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Tourism minister cuts ribbon on accommodation centers in Kashan

Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan inaugurated a hotel and two traditional guesthouses during his visit to the central city of Kashan on Tuesday. A budget of five trillion rials ($119 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocated for the establishment of the hotel, which is estimated to generate 120 job opportunities, CHTN reported. The total budget for traditional guesthouses also amounts to 170 billion rials ($4 million), the report added. The guesthouses are expected to create 40 new jobs as well. There is an additional 160 beds to the hospitality sector in the city with the inauguration of the accommodation centers. Kashan is a historical city near Isfahan in the central part of Iran. Its history dates back to over ten thousand years ago, and it is home to some of the most beautiful buildings featuring Islamic architecture. Many travelers opt to pass Kashan on their journeys between Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, because this delightful oasis city on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir, is one of Iran’s most alluring destinations. Kashan not only boasts a cluster of architectural wonders, an atmospheric covered bazaar, and a UNESCO-recognized garden, but it also offers some of central Iran’s best traditional hotels. The annual Golab-giri (rosewater distillation) ceremony of Kashan attracts huge crowds to the city every year. Some of the most ancient traces of civilization have been discovered near Kashan, at the Sialk archeological site.

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 6, 2021 Regional News

Harnessing the Power of Culture and Creativity in Tourism Recovery

The shared values and close ties between tourism and culture stakeholders means both sectors can work together to ensure inclusive access to heritage, as countries around the world recover from the pandemic. In recognition of this mutually reinforcing relationship, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and UNESCO have collaborated to produce a set of new guidelines focusing on the responsible restart of cultural tourism. UNWTO invited the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to contribute to the UNWTO Inclusive Recovery Guide, Issue 2: Cultural Tourism. This is the second set of guidelines relating to the socio-cultural impacts of COVID-19 issued by UNWTO and will continue to be revised, as the situation evolves. Make cultural tourism relevant in the recoveryThe publication draws on the insights and expertise of the two UN agencies to analyse the impact of the pandemic on their respective sectors. This includes how lost revenues are severely impacting communities, heritage sites, cultural events, spaces and institutions, while also weakening destinations’ competitiveness and market differentiation. The guidelines on cultural tourism also stress the need for support from policymakers to ensure the relevance of culture in the emergency and contingency planning within tourism destinations. Cooperation for a better futureAlongside the new guidelines, UNWTO is urging the cultural tourism sector to create participatory governance structures, bringing together artists, creators, tourism and culture professionals, the private sector and local communities, for an open dialogue, data exchange and real-time solutions. The document also advocates for better urban–rural connections so as to ensure the benefits of both culture and tourism are enjoyed as widely as possible. As a result of the pandemic, 90% of countries introduced total or partial closures of their World Heritage sites. In many cases, sites of special significance to humanity were closed to the public for the first time in decades. At the same time, the pandemic highlighted the relevance of both tourism and culture. The sudden fall in tourist arrivals has been felt across the globe, while millions of people have turned to virtual cultural experiences for comfort and inspiration. The release of the guidelines comes within the context of the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021, a UN initiative designed to recognize how different manifestations of culture, including cultural tourism, can contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 International News

Australia Welcomes First Hotel Indigo in the Vibrant Neighbourhood of Adelaide

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ boutique lifestyle brand, Hotel Indigo, has made its Australian debut with the opening of Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets on 1 March. The much-anticipated 145-room hotel with its intriguing design features, deep connections to the neighbourhood and exemplary culinary offerings is set to become a vibrant cultural hub for locals and visitors, and a hallmark of Hotel Indigo properties around the world. Located next to the lively Adelaide Central Market, the hotel champions local producers in its two restaurants, Market & Meander Eatery and Bar, as well as rooftop raw food bar, Merrymaker, which stands as the highest rooftop bar in Adelaide. Housed on the site of a former textile factory, the property’s “Raw and Refined” design ethos celebrates the neighbourhood’s commercial past with an exciting blend of heritage-listed and modern architecture, as well as eye-catching contemporary design features. The hotel’s public spaces feature striking brick archways mimicking those in Adelaide Central Market, colourful street art-inspired murals by acclaimed Australian collage artists including Tristan Kerr, and an exposed terracotta brick feature wall etched with intriguing neighbourhood references such as “Six o’clock Swill” and “Mad March” – the name given to Festival month in the city. Continuing its cultural tribute, exclusive Adelaide Festival-inspired poster art features in the corridors and rooms, while a rotating selection of artworks create an engaging, ever-changing backdrop in public spaces. Thomas Zinn, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, said: “Hotel Indigo has paved its way across the globe as a truly fascinating brand designed to draw inspiration and spark curiosity from the roots of its surrounding neighbourhoods. With our ideal location right next door to the iconic Adelaide Central Market and near the newly renovated Her Majesty’s Theatre, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets is the perfect escape for visitors and locals looking for a new way to connect with Adelaide.” Inspiring local designJust as no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigos are the same. The hotel’s 145 oversized rooms and suites all feature unique design touches, drawing on local neighbourhood cues. These include copper fixtures – a nod to South Australia’s copper mining heritage, contemporary light wood furnishings and colourful rugs depicting the distinctive tessellated tile pattern often used in traditional Adelaide homes. Bathrooms are complete with modern two-head rainfall showers and premium Biology bath amenities, supporting the hotel’s green ethos with large-format bottles and environmentally friendly packaging. Bedheads are emblazoned with eye-catching Festival-inspired murals while floor-to-ceiling windows provide majestic views over the city toward the Adelaide Hills, and all rooms contain local touchpoints such as teas by local supplier T Bar. The hotel’s 25 suites feature luxurious king size beds, espresso machines and minibars featuring locally sourced items including a pre-batched Wattleseed Negroni from Lot 100 in the Adelaide Hills, Floral as Hell Gin by local distiller, Blend Etiquette and the delicious Inch Licorice Block by Adelaide-based Melba’s Chocolates. Joining the fabric of the communityMuch like its counterparts around the world, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets is perfectly positioned in a culturally-rich neighbourhood. Located in the heart of Adelaide’s vibrant market precinct, this hotel is a gateway through which to discover the city’s most inspiring stories. The hotel is located just steps from the bountiful fresh local produce and colourful characters at Adelaide Central Market, with other nearby attractions including Chinatown, with its host of authentic Asian eateries, and the multicultural gourmet thoroughfares of Grote and Gouger Streets, where you can find everything from authentic Japanese yakitori to chargrilled Argentinian-style steaks. In addition to fantastic food options, the neighbourhood’s laneways are lined with inviting bars to catch a pre-dinner drink including retro chic cocktail bar Lotus Lounge, craft brew specialist 55ml and small-batch gin distiller Prohibition Liquor Co. The hotel is also walking distance from many of the city’s big-ticket attractions including Rundle Mall, Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Zoo and Art Gallery of South Australia. It also has convenient transport access with a free CBD tram stop nearby. Locally-loved destination diningInspired culinary experiences build on the brand’s legacy of restaurants that become neighbourhood favourites. Guests at Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets will discover menus that showcase the meal’s provenance, with a focus on all things local. As the city’s highest rooftop bar, Merrymaker offers a mesmerising panorama of the CBD and Adelaide Hills from its 16th-floor vantage point. Utilising the freshest regional produce, the raw food-focused venue features a mouth-watering selection of local seafood, charcuterie and cheeses prepared in an open kitchen. Guests will enjoy more than 25 award-winning gins plus a wide range of South Australian wines and craft beers. Market & Meander is a ground-floor all-day dining venue that champions local produce while honouring the district’s multicultural influences. Signature dishes include slow-cooked smoked brisket and delicious free-range chicken prepared on an authentic South American-style parrilla grill. Guests will also enjoy the local design touches found in this bar and eatery with its colour scheme inspired by long-serving South Australian Premier Don Dunstan, who was famous for his social advocacy and flamboyant pink shorts. Fitness and functionsIn addition to a well-equipped 24/7 fitness centre, the hotel features a 13 metre outdoor infinity pool, two boardroom-style meeting rooms and the option to hold events on the mezzanine level and rooftop. The opening strengthens the brand’s exciting growth into new markets, including Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown which opened in October 2020 and the brand’s debut in Japan with Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora opened in January 2020. In Australasia, the brand will continue to expand into new neighbourhoods with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland set to open in the coming years. Established in 2004, Hotel Indigo is open in over 125 neighborhoods, with more than 100 new hotels in the pipeline. Hotel Indigo is recognised as one of the leading boutique brands in the world.

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 International News

Radisson Individuals Makes Its Americas Debut With Opening in St. Augustine, Florida

Radisson Hotel Group today announced Radisson Individuals, the company’s newest addition to a dynamic portfolio of brands, has arrived in the Americas. Radisson Individuals offers independent hotels, along with local and regional hotel chains, the opportunity to benefit from Radisson Hotel Group’s international awareness and experience with the freedom to maintain their individual uniqueness and identity. Each hotel joining the Radisson Individuals brand is selected for their own characteristics and personalities. The brand offers guests an opportunity to discover new locations around the world, while experiencing Radisson Hotel Group’s high standards of quality and Yes I Can! service, combined with the local flavors and personality of each hotel. Radisson Individuals initially launched in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific in Q4 2020 and is now proudly making its mark in the Americas with a hotel opening in St. Augustine, Florida. Sebastian Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, welcomes guests with river views and nearby tranquil beaches in one of the most historic, culture-rich cities in the United States. “We are thrilled to welcome Radisson Individuals to our Americas portfolio and to open the doors to the very first Individuals hotel in our region in the charming coastal city of St. Augustine,” said Jim Alderman, chief executive officer, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “Radisson Individuals is the perfect addition to our exceptional umbrella of brands, and further sets us apart as one of the only hotel companies offering one brand per segment while providing best-in-class service and resources for our hotel owners and their teams. We are working diligently to quickly expand the footprint of this unique brand and look forward to sharing more exciting news about Radisson Individuals very soon.” Sebastian Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, offers 94 spacious guest rooms and suites with stunning views of the San Sebastian River. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub or break a sweat in the fitness center. The hotel lounge serves local craft beer and wine which can be enjoyed in the lounge, poolside, or around the fire seating area. Additionally, the hotel can serve as a fantastic venue to host small meetings or special occasions with versatile meeting facilities including a poolside area. Additionally, the hotel has free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, a Tesla charging station, and dry-cleaning services. “We are honored to join the Radisson Hotel Group family and play a key role in the launch of Radisson Individuals in the Americas as the first Individuals brand hotel opening,” said Marie Casper, president, Discover Lodging Management. “Radisson Individuals is an incredible fit for our one-of-a-kind hotel, allowing us to maintain our authentic and natural identity in our quaint city that is rich with history and culture. We look forward to providing exceptional hospitality and creating memorable moments for our guests as they visit our costal retreat.” The hotel is located near the many attractions in St. Augustine. Guests interested in exploring the city can hop on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to the historic downtown with a variety of shopping and dining options. Along with its spectacular beaches, St. Augustine has a variety of museums and activities catering to families, couples, and groups. Guests can enjoy a scenic cruise along St. Augustine’s historic waterways, swim with dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure, or take the Old Town Trolley Tour to see everything the city has to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts can also visit Anastasia State Park to go hiking, bird watching, or kayaking. With the health, safety and security of guests and team members as its utmost priority,Sebastian Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, is implementing the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program. The in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. This program is designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 International News

Charlestowne Hotels Opens Hotel Morgan, a Wyndham Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia

Leading hospitality management company Charlestowne Hotels announces the opening of Hotel Morgan, a Wyndham Hotel located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hotel Morgan is the company’s tenth opening in a collegiate market and eighth adaptive reuse project. Charlestowne worked in partnership with Thrash Group to oversee a year-long renovation of the 95-year-old property, and will now take over hotel management, inclusive of operations, marketing, revenue management, and talent acquisition. A historic boutique hotel, Hotel Morgan features 81 guest rooms and two suites, along with two grand ballrooms, two boardrooms ideal for meetings, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a rooftop event space. The property’s on-site restaurant, Anvil + Ax, is also managed by Charlestowne and serves specialty coffee and breakfast in the morning with modern cocktails, local craft beers, and a menu of shareable plates in the evening. The property sits in the heart of downtown Morgantown, minutes away from the West Virginia University campus and near the area’s renowned outdoor attractions including Coopers Rock State Forest. “Morgantown attracts an intersection of leisure and social segments associated with WVU; two distinct audiences that are expected to come back with renewed strength in the coming year,” says Kyle Hughey, executive vice president and COO at Charlestowne Hotels. “To appeal to both segments, we approached Hotel Morgan with a mix of locally driven F&B, creative and operationally friendly packages for current Mountaineers and alumni, and a renewed focus on meeting and events services.” Charlestowne opens Hotel Morgan with a refreshed set of amenities and programming crafted to connect guests with the surrounding community. Featuring two expansive ballrooms, the property is ideal for hosting special occasions and local functions of all sizes. The hotel also offers multi-tier buyout options and hired a full-service banquets team to manage a range of corporate and academic events, alumni reunions, and weddings. “Charlestowne’s personalized approach to renovation and rebranding is unrivaled. We sought their expertise to strike a balance between honoring the Hotel Morgan’s heritage and introducing contemporary touchpoints designed with a college-town traveler in mind,” says Ike Thrash, founder and managing member at Thrash Group. “Hotel Morgan has served as a pillar of the Morgantown community for close to a century, and we’re confident in Charlestowne’s ability to skillfully navigate the property through the shifting landscape of today’s university market space.” Charlestowne Hotels will oversee full-service management operations at Hotel Morgan, with a focus on elevating the boutique guest experience and expanding culinary programing. Hotel Morgan joins the company’s substantial portfolio of collegiate hotels, including properties located on or near the campuses of Clemson University, Colgate University, Sewanee – the University of the South, Longwood University, Colorado Mesa University, Elon University and the University of Arkansas.

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 International News

Delaying the Restart of International Travel Will Cost the UK Economy Almost £27 Billion

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned that nearly £27 billion will be lost from the UK economy if the government delays restarting international travel until May 17. The date was set by Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he unveiled the highly anticipated roadmap out of lockdown earlier this week. According to the government’s roadmap, two households will be able to mix outdoors from March 29 and WTTC believes this should signal the restart of safe international travel. Resuming international travel by just seven weeks earlier, to coincide the Easter holiday break, could save struggling Travel & Tourism businesses up and down the country and provide a much-needed economic boost to the economy. WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, fears delaying the revival of international travel for another seven weeks, will hasten the further slide into collapse of a sector which contributes £200 billion annually to the UK economy, and is responsible for almost four million jobs. The loss of almost £27 billion represents a damaging daily drain to the UK economy of more than £550 million, which can be counted in lost jobs and failed businesses up and down the country. While WTTC applauds the government’s highly successful vaccine rollout, the global tourism body has called upon the Prime Minister to give greater clarity about what May 17 will look like, so that Travel & Tourism businesses can prepare for the restart and consumers book with confidence. WTTC has consistently argued that international travel can safely resume with a comprehensive, coordinated international regime for testing upon departure and arrival for travellers. Testing should be in place alongside the global vaccine rollout, enhanced health and hygiene protocols, and mostly importantly, mandatory mask wearing, which experts say can cut down transmission of the virus by more than 80%, to safely revive international travel. Additionally, the introduction of digital health passes or certificates will support the recovery. These measures should render unhelpful and counterproductive blanket quarantines completely unnecessary and remove the need for haphazard and confusing air corridors, which further saps the confidence to travel. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO, said: “While the UK government’s announcement that international travel could resume on May 17 gives us grounds for optimism, it will come as cold comfort to struggling SMEs and Travel & Tourism businesses up and down the country. “Our economic modelling shows the brutal impact the £27 billion loss could have, caused by delaying the restart of international travel by just seven weeks. “It would be far less economically damaging to invest in testing and biometric technology which could safely reopen the doors to travel and save the millions of jobs at risk. “In the same way widespread community testing is being provided through rapid test kits twice a week to pupils and anyone in their household or support bubbles, so extensive testing will also permit the safe restart of international travel. “But every day we delay will see many more cash-strapped businesses join the growing list of companies which have already disappeared due to the demise of international travel. Nor should we forget the human cost and the terrible suffering of so many people whose very livelihoods have been left in ruins due to the sector’s virtual collapse. “We have to guard against vaccines as a requirement to travel which would discriminate against less advanced countries and younger travellers, or those who simply can’t or choose not to be vaccinated. “Furthermore, mask wearing should not be a choice; it has been proven to provide the highest level of protection against transmission of the virus. This, combined with a comprehensive testing regime, enhanced health and hygiene protocols, digital passes and the global rollout of vaccines will allow the safe restart of international travel.”

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 International News

Iran suspends flights to and from 32 countries over coronavirus

On Sunday, Mohammad Hassan Zibakhsh, the spokesman of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO), announced that all flights to and from 32 countries have been suspended due to the latest decision of the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control, IRIB reported. The new restrictions also limit travels between the Islamic Republic and England, Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, French Guinea, Lesotho, Guyana, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritania, Rwanda, Sicily, Suriname, Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zambia. Regarding the admission status of travelers from countries with special conditions, the official said: “For direct or indirect flights to Iran, passengers, who have stayed in one of the cited countries for more than four hours within a maximum of two weeks before the date of travel, will not be able to enter the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice.” Earlier this month, Iran announced it would reduce the validity of negative COVID-19 PCR test results from 96 hours to 72 hours for inbound and outbound passengers. The new regulation replaced a role that required to bar passengers from boarding if they do not have a negative COVID test within 96 hours of departure. All passengers are subject to the medical screening on arrival, and if they are suspected of having the disease, non-Iranian nationalities will be quarantined at a place specified by the Health Ministry at their own expense and Iranian citizens will need to self-isolate for 14 days. The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, and tourism has been the worst affected of all major economic sectors. World tourist arrivals fell by 72% over the first ten months of 2020, according to data compiled by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in December. Restrictions on travel, low consumer confidence, and a global struggle to contain the coronavirus pandemic are amongst factors contributing to the worst year on record in the history of tourism. Iran has also suffered the same fate as its foreign arrivals plunged 72% during the first eight months of 2020 when compared to 2019.

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 Regional News

Tourism, transport ministers ink MOU to boost maritime tourism

Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Transport and Urban Development Minister Mohammad Eslami to deepen cooperation and expand bilateral ties. The MOU aims at developing maritime tourism and make the best use of its potential in the southern and northern coasts of the country, according to a press release issued by the tourism ministry. Promoting the culture of using the sea as a tool to increase social vitality, development of coastal activities in the form of environmentally-friendly plans and programs, and creating the necessary grounds for cooperation and exchange of knowledge and information were also among the topics of the agreement. The traditional skills of building and sailing Iranian Lenj boats in the Persian Gulf was another issue discussed by the two ministers to find a way to safeguard the endangered UNESCO-registered tradition for future generations. Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Mounesan said that the tourism ministry tries its best to leave single product tourism behind and diversify tourism products. A focus on the country’s natural capacities along with the historical and cultural capacities could attract more domestic and foreign tourists as well as create more job opportunities in some deprived areas, he explained. He also expressed hope that constructing seaside hotels on the northern and southern coasts and bringing the international cruise ships would also boost maritime tourism in the country. For his part, Eslami said that having a well-organized program for the development of beaches and the use of marine recreation is a priority for the transport ministry. Over the past couple of years, the Islamic Republic has made various efforts to exploit maritime tourism potential by developing hospitality infrastructures, diversifying sea routes, and drawing private sector investors along its vast southern coasts. Prosperous maritime tourism could help the county to meet its ambitious target of attracting 20 million annual tourists by 2025. It also keeps an eye on tourism developments in the Caspian Sea in the north.

Create: Mar 2, 2021 Edit: Mar 2, 2021 Regional News

I invite all travelers interested in culture to visit Iran: Venezuelan tourism minister

“I invite all [potential] travelers who are interested in culture to visit Iran and see that Iran is a peaceful and hospitable country,” Venezuela’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade Ali Padron Paredes has said. “I am stunned by the beauties of Isfahan”, Padron Paredes added in an interview with CHTN on Thursday while touring the ancient city during his four-day visit to the Islamic Republic. The minister had toured several travel destinations and museums in Kerman before flying to Isfahan. He called his visit to Kerman as memorable. “I convey to the people and the government of Iran greetings of the people and the government of Venezuela.” “I enjoyed the journey to Iran and I want to experience this pleasure again. Iran has very hospitable and friendly people who are also friendly with the Venezuelan people,” the minister stated. Before setting off for Isfahan, Padron Paredes and his Iranian counterpart Ali-Asghar Mounesan inked a memorandum of understanding to deepen mutual tourism ties. Back in October, Mounesan exchanged views with former Venezuelan Tourism and Foreign Trade Minister Felix, Ramon Plasencia Gonzalez, 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. Last November, Mounesan said that visa-free access and direct flights are the two important advantages for Iran and Venezuela to develop tourism cooperation. The relationship between Venezuela and Iran became more serious following an official visit by the then Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to Tehran in 2001. Isfahan, the capital of a province of the same name, is nicknamed “Nesf-e-Jahan” which is translated into “half the world”, meaning it contains fully half of the world's wonders. In its heyday, it was also one of the largest cities in the region with a population of nearly one million. The cool blue tiles of Isfahan's Islamic buildings, and the city's majestic bridges, contrast perfectly with the encircling hot, dry Iranian countryside. Big and sprawling Kerman is something of a cultural melting pot, blending various regional cultures over time. It is also home to rich tourist spots and historical sites including bazaars, mosques, caravanserais, and ruins of ancient urban areas.

Create: Feb 26, 2021 Edit: Feb 26, 2021 International News

Auro Hotels Opens AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville Downtown

Auro Hotels is pleased to announce the opening of its AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville Downtown located at the corner of Main and Broad streets in the heart of Greenville, SC. The eight-story hotel features 196 guestrooms and suites, seven distinct food and beverage concepts, nearly 29,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a private collection of art featuring more than 100 works by 35 local artists. Auro Hotels also celebrates the opening of the first of the hotel’s seven food and beverage concepts, Paloma, a Mediterranean-inspired tapas bar located on the ground floor with indoor and outdoor dining. The space is separated by a NanaWall that opens to chic tables with white umbrellas for al fresco dining. Auro Hotels will debut its additional food and beverage concepts located throughout the project this April including Juniper, the 16,000 square-foot rooftop space with multiple high-energy dining zones, as well as The Press Room, a modern speakeasy that will provide an intimate cocktail bar experience. “The opening of the AC Hotel Greenville Downtown and Paloma marks an exciting milestone for Auro Hotels,” said DJ Rama, president and chief executive officer. “This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to its location, scale, level of detail and amenities, as well as a unique opportunity to celebrate our hometown of Greenville. The hotel, along with the thoughtfully-curated food and beverage concepts, will be treasured by visitors and the local community for generations.” The AC Hotel Greenville Downtown is anchored by six pillars including textile mills, the art scene, bygone spaces, nature and mountains, community and The Greenville News, whose offices were previously located on the site. The destination and beloved local area have inspired the look and feel of the property and its seven restaurants and bars: Juniper, The Secret Garden, Fire Box, The Press Room, Paloma, Social Burger and AC Kitchen. Design elements that reference Greenville include a dramatic metal mesh curtain suspended above the bar in Paloma nodding to The Peace Center as well as the entrance to The Press Room, which will incorporate cherished relics from The Greenville News archives. The hotel’s robust art collection beautifully complements the modern design and features works by both emerging and established artists in a range of mediums and styles. According to general manager John Deck, “Auro Hotels has created an unparalleled product that will be led by a very talented team that shares a passion for hospitality and the city of Greenville, and together, we are pleased to open our doors to visitors and local residents. In addition to being Greenville’s newest hotel, we look forward to becoming one of its top destinations for dining and entertainment, meetings and events, and weddings. The future of this project, with Greenville as its backdrop, is very bright.”

Create: Feb 26, 2021 Edit: Feb 26, 2021 International News

Iran to develop tourism infrastructure in Hendurabi Island

Iran will be developing tourism infrastructure in Hendurabi Island, which is situated west of the touristic Kish Island in the Persian Gulf. “Hendurabi, with an area of about a quarter of Kish, has beautiful beaches and nature. And it has a valuable capacity for the development of travel and ecotourism….It has also enormous capacity to attract large domestic and foreign investors,” Mehr quoted Kish Free Zone Organization Director Gholamhossein Mozaffari as saying on Monday. “A consortium consisting of banks and active holdings in the country is being formed to implement the [already-formulated] comprehensive development plan of Hondurabi,” Mozaffari said. “Kish Island, even during coronavirus pandemic, has enjoyed a tourism boom… [for instance] in the last two months, its occupancy rate of hotels has been 98 percent, which indicates the unique tourism capacity of the region.” When it comes to the southern islands of Iran, people tend to choose Kish, Qeshm, and Hangam Island. However, Hendurabi is just as amazing as these though less known. Being far from the constant visit of tourists, this sort of remote island in the Persian Gulf has preserved many of its natural beauties. It can provide a lot of fun water and beach activities. Swimming, above all, is one of the most pleasant things to do in the crystal waters. Hendurabi is a small island of about 23 square kilometers, located between Kish Island and Lavan Island. It is flat land with no high mountains or hills. The highest point of the island is some 45 meters high. Hendurabi has an old village of the same name. The material used in the construction of houses used to be stone, coral, and stucco. However, some of these houses have been renovated recently. The village also contains a school, shop, and a supermarket. From February to June, the beaches of the island turn to a turtle hatchery. All the turtles of any size go to this area for hatching their eggs. The scenery of turtles being born out of the eggs and running to the water can be one of the most eye-catching moments of your travel. On the other hand, watching the colorful fish while diving is just another fun thing to do.

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

We have gained permission for limited New Year travels: deputy tourism minister

Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ministry has gained official permission for organizing limited intercity travels during the Iran New Year vacations, which begins on March 21. “We have obtained permission for limited Noruz trips from the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control,” the deputy tourism minister, Vali Teymouri, announced on Tuesday. With less than a month to go till the start of the Iranian New Year, which has long been associated with millions of domestic travels, the ministry 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,” Teymouri said last week. 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 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 stated. 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, according to the official. The tourism 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.” 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 24, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 Regional News