The Turkish tourism crisis in the absence of Iranians

Seyed Jalal Ebrahimi, head of the Iran-Turkey Economic and Trade House, said;  Many Turkish hotels have asked the Turkish government for help.  According to statistics and information, Iranians' travel to Turkey has decreased by more than 99 percent.

Extended cancellation of "Lufthansa" flights to Iran until May the first

Lufthansa Airlines has extended the cancellation and suspension of flights to Tehran and northern Italian cities by the end of April this year, under the widespread outbreak of the Corona virus in Iran and Italy.

Iranian travel ban to US has been extended

US Vice President Mike Pence announced;   This restriction also applies to people of different nationalities who traveled to Iran 14 days prior to their arrival to the United States.

Oman suspends flights to Iran

According to Oman's chief of aviation, the country has suspended its flights to Iran until further notice

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.

The government has not yet recovered the damage caused by the announcement of force majeure conditions in Nowruz last year

Jamshid Hamzadehzadeh, head of Iran's hoteliers assosiation, in an exclusive interview with Hotel News;  We believe that the announcement of force majeure is not within the scope of the duties of the Deputy Minister of Tourism.   If the force majeure conditions are declared in the country, the government and other organizations also have responsibilities to the hoteliers.

Japan, Austria downgrade Iran travel warning

TEHRAN – Japan and Austria have significantly downgraded their travel warnings on Iran, a caution they, amongst some other countries, issued following the deadly crash of a Ukrainian plane near Tehran last month. The jetliner, with 176 people onboard, was mistakenly downed on January 8 by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense system, a few hours after Iran fired dozens of missiles at a U.S. airbase inside Iraq in retaliation to the assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has eliminated its travel warning on Iran [asking its citizens to avoid ‘non-essential’ travel to the country] and it has also terminated depicting Iran’s security map with a warning sign,” ISNA reported on Tuesday.  An advisory, which warned about traveling to Iran, is now deleted from the website of the ministry, the report added. Austrian ambassador to Tehran Stefan Scholz on Monday wrote on his Instagram account that his country has lowered its travel warning for Iran. “Austria has downgraded its travel warning for Iran, repealing its general advice against non-essential travels following a thorough reassessment of the security situation.” “We believe that the risk to Austrian nationals except for some specific border areas has changed. This decision will also further contribute to civil society contacts and commerce,” the envoy added. Late in January, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved that European airlines can return to parts of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Germany’s Lufthansa was among airlines that canceled flights over the affected airspace. Inbound tours started to severely drop following the crash, triggering a major setback to Iran’s budding tourism industry. The blow, however, is being hoped to be amended as soon as possible by a comprehensive action plan Iran’s tourism ministry has put into practice since January 25. In the same time, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali-Asghar Mounesan issued a statement, inviting all travelers and holidaymakers to visit the ancient land, saying that the country-size guesthouse is wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists from around the world. The official emphasized that the Iranian government is trying its best to host incoming tourists by improving tourism infrastructure, offering attractive and pocket-friendly packages, as well as incentives such as visa waivers or 90-day visas on arrival. The 2019 Travel Risk Map, which shows the risk level around the world, put Iran among countries with “insignificant risk”, a category where the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, and Finland are placed in.

The wait is over: “Simurgh” named Iran’s national brand for tourism

TEHRAN – Finally the wait is over for many tourism lovers in Iran as the country has introduced “Simurgh” - a huge mythical bird of Persian legend credited with possessing great wisdom – as its national brand for tourism. The national brand was unveiled by tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 13th Tehran International Tourism Exhibition, CHTN reported. Iran was ranked the third fastest-growing tourism destination in the globe in 2019, with 27.9 percent growth year on year, according to the latest statistics released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots, including 22 ones that have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Iran to pursue visa-free travel with Russia at Moscow tourism fair

TEHRAN – The Iranian tourism minister on Monday said that the country will follow up on the issue of visa-free travel for mutual tourist groups with Russia at the upcoming [27th edition] Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (MITT), which will be held from March 17 to 19. “The Russian fair is very important [for us] so that we should have a strong and influential presence in this exhibition… One of the major issues is to pursue and finalize visa cancellation for Iranian and Russian group tours,” Ali-Asghar Mounesan said, CHTN reported. He made the remarks at a meeting with representatives of the private sector active in tourism projects. In December, Mounesan announced that Tehran was considering to allow Russian tourists to visa-free entry into the country to boost tourism after it granted the same privilege for some other nationals including Chinese and Omani passport holders. In 2017, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inked a preliminary visa-free agreement for certain tourist groups during their meeting in Moscow. Based on the agreement tour groups of 5 to 50 people heading to [easternmost parts of] Russia from Iran or vice versa are granted a visa-free stay of up to 15 days. MITT is the largest B2B travel & tourism trade show in Russia, attracting representatives of the tourism industry from Russia, regions and all over the world. According to organizers, a total of 22,289 travel industry professionals visited MITT in 2019. The participants ranged from the representatives of tour operators, travel agents to various other companies involved in the travel industry such as airlines, transport companies, hotels, and IT businesses.

‘Country-size guesthouse of Iran wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists’

 Iran’s tourism minister on Saturday issued a statement, inviting all travelers and holidaymakers to visit the ancient land, saying that the country-size guesthouse is wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists from around the world.  Ali-Asghar Mounesan emphasized that the Iranian government is trying its best to host incoming tourists by improving tourism infrastructure, offering attractive and pocket-friendly packages, as well as incentives such as visa waivers or 90-day visas on arrival. Mounesan’s statement comes weeks after the country’s tourism suffered losses in the wake of recent tensions in the region by mistakenly downing of a Ukrainian airliner, with 176 people aboard, by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense system in Tehran airspace. “Nowadays, the world is even more involved in fast and surprising upheavals and ups and downs as a result of unprecedented progress in technology and industry. As such, the modern human is also influenced by the urban, mechanical life and his soul needs some refinement and relief,” the statement reads. “In such a situation, only travel and tourism can give us relief, joy, and sympathy and provide us with unforgettable experiences and memorable coexistence. In fact, tourism can be thought of as a familial or friendly gathering, the pivotal contents of which are kindness, cooperation, and synergy. In this chaotic era, tourists are like a delightful breeze endearing our souls and uniting all the people from around the world, regardless of their race, country, language, and beliefs.” Referring to the advantages of visiting the country, the minister explained, “With a deep and practical faith in this attitude, the Iranian government is trying its best to pave the way for incoming tourists and this is why there is a significant growth in tourism infrastructure in our country. In this regard, some incentives such as visa waiver, 90-day visa on arrival, standard residence services, attractive tourism routes and packages, and cheapest and most secure tours to Iran along with the last international tourism standards have enabled us to experience a 53% growth in our inbound tourism, winning the first place in the world in this regard. In addition, when it comes to the prices, Iran has the most competitive prices for tourism in the world and has emerged as a new phenomenon in the world of tourism, attracting the attention of many countries.” “Even if we disregard all that has been said, the unique tourist attractions of Iran are a good reason to have a journey to the land of history, civilization, and nature. With 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 34,000 nationally registered heritage sites and 600 active museums, Iran has a huge capacity to receive international tourists. In addition, high security, cheap tours, premium travel facilities, hospitable people, numerous historic and natural treasures, unique ecotourism facilities, diverse tourism packages (historic-cultural tourism, sport tourism, marine tourism, food tourism, medical tourism, etc.), interesting rituals, and diverse handicrafts and traditional arts provide enough reasons to visit Iran.” Pointing to unique and unparalleled beauties of Iran, Mounesan said, “The rich history and civilization of this land, the numerous and spectacular tourist attractions, four-season weather, and high cultural and ethnic diversity have made an invaluable treasure of Iran and put this country in the top 10 tourist destinations in terms of tourism, cultural and natural attractions. Astonishing mountains, breathtaking glaciers, beautiful volcanos, pristine forests, green foothills, delightful lakes, springs and waterfalls, picturesque beaches and wonderful islands, historical sites and distinct architecture, globally registered cities and villages, diverse and colorful handicrafts, delicious traditional cuisine and organic, healing drinks, etc. are only a small part of the beauties you can visit while staying in Iran.” “With such advantages, each day the beautiful and safe cities of Iran are hosting thousands of tourists from different countries, having enjoyed the unique experience, most of whom decide to return and bring new fellow travelers with them.” “Hereby I invite all the tourists from around the world to visit Iran during these last months of the Persian year, as well as the spring, and experience a distinct journey to the land of history and civilization,” the minister concluded. Mounesan said earlier this month that the country’s tourism sector has suffered a major setback but it will certainly return to “normal”. On Thursday, he unveiled an action plan, aiming to increase and improve [international] interactions for introducing Iran and clarifying its safety conditions to the target countries. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve officially reopens

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve officially reopens, marking an exciting chapter in the property’s rich legacy as well as in the recovery and resurgence of Puerto Rico. Following a meticulous restoration, Dorado Beach emerges more spectacular than ever, featuring expanded offerings, amenities and facilities, allowing the celebrated resort to continue to create transformative and personal journeys for all guests. As a part of Marriott International, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has partnered with musical artist and philanthropist Lin-Manual Miranda to support his work in stimulating the Puerto Rican economy and preserving the country’s culture by strengthening and sustaining the local arts community. Throughout the resort’s opening season, starting now through February 2019, Dorado Beach will donate $10 per room to Miranda’s Flamboyan Arts Fund, which supports all aspects of Puerto Rico’s artistic community, including music, theater, visual arts, dance, literature, and youth arts education – critical components of Puerto Rico’s tourism industry and pivotal to the economic recovery of the island. “Dorado Beach exemplifies the unique qualities of the Reserve brand, which is distinguished for its collection of locally-inspired properties that offer heartfelt care and transformative experiences in the most incredible corners of the world,” said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “With this reopening, the world’s most discerning travelers can once again immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy unique experiences set apart by human connection and discover this rare estate anew while also supporting the revitalization of Puerto Rico.” Guests returning to Dorado Beach will find each of the property’s 114 beachfront guestrooms and suites re-imagined with a thoughtful design and refreshed with a color palette that amplifies the natural beauty just beyond their doors. The expansive and lush landscape that makes up this special, rare estate has welcomed the addition of more than 300,000 new plant species, resulting in a truly tropical sensory experience. “It is with great enthusiasm and joy that we welcome guests back to our treasured Reserve. The dedication, hard work and care that our Ladies and Gentlemen have invested in the transformation of Dorado Beach is truly remarkable and we look forward to sharing it with both returning and new guests,” said George Sotelo, General Manager of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “We are delighted to continue to curate extraordinary experiences for our guests through new and meaningful journeys, as well as by encouraging them to rediscover the intrinsic beauty of Dorado Beach.” Encanto Beach Club Bar & Grill will introduce a refreshed dinner menu featuring coastal cuisine that highlights authentic dishes from the Mediterranean. The property’s chic beachside restaurant, Positivo Sandbar, will debut an Omakase & Ceviche bar situated directly on the sand for relaxed, oceanside dining. Dorado Beach’s highly-anticipated new signature restaurant and bar, COA, will be revealed in mid-December 2018. The award-winning Spa Botánico has been fully revitalized for guests to unwind in serenity and comfort.  In addition to the return of its signature and locally-inspired spa treatments and unique handcrafted products that are made in the on-site apothecary, Spa Botánico will also debut new treatments as well as introduce a spa cuisine concept. Su Casa, Dorado Beach’s unique five-bedroom villa and former home of historical figure Clara Livingston, will welcome guests starting mid-December 2018 after completing a renovation that will fully modernize the space while maintaining its historical significance and personality.

Approve of adding the term "professional" to the "Iranian Hotel Association"