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Hyatt Announces the Opening of Three Hotels Under the JdV By Hyatt Brand in Sweden

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced the opening of three boutique hotels in Sweden under the JdV by Hyatt brand. Story Hotel Riddargatan and Story Hotel Signalfabriken in Stockholm, and Story Hotel Studio Malmö in Malmö, Sweden– all join Hyatt’s independent collection portfolio, significantly increasing Hyatt’s brand presence in Sweden. The three hotels join Hotell Reisen bringing the total number of Hyatt properties in the country to four. The JdV by Hyatt brand caters to free-spirited guests seeking vibrant and socially inclusive stays – bringing people from all walks of life together through joy-driven services. Deeply rooted in the culture of its local neighborhood, each hotel is as unique as the individuals who enter through its doors, providing guests with a range of locally inspired programming that allows them to connect authentically with the surrounding community during their stay. With modern, Scandinavian design that reflects the edgy nature of both Swedish cities, the hotels offer amenities for business and leisure travelers alike. “We are truly passionate about the neighbourhoods in which our hotels are located – so much so that we ensured the design of each hotel was a true extension of its surroundings and authentically reflected the local culture”, said Alexander Hederstrom, general manager of Story Hotel Riddargatan and Story Hotel Signalfabriken. “This is why we are so proud and excited to be joining JdV by Hyatt – a brand that truly recognizes and celebrates the importance of local community.” “We are excited to welcome guests through our doors and share with them the spectacular views of the ocean and the beautiful city of Malmö from our rooftop. Story Hotel Studio Malmö is at the heart of the city, only a five minute walk from the Malmö Central Station,” said Sebastian Kamieniarczyk, general manager of Story Hotel Studio Malmö. “With each hotel’s unique location, there really is no better place for guests to stay when coming to explore the city and immerse themselves in the local culture”. Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö all feature individually designed boutique guestrooms, vibrant public spaces and food and beverage offerings for both visitors and residents.

Create: Apr 19, 2021 Edit: Apr 19, 2021 International News

RAM Hotels Opens AC Hotel Columbus Downtown in Georgia

AC Hotels by Marriott®, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announced today the opening of the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown, located in the vibrant Uptown district of Columbus, Georgia. This six-story property is a design-driven lifestyle hotel featuring 125 guest rooms, engaging communal spaces and an extensive bar featuring custom-curated cocktails. “The AC Hotel Columbus Downtown is the first of its kind located directly on Broadway in Uptown, providing an elevated destination to Columbus, redefining the guest experience with inspired design and service,” says General Manager, Kane Morris. AC Hotel Columbus Downtown will include a curated collection of artwork and modern design elements, reminiscent of the historic Columbus Mills, utilizing subtle tones and crisp, clean lines. The thoughtfully designed property offers an inviting ambiance with contemporary styling to provide an elevated guest experience with anticipatory service and expertly executed amenities with no unwanted extras. The modern guest rooms cater to savvy leisure and business travelers with sleek furnishings, an open closet system, elegant art and hardwood floors. The AC Café is a true European-inspired coffee experience featuring specialty drinks from espresso, lattes and for a real treat, the Carajillo. The AC Library provides a quiet space for guests, complete with ambient lighting and a collection of inspiring novels selected by guest curators, while the buzzing AC Lounge® will provide a collaborative workspace by day and gathering place by night. Purposefully designed for creativity and connection, the AC Lounge is located in the lobby with access from Broadway. The bar is open for guests and locals alike and features Spanish-inspired tapas-style small bites, expertly crafted artisanal cocktails, local craft beers and specialty wines. The brand’s signature AC Kitchen invites guests each morning to a European-inspired breakfast selection of signature butter croissants baked fresh daily, savory egg tarts, artisan cured meats, such as thinly sliced La Quercia Prosciutto from AC’s iconic Berkel slicing machine, an international selection of cheeses, as well as yogurts and cereals, seasonal fruits and local specialties. “The concept behind the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown is simple but refined – remove the unnecessary extras to allow guests to focus on what is most important to them. We are excited to offer this frictionless experience to the Columbus area,” said Mitesh Patel, RAM Hotels Executive Vice President. “I especially look forward to introducing the AC Café. We are the first AC Hotel to offer this experience, from the moment the order is placed, to the moment the coffee is served, everything is visible to the guest. A truly elevated specialty coffee service experience available to guests and locals.” Intuitive service and signature amenities encourage guests to work, explore and socialize at the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown. Kallpods, the brand’s signature wireless service buttons, will be available throughout the hotel to better engage and meet the needs of guest requests. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and an AC Store featuring locally sourced items for on-the-go. As a brand known for applying a premium level of attention to even the smallest needs, each evening a special DIY lavender turn down service is available in the lobby. The new AC Hotel Columbus Downtown is conveniently located at 1225 Broadway and within walking distance to all the shopping and dining Uptown has to offer. The hotel is well positioned between major companies including Global Payments, Synovus, CSU, Mercer University and nearby Aflac.

Create: Apr 19, 2021 Edit: Apr 19, 2021 International News

First boutique hotel in Sistan-Baluchestan to be inaugurated

The first boutique hotel in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan will soon be put into operation. Mojtaba Mir-Hosseini, the deputy director of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Sistan-Baluchestan said that the first boutique hotel in the province will be opened in the historical citadel of General Mohammad Hosseini Khan Narui, located in the village of Qala-e-Naw, Zahak city. The monument has been repaired and restored at the cost of 21 billion rials (about $500,000 at the official rate of 42,000 rials) and is scheduled to be put into operation by the end of April. He said: "Construction of the courtyard wall, implementation of flooring and landscaping behind the building, construction of pavilions, WCs, separation of the walls of the citadel, implementation of access stairs to the upper floor, repair, restoration and equipment inside the citadel, including renovation of living rooms, kitchen, management rooms, handicraft salesrooms as well as installation of doors and windows of spaces, repair of internal stairs and correction of the height of stairs, landscaping, and parking in the space behind the citadel, etc. are among the ongoing measures.” Mir-Hosseini added: "In fact, boutique hotels are hotels that display the rich history, tradition, and culture of the region, and such hotels are more popular among foreign tourists and are considered as tourist attractions."

Create: Apr 19, 2021 Edit: Apr 19, 2021 Regional News

Tourism projects create over 1,700 jobs in West Azarbaijan

In the past Iranian year (ended March 19), 1,767 jobs were created by investing in tourism-related projects in the northwestern West Azarbaijan province. “The largest number of jobs is related to the issuance of licenses for handicraft producers, which has led to the employment of 549 persons,” Jalil Jabbari, director-general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department of West Azarbaijan said, IRNA reported on Friday. In the year ended in March 2020, some 312 job opportunities created by tourism development projects, he added. Jabbari went on to say that 112 jobs have been created through projects implemented by the private sector and 30 jobs have been created through renovating national and world heritage sites in the province. Part of the activities of the department in the past year has been focused on documenting, exploring, demarcating, layering and studying historical monuments, he said, adding, “this has created employment for 466 persons." Jabbari concluded that 30 jobs have been created in the accommodation and hospitality sector, six in the ecotourism accommodation sector, 34 in the travel services offices, and 35 in the handicraft production units.

Create: Apr 18, 2021 Edit: Apr 18, 2021 Regional News

Some $4.2m paid to corona-affected tourism, handicraft units in Zanjan

More than 180 billion rials (about $4.2 million at the official rate of 42,000 rials) in loans has been paid to tourism and handicraft businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Zanjan province. Amir Arjmand, the director-general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department of Zanjan said the financial facilities were paid within the framework of 547 projects to the businesses having 1,500 employed persons, IRNA reported on Saturday. He also noted that 623 units were introduced to receive the facilities in the province, of which 76 cases were related to the field of tourism and 547 cases were related to the field of handicrafts. "So far, the tourism units of the province that have succeeded in receiving corona facilities include travel and tourism services offices, eco-lodges, hotels and welfare, and intermediate service complexes." The official also said: "Identifying, training, paying facilities and supporting activists in the field of handicrafts and tourism facilities of the cities with the purpose of boosting production in this area and creating employment is our priority this year." Despite the difficult situations due to the coronavirus, the development of handicraft workshops, the development of tourism facilities, and the increase in the issuance of licenses for handicrafts and travel services and ecotourism offices were considered last year.

Create: Apr 18, 2021 Edit: Apr 18, 2021 Regional News

UNWTO, ONCE FOUNDATION AND ENAT - DELIVERING ACCESSIBLE TOURISM FOR ALL

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will continue to build on its successful partnership with the Spanish ONCE Foundation and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT). The three parties have agreed to extend their partnership agreement for a further four years to ensure that their work to improve accessibility, in every part of the tourism value chain, continues during and beyond the pandemic. The joint work will continue to focus on the promotion of good practices during the current crisis, the application of standards, the measurement of accessible tourism, as well as labour inclusion and institutional disability inclusive policies. The three partners are currently collecting success stories of destinations and companies which have adopted new sanitary protocols to facilitate access to travel and tourism for all, including both residents and visitors. In line with the key UNWTO Recommendations released early on during the pandemic, the Accessibility Champions initiative is still open for submissions illustrating how the guidelines to restart tourism without imposing new obstacles are being successfully implemented. The most outstanding cases will be promoted by the partners through an e-publication and webinars. The three partners are also committed to raising awareness of the forthcoming ISO Standard on Tourism for All. All three have worked with the International Standardization Organization (ISO) on the new requirements and recommendations. The ISO standard will represent a milestone, being the first global standard aimed at implementing and improving accessibility throughout the tourism value chain. The awareness-raising work will sensitize institutions, governments and service providers o the importance of accessibility for all and inclusion. It will make clear that this is not only a question of human rights and equal opportunities, but also a major competitive advantage for destinations and the private sector. UNWTO, the ONCE Foundation and ENAT jointly state: “Accessibility for all is about service quality, innovation and comfort for all tourists, new sources of revenue and new clients with disabilities, seniors and families with young children, among many other individuals, with specific access requirements. By adopting Universal Design principles in the development of environments and services, the tourism sector can fulfil its moral responsibility and, in many countries, legal obligations to cater to those with specific requirements, making tourism for all a reality.”

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

New Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Rosa Rohnert Park Opens in Sonoma County, California

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Rosa Rohnert Park, part of the Marriott International brand of hotels, opened in beautiful Sonoma County, California on March 25, 2021. The five-story hotel located at 405 Martin Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA features 100 guest rooms & suites designed to provide an inviting and effortless experience for guests. Geared for travelers who wish to stay in California wine country, the hotel features a range of value, tech-focused, and eco-conscious offerings and amenities. “Our team is excited to bring a new hotel to Sonoma County with great proximity to local businesses, wineries and the golden California Coast”, said Dev Dugal, Principal of Rohnert Park Lodging. “Our hotel is ideal for families, business and leisure travelers looking for short or extended stays that are near iconic and family friendly attractions including Sonoma’s finest wineries, Graton Casino, and Sonoma State University.” Owned and developed by Rohnert Park Lodging, Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Rosa Rohnert Park offers accommodations with well-appointed amenities including high-definition televisions equipped to stream from personal devices, plush bedding and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel features complimentary breakfast, inviting communal spaces and a state-of-the-art fitness space featuring Technogym equipment. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool, cozy fire pit and electric vehicle charging stations. Located just north of San Francisco, the hotel is easily accessible along the 101 freeway and is just thirty minutes from the Pacific Ocean. “We’re thrilled about our continued partnership with Marriott and their faith in us developing a modular hotel. Working with ATCO Modular was a great experience, allowing us to deliver a beautiful hotel while saving time and resources during our construction journey. We focused on warm, timeless design that is both inviting and forward-thinking, while still maintaining the iconic Fairfield brand heritage.” said Beau Athia, Principal of Rohnert Park Lodging.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

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

The Goodtime Hotel — A New Hospitality Endeavor Between David Grutman and Pharrell Williams — Opens on South Beach

The Goodtime Hotel — the first collaborative lifestyle hotel brand from David Grutman of Groot Hospitality and Pharrell Williams — has officially opened its doors on Miami Beach’s Washington Avenue and 6th Street. The 266-room property promises an escapist, transportive atmosphere through its reimagined Art Deco aesthetic, which unwinds over nearly 100,000 square feet of public space. Together, Grutman and Williams worked alongside the real estate developers Michael Fascitelli and Eric Birnbaum of Imperial Companies who assembled, and ultimately developed, the full square block between 6th and 7th Streets on Washington Ave. The Goodtime Hotel’s architect Morris Adjmi, designer Ken Fulk and landscape architect Raymond Jungles breathed life into its spaces and rooms. Ultimately, this team has created a unique marquee concept in Miami Beach’s hospitality scene: The Goodtime Hotel promotes an active, balanced lifestyle of equal parts happy pursuits and relaxed escapism, all within an everything-at-your-fingertips tropical oasis. The result? The Goodtime is a place for both hedonistic revelry and laidback R&R. “My first hotel needed to break the mold,” says David Grutman. “I wanted to provide the 360-degree Groot Hospitality experience that our other venues are known for, but I also wanted to add more. This is about providing a getaway within a town that’s already known as a vacation spot. When you arrive at the hotel, and walk through our doors, it becomes a full on experience. When you’re at the Goodtime, we want you to feel like your worries and anxieties have been left outside. I am proud to have worked closely with Pharrell, Michael, Eric and Ken Fulk on bringing this hotel to life.” “We want The Goodtime Hotel to impart a feeling of both revitalization and that rare, exciting thrill that takes over when you discover something special,” says Pharrell Williams. “It’s that adrenaline-fueled sensation of entering a whole new setting and a whole new mindset. This place will provide a natural good time, for all who come through.” The Goodtime Hotel stands in a central, historic section of South Beach. Its corrugated facade, airy atrium entryway, hand-painted hothouse murals and Deco plasterwork recall the opulence and nostalgia of a time gone by, but this building has been entirely designed for modern travelers’ tastes. Its 266 guest rooms range from majority individual Queen bed accommodations to a handful of Suites. Many rooms hold direct views east to the Atlantic Ocean or west to Biscayne Bay, which guarantee Instagram-worthy sunrises and sunsets on a regular basis. Moreover, each of The Goodtime Hotel’s guest rooms features custom bedding, bespoke drapes (including a blackout option, in the event you need a few more hours to recharge), leopard-print benches, Ortigia bath amenities, and a signature pink rotary dial phone. In the guest corridors, a carpet woven with mock wet footprints amplifies the playful charm of Miami Beach. The Goodtime will also be home to vibrant F&B options, retail and more, all of which have been curated to create experiences synonymous with the property’s namesake. Grutman’s Strawberry Moon, a restaurant and 30,000 square foot pool club, will serve up classic and casual Mediterranean fare and a full array of specialty cocktails for lunch and dinner, inside or poolside. Strawberry Moon amplifies modern Miami’s crossroads of culture and energy, with Fulk’s design concept channeling mid-century Caribbean and Central American resort towns (such as Havana and Acapulco in their throwback days). Think: broad stripe pastel tiling, vintage scalloped bar seating, pinstriped awnings, and more. The Goodtime Hotel holds additional key aspects, such as its 45,000 square feet of ground floor retail, its gym, featuring MyBeast and Peloton equipment, and its Library, a glossy peach-hued and natural oak-clad room meant for anything from coffee to cocktails to casual business meet-and-greets. The Library is a sociable meeting ground within the hotel, where guests may seamlessly transition from work mode to weekend mode, if and when they so choose. The Goodtime Hotel opens for guest stays on April 15, 2021. Additional details about schedule programming will be made available, soon.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

Hyatt Partners With Carlisle LLC for a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis, Tennessee

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Carlisle LLC for a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis, Tenn. The Caption by Hyatt brand is grounded in a commitment to caring for people and place and creating connections between them. “We’re excited to bring the Caption by Hyatt brand to Memphis, a brand that is truly committed to embracing the evolving needs of today’s traveler. We are confident this hotel will deliver on creating a welcoming space where both travelers and locals can hang out, be themselves, and feel connected to the community,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt’s global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “Hyatt is committed to growing in places that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and owners, and with the Caption by Hyatt brand, we have the opportunity to expand our footprint in a way that reflects the brand’s commitment to being truly of the community – not just in it. At Caption by Hyatt hotels, the people make the place, and we’re excited to see that come to life in Memphis.” Located at One Beale Street and adjacent Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, which is set to open on April 15, Caption by Hyatt Memphis is expected to debut in 2022 and will be integrated into the historic main building of Wm. C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, one of the earliest and longest running businesses in Memphis. The historic building will house the hotel’s ground and second floors, and a new 136-guestroom tower will rise above offering guests spectacular views of the Mississippi River and city skyline. The Caption by Hyatt brand’s signature marquee will adorn the hotel’s dual entrances, leading avid travelers and locals into the all-day, multi-functional lounge space, Talk Shop. The double height lounge will be enveloped by the historic building’s original heavy timber framing, decorative brick walls, archways, and clerestory windows. At Caption by Hyatt Memphis, Talk Shop will include an expansive patio and double height beer garden that will be incorporated into the building’s historic, decorative façade on Front Street – with locally driven tap beer offerings that will showcase the best beverages of the region, open fire-pits, exposed brick, and existing metal work, Caption by Hyatt Memphis will have an unmistakable neighborhood feel. Caption by Hyatt Memphis will work with Memphis-area purveyors and suppliers, making every effort to support local and minority-owned businesses whenever possible. “Carlisle is deeply rooted in the local Memphis community, and our properties reflect those roots. Just like our soon to open Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, the Caption by Hyatt brand is aligned with our vision to truly make Memphis a world class destination for business and leisure travelers, as well as residents,” said Senior Vice President of Development & Asset Management Stephen Kallaher, Carlisle LLC. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate again with Hyatt to introduce the Caption by Hyatt brand to Downtown Memphis and we look forward to providing guests and locals with authentic, fresh experiences and new opportunities for meaningful connections. Caption by Hyatt Brand Primed for Global Growth With additional projects underway around the world, including Shanghai, Caption by Hyatt hotels will combine the design and comfort of an upscale, lifestyle-forward hotel with the self-guided options of a select-service property. Further, the brand can flex and adapt to suit the needs of different locations and markets, offering a more sustainable approach to design and operations. Destined for urban and downtown markets and lifestyle mixed-use developments, the Caption by Hyatt brand is redefining hospitality by embracing the evolving needs of people and places and allowing them to make Caption by Hyatt hotels their own. Offering dynamic, welcoming spaces for those who seek meaningful conversations, Caption by Hyatt hotels will encourage guests and locals to embrace self-expression in a space that delivers on experience and connection. The Caption by Hyatt brand is committed to hiring diverse talent, vendors, artisans, and suppliers in the community, giving each Caption by Hyatt hotel its own authentic expression of place. “We are focused on expanding the Caption by Hyatt brand footprint globally with the hope of building our business in key urban and downtown locations, including emerging neighborhoods and mixed-use lifestyle centers, where we can best extend care while also making a positive impact on our guests and communities,” said Jim Chu, Hyatt’s executive vice president of global franchising and development. “There’s incredible excitement surrounding the Caption by Hyatt brand, and we look forward to collaborating with new and existing owners and operators to bring managed and franchised Caption by Hyatt projects to fruition. As a fellow owner, Hyatt is deeply committed to helping owners and operators fully tap the power of the Caption by Hyatt brand in an effort to achieve operating excellence and ultimately drive revenue.” With a signature marquee sign above each hotel’s main entrance, Caption by Hyatt hotels will be distinct and at the same time have an unmistakable neighborhood feel. Anchored by an eclectic contemporary-meets-urban industrial style, each property will feature a playful layering of colors, textures, and hand-drawn graphic art. At Caption by Hyatt hotels, animated social and food-and-beverage spaces with tech-forward features – like digital check-in, digital keys, and mobile-order food service – unite for a seamless and efficient guest experience. At the heart of the Caption by Hyatt brand experience will be the brand’s food and beverage concept, Talk Shop, that will serve as a lively welcome area, all-day lounge and workspace, coffee shop, eatery, grab-and-go artisanal market and cocktail bar. Menus will feature locally inspired all-day items and regional favorites with locally sourced ingredients in a spirited and upbeat setting.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

Hotel Melby, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Opens in Melbourne, Florida

Hotel Melby, a 11-story, 180-room state of the art, full-service hotel just minutes from Downtown Melbourne, Orlando-Melbourne International Airport and Melbourne Beach is the latest addition Tapestry Collection, one of Hilton‘s 18 market-leading brands. Hotel Melby offers welcoming beauty with architectural details and comfortable spaces that will capture guests’ imagination. Much like the Melbourne community, Hotel Melby is eclectic, vibrant, engaging and historical. The hotel’s inviting atmosphere will offer guests an authentic experience, that is casually approachable, free spirited and regionally hand crafted. “Hotel Melby’s entrance into the market will offer a one-of-a-kind, unique experience for our guests. Guests will enjoy excellently appointed, modern guest rooms with city and river views, while having the benefit of all the amenities expected of an upscale hotel,” said Carlos Cerda, general manager, Hotel Melby. Located in the Downtown area, Hotel Melby is the only hotel in the city center that offers walkable access to local downtown restaurants, night life and shopping. Offering quick access to the beach, corporations, Orlando-Melbourne International Airport and the Florida Institute of Technology. Additional hotel features and amenities include: DININGHotel Melby offers The Landing Rooftop with 180-degree views of the city and waterways and specializes in American fare, serving craft cocktails along with entrees such as a Burrata & Tomato Salad, Truffle & Brie Grilled Cheese, The Melby Burger and Braised Short Ribs. In addition to the on-property offerings, guests can also enjoy a variety of options from the area’s local eateries. AMENITIESGuests seeking exercise or relaxation have a variety of options, including: 24-hour fitness center with Peloton® equipment and free weights. MEETINGS & EVENTSWith 2,525 square feet of meeting space, Hotel Melby is the perfect venue for weddings, business meetings and other gatherings. Offering incredible floor-to-ceiling views of the river and city, the stunning New Horizons Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests. The Landing Rooftop will also be available for groups to rent out the entire floor for private events. Guests visiting Hotel Melby will enjoy peace of mind from check-in to check-out with Hilton’s new program, Hilton CleanStay, to enjoy an even safer and cleaner stay. New procedures include contactless digital check-in and a Hilton CleanStay room seal to indicate that the room has not been entered since being thoroughly cleaned. Hotel Melby is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. To celebrate the hotel’s opening, Hilton Honors members will earn an additional 1,000 Points per night – up to a maximum of 5,000 Hilton Honors Points – for bookings through April 15, 2021-September 30, 2021, when booking directly with Hilton. Hotel Melby is located at 801 E Strawbridge Ave Melbourne Florida just 2.5 miles from Orlando- Melbourne International Airport.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 International News

Iranian Tour Operators Association pursues tourist visas resumption

Iranian Tour Operators Association is formulating a proposal for the resumption of tourist visas after months of suspension amid strict government measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. “Iranian visas are being granted to medical tourists… and we have requested the Foreign Ministry to issue the same permits for the applicants of other tourism arenas,” ISNA quoted Ebrahim Pourfaraj who presides the association, as saying on Monday. “In a meeting with Seyyed Kazem Sajjadi, the deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary, and Expatriates Affairs, I was supposed to provide some information and a plan for re-issuing [tourist] visas,” he explained. The veteran expert has asked the government to issue tourist visas for the international applicants who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “The Ministry of Health and the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control can at least agree that the international tourists who have received the [second dose of] coronavirus vaccine would be allowed to enter Iran.” Last month, he lamented that the continuation of such a trend would result in losing international tourist markets more than before. “Or at least they should make it clear so that we can respond appropriately to foreign companies and tourists to not to miss the international tourist markets more than before.” Pourfaraj believes that the reasonable prices of Iran tours are expected to bring back the boom into the tourism sector of the country in the post coronavirus era. “Attractive tour plans are also being prepared for those who are eager to explore the historical attractions and natural wonders of the ancient country and want to experience a vacation here.” Pourfaraj also expressed hope that international tour operators and companies who have worked with their Iranian counterparts for years, would put Iran back on the world’s travel route again, considering the facilities they can get at cheaper prices than in other countries. Last November, the World Tourism Organization announced that international tourist arrivals to Iran plunged 72% during the first eight months of 2020 when compared to 2019, highlighting the severe impact of COVID-19 as the main factor. Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan in October warned that Iran’s cultural heritage and tourism will be in a critical situation if the crises caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus continue. Last August, Mounesan said that Iran’s tourism has suffered a loss of 12 trillion rials (some $2.85 billion) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, the minister also noted that the coronavirus pandemic should not bring traveling to a complete standstill. “Corona is a fact, but can the virus stop tourism? Certainly not. For us, the coronavirus is a new experience in dealing with crises that teaches tourism experts around the world how to deal with such a disaster, and thankfully governments are turning this into an opportunity for better planning.” 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.” The ancient land embraces hundreds of historical sites 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, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Apr 15, 2021 Edit: Apr 15, 2021 Regional News