Hotel News Professional and Inclusive Hospitality Group

Official news agency of Iran Hotel Industry

Search result...

$4.7 million allocated to UNESCO-designated Pasargadae

Iranian government has allocated a sum of 200 billion rials (about $4.7 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) to develop tourism infrastructure at the UNESCO-designated Pasargadae. A budget of 200 billion rials has been allocated to Pasargadae after President Ebrahim Raisi visited the Achaemenid site earlier in October, a senior tourism official, Javad Vahedi, said on Friday. The Pasargadae complex, as a magnificent World Heritage site, has a high tourism potential in the field of cultural and historical tourism, and we must plan to attract more tourists,” the official explained. Situated about 50 km north of Persepolis, Pasargadae was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus II the Great, in Pars, the homeland of the Persians, in the 6th century BC. Its palaces, gardens, and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art and architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization. The UNESCO World Heritage site is also home to a complex water supply system for the time that comprises cisterns, tunnels, underground canals, and ducts, which are locally known as qanats. It is believed that the development of qanats began about 2,500 or 3,000 years ago in Persia (Iran), and the technology spread eastward to Afghanistan and westward to Egypt. Although new qanats are seldom built today, many old qanats are still used in Iran and Afghanistan, chiefly for irrigation. The 160-ha archaeological site of Pasargadae presents some of the earliest manifestations of Persian art and architecture. It includes, among other monuments, the compact limestone tomb on the Morgab plain that once held Cyrus the Great’s gilded sarcophagus; Tall-e Takht (“Solomon’s Throne”), a great fortified platform built on a hill and later incorporated into a sprawling citadel with substantial mud-brick defenses; and the royal ensemble, which consists of several palaces originally located within a garden layout (the so-called “Four Gardens”). Pasargadae became a prototype for the Persian Garden concept of four quadrants formally divided by waterways or pathways, its architecture characterized by refined details and slender verticality. Pasargadae stands as an exceptional witness to the Achaemenid civilization. The vast Achaemenid Empire, which extended from the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Hindus River in India, is considered the first empire to be characterized by a respect for the cultural diversity of its peoples. This respect was reflected in the royal Achaemenid architecture, which became a synthesized representation of the empire’s different cultures. Pasargadae represents the first phase of this development into a specifically Persian architecture which later found its full expression in the city of Persepolis.

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

London Town Group Appoints Cycas Hospitality to Manage Its Three Paddington Hotels

Cycas Hospitality, the award-winning pan-European operator, has signed a deal to operate London Town Group’s portfolio of upscale boutique hotels in the UK capital. The London Town Group of Companies, founded by Koolesh Shah, is one of the UK’s leading, privately-held real estate and energy investment companies. The agreement sees Cycas welcome its first two Mercure-branded hotels – part of Accor – to its portfolio. While the 72-room Mercure London Hyde Park – set within a Grade II listed building – recently completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment, the 86-room Mercure London Paddington is scheduled to start a fully renovation programme next year. As part of the extensive works, the hotel will upgrade its ground floor food and beverage facilities and transform its top floor into a rooftop bar.As Cycas’s seventh IHG-branded property, the 64-room Hotel Indigo London Paddington becomes its first Hotel Indigo in London and joins Hotel Indigo Dundee as its second in the UK. All three properties offer a wide range of dining options, meetings facilities and state-of-the-art fitness centres, all just a short walk from Hyde Park and Paddington Station, whose access will be further boosted with next year’s opening of Crossrail and the Elizabeth Line. Cycas has appointed Tanja Furby as Cluster General Manager for the three London hotels. A seasoned operator who has worked across a wide range of leading hospitality brands, Tanja’s commercial skills, leadership and local knowledge will help Cycas maximise each property’s customer offering. Koolesh Shah, Founder of London Town Group, said “As our business diversifies and grows, I felt now was the time to bring on board a recognised industry leader in hotel operations to partner on the transformation journey of our hotels. “We’ve always prided ourselves on our collection of leading branded-boutique hotels, and we’re confident that Cycas’s track-record in delivering the highest hospitality standards will ensure we can continue to give our guests the best possible experience.” Matt Luscombe, Chief Executive Officer at Cycas Hospitality, said: “I’ve known and admired Koolesh and his team for many years, since he opened the first Hotel Indigo outside of North America in 2009. Over the last decade, London Town Group has been synonymous with commercial and operational excellence. “With their central locations and exceptional transport links, these three hotels are ideally positioned to capitalise on the recovery in business and leisure travel. We’re proud and excited to begin this partnership together. The deal follows continued expansion for Cycas Hospitality, which has now opened or taken over 17 hotels in 12 months, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,

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

Qatar World Cup opens up opportunity for Iran tourism: deputy minister

The Islamic Republic of Iran should benefit from World Cup as a considerable opportunity to promote its distinctive travel attractions, the deputy tourism minister has said. "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," CHTN quoted Ali-Asghar Shalbafian as saying on Wednesday. The geographical position of Iran and its unique tourist attractions make it a potential destination for the World Cup spectators, the official added. Therefore, proper policy-making and management in collaboration with the private sector can pave the way for the widespread use of this event, he noted. Increasing the number of flights between Iran and Qatar during the event, which will be held from November 21 to December 18, 2022, as well as showcasing and introducing distinctive tourist attractions of the country to the spectators at this event are on the agenda of the tourism ministry, he explained. Back in September, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami announced the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists to Iran would resume as per President Ebrahim Raisi’s order following 19 months of suspension. However, now that the tourist visas are once again being issued to cultivate good grounds of hope for travel insiders. Months of steep recession has taken its toll. Many travel insiders, hoteliers, and tour operators have faced big dilemmas such as bankruptcy, unemployment, debts, and the prospects of not being competitive on the international level. Meanwhile, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has continued to fall in the Islamic Republic, curbing a stubborn fifth wave of the pandemic, which has seen daily mortalities of up to 700 in recent weeks. As of September 22, the figure dropped to below 300 as the government has devoted a great deal of effort to vaccinate citizens against the nasty virus. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to Western “media war”. Several estimates have been released so far on the extent of the tourism-related losses incurred by the pandemic. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. Experts 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 Islamic Republic 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. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Oct 31, 2021 Edit: Oct 31, 2021 Regional 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

‘Untold stories’ now available for you to re-discover majestic Isfahan

A selection of 200 “untold stories” about Isfahan is now available for you to re-discover the ancient city, which has long been nicknamed as “half the world”. Each story is narrated within a one-minute video clip in different languages to make culture lovers and avid travelers familiar with the off-the-beaten tracks, lesser-known destinations, souvenirs, foods, traditions, rituals, cultural heritage, handicrafts, and above all the hospitable people of Isfahan. Directed by Iranian globetrotter and researcher Majid Erfanian, the clips have been produced jointly by Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), and the private company of Rah Abrisham Iranian Zamin. 100 of the videos, containing 100 fascinating stories, had already been uploaded to social media outlets, while the others were unveiled in an official ceremony hosted by the ICCIMA on Saturday evening. The event was attended by the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, Isfahan governor-general Seyyed Reza Mortazavi, the mayor of Isfahan Ali Qasemzadeh, and Alireza Salarian, the head of Representative Office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Isfahan as well as a host of travel insiders, reporters, and journalists who discussed ways to jumpstart tourism. Erfanian stressed the need for greater public awareness about the cultural heritage of the ancient land, saying the “untold stories” are produced for that purpose. “Redefining destinations has rarely happened in the field of traveling [in the country], and now the city [of Isfahan] is a forerunner of such a trend to express its tourism brand in a new way,” he said. Talking about the clips, Erfanian said” “In these multi-language videos, we have tried to put the spotlight on inaccessible or lesser-known historical sites, foods, intangible heritage, people…. characters, craftsmen and figures who have played a role in shaping the identity of Isfahan.” “Sister cities of Isfahan, the diversity of religions, and intangible heritage are amongst other elements we have addressed in the videos,” he added. In an address to the unveiling ceremony, the deputy tourism minister used the context of modern architecture to discuss ways to highlight contemporary Isfahan shoulder to shoulder with its historical core. “We see in the videos that they mostly bring centuries-old architecture and culture into focus, however, we should consider casting a new light on the modern side of Isfahan as well.” “In the production of extra videos, newer ideas may be added to improve the quality of the work,” Shalbafian added. The governor-general of Isfahan reminded the attendees of the unique feature of stories and narratives, in general, to preserve cultural heritage for the coming generations. “In all over the world, paying attention to stories and narratives is of special importance for the development of tourism….. and we have many of such stories that have been forgotten in the course of history.” What you have done in this project is to revive such stories and distinct identities that if ignored, will lead to their disappearance, Mortazavi explained. Ali Karbasizadeh, a senior advisor to the ICCIMA, expressed the need for paying much more attention to the tourism industry, content production, training of all stakeholders and activists, conducting relevant studies, productive investments, tourism startups, and further cooperation with other provinces to develop the tourism paradigm of the country. Furthermore, Karbasizadeh discussed the advantage of adequate official holidays in Iran, saying the number of national holidays in Iran, which has a pivotal role in domestic tourism, is currently insufficient in comparison to many other countries. “If this issue is not addressed and solved, our efforts in other areas would not have desired results.” Salarian for his part noted that making one-minute videos of Isfahan is a good fit. “When we sent [some of the earliest] clips of the series to our embassies in various countries, they expressed a wish to have them translated into other languages as well….Now I see that this has happened.” “Even the municipality [of Isfahan] has produced a series of professional five-minute videos in ten languages that are well received by the audiences.” “Isfahan is one of the important destinations for the high-ranking Iranian officials and visiting officials from other countries. Therefore, it has a unique stance in the field of tourism that should be taken into account,” the senior diplomat explained. Finally, the mayor of Isfahan outlined the importance of storytelling for the time being and in various fields including tourism, saying: “Story [and storytelling] still works in the present day even in psychiatric discussions, story therapy is a growing concept.” “We are ready to expand cooperation and join hands with other activists in the realm of tourism because Isfahan has enormous potential to become a major destination for international travelers,” Qasemzadeh said. Half the world? Soaked in a rich history, Isfahan was once a crossroad of international trade and diplomacy in Iran and now it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reasons. It is filled with many architectural wonders such as unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. It's a city for walking, getting lost in its mazing bazaars, dozing in beautiful gardens, and meeting people. Isfahan is renowned not only for the abundance of great historical bridges but also for its ‘life-giving river’, the Zayandeh-Rood, which has long bestowed the city an original beauty and fertility. Isfahan has long been nicknamed as Nesf-e-Jahan which is translated into “half the world”; meaning seeing it is relevant to see half the world. In its heyday, it was also one of the largest cities in the region with a population of nearly one million. The cool blue tiles of Isfahan's Islamic buildings, and the city's majestic bridges, contrast perfectly with the encircling hot, dry Iranian countryside. The huge Imam Square, best known as Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. (literary meaning “Image of the World”), is one of the largest in the world (500m by 160m), and a majestic example of town planning. Constructed in the early 17th century, the UNESCO-registered square is punctuated with the most interesting sights in Isfahan. It was laid out under the reign of the Safavid ruler, Shah Abbas the Great, to signal the importance of Isfahan as the capital of his powerful empire. It is hemmed on four sides by magnificent buildings: to the east, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque; to the west, the palace of Ali Qapu; to the north, the portico of Qeysarieh; and to the south, the eminent Imam Mosque. “The square was at the heart of the Safavid capital’s culture, economy, religion, social power, government, and politics. Its vast sandy esplanade was used for celebrations, promenades, and public executions, for playing polo and for assembling troops,” according to the UNESCO website. Right at the northern limit of the Imam Square, one will find “Qeysarieh Gate”, which leads to the unique and unforgettable “Grand Bazaar of Isfahan”. This vaulted marketplace is one of the largest and most labyrinthine bazaars in the country. Shops offering handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, silverware, traditional ceramics, and authentic Persian carpets. Modern Isfahan is now home to some heavy industry, including steel factories and a nuclear facility on its outskirts, however, its inner core wants to be preserved as a priceless gem. The city is also home to a gigantic, professional, and state-of-the-art healthcare city, which is a major destination in the realm of medical tourism. Unknown destination Even before the pandemic, Iran’s tourism was already grappling with some challenges, on top of those Western “media propaganda” aimed at scaring potential travelers away from the Islamic Republic. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to such a “media war”. They, however, consider bright prospects for the tourism sector of the country if it vigorously pursues comprehensive strategies to counter U.S.-led propaganda and strict sanctions, yet does its best to loosen tough travel regulations.

Create: Oct 26, 2021 Edit: Oct 27, 2021 Regional News

Iran car museum inaugurated

The car museum of Iran was inaugurated on Saturday, October 23. A collection of 61 unique classical and historical vehicles dating back to Qajar (1789-1925) and Pahlavi (1925-1979) dynasties are on show at the museum on the Tehran-Karaj old road. Some 1.2 trillion rials (around $28 million) has been invested to build the museum measuring 11,000 square meters in area.

Create: Oct 25, 2021 Edit: Oct 27, 2021 Regional News

Iran tourism still holds its own despite virus restrictions, official says

Iran's tourism industry has made every effort to stand on its own two feet despite the considerable damage caused by the virus pandemic. A country’s prosperity depends on its economic and social development, and the tourism industry plays a key role in achieving this goal, the president of Iran’s University of Science and Culture Seyyed Saied Hashemi has said. He made the remarks during the two-day symposium of One Hundred Years of Iranian Tourism, which came to an end on Wednesday. After the coronavirus crises, tourism can hopefully be a positive influence on people’s lives, he added. Many nations owe their social and economic progress to [their] tourism [industries], so it is hoped that this symposium and such events can provide a meaningful solution for the new [Iranian] government, he noted. Due to the lack of adequate coordination and cooperation between scientific institutions on the one hand and policy-makers on the other hand, the country may have faced many problems in the tourism industry during this century, and that is why it could not get enough benefit from the tourism despite having good potential, he mentioned. Another speaker at the event, Mohammad Hossein Imani Khoshkhu, the head of the industrial park for science also said there is no connection between tourism sectors in the country, while all organizations and devices must help each other to develop tourism. For instance, currently, medical tourism does not exist in the country, but there are international patients and the medical tourism activists have now become taxi drivers at airports instead of activists for related tourism, he added. Back in July, ISNA reported that Iran’s tourism industry has suffered a loss of some 320 trillion rials ($7.6 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has also ruined more than 44,000 jobs in the once budding travel sector of the country, the report added. As a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran and the subsequent unemployment and financial losses, accommodation centers suffered the most. These statistics cover the period between February 2020 and the spring of 2021. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. “Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. So far, panels of travel experts have mapped out new marketing strategies hoping the sector would get back on its feet once again. Earlier this year, the Head of the Iranian Tour Operators Association Ebrahim Pourfaraj asked the government to issue tourist visas for the international applicants who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “The Ministry of Health and the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control can at least agree that the international tourists who have received the [second dose of] coronavirus vaccine would be allowed to enter Iran.” The expert lamented that the continuation of such a trend would result in losing international tourist markets more than before. “Or at least they should make it clear so that we can respond appropriately to foreign companies and tourists to not to miss the international tourist markets more than before.” Iran is potentially a booming destination for travelers seeking cultural attractions, breathtaking sceneries, and numerous UNESCO-registered sites. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. Even before the pandemic, Iran’s tourism was already grappling with some challenges, on top of those Western “media propaganda” aimed at scaring potential travelers away from the Islamic Republic. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to such a “media war”. They, however, consider bright prospects for the tourism sector of the country if it vigorously pursues comprehensive strategies to counter U.S.-led propaganda and strict sanctions, yet does its best to loosen tough travel regulations.

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

Iran sets new rules to resume foreign tourist arrivals

Iranian officials have announced new rules for foreign tourists interested in visiting the country, CHTN reported on Monday. As of October 23, direct and indirect entry and exit of nationals of Iran and other countries (both groups and individuals) from/to air and land borders are no longer restricted by presenting a valid vaccination card and following protocols approved by the Ministry of Health, the report added. A health certificate with a negative coronavirus PCR test result, issued at most 96 hours before arrival, is required for travelers. Direct or indirect travel from/to high-risk countries designated by the World Health Organization is excluded from this regulation. The Ministry of Health will announce the level of restrictions or bans on travels if disease processes in neighboring countries change. The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this instruction, and if any violations are observed, the authorities will be notified. Earlier this week, the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian announced that the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control agreed to reopen the country’s borders to foreign tourists, based on the new conditions prevailing in the country after crossing the fifth wave of the pandemic, increasing vaccinations, and at the request of the tourism ministry. As a condition for entry into the country, the headquarters has instructed all tourists and the host communities to follow all health protocols, the official added. As the post-coronavirus era emerges, extensive measures have been taken to revive the tourism industry, he noted. He also expressed hope that issuing tourist visas would result in an upsurge in tourism. Tourist visas Back in September, Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami announced that by the order of President Ebrahim Raisi the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists from land and air borders will be resumed from the month of Aban (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) following 19 months of suspension. Months of steep recession has taken its toll. Many travel insiders, hoteliers, and tour operators have faced big dilemmas such as bankruptcy, unemployment, debts, and the prospects of not being competitive on the international level. They now have good grounds of hope as Zarghami announced on September 19 that the country plans to lift visa restrictions to help the severely hit tourism industry. Meanwhile, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has continued to fall in the Islamic Republic, curbing a stubborn fifth wave of the pandemic, which has seen daily mortalities of up to 700 in recent weeks. As of September 22, the figure dropped to below 300 as the government has devoted a great deal of effort to vaccinate citizens against the nasty virus. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to Western “media war”. Several estimates have been released so far on the extent of the tourism-related losses incurred by the pandemic. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. “Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. Iran is potentially a booming destination for travelers seeking cultural attractions, breathtaking sceneries, and numerous UNESCO-registered sites. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Oct 25, 2021 Edit: Oct 27, 2021 Regional News

Tourism projects to create 11,000 jobs in Khorasan Razavi

Over 11,000 job opportunities are estimated to be generated by implementing 245 tourism-related projects across the northeastern Khorasan Razavi province, the deputy provincial tourism chief has announced. Upon the completion of the ongoing projects that have been underway for about ten years, a total of 11,500 jobs will be provided for the locals, CHTN quoted Ahmad Dinari as saying on Sunday. Some 500 trillion rials (about $12 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) have been invested in the mentioned projects so far, the official added. The projects include hotels, apartment hotels, guesthouses, travel complexes, recreational centers, and villages specifically developed for health tourism, he noted. He also noted that foreign investment in the tourism sector of the province amounted to $90 million last year. Mashhad, the capital of Khorasan Razavi province, is Iran’s holiest and second-largest city. Its raison d’être and main sight is the striking massive shrine complex of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam Dozens of five-star hotels and hostels are dotted across Mashhad. The city has also the highest concentration of water parks in the country, and it also embraces a variety of cultural and historical sites that are generally crowded. The metropolis is also a good place to buy top handwoven rugs and carpets, and it’s a staging post for travel to Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and little-touristic Khorasan regions. Before the coronavirus puts almost everything on lockdown, Mashhad, played host to thousands of travelers and pilgrims who come from various Iranian cities, neighboring countries, and even across the globe to visit the holy shrine. According to official statistics, some 37 million Iranian pilgrims and travelers visited the shrine city of Mashhad during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year 1398 (March 21, 2019- March 10, 2020). Of whom some eight million came by road, six million by rail, 3.8 million by air, and 18 million by private cars.

Create: Oct 19, 2021 Edit: Oct 19, 2021 Regional News

Qeshm’s tourist arrivals up 20 percent

Qeshm Island recorded over 2.8 million visitors during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21). The official data provided by Qeshm’s Department of Ports and Maritime marked a 20 percent increase in tourism flow compared to the same period year on year, IRNA reported. “In the first half of this year, 2,820,229 people traveled to Qeshm, which shows a 20% growth compared to the same period the last year,” Ali Ashtari, who presides over the department, said on Saturday. The island is a heaven for eco-tourists as it embraces wide-ranging attractions such as the Hara marine forests and about 60 villages dotted mostly across its rocky coastlines. It also features geologically eye-catching canyons, hills, caves, and valleys, most of which are protected as part of the UNESCO-tagged Qeshm Island Geopark, itself a haven for nature-lovers. Many travelers to Qeshm believe that the Stars Valley or Valley of Stars is a “MUST SEE”. It is home to bizarre-shaped gorges, tall pillars, canyon-like paths, hollowed-out spaces as well as the smooth and round stones, which have been formed by the wind and rain eroding the soil, rocks, and stones. Locals believe that a star once fell on this area thereby creating the rocky shapes that make it seem as if from another planet.

Create: Oct 19, 2021 Edit: Oct 19, 2021 Regional News

Mazandaran holds potential to become intl. tourist destination

The northern province of Mazandaran has considerable potential to attract vacationers from around the world and become an international tourist destination. Having a wide range of capacities and potentials, Mazandaran, which is a top destination for domestic travelers, can be turned into a destination for foreign travelers as well through careful planning, the provincial tourism chief has announced. Given that the provincial capital of Sari has been selected to be the cultural capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in 2022, there is the possibility of promoting it as a tourist destination internationally, Seifollah Farzaneh said on Sunday. Boosting the province’s tourism infrastructure, however, requires more funding, the official added. Earlier this month, local tourism officials announced that 214 tourism-related projects were underway in the lush green province estimated to generate more than 14,000 jobs upon their completion. Some 186 trillion rials ($4.4 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) have been invested in the ongoing projects so far. The developments will also add over 15,000 beds to the hospitality sector of the province. In Mazandaran province, one of Iran’s most popular domestic vacation spots, serious damage was sustained from the coronavirus outbreak, and tourism facilities in the province went through a significant economic recession. However, the Iranian government has paid 343 billion rials ($8.1 million) in loans to the tourism businesses affected by the pandemic in the province so far. Last November, Mehran Hassani, the deputy provincial tourism chief announced that the province’s tourism industry has taken six trillion rials (about $143 million) hit from the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) over the previous months. He also noted that there are 4,000 active tourism units across the province, generating jobs for about 16,000 people directly. Sandwiched between the towering Alborz mountain range and the Caspian Sea, Mazandaran has a rich yet turbulent history. An early civilization flourished at the beginning of the first millennium BC in Mazandaran (Tabarestan). Its insecure eastern and southeastern borders were crossed by Mongol invaders in the 13th and 14th centuries. Cossacks attacked the region in 1668 but were repulsed. It was ceded to the Russian Empire by a treaty in 1723, but the Russians were never secure in their occupation. The area was restored to Iran under the Qajar dynasty. The northern section of the region consists of lowland alongside the Caspian and upland along the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains. Marshy backlands dominate the coastal plain, and extensive gravel fans fringe the mountains. The climate is permanently subtropical and humid, with very hot summers.

Create: Oct 19, 2021 Edit: Oct 19, 2021 Regional News

Iranian hotels ready to welcome foreign tourists

Iranian hotels are ready to receive foreign tourists as the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists from land and air borders will be resumed this month. Ninety percent of the hotel staff have been vaccinated against the coronavirus so far, so the hotels are ready to welcome foreign tourists, observing strict health protocols, the head of the Association of Iranian Hoteliers has announced. To ease the travel process, individual foreign tourists could confirm the reservations of accommodation centers at the border, CHTN quoted Jamshid Hamzehzadeh as saying on Monday. The destinations of foreign tourists in Iran are to specific cities such as Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan, and to return to the figure of over eight million incoming tourists before the outbreak of the coronavirus, serious planning is required, the official added. Iraqi tourists will flood the country once the borders open, but attracting tourists from Europe will require some time, he noted. Foreign advertising in foreign media and press, on the internet, and through well-known international bloggers should also be planned and taken seriously, he mentioned. Earlier this month, the official noted that Iranian hotels have lost 202 trillion rials (some $4.8 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) of potential revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two-thirds of the hotel staff have lost their jobs as well, he added. Back in September, Hamzehzadeh announced that all employees of accommodation centers across Iran are scheduled to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. “To vaccinate staffs of all accommodation centers, including eco-lodges, apartment hotels, and guest houses, as well as hotels, more coordination with the Ministry of Health is needed,” he added. Back in July, ISNA reported that the tourism industry of the country has suffered a loss of some 320 trillion rials ($7.6 billion at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has also ruined more than 44,000 jobs in a once budding travel sector of the country, the report added. Experts believe accommodation centers suffered the most as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran and its subsequent unemployment and financial losses. Iran plans to resume issuing tourist visas Back in September, Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami announced that by the order of President Ebrahim Raisi the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists from land and air borders will be resumed from the month of Aban (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) following 19 months of suspension. Months of steep recession has taken its toll. Many travel insiders, hoteliers, and tour operators have faced big dilemmas such as bankruptcy, unemployment, debts, and the prospects of not being competitive on the international level. They now have good grounds of hope as Zarghami announced on September 19 that the country plans to lift visa restrictions to help the severely hit tourism industry. Meanwhile, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has continued to fall in the Islamic Republic, curbing a stubborn fifth wave of the pandemic, which has seen daily mortalities of up to 700 in recent weeks. As of September 22, the figure dropped to below 300 as the government has devoted a great deal of effort to vaccinate citizens against the nasty virus. Some experts believe Iran is still somehow “unknown” for many potential travelers due to Western “media war”. Several estimates have been released so far on the extent of the tourism-related losses incurred by the pandemic. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. “Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. Iran is potentially a booming destination for travelers seeking cultural attractions, breathtaking sceneries, and numerous UNESCO-registered sites. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Oct 18, 2021 Edit: Oct 19, 2021 Regional News