia. Located on a 988-acre private island, the 166-key luxury resort is the only property on the island and has undergone an AUD100 million-dollar refurbishment. Offering rooms, suites, and eight villas located right on the beach front, it also features five food and beverage outlets, a spa with 13 treatment rooms, a resort boutique, kids club, a fitness centre, meeting facilities for groups of up to 300, a variety of water sports, cruises to the Great Barrier Reef and a PADI SCUBA dive centre. The newly built Beach House, a new collection of luxury private residences, offers three more suites and multiple private pools. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,650 hotels and 543,775 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.

Create: Jun 15, 2019 Edit: Jun 22, 2019 International News