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Virus causes $5.2 billion damage to Iran’s tourism, minister says

Iran’s tourism industry has suffered a loss of some 220 trillion rials (about $5.2 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister said on Tuesday. “Iran’s tourism has suffered some 220 trillion rials due to corona pandemic so far…. and we hope that with the production of domestic vaccines, tourism will flourish in 1400 [the new Iranian calendar year which begins on March 21],” Ali-Asghar Mounesan said. He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Tehran’s international tourism and handicrafts fair, which is currently underway at Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds. “We hope that the widespread vaccine would bring prosperity to all branches of tourism such as agritourism, ecotourism, and nature tourism,” the minister said. “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 announced last December. The government had previously allocated a total of 500 trillion rials (about $12 billion) to the corona-affected sectors, of which 200 trillion rials ($4.7 billion) will be given to the health ministry and the rest will be spent on other sectors, he explained. Last month, the minister announced that the national budget bill for the next calendar year (starting on March 20) has proposed 70 trillion rials (about $1.7 billion) to support tourism businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. If the budget receives parliament’s approval, it will be injected into different sectors of the tourism industry, which has taken a major hit from the coronavirus outbreak over the previous months, he noted. Despite the toughest economic pressures and sanctions, the government has provided good support to all sectors of tourism, the minister said. However, there is hope that the beginning of mass vaccination against the coronavirus will provide better conditions for tourism and businesses related to this sector, he explained. Government’s care and support packages In late October, the deputy tourism minister, Vali Teymouri, announced that a new support package to pay loans to businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic has been approved. Depending on the type and activity of the businesses, they could benefit from at least 160 million rials ($3,800) to nine billion rials ($214,000) of bank loans with a 12-percent interest rate, he said. The loans will be allocated to tourist guides, travel agencies, tourism transport companies, tourism educational institutions, eco-lodges and traditional accommodations, hotels, apartment hotels, motels, and guesthouses as well as traditional accommodation centers, tourism complexes, and recreational centers, the official explained. Teymouri pointed to the 1.3 million tourism workers in the country, who are facing several issues due to the coronavirus crisis, and said “This number, in addition to their households, includes a significant population that makes a living through tourism, who are needed to be considered in ministry’s decisions.” Teymouri has said that the tourism ministry has approved a total budget of 4,920 billion rials (over $117 million) to support corona-affected tourism businesses, covering as much as 36,000 people working in the tourism sector.

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

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

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise Announces Two Key Appointments Ahead of March 2021 Opening

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise, the first hotel in Sunrise in 15 years and the first AC Hotel brand in Broward County, has appointed Michael Lauria as general manager and Christine Caraccia as director of sales and marketing. The pair will oversee the launch of the eight-story, 174-room hotel when it opens in March 2021. The hotel is located just steps from the iconic Sawgrass Mills Mall shopping center, one of the largest outlet and value retail shopping destinations in the US.It is our pleasure to have two prominent industry leaders opening the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise, where their hospitality expertise and deep knowledge of the South Florida market will position the hotel as best in class,” said Ken Polo, regional vice president of Concord Hospitality, the hotel’s management company. “Their hard work, dedication and leadership have prepared the hotel and staff for a successful opening. We know they will thrive in their respective roles and provide the unparalleled service both customers and employees expect and deserve.” Lauria brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience to AC Hotels. In his role, Lauria oversees all aspects of property management including financial performance, guest satisfaction and day-to-day operations. A loyal member of the Concord Hospitality family for five years, he most recently served as general manager of Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach Surfside and general manager at Hyatt Place Miami Airport – EAST. Prior to joining the Concord Hospitality team, Lauria served as hotel manager at Bonaventure Resort & Spa in Weston, Fla. In addition, he previously held multiple positions over a 22-year span with Hyatt Hotels in full-service hotels across North America to include Grand Hyatt New York, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Va, Hyatt Regency Austin, Texas, Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, Hyatt Regency Newport, R.I. He also spent three years outside of the US at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Spa. Lauria is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. It has been a privilege to be part of the Concord Hospitality team for the last five years and I look forward to continuing to uphold Concord’s core values and deliver memorable experiences for our guests each time they stay with us,” said Lauria. “Christine and I are looking forward to serving the community and bringing our shared vision of this hotel to life.” With more than 15 years of hospitality experience, Christine Caraccia is responsible for hotel sales revenue including guest rooms, meeting space and banquets; developing and implementing marketing programs; overseeing the sales team; and ensuring top-notch client service. A Los Angeles native, she moved to South Florida in 2015. Preceding her current role, Caraccia was the director of national accounts for Fontainebleau Miami Beach for nearly three years. Her past engagements include group account manager at W Fort Lauderdale, senior sales manager at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and group sales manager at W South Beach. She also served as senior sales executive at Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa in California, where she started her career. A graduate of California State University Northridge, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management and a minor in Marketing and is fluent in Armenian.

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

Accor Partners With Twenty14 Holdings to Open the Pullman Downtown Dubai

Twenty14 Holdings, an Abu Dhabi-based hospitality company that owns assets throughout the globe has partnered with Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, to open a new Pullman in one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai, Business Bay. “We are pleased to partner with Accor and be part of their strong footprint and network in the region,” said Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings. “Pullman is aligned with our expectations and vision as an asset owning company, and with Accor’s loyalty program and management expertise, we are confident that guests at our property will get to experience the best of global hospitality.” Located in Business Bay, the hotel offers stunning views of the Dubai Canal, the Dubai Skyline and the iconic Burj Khalifa. Business Bay is near Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), as well as the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition centre. Talking about the partnership, Mark Willis, CEO of Accor Turkey, India, Middle East & Africa, said, “We are very proud to finally partner with Twenty14 Holdings. There is no doubt that this property is set to become a flagship for the Pullman in Dubai due to its ideal fit with the brand.” The hotel features 353 rooms and suites, as well as a ballroom, two meeting rooms, a private boardroom, a club lounge, a spa, fitness facilities with sauna and steam rooms, a squash court, a lop pool, a children’s pool, and outdoor Jacuzzi. In addition, Accor and Twenty14 Holdings are working closely to develop the dining offering at the hotel with six “in-trend” and well-designed dining experiences.

Create: Feb 24, 2021 Edit: Feb 24, 2021 International 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

Statistics to Guide Restart of Tourism in the Caribbean

From the need for enhanced political engagement to developing relevant expertise, the World Tourism Organization, jointly with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, have united their Members in the Caribbean to address the key challenges they face in making effective use of statistics to drive the restart of their tourism sectors. Over the course of two days, a regional virtual workshop analysed the importance of tourism data for supporting the sector in the present and helping tourism to restart in the Caribbean in a timely and sustainable manner. The workshop brought together around 130 participants from 23 States, including the leaders of National Tourism Administrations, National Statistical Offices, Central Banks and Migration authorities. The high-level status of participants ensures that they will in turn spread UNWTO’s technical expertise within their own countries, empowering more tourism professionals with knowledge of how best to analyse and use data to guide decisions. Through the sessions, the Caribbean tourism community got a better understanding of the fundamentals of tourism statistics. They were also given an overview of UNWTO’s Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) data, as well as guidance on how this can be used to guide decision-making. Welcoming UNWTO’s technical assistance, Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization said: “We recognize the importance of data and statistics in the development of COVID-19 recovery programs and comprehensive sustainable tourism strategies. We thank the UNWTO for supporting our efforts at capacity building in tourism statistics analysis and reporting in the Caribbean.” The workshop also emphasized the relevance of tourism statistics, both for informing the sector’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic but also, looking ahead, for its role in guiding sustainable development across the Caribbean region. As with every other global region, the crisis has hit the Caribbean hard. According to the latest UNWTO data, Caribbean destinations experienced a 67% fall in international tourist arrivals in 2020 compared to the previous year. Given the reliance of many destinations on the sector, this has placed large numbers of livelihoods and businesses at risk and makes the timely restart of tourism vital.

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

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Arrives in Cambodia With Opening of Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company and leading provider of hotel management services with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries on six continents, has opened its first hotel in Cambodia, the Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville, a brand new landmark on the country’s tropical coast. Howard Johnson by Wyndham continues its expansion in Southeast Asia with the opening of Blue Bay Sihanoukville following successful openings for the brand in China and South Korea. Howard Johnson by Wyndham is a globally recognised brand with hotels in more than 320 locations across three continents: North America, South America and Asia. The 522-key upscale hotel is the latest addition to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of over 1,500 hotels across the Asia Pacific region. “We are delighted to celebrate Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ entry into Cambodia with the opening of Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville. Across Asia Pacific, we are committed to growing our portfolio in amazing destinations – such as Sihanoukville – and we are confident that the hotel’s prime location by the beach, along with its excellent amenities, will make it one of the most desirable places to stay in the city,” said Joon Aun Ooi, President, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “This is an incredible milestone opening for Wyndham and we look forward to continuing our strong growth momentum. Through our robust pipeline of franchise and management contracts across the region, we anticipate more than 100 openings in Southeast Asia in the next 3-5 years. This will further strengthen our value proposition for Wyndham Rewards members as well as that for our owners and partners,” he added. Seafront Style with Five-Star FacilitiesHoward Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville is a stunning 36-storey upscale hotel comprising 322 contemporary rooms and suites with city and sea views, perfectly positioned at Independence Beach, close to the centre of Sihanoukville and overlooking the sparkling sea. Guests can unwind in style in the hotel’s guestrooms, which feature plush bedding, marble bathrooms with rain showers and, in some rooms, sea-facing balconies with spa tubs. For the ultimate indulgence, the hotel’s Presidential Suite offers an extensive 200 sqm of space with loft-like interiors and flexible open space, suitable for families or romantic getaways. Boasting an air of tranquillity, guests can savour glittering views of the Gulf of Thailand from the private bathtub or entertain friends and family in its spacious living and dining area. Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Blue Bay Sihanoukville also offers plenty of opportunities for guests to relax and unwind at the hotel with leisure and wellness facilities including an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic sea views, a well-equipped fitness centre, a spa, and a duty-free retail outlet. The hotel is also home to three dining outlets, including: Andaman Sea, the all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites alongside Sichuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisine; the Private Dining Room, serving local, Chinese and Western specialties; and the Infinity Lounge, which serves a refreshing array of beverages and cocktails. Visitors who want to explore the local area can take advantage of an onsite tour desk or request for professional services at the business centre. Guests staying on club floors can also enjoy bespoke amenities at the dedicated club lounge offering daily breakfast as well as cocktails and canapés every evening. The hotel is also directly connected to the region’s largest shopping mall and a major gaming centre, while the soft sands of Independence Beach are just moments away. Discover the Wonders the Cambodian RivieraSihanoukville is a serene seaside town and fishing port on the Cambodian coast and the capital of Sihanoukville Province. The coastal city is home to a string of sandy beaches, including Independence Beach, Victory Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, Otres Beach and Serendipity Beach, which offer an exotic blend of warm, clear seas, palm-fringed sand, and exhilarating water sports. The city is also the gateway to Cambodia’s idyllic offshore islands, such as Koh Rong, which offer pristine landscapes and spectacular snorkelling activities. The new hotel is located just 26km away from Sihanouk International Airport, while the Cambodian capital city, Phnom Penh, is 225km away.

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