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Hotel News - Statement by Board of Directors of the Hoteliers Association in response to some comments on the assignment of the Fourth Factor of National Hotels Evaluation.

“We are surprised that some people consider the statements of the most responsible members of the Hoteliers Association to be irresponsible and unprofessional on hotel industry issues. The Iran Hoteliers Association has always been a good partner with Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran align with the growth and improvement of the hospitality industry in the country. Contrary to the statements made by these people, the Fourth Factor will not be left to hoteliers themselves, but Iran Hoteliers Association will be responsible. Iran Hoteliers Association is now carefully and rigorously focused on all aspects of the hospitality industry in the country, and has sufficient control over its sub-functions, and has proved its competence and qualification during this period. The decision to hand over the affairs is handled by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran, and the head of the organization has identified the best option for Iran Hoteliers Association. The Board of Governors of the Iran Hoteliers Association, selected by all the industry's activists across the country, will strive to do his duty and what is best for all hoteliers in this country." Kamiar Eskandrian - Member of the Board of Directors and Secretary of the Iran Hoteliers Association in Iran

Create: Feb 26, 2019 Edit: Mar 5, 2019 Regional News

Best Western completes acquisition of WorldHotels

Hotel News - Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced today it has acquired global hotel brand WorldHotels representing a collection of approximately 300 unique and special hotels and resorts in premier destinations around the world. “There is tremendous synergy between Best Western and WorldHotels. By joining forces in this new partnership, we will create competitive advantages for both companies,” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “I have the utmost respect for WorldHotels and believe in its vast potential.” The acquisition of WorldHotels was completed last week. The WorldHotels brand will play a critical role in enhancing Best Western’s portfolio of offerings to include the upper-upscale and luxury segments. WorldHotels will maintain its distinctive personality and individuality while benefiting from Best Western’s robust and scalable e-commerce platform, strong partnerships, sales and marketing support and powerful revenue engines. WorldHotels _Collection“Best Western is one of the largest, most respected and trusted hotel brands,” said Geoff Andrew, CEO, WorldHotels. “As we join forces, the combined power of our brands sets the stage for a bright future for both Best Western and WorldHotels. Through its established senior leadership team and regional presence in each market, Best Western brings a new level of expertise that will undoubtedly help grow both Best Western and WorldHotels in key markets.” Best Western has been on a journey of transformation over the past several years. In the last year alone, Best Western was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, expanded its portfolio to 13 dynamic brands reaching new guests in new segments, and won a record number of industry awards and accolades. The acquisition is a testament to Best Western’s commitment to growth, modernization and continued progression, bolstering the company’s position as a trusted leader in the global hospitality industry. “In the coming months, our focus will be to unlock WorldHotels’ potential by improving revenue delivery to its hotels while protecting its independent identity. We truly believe our platform will build the WorldHotels brand and attract many more independence–minded, quality hotels to join. We are very pleased that Geoff Andrew will continue as CEO of WorldHotels for the foreseeable future.” concluded Kong.

Create: Feb 19, 2019 Edit: Feb 19, 2019 International News

Hyatt making big moves in Middle East & Africa - HYATT continues expansion in Kuwait

HYATT CONTINUES EXPANSION IN KUWAIT Hyatt Regency makes a comeback in Kuwait with the opening of the Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall. The property will be emblematic of Hyatt´s Regency brand, which aims to offer guests the convenience and ease of having all of the amenities they require under one roof. The Al Kout Mall will boast 200 guestrooms, which includes 53 junior suites, 67 regency suites and 14 premium suites, as well as 2,400 sqm of meeting and conference space which includes a regency ballroom for events and functions. One of the highlights of the hotel is the rooftop fitness centre, Club Olympus, which offers guests panoramic views out over sea and city. Here, guests can relax in the pool or keep fit in the gym. The hotel is also conveniently located close to the international airport and to the border with Saudi Arabia. Some of the most exciting sights in Kuwait are right at the hotel’s doorstep, including the Al Kout Mall, Souq Al Kout, Al Kout Marina, Al Kout Fisherman’s Wharf and the Al Kout promenade. “We are excited to welcome the Hyatt Regency brand back to Kuwait,” said Mohammed Jassim Khalid Al Marzouq, chairman of Tamdeen Group, Hyatt’s partner in the opening of the Regency Al Kout Mall, as well as the planned Grand Hyatt Kuwait. “We are certain that the Hyatt Regency brand, known for its superior facilities and seamless service, will resonate with business and leisure travelers visiting Kuwait, and look forward to our continued collaboration and future openings in this dynamic city,” he added.

Create: Feb 16, 2019 Edit: Feb 19, 2019 International News

Intour Summit comes to Azerbaijan in June

Hotel News - Azerbaijan will host the Intour Summit on June 4 and 5 this year, which is the region’s foremost travel summit, drawing attendees from all corners of the hospitality industry. Over the course of two days, delegates will network with over 1,000 other industry professionals, and listen to over 70 speakers dive deep into the current market trends. We find out more. AZERBAIJAN MAKES ITS MARK Azerbaijan is one of the most important countries in Central Asia, and boasts the frontier of the meeting of East and West, making it a melting pot of different cultures. It is an ideal place, then, for the Intour Summit, the country’s and the region’s most prominent hospitality conference. Delegates and industry professionals will make their way from all corners of the globe to attend this two-day event, which promises to be full of inspiring and engaging talks, presentations and networking sessions. It will also gives attendees the chance to discover the amazing city of Baku, the country’s historic city and capital, which has be central to Azerbaijan’s strategy to make the country a player on the world commercial stage. RICH IN CONTENT The Intour Summit will guide participants through developments and opportunities in the region. Some of the confirmed speakers at the event include Adrian D`Amico, VP of Booking.com EMEA; Alexis Feuillat, Director of Development IHG for Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, CIS and Baltics; David Jenkins, Vice President Business Development for Russia, CIS, Georgia, Ukraine, Baltics, Balkans and Israel at Radisson Hotel Group; and Sergey Egorov, Director of Development for Russia and CIS at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Speakers will present information, research and data around current developments in the industry as well as future trends and projections. A diverse array of sectors will be in attendance, from tech startups, media groups, hotels, airlines, investors and tour operators, and networking will be encouraged in the B2B meeting zone, as well as through pre-arranged meetings, coffee breaks and drinks receptions. With the Central Asian market growing quickly, the Intour Summit promises to be a great opportunity to find out about the region’s pipeline and meet potential partners in the area. More information available here.

Create: Feb 16, 2019 Edit: Feb 19, 2019 International News

Central, Eastern Europe to get 242 new hotels in coming years

Hotel News - The coming years will be eventful in Central and Eastern Europe, with a host of new hotel projects in the pipeline, according to the TOPHOTELCONSTRUCTION database. The region, which includes countries such as Lithuania, Romania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Albania and Macedonia, will see substantial investment over the course of the next few years, which will result in a total of 242 new hotel projects across the region, Schmidt said. This will bring an additional key count of 49,583 guest rooms to the region, with the projects being split between luxury (98) and first-class (144) categories. The lion’s share of the projects (88) are set to open this year, while 58 will welcome guests in 2020, 32 in 2021, five in 2022, and 59 from 2023 onwards. Currently, a hefty percentage of the projects (44%) are in the planning stage, with 38% under construction and 10% in the pre-opening stages. Hilton, Radisson and Holiday Inn are the biggest brands to feature in CEE, with Radisson Blu and Red, as well as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express set to be some of the biggest hitters in the region. Austria, Poland and Croatia will see some of the highest volumes of hotel openings. There are 68 projects planned for Austria, with 22 openings in 2019 mostly situated in the capital Vienna. Poland will welcome 53 projects to give a total key count of 9,719, with 21 opening this year. Croatia will benefit from 25 hotel projects, bringing 9,842 additional rooms to the country, with six projects welcoming guests in 2019. Germany and Russia will also see significant investment in the coming years, with 373 new projects in the German pipeline and 77 in the works in Russia.

Create: Jan 29, 2019 Edit: Jan 30, 2019 International News

Charlotta Olsson Appointed as General Manager At Radisson Collection Hotel, Strand Stockholm, Sweden

Hotel News - Twelve years ago she kicked off her career at Radisson SAS Strand Hotel at Blasieholmen - now she is back at the same hotel, today's Radisson Collection Strand Hotel Stockholm, as the hotel's new General Manager, according to a press release. Charlotta Olsson already decided there and then 12 years ago that "One day I will come back here and run this hotel". After studying in France, Boston and Italy, she landed at Linköping University. Something that turned out to be completely wrong for Charlotta. She interrupted her studies, once again packed her bag and moved to Caux (Montreux) in Switzerland and studied at the Swiss Hotel Management School. In the hotel industry, she was able to combine her passion for travel, language and the meeting with new people with her drive and talent for development work. She started as Meeting & Events Executive at the Radisson SAS Strand Hotel. Since then, she has successfully climbed within organization with steady steps, a process possibly accelerated by a certain restlessness transformed into a superpower. Most recently, Charlotta has been running the Park Inn by Radisson Stockholm Solna for two years as General Manager. Before that, she opened the Park Inn by Radisson Lund in the same role. A hotel that has now been refined into a Radisson Blu. When Charlotta talks about the new role at Radisson Collection Strand Hotel, it is an admirable enthusiasm that emerges. As a leader, Charlotta is described as purposeful, straight and clear - a person that people know where they are. But also as a caring person who cares on a personal level. Outside the hotel walls, Charlotta is a person with a food and wine interest who likes to travel and then preferably to Italy. She is the oldest in the sibling with two brothers and has strong family ties. She is found frequently in the jogging track or in the hot yoga room if she did not pick up her tennis racket or a golf club.

Create: Jan 26, 2019 Edit: Jan 28, 2019 Appointments

Best Western Hotels Resorts Signs New Seafront Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hotel News - Best Western Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new seafront property in the popular resort town of Hua Hin, on Thailand's gulf coast. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will feature 410 guest rooms and an array of leisure amenities for all types of guest, including couples and families. Located close to the beach just south of Hua Hin town center and 2.5 hours' drive from Bangkok, this contemporary resort will provide the perfect destination for locals, expats and international travelers seeking a revitalizing break from the city. The centerpiece of this elegant resort will be a series of freeform lagoon pools, slides, waterfalls and a special children's water play zone, all surrounded by tropical palm trees, sun decks and cozy cabanas. Every room features modern amenities and a balcony overlooking these aquatic attractions, while a series of spacious ground floor rooms offer terraces with direct access to the pools. A sunken pool bar creates an ideal spot to enjoy a cooling daytime drink, while the Beach Bar allows guests to chill out with refreshing drinks and gaze out over the glistening Gulf of Thailand. The hotel also features a restaurant serving breakfast and all-day Thai and international cuisine, a daytime coffee shop and a modern fitness center, and onsite parking will be available. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao is owned by One Place Estate Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was held on December 17, 2018, and attended by Mr Pongpipat Kanjanasupat (4th right), Mr Suvichai Janethanaarthakij (4th left), CEOs of One Place Estate, and Olivier Berrivin (3rd right), Managing Director of International Operations - Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "Hua Hin has transformed from a charming coastal town into a thriving international tourism destination that now attracts millions of visitors every year. Newly connected with international flights, it now possesses a wide range of attractions including world-class golf courses, wineries, restaurants and enchanting cultural sites. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will allow guests to experience the best of this impressive destination in comfort and style, with spacious accommodation and fantastic facilities, most notably its exotic outdoor pools," commented Olivier Berrivin. "Whether guests are seeking a romantic beachfront retreat, a memorable family vacation or a fun-filled getaway for a group of friends, this new resort has something for everyone. We look forward to working with our esteemed partners at One Place Estate as we bring this exciting project to life," he added

Create: Jan 20, 2019 Edit: Jan 20, 2019 International News

Portugal's Lenha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort Sold

Hotel News - Lenha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort - Aerial view Portugal's Lenha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort Sold CBRE has advised the Carlyle Group on the acquisition of Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort, in Sintra, Portugal. Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort, part of Quinta da Penha Longa, in Sintra, is one of the most iconic resorts in Portugal, with 194 rooms, a spa and a wellness centre, and more than 3,000 m2 conference and meeting facilities. The resort features a golf course, highlighted as one of the top 30 best golf courses in Europe, designed by the renowned course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. In addition to extensive meeting, sporting and leisure facilities, in 2018 Penha Longa became the first hotel in Portugal to have two restaurants awarded Michelin stars. The resort will continue to be managed by Ritz-Carlton, a Marriot Group company, who has run the resort since December 2003. Duarte Morais Santos, Senior Consultant at CBRE Hotels, commented: "Tourism continues to be one of the great drivers of the Portuguese economy, constantly setting new records when it comes to the occupation rate. This transaction shows the great work CBRE Hotels has been developing, and we are very proud to have been an active part in the transaction of this resort." Peter Stoll, Managing Director for Carlyle European Realty advisory team said: "Penha Longa is one of the best-known and most-established hotels in Portugal, and the hospitality sector in the country is experiencing a strong demand from both leisure and corporate travellers. We are excited to be partnering with Explorer Investments to develop the full potential of the resort."

Create: Jan 19, 2019 Edit: Jan 20, 2019 International News

Melia opens it's fourth hotel in Cuba

Hotel News—the fourth Paradisus hotel in the Meliá Hotels International chain in Cuba and the first in Cayo Santa María—opened its doors on 8 December. This eco resort is set in a unique natural environment. Cayo Santa María is surrounded by the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, which boasts the second most important coral reef on the planet. Elegant, sophisticated and modern, Paradisus Los Cayos defines the essence of an all-inclusive natural luxury experience. Overlooking a fine-sand beach stretching for nearly half a mile and bathed by turquoise waters in one of the most unspoilt spots in the key, the establishment blends harmoniously with the nature surrounding it. Paradisus Los Cayos offers 802 Suites and Junior Suites. A large hotel where the architecture and interior design ensure guests can relax in an exclusive private setting. One aspect that sets this eco resort apart from the rest is its 34 swimming pools. Guests can go for a refreshing dip directly from their Garden Swim-Up rooms. The hotel provides two exclusive areas: The Reserve and Royal Service. Designed for guests seeking personalised attention, The Reserve is suitable for lone travellers or families as it offers the Family Concierge service. The Reserve guests can also enjoy areas and amenities especially designed for the most exacting tastes. If you prefer a luxury adult-only experience, Paradisus Los Cayos has a Royal Service area. Besides exclusive access to hotel bars, the lobby and swimming pools, other highlights include an exceptional butler service. The variety and quality of the food is another differentiating factor. With 12 restaurants and 14 bars to choose from, guests can enjoy a huge variety of tastes and textures. They range from Mediterranean dishes to Latin fusion and include the exotic flavours of Asia, signature cuisine and traditional Cuban fare. Guests can also enjoy diverse bar locations and interiors designed to cater for all tastes. Sipping a drink on the beach or gazing at the sunset while savouring a cocktail specially prepared by Cuban cocktail experts are two of the options available for travellers staying at Paradisus Los Cayos. The facilities for the MICE segment will turn this hotel and Cayo Santa María into a new hub for major events. The establishment provides 959 m² for meetings, with a large ballroom (910 m²) that can hold 910 people in a theatre format and 500 in banquet style. There are also alternative locations: beaches, swimming pools, gardens or terraces. Paradisus Los Cayos is destined to become the company’s flagship in Cayos del Norte de Villa Clara. The hotel’s special features and surrounding natural environment make it a unique place for discovering enchanting landscapes and experiencing memorable moments in this Cuban paradise.

Create: Jan 13, 2019 Edit: Jan 19, 2019 International News

Ras Al Khaimah aims to get 3 million tourists annually by 2025

Hotel News - Emirate eyes new long-term tourism target as international visitors soar by 11% in first nine months of 2018. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced a growth of 11.2% in international guests in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2017. Almost 795,000 guests chose to stay in Ras Al Khaimah from January to September 2018 for a total of 2.53 million guest nights, it said in a statement. Double digit growth from international markets was led by Germany as the single largest source market with 64,372 visitors, up 4.1%, followed by Russia, with 57,117 visitors, up 36.5%, and the UK, with 45,496 visitors, up 10.1%. India was in fourth position with 44,734 visitors, up 16.1%, while Kazakhstan rounded out the top five source markets with 21,966 visitors, up 26.9%. In terms of market growth, Norway saw the largest percentage increase in visitors, up 41.5% on the first three quarters of 2017, with its Nordic neighbours Sweden and Denmark also showing increased interest in the emirate.

Create: Dec 25, 2018 Edit: Dec 25, 2018 International News

Wyndham to open three hotels in Deira, Dubai

Hotel News - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is set to increase its footprint in Dubai with three new managed hotels as part of the Deira Waterfront Development by Ithra Dubai, a wholly owned subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai. The hotels will operate under the Wyndham, Days Inn by Wyndham, and Super 8 by Wyndham brands. Also known as the Deira Enrichment Project, Ithra Dubai’s development is a mixed-use area situated along the Dubai creek in the southern part of Deira. Communal facilities, public amenities and open spaces will create a dynamic urban community along the shores of the Dubai Creek and will deliver key commercial growth opportunities for the city. The addition of three new hotels to the first phase of the development will also draw domestic and international business and leisure visitors looking for accommodation suited to a range of budgets. “We are very excited to welcome Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as a partner of our flagship development in Deira,” said Issam Galadari, director of Ithra Dubai. “Ithra Dubai’s development in Deira will enhance this busy and bustling part of Dubai, and will add to its rich tapestry woven by communities past and present. “The collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will bring a new dimension to the area’s hospitality services, and will elevate and facilitate new pathways for trade and business in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district.” The 282 rooms and suites at Wyndham Deira Waterfront will appeal to upscale travellers looking for tailored services and amenities to match, with its extensive meeting, fitness and leisure facilities, including a rooftop pool with views over the Gulf. Days Hotel Deira Waterfront will give midscale travellers a fresh burst of energy with its 131 quality rooms and suites, as well as an all-day dining restaurant and meeting facilities. Lastly, travellers on a budget will find 90 reasonably priced rooms at Super 8 Deira Waterfront, alongside a restaurant and café. “The addition of three of our most iconic global brands to this important area demonstrates Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to Dubai and the Middle East region as a whole,” said Ignace Bauwens, regional vice president for Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Together with Ithra Dubai, we know we can preserve the heritage of the area whilst still meeting the needs of the modern traveller and contributing to growing the district’s commercial opportunity. “Offering three very distinct hotel brands ranging from upscale to economy will also ensure the area holds great appeal for visitors to Dubai from many different source markets.”

Create: Dec 18, 2018 Edit: Dec 18, 2018 International News

Aman Resorts International

Meticulously designed to frame their natural settings, Aman destinations are renowned for space and privacy. Each welcomes guests as if to the home of a close friend, instilling a sense of peace and belonging amid some of the most diverse natural and historical landscapes. It is an approach that has changed little since 1988 when the first retreat was built on Phuket’s west coast. It was named Amanpuri, meaning ‘place of peace’, and Aman was born. Today, embracing 33 resorts, hotels, and private residences in 21 countries, Aman continues to seek out transformative experiences and awe-inspiring locations around the world. Ranked number 1 in the Top Luxury Hotel Brands 2018.

Create: Dec 17, 2018 Edit: Dec 18, 2018 International News