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TOP 10 OLDEST HOTELS IN EUROPE

Hotels have been around for as long as we can remember, but where in history is the origin of this core sector of the tourism industry? While it might come as a surprise for many, the three oldest hotels in the world are all located in Japan and have been operating for hundreds of years. While Japan can boast this very interesting fact, the real champion of historic accommodation facilities is Europe with a large variety of old hotels. In this context, Tourism Review presents the top 10 oldest hotels on the Old Continent – each country represented by only one hotel. Hôtel Cour du Corbeau (France), est. 1528 Located in the heart of Strasbourg and a stone's throw from the cathedral, the Cour du Corbeau is one of the oldest hotels in Europe, being in operation since the beginning of the 16th century. At the same time, it is also one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of the Renaissance period. The city-owned hotel offers 63 luxurious rooms to its guest, guaranteeing top-notch comfort and an experience to remember. Hostal dos Reis Católicos (Spain), est. 1499 Owned by the Paradores chain (in the ownership of the Spanish government), the Hostal dos Reis Católicos was built as a royal hospital to accommodate pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. Today, it continues to welcome visitors from all parts of the world in more than 100 rooms and boasts incredible luxury in the heart of one of Spain’s most important cities. Hotel Damier (Belgium), est. 1398 Located on the Grote Markt square in Kortrijk, Damier boasts an impressive history. The first mention of the hotel dates back to the 14th century, with the building boasting an astonishing Rococo façade from 1769. Today, the hotel offers 65 luxurious rooms that will certainly impress even the more demanding individuals. Hotel De Draak (Netherlands), est. 1397 Founded in 1397 and located in the historic center of Bergen op Zoom, Hotel de Draak is the oldest hotel in the Netherlands. It is possible that the hotel is even older, but a huge fire destroyed the city archives in the same year. It is currently owned by the Hazen family and boasts an impressive 62 rooms which provide the guests with fine comfort and luxury. Zum Roten Baeren (Germany), est. 1387 Labelled as the oldest hotel in Germany, the first mention of the Zum Roten Baeren hotel in Freiburg dates to 1387, with the building itself being one of the oldest ones in the city. The guesthouse has been a social center of the city for years and today it has 25 rooms, 20 employees and the ambition to appeal more to the public with its historic charm. Hotel-Gasthof Löwen (Lichtenstein), est. 1380 The Löwen has been offering its services in the hospitality industry since 1380, thus being the oldest hotel in the country. Today the hotel offers elegantly furnished rooms, organization of events and conferences and provides its guests with a gastronomic experience in the form of a restaurant to top it all off. Gastagwirt (Austria), est. 1380 The family led Gastagwirt hotel has been firmly rooted in Eugendorf, in the Salzburg region, for over 700 years. As early as 1380, the "irrevocable, indispensable and forever hereditary liquor license" was awarded to the guesthouse with a letter and a seal. In the present day, the hotel provides fine accommodation services, but especially some of the best seminar and meeting services and facilities in the country. Hotel Interlaken (Switzerland), est. 1323 Hotel Interlaken in Switzerland is also among the oldest hotels in Europe. It was opened in 1323 and was initially meant to be a guesthouse for visitors of the local monastery, while later it was a part of the administration of the region. Today, the family led hotel offers 55 rooms, event organization and much more in the heart of Switzerland. Hotel Alte Goste (Italy), est. 1142 The Alte Goste hotel has been in operation since the 13th century, although the first innkeeper known by name was Gild Stainer in 1557. The region itself served as one of the most important connections between the Holy Roman Empire and Italy. Today the hotel offers a large variety of rooms and apartments for a carefree stay in the Puster Valley. The Olde Bell Hotel (UK), est. 1135 The Olde Bell, located in the small town of Hurley in England first opened almost 900 years ago in 1135. Initially, it operated as a guesthouse for visitors to the nearby Benedictine Priory, but throughout the time it gained even more importance up to the point when Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower met there during World War II. Today the hotel offers 48 rooms that guarantee the guests a historic experience not to be forgotten.

Create: Dec 16, 2021 Edit: Dec 16, 2021 International News

UNWTO Announces List of ‘Best Tourism Villages’ 2021

The best examples of villages embracing tourism to provide opportunity and drive sustainable development have been celebrated at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Madrid. The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative was launched to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and their local values and activities, including local gastronomy. A total of 44 villages from 32 countries across the five world regions were granted the recognition in 2021. All of them stand out for their natural and cultural resources as well as for their innovative and transformative actions and commitment to the development of tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The villages were evaluated by an independent Advisory Board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas: - Cultural and Natural Resources - Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources - Economic Sustainability - Social Sustainability - Environmental Sustainability - Tourism Potential and Development and Value Chain Integration - Governance and Prioritization of Tourism - Infrastructure and Connectivity - Health, Safety and Security All of the 44 chosen villages scored a total of 80 or more points or more out of a possible 100. Tourism as a driver of rural development and inclusion “Tourism can be a driver of social cohesion and inclusion by promoting a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and empowering local communities,” says UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing”. The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative includes three pillars: The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’: Recognizes villages which are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme: The Upgrade programme will benefit a number of villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive the recognition. These villages will receive support from UNWTO and its Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network: The Network will provide a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It will include representatives of the villages recognized as the ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’ , the villages participating in the Upgrade Programme, as well as experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development. A total 174 villages were proposed by 75 UNWTO Member States (each Member State could present a maximum of three villages) for the 2021 pilot initiative. Among which 44 were recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO. Another 20 villages will enter the Upgrade Programme of the Initiative. All 64 villages enter to make part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The next edition will open in February 2022. List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2021: Bekhovo, Russian Federation Bkassine, Lebanon Bojo, Philippineshe Caspalá, Argentina Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal Cuetzalan del Progreso, Mexico Cumeada, Portugal Gruyères, Switzerland Batu Puteh , Malaysia Kaunertal, Austria Le Morne, Mauritius Lekunberri, Spain Maní, Mexico Misfat Al Abriyeen, Oman Miyama, Japan Mokra Gora, Serbia Morella, Spain Mustafapaşa, Turkey Nglanggeran, Indonesia Niseko, Japan Nkotsi Village, Rwanda Old Grand Port, Mauritius Olergesailie, Kenya Ollantaytambo, Peru Pano Lefkara, Cyprus Pica, Chile Pochampally, India Puerto Williams, Chile Radovljica, Slovenia Rijal Alma'a, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Testo Alto, Brazil Saas Fee, Switzerland San Cosme y Damián, Paraguay San Ginesio, Italy Sidi Kaouki, Morocco Solčava, Slovenia Soufli, Greece Taraklı, Turkey The Purple Island, Republic of Korea Ungok Village, Republic of Korea Valposchiavo, Switzerland Wonchi, Ethiopia Xidi, China Yucun, China Additionally, UNWTO will work with the following villages participating in the Upgrade Programme: Ordino, Andorra Khinalig, Azerbaijan Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria Kaštelir Labinci, Croatia Agros, Cyprus Fuwah, Egypt Western Samos, Greece Hollókő, Hungary Biei, Japan Capulálpam de Méndez, Mexico Godinje, Montenegro Gornja Lastva, Montenegro Oukaimeden, Morocco Barangay Tenani, Philippines Gasura, Rwanda Gostilje, Serbia Gorenja Vas, Slovenia Cantavieja, Spain Bo Suak, Thailand Ruboni, Uganda

Create: Dec 5, 2021 Edit: Dec 5, 2021 International News

UNWTO Members Support Leadership and Back Plan for Tourism’s Future

The Member States of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have strongly aligned themselves behind its leadership and vision for the sector. Coming together for the 24th General Assembly in Madrid, Spain, Members from every global region approved the Organization’s Programme of Work and endorsed key initiatives designed to build a more a resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism. The General Assembly has brought together more than 1,000 delegates from 135 countries, including 84 Ministers of Tourism as well as business leaders, destinations and representatives of key international organizations. Opening the General Assembly, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili cited the spirit of solidarity and determination that has defined tourism’s response to an unprecedented crisis. In presenting his Report to Members, he made clear how a focus on collaboration and harmonization of protocols, political advocacy and securing financial support for tourism, have help the sector mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and laid the foundations for tourism’s restart in many parts of the country. UN and International Community Backing Mr Pololikashvili said: “In every global region, the pandemic has made clear the importance of our sector – for economic growth, for jobs and trade, and for protecting natural and cultural heritage. We must make the most of this opportunity – to transform goodwill into concrete support.” Emphasizing the significance of the General Assembly, as well as UNWTO’s elevated stature within the global agenda, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed delegates and called for them to work together for a “green, inclusive, sustainable” future. Mr Guterres added: “I commend UNWTO and Secretary-General Pololikashvili and hope the decisions taken at the General Assembly will help restore trust in travel and get the world moving safely do developing economies can reap the benefits of sustainable tourism.” The United Nations Secretary-Generals words of support were echoed by the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, by Rebeca Greenspan, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), by Juan Carlos Salazar Gómez, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization, and by Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas. Alongside receiving an updated on UNWTO’s activities since the last General Assembly two years ago, Members also benefited from a comprehensive overview of the latest tourism trends, as indicated by UNWTO’s latest data, as well as an updated overview of restrictions on travel worldwide. From the floor of the Assembly, Members from different global regions expressed their solidarity with countries impacted by the continued imposition of travel restrictions. Also in Madrid, Member States voted in person to approve the UNWTO Executive Council’s nomination of Mr Pololikashvili to serve as Secretary-General for a second term. On the back of the strongly favorable vote, Mr Pololikashvili will lead UNWTO from 2022 to 2025. UNWTO Again Welcomes Royal Approval On the eve of the General Assembly, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain praised UNWTO’s “outstanding work” leading global tourism, most notably over the past 18 months during the worst crisis in the sector’s history. At a special Royal Gala Dinner, His Majesty also emphasized the importance of tourism for economies and societies, both in Spain and globally, making the sector’s recovery essential for many millions of people.

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

UNWTO conference examines ways to develop sports tourism

A host of international travel experts have discussed ways to expand sports tourism as one of the emerging propellers of the COVID-battered industry. Celebrated experts and academics in sports tourism debated on current and future trends in the sector and underlined the key role of sport for the development of more sustainable and inclusive tourism during the two-day World Sports Tourism Congress, which came to an end on November 26 November in Spain. At the opening ceremony, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili declared that the holding of this Congress, with strong in-person participation, is a clear message that the tourism sector is ready to welcome tourists again, and the recovery of sports tourism plays an important role, the UN body reported. Pololikashvili added: "An encouraging example is the gradual return of major sporting events, which is a major driver of the restart of tourism." Sport events of various kinds and sizes attract tourists as participants or spectators and destinations try to add local flavors to them to distinguish themselves and provide authentic local experiences. Mega sports events such as the Olympics and World Cups can be a catalyst for tourism development if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development, and other economic and social benefits. In addition, sports tourism may provide plenty of opportunities for neighboring countries of a certain state which is set to host a mega-sport event. For example, the Iranian island of Kish in the Persian Gulf has announced its readiness to host Qatar World Cup spectators. According to Iran’s deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, Iran should benefit from the 2022 World Cup as a considerable opportunity to promote its distinctive travel attractions. “With the World Cup being held in a neighboring country, Iran can benefit from this important event, which if carefully planned, can bring significant wins for various sectors, especially the tourism industry in the country,” he noted. Local officials say, the proximity of Kish to Qatar, and the lower cost of staying on this island make it possible for spectators and teams to stay here during the World Cup, which will be held from November 21 to December 18, 2022. As mentioned by the UNWTO, sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism. More and more tourists are interested in sports activities during their trips whether sports are the main objective of travel or not.

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

Boeing gets green light for satellite internet constellation

The Federal Communications Commission has authorized a satellite internet project from Boeing first proposed in 2017. Boeing can now move forward with building, launching, and operating its own broadband internet network from space, joining its main aerospace competitor SpaceX. Boeing’s plan involves placing 132 satellites into low Earth orbit at an altitude of 1,056 kilometers (about 656 miles). Another 15 will be launched to “non geostationary orbit” at an altitude between 27,355 and 44,221 km (16,998 to 27,478 miles). The company says it wants to use the satellites to offer “broadband internet and communications services to residential consumers, government and business users in the United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands” while the network gets built out, and on a global basis once it’s complete. All 147 satellites would broadcast in the V-band, a higher-frequency slice of the wireless spectrum than the Ka and Ku bands used by SpaceX’s Starlink network or Amazon’s yet-to-be-deployed Project Kuiper satellites. Using V-band could allow for faster data transfer rates but runs a greater risk of interference because the higher frequencies have more trouble penetrating solid objects. (SpaceX has plans to use the V-band in some future satellites, and so does OneWeb. The Ka and Ku bands are also used by satellites that provide in-flight internet on commercial airlines.) SPACEX HAD TOLD THE FCC IT WAS CONCERNED BOEING’S NETWORK WOULD CROWD LOW EARTH ORBIT SpaceX has previously expressed concern that Boeing’s proposal to launch into already-crowded low orbits could increase the risk of a collision with other satellites. In 2019, SpaceX said to the FCC that it believed Boeing’s network would create a “clear danger of harmful interference,” according to Reuters. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of around 550 km (roughly 342 miles), which is around where OneWeb’s internet satellite constellation can be found (and where Amazon’s satellites will go once they launch). SpaceX and OneWeb narrowly avoided a collision earlier this year. Boeing now has six years to launch half of its satellite constellation and nine years to deploy the entire network. The company had asked the FCC to loosen those requirements — it wanted to only commit to launching five satellites in the first six years, and asked for a 12-year window to launch the entire constellation — but the commission denied that request, according to the order published Wednesday. By comparison, SpaceX and Amazon have far grander plans for their networks, with each consisting of thousands of satellites. Boeing is a major satellite manufacturer, and so it spent the years before and after its initial 2017 proposal selling to early space-based internet providers as the market matured. But providers are now expected to collectively generate more than $50 billion by 2031, which could explain why Boeing bothered slogging through four years of the approval process.

Create: Nov 5, 2021 Edit: Nov 5, 2021 International News

Gold-plated limousine, world’s only Panther-Laser shine at Tehran museum

Following years of restoration and renovation, Iran Historical Car Museum in western Tehran has reopened its doors to the public, featuring a magnificent collection of rare classic, vintage, sports cars, carriages, and motorcycles.Highlights of the museum include a gold-plated limousine, the world’s only Panther-Laser car produced, a Silver Ghost Rolls-Royce once owned by the Qajar King, Ahmand Shah (r. 1909 – 1925), as well as a royal carriage belonging to Nasereddin Shah of Qajar.In an interview with the Tehran Times on Sunday, the director of the museum Mohammad Fa’al, said: “The 1922 Rolls-Royce, a Morris Oxford Bullnose, and a Fiat Tipo 519 constitute the three oldest cars of the collection.”“The building of the museum underwent restorations as of 2005 as you can see the images of the restoration of the building and cars have been installed on the walls of the museum. Moreover, we refurbished a dozen other cars from our treasury and added them to the newly-opened museum.”“The museum has four main halls, the first of which bears the oldest vehicles of the collection, amongst them the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost that was belonging to Ahmad Shah Qajar,” he said. Hall 2 is dedicated to American and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and Hall 3 is devoted to the official and ceremonial cars, which include various models of Rolls-Royces and Mercedes. Hall 4 is also dedicated to sports and super sports cars. In response to a question about the number of vehicles, the director said: “There are currently 102 cars in the treasury in addition to 55 cars that are currently on display.” “Of course, what you now see in here is not all our cars, and we have a treasury that acts as a support for the museum, and it has cars that are being renovated over time and replaced with these existing cars in order to preserve the charm of the museum.” The museum owns the largest collection of Mercedes-Benz 600 in the world. “We have the largest collection of Mercedes-Benz 600 in the world with 21 units. The Mercedes-Benz Museum itself has three units of the 600 model…. the Mercedes-Benz 600 itself is designed and built with different rooms and its function is only for ceremonies and this model has different rooms some having hardtop or custom-made sunroofs,” the director of the museum explained. He said that the museum owns all models of Mercedes-Benz 600, which is very unique. “Moreover, we have all models of Mercedes-Benz 600 that have been produced by the German company; four of which are on display here in the museum, and 17 are being kept inside the treasury.” Furthermore, Fa’al added 21 classic Rolls-Royces are being kept in the museum and its treasure trove. “Home to 21 [classic] Rolls-Royces, Iran Historical Car Museum is the second-largest treasure trove of those vehicles after the Rolls-Royce Museum.” Talking about the values of cars he explained, “all these cars are valuable and it is impossible to say which one is better. We can say which one is more beautiful and which has a more attractive design, but we cannot say which is more valuable.” “However, the classification of cars in terms of value depends on several factors: one is the age of the car, the other is its manufacturer brand and design technology. And there are decorative items used in cars. For instance, a car in which is gold plated and is decorated with jewelry is obviously more valuable than an ordinary one….” Responding to a question concerning restoration, Fa’al said all the processes of rebuilding cars are fully documented and all phases are photographed and evidence is available. The age of the classic cars According to Brinatica, the decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1948 are cited by collectors of automobiles as the “classic years,” a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seems unlikely to reach again. The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce Ltd., founded in 1906. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car (called the Twenty), and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label. Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini.

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

The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Mexico City

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is excited to announce the debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, providing discerning travelers with a new way to discover one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Transforming the city’s skyline and sitting amongst the country’s tallest buildings, the hotel is centrally located along the iconic Paseo de Reforma and showcases uninterrupted views of the famed Chapultepec Park. Featuring the legendary service of the brand’s Ladies and Gentlemen, each detail of the hotel is thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the city’s rich culture and offer a unique perspective on this beloved destination. Featuring unparalleled service, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City celebrates legendary Mexican hospitality and offers guests a highly personalized experience. The hotel features a wide range of carefully curated amenities designed for cultural discovery and epicurean adventures or business travel, including The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge with an exclusive Club Concierge, a heated indoor swimming pool, large fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa with six luxurious treatment rooms. Bringing the destination to life in a unique way, The Ritz-Carlton Spa thoughtfully sources local ingredients and botanicals, which are then coupled with the healing and spiritual traditions of Mexico City’s Aztec culture. In addition to relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, the spa features an assortment of wellness areas, including steam rooms, saunas, and a timeless capsule room. Dining at Samos, the Mediterranean inspired restaurant on the 38th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, guests can enjoy cuisine featuring dynamic local flavors for a one-of-a-kind experience. Bringing vast luxury experience and expertise in Mexican, Italian, French, Peruvian and Argentinian cuisines, Chef Jonathan Felix has carefully created each dish to offer a culinary journey where flavors and sensations are elevated with every bite. The epicurean experiences continue through the dessert course with delicate sweets like Nido, an airy mango and passion fruit mousse encased in white chocolate and cradled by a spun sugar nest. The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City also offers more than 4,300 square feet of meeting space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Chapultepec Park, ideally suited for a variety of events from meetings to celebratory occasions. The spaces have been designed to foster inspiration and connection whether a large gathering in the ballroom or an intimate board meeting.

Create: Oct 31, 2021 Edit: Oct 31, 2021 International News

Mint House, a New Category of Hospitality, Adds to Portfolio With Multi-City Expansion

Mint House, a tech-enabled residential hospitality company offering spacious, apartment-style accommodations across the U.S., announced today its plans for further expansion with new locations in Dallas, TX, Seattle, WA and New Orleans, LA. The openings, scheduled for Fall 2021, are part of Mint House’s expansion plan of adding 3,000 units in 30 markets within the next 12 months, including Brooklyn, Atlanta, D.C., and Charlotte—firmly positioning the disruptive hospitality brand to fundamentally change the way we live, work and play while away from home. The expansion marks the first locations in New Orleans and Seattle for the next-generation hospitality brand as well as the second location in Texas—adding to its already impressive roster of top-tier markets including New York, Austin, Denver, Nashville and Miami. The new locations will feature Mint House’s thoughtful amenities such as full kitchens, washer/dryers, smart workspaces and expansive living areas in addition to their proprietary tech stack, which includes mobile check-in and keyless entry, smart thermostats, pre-stocked groceries, in-room on-demand fitness from MIRROR, and in-room retail experiences—allowing guests to shop their spaces and purchase home goods and decor directly to their home. Mint House guests also have access to an array of high-end building amenities ranging from private outdoor areas and rooftop pools to state-of-the-art-fitness centers and award-winning restaurants.

Create: Oct 27, 2021 Edit: Oct 27, 2021 International News

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Celebrates Completion of Resort-Wide Renovation With Debut of Three Ultra-Luxury Villas

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai announces the culmination of its more than USD 100 million property-wide renovation with the unveiling of its top three villas – Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, Makaloa Villa and Ho`onanea Villa – the largest and most luxurious villa accommodations in Hawaii. These villas are the epitome of the Resort’s signature Specialty Suite program, featuring twelve of the Resort’s bespoke accommodations with exclusive benefits and inclusions. The only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Resort on the Island of Hawaii, the Resort’s multi-million-dollar renovation marks the Resort’s largest renovation since its debut 25 years ago. The transformation includes an enhancement of all guest rooms and suites; a new, elevated infinity pool and lounge deck at King’s Pond, Hualalai’s 1.8-million-gallon (6.8 million litre) swimmable aquarium; the Kumu Kai Marine Center; a new gourmet poolside menu from Executive Chef Richard Polhemus; a transformation of the signature Hualalai Golf Course; and the launch of the Hualalai Golf Hale, a 3,000 square-foot (280 square metre) instruction, practice and entertainment facility – the only facility of its kind in Hawaii. Helmed by San Francisco-based BAMO, the design firm perfectly captured the authentic Hawaiian experience and beloved spirit of Hualalai. “With the conclusion of our renovation, we are proud to begin this iconic Resort’s next chapter by defining a new level of luxury in Hawaii,” says General Manager Charlie Parker. “The most dramatic update was to our three largest villas, responding to our guests’ increased demand for this calibre of accommodations in Hawaii. These distinctly designed villas truly serve as a home-away-from-home for our guests and their extended families and friends.” Each villa has been expanded to add a second level, indoor-outdoor living space, and private plunge pools. Thoughtful, unique design elements are showcased throughout the spacious accommodations, with the incorporation of local artwork, slate floors, glass pocket doors opening the living area to the outdoors and natural hardwood trim. The aesthetic is personable and warm with a residential quality, designed to provide a private oasis with the amenities and service Hualalai is known for.

Create: Oct 27, 2021 Edit: Oct 27, 2021 International News

Radisson Collection Unveils New Hotel in Wuxi, China

Radisson Collection, Radisson Hotel Group’s anthology of iconic lifestyle hotels, has continued to expand its portfolio in China with the launch of Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi, a stylish and sophisticated new downtown hotel that puts guests in the heart of one of China’s most compelling cities. Newly opened on 22 October 2021, Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi is nestled in the city’s Xishan district, just 20 minutes’ drive from Sunan Shuofang International Airport and 15 minutes from Wuxi Railway Station. From this prime location, visitors can uncover the soul of this waterfront city, which sits on the banks of Lake Taihu. Peaceful parks, waterfront walkways and enchanting temples are juxtaposed with a modern metropolis of soaring skyscrapers and high-tech business parks, making Wuxi a highly rewarding destination for business and leisure travelers alike. Guests can stay in a choice of 318 spacious rooms or suites, ranging from the 40 sqm Collection Superior Rooms to the spectacular 258 sqm Presidential Suite, all featuring sleep-inducing beds, working areas, Nespresso coffee machines, fast Wi-Fi and smart bathroom fixtures. The Executive Lounge provides exclusive services and amenities on the 27th floor, overlooking the skyline. Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi will also be the first to offer the brand’s new wellness concept, The Spa at Radisson Collection, which is designed to help guests achieve a better version of themselves. This immersive approach focuses on three areas – mood, mind and interaction – for holistic health and wellbeing. The hotel’s serene spa comprises massage and yoga spaces, a sauna and an indoor swimming pool with stunning views. Impressive dining and social experiences can be enjoyed at a choice of five restaurants and bars, including an all-day dining restaurant Maillard 69, the first 3D immersive restaurant in Wuxi; Lan Ting Ge, the Chinese restaurant that specializes in authentic Huai Yang cuisine; Ji Bai Qiu, the contemporary Japanese restaurant; and a whisky bar, Elaresanse. Meeting planners can host talk-of-the-town events in 2,400 sqm of flexible function venue space, including an 800-guest Grand Ballroom. Every stay will be underpinned by Radisson Collection’s unique “Yes, I Can!” service philosophy and the fine Chinese hospitality. I am delighted to unveil Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi, as we continue to expand this exceptional collection across China. Following recent openings in Shanghai and Nanjing, this chic hotel represents another major milestone in our development. China is now home to five Radisson Collection hotels, more than any other country, which shows how Chinese owners and guests have embraced this flexible, locally-influenced concept,” said Gary Ye, Vice President, Operations, China, Radisson Hotel Group. Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi is a sleek and stylish hotel that exudes the grace of this lakeside city. With our spacious accommodation, five-star facilities and extensive event space, and we expect to become the destination-of-choice for experience-seeking leisure visitors, business travelers, corporate events and one-of-a-kind weddings. We look forward to welcoming the world to Wuxi,” commented Mike Zhang, Resident Manager, Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi. One of the largest cities in Jiangsu province, Wuxi is located just 125 km from Shanghai and directly connected to this major metropolis by bullet train. Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi becomes the fifth Radisson Collection hotel in China, as this captivating brand continues to inspire guests across the country. It also marks Radisson Hotel Group’s second property in Wuxi, following Radisson Blu Resort Wetland Park Wuxi.

Create: Oct 25, 2021 Edit: Oct 25, 2021 International News

IHG Signs With Dinesh Kumar Choudhary for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with notable real estate developer, Dinesh Kumar Choudhary (HUF) for a new hotel – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh located at Gopalpura Byepass, in the capital of Rajasthan. The brownfield hotel featuring 141 keys is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2023. Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and one of the most popular leisure destinations, both for domestic and international travellers. It is an integral part of the Golden Triangle, a prominent tourist circuit connecting the national capital Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and is also a preferred wedding destination in India. Furthermore, the city houses numerous industries and is considered as the economic capital of Rajasthan. With the new signing of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh, the city will now have three IHG hotels between Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, catering to varied guest profiles. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh will be located on the Gopalpura Bypass road, at a convenient 15-minute drive from the airport. The hotel will also be at a short driving distance from the city centre, business district, tourist attractions, as well as key dining and shopping destinations. With excellent visibility and access, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh will provide a convenient stay experience to both business and leisure travellers. The newly signed hotel will feature well-appointed modern guest rooms and all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay experience. The hotel will also have the brand’s signature ‘Great Room’, ‘Small Bar’, a specialty restaurant and a lounge to relax and unwind. Other essential facilities will include a fitness room, and meeting spaces for business and social gatherings. Commenting on the new development, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to announce the signing of a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in Jaipur and solidify our presence in the state of Rajasthan. With a rich culture, history and cuisine, Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. With diverse guest profiles visiting the city, there is an increasing need for mainstream accommodation, and we are confident that Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh will be a great choice for travellers looking for a simple and engaging hotel stay experience. He added: this new signing is also in line with our strategy to expand our ‘essentials collection’ across key markets in India and further strengthen our mainstream presence in the country, in line with market demands.” Mr. Dinesh Kumar Choudhary, Head of Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) added, “We are excited to partner with an internationally and domestically known and trusted hospitality brand like IHG. With a combination of an excellent location, the power of IHG’s distribution system, strong loyalty programme and expertise in the hospitality segment, we are confident that Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jaipur Karoli Bagh will emerge as a popular choice amongst the travellers visiting Jaipur.” Holiday Inn Express is one of IHG’s fastest-expanding hotel brand. It is designed for the smart travellers who are looking for a simple, yet engaging place to reconnect and refresh. IHG® currently has 41 hotels operating across five brands in SWA, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn® , Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 50 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years.

Create: Oct 25, 2021 Edit: Oct 25, 2021 International News

Iranian travel agencies invited to attend Expo 2020

According to the Hotel News, The Association of Iranian Travel Agencies has invited domestic travel businesses to attend Iran pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which is currently underway in UAE. Association of Iranian Travel Agencies Director Hormatollah Rafiei has called on [eligible] travel agencies to grasp “this golden opportunity” by attending the event in a space provided to tourism activists for free, Mehr reported on Tuesday. Visitors to the pavilion are offered to discover epitomes of the ancient land in terms of rituals, handicrafts, cultural heritage, and travel destinations. It also reveals more about medical tourism, novel startups, and off-the-beaten tracks. Many countries and companies are also looking to the expo - the first major global event open to visitors since the coronavirus pandemic - to boost trade and investment. According to organizers, the Expo, an exhibition of culture, technology, and architecture under the banner “Connecting Minds and Creating the Future”, is expected to be a demonstration of ingenuity, and a place where global challenges such as climate change, conflict, and economic growth can be addressed together. The Persian Gulf state has relaxed most coronavirus limitations but Expo requires face masks to be worn and for visitors over 18 to be vaccinated against, or test negative for, COVID-19. 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 26 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Create: Oct 20, 2021 Edit: Oct 20, 2021 Regional News