Vali-e Asr St., longest in West Asia, being prepared for possible UNESCO registration

Over the past years, Tehran’s Vali-e Asr Street, famed as the longest in West Asia, has undergone countless maintenance works as a prerequisite for a possible UNESCO registration. The leafy street runs for over 17 kilometers from the railway station in the south of the metropolis to the Tajrish square in the north. It is lined with many shops, restaurants, parks, cinemas, and cultural centers. Tehran’s District 11 Mayor Nasrollah Abadian has recently talked about restoration works is has carried out on the southernmost section of the thoroughfare, which is situated in the district. “Vali-e Asr Street, which is the longest in West Asia, has undertaken extra maintenance and restoration works as a prerequisite for a possible UNESCO registration…. Four Kilometers of it is situated in the district 11 and others in the districts of 6, 3, and 1, respectively,” Abadian said. Landscaping and the beautification of urban spaces, flooring, and the protection of green spaces of the street are amongst tasks being practiced, he explained. “Vali-e Asr Street is the best example which witnesses the persistent exercises of creating the concept of Garden-Street as a destination of an urban area from the Safavid era up to the modern time,” according to the UNESCO website. “A variety of architectural styles from traditional to modern and eclectic is a representation of eastern and western values synthesis in a specific geographical point, which carries a true definition of an architectural and spatial place.” In the 19th century, the route once passed through Shemiran gardens, barren fields between Tehran and Shemiran, Yusef Abad, Abbas Abad, and Behjat Abad ending at its southernmost tip inside the then Qajar-era town of Tehran. Vali-e Asr Street, which is registered on Iran’s National Heritage list, was added to the UNESCO’s temporary list in 2019. The street is one of the main urban elements of the Iranian capital in the north-south direction.

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.

Tourist Arrivals Down 87% in January 2021 as UNWTO Calls for Stronger Coordination to Restart Tourism

The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism has carried on into 2021, with new data showing an 87% fall in international tourist arrivals in January as compared to 2020. The outlook for the rest of the year remain cautious as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) continues to call for stronger coordination on travel protocols between countries to ensure the safe restart of tourism and avoid another year of massive losses for the sector. Following a difficult end to 2020, global tourism suffered further setbacks in the beginning of the year as countries tightened travel restrictions in response to new virus outbreaks. According to the latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, all world regions continued to experience large drops in tourist arrivals in the first month of the year. Mandatory testing, quarantines, and in some cases the complete closure of borders, have all hindered the resumption of international travel. In addition, the speed and distribution of the vaccination roll-out have been slower than expected, further delaying the restart of tourism. All global regions hit hardAsia and the Pacific (-96%), the region which continues to have the highest level of travel restrictions in place, recorded the largest decrease in international arrivals in January. Europe and Africa both saw a decline of 85% in arrivals, while the Middle East recorded a drop of 84%. International arrivals in the Americas decreased by 77% in January, following somewhat better results in the last quarter of the year. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “2020 was the worst year on record for tourism. The international community needs to take strong and urgent action to ensure a brighter 2021. Many millions of livelihoods and businesses are depending on it. Improved coordination between countries and harmonized travel and health protocols are essential to restore confidence in tourism and allow international travel to resume safely ahead of the peak summer season in the northern hemisphere.” Outlook for 2021With 32% of all global destinations completely closed to international tourists at the beginning of February, UNWTO anticipates a challenging first few months of 2021 for global tourism. Based on current trends, UNWTO expects international tourist arrivals to be down about 85% in the first quarter of 2021 over the same period of 2019. This would represent a loss of some 260 million international arrivals when compared to pre-pandemic levels. Looking ahead, UNWTO has outlined two scenarios for 2021, which consider a possible rebound in international travel in the second half of the year. These are based on a number of factors, most notably a major lifting of travel restrictions, the success of vaccination programmes or the introduction of harmonized protocols such as the Digital Green Certificate planned by the European Commission. The first scenario points to a rebound in July, which would result in a 66% increase in international arrivals for the year 2021 compared to the historic lows of 2020. In this case, arrivals would still be 55% below the levels recorded in 2019. The second scenario considers a potential rebound in September, leading to a 22% increase in arrivals compared to last year. Still, this would be 67% below the levels of 2019.

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.

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.

MCR Acquires SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte-Southwest in North Carolina

Come along for the rides! MCR, the fourth-largest owner-operator in the United States, has acquired the new-build, 124-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte-Southwest in Charlotte, North Carolina. Just 10 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, the all-suite hotel off Interstate 77 is nestled in the popular Steele Creek suburb. Pile the entire crew (family dog, too!) in the car and hightail it to a spacious SpringHill Suites pad, complete with a mini-refrigerator, microwave, 55-inch HDTV and sofa bed. After a coffee-fueled grab and go breakfast and sweat session at our fitness center, hit the world-famous Carowinds amusement park, a 407-acre entertainment extravaganza reopening on Friday, May 22. Twist and turn on 14 pulse-pounding roller coasters — try Fury 325, which reaches 325 feet and revs up to 95 miles per hour, if you dare! Not a coaster boaster? Carowinds is also home to 60 rides of all sizes and the Carolina Harbor Waterpark which has water slides, wave pools, the Boogie Board Racer — the longest mat-racing slide in the Southeast — and a three-acre kids’ area. Don’t forget to sample the authentic Carolina cuisine at the Blue Ridge Country Kitchen. After the fun and funnel cakes, you’ll probably need a drink. The SpringHill Suites Charlotte-Southwest has a full bar in the lobby — and our patio has loungers for the gang to recap the day’s thrills around a fire pit. A dip in the outdoor pool may be in order before you conk out in our crisp sheets and wake refreshed to ride another day. Prefer to take it slow? Head over to the nearby driving range at Charlotte Topgolf, which has more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays. If bargain-hunting is your game, the Charlotte Premium Outlets has 100 shops to browse. Lest you think it’s all play and no work at the SpringHill Suites Charlotte-Southwest, each suite has a well-lit desk with a comfortable chair and plenty of outlets. That’s welcome news for corporate travelers: our location in Whitehall Corporate Center is a short drive to companies such as Siemens, Microsoft, Konica Minolta, Spectrum and Stanley Black & Decker. Powering up at the SpringHill Suites Charlotte-Southwest is good for the planet: the 310 solar panels on its roof harness the sun’s energy to produce electricity, heat water and reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint. The environmentally-friendly hotel saves roughly $20,000 per year in electric costs. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte-Southwest is located at 3950 Arco Corporate Drive and features: 124 pet-friendly, non-smoking suites with mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers and microwavesA free daily breakfastA 24-hour fitness center with cardiovascular equipment and free weightsAn outdoor poolFree fast Wi-FiA 24-hour business centerA 24-hour convenience storeOnsite laundryComplimentary parking430 square feet of event space accommodating up to 30 people

1.3m overnight stays registered across Iran within week

Iranians made some 1.3 million overnight stays in the official accommodation centers across the country during the first week of the Persian New Year (Noruz) holidays, which started on March 20, the deputy tourism minister has announced. The average occupancy rate of the residential centers has reached around 30 percent during the mentioned period, ILNA quoted Vali Teymouri as saying on Sunday. Appreciating tourists and travelers who followed health protocols during their trips, the official also thanked those who delayed or postponed their travels to help the tourism industry deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Last year the country went into lockdown during Noruz holidays due to the coronavirus pandemic. Iranians made over 74 million overnight stays during the two-week Persian New Year holidays in 1398 (March 21-April 2, 2019). Early in March, 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, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, 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.

Famed Iranian archaeologist Mir-Abedin Kaboli dies at 76

Mir-Abedin Kaboli, a celebrated Iranian archaeologist who took part in various excavations across the Iranian plateau, died on Thursday at the age of 76. Born in 1943 in Babol, northern Iran, Kaboli started his professional career at the general directorate of archeology in 1971 and since then he has participated in many archeological excavations in Haft Tappeh, Tapeh Abu Fandowa, and Shahdad, amongst some other sites, ISNA reported. Excavations at Shahdad, an ancient site in southeast Kerman province, was one of his most famed missions, which yielded jewelry from the 3rd millennium BC. An archaeological team, led by Kaboli, discovered the ruins of a developed ancient city with industrial and residential areas and a graveyard after fourteen stages of excavations in Shahdad. Kaboli was honored in 2016 as one of the greats of Iran's cultural heritage. He died of kidney failure in his hometown.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Emin Capital Announce Upcoming Project in Mallorca

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a global leader in luxury hospitality, and Emin Capital, a private equity investment company focused on hospitality and real estate, announce plans for Four Seasons to manage the former Hotel Formentor in Mallorca, Spain. Originally opened in 1929, the existing hotel will undergo extensive renovations before it is unveiled as a Four Seasons experience in 2023. The property will offer 110 rooms and suites and is located on a 1,200 hectare (3,000 acre) plot of the Formentor Peninsula, offering access to a pristine beach, as well as a functioning vineyard a short five-minute drive away. “Following our entry into Spain in 2020, we are very excited to continue this momentum and expand our presence in this important market with a resort in Mallorca, offering guests a unique Four Seasons experience in a top European destination,” says John Davison, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “It is a privilege to work alongside Emin Capital to create a new vision for this exceptional property and we look forward to a successful partnership for many years to come.” “Formentor is a landmark of Mallorca in a key and unique setting in the Mediterranean. For Emin Capital, the goal of our investment was to protect both, and to reinvigorate the resort with a great luxury brand such as Four Seasons. We are committed to implementing sustainable and green initiatives in our revitalisation of this property, while maintaining an exceptional design, facilities and renowned service,” added Jordi Badia, Chairman and CEO of Emin Capital. Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, can be accessed via ferry or a short flight from Barcelona, with additional direct flights from many European cities. Mallorca’s natural beauty and easy accessibility long established the island as a top tourist destination for European and international travellers. Mallorca’s turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and lush greenery make the picturesque island one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. About the Upcoming Four Seasons Resort in MallorcaLocated an hour away from Palma de Mallorca Airport, the upcoming Four Seasons in Mallorca will offer something for everyone through its extensive culinary offerings, relaxing spa facilities and exclusive seaside activities as one of the only properties in the area with direct beach access. All of the 110 rooms and suites will offer balconies with sea and forest views, allowing guests to soak in their beautiful surroundings. The renovations will be overseen by architects Estudio Lamela and SCT Estudio de Arquitectura, with interior designs by Gilles & Boissier. At the vineyard a short five-minute drive from the Resort, guests can enjoy exclusive programming, including farm-to-table activities. The Resort will also include an indoor restaurant, beachfront restaurant and café, and a poolside bar and grill. Additional onsite activities will include tennis courts and beautiful spa facilities. The Resort will also be the perfect choice for those planning meetings, events, weddings, and incentive travel, offering three event spaces as well as outdoor options to take advantage of the natural landscape. The project has been designed to respect and protect its natural surroundings through various environmental initiatives, such as the restoration of native vegetation and planting, reduced water consumption, rainwater harvesting and the use of grey water for landscape irrigation, heat recovery systems, solar power through use of solar panels, and food waste management systems. Other initiatives include the use of electric vehicles and low energy consumption through a very considered design approach. Four Seasons new project in Mallorca will become the second Four Seasons offering in Spain following the recent opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid in September of 2020.

Happy New Year 1400

Natura Vive Skylodge Hotel

Tourism ministry to monitor Noruz travels

People who would go on a trip during the Noruz holidays, which begins on Saturday, will be strictly supervised by the committee of travel services coordination, the deputy tourism minister has said. The committee, which includes members from the tourism and health ministries as well as the police personnel, will monitor the implementation of the health protocols by the tourists and travelers during the holiday, IRNA quoted Vali Teymouri as saying on Tuesday. As people have been prevented from traveling for more than a year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, it has been decided to ease the travel restrictions to improve society’s vitality, the official added. However, following strict health protocols on the way and in the destinations is necessary and will be monitored, he noted. Earlier this week, the Transport and Urban Development Minister Mohammad Eslami announced that no ban on Noruz travels has been imposed for people who would use public transport. Earlier this month, 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, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, 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.