No rise in hotel rates during the Nowruz holiday

Radisson news roundup

Hotel News - Have a look at some of Radisson’s new hotel openings around the world from Ecuador to Georgia RADISSON QUITO REOPENS AFTER $4.5M REFURBISHMENT Radisson’s Park Inn property in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito has reopened to the public after extensive renovations to almost the entirety of the hotel. An incredible $4.5m was pumped into the renovation, which involved not only upgrades to the rooms and common areas, but also gave the hotel a brand new look and feel. The hotel benefits from an amazing location close to the city’s trendy Zona Rosa area, which is also close to the business, financial and shopping districts. The hotel boasts 55 guest rooms and suites, with guests also being able to access the state of the art fitness and wellness centre. Business travelers will also be able to avail of on-site conference and meeting facilities, which have been designed in line with current informal work trends. Frances Gonzalez, vice president of Operations for Radisson Hotel Group in Latin America, says, “We are thrilled to re-introduce one of our excellent brands in the great city of Quito, while exemplifying our growth strategy for Latin America. This fantastic hotel embraces what the Park Inn by Radisson brand is all about with its vibrant colors, unique design and amenities, along with the dedicated staff that provides our ‘Happiness Guarantee.’” RADISSON COLLECTION OPENS IN GEORGIA’S WINE REGION Radisson has unveiled the newest addition to its premium lifestyle collection in the prestigious wine region of Georgia, Tsinandali. The hotel is a stunning 141-key property set within its very own vineyard, which boasts a historic winery, a rooftop spa and outdoor swimming pool. The design of the hotel has been executed with elegance and sophistication, and blends vernacular elements of Georgian style with contemporary flourishes to result in a truly unique offering, which fits with the Radisson Collection properties. Michel Stalport, Area Senior Vice President Russia and Eastern Europe, says, “Georgia is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, known to be the birthplace of wine, and a place where travelers are welcomed with hospitality like nowhere else. The estate combines magnificent architecture and historical authenticity with the finest new design details to provide guests with truly exceptional and memorable stays.” Wine lovers will rejoice in the experiences available at the hotel, which range from wine tasting and tours to learning about the bottles housed in Prince Alexander Chavchavadze’s personal wine cellar collection.

Makkah set to get the world’s biggest Crowne Plaza Hotel

InterContinental Hotel Group and Bougary Holding sign 1,200-room Crowne Plaza, scheduled to open in Makkah, Saudi Arabia in 2019. InterContinental Hotel Group and Bougary Holding have signed the world’s largest Crowne Plaza, which totals 1,200 rooms, which an opening scheduled for 2019 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Holy Mosque, the hotel will join the existing InterContinental and Holiday Inn in the city, totalling three properties there. Crowne Plaza Makkah Beban will also offer two restaurants and a coffee shop, a business center, and three meeting rooms (3,323 sqm in total) that can be used as an event space. A WELCOME VENTURE Involved stakeholders were excited about the new agreement. IHG Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa  Pascal Gauvin said in a statement: “Saudi Arabia offers great opportunities both in terms of domestic and inbound tourism and is central to our expansion strategy in the Middle East.” He added: “This is a milestone signing for us in the Middle East and is testament to our commitment to the market.” Bougary Holding Co. CEO Loay Bougary said: “We are proud to partner with a strong global player such as IHG on this milestone development. IHG is a trusted brand with in-depth knowledge of the Kingdom and Crowne Plaza Makkah Beban will bring a full range of amenities to pilgrims and other travellers looking for a high-quality hospitality experience.” PRECEDENT FOR LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENT This is not the first hotel in the area to have billed itself as the world’s largest. In fact, this new property follows other operators that also have “world’s largest” properties in Makkah – with Marriott opening the world’s largest Sheraton at 1,136 rooms and Radisson Hospitality signing the world’s largest Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson.

No rise in accommodation prices for hotels and resorts in Nowruz

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

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

Implementation of Nowruz health plan in hotels and resorts of Fars province

All-inclusive support of hoteliers on the issue of Nowruz tourists settlement by Deputy of Tourism

Hotel News - The thirty-seventh meeting of the members of the Chief of Staff of the Travel Services Coordination was held on Feb. 19, 2019, with the presence of Tourism Deputy Chairman Vali Thaimori and other members of related Organizations. According to the Hotel News, the Deputy Director of Tourism of the Cultural Heritage Organization, referring to the ministry of education, said: "The form of accommodation for travelers in schools, is not worthy for tourists.” He criticized the resettlement of tourists in school classes and continues: "This action is not good because we are not in crisis situation that we need to accommodate tourists in school classes!” “The private sector is investing in construction of residential properties and hotels, and they need Nowruz holidays to see their properties fully booked. These occasions are considered "high season" for hoteliers which cannot be ignored." He added that “some government agencies with some kinds of residential properties and facilities are doing some kind of parallel activity in hospitality area, while surveys shows that the cost of staying in state residential centers and schools is the same as the cost of resorts or hotels in the same city.”

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

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

HILTON SIGNS FIRST HOTEL IN EUROPE TO LUXURY COLLECTION

Hotel News - Hilton recently signed a deal with Millennium & Copthorne Hotels to include The Biltmore, Mayfair as part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels and Resorts collection. The signing will mark the first European property to come under the brand’s umbrella, and will open in spring of 2019 after an extensive renovation over the past six months. The London hotel will now operate under the name The Biltmore, Mayfair – LXR Hotels and Resorts, and boasts 257 guest rooms and 51 curated suites, the design reflecting the property’s iconic heritage status on Grosvenor Square. The hotel is ideal for intimate functions, such as weddings in the 500-person ballroom or the 100-person Waterloo or Manhattan Suite.

Four Seasons Hotels Announces Nine Planned New Property Openings in 2019

Hotel News - The coming year will mark several significant new openings for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts with the debut of nine new hotels and resorts around the world, plus the continued expansion of its residential portfolio. “Four Seasons is well positioned for continued success in 2019 with the steady and strategic growth of our global portfolio,” says Christian Clerc, President, Worldwide Hotel Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Our portfolio continues to grow at a healthy pace, as we focus on projects of the highest quality, in the destinations where our guests want to be. We remain committed to offering the very highest standards of hospitality as we expand with a diverse collection of properties, including our entry in Greece and Spain, our first resort set within a world class vineyard in Napa Valley, and the opening of our first standalone residences in London.” Clerc continues, “With a continued focus on our residential portfolio, we are solidifying our market position as the world leader in luxury branded residential offerings. Eight of the nine new anticipated openings this year include a residential component, affirming the growing importance of branded residences to Four Seasons growth strategy as well as luxury consumers who want to live with our brand and make Four Seasons their home.” Now numbering 111 hotels and resorts in 47 countries – including recent openings in Desroches Island, Seychelles; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and São Paulo, Brazil – Four Seasons is planning to open the following new hotels, resorts and private residences in 2019:

AURORA: THE LUXURY SPACE HOTEL WILL ORBIT EARTH BY 2021

Hotel News - The Orion Span start-up has unveiled images of Aurora Station, its future space station designed to accommodate tourists from 2022 onwards, with the launch of the station programmed for 2021. It promises and incredible experience to its future customers. On the menu: 12 days of an unusual vacation at an altitude of about 320 kilometers. The program of activities includes the observation of 16 sunrises and sunsets in one day, flying over the hometown of travelers, games of ping-pong in the state of weightlessness. Guests will also be able to take part in experiments like growing food while in orbit. They will be able to take samples home as a “souvenir”. In order to be eligible for this stay, however, guests will have to undergo a specific training. But its duration, which is usually two years for a trip in space, has been shortened to three months for the Aurora Station. Orion Space has, therefore, opted for luxurious services, in order to differentiate itself from the competition. Because the start-up faces rivals who also seek to offer space tourism, such as the Texas company Axiom Space or Virgin Galactic, founded by billionaire Richard Branson. To support itself, Orion Space launched a crowdfunding campaign that raised about $230 thousand as of now. The goal of Orion Space is to “make space accessible to all”. However, by “accessible to all”, one should understand “all very wealthy clients”. Indeed, as the price of a 12-day stay in the Aurora Station space hotel is expected to be 9.5 million dollars. 

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

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