Hotel News Professional and Inclusive Hospitality Group

Search result...

Tehran tourism fair opens; activists hope for boom when corona vaccine is ever-present

Tehran’s international tourism and handicrafts fair opened to the public on Tuesday in defiance of a government campaign to improve the hugely-battered travel sector in the face of the novel coronavirus. Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan and his deputies for tourism, and handicrafts were amongst attendees to the opening ceremony of the fair, which is underway at Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds. Activists, including tour operators, hoteliers, transport businesses, and tour guides, are hopeful that such days would be numbered at the COVID-19 vaccine is getting more widespread. Since it first surfaced late in 2019, the pandemic has created a greater demand for experiences away from crowds, which is opposite to many traveling pillars. Experts say that such preference for solo travel would probably continue till a coronavirus vaccine is ever-present. “Safe and Responsible Travels” has been picked as the motto of the four-day event that according to organizers could help boost synergy among the two sectors as people have a chance to visit them maybe in a day-long visit! The event is being held according to health protocols announced by the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control, and following the necessary coordination with the relevant agencies in this field, according to Vali Teymouri, the deputy minister for tourism. Travel agencies, airlines, sea or rail companies, entrepreneurs, startups, banks, insurance brokers, agents or hospitals in charge of health, medical tourism, sports clubs, pilgrimage & eco-tourism companies, representatives of hotels, guesthouses, touristic villages, and free zones are amongst exhibitors in the tourism sector. Furthermore, tens of booths and stands in various exhibition halls have been dedicated to craftspeople, artisans, live performers, and tribespeople who are coming together from every corner of the ancient land to promote skills inherited from generation to generation. Though its main goal of the sales exhibit is to make money and sails of the handicrafts, souvenirs, foodstuff, and various other regional products, it can be a venue for dialogue between exhibitors and visitors and even visiting officials, according to organizers. The fair showcase arrays of personal ornamentation, woodwork, illuminated manuscript, miniature, textile printing, enamel, leatherwork, handwoven textile, calligraphy, traditional musical instrument, metalwork, and marquetry among tens of others while nomadic culinary arts, live workshops, and performances that would gather own fans every corner. Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. So it will undeniably try its best to achieve a relatively ambitious goal but when that happens the travel industry is likely to look more altered.

Create: Feb 24, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 Regional News

Private sector establishing tourist complexes in Ardebil

A total of six tourist complexes are under construction in northwestern Ardebil province, the provincial tourism chief has said. “With private sector investment, three complexes in Sarein and three complexes in Meshkinshahr are being built,” CHTN quoted Nader Fallahi as saying on Monday. A budget of 4.3 trillion rials ($102 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocated to the projects, some of which are complete by 70 percent, the official added. The projects are expected to generate over 340 job opportunities as well as attract more tourists and travelers to the region after the coronavirus crisis comes to an end, he explained. Earlier in January, the official announced that more than 150 tourism-related projects are underway across the province although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought travel and tourism to a near-standstill. He also noted that the projects would prepare the province’s tourism sector for the post-coronavirus era when the number of tourists and travelers is expected to rise magnificently. Last April tourism authorities of the province announced that they have developed extensive plans to draw more tourists during the winter season to the province and make it the winter tourism hub of the country. Back in November Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said that investment in the tourism sector and boosting tourism infrastructure hasn’t stopped despite the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country. Over the past years, a large number of tourism projects have been commenced across the country, some of which have come on stream, he added. This volume of investment indicates that investors have high hopes for the future of this industry in the post-coronavirus era and for the next years to come, the tourism minister said. Sprawling on a high, windswept plateau, Ardebil is well-known for having lush natural beauties, hospitable people, and its silk and carpet trade tradition. It is also home to the UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble. The province is very cold in winter and mild in summer, attracting thousands every year. The capital city of Ardebil is usually recorded as one of the coldest cities in the country in winter.

Create: Feb 22, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 Regional News

Iran’s largest beach park to be built in Kish

The country’s largest beach park is planned to be established in the Persian Gulf island of Kish, southern Iran. Hundreds of hectares of coastal lands on Kish Island have been ratified to be turned into a beach park, which would be the largest of its kind in the country, the CEO of Kish Civil, Water, and Urban Services Abolfazl Tayyebi said on Saturday. One of [public] benefits from the implementation of this project is that some 388,000 square meters of valuable beaches will not be ceded to the private sector, the official added. In many cities and countries of the world, nowadays, most of the beaches are owned by individuals and the private sector, and due to construction near the sea, they are out of reach of people and tourists, the official explained. With such a project and establishing facilities for the public on the island’s coastline, no one could encroach on this precious treasure that belongs to all Iranians, he noted. Amongst the Persian Gulf islands, Kish is the more luxurious and developed. Except for its unique nature such as waters and shallow beaches, the tourist attractions of this charming island are due to its rich historical background as well as kind and hospitable people. About one million foreign and domestic tourists travel to the island every year and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iran as it has magnificent attractions such as Kariz Underground City, Harireh Ancient City, Greek Ship, and Grand Recreational Pier to name a few.

Create: Feb 21, 2021 Edit: Feb 21, 2021 Regional News

Koucar Management Opens Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), continues to expand in key markets across the country with the opening of its newest downtown location: the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront. The nine-story, 154-room hotel is the brand’s fifth property in the greater Washington, D.C. area, among Cambria hotels in College Park, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; Arundel Mills, Maryland; and in D.C. near the Convention Center. The hotel also marks the brand’s expansion in the D.C. and Maryland region, with six properties now open including in Ocean City, one of the most popular beach and vacation destinations on the east coast. Located at 69 Q Street SW, the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront is situated in the heart of the District’s growing Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. The hotel provides travelers with picturesque views of the Potomac River and convenient access to nearby attractions, including The Wharf, which features concert venues, restaurants and local shops; Nationals Park; the Yards Marina, and the new Audi Field soccer stadium. The hotel is also within three miles of the U.S. Capitol, Fort McNair and the National Mall, and just a short walk to the Navy Yard Metro Station, which connects guests to destinations in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. “For Choice Hotels, along with many of our collaborators on this project, this area is our home, so we’re especially proud to continue our expansion in the region and support the community we love with the opening of yet another Cambria hotel,” said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. “Like all Cambria properties, the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront is designed to ‘wow’ guests with locally inspired touches and stunning design, and built to accommodate the evolving needs of today’s traveler — whether they’re just getting back on the road, wanting to elevate their telework venue, or seeking the perfect staycation spot.”

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 International News

Accor Signs With Craig Road Property Holdings to Develop First Mondrian Property in Singapore

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announced Singapore’s first Mondrian hotel will be built in the heart of the city’s prominent Duxton Hill neighborhood and is set to open in early 2023. The property is being developed by Craig Road Property Holdings. This news comes on the heels of Accor’s recent announcement regarding its planned venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle and entertainment operators set to include Mondrian hotels. Mondrian Singapore, a luxury lifestyle hotel comprised of 300 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant, a lounge and a rooftop bar will combine historic architecture from Singapore’s centuries-old shophouses with a new build of modern, contemporary influences. Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer of sbe said: “We are thrilled to bring the iconic Mondrian brand to Singapore’s Duxton Hill neighborhood. Mondrian is a natural fit for a global destination like Singapore. The property will provide a cultural hub of food and beverage experiences for locals and travelers alike. Mondrian Singapore will be more than a hotel; it will be a destination.” Sun You Ning, Director, Craig Road Property Holdings said: “We are excited to debut the Mondrian brand in South East Asia and Singapore with our partner Accor. Mondrian Singapore will provide guests an opportunity to stay in the heart of Duxton Hill, a vibrant heritage conservation area surrounded by Michelin-starred eateries, award winning bars, and iconic retail stores – all within walking distance to the Central Business District.” A collaboration between DP Architects and Studio Carter, Mondrian Singapore will feature a lower three-story building in a contemporary take on the famous Singapore ‘shophouse’ building typology. This portion of the hotel features a terracotta roof and colonial-style window shutters and will include the hotel’s premier guest accommodations in loft suites. The hotel will then be expanded with a new, contemporary tower housing the majority of the hotel’s guestrooms as well as a rooftop pool and bar and signature restaurant. The two buildings will be united by an urban oasis landscape deck to remind guests of their location, as Singapore is known as the “Garden City.” In addition to the rooftop pool, the hotel will also feature a speakeasy bar with a hidden entrance for travelers and locals to explore. sbe subsidiary Dakota Development, led by President Joe Faust, will provide design management services for the project. Mondrian Singapore will be the first Mondrian hotel in Singapore, further expanding the brand’s luxury lifestyle experiences in South East Asia. The hotel’s location in the charming “day-to-night” Duxton Hill neighborhood of Singapore’s bustling Downtown Core District positions itself as a prime location for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local cultural explorations. Located 20 minutes from the iconic Changi Airport and within walking distance to the major business district, the property will be a draw for global travelers looking for close proximity to the major transportation hub. Mondrian Singapore is one of the new Mondrian properties that Accor plans to open globally and will be one of the first to open in early 2023 in its next phase of expansion following Accor’s acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands. It follows the company’s recent announcement of Mondrian Gold Coast opening in 2023 and the upcoming opening of Mondrian Shoreditch London in Q2 2021 and Mondrian Bordeaux and Mondrian Cannes in France in 2022. The debut of the Mondrian brand to Singapore reflects the strategic expansion of the brand’s international footprint, which will include soon-to-be announced Mondrian properties in the Dominican Republic, Germany, the Maldives, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 International News

Foreign arrivals to Iran plunge 94 percent in face of virus

The number of foreign visitors to Iran plunged 94% in the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 20, 2020), from a year earlier, government data showed on Wednesday, as the coronavirus pandemic takes a heavy toll of the tourism industry. “Some 450,000 foreign travelers arrived in Iran for mainly medical or trade purposes during the first nine months of the year… tightened measures to tackle the new coronavirus has reduced international travel to the country by 94 percent,” Vali Teymouri, the deputy tourism minister, announced on Wednesday. The global tourism industry has been plagued by the outbreak of the coronavirus for more than a year, which is a record in the history of this industry, the official noted. In an interview with the Tehran Times, the official noted: “We need to revise marketing strategies, and to redefine tourism products by paying great attention to nature tours, rural tourism, and ecotourism, agricultural tourism as a tool to empower local communities and travel businesses.” The coronavirus epidemic has ruined more than 1.5 million jobs in Iran’s travel sector, tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said in December. “Over 1.5 million jobs have been lost in the tourism sector of Iran due to the COVID-19 disease…. Many of the tourism-insiders are now unemployed or they are staying at home,” Mounesan said. The county’s travel sector has suffered a loss of 140 trillion rials (some $3.3 billion at the official rate of 42,000 rials) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic till the end of Shahrivar (Sep. 21), the official added. Mounesan publicized last November that mass, unplanned travels are not approved, adding: “The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused damage to the tourism industry in Iran and [other parts of] the world in such a way that according to statistics, 50 million people are directly and indirectly exposed to unemployment due to the virus spread in the global scene…. yet, mass or unplanned and irresponsible travels are not approved to take place during the coronavirus era.” Smart and responsible traveling should replace "do not travel” recommendations, the minister stressed, adding: “In our country, Corona has caused problems in the tourism industry and the worrying point is the continuation of this trend.” Tourism [industry of Iran] was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, near the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent, the minister explained. He said 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the past [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. “On the onset of coronavirus, tourism faced a sharp decline in the world including our country. So that in the first three months of the current [Iranian] year the number of foreign tourists dropped to 74 --- it was reached almost zero!.”

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 Regional News

Persian New Year: tourism ministry proposes models for domestic travels

With a month to go till the start of the Iranian New Year, which has long been associated with millions of domestic travels, the Iranian tourism minister wants to find a way to partially revive the already-slumped travels in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The tourism ministry has held several meetings with the National Headquarters for the Coronavirus Control during with we discussed the issues in detail. Based on our strategies, we proposed two travel models that can be implemented following health protocols in the country,” ISNA quoted Vali Teymouri, the deputy tourism minister, as saying on Thursday. The first [working] model for travels in the Iranian New Year, proposes travels by the means of package tours. “Throughout package tours, travelers benefit from services provided by the tour and they will definitely stay in authorized accommodation centers [and destinations] which are under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts,” the official explained. For the second model, people do not go on tours, but when traveling to their destination city, they must stay in authorized accommodation centers, which are under the supervision of the ministry, to comply with all health protocols and maintain public health, Teymouri explained. Any other form of accommodation would be prohibited to curb the virus, he said. “To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Noruz 1400, the establishment of tourist camps, camping, tourists staying in places such as schools, shrines, husseiniyahs, etc. is prohibited, and this issue has been announced to the provincial governors.” The arteria of Noruz travels is expected to be announced in detail during the upcoming exhibition for tourism and handicrafts, which will be held in near future, he said. Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan publicized in November that mass, unplanned travels are not approved. “The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused damage to the tourism industry in Iran and [other parts of] the world in such a way that according to statistics, 50 million people are directly and indirectly exposed to unemployment due to the virus spread in the global scene…. yet, mass or unplanned and irresponsible travels are not approved to take place during the coronavirus era.” Smart and responsible traveling should replace "do not travel” recommendations, the minister stressed, adding: “In our country, Corona has caused problems in the tourism industry and the worrying point is the continuation of this trend.” “We are well aware of what the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control proclaims [the health protocols], hence as a proposal, we have formulated some smart, responsible travel packages by the implementation of which we could have secure travels,” the minister said. He has repeatedly announced that his ministry is in full coordination with the Ministry of Health for strictly implementing health protocols in travel destinations, hospitably centers, and museums, amongst others, underlining that “people’s health is our priority.” Tourism [industry of Iran] was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, near the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent, 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: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 Regional News

Venezuelan minister to Visit Tehran to discuss tourism cooperation

Venezuelan Tourism and Foreign Trade Minister Felix Ramon Plasencia Gonzalez will visit Iran in the next few days to discuss tourism cooperation, Caracas’ Ambassador to Tehran Carlos Antonio Alcala Cordones has said. “Felix Plasencia is going to visit Iran next week to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on expansion of tourism cooperation with the Islamic Republic,” IRNA quoted the envoy as saying on Wednesday. The Venezuelan ambassador made the remarks on Wednesday night in a meeting with Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan, noting that Plasencia’s visit is aimed at paving the way for more collaboration in the tourism industry. The ambassador also noted that he has been in Iran for two years and it is obvious that a short visit by the Venezuelan minister will not give him enough time to get acquainted with the history and tourist attractions of the country, the report said. Cordones underlined that joint venture in the tourism industry will bolster ties between Iran and Venezuela and help the two countries’ economies. He further noted that Plasencia intends to offer a pavilion to Iran at the International Tourism Fair of Venezuela. For his part, Mounesan said that during a webinar with former Venezuelan tourism minister, both sides decided to expand tourism ties and hold an introductory tour. The Iranian minister added that the two countries are going to sign an MoU to expand cooperation in the tourism industry and that tourism practitioners from Venezuela and Iran will hold talks for future cooperation. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has determined a five-day trip for the Venezuelan delegation, but it seems that they are going to stay less time in Iran, he noted. The relationship between Venezuela and Iran became more serious following an official visit by the then Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to Tehran in 2001. Now, the two nations are determined to expand cooperation in tourism, the news agency explained. According to previous agreements, Venezuelan and Iranian nationals can have visa-free travels to each others' countries to stay for two weeks. The visit by the Venezuelan minister is expected to pave the ground for expansion of cooperation in cultural, economic, and political fields as well. Last November, Mounesan said that visa-free access and direct flights are the two important advantages for Iran and Venezuela to develop tourism cooperation. “We are ready to expand our relations with Venezuela in the arena of tourism by organizing familiarization tours in both countries with the participation of the private sector,” Mounesan said in a meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador. Back in October, Mounesan exchanged views with Plasencia, in a video conference to deepen tourism relations, especially through simplifying visa rules, launching fam tours, and setting up exhibits. They also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding in a bid to broaden bilateral ties. Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. So it will undeniably try its best to achieve a relatively ambitious goal but when that happens the travel industry is likely to look more altered.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 Regional News

Valor Hospitality Partners Opens The Valley Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama

Valor Hospitality Partners announced today the opening of The Valley Hotel, a 129-room upper upscale boutique hotel in the heart of charming downtown Homewood, Ala., minutes south of Birmingham. As the latest addition to Curio Collection by Hilton™, The Valley Hotel blends Southern charm and contemporary lifestyle with subtle nods to Birmingham’s history across its spacious rooms and suites and public art offerings, chef-driven dining venues and over 7,000 square feet of meetings and event space. An urban retreat located in bucolic Homewood, The Valley Hotel boasts 129 tailored guest rooms, including nine suites that evoke the sophisticated and vibrant essence of Homewood. The guestrooms’ fresh color palette mimics the natural environment of Homewood and its proximity to Red Mountain, while crisp wood and linen accents recall classic Southern hospitality. Bespoke furnishings offer a subtle tie to Homewood’s thriving artistic community. Additional room amenities include a 55” LCD TV, oversized bathrooms and a curated collection of original artwork from local photographers. In addition to offering upscale accommodations and thoughtful design elements, The Valley Hotel introduces three new dining venues – Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails, The Terrace Bar and The Valley Coffee Co. – to Homewood’s burgeoning culinary scene. Curated by Executive Chef Doug Zuk, who is renowned in the culinary world for his work in Las Vegas, The Valley Hotel’s culinary options all pay homage to Birmingham’s industrial origins in both menu and design. Among cast iron furnishings and intimate dining nooks, the property’s upscale full-service restaurant, Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails, serves reimagined Southern comfort cuisine utilizing quality regional ingredients. Ironwood Kitchen + Cocktails is complemented by The Terrace Bar, offering craft cocktails, cozy fireside seating and unparalleled views of downtown Homewood. For a more casual dining experience, The Valley Coffee Co. serves meticulously roasted craft coffee offerings and specialty seasonal breakfast and lunch items in a warm, welcoming environment. The property’s tie to its location extends beyond rooms and dining. The Valley Hotel introduces a new public art offering to the local Birmingham community and guests with its outdoor art sculpture, The Outpouring, designed by renowned artist Salem Barker. Located next to the hotel entrance, The Outpouring’s metal construction speaks to Birmingham’s history with the iron and coal industries, while the curved elements draw on the area’s emphasis of the arts and music. The Valley Hotel is the ideal destination for a wide range of corporate events, weddings or other social gatherings with more than 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including coveted al fresco options. The over 4,000 square foot Red Mountain Ballroom offers customizable options, as well as an adjacent pre-function space. The Vulcan Boardroom and exquisite Shades Creek Room with copious natural light provide options for intimate board meetings and corporate engagements. “Guests will look to The Valley Hotel as an oasis that simultaneously offers both relaxation and the opportunity to explore Birmingham’s unique history,” said Danny Hiatt, regional director and general manager at The Valley Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming both travelers and locals and offering a thoughtful ‘home away from home’ experience in Homewood.” As part of Curio Collection by Hilton™, The Valley Hotel embraces the industry-leading Hilton CleanStay and Hilton EventReady with CleanStay programs, reinforcing a commitment to the wellbeing of both guests and team members. The Valley Hotel is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels 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, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app. The Valley Hotel is located at 2727 18th Street S. in Homewood, Ala., providing guests with easy access to explore Homewood’s unique culture, local shops, art galleries and golf courses, as well as the neighboring University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, Red Mountain Park and downtown Birmingham’s top attractions.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 International News

206 tourism projects put into operation in Tehran

Iranian tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan on Tuesday inaugurated 206 tourism-related projects in Tehran province through a video conference. The tourism infrastructure of Tehran province is essentially needed to be developed due to its political and commercial importance, IRNA quoted the minister as saying during the inauguration ceremony. The projects, which include hotels, apartment hotels, eco-lodge units, tourist complexes, boutique hotels, traditional restaurants, travel agencies, and handicrafts workshops, are estimated to generate 936 jobs. Furthermore, the mentioned projects will be adding 816 beds to the hospitality sector of the Iranian capital. Establishing more eco-lodges as well as different types of accommodation centers could facilitate traveling and staying in this metropolis, the minister said. Referring to the outbreak of the coronavirus and the problems and issues it has caused to the travel sector, Mounesan noted that smart travels under the supervision of the tourism and health ministries is the only way to overcome the current situation. Hugging the lower slopes of the magnificent, snowcapped Alborz Mountains, Tehran is much more than a chaotic jumble of concrete and crazy traffic blanketed by a miasma of air pollution. This is the nation's dynamic beating heart and the place to get a handle on modern Iran and what its future will likely be. The metropolis has many to offer its visitors including Golestan Palace, Grand Bazaar, Treasury of National Jewels, National Museum of Iran, Glass & Ceramic Museum, Masoudieh Palace, Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Carpet Museum of Iran, to name a few. The first time Tehran is mentioned in historical accounts is in an 11th-century chronicle in which it is described as a small village north of Ray. It became the capital city of the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century but later declined with factional strife between different neighborhoods and the Mongol invasion of 1220.

Create: Feb 20, 2021 Edit: Feb 20, 2021 Regional News

Saudi Tourism Authority launches new campaign

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched ‘Journeys in Arabia,’ an exclusive online event curated especially for travel trade partners around the globe. Saudi Arabia is a relatively new destination on the global stage. As the authentic home of Arabia, Saudi offers unique, diverse and unparalleled experiences, a land of natural assets, rich culture and heritage and adventure. The virtual engagement series, taking place across six markets around the world, is a first-of-its-kind initiative for STA, a source of inspiration and excitement, designed to inform partners about the diverse products and experiences that Arabia offers. The Middle East Journeys in Arabia webinar brought together local partners, for an opportunity to hear from thought leaders and experts in the tourism industry. The session provided insights into the current state of travel and the opportunities and challenges in addressing the growing demand and interest in Saudi as a new destination. Panellists discussed the huge shift in domestic travel and potential of the regional audience as an untapped segment, highlighting infrastructure, connectivity and capacity as the three fundamentals in further developing the local tourism ecosystem. Giga projects including Neom were referenced as key in driving tourism to Saudi in the future, while investment into activities and experiences was also identified as critical components in elevating Saudi’s appeal among key stakeholders and potential partners. Following up on the success of the webinar, STA will also be hosting an immersive virtual roadshow for the Middle East on March 8th-9th, partnering with the most relevant destination, experience and hospitality brands in Saudi to showcase the best of what the Kingdom has to offer.

Create: Feb 17, 2021 Edit: Feb 17, 2021 International News

Hotel Equities Opens Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Fort Myers, Florida

Today, Hotel Equities (“HE”) announced the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Myers Airport is officially open. The property’s close proximity to Southwest Florida International Airport will make it a first choice for travelers visiting the region. The hotel is owned by Shivam Soham, LLC. Hotel Equities manages the property. “We are proud to officially open our doors to guests visiting southwest Florida,” said HE’s VP of Operations, Keith Hensley. “With a phenomenal General Manager leading the team, I have complete confidence that our hotel will quickly become a leader in the market. Carol Drummond serves as the hotel’s general manager alongside Lucie Wirgin as director of sales. “Opening this property has truly been a labor of love and I’ve cherished my role working alongside a great team,” said Drummond. “Lucie and I are thrilled to have already built many great relationships in the community and we look forward to providing a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.” The hotel’s design offers a fresh, energetic atmosphere and includes amenities to fit the needs of all travelers. Communal areas feature an open, pod-style desk area and flexible seating including community tables with built-in wired and wireless charging stations. The fully equipped guest rooms offer a variety of configurations and additional amenities include a swimming pool, board room, fitness center, and guests can enjoy a hot breakfast during their stay. The thoughtful design incorporates safety and cleanliness measures with reduced contact at check-in, in addition to touchless transactions, sanitizing stations and regular deep-cleaning of high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas. The hotel’s location is just minutes from JetBlue Park, the Boston Red Sox spring training facility and CenturyLink Sports Complex, the Minnesota Twins spring training facility. With an 8-minute drive from Southwest Florida International Airport and just 20 minutes to the famed Fort Myers beaches, the hotel is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. Also in close proximity is Rockstar Harley Davidson, Skyplex, Plantation Golf & Country Club and The Club at Renaissance.

Create: Feb 17, 2021 Edit: Feb 17, 2021 International News