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Iran suspends flights to and from France

All flights to and from France have been suspended due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the spokesman of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) has announced. Flights to and from 39 countries with special conditions are also canceled until further notice, Mohammad Hassan Zibakhsh said on Wednesday. However, Iran’s flag carrier IranAir is set to resume flights to and from the United Kingdom after months of suspension imposed to curb the spread of a novel coronavirus variant into the Islamic Republic, the official added. Back in February, Iran suspended flights to and from 32 countries including Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, French Guinea, Lesotho, Guyana, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritania, Rwanda, Sicily, Suriname, Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zambia. Earlier, 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: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 Regional News

Noruz visits to Iranian museums falls by one-fifth due to virus

Visits to Iranian museums fell by one-fifth during the recent Iranian New Year (Noruz) holidays (March 19-April 2) in comparison to the same period two years ago, when the new coronavirus was not yet an issue. “Visits to cultural heritage museums fell by one-fifth during the Noruz holidays of the current year (1400) in comparison to the same period in the year 1398,” Mohammadreza Kargar, the director of museums and historical properties at the tourism ministry, announced on Saturday. “1,246,102 people visited cultural heritage museums [and sites] during this Noruz,” the official said without mentioning the number of visitors during the same period in 1398. Cultural heritage museums were closed during the Noruz holiday last year (1399) due to strict social distancing measures, the official said. Currently, 740 museums are active across Iran, of which 285 have been established since August 2013, when President Hassan Rouhani began his first administration, Kargar said in March. Back in 2018, he publicized that some three million historical objects were being kept at museums affiliated with the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Ministry. Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, embracing settlements dating back to 4000 BC. It also hosts some of the world’s oldest cultural monuments including bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, gardens, rich natural, rural landscapes as well as 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The name of Iran, formerly known as Persia, mostly conjures up the first Persian Empire, ruled by the Achaemenids (ca. 550 – 330 BC) and sites such as Pasargadae and Persepolis. However, there are tens of prehistorical sites as the Burnt City in Sistan-Baluchestan, Tepe Sialk in Kashan, Susa and Chogha Zanbil in the Khuzestan province, and Ecbatana in Hamedan which predate the Achaemenid period. From a wider point of view, Iranian history can be divided into Pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. The Medes unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC. The Islamic conquest of Persia (633–656) that put an end to the mighty Sassanid Empire (224–651) was a turning point in the history of the nation.

Create: Apr 5, 2021 Edit: Apr 5, 2021 Regional News

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

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

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

Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel Completes Full Property Renovation

Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel announces the completion of its top-to-bottom renovation that includes a total transformation of guest rooms, fitness center, and public spaces, as well as a redesign and upgrade of its more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces. Associate and guest safety continues to remain paramount during the pandemic with current guidelines located here. Owned and managed by Columbia Sussex, the Renaissance Dallas Addison is extremely popular for groups of all sizes and leisure travelers to North Dallas. Offering the biggest meeting space of any hotel in Addison, the hotel is located in the heart of the vibrant Addison “Restaurant Row” – just steps away from a wide variety of restaurants, nightlife entertainment and upscale shopping destinations, as well as key venues such as Addison Circle Park and Galleria Dallas. The hotel’s comprehensive renovations touched nearly every space within the property and, in keeping with the Renaissance brand’s ethos, were designed to reflect the spirit of the neighborhood, where visitors can enjoy culture, work and play. The area’s growing community of theatre, fine art, music and food invites travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of the area, and the renovations reflect these ideals through neutral color palettes that juxtapose natural wood and leather materials with contemporary designs and thoughtfully-curated artistic focal points. The Renaissance Dallas Addison has implemented a number of health protocols and safety measures to allow people to feel comfortable traveling again when ready, including the option for an entirely contactless stay, social events designed to allow for social distancing, restrictions on fitness center capacity, housekeeping access to guest rooms, and thorough cleaning and sanitation protocols throughout the property that follow Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols. The renovations at Renaissance Dallas Addison included: Meeting & Event Spaces Renaissance Dallas Addison’s expansive meeting and event space – totaling more than 100,000 square feet – attracts groups of all sizes to Addison and, with the biggest meeting space of any hotel in Addison, has consistently been among the city’s most popular meeting destinations. The hotel utilizes the Social Tables virtual platform to create event layouts that enable appropriate social distancing between guests and has remained a popular destination for social events during the pandemic as its space is able to accommodate up to 700 guests with proper social distancing protocols in place. This capacity will grow to 2,000 guests as restrictions are lifted. The redesigned meeting and event spaces offer state-of-the-art conference space, stylish meeting rooms, and indoor and outdoor event venues. The hotel features 37 flexible spaces from boardrooms to ballrooms, with the largest venue offering more than 25,000 square feet. Some highlights of the newly-introduced meeting offerings include: A neutral aesthetic replete with earth tones and natural fabrics reflecting the rich natural landscape and historic industries of oil and cattle that have shaped Addison Custom and innovative menus to inspire guests of all tastes and preferences – from coffee breaks and luncheons to cocktail banquets and seated receptions Anticipatory service aligned with the Renaissance brand, which intends to provide each guest with a unique and delightful experience State-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities to ensure seamless and enriching experiences for all meeting and event guests. Floorplans of the hotel meeting and event spaces are available here. Guest Rooms All 528 guest rooms, including 24 bi-level suites, ranging in size from 750 square feet to 2,400 square feet have been renovated to reflect the new design philosophy using wood, earthy tones and natural materials, coupled with a modern and upscale twist reflecting the Renaissance brand’s comfortable, modern aesthetic. The complete redesign of the hotel’s guest rooms included the appointment of entirely new furniture and furnishings, as well as upgrades to the HVAC system and plumbing. Updates to the guest rooms include thoughtful touches and elements reflective of the Dallas culture, such as the placement in each room of both a photograph of the “Blueprints” sculpture situated just behind the hotel in the Addison Circle Park and a portrait of Dallas-born musician Stevie Ray Vaughan. Additionally, each luxurious guest room is designed for optimal rest and productivity with architectural framing, contrasting finishes and wall cladding, upscale bathroom fixtures, and thoughtful solutions to enhance a guest’s stay, such as: Convenient wall outlets, lamp outlets and nightstands outfitted with USB ports for multiple electronic deviceLuxurious bedding with cotton-rich linens and fluffy pillowsHigh-speed Wi-Fi and a large desk with a well-lit workspace, comfortable chair and plug-in panels55-inch flat-panel TVs with the Marriott Entertainment Package, including premium cable and movie channels to keep guests well-entertainedIn-room refrigerator and coffee barStrategically placed mirrors, including back-lit vanity mirror and full-length mirrorsEclectic art collections featuring subjects local to Dallas. Public Spaces and Fitness Center Upon entering the Renaissance Dallas Addison, guests are immediately greeted by a fully renovated lobby. In its complete transformation, the lobby area was outfitted with new furniture, appealing light fixtures and a Discovery Table that are designed to invite guests into the public spaces with a sense of warm Southern hospitality. The new lobby also features artwork from local Dallas artists, including sculptures from Brad Oldam, and a unique interactive wall that offers a unique Texas belt buckle match game. With views leading into the newly redesigned lobby and downstairs public spaces, on-site restaurant Noell JCT will continue to offer contemporary, American-style cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The adjacent Noell JCT Lounge has been updated with the addition of intimate, semi-private spaces perfect for small groups to conduct business or to unwind and enjoy an appetizer and a selection from the extensive wine list or cocktail menu. Additionally, the hotel’s on-site state-of-the-art fitness center has been transformed entirely with a larger footprint of more than 4,000 square feet and new Matrix Fitness equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, various weight stations and free weights.

Create: Mar 13, 2021 Edit: Mar 13, 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

Extended Stay America Expands Footprint in Oklahoma With Three Franchise Conversions

Extended Stay America, Inc., the largest mid-priced extended-stay hotel brand, announced today the addition of three properties in Oklahoma through franchise conversions. The properties are all owned by Dallas-based Provident Realty Advisors, Inc. and will be operated by Plano, Texas-based Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company. The properties include: Extended Stay America Bartlesville – Hwy 75, Bartlesville, Oklahoma Extended Stay America McAlester – Hwy 69, McAlester, Oklahoma Extended Stay America Lawton – Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma “We are extremely excited to be adding these properties into the ESA brand as we expand our presence into the Oklahoma market,” said Judi Bikulege, Chief Investment Officer, Extended Stay America. “These new ESA locations continue our strategy of growing the ESA portfolio through franchising, and we are pleased to continue working with our franchise owner, Provident, and their management company, Aimbridge.” All three properties are well-positioned in their markets and within close proximity to retail, office, hospital, airports, and major highways. They will all feature complimentary Wi-Fi, premium cable, a STAYFIT fitness room, and a STAYCLEAN laundry room. The rooms include fully equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators, on-site guest laundry, as well as free Wi-Fi, and grab-and-go breakfast.

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

Iran reduces PCR test validity for air passengers

Iran has reduced the validity of negative COVID-19 PCR test results from 96 hours to 72 hours for inbound and outbound passengers. According to the Health Ministry, and the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control, people flying to or from Iran need to do their PCR test within 72 hours before their flights. 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. Iranian citizens without a negative coronavirus PCR test result are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days at their own expense, while non-Iranian nationalities without the certificate are not allowed to enter the country. 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. According to some Iranian airlines, passengers from the United Kingdom, Japan, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Seychelles, Angola, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius, as well as the travelers who have stayed in these countries for two weeks before entering the Iranian border, due to the spread of a new variant of the coronavirus in these regions, are not allowed to enter the country. 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: Feb 13, 2021 Edit: Feb 13, 2021 Regional News

Luxury’s Next Competitor Is Not a Hotel

Every hotel property aspires to be luxury in one way or another, even as the word ‘luxury’ has become a bit overused in the past decade. As such, there are always new entrants testing out concepts and evolving various features, amenities or service offerings, all in an attempt to get one step ahead of the curve. The pandemic has, of course, shifted priorities but the pursuit of luxury still remains as a means of capturing guests’ hearts. Concurrent to this arms race amongst traditional hotels – and now also alternative accommodations – it is important that hospitality brands consider those accommodations not bound by land. Cruise lines are also evolving and diversifying in the wake of COVID-19, particularly as they try to cover as many traveler niches as possible, including several different types of luxury such as what’s addressed herein. As we all look to recover from this world-shaping crisis, hotels must take a more holistic approach in evaluating market forces and their competition. Launching the Seven Seas Splendor This is one event from the antecovidian times that still has significance for hoteliers. Aggressively promoted through social media channels, the christening of the New Regent Seven Seas Splendor was an hour-plus YouTube segment dedicated to the company, its staff and the ship. Watching this unfold, we could not help wondering at the tremendous organization that unfolded to not only construct this vessel, but importantly the efforts required to bring this product into the marketplace. While the coronavirus has cast a big question mark over its long-term success, what’s important to remember here is the larger trend – the expansion of the luxury cruise segment. This being a hotel publication, you may wonder why we are lavishing so much attention on a product launch that is not a hotel property. Fact is, that as hoteliers, there is a great deal of learning that we can glean from this singular event, as well as from the cruise industry’s overall response to the pandemic. If you are managing or owning a luxury hotel or resort, this new ship and others like it will soon become a significant competitor; just think of it as 375 rooms added into your comp set. The Seven Seas Splendor once again raises the bar on ‘accessible luxury’. By accessible, we mean prices that run at roughly $1,500 to $2,000 per night (meals included), which is a sweet spot for the luxury accommodation market segment. Of note, there is an even higher category of accommodations that we cheekily call ‘no-holds-barred-luxury’, such as a $5,000+ per night, multiple-bedroom villa-for-rent somewhere along the Mediterranean. Consider for a moment, a comparison between an eight-day cruise and the same length of stay on a leisure holiday hypothetically in one, two or three different luxury properties. Let’s say your budget is $1,500 per day for a hotel including three meals, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and taxes. These days, that is not really all that extravagant and probably not enough for five-star, land-based accommodations in Europe on an all-inclusive financial cost basis. Yet, that’s roughly the price range for a luxury, small boat tour (1,000pax or less). And remember the cruise makes it significantly easier on the traveler – unpacking only once and coordinating your needs with exemplary service, not to mention that this all-inclusive price may also comprise day excursions, entertainment, airfare and transfers. Three Key Lessons Rest assured that, for the decade ahead, this form of luxury is indeed a competitor to any traditional hotel that you must take into consideration when planning ahead. Here are three quick takeaways you can learn from this particular ship and other newer, luxury cruise liners of its ilk. 1. Don’t reinvent the wheel. The new Seven Seas Splendor is virtually identical in design to its sister ship, the Seven Seas Explorer, that launched some five years earlier (and a ship that Larry has journeyed upon). This made the new ship much more cost effective to design and faster to build. It also means that the staff familiar with one ship are almost effortlessly interchangeable, thereby reducing onboarding costs. From a marketing standpoint, it also means that guests of one ship will be eager to experiment with the new one once coronavirus fears have subsided. 2. Remember your target audience. Study trends in design but steer away from the cutting edge. Unlike many new hotel designs, this ship’s design elements are tasteful yet far from revolutionary. Often hoteliers seek to try ‘something completely new’ in design, perhaps to be provocative from a public relations standpoint. Yet in doing so, they forget that it is the guest that is the ultimate judge and jury. While now taking into account physical distancing measures, you should design appropriately if your core guest demographic is conservative and likely in the age range of 60 to 80 with a high net worth. 3. Lever your past guests from the entire chain to the new destination. You’re only new once, so make a big deal of it. As a past guest of a sister ship, not a week went by without an email bulletin on the progress and routing. We’ve all been quite good at communicating our updated health and safety policies throughout 2020, and that same level of efforts should be given to any new product launches in 2021. Such new property or program announcements are low hanging fruit for loyalty patronage. Wouldn’t a regular guest in one city opt for staying at the same hotel brand in another? Wouldn’t a loyal guest be keen for a return visit if you offer them exclusive or advanced access to a new onsite amenity? As a classic marketing tactic, look to drum up your base before attempting to reach wholly new audiences. Many people are eagerly awaiting the day when they can get their vaccines then start cruising again, and therein lies tremendous learning opportunities for hotels on what products and services travelers really want. To the captain and crew of this new ship – and to the members of your hotel team – we wish you smooth sailing in 2021 and hopefully no rogue waves like what we endured last year.

Create: Feb 11, 2021 Edit: Feb 11, 2021 International News

Angels Landing Partners Advance Plans for $2 Billion Twin-Tower Luxury Hotel Project in Downtown L.A.

Two acclaimed African American developers – Victor MacFarlane of MacFarlane Partners and R. Donahue Peebles of The Peebles Corporation – are doubling-down on their multi-million-dollar effort to bring thousands of new jobs and economic benefits to the nation’s second-largest city as development partners of Angels Landing, their $2 billion twin-tower luxury hotel project in downtown L.A.’s Bunker Hill neighborhood. MacFarlane and Peebles are majority-owner principals of Angels Landing Partners, LLC, the development partnership responsible for conceiving, designing, building, and operating Angels Landing. The partnership was officially selected by L.A. City officials at the conclusion of the city’s competitive bid process in 2017. Their partnership’s intentions are firmly focused on completing construction of Angels Landing before elite athletes, sports officials and tourists worldwide converge in L.A. for the 2028 Olympic Summer Games. Victor B. MacFarlane, chairman and CEO, MacFarlane Partners said, “Angels Landing aligns well with many of the projects we have built in the past 30 years throughout the U.S., including two residential developments recently completed near Pershing Square.” “The foundation of our business has always been to strengthen communities where we do business,” Mr. MacFarlane said. “We believe we can help communities prosper. We know Angels Landing will have a significant positive impact on L.A.’s economy. The ripple effect of Angels Landing’s substantial economic and employment activity will reverberate throughout L.A. County by providing good-paying union jobs to construct our hotel project and extensive career opportunities when the project is completed, and its hotels are open to the public. We have spent more than $10 million to move our project forward. We’re not letting the coronavirus pandemic slow us down. We anticipate our project entitlement this year,” he added. Angels Landing is comprised of two towers, each anchored by its own five-star hotel. In addition to the hotels, the development will feature an expansive modern urban park – known as Angels Landing Plaza – designed to serve as a pedestrian-centered, transit-adjacent, open space environment in the heart of downtown L.A. R. Donahue Peebles, Chairman and CEO, The Peebles Corporation said, “Equity and inclusion are bedrock principles at the Peebles Corporation. My success is predicated on opportunities I received because of those two important tenets. I have built an impressive collection of commercial and residential projects in New York, Washington, D.C., Miami, and other U.S. cities.” “In each city, I’ve been most excited about using my influence to empower Black-owned, Latino-owned, and women-owned business leaders. My company works diligently to help minority-owned enterprises grow their businesses through procurement contracts established through our development projects,” Mr. Peebles said. According to an analysis prepared by BJH Advisors, LLC., more than 8,300 new jobs will be created during Angels Landing’s project design and construction. The New York City-based firm’s report estimates Angels Landing would additionally create more than 800 permanent jobs in downtown L.A. An estimated 500 jobs would be created by vendors in the L.A. County region providing good and services to the two luxury hotels. In addition to new job creation, the BJH Advisors analysis projects Angels Landing would give L.A.’s local economy a $1.6 billion boost and contribute $731 million to local worker’s earnings during its construction. The project would generate as estimated 12 million in recurring tax revenues and $2.4 million annually in local property tax revenues, according to the report. “With Angels Landing, the transformative impact of empowerment and economic inclusion will be felt by an array of businesses, including Latino- and Asian-owned businesses. We have committed to a goal of 30% M/WBE contracting across the board for our project. We’re raising the bar for economic inclusion for development projects in Los Angeles,” Mr. Peebles added. Angels Landing Plaza will frame the angular, multi-level Bunker Hill site as a publicly accessible, privately managed park amenity, establishing it as a vibrant, inviting, and treasured locale for L.A.’s downtown neighborhood residents, weekday commuters, nightlife seekers, tourists, and hotel guests. L.A.’s historic Angel’s Flight funicular will operate on its hillside-climbing route contiguous to the Angels Landing development. “With our commitment to Angels Landing, we are committing to the future of downtown Los Angeles. Despite the millions of dollars expended so far to keep our project on-track, and notwithstanding the strong pandemic-induced recessionary pressures on L.A.’s economy, we continue to push hard to make our plans for Angels Landing a reality. Having recently completed our Park Fifth apartment complex, a two-building development adjacent to Pershing Square, Angels Landing represents our continued faith in the economic future of downtown Los Angeles,” Mr. MacFarlane said. Mr. Peebles said, “2020 was a trying year for nearly every sector in the business world. And the first three quarters of 2021 may be equally challenging. But we’ve faced big challenges in the past and always managed to prevail. The success of our development businesses is a testament to our drive and commitment to build projects that improve the quality of life in the communities where they’re built.” Mr. MacFarlane said, “The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been significant this year. Some of those negative economic impacts, such as lagging job growth, are projected to extend well into 2021. But pessimistic economic indicators and projections have not shaken our resolve to build Angels Landing. We’re making our investment to create new jobs for L.A. area residents. We’re confident Angels Landing will help the L.A. economy rebound and gain strength. Angels Landing will create thousands of jobs that will result in millions of dollars circulating throughout the L.A. region providing a needed boost to small businesses.”

Create: Feb 11, 2021 Edit: Feb 11, 2021 International News

Virus cost global tourism $1.3 trillion in 2020

The coronavirus crisis cost the global tourism sector $1.3 trillion in lost revenue in 2020 as the number of people traveling plunged, the UN said, calling it "the worst year in tourism history". Revenue lost last year amounted to "more than 11 times the loss recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis," the Madrid-based UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said in a statement, warning that between 100 million and 120 million direct tourism jobs were at risk, AFP reported. International tourist arrivals fell by one billion, or 74 percent, in 2020 with Asia, the first region to feel the impact of COVID-19, seeing the steepest decline, it added. "While much has been made in making safe international travel a possibility, we are aware that the crisis is far from over," UNWTO head Zurab Pololikashvili said in the statement. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is expected to "slowly normalize travel" in 2021 but many countries are reintroducing travel restrictions such as quarantines, mandatory testing and border closures "due to the evolving nature of the pandemic", the body said. The Asia and Pacific region recorded an 84 percent drop in arrivals. It was followed by Africa and the Middle East with a 75 percent drop, Europe with 70 percent fewer visitors "despite a small and short-lived revival in the summer" and the Americas where arrivals fell by 69 percent. International tourism arrivals rose by four percent in 2019 to 1.5 billion, with France the world's most visited country, followed by Spain and the US. The last time international tourist arrivals posted an annual decline was in 2009 when the global economic crisis led to a four percent drop. The UNWTO said most experts do not see a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism activity before 2023. Open-air and nature-based tourism will see growing demand when tourism restarts, with domestic tourism also expected to be more popular, the body said. While international tourism has taken a hit from the outbreak of disease in the past, the coronavirus is unprecedented in its geographical spread. By comparison, international tourism arrivals fell by just 0.4 percent in 2003 after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed 774 people worldwide. The coronavirus has killed at least 2,176,000 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP. The tourism industry accounts for about 10 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP) and jobs.

Create: Feb 3, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021 International News

United Arab Emirates travellers banned from UK

The government banned travel to the UK from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda. Officials said the move was to prevent the spread of the new variant originally identified in South Africa into the UK. From 13:00 on Friday, passengers who have been in or transited through the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda in the last ten days will no longer be granted access to the UK. This does not include British and Irish nationals, or third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK, who will be able to enter the UK but are required to self-isolate for ten days at home, along with their household. Passengers returning from these countries cannot be released from self-isolation through test to release. There will also be a flight ban on direct passenger flights from the United Arab Emirates. The decision to ban travel from these destinations follows the discovery of a new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa, that may have spread to other countries, including the UAE, Burundi and Rwanda. Any exemptions usually in place will not apply, including for business travel. British nationals currently in the UAE should make use of the commercial options available if they wish to return to the UK. Indirect commercial routes that will enable British and Irish nationals and residents to return to the UK continue to operate. British nationals should check Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and follow local guidance. Emirates Following confirmation, Emirates, one of the largest carriers between the United Arab Emirates and the UK, said it remained committed to the market in the long-term. An Emirates spokesperson said: “As directed by the UK government, Emirates will be suspending passenger services between Dubai and all our UK points – Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester - effective 13:00 today, until further notice. “We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking. “Emirates remains committed to serving our customers in the UK. “We look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow, and will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard.”

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 31, 2021 International News