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Mexico says tourism could lose $782 million from Canada flight freeze

There could be up to 791,000 fewer tourists in Mexico as a result of the suspension Canada imposed from January 31 to April 30 Canada's decision to suspend flights by its major airlines to Mexico for 3 months to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic could cost the Mexican tourism industry around $782 million in lost revenue, Mexico's government said on Sunday, January 31. Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco made the estimate on the basis there could be up to 791,000 fewer tourists as a result of the suspension Canada imposed from Sunday through April 30, his ministry said in a statement. Still, the losses may end up smaller, Torruco said. The minister said Canada could also miss out on 372,000 Mexican visitors and $368 million in lost revenues because of freezing the flights. Mexico has not moved to suspend flights to Canada, although one airline, Aeromexico, said it would halt flights to Canada from the 2nd week of February until the end of April. Compared with 2019, the number of visitors to Mexico from Canada fell last year by 61.3% to 1,020,000, the ministry said

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

Iran ready to help restore al-Biruni’s mausoleum in Afghanistan

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts on Sunday said that the Islamic Republic is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan to restore and renovate the mausoleum of Persian scholar and polymath Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, which is located in the city of Ghazni. Furthermore, Mounesan tasked his deputy for cultural heritage affairs to make the necessary arrangements with Afghanistan for the reconstruction of the mausoleum as soon as possible, CHTN reported. “As the mausoleum has been destroyed and is in a bad condition. And Iranian restorers and experts could soon start the reconstruction and restoration of the historical structure,” the minister added. He also noted that Iranian experts have a worthy knowledge in the field of restoration of the historical and aging monuments and structures; therefore they could be a good asset to their Afghan counterparts. Born in the 10th century in Iran’s Khorasan, Al-Biruni was a Muslim astronomer, mathematician, ethnographist, anthropologist, historian, and geographer. He became the most original polymath the Islamic world had ever known. The top scholar wrote tens of books, most of which were on astronomical and mathematical subjects. His book on Indian culture is by far the most important of his encyclopedic works. Listing his works is relatively easy, for he himself produced an index of his works up to when he was about 60 years old. However, he lived well into his seventies, and, since some of his surviving works are not mentioned in this index, the index is a partial list at best. Adding all the titles in the index, as well as those found later, brings his total production to 146 titles, each averaging about 90 folios. Almost half of the titles were on astronomical and mathematical subjects. Only a minuscule number of his output, 22 titles, has survived, and only about half of that has been published.

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

Tourism projects worth $71.4m to be inaugurated in Bushehr

A total of eight tourism-related projects, worth three trillion rials (about $71.4 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) are scheduled to come on stream in southwestern Bushehr province. President Hassan Rouhani, and Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan are scheduled to inaugurate the projects via a video conference by the end of this week, the provincial tourism chief has announced. The projects will help create 275 job opportunities for the locals directly. Moreover, they will be adding 400 rooms and 1088 beds to the hospitality sector of the province, Mohammad-Hossein Arastuzadeh said on Sunday. Last April, the official announced that the tourism sector of the province is ready to jumpstart after the coronavirus crisis ends. He also stressed that the province needs innovative plans and programs to attract more tourists and travelers to its tourist attractions and historical sites. With over 6,000 years of history and significant monuments from the Elamite, Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanid eras, Bushehr Province is one of Iran’s most important historical centers. Besides its cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and lush palm groves make it an attractive destination for world travelers. The historical and architectural monuments of Bushehr include Islamic buildings like mosques and praying centers, mansions, old towers, castles, as well as gardens. When it comes to cultural attractions, there are many historical mounds in Bushehr including Tall-e Khandaq with Sassanid architectural style, Tall-e Marv located near an Achaemenid Palace, and Qajar era Malek al-Tojar Mansion. Qajar era Kazeruni Mansion, which has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, is another attraction that world travelers love to see among various ancient

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

Hyatt Expands Luxury Alila Brand in the U.S. With Alila Napa Valley

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today an expansion of the luxury lifestyle Alila brand in the United States with the addition of Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Slated to join Hyatt’s portfolio on March 1, 2021, and at this time, scheduled to resume operations on March 15, 2021, the exclusive 68-room adults-only retreat will feature personalized hospitality that celebrates the authenticity of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Alila Napa Valley will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, which is slated to open in March 2021. With 14 distinct properties across six countries worldwide, the Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, as well as rare and intimate destination experiences. Surrounded by the pristine home vineyards of the Beringer Estate, Alila Napa Valley will offer guests an exclusive, curated and truly luxury travel experience in the heart of California’s Wine Country. The hotel features award-winning design by renowned design team Yabu Pushelberg using natural materials and a soothing neutral palette that well-complement the unobstructed vineyard and mountain views that face west for idyllic sunsets. The hotel’s 68 guest rooms, including seven suites are appointed with automation controls, marble bathrooms, custom-designed furniture. All guestrooms have oversized balconies or wrap-around terraces with fireplaces and some with an outdoor bathtub. Alila Napa Valley will feature a newly rebranded Spa Alila and Fitness Center, a dramatic outdoor pool that overlooks adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, as well as a seasonally driven restaurant and bar – Acacia House, led by Chef Chris Cosentino – which will feature a local, sustainable menu that reflects the bounty of Napa Valley. The hotel is walking distance from the quaint shops and restaurants in downtown St. Helena and has nearby access to more than 400 wineries, hot air ballooning, the Culinary Institute of America at the Greystone and a variety of experiences curated by the concierge team. “Growing the Alila brand remains a priority for Hyatt and we’re so thrilled to offer guests and World of Hyatt members new, immersive experiences set in the remarkable beauty of California’s exceptional Napa Valley wine country,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “As the third Alila destination in California, Alila Napa Valley is poised to provide a personalized approach that will help discerning guests discover what makes the Napa Valley region so special. As a leader in crafted luxury, responsible tourism and transformative experiences, the Alila brand will deliver a refreshing guest experience that is all its own, while embodying a brand ethos that feels right at home in California.” Previously known as Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, the hotel is built around a stately, Georgian-style guesthouse that was originally constructed in 1907 and is now used to house the restaurant, bar and seven guest rooms. The welcoming dining space offers a half horseshoe-shaped bar for sipping and tastings as well as indoor and outdoor seating on a beautiful, covered terrace with towering columns. The hotel’s transformed Spa Alila will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate with transformative and customized therapies and treatments that are reflective of its wine country location. Guests will be able to enjoy various wellness offerings such as daily yoga classes, creative fitness programming, complimentary bicycles and uniquely local offerings such as “mindful wine tastings.” Spa services will be offered within a unique contemporary farmhouse including a lap pool, steam room, couples massage suite and more. Meanwhile, a premium fitness center will be open to guests around the clock with state-of-the-art equipment from TRX and Life Fitness, as well as a yoga studio. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today an expansion of the luxury lifestyle Alila brand in the United States with the addition of Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Slated to join Hyatt’s portfolio on March 1, 2021, and at this time, scheduled to resume operations on March 15, 2021, the exclusive 68-room adults-only retreat will feature personalized hospitality that celebrates the authenticity of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Alila Napa Valley will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, which is slated to open in March 2021. With 14 distinct properties across six countries worldwide, the Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, as well as rare and intimate destination experiences. Surrounded by the pristine home vineyards of the Beringer Estate, Alila Napa Valley will offer guests an exclusive, curated and truly luxury travel experience in the heart of California’s Wine Country. The hotel features award-winning design by renowned design team Yabu Pushelberg using natural materials and a soothing neutral palette that well-complement the unobstructed vineyard and mountain views that face west for idyllic sunsets. The hotel’s 68 guest rooms, including seven suites are appointed with automation controls, marble bathrooms, custom-designed furniture. All guestrooms have oversized balconies or wrap-around terraces with fireplaces and some with an outdoor bathtub. Alila Napa Valley will feature a newly rebranded Spa Alila and Fitness Center, a dramatic outdoor pool that overlooks adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, as well as a seasonally driven restaurant and bar – Acacia House, led by Chef Chris Cosentino – which will feature a local, sustainable menu that reflects the bounty of Napa Valley. The hotel is walking distance from the quaint shops and restaurants in downtown St. Helena and has nearby access to more than 400 wineries, hot air ballooning, the Culinary Institute of America at the Greystone and a variety of experiences curated by the concierge team. “Growing the Alila brand remains a priority for Hyatt and we’re so thrilled to offer guests and World of Hyatt members new, immersive experiences set in the remarkable beauty of California’s exceptional Napa Valley wine country,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “As the third Alila destination in California, Alila Napa Valley is poised to provide a personalized approach that will help discerning guests discover what makes the Napa Valley region so special. As a leader in crafted luxury, responsible tourism and transformative experiences, the Alila brand will deliver a refreshing guest experience that is all its own, while embodying a brand ethos that feels right at home in California.” Previously known as Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, the hotel is built around a stately, Georgian-style guesthouse that was originally constructed in 1907 and is now used to house the restaurant, bar and seven guest rooms. The welcoming dining space offers a half horseshoe-shaped bar for sipping and tastings as well as indoor and outdoor seating on a beautiful, covered terrace with towering columns. The hotel’s transformed Spa Alila will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate with transformative and customized therapies and treatments that are reflective of its wine country location. Guests will be able to enjoy various wellness offerings such as daily yoga classes, creative fitness programming, complimentary bicycles and uniquely local offerings such as “mindful wine tastings.” Spa services will be offered within a unique contemporary farmhouse including a lap pool, steam room, couples massage suite and more. Meanwhile, a premium fitness center will be open to guests around the clock with state-of-the-art equipment from TRX and Life Fitness, as well as a yoga studio.

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

'Vaccine tourism': tens of thousands of Americans cross state lines for injections

With more than 50 unique vaccination plans across the United States, one’s access to the Covid-19 vaccine depends in large part on where one lives. In Wisconsin, mink farmers are being considered for the next phase of vaccine prioritization. In New Jersey, smokers can get priority access to the vaccine. In Colorado, journalists fall under the category of frontline workers. This complex system has given rise to a new type of pandemic travel – dubbed “vaccine tourism” – in which people cross state or even country lines to get earlier access. Without standardized protocol, and because of the fractured American health system, tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people have gotten vaccines outside their home states. “They are coming from Canada, Brazil, New York, Georgia, folks from Minneapolis have come here. Some friends of mine in St Petersburg [Florida] told me that they were in a vaccination line with people from Venezuela,” said Dr Jay Wolfson, a professor of public health at the University of South Florida. He credits advertisements from international travel agencies with at least part of the vaccine tourist influx. “I get calls all the time from people saying, ‘Jay, can you get me in someplace?’ – and I can’t. And I won’t.” Florida has been one of the most popular vaccine tourism destinations for domestic and international travelers alike, due to the state’s initial policy of vaccinating anyone over the age of 65 years old. The state recently implemented new ID rules in an attempt to direct more vaccines to Florida residents, but not before about 50,000 out-of-state recipients got a dose. Though some of these vaccine recipients are seasonal state residents, or snowbirds, whose decision to spend the winter in Florida was unrelated to their vaccination prospects, many thousands have come to the state just for a shot. The 50,000 doses represent only about 3.4% of the total vaccinations administered in Florida, but even a small percentage going to out-of-state recipients in any state can affect the entire country’s vaccination infrastructure. “Administering a vaccine dose involves appointments, involves needles, involves human resources. And all of those resources that are vehicles for delivering doses of the vaccine are tied to a local community, state, or city in terms of allocation,” said Dr Kyle Ferguson, a postdoctoral fellow in the division of medical ethics at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine.

Create: Feb 2, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021 International News

Majority support hotel quarantine for passengers flying into Ireland, poll finds

There is overwhelming support for hotel quarantine for anybody flying into Ireland as well as the continued closure of pubs and restaurants. According to the latest Red C/Business Post poll, a total of 86% of those polled agreed with the proposition that people travelling to Ireland should have to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The poll also reveals that 70% of people believe that both pubs and restaurants should not be opened until most of the population has been vaccinated. This is in stark contrast to a poll last September, when there were far lower case numbers. Then a Red C poll found that 50% of people believed so-called “wet pubs” should be reopened alongside restaurants, with only 32% wanting them to stay closed. The poll also shows that resistance to taking vaccines is dropping. Last November, a Red C poll showed 74% of people were willing to take a Covid-19 vaccine but now, according to today's poll, that has increased to 85%. There is however widespread dissatisfaction with the Government's performance, with the poll showing 47% dissatisfied ahead of the 46% who said they were satisfied. The poll also shows that 56% of people believe schools should reopen in February if cases continue to decline at the current rates, while 38% disagree. Around 59% of people with children are in favour of schools reopening, but 31% are opposed. The poll also shows that a majority of people aged over 55 are satisfied with the vaccine rollout, which — the Business Post points out — may be related to the fact that over-70s are next in line to get the vaccine. There is lower satisfaction with the rollout among people aged 18-34 and 35-54, two groups who will be among the last to get vaccinated. Around 68% of Fianna Fáll supporters are happy with the vaccine rollout, but that drops to 55% among Fine Gael supporters and 29% among Sinn Féin supporters. When asked about first-preference voting intentions, 29% said they would vote Fine Gael, followed by 27% who said they would vote Sinn Féin. Just 16% said they would give Fianna Fáil their first preference vote, which is 6% down from the number of those who said they would give the party their first preference vote in the last General Election. With more people saying they would give their first preference vote to Fine Gael than said they would in the General Election, the only other party increasing in popularity since the General Election is the Social Democrats. Some 5% said they would give the party their first preference vote, compared to 3% in the General Election. Among those whose popularity has fallen since then are the Labour Party, down 1%, and the Green Party, down 2%

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

Over 200 tourism projects to come on stream in Tehran

A total of 206 tourism-related projects are scheduled to be inaugurated soon across the Iranian capital on the occasion of Ten-Day Dawn (February 1-10, marking the victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution). Ten accommodation centers including hotels, apartment hotels, eco-lodge units as well as tourist complexes, restaurants, and handicrafts workshops will come on stream, Tehran province’s tourism chief said on Saturday. A budget of seven trillion rials (about $167 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocated to the projects, which are expected to generate a total of 930 job opportunities, Parham Janfeshan said. The mentioned projects will also add 816 beds to the hospitality sector of the Iranian capital, the official noted. Hugging the lower slopes of the magnificent, snowcapped Alborz Mountains, Tehran is much more than a chaotic jumble of concrete and crazy traffic blanketed by a miasma of air pollution. This is the nation's dynamic beating heart and the place to get a handle on modern Iran and what its future will likely be. The metropolis has many to offer its visitors including Golestan Palace, Grand Bazaar, Treasury of National Jewels, National Museum of Iran, Glass & Ceramic Museum, Masoudieh Palace, Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Carpet Museum of Iran, to name a few. The first time Tehran is mentioned in historical accounts is in an 11th-century chronicle in which it is described as a small village north of Ray. It became the capital city of the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century but later declined with factional strife between different neighborhoods and the Mongol invasion of 1220.

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

Photo contest to spotlight UNESCO-tagged Soltaniyeh, nearby monuments

The cultural heritage and tourism directorate of Iran’s Zanjan province is set to launch a photography contest on the UNESCO-registered Dome of Soltaniyeh and its surrounding historical and touristic sites. Competitors are requested to post works to the Instagram account of the directorate from January 31 to February 9, provincial tourism chief Amir Arjmand announced on Tuesday. A panel of professional media photographers will be judging the contest, and winners will be honored with exquisite prizes, the official said. “This competition is to be held to highlight the importance of preserving natural and cultural heritage, monuments, antiquities, museums that exist in [the city of] Soltaniyeh,” he said. The UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Oljaytu, which is commonly known as “Dome of Soltaniyeh” (Soltaniyeh Cupola), is one of Iran’s must-visit destinations for those interested in traditional Persian and genuine Islamic architecture. The mausoleum is surmounted by one of the largest brick domes in the globe, though some mistakenly refer to it as “the largest dome in the world”. Meaning “Town of the Sultans”, Soltaniyeh was briefly the capital of Persia’s Ilkhanid dynasty (a branch of the Mongol dynasty) during the 14th century. According to UNESCO, the Mausoleum of Oljaytu is an essential link and key monument in the development of Islamic architecture in central and western Asia. Here, the Ilkhanids further developed ideas that had been advanced during the classical Seljuk phase (11th to early 13th centuries), during which the arts of Iran gained distinction in the Islamic world, thereby setting the stage for the Timurid period (late 14th to 15th centuries), one of the most brilliant periods in Islamic art. UNESCO says, “Excavations carried out in the 790-ha Mausoleum of Oljaytu property have revealed additional vestiges of the old city, and a large part of this property has retained its archaeological character. As the ancient capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, Soltaniyeh represents an exceptional testimony to the history of the 13th and 14th centuries in Iran.” The very large dome is the earliest extant example of its type and became an important reference for the later development of the Islamic dome. Similarly, the extremely rich interior of the mausoleum, which includes glazed tiles, brickwork, marquetry, or designs in inlaid materials, stucco, and frescoes, illustrates an important movement towards more elaborate materials and themes.

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 30, 2021 Regional News

LOT Polish Looks To Boost Tourism With 787 Dreamliner Charters

LOT Polish Airlines, the flag carrier of Poland, aims to drive forward its recovery by placing an even larger focus on tourism in the upcoming months. It is hoping to boost ticket sales via its “Lot na wakacje” (“vacation flight”, with “LOT” meaning “flight”) promotion, but it is also launching cooperation agreements with travel agencies. The pandemic changed LOT Polish’s business model Up until its entire business model came to a standstill last year, LOT Polish Airlines was consistently solidifying its position as a transfer airline in Eastern Europe. It did so via its primary hub in the Polish capital, Warsaw Chopin Airport, and its secondary hub in the capital of Hungary, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. A fundamental feature of this model was LOT’s reliance on passengers who traveled on its services into and out of Warsaw, and to a lesser extent Budapest, but whose journeys did not actually originate or end in either of these two cities. The transfer model looked promising: LOT Polish was profitable, expanding continuously for several years, and it even intended to buy German airline Condor.

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

Qatar Airways temporarily suspends booking from UAE to UK

Qatar Airways has announced a temporary suspension on accepting new bookings from UAE to the United Kingdom. In a statement on Twitter, Qatar Airways said: "Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended acceptance of new bookings from UAE for the next 7 days due to UK government concerns." In the same tweet, Qatar Airways also stated that South Africa and Rwanda are also temporarily suspended with exceptions including GCC nationals as well as resident permit holders returning to other GCC countries. Furthermore, Qatar Airways also mentioned that "acceptance of previously booked passengers will be dependent upon COVID-19 protocols and government permission to enter the country of their final destination."

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

United Airlines warns 14,000 jobs at risk when payroll aid expires

United Airlines said on Friday it has sent warnings of potential furloughs to some 14,000 employees whose jobs are at risk once a second round of payroll support for airlines expires on April 1, as demand for air travel has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Chicago-based United had recalled 13,000 employees from furlough when the fresh payroll package was passed in December. “Despite ongoing efforts to distribute vaccines, customer demand has not changed much since we recalled those employees. today,” United told employees, while saying it was monitoring demand and advocating for continued government support. Congress approved $15 billion in new payroll assistance in December to help keep more than 32,000 airline workers on payrolls through March 31, after awarding $25 billion in March for passenger airlines in payroll assistance and $25 billion in low-cost government loans. American Airlines, which had furloughed 19,000 workers in October, did not immediately comment on Friday on whether it would issue new notices of potential layoffs. On Thursday, Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), representing workers at 17 airlines, urged Congress to extend a passenger airline payroll assistance program for a third time. United’s Friday memo said “we’re continuing to monitor demand and advocate for continued government support, and we are all working hard toward the day when we can bring back our furloughed co-workers permanently.” American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker said on Thursday that “April 1 is approaching and demand hasn’t gotten much better… So we are definitely going to need to address this, unless demand starts to pick up.”

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

Lesser-known province seeks to gain foothold on tourism map

Some 41 tourism-related projects are currently underway across Iran’s southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, the provincial tourism chief has said. These projects will boost tourism and develop travel infrastructure in the region when they finally come on stream, Majid Safai announced on Thursday. A four-star hotel and a water park are among the important projects being carried out in collaboration with the private sector, the official added. He also noted that with the inauguration of the mentioned projects, more job opportunities will be created in the tourism sector, which will lead to better income for the locals. Last September, a provincial tourism official announced that over one trillion rials (some $24 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) was allocated to nine tourism projects across the province. He also mentioned that developing tourism infrastructure in the province is one of the province’s tourism department priorities and is being pursued seriously. The lesser-known is home to various nomads and is a top destination for those interested in visiting in person the nomadic life. Sightseers may live with a nomadic or rural family for a while or enjoy an independent stay and assist them with day-to-day life. It also opens up an opportunity to feel rustic routines, their agriculture, traditions, arts, and culture. The province attracted over four million people, mostly domestic travelers, during the Iranian year 1397 (ended March 2019), according to data announced by the provincial tourism department.

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 30, 2021 Regional News