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Iran to allocate some $240,000 for Great Wall of Gorgan restoration

Iran will set aside ten billion rials (some $240,000 at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) for the restoration of the Great Wall of Gorgan, Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said on Sunday. Situated in the city of Gorgan, the capital of northern Golestan province, the defensive wall is about 200 km in length, and it was built to prevent the invasion of the northern tribes. It is said to be the longest architectural work of ancient Iran, which was built in 90 years. “We will allocate one billion tomans (ten billion rials) of credit for the restoration of the Great Wall of Gorgan, so that with this credit, the measures for the restoration of this wall, along with aerial imaging and mapping, will be carried out as preliminaries for [the possible] UNESCO registration,” Mounesan said. The minister made the remarks in a meeting with provincial officials and cultural figures during his visit to the lush green province. Last December, Mounesan’s deputy for cultural heritage, Mohammad-Hassan Talebian, said: “Gaining a UNESCO tag for the Great Wall of Gorgan -- one of the longest brick barriers of the ancient world -- is not hard as it is comparable to the Great Wall of China in terms of age, function, and size.” Although there are some issues and obstacles, further efforts to preserve and restore the millennia-old wall could be an acceptable justification for UNESCO to add this structure to the World Heritage list, Talebian explained. To get to that point, complete and accurate mapping of the remnants of the wall is needed, for which a budget of 20 billion rials ($476,000 at the official rate of 42,000 rials) has been allocated so far official added. He also noted that if the mapping project comes to an end by the end of the current Iranian year 1399 (March 20, 2021), the inscription of the wall on the World Heritage list would be discussed and possibly approved by the end of the next summer. Also known as Red Wall, which in some ancient texts is referred to as the Red Snake, this wall is the longest brick ancient barrier between Central Europe and China, longer than Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall put together and the third-largest wall in the world after the walls of China and Germany. Most parts of the gigantic monument are still hidden underneath the surface through some segments that have so far been unearthed and even restored to former glory. Archaeological excavations have so far identified ditches, brick kilns, earthen dams, water canals, 38 forts, and watchtowers attached to the wall, and more than 25 castles in the southern margin of the wall as well as several ancient sites from prehistoric, historic, and Islamic eras. The gigantic barrier is also more than three times the length of the longest late Roman defensive wall built from scratch, the Anastasian Wall west of Constantinople. The combined area of the forts on the Gorgan Wall exceeds that of those on Hadrian’s Wall about threefold. According to UNESCO, the Gorgan Wall is remarkable not only in terms of its physical scale but even more so in terms of its technical sophistication. To enable construction works, canals had to be dug along the course of the defensive barrier to provide the water needed for brick production. These canals received their water from supplier canals, which bridged the Gorgan River via qanats. One of these, the Sadd-e Garkaz, survives to 700 m in length and 20 m in height but was originally almost one kilometer long. The Gorgan Wall and its associated ancient military monuments provide a unique testimony to the engineering skills and military organization of the Sassanian Empire. They help to explain its geographic extent, from Mesopotamia to the west of the Indian Subcontinent, and how effective border defense contributed to the Empire’s prosperity in the interior and its longevity. These monuments are, in terms of their scale, historical importance, and sophistication, of global significance. Golestan is reportedly embracing some 2,500 historical and natural sites, with UNESCO-registered Gonbad-e Qabus – a one-millennium-old brick tower – amongst its most famous.

Create: Mar 9, 2021 Edit: Mar 9, 2021 Regional News

Iranian president declares travel ban for ‘red’, ‘orange’ zones to combat new COVID-19 variant

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday declared new travel bans for cities situated in the “red” and “orange” zones to combat the new COVID-19 variant. Rouhani called on people to avoid traveling during the Iranian New Year holidays to help contain the spread of coronavirus. He said it would be forbidden to make trips to cities marked as “red” and “orange” in terms of the prevalence of COVID-19. We request people to avoid traveling during Noruz holidays for the sake of their own health… It will be forbidden to travel to red and orange towns and cities,” he said. “No one should make any plans to travel to these cities,” he stressed. The president said the tolerance of the country’s health system “has a limit,” urging the public to cooperate when it comes to observing health protocols. Late in February, the tourism minister, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, said despite all the obstacles and issues and the outbreak of the coronavirus, the country’s tourism sector is still alive and dynamic. Noruz ceremonies and trips, if practiced under health protocols, could be beneficial for the revival of the tourism industry and handicrafts, which have been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic in many provinces, the minister explained. His deputy for tourism, Vali Teymouri, in February announced that the tourism ministry has gained official permission for organizing limited intercity travels during the Iran New Year vacations from the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control. Well-planned travels during the Noruz holidays, which will start on March 20, would be possible in close coordination with the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control, Teymouri said. “In order to create social vitality during the holidays, the ministry has set some rules for possible Noruz trips to control and monitor them carefully,” he said. “The trips will be possible only within the framework of planned tours through licensed travel agencies and under the supervision of the tourism ministry.” For people, who travel individually and outside of the tours, a reservation for an authorized accommodation center will be necessary, the official added. He also emphasized that all travelers and tourists need to follow strict health protocols during their trips and stays. With less than a month to go till the start of the Iranian New Year, which has long been associated with millions of domestic travels, the ministry wants to find a way to partially revive the already-slumped travels in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted. Iranians traditionally make hundreds of thousands of domestic trips during the New Year holidays, when most businesses and workplaces are closed, as are schools.

Create: Mar 8, 2021 Edit: Mar 8, 2021 Regional News

Tourism minister cuts ribbon on accommodation centers in Kashan

Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan inaugurated a hotel and two traditional guesthouses during his visit to the central city of Kashan on Tuesday. A budget of five trillion rials ($119 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocated for the establishment of the hotel, which is estimated to generate 120 job opportunities, CHTN reported. The total budget for traditional guesthouses also amounts to 170 billion rials ($4 million), the report added. The guesthouses are expected to create 40 new jobs as well. There is an additional 160 beds to the hospitality sector in the city with the inauguration of the accommodation centers. Kashan is a historical city near Isfahan in the central part of Iran. Its history dates back to over ten thousand years ago, and it is home to some of the most beautiful buildings featuring Islamic architecture. Many travelers opt to pass Kashan on their journeys between Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, because this delightful oasis city on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir, is one of Iran’s most alluring destinations. Kashan not only boasts a cluster of architectural wonders, an atmospheric covered bazaar, and a UNESCO-recognized garden, but it also offers some of central Iran’s best traditional hotels. The annual Golab-giri (rosewater distillation) ceremony of Kashan attracts huge crowds to the city every year. Some of the most ancient traces of civilization have been discovered near Kashan, at the Sialk archeological site.

Create: Mar 7, 2021 Edit: Mar 7, 2021 Regional News

White Lodging Opens Austin Marriott Downtown

The new Austin Marriott Downtown opens today, steps away from the most popular downtown tourist attractions, bars and restaurants. The hotel represents the newest design vision for Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International, where spaces and amenities are crafted to allow guests to achieve moments of creative brilliance.The 31-story stylishly-designed tower fits seamlessly into the Austin skyline and speaks to the needs of today’s modern traveler, including hand-crafted food and beverage offerings, advanced health and safety features, and plenty of outdoor and socially distant options for connecting with others.Guests will feel a sense of place the moment they walk in the door, whether they’re in town for a staycation, weekend getaway, business trip, meeting or convention. The hotel’s design is inspired by its home city, with limestone and Texas Cedar native to central Texas used throughout the hotel.Guest rooms start on level seven to maximize views of Lady Bird Lake, the University of Texas campus, the city skyline, and in the distance, Texas Hill Country. Of the 613 guest rooms the hotel offers 25 luxurious suites. The reimagined rooms offer a spacious and elevated look complete with tailored solutions that are as inventive as its guests.Based on consumer insights, locally-inspired accents offer a sense of place, and the work surface provides flexibility to freely move and use technology wherever the guest desires. Deluxe walk-in showers and spa-like lighting complete the relaxed experience throughout the room.Hand-Crafted Food and DrinksFrom top to bottom, Austin Marriott Downtown’s restaurants and bars are sure to be new local favorites.Zanzibar. Seven stories up and a world away. Zanzibar, a lush tropical rooftop terrace and pool oasis with stunning views of downtown, opened before the hotel in September 2020. It quickly became a popular spot among Austin locals and travelers alike, known as a socially distant outdoor rooftop where guests can escape the everyday with modern tiki cocktails. It features its own street-level elevator access on San Jacinto Boulevard to transport you seven stories up and a world away.Zanzibar’s menu features modern tiki cocktails and island-inspired small plates. Specialty drinks are influenced with exotic spices grown right in Zanzibar, including cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and clove. Zanzibar is known as ‘spice island’ and was once the largest exporter of spices in the world so the drink and food menus reflect Zanzibar’s unique sense of place and flavors.Corinne Restaurant. Honest food + drink. Featuring one of the largest outdoor patios on West Cesar Chavez Street, Corinne is an honest and fresh neighborhood dining and cocktail spot serving classic, authentic regional classics and American comfort food with an emphasis on signature rotisserie dishes.From the featured Rotisserie Chicken dusted with mustard, thyme and lemon, to the Truffled Bucatini or the Wagyu Beef Tartare, lunch and dinner are complete with variety only available at Corinne. This is the second Corinne location following the first that opened in Denver in 2017.The Lobbyist. The Lobbyist is not only a clever nod to Austin’s history as a capital city, but it will also provide locals and hotel guests alike with a place to pause and reset or reach for a nightcap as they plan their next adventure. With a grand staircase entry, The Lobbyist is a two-story cocktail bar with a mezzanine level overlooking the entire hotel lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows to the outside.Loaf + Vine. Loaf + Vine is a modern urban grocer with a broad selection of quick and freshly made meals, grab-and-go options, fresh bakery goods, and cold drinks and coffee beverages. Available daily is everything from fine wines and craft beer to artisanal local favorites.60,000 Square Feet of Meeting Flexibility Meeting planners have a lot to celebrate about with Austin Marriott Downtown’s Next Gen Meeting Space that is tailored around any needs – from socially distanced setups to large gathering options. The hotel offers an 18,000 square foot exhibit hall filled with light thanks to a 204-foot wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as two 14,000 square foot ballrooms. The hotel follows all of Marriott International’s Connect with Confidence best practices for meetings and events.“This hotel is where Austin’s individuality meets the spirit of Texas,” said David Meisner, General Manager of the Austin Marriott Downtown. “With our state-of-the-art meetings facilities, wide selection of food and beverage outlets and thoughtfully-appointed guestrooms guests can reach their full creative potential. We are ready to be the first to safely welcome so many back to this great city as travel regains its footing.”“At Marriott Hotels, we want our guests to experience forward-thinking, aesthetically pleasing spaces that help foster their inventive nature and allow them to get into their best headspace for success,” said Manny Rappenecker, Vice President, Marriott Hotels. “We are so excited to extend the footprint of our brand in Austin, a city known for its innovative and creative spirit. We hope guests at Austin Marriott Downtown will be able to free themselves of distractions when they step into our hotel, allowing them to focus solely on being the best they can be.”Austin Marriott Downtown offers a completely touchless check-in and check-out experience, as well as elevator and in-room television controls using a personal smartphone. Austin Marriott Downtown is following Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols, created in partnership with leading experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations. These protocols include mandated mask wearing for all guests and associates within the hotel, and the use of disinfectants recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to sanitize surfaces in the hotels.The Austin Marriott Downtown is owned and operated by White Lodging. White Lodging currently owns and/or manages more than 4,000 guest rooms and 10 restaurants and bars in downtown Austin, including the Moxy Austin-University, which opened in January 2021 as the only one of its brand in Texas.

Create: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 7, 2021 International News

Wyndham Breaks Ground on First LaQuinta and Hawthorn Suites Dual-Brand Hotel in Pflugerville, Texas

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) – the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries and territories – announced today the first groundbreaking of its new La Quinta and Hawthorn Suites dual-brand hotel concept in Pflugerville, Texas. This marks the first-ever pairing of these two flags under the same roof and enables owners to target both the business transient and extended-stay demand within any given market. The company has 36 La Quinta and Hawthorn dual-branded hotels in its development pipeline in markets such as San Antonio and El Paso, Texas; Yuma, Ariz.; Wichita, Kan.; Charlotte, N.C. The property is slated to open in March 2022 with a combined 100 guestrooms – 30 of which will feature the recently updated Hawthorn room design that includes modern, well-equipped kitchens for extended-stay guests. This hotel will also feature the newly refreshed room design from La Quinta’s sought-after Del Sol prototype in 70 rooms. This new dual-brand hotel concept is designed to streamline development and operational costs. The concept includes a shared lobby, spacious modern great room, fitness center, bar, amenities, and back of the house all while appealing to the multiple types of travelers that have an affinity for these brands. The combination enhances Wyndham’s suite of offerings for developers by coupling its leading upper-midscale brand, La Quinta, with its benchmark, extended-stay Hawthorn Suites brand that reported a 44 percent year-over-year increase in domestic contract executions during 2020. Conveniently located at Pflugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center, just 15 miles northeast of Austin, the hotel provides easy access to the area’s more than 1,000 acres of scenic parks, trails and open spaces. The growing suburb of Pflugerville has seen significant business and residential growth, with a nearly 40 percent population increase in the past 10 years. We’re delighted to expand our portfolio with this new dual-branded hotel, providing these two distinct accommodations under one roof to meet the diverse needs of today’s travelers and provide operational efficiencies for developers,” said Krishna Paliwal, Wyndham’s president of La Quinta and head of architecture, design, and construction. “Our powerful marketing and sales programs for both La Quinta and Hawthorn will combine to drive reservations to this hotel. The industry-leading Wyndham Rewards program, now 86 million members strong, drives 46 percent of all U.S. hotel stays across our portfolio.” With La Quinta and Hawthorn Suites targeting different types of travelers, this brand pairing offers a unique opportunity to introduce a new subset of consumers to Wyndham’s strong upper-midscale and midscale portfolio. By bringing select-service and long-term lodging together under one roof, Wyndham is tapping into the steady and strong appetite developers and travelers have for extended-stay, especially in the midscale space which is expected to continue the high growth that it is seeing today.

Create: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 6, 2021 International News

The St. Regis Almasa Opens in Egypt Following Rebranding From Almasa Hotel

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts (www.StRegis.com), part of Marriott International (www.Marriott.com), today announced the opening of The St. Regis Almasa with the rebranding of the Almasa Hotel. Located in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, The St. Regis Almasa is poised to become the best address in the heart of the up-and-coming city, which is slated to be the new face of Cairo and the administrative and financial hub of Egypt. “We are delighted to bring our iconic St. Regis brand to the New Administrative Capital together with the National Authority for Management & Investment,” said Guido De Wilde, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This opening is a significant milestone in our journey and underscores the tremendous trust and confidence our owners have in us and in the power of our luxury brands in the region.” General Sherif Salah El-Din Chairman of The National Authority for Management & Investment said, “The National Authority for Management and Investment is excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring the classic sophistication of the St. Regis brand to the New Administrative Capital of Egypt. The St. Regis Almasa will play a significant role in giving the tourism industry much-needed support and will become the new destination for luxury hospitality in Egypt, playing host to the country’s most coveted events, conferences and summits.” Showcasing timeless design and exquisite architecture, The St. Regis Almasa offers 270 rooms, 90 suites, 60 apartments and 14 villas, all featuring a private balcony or patio overlooking the pool and surrounding lush green landscape. The hotel’s classic aesthetic blends effortlessly with an elegant palate of rich fabrics to create a refined environment of luxury and comfort. Guests will enjoy the brand’s signature Butler Service, which offers around-the-clock anticipatory service and customizes each guest’s stay according to their tastes and preferences. The St. Regis Almasa boasts a 42,000-square-foot convention center that hosts official government conventions and events, as well as official foreign presidents’ and delegation visits. The Convention Center includes three ballrooms with separate entrances, dedicated bridal suites, nine meeting rooms and six VIP lounges with access to a private restaurant. It also features The Summit Hall, which is renowned for hosting heads of states, and Teatro Al Asema, a state-of-the-art spectator venue. The hotel is also ideally situated a short distance from Egypt’s ministerial district and the new Arts and Culture hub which is home to the Grand Opera House, Egypt’s Capitals Museum and the Capital Library. Dining venues at The St. Regis Almasa include La Sponda, offering true Italian charm and flavor, and Café Royal situated in the heart of the lobby serving the St. Regis brand’s signature Afternoon Tea ritual. The hotel also anticipates introducing new concepts and distinctive culinary experiences. The St. Regis Almasa’s leisure facilities cater to all ages, featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools and an artificial beach with waves. Guests can escape to the Trio Club House, an exquisite retreat housing a luxurious spa. The spa has eight tranquil treatment rooms offering a range of holistic treatments, a Moroccan Hammam, sauna and steam rooms and a fitness center with a separate space for ladies and a kids club. True to the legacy of the iconic brand, The St. Regis Almasa is expected to encompass the hallmarks of the brand such as its rich traditions and rituals to bring to life a complete brand experience over the next few months.

Create: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 6, 2021 International News

Hotel Florence Completes Renovations and Joins Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Florence, a unique boutique hotel located in the heart of historic downtown Florence, South Carolina, is pleased to announce the completion of their interior renovations and conversion to Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Owned and operated by Raines since 2013, the property began the renovation process in October 2020. Guests of the hotel can now experience extensive room renovations, including major bathroom upgrades, new furniture, fixtures, and equipment, new carpet and paint, updated artwork, and more. The property’s existing restaurant, Victors, also received an upgrade, including new seating, a bar renovation, and a new color scheme. Hotel Florence remains steeped in Florence culture and continues to showcase the historic downtown area’s rich roots. “After seven wonderful years in the Florence community, we are excited to complete this next step in our development of Hotel Florence and our investment in the downtown community,” said Grey Raines, Managing Partner of Raines. “Our new partnership with Hilton will reinvigorate Florence’s hospitality offerings and enable us to continue operating as the city’s premier hotel. We are excited to welcome our community and our guests to experience the updates at Hotel Florence.” Hotel Florence headlines the company’s recent launch of Woven by Raines – a specialized division that weaves a distinct development and service approach into each of its boutique properties. Featuring customized strategies, tailored branding and marketing tactics, and top-tier food and beverage programming, Woven offers a full-service approach to operating boutique hotels. Leading this new division in the Raines family is Executive Vice President Gavin Philipp, a hospitality professional with extensive knowledge in the boutique hotel sector. The Foundry Hotel Asheville, a Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel, is also a Woven by Raines property. Located along I-95 and within a short drive of several bustling cities such as Charleston, Greenville, Charlotte, Columbia, and Savannah, Florence serves as the perfect weekend getaway for nearby residents or those traveling for business. Suited for all business needs, the hotel and Victors have over 2,900 square feet of meeting and event space that can host up to 250 people; audio and visual packages available; complimentary WiFi throughout the property; catering capabilities. The hotel also boasts an in-house spa for down time relaxation – The Spa at Hotel Florence. The full-service spa is open to guests and outside visitors and features state-of-the-art individual treatment rooms, a couple’s massage room, and a serene relaxation area, as well as a selection of treatments for both men and women. Guests of the hotel can receive spa treatments from the comfort of their own room upon request. Hotel Florence is led by Dylan Purvis, General Manager, and Taylor Johnson, Director of Sales – two South Carolina natives and leaders in the hospitality industry.

Create: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 6, 2021 International News

SALA Hospitality Group Unveils sala bang pa-in on an Island in the Chao Phraya River

SALA Hospitality Group, Thailand’s homegrown design-led hospitality company, has unveiled the latest addition to its curated collection of beachfront resorts and boutique hotels: sala bang pa-in, a chic and stylish new riverside retreat that allows guests to escape the city, unwind in nature and learn about Thai history. With a fleet of boats awaiting to transport guests on immersive excursions, including complimentary transfers to and from the Summer Palace, every traveller can uncover the rich heritage of a charming yet relatively undiscovered part of the Kingdom. Scheduled to open its doors on 1st May 2021, sala bang pa-in will become the group’s ninth property in Thailand and the fifth member of sala boutique, a portfolio of intimate hotels situated in picturesque locations, many of which are filled with historical significance. Nestled on an island in the Chao Phraya River between Ayutthaya and Bangkok, Thailand’s ancient and modern capitals, Bang Pa-in is an exceptional addition to this anthology. This also marks the latest collaboration between SALA Hospitality Group and Twitee Vajrabhaya Teparkum from the Department of Architecture Co., the acclaimed Bangkok-based design studio, following the successful openings of Six Senses Samui and SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort. In the era of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it is said that King Ekathosarot (reign from 1605 to 1620) was shipwrecked on an island in the Chao Phraya, Thailand’s “River of Kings”, as he sailed to the royal palace. There he met a woman living on the island and fell in love. Their alleged son, King Prasat Thong (reign from 1629 or 1630 to 1656) decided to build a palace in Bang Pa-in, as a tribute to the home of his mother[1]. Today, this “Summer Palace” remains an enchanting attraction that echoes the elegance of a bygone era, and guests at sala bang pa-in will be able to discover its secrets with complimentary daily boat services. Celebrating this destination’s vivid backstory and natural beauty, sala bang pa-in is a contemporary boutique retreat that puts guests on the doorstep of the Summer Palace. The hotel houses just 24 deluxe rooms and pool villas, all of which reflect a modern minimalist design concept and cutting-edge technology, such as high-end sound systems with smartphone connectivity, LED TVs and Espresso machines in every villa. Each spa-inspired bathroom comprises a separate bathtub and rain shower, and all 10 villas open out onto expansive riverside terraces with daybeds and private pools. The top room category, the spectacular three-bedroom river view presidential pool villa, offers 484 square metres of indoor and alfresco living space, making it ideal for families and groups of friends. Endless days can be spent exploring this intriguing area aboard the hotel’s own handcrafted 40ft wooden motorboat built by a renowned local boat builder in Ayutthaya, which offers river cruises to the Summer Palace (included in the room rate), along with daily sightseeing tours and sunset cocktail cruises. Alternatively, a luxurious 26ft speedboat is available for half- and full-day private charters and intimate group events. Bang Pa-in is an enticing option for visitors who want to embrace the great outdoors, with plenty of scenic cycling routes to and from the hotel, including a 50km loop that encompasses Ayutthaya and the Summer Palace, and secure bike parking at the hotel. Guests can also jog along a path that winds around the property and along the riverbank, relax with in-room spa and massage services, or plunge into the inviting outdoor swimming pool, which stretches 30 metres along the waterfront. Delectable dining experiences can be enjoyed at sala bang pa-in eatery and bar, its riverside restaurant. The menu of Thai and international cuisine highlights ingredients grown in the hotel’s onsite garden, accompanied by global wines, craft beers and creative cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating is available with panoramic vistas. Within a short driving distance of Bangkok, sala bang pa-in is also an outstanding destination for out-of-town events, weddings and company away days. The 2nd floor multi-purpose meeting room, with its balcony and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, can host inspiring gatherings of up to 20 delegates, the 240sqm river-facing lawn is ideal for weddings, and the entire property can be reserved for unforgettable social or corporate occasions. sala bang pa-in will be led by Mr. Volkert Geertsen, a highly respected international hotelier and Cluster General Manager for sala boutique. The Chao Phraya is a legendary river that weaves timeless tales of Thailand’s past as it winds through the landscape. Now for the first time, curious explorers can discover the fables and folklore of Bang Pa-in, the home of the Summer Palace, while staying in a boutique hotel that delivers world-class experiences for couples, families and groups alike. Just a short distance from Bangkok, yet surrounded by unspoiled scenery, this is a captivating destination for urbanites who want to escape the city and unwind in peace and tranquility. We look forward to welcoming guests to sala bang pa-in, demonstrating our trademark sense of style and showcasing the grace and grandeur of Old Siam,” Mr. Geertsen commented. sala bang pa-in joins sala rattanakosin Bangkok, sala lanna Chiang Mai, sala ayutthaya and sala khaoyai in the sala boutique portfolio. Like all its sister hotels, it infuses the genuine warmth of Thai hospitality with a focus on authentic art, design and culinary creativity. And of course, guests can rest assured that their health and hygiene is SALA Hospitality Group’s top priority. Every property adheres to the SALA Safe programme, which ensures the safety of customers whilst preserving the core guest experience. The full list of measures can be found on the SALA Hospitality Group website. sala bang pa-in is located just 60km north of downtown Bangkok, 28km from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, 41km from Don Mueang International Airport and 74km from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, making it ideal for domestic and international visitors alike.

Create: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 6, 2021 International News

New light shed on Persepolis

An archaeological discovery lately been made in the vicinity of Persepolis has shed new light on the once ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid empire. Excavations and surveys on Tall-e-Ajori, which is situated in the surrounding areas of the UNESCO-registered Persepolis, are expected to help archaeologists uncover more about the history of the royal city. Regarding the significance of such excavations around Persepolis, the director of the World Heritage site on Wednesday noted: “[Some] half of the ancient world was led and managed from the Persepolis.” There is ample evidence for the claim, which could be found across the Marvdasht plain, which is also home to the UNESCO-registered Pasargadae, and several historical sites as well as villages and small towns scattered in an area of 85,000 hectares around Persepolis, Hamid Fadaei added. However, protecting and preserving such a vast area would be a challenging and time-consuming task, he explained. The official also noted that besides the archeological significance, the ecosystem and natural resources, and capacities of the area should be taken into consideration. Supervised by a joint mission of Iranian and Italian archaeologists and cultural heritage experts, the excavations on Tall-e-Ajori uncovered vestiges of a massive gateway measuring 30 by 40 meters with a height of approximately 12 meters. The archaeologists succeeded in proving that Cyrus had ordered the construction of the gateway near Persepolis in Tall-e-Ajori and that this magnificent gateway had been put into operation during the reign of his son Cambyses. “The building had a corridor in the center, which was in form of a rectangular room measuring eight by twelve meters, and inside this central room, there were four living chairs. And the central corridor opened on both sides to the Achaemenid campus,” according to Alireza Askari-Charoudi who is a senior Iranian archaeologist. The royal city of Persepolis ranks among the archaeological sites which have no equivalent, considering its unique architecture, urban planning, construction technology, and art. Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, whose magnificent ruins rest at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy) is situated 60 kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars province. The city was burnt by Alexander the Great in 330 BC apparently as revenge to the Persians because it seems the Persian King Xerxes had burnt the Greek City of Athens around 150 years earlier. The city’s immense terrace was begun about 518 BC by Darius the Great, the Achaemenid Empire’s king. On this terrace, successive kings erected a series of architecturally stunning palatial buildings, among them the massive Apadana palace and the Throne Hall (“Hundred-Column Hall”). This 13-ha ensemble of majestic approaches, monumental stairways, throne rooms (Apadana), reception rooms, and dependencies is classified among the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Persepolis was the seat of the government of the Achaemenid Empire, though it was designed primarily to be a showplace and spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the kings and their empire. The site is marked by a large terrace with its east side abutting the Kuh-e Rahmat (“Mount of Mercy”). The other three sides are formed by a retaining wall, varying in height with the slope of the ground from 13 to 41 feet (4 to 12 meters); on the west side, a magnificent double stair in two flights of 111 short stone steps leads to the top. On the terrace are the ruins of several colossal buildings, all constructed of a dark gray stone (often polished to a marble-like surface) from the adjacent mountain. According to Britannica, the stone was cut with the utmost precision into blocks of great size, which were laid without mortar; many of them are still in place. Especially striking are the huge columns, 13 of which still stand in the audience hall of Darius I (the Great; reigned 522–486 BC), known as the Apadana, the name given to a similar hall built by Darius at Susa. There are two more columns still standing in the entrance hall of the Gate of Xerxes, and a third has been assembled there from its broken pieces. In 1933 two sets of gold and silver plates recording in the three forms of cuneiform—ancient Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian—the boundaries of the Persian empire were discovered in the foundations of Darius’s hall of audience. Several inscriptions, cut in stone, of Darius I, Xerxes I, and Artaxerxes III indicate to which monarch the various buildings were attributed.

Create: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 6, 2021 Regional News

Affordable prices expected to bring back boom into Iran tourism

The reasonable prices of Iran tours are expected to bring back the boom into the tourism sector of the country in post coronavirus era, the head of the Iranian Tour Operators Association has said. “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,” Ebrahim Pourfaraj said on Thursday. He 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. Referring to health tourism as a popular branch in Iran, he noted that medical services in Iran are provided at a lower price than what may be offered at double the price in other countries. Back in January, the official announced that the tourist flow from across the world to Iran will return to normal in 2022. Although there are requests for traveling to Iran in the current year (2021), most travel agencies and tour operators believe that the flow will go back to normal in the next year, he explained. Beginning mass vaccination against the coronavirus will provide better and safe conditions for international travels in 2022, he added. 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. He 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.” Optimistic forecasts, however, expect Iran to achieve a tourism boom after coronavirus contained, believing its impact would be temporary and short-lived for a country that ranked the third fastest-growing tourism destination in 2019. The latest available data show eight million tourists visited the Islamic Republic during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year (started March 21, 2019). Iran welcomed some 7.8 million foreign nationals a year earlier, achieving a 52.5 percent increase year on year. 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: Mar 6, 2021 Edit: Mar 6, 2021 Regional News

Some $154m paid to support tourism businesses across Iran

The Iranian government has paid 6.5 trillion rials ($154.7 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) in loans to the tourism businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic across the country in the current Iranian year 1399 (started on March 20, 2020), the tourism minister has said. Although the coronavirus outbreak has caused significant damage to the tourism industry, one of the ministry’s strategic plans is to diversify tourism products, which is expected to expand economic prosperity, Ali-Asghar Mounesan announced on Monday. Several historical structures and aging buildings have been revived and repurposed into different accommodation centers to attract more domestic and foreign travelers, he added. In recent years, nature tourism has also gained popularity due to the country’s natural beauty and attractions, he explained. In this regard, several eco-lodge units have been established even in the farthest regions of the country as well, the minister noted. Elsewhere in his remarks, he expressed hope that limited Noruz trips would be possible, if practiced under health protocols, during the Iranian New Year vacations, which begins on March 21. Government’s care and support packages Last October, the deputy tourism chief, Vali Teymouri, announced that a new support package was approved to pay loans to businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Depending on the type and activity of the businesses, they could benefit from at least 160 million rials ($3,800 at the official rate of 42,000 rials) to nine billion rials ($214,000) of bank loans with a 12-percent interest rate, he said. The loans would be allocated to tourist guides, travel agencies, tourism transport companies, tourism educational institutions, eco-lodges and traditional accommodations, hotels, apartment hotels, motels, and guesthouses as well as traditional accommodation centers, tourism complexes, and recreational centers, the official explained. Teymouri in September pointed to the 1.3 million tourism workers in the country, who are facing several issues due to the coronavirus crisis and said “This number, in addition to their households, includes a significant population that makes a living through tourism, who are needed to be considered in ministry’s decisions.” Back in August, Teymouri announced that the tourism ministry had approved a total budget of 4,920 billion rials (over $117 million) to support corona-affected tourism businesses, covering as much as 36,000 people working in the tourism sector. Tourism industry in critical situation Mounesan in October warned that Iran’s cultural heritage and tourism would be in a critical situation if the crises caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus continue. Last August, the tourism minister said that the tourism sector of the Islamic Republic had suffered a loss of 12 trillion rials (some $2.85 billion) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. He 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.” Optimistic forecasts, however, expect Iran to achieve a tourism boom after coronavirus contained, believing its impact would be temporary and short-lived for a country that ranked the third fastest-growing tourism destination in 2019. The latest available data show eight million tourists visited the Islamic Republic during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year (started March 21, 2019).

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