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Costa Rica sees ailing tourist trade stagnant in 2021 after COVID-19 blow

Tourism to Costa Rica will likely stagnate this year at the sharply reduced levels of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, weighing on the economy of the Central American country, a top government official said. Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura said Costa Rica will in 2021 probably receive about one-third of the 3,139,000 international tourists it had in 2019, on a par with last year, when some 1,011,000 foreign visitors arrived, official data shows, Reuters reported. In an interview, Segura said around 75,000 tourists came to Costa Rica in December, down from 327,000 a year earlier, underlining the challenge facing the popular tourist destination and the industry as a whole in Latin America. “Though the figures are better than those of some competitor nations, many companies can’t get going again,” Segura told Reuters, noting that the extent of recovery would depend on how the pandemic developed and how vaccination efforts progressed. Battered by the loss of tourists, the Costa Rican hotel and restaurant trade shrank by 40% last year, the central bank said. In 2019, tourism represented 8.5% of gross domestic product and 9% of formal jobs in the country of 5 million people. Segura projected that in 2021 it will only be worth around 3.5% of GDP and that the industry will shed about half the employment it generated, or about 100,000 jobs. The minister was hopeful that Costa Rica’s focus on nature tourism would reduce some of the attendant risk with people being outdoors. He also pointed to the fact the country’s health system had managed to avoid saturating its hospitals. Costa Rica has to date registered 193,276 infections and 2,604 deaths linked to COVID-19.

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

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

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

Saudi Arabia welcomes its first Grand Hyatt hotel

A new hub for business and leisure travellers in Saudi Arabia, Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences marks an important milestone in Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s Middle East growth strategy. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative – which strives to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil, not least by attracting more international visitors – is a step closer to being realised with the arrival of Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences. Hyatt’s Middle Eastern expansionThe new property is the sixth Hyatt-branded hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the first from the Grand Hyatt brand. Located in the city of Al Khobar, on the Arabian Gulf, the 368-room hotel is more precisely situated in its commercial and retail heart, conveniently connected by bridge to the Al Rashid Mall. “We are thrilled to open the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to welcoming guests seeking magnificent moments from this iconic destination,” said Nizar Weshah, general manager at Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences. “Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences celebrates these moments and exceeds guest expectations by delivering iconic cuisine, breathtaking design and unparalleled service.” Elevated offeringsInside, an upscale interior design of oatmeal tones, highlighted by bold blue hues, gold accents and flash details from sparkling chandeliers to decorative Islamic geometric patterns, unfurls over a series of dining options, event spaces, a spa and 368 rooms, including 45 suites and 54 residential units. Here, each room boasts views across the city alongside all the usual offerings, including a flatscreen TV, high-speed internet access, and a work desk. All of the suites have access to the Grand Club lounge, a quiet space with culinary highlights throughout the day, while the sprawling 138 sq m Diplomat Suite comes complete with a separate living room, dining area and kitchenette. A dining destination in its own right, there are four options to choose from at Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences: Ashman, an all-day dining space serving up traditional Levantine cuisine; Sakana House, a steak and seafood spot influenced by Pan Asian culinary traditions; a French patisserie called Rosalie, situated next to the entrance of the mall and providing perfect pre-shopping sustenance; and Grandeur, a 24-hour lobby space, serving up a selection of light meals and beverages, including freshly brewed Arabic coffee. One of Al Khobar’s largest ballroomsThe property’s 2,300 sq m of light-filled meetings and events spaces include the 1,050 sq m Grand Ballroom, one of the largest in the city with capacity for up to 1,400 guests, while downtime can be had in the hotel’s wellness area. Its Nirvana Spa offers a series of treatments across ten rooms, six for women and four for men. There’s also a fully equipped fitness centre, as well as two separate lap pools, relaxation beds, a whirlpool bath, a sauna, a steam room and a Moroccan bath – and for the more active, there’s a squash court. As of now, 120 guestrooms, 20 residences, the all-day dining spot, the lobby lounge, the banquet halls, the spa and the fitness centre are open. The remaining guest rooms, Rosalie and Sakana House will come next in February 2021, before the final residences launch the following month.

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

Saudi Arabia will begin tracking tourism’s contribution to economy

Saudi Arabia’s statistics authority will begin tracking tourism’s contribution to its economic output, according to a statement on Saturday. The Tourism Establishment Survey will provide data on the industry, including the size of the workforce, pay and revenue and expenditure. This will help calculate tourism’s share of gross domestic product and establish growth rates for activities within the sector, the General Authority for Statistics said. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund announced it had formed a company, called Cruise Saudi, to develop a local cruise industry as Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman tries to turn the Kingdom into a global tourism destination. Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority announced in December 2020 the launch of the Saudi ‘Arabian Winter’ season designed to attract visitors to more than 17 destinations across the Kingdom. The campaign will run from 10 December 2020 until the end of March 2021

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

Perspective on tourism advertising needs improving, and a lot of money, Iranian minister says

The strategy of tourism advertising needs to be improved in Iran, tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said on Saturday, adding that the country should spend more amount of money on it like what it does in other sectors such as the industry and agriculture. With the current budget allocated to this sector, not much can be done, especially in the international arena, ISNA quoted Mounesan as saying. While other countries such as Turkey have achieved good results with advertising without any restrictions on tourism, those Iranian officials and people who have resources consider advertising a waste of money, rather than an investment, he added. This view needs to be corrected as the budget allocated by the government to this sector is very limited, and tourism advertising is not the government’s priority yet, he explained. Referring to the measures taken by the tourism ministry such as producing and preparing various contents and brochures in this regard, he noted that the ministry tries to make significant use of cyberspace to introduce the country to the world. To pursue the ministry’s goals, other platforms such as YouTube have taken into account as well, he added. He also noted that familiarization tours between Iran and China, besides the advertisements on cyberspace, have been effective on the number of inbound tourists to the country. Before the coronavirus pandemic puts everything on a halt, similar actions taken by the tourism ministry in Oman led to a 350 percent increase in the number of Omani tourists visiting Iran, Mounesan said. Advertising is one of the most important factors that help the tourism industry to generate tourists from both the local and international marketplace. The tourism sector is responsible for promoting the natural resources, culture, and heritage that help every visitor in experiencing the destination. Tourism advertising helps the visitor to get familiar with the place even before visiting it personally. Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. So it will undeniably try its best to achieve a relatively ambitious goal but when that happens the travel industry is likely to look more altered.

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

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