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LTI Announces the World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2021

Welcome to our annual World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands report. This is not just another World’s Best list. LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence – has taken the past 12 months to apply the perfect assessment process: a rigorously defined algorithm that measures the performance and values of luxury hotel brands. This year, our algorithm has 131 touch points relevant to the luxury hotel sector. Each has its own weighted score value with a total maximum accumulative score of 4736. The touchpoints relate to overall brand performance, rather than the performance of individual properties. It is all about a brand’s ability to deliver: its passion, commitment, ethos and values, as well as the quality of its management and staff. Continuing investment and how well it is executed is also a major factor, particularly regarding new properties and the refurbishment of existing ones. This year’s results are reflected as percentages, with last year’s positions in brackets. 1. Six Senses 83.3% (1) 2. Mandarin Oriental 82.6% (5) 3. Auberge 81.8% (3) 4. Aman 81.4% (2) 5. Belmond 79.9% (4) 6. One&Only 77.0% (6) 7. Oetker Collection 75.7% New Entry 8. Four Seasons 74.1% (8) 9. Rosewood 73.5% (7) 10. Raffles 72.7% New Entry 11. Viceroy 72.2% New Entry 12. COMO 71.0% (10) Other brands that rated sufficiently to be monitored throughout the year are (in alphabetical order) Alila, Anantara, Banyan Tree, Dorchester Collection, Firmdale, Jumeirah, Leela, Oberoi, Park Hyatt, Peninsula, Ritz Carlton, Rocco Forte, Shangri-La, Soho House, St. Regis, Taj, The Luxury Collection. Brands that currently have less than ten properties (our minimum requirement) but rate highly when applying our algorithm are (in alphabetical order) Airelles, Althoff Collection, Bulgari, Capella, Cheval Blanc, Maybourne, Montage, Nikki Beach, Pendry, Soneva. About The World’s Best Luxury Brands ReportNo other organisation connects with the global luxury hotel industry as LTI does. Our researchers engage with everyone from CEOs of the brands we have rated to thousands of managements, staff and guests. This is all part of the process for creating our destination led reports for our members (affluent, discerning travellers) but it also allows us to utilise our findings to create this unique report. Every year the process starts again – the results from previous years have no bearing on the following year. This does inevitably lead to volatility in each year’s results (such as this year), but this is a dynamic sector and we want to reflect what is really happening out there. Six Senses: Worlds Best Luxury Hotel BrandWe continue to be very impressed with Six Senses. It has an authentic blend of wellness, sustainability, warm hospitality and crafted guested experiences. Also, its leadership is exemplary. The recent addition of Neil Palmer as Chief Operations Officer will bring boundless experience, energy and further integrity to the brand. New EntriesWe have been tracking Oetker Collection for several years while they have been building an exceptional portfolio of globally renowned hotels. We have been particularly impressed with the meticulously rebuilt of The Eden Rock in St Barths and their creation of The Woodward, a 26 room all-suite hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva, which opened in September. Raffles, with a new CEO at the helm, has been quietly creating a raft of impressive new properties across the globe. Viceroy has also shown great courage and commitment to building a global modern luxury hotel brand offering intuitive service, authentic experiences and provocative design. Covid-19 Impact Our algorithm has been suitably adjusted to accommodate the multitude of Covid- related challenges that luxury hotel operators have faced during 2020 and 2021. This also accommodates how brands are responding to a significant shift in Covid- driven demands from the luxury traveller.

Create: Oct 19, 2021 Edit: Oct 19, 2021 International 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

el PRADO Hotel Opens in Downtown Palo Alto, California

In partnership with Ferrado, el PRADO Hotel announces the grand opening of its new Spanish-inspired luxury property in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. The reflagged independent hotel and vibrant destination, formerly known as the Garden Court Hotel, features 62 guestrooms, ample indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, and delicious seasonal food and beverage offerings in inviting new spaces. The renovation was overseen by award-winning hotel design firm, NICOLEHOLLIS, and structured with the discerning business and leisure traveler in mind. In partnership with Ferrado, el PRADO Hotel announces the grand opening of its new Spanish-inspired luxury property in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. The reflagged independent hotel and vibrant destination, formerly known as the Garden Court Hotel, features 62 guestrooms, ample indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, and delicious seasonal food and beverage offerings in inviting new spaces. The renovation was overseen by award-winning hotel design firm, NICOLEHOLLIS, and structured with the discerning business and leisure traveler in mind. Upon opening, the hotel debuts a two-floor glass solarium outfitted with cozy seating adjacent to the Breakfast Cafe, and perfect for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or settling into a workday; a second-floor bar serving Spanish-inspired bites and signature cocktails; The Library, featuring a boardroom table, separate lounge area with plush couches, and full technology capabilities for business conferencing; and a back courtyard area fit with a large fireplace and outdoor lounge furniture adjacent to lobby-level meeting rooms for breakout sessions. Appealing to the new-age business traveler, el PRADO offers a variety of amenities to make the workday away from home or the office a seamless and enjoyable experience. Its brand new C-Suite Retreat package includes full valet parking service to welcome guests upon arrival and ensure a smooth check-out process, a wholesome breakfast from the Breakfast Cafe, and a complimentary signature low ABV cocktail made with fresh, botanical ingredients. The package also includes high-speed Wi-Fi, an Executive Concierge for technology set-up and food and beverage orders, and late check-out to coincide with a workday or late afternoon meeting schedule. el PRADO is certified as a Clean & Safe Hotel within the California Hotel and Lodging Association — implementing precautionary measures provided by the association’s Clean & Safe Guidelines, including contactless check-in and robust cleaning measures ensuring the overall health and wellbeing for guests and staff.

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

World’s First Warner Bros. Hotel to Open Its Doors to Guests in November on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of magnetic experiences in collaboration with Warner Bros., home to one of the most well-known and successful collections of brands and characters in the world, announced today that The WB Abu Dhabi hotel on Yas Island, operated by Hilton under the Curio Collection brand, will open its doors to guests on 11 November 2021, inviting guests to see their favorite stories and characters brought to life through unique hospitality experiences that only the rich history and storied legacy of Warner Bros. could offer. Featuring one of the finest collections of Warner Bros. archives, guests at the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel will be treated to a journey of discovery through film and television, enjoying Warner Bros.’ rich history and library of timeless productions at every touchpoint from arrival to check-out. While dining in one of five of the restaurants on the property, you can listen as the piano from “Westworld” plays a familiar tune. Visitors can stroll through the lobby or admire 360-degree city and sea views alongside their favorite props and costumes from Warner Bros. films and TV shows. And kids and families can ring up one of their favorite Looney Tunes characters for a room service treat brought to them by the Wascally Wabbit, Bugs Bunny himself. Guests of The WB Abu Dhabi hotel begin their story as they pull up to the hotel and are greeted by digital screens that span the height of the building, playing original content created for the hotel. Before entering the hotel visitors won’t want to miss the iconic “Friends” fountain, guests will then enter the lobby and be drawn to the hotel’s uniquely designed lobby columns. As guests continue their journey, the storytelling experience is further enriched with guest room corridors displaying a curated gallery of artwork. Each of the hotel’s 257 rooms is furnished with touches that tie to the legacy of rich storytelling that makes Warner Bros. unique. The curated guestroom artwork will be inspired by three themes. The first theme, “From Script to Screen,” highlights standout moments from Warner Bros.’ movies and shows and documents the journey from the written page to the final shot. The second theme, “Artist Confidential,” celebrates a variety of talent in front of and behind the camera in some of Warner Bros.’ favorite productions. The third theme, “The Vault” features rarely seen images from Warner Bros.’ most memorable archives. Complementing the hotel’s unique design is an extensive and world class food and beverage program featuring five dining options catering to both adults and children. Craft Services, located in the lobby lounge, offers a relaxing coffee break after a busy day, while Sidekicks is the perfect place for socialising and interacting while enjoying a flavorful international menu. For those lounging by the pool in cabanas and sunbeds, The Matinee provides a casual dining option. Additionally, guests looking to indulge in an elegant dining experience, can visit The Director’s Club, or enjoy an experience at The Overlook, a fabulous lounge with a relaxing infinity pool and beautiful 360-degree city, theme park and sea views. The hotel is home to a host of leisure amenities for guests to enjoy, whether that’s lounging by the family pool area, working out in the fitness center, relaxing in the spa, exploring the artwork and props or shopping in the Warner Bros. store, the Prop Shop. For younger guests, the Kid’s Club will offer a vibrant and playful space designed to bring Warner Bros.’ characters to life. Some of WB’s world-renowned characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and others will participate in entertaining activities throughout the hotel providing guest memories that will last a lifetime. The hotel also caters for business meetings and events with a large ballroom and expansive meeting room facilities. The WB Abu Dhabi is located adjacent to the award-winning Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park which features six truly immersive lands, including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza, along with 29 state-of-the-art exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment. The hotel is also a walking distance from Yas Waterworld and a 5- minute drive to all other Yas Island unique attractions and experiences,

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

UK Travel & Tourism Sector May Only Recover by a Third This Year

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector’s year on year recovery may only claw back a third, whilst international travel spending continues to plummet. Latest research from WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism sector, shows the recovery has been severely delayed by the lack of spending from international visitors. WTTC blames strict travel restrictions, such as the destructive ‘traffic light’ system, for wreaking havoc on the sector. Now, despite its highly successful vaccine rollout, the UK is set to record further losses in inbound visitor spending than the previous year, a year in which international travel ground to an almost complete standstill. At the current rate of recovery, WTTC research shows the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy could rise year on year by just under a third (32%) in 2021, broadly in line with the global average of 30.7%. However, research conducted by the global tourism body shows the increase has been primarily spurred on by the recent boom in domestic travel, with domestic spending growth set to experience a year on year rise of 49% in 2021. While this surge in domestic travel has provided a much-needed boost, it will not be enough to achieve a full economic recovery and save millions of jobs still under threat. The research goes on to show that international spending is predicted to plunge by nearly 50% on 2020 figures – one of the worst years on record for the Travel & Tourism sector – making it one of the worst performing countries in the world. While other countries, such as China and the U.S., are set to see a rise in international travel spending this year, the UK lags and continues to record significant losses. Severe travel restrictions, ever-changing policies, and barriers to travel to the UK, such as the current requirement for visitors to take an expensive day two PCR test after arriving in the country, have had their toll. Last year, the UK Travel & Tourism sector saw 307,000 job losses across the country and research shows that jobs in the sector are set to remain flat this year. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “WTTC research shows that while the global Travel & Tourism sector is beginning to recover, the UK continues to suffer big losses due to continuing travel restrictions that are tougher than the rest of Europe. Looking ahead to 2022, WTTC research provides grounds for optimism. With the right measures and a strong focus on international travel, the UK could see Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP rise by 53% in 2022, resulting in an additional £66 billion to its economy. International visitor spending could also see a significant increase reaching £29 billion – just 20% below 2019 levels. Meanwhile, employment growth could see a 14% boost year on year, equating to additional 580,000 jobs in 2022, resulting in over 4.7 million jobs, which is 445,000 above 2019 levels.

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

Russia to lift COVID ban on flights to Iran, other countries

Russia is scheduled to lift its COVID-19 ban on flights to Iran and several other countries as of Nov. 9, the government coronavirus task force said on Thursday. Moscow stopped normal commercial flights abroad when the pandemic struck last year, but it has since been gradually relaxing the restrictions, Reuters reported. The restriction will also be eliminated on flights to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, Oman, Tunisia, and Thailand. “The flight bans dealt a heavy blow to Russia’s airlines,” Reuters said. Russian tourists eager to visit Iran Many Russian tourists are eager to travel to Iran, an Iranian travel expert said earlier in May, recounting his Russian counterparts. “Many [potential] Russian travelers are motivated to visit novel and lesser-known destinations such as Iran that could be a safe and attractive destination,” said Mostafa Sarvari who presides over the tourism marketing and advertising office of the Iranian Tour Operators Association. “According to Russian tourism experts, the feedback from Russian tourists who have traveled to Iran has been very positive, and its reflection, especially on social media, has caused a great deal of enthusiasm and interest.” In 2017, President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inked a visa-free agreement for tourist groups.

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

Maritime excursions main mission of Bushehr tourism, deputy minister says

Bushehr province should invest a great deal of effort to develop its maritime tourism, the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has said. TEHRAN - Busher province should invest a great deal of effort to develop its maritime tourism, the deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has said. “If the southwestern Bushehr province wants to develop tourism, it should focus on maritime sector,” the official said on Thursday. “The province needs to inform investors about its capacity in this sector, especially its favorable location on the Persian Gulf coast.” He made the remarks during a meeting with the provincial tourism chief Mohammad Hossein Arastuzadeh. The coastal region, ports, islands and coasts of the Persian Gulf are among Bushehr's greatest natural gifts, therefore, directing the investment capacities and enthusiastic investors to the maritime tourism sector will facilitate the growth of Bushehr as a coastal tourist destination, Shalbafian explained. For his part Arastuzadeh said that by using cruise ships and traditional Lenj boats in the region, maritime tourism has grown. Over the past couple of years, the Islamic Republic has made various efforts to exploit maritime tourism potential by developing hospitality infrastructures, diversifying sea routes, and drawing private sector investors along its vast southern coasts. Prosperous maritime tourism could help the county to meet its ambitious target of attracting 20 million annual tourists by 2025. It also keeps an eye on tourism developments in the Caspian Sea in the north. Back in February, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop maritime tourism and make the best use of its potential in the southern and northern coasts of the country. Promoting the culture of using the sea as a tool to increase social vitality, development of coastal activities in the form of environmentally-friendly plans and programs, and creating the necessary grounds for cooperation and exchange of knowledge and information were also among the topics of the agreement. With over 6,000 years of history and significant monuments from the Elamite, Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanid eras, Bushehr is one of Iran’s most important historical centers. Besides its cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and lush palm groves make it an attractive destination for world travelers. The historical and architectural monuments of Bushehr include Islamic buildings like mosques and praying centers, mansions, old towers, castles, as well as gardens. When it comes to cultural attractions, there are many historical mounds in Bushehr including Tall-e Khandaq with Sassanid architectural style, Tall-e Marv located near an Achaemenid Palace, and Qajar era Malek al-Tojar Mansion. Qajar era Kazeruni Mansion, which has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, is another attraction that world travelers love to see among various ancient sites.

Create: Oct 16, 2021 Edit: Oct 16, 2021 Regional News

Pasargadae is a symbol of human civilization, tourism minister says

The UNESCO-registered Pasargadae is a symbol of human civilization in ancient Iran, tourism minister Ezzatollah Zarghami has announced.There is no doubt that Pasargadae belongs to Cyrus the Great, who is regarded as a legend in the world, whether or not he was buried here, it is important to respect him as an Iranian, the minister said on Thursday. He made the remarks during a visit to the majestic World Heritage site, which is situated in the southern Fars province. “Pasargadae stands out for its uniqueness on the international stage, if not as a special place, but as a symbol of civil and human development,” he noted. The tourism status of Pasargadae was among issues discussed with President Ebrahim Raisi during his current visit to Fars…., and funds have been considered for it, the minister added. He also noted that the majority of funds will be allocated to develop infrastructure and facilities, and making repairs for the public benefit, he said. There has already been an allocation of 200 billion rials ($4.7 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) to the historical site, he mentioned. Situated about 50 km north of Persepolis, Pasargadae embraces outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art and architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization. Cyrus was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire which at its greatest extent stretched from the Balkans to the Indus Valley, spanning 5.5 million square kilometers. The Persian king declared the world’s first charter of human rights, also known as the Cyrus Cylinder. Despite the minimal nature of the ruins, they make a good introduction to the wonders of Persepolis, some 60km to the south. Best visited en route from Yazd or Isfahan to Shiraz, most people fit them into an extended tour from Persepolis with stops at Naqsh-e Rostam and Naqsh-e Rajab.

Create: Oct 16, 2021 Edit: Oct 16, 2021 Regional News

Persepolis, a manifestation of great Iranian art, president says

Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday said the UNESCO-registered Persepolis is an epitome of the great Persian art. Persepolis displays the great artistic achievements of Iranians from past millennia, which are still remarkable and admirable after so many centuries, the president said. He made the remarks during his visit to the prestigious site, which was once the ceremonial capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire (c. 550 – 330 BC). [The ruins of] Persepolis is also conveying a message to oppressors warning them of the fate of those who are cruel to humanity, he added. 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: Oct 16, 2021 Edit: Oct 16, 2021 Regional News

How Addressing ESG Can Also Save Hotels Money

Recent weather disasters, social unrest and a heightened awareness of racial bias have prompted hoteliers to double down on their commitments to become better corporate citizens and do more to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. These are moves toward a social good, sure, but also have ramifications on hotel company P&Ls. Marriott International, for one. It recently announced a commitment to reach net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. The pledge follows the previous setting of goals by the massive global company to reduce single-use plastics, cut down on food waste by 50% and significantly amp up the diversity of suppliers, among other measures. InterContinental Hotels Group is another. Earlier this year it announced plans “to make a positive difference for our people, communities and planet over the next decade.” The company’s new commitments include a 15% “absolute reduction” of energy use and carbon emissions; a reduction of waste that will include the elimination of single-use items and a “prevent, donate, divert” plan for food waste; increased water conservation efforts; new programs to “improve the lives of 30 million people in our communities around the world” and, for employees, to “champion a diverse culture where everyone can thrive.” All of these measures benefit the public good and also have impact on a hotel’s ability to control expenses, particularly in regard to energy management. “Saving energy can—and will—impact profitability,” said Denise Naguib, VP of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity at Marriott. “For many properties, the second largest cost after labor is energy, and in some markets it actually supersedes labor, so this is a real cost that impacts the bottom line.” Energy By The Numbers Energy costs are mainly variable and there are ways to control this expense, which is of the moment now as the expense creeps back up. In U.S. hotels, the cost of electricity jumped to $4.31 in August on a per-available-room basis, compared to $3.35 in July 2020, according to HotStats data. Year-to-date August, hotels were paying $3.32 for energy, compared to $2.94 over the same period a year prior. Europe saw a similar rise, with August electricity at €6.26 compared to €8.26 in the same month last year, and €8.67 in the first eight months of this year compared to €8.26 in the same period a year ago. Small Steps, Big Rewards Operational changes large and small can help drive energy efficiency. “One of our hotels that had a high energy bill brought on an energy manager,” Naguib said. “That person found energy efficiencies and reduced the property’s energy bill by $1 million.” On a broader level, she added, properties need to empower engineers and others to find energy efficiencies, such as shutting a foyer light that’s kept on all day, deploying technology to regulate temperatures and electric usage throughout the space. Smart uses of food, such as saving the ends of vegetables for stews or making more scrambled eggs at the start of breakfast to avoid whipping up too many at the end of service, can have an impact. Energy purchasing decisions and the education of employees also can make a difference. That hands-on approach also can be used when working to make hoteliers’ purchasing choices more inclusive, Naguib said. “If any of our associates are working on RFPs or RFIs, we help them seek out diverse suppliers, such as women or minority-owned businesses. It adds more voices to the table for bidding opportunities.” Such shifts generate customer loyalty, IHG noted when it announced the company’s enhanced ESG policies.

Create: Oct 13, 2021 Edit: Oct 13, 2021 Hotel Management

Zoroastrian Towers of Silence: abandoned, enigmatic but touristic

The enigmatic Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are set on two lonely, barren hilltops on the southern outskirts of Yazd in central Iran. According to a tradition dating back over 3,000 years, dead bodies were left on top of those open towers – which are also called dakhmas -- to be slowly disengaged or picked apart by desert vultures. Under ancient Zoroastrian beliefs about the purity of the Earth, dead bodies were not buried but left in these uncovered stone towers so that vultures could pick the bones clean. Narratives say that men’s corpses were placed in the outer circle, while women’s were left in the middle, and children in the inner-most ring. Bodies were then left until their bones were bleached by the elements and stripped by the vultures. After the process of purification, bones were placed in ossuaries near, or inside the towers. Ossuaries from these rituals have been discovered from the 4th and 5th centuries BC. At the foot of the hills are several other abandoned Zoroastrian buildings, including a defunct well, cistern, kitchen, and a lavatory. As Iran developed and urbanized, dakhmas became increasingly closer to city limits, severely curtailing their use. Since the 1970s, the use of dakhmas has been illegal in Iran, forcing orthodox Zoroastrians to adapt to new burial methods. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, such towers are about 25 feet (8 m) high, built of brick or stone, and contain gratings on which the corpses are exposed. After vultures have picked the bones clean, they fall into a pit below, thereby fulfilling the injunction that a corpse must not suffer contact with either fire or earth. Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are currently one of the famed travel destinations of Yazd, which is a cradle of Zoroastrianism. In July 2017, the historical texture of the city of Yazd was named a UNESCO World Heritage. Wedged between the northern Dasht-e Kavir and the southern Dasht-e Lut on a flat plain, the oasis city enjoys a very harmonious public-religious architecture that dates from different eras. With its winding lanes, a forest of badgirs (wind catchers), mud-brick houses, atmospheric alleyways, and centuries of history, Yazd is a delightful place to stay, referring to as a ‘don't miss’ destination by almost all travel associates in the region. Yazd Jameh Mosque, Dowlatabad Garden, the Yazd Atash Behram, also known as Atashkadeh-e Yazd, Towers of Silence, and adjacent desert landscape are among its tourist sites. Here is a selection of comments that visitors to the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence have posted to TripAdvisor, one of the most popular travel websites in the world: ‘Wonderful’ Should be visited to understand the ancient beliefs of Zoroastrians... This is a place where are the Zoroastrians buried their dead in the sky... (Fatih U from Izmir, Turkey) ‘Eerie’ A must site to visit if you are in Yazd to check out how the Zoroastrians dispose of their dead as they believed that after death the soulless body is impure and by burying the impure corpse in the ground, the soil becomes contaminated with impurity. (shadgerami from Nikolayevsk-on-Amur, Russia) ‘An extraordinary site’ We had planned to visit a dakhma when we toured Uzbekistan but had to give it a miss, so I was eager to visit these in Yazd. I had not realized that buildings are having a ritual function associated with the dakhma. Each family has its own building where a final funerary meal is eaten before the deceased is taken to the dakhma for excarnation. It was fascinating to walk around that part of the site before ascending the dakhma. The ascent is quite steep but aided by proper steps. Once in the main platform, there are excellent information boards in English explaining the processes undertaken. (Rod F from Royal Wootton Bassett, UK) ‘Spookily beautiful’ It is one of the most interesting sites we visited on our trip to Iran and one of the greatest reasons to add Yazd to the tour program. Totally recommended! (Muge S from Istanbul, Turkey) ‘A unique place to visit’ I can imagine how hot it must be here in the summer... we visited Yazd at Christmas time and the weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot. Climbing up to the hill makes you sweat but standing right where the corpses were left is a unique experience that catches one’s imagination. There are helpful postings in English that help you understand the context and the customs. You really can’t miss this if you visit Yazd. (Joscar00 from Stockholm, Sweden) ‘Interesting history!’ Easy walk/hike to the top. One of the towers is on a much higher level than the other. Best time to go early morning or before the sunset. (Aida B from Los Angeles) ‘Very interesting place with strong energy flow’ Don’t miss the whole story of this place as it makes it so unique and special. Going up is essential to see the whole place. Also, it gives good views around. There is very strong energy there. Going up to one of the towers is rather enough but you can choose the less popular one. This place is worth 20 min drive from the city center. (Very-sunny from Lodz, Poland) ‘A very interesting and beautiful place’ For millennia and until recently, in the 1970s, this place was used to dispose of the dead, a high priest would chop the pieces of the bodies to be fed to the birds. It is located outside the city and you can visit it on tour or by taxi. There are some temples or buildings at ground level and then you have the two hills with their sanctuaries on top. A great experience. (Etienne T. form New York) ‘Must do in Yazd’ A unique place to visit. Read a bit about the background before you come as all explanation is only in Farsi. Walk up the tower and try to imagine how the burial ceremony must have been like in those days. A must-do when in Yazd. (Isabella Deruiter form Rotterdam, the Netherlands) ‘Iconic place in Yazd with very interesting history’ This place is an essential part of the Zoroastrian religion, where the followers lay their dead loved ones' bodies at the top of the tower for the scavenging birds and weather to 'disintegrate' the bodies. The ascent to the top requires a basic level of fitness but the view of Yazd city from the top is good. I remember seeing motorbikes that bring you to the top too. (Wei T. from Singapore)

Create: Oct 13, 2021 Edit: Oct 13, 2021 Regional News

UNWTO and Netflix Partner to Rethink Screen Tourism

UNWTO and Netflix have partnered on the publication of a report which looks at the role of film and series as drivers for tourism and cultural affinity. The Global Report on Cultural Affinity and Screen Tourism explores the growing affection one has towards a particular country or culture displayed on the screen. The findings of the research were presented in Madrid against the backdrop of the Iberseries Platino Industria - the largest international event for professionals linked to the audiovisual industry in Spanish and Portuguese. The report’s ultimate goal is to support policymakers and key stakeholders within the tourism sector to implement policies that make their destinations attractive for audio-visual producers. At the same time, it aims to help in the building of focused strategies to promote tourism and consumption of local culture, investing in skills and training to develop the local film and creative sectors to ensure a high level of talent, infrastructure and production capacity and integrating tourism and showcasing culture at film festivals to deepen the global audiences’ knowledge. UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Both tourism and the audiovisual sectors celebrate and promote culture, support jobs and provide opportunities in diverse locations. The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism. Dean Garfield, Vice-President, Public Policy, Netflix: “As highlighted in this research, we have been able to demonstrate conclusively what we instinctively already believed, which is that alongside the desire to travel and visit destinations, exposure to screen content also leads to greater interest in heritage, culture, language, and developing interpersonal relationships. This truly demonstrates that the creative industries, cultural exchange, storytelling, and tourism are all interlinked and can transform the way communities perceive and connect with each other.” Following the presentation of the Global Report, experts on tourism and the audio-visual industry shared their knowledge and insights into changing trends in screen tourism, its positive impacts on strengthening cultural affinity and the role of online streaming services in promoting tourism and cultural affinity between people, cultures and countries in line with the 2030 Agenda. The event also served to underline how public-private partnerships can support destinations to promote themselves as attractive locations for audio-visual producers.

Create: Oct 11, 2021 Edit: Oct 11, 2021 International News