Hotel News Professional and Inclusive Hospitality Group

Search result...

Remarkable Hotels Sees 19 Percent Uplift in Rooms Revenue With IDeaS Revenue Management System

IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, announced today that Remarkable Hotels has seen a 19 percent increase in rooms revenue since implementing IDeaS Revenue Management System (RMS). Remarkable Hotels’ Best Western Plus Nottingham Westminster Hotel is a 73-room property in the central English city of Nottingham. When the growth of its newly renovated hotel began plateauing, the management was confident a sophisticated and stable RMS was the key to expanding the property’s business and profitability. Manual spreadsheets no longer working – When the uptick in average daily rate and occupancy initially gained after re-opening began to ebb away, owner/operator Al Malik realised his manual spreadsheet system for determining room rates was missing something. Seeking peer advice – Malik’s quest to boost efficiency led him to approach rival hotel operators where he discovered several were using IDeaS RMS. After receiving a demonstration of the platform’s advanced features, he knew he’d found the solution he was seeking. Remote monitoring and updating – IDeaS RMS has empowered the staff at Remarkable Hotels to make robust improvements in performance with an increase of 15 percent in overall sales, 12.5 percent occupancy and 19 percent in rooms revenue. These positive results have allowed Malik to instill a better work/life balance by providing him with the automated technology to manage his hotel remotely. Al Malik, owner/operator, Remarkable Hotels, said: “I used to spend my days buried in data and I knew that basing key pricing decisions on human intuition meant we were leaving money on the table. I knew I needed to base my business on scientific analysis—guesswork was not going to generate an effective return on my refurbishment costs. With IDeaS RMS we have now raised our rates for our peak demand days and are confident the prices reflect the local market and, in particular, what our competitors are charging. I know the system is always there in the background, automatically working for me.” Dr. Ravi Mehrotra, president, founder and chief scientist, IDeaS, said: “IDeaS RMS is not only for large hotels—in fact, the power of the system provides the tools needed for any size property to ensure increased profit margins and consistent data analysis. We are pleased to provide a game-changing system that helps Mr. Malik and Remarkable Hotels drive profitability and stay competitive.”

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

Occupancy Softens in London’s Hotels in Q4 2019, Says Hotel Market Tracker

Hotels in London saw RevPAR growth of 0.9% in Q4 2019, to £135.25 compared with the previous year, according to the latest UK Hotel Market Tracker: Q4 2019, produced by HVS London, AlixPartners and STR. Average occupancy for hotels in the capital dropped back slightly in the final quarter of the decade to 84.8%, although average room rates rose 1.9% to £159.53. The UK’s regional hotels saw RevPAR [rooms revenue per available room] fall in the quarter, down 2.7% to £50.73 and occupancy down marginally to 73.6%, while room rates fell by 2.1% to £68.94. “Softening occupancy will be a concern in London, particularly given the high number of hotels projects in the pipeline, although the fact room rates have risen by nearly 2% is encouraging,” commented HVS chairman Russell Kett. “Any improvement in yields will take longer to reach provincial hotels but they should start to see some change as we move through 2020. However, the active hotel pipeline, currently at 6% of supply outside London, will continue to prove challenging as it will in the capital.” With greater political certainty coming from the general election, transaction volumes in London saw an increase in Q4 to a value of £1.5bn, although transactions in the regions were down 38% to £2.2bn. The largest transaction in Q4 was the sale of the 211-room Fairmont St Andrews golf resort in Scotland to Great Century for a reported £135m. Moving forward investors are expected to be cautiously optimistic about a resurgence in transaction activity. “The recent UK election result and the ensuing Brexit decision is likely to make the UK more attractive to many investors,” commented HVS chairman Russell Kett. “This is likely to have a more immediate impact on transaction yields in London during 2020, although any improvement may be tempered by the pipeline of luxury hotels in inner London.”

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

NewcrestImage and Baywood Hotels Start Joint Venture Canopy by Hilton in Downtown New Orleans

Dallas-based NewcrestImage and Baywood Hotels, Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, will begin historic renovation construction in early February of a 176-room, 14-floor Canopy by Hilton in downtown New Orleans. This joint venture launches the third hotel in New Orleans for NewcrestImage and the fourth hotel in Louisiana for Baywood. Canopy by Hilton New Orleans Downtown is scheduled to open in the summer of 2021 at 1100 Tulane Avenue in the heart of the Central Business District, immediately adjacent to the French Quarter. It will revive the former Oil and Gas Building, which originally opened in 1959 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 for its innovative use of glass, steel, and abstract geometry in a skyscraper. “We are a development company that is very much about preservation, conservation, and adaptive-reuse,” said Mehul Patel, Chairman and CEO of NewcrestImage. “This new hotel will preserve the past and make it work for the present.” According to Patel, Canopy New Orleans Downtown will incorporate the stylish furnishings, latest technology, and elegant amenities of upscale brands – all offered with the feel of a lifestyle property that respectfully and creatively connects with the local community. Special features will include a fine dining concept restaurant and meeting space with a terrace balcony. Added Al Patel, President of Baywood Hotels, “We are combining the glamour of yesterday with the cool and comfortable of today. Our guests will enjoy a little bit of classic, a little bit of modern, and a whole lot of the neighborhood character.” “We can’t wait to open our doors in New Orleans,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton. “Our Canopy hotel will celebrate the city’s spirit and enable locals and visitors to enjoy its renowned food, architecture, entertainment and culture.” The property is located within walking distance of such attractions as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome; the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; the Audubon Aquarium; Harrah’s Casino; and two historic squares – Jackson and Lafayette. Also nearby is the warehouse and arts district, as well as a wide range of medical facilities, notably the Tulane Medical Center; the University Medical Center of New Orleans; and the LSU Health Center, including its School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Established in 1975, Baywood Hotels owns and operates a portfolio of more than $1 billion in hotel assets that includes more than 110 properties in 18 states and Gujarat, India.

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

Hilton’s Conrad Brand Will Debut First Resort in Mexico With Spring Opening of Conrad Punta de Mita

Coming to Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, the thoughtfully designed Conrad Punta de Mita will offer travelers an authentic, tranquil respite. Situated among the area’s serene natural landscapes and aquamarine waters, the new-build resort will deliver an inspired beach vacation, the Conrad way. Drawing influence from Mexico’s rich history and unique culture, indigenous artwork will integrate with exceptional amenities to create a sense of barefoot resort elegance that highlights its local Mexican identity. All 324 guest rooms and suites will boast views of the Pacific Ocean, with suites offering large patios, plunge pools, freestanding soaking tubs and outdoor showers. Amenities will include three pools, each with its own purpose. Guests looking to indulge in R&R can lounge poolside with a cocktail at the adult pool, while the more active type swim laps in the activity pool. Kids will bask under the Punta de Mita sun in the family pool, with a game room and kids’ club rounding out activities for young explorers to connect with each other and the world around them. Four restaurant and three bar concepts will offer menus and spaces that pay tribute to age-old techniques and flavors of the local culture — among them, an intimate mezcal and tequila barrel tasting room, and a joyous lobby bar, Tuki, which borrows its name from the Huichol word for ’temple.’ The Conrad SPA will offer a refuge from the pace of everyday life with a unique indoor/outdoor design and traditional temazcal spread across 10,000 square feet. Seven cocoon treatment cabanas will be nestled among the vegetation and connected by an inspiring tunnel of plants and flowers. Fitness center offerings include an outdoor lawn for yoga and stretching. Groups will stay inspired with 54,000 square feet of event space that ranges from boardrooms to beaches, with custom activities, authentic cuisine and cultural experiences.

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

Marriott International Signs Agreement to Bring Iconic St. Regis Brand to New Administrative Capital of Egypt With St. Regis Almasa

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) (www.Marriott.com) today announced that it has signed an agreement to open a St. Regis in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, just outside of Cairo. In the second quarter of this year, The St. Regis Almasa is expected to occupy an existing luxury hotel at the entrance of the up-and-coming city that is slated to become the administrative and financial hub of Egypt. “We are delighted to be working with the National Authority for Management & Investment on this exceptional conversion opportunity to bring St. Regis to Egypt’s New Administrative Capital,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “This signing further enhances the St. Regis brand portfolio in Middle East and Africa and underscores the tremendous momentum that our luxury brands have in the region.” Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Waleed Samy Salama, CEO, National Authority for Management & Investment commented, “The National Authority for Management and Investment is pleased to start a relationship with Marriott International. The St. Regis Almasa will be positioned as the luxury hospitality hub in the New Administrative Capital and with the largest state-of-the-art convention center in Egypt, the hotel will be the ideal host to the country’s largest events, conferences and summits. We are confident that this deal signing will play a vital role in the development of tourism in Egypt.” Also present during the signing ceremony were General Mohamed Amin Ibrahim Nasr, Advisor to the President of Egypt for Financial Affairs and Liam Brown, Group President Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. With the population of greater Cairo expected to double in the next few decades, the government in Egypt announced plans to build the New Administrative Capital. Almasa Royal Palace, which the owner has operated for the past two years, is located adjacent to a 42,000-square-foot convention center that hosts official government conventions and events, as well as official foreign presidents’ visits. The hotel consists of 270 rooms, 90 suites, 60 apartments and 14 villas. Other facilities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a gym, spa, club house and 20 food and beverage outlets. When it opens, The St. Regis Almasa is expected to encompass the hallmarks of the brand such as its rich traditions and rituals, and signature St. Regis Butler Service. Through a phased approach, areas across the hotel will undergo a refresh to deliver an on-brand experience in New Cairo whilst remaining open to guests.

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

Now is the time to prepare for the post-virus wave of Chinese tourists

On February 15th, 2003, the first group of 67 Chinese officially travelling for leisure arrived in Germany, based on the ADS Approved Destination System agreement China and Germany signed the year before, second in Europe only to the island state of Malta, while for the rest of the Schengen Area the ADS agreement came only into force in September 2004. Your humble editor had stopped a few years earlier to be an inbound tour operator for Chinese delegations and had just finished the first semester as a tenured university professor. Witnessing the high expectations of my former colleagues, all buying coaches, employing additional staff and moving into bigger offices, I wondered if I had taken the wrong decision to opt out of the business just before the biggest bonanza ever for the German China inbound tour operators, looking forward to enjoying a year without competition in Europe. Unknown at the time, in November 2002 SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) started in Guangzhou and spread to many countries in the world. On March 15th, 2003, the WHO issued a global alert about a new infectious disease, advising against any unnecessary travel to and from East Asia. On April 2nd, Chinese officials finally began reporting the severity and extent of the SARS outbreak. As a result the second quarter of 2003 saw almost no Mainland Chinese citizen arriving in Germany, pushing several inbound tour operators close to bankruptcy. For the whole year, the number of arrivals however reached the level of 2002, and 2004 saw an increase of almost 40%, as many of the trips to Germany influenced by the SARS crisis were only postponed, not cancelled. Globally the same happened: From 16.6 million in 2002 the number of outbound trips jumped to 20.9 million in 2004 despite the three-month hiatus. With the yet not fully named 2019-nCoV, things could turn out in a similar way, based on what is known until now. On the one hand the disease is spreading much faster, given the much improved domestic and international transport infrastructure available in comparison to 2003, on the other hand the Chinese government reacts in a much different way to the crisis. Among many others, starting from the 27th of January, all group travel from China has to cease. Individual travellers however will have a bigger incentive than before to go abroad. The biggest difference is clearly the fact that in 2003 outbound tourism was the least concern except for those few directly involved during the SARS crisis. In 2020 there are already articles published discussing the fate of the tourism industry of Thailand, Japan and other countries if the main source market China implodes. Via an open letter of the CATS China Association of Travel Services published on the 26th, the international partners have been asked to “introduce relative refund and changes policies to minimize Chinese tourists financial loss”. How much this will remain a wish or will become a demand, is one of the many unknown factors in the 2019-nCoV development. The main concern remains of course to minimize the loss of life in China. In all previous cases, being it SARS, MERS or the Lehman Brothers global economical crisis, demand bounced back stronger than before after two or three months. So it will be a good idea to use the time of the slowdown to train everybody involved in servicing Chinese customers, using the brand new CTT China Tourism Training. Let’s hope that the Year of the Rat will have a better ending than this dire beginning and that all our readers, their colleagues, family and customers will stay healthy.

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina opens its doors

IHG announced the opening of Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, part of the newly designed flagship properties launching globally offering a new distinctive stay experience, designed to meet the needs of the modern business traveller. Crowne Plaza hotels & resorts is one of the world’s largest upscale hotel brands, with an increasingly strong reputation for being the first choice for business-class stays. Designed with the modern traveller in mind, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts know that business travel isn’t just about business – it’s about balancing work and life so guest feel fulfilled and successful. This opening represents a landmark moment for Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and marks the beginning of ambitious expansion plans for the brand in the region. With 24 Crowne Plaza hotels (6,836 rooms) open in the Middle East (GCC, Levant and Egypt) and a further eight (2,738 rooms) in the pipeline – three of which are in the UAE and three in KSA, the brand is perfectly positioned to cater for a rising number of regional business events and travel to the Middle East. Within only a 20-minute drive to Expo 2020 Site, close proximity to important business hubs including Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jebel Ali, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina is set to become an important hub for business travelers in the lead up to Expo 2020. Georges Farhat, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina said: “Our flagship property in Dubai Marina is an exciting addition to the Crowne Plaza portfolio in the region. As a flagship property, the hotel will feature a new modern design philosophy which better meets the needs of our guests: productivity, advanced restoration and inspiration, seamlessly blending work and play. It features a new approach to lobby design, which can be used for co-working or relaxing. Its location makes it ideal for guests looking to stay ahead of their game while travelling for business; from a morning run on the marina waterfront walkway to after work chilling out in the heart of one of Dubai’s most exciting districts.” Located primely on the banks of Dubai Marina with direct access from the promenade, the 24 storey building occupies 3,037 square meters and boasts 273 stylish and ultra-modern hotel rooms including 61 Club Rooms and 32 suites. Offering panoramic views over the water, these rooms come with a number of technology-driven features to provide guests with a harmonious stay experience day and night. A spacious club lounge is located on the fourth-floor exclusively for Club guests. Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina boasts state-of-the-art meeting facilities including the Marina’s first ballroom with natural light. Located on the second floor, the spacious meeting and conference rooms occupy 460 square meters of space and are fully-equipped with advanced audio-visual technology for a seamless working experience. The property comes with a number of notable technologies driven features, designed to answer the growing trend in flexible work and life preference, and people’s desire to work from anywhere. This includes an efficient GRMS system (Guest Room Management System) which intuitively manages guest preferences including temperature, lighting and heating through a touch panel. All rooms come with a built-in Media Hub which allows guests to connect to a surround sound system with their devices using Bluetooth meaning guests can even listen to their own playlists in the bathroom. Screen mirroring technology allows guests to display content from their devices on the TV seamlessly. Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina offers a more social take on traditional business hotels, complete with six unique dining concepts including the signature Thai restaurant ‘Charm Thai’ located on the marina Promenade level with an expansive al fresco terrace overlooking the Marina Waterfront. Lo+Cale is the hotel’s main all-day dining restaurant featuring an array of international cuisines positioned on the ground floor alongside Connexions, the hotel’s lobby lounge serving coffee and ‘grab’n’go’ bites. Hive is the hotel’s lobby bar and Nara are the outdoor Arabic style shisha lounge. On the 4th floor is Aqua Marina, the sophisticated pool bar providing bites and refreshing cocktails for guests to refresh and unwind throughout the day. Health and fitness enthusiasts will enjoy a fully equipped state-of-the-art gym open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in addition to the hotel’s new amenities with ecofriendly, all natural with no paraben products.

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

Rosewood continues global growth with Rosewood Residences

A Life Without Reservations: As a new decade started upon Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the ultra-luxury hospitality company is intensely focused on the global expansion of its branded residential business, Rosewood Residences. With 15 existing residential projects globally and an additional 14 in the pipeline, Rosewood is intent on continuing to grow its residential business with a guest-centric approach, while staying true to the brand's A Sense of Place® philosophy. This strategy has been at the core of the brand's remarkable hotel growth and will remain central to the company's ascent as the preferred option in luxury living. Rosewood Residences occupy the most sought-after locations at select Rosewood Hotels & Resorts properties around the world. Perhaps the best-known precursor to today's branded residential lifestyle is The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, located on New York's Upper East Side. Conceived in the 1930s, few hotels have risen to global prominence like The Carlyle, which was known as the "New York White House" during the Kennedy era in the 1960s. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is building upon the success and heritage of its existing properties through the development of new hotels and residences across the globe. "Approximately 50 percent of Rosewood's pipeline properties have a residential component and we expect this ratio to increase over the coming years," said Karl Bieberach, chief development officer for Rosewood Hotel Group. "As we set off into a new decade, we are expanding our residential resources in order to better support our owners and developers in their sales and marketing processes while strengthening relationships with buyers of Rosewood-branded residences. We remain focused on delivering truly differentiated products for Rosewood Residences owners, who, by choosing to live a Rosewood-branded lifestyle, are among our biggest brand loyalists." A Residential Vision for a New Decade Rosewood Hotels & Resorts residential offerings include two main categories; for-sale residences and for-lease serviced apartments. The brand's unrivalled design ethos and genuine residential style offer a unique opportunity to enhance the way affluential explorers live, by making a larger array of residential offerings available, regardless of category. In addition to residential components within mixed-use hotel projects, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts plans to embark on stand-alone residences. "We are excited to continue the growth and development of Rosewood Residences, a sector of the brand beloved by our most loyal Rosewood guests," said Irene Hoek, vice president of global residential development for Rosewood Hotel Group. "Within each ultra-luxury Rosewood Residence, the unique culture of the dynamic locale is embraced and showcased from start to finish. This model will continue to be at the forefront of all future developments we lead across the globe." A Life Without Reservations Whether clients rent or own a Rosewood-branded residence, living the Rosewood lifestyle comes with perks and benefits that are unmatched in hospitality. Aside from a myriad of luxury amenities and the highest level of security, the Rosewood lifestyle unlocks the opportunity to savour more of life's precious moments. From taking care of party planning, running errands, organizing social agendas and home repairs, the qualified team at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will oversee the residences' needs. Complementing the brand's renowned, intuitive service and recognizing the most loyal owners, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has launched Rosewood Reserve, an exclusive program available to residence owners, offering advantages and benefits at all properties across the globe. Benefits of Rosewood Reserve include preferred rates on rooms, food and beverage and spa, room upgrades, and additional VIP courtesies including access to a global concierge to assist with all travel-related requests. Rosewood Residences span a collection of unique properties in dynamic cities with for-sale residences and serviced apartments such as at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, as well as within quiet vacation destinations like Tuscany, Italy at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is enhancing the portfolio with the development of residences around the world.

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

Hilton unveils an approachable lifestyle brand

Hilton launched Tempo by Hilton, an approachable lifestyle brand curated to serve a growing segment of 'modern achievers' who seek a hotel experience that reflects their ambition. By combining thoughtful design and diverse lifestyle partnerships, Tempo by Hilton provides hotel owners and developers with a highly scalable brand that is both uplifting and within reach for future guests – all powered by an efficient service model. “For more than 100 years, Hilton has pioneered the hospitality industry as we know it,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton. “Tempo by Hilton is the latest example of our unique ability to anticipate what our guests are looking for and deliver unmatched value for customers and owners alike. We’re thrilled to welcome this new brand to our Hilton family and look forward to building on our legacy of innovation with Tempo by Hilton.” As part of its commitment to helping guests live better lives, Tempo by Hilton has established and built upon partnerships with leading experts across the well-being, food and beverage and other lifestyle spheres. The experts on board include Arianna Huffington’s renowned behavior change platform, Thrive Global and established culinary firm, Blau + Associates. These organizations bring a sense of discovery to the brand, while empowering guests to continue prioritizing well-being and personal growth even while traveling. “Tempo by Hilton introduces a new concept by combining all the benefits and efficiencies owners expect from a limited service model with an uplifting dose of inspiration,” said Phil Cordell, SVP and global head of new brand development, Hilton. “Utilizing a data-driven blueprint, we identified lifestyle offerings inside the guest rooms and throughout the property that push the entire sector to new heights. The end result is a compelling, yet approachable brand that enables owners to expand their portfolios in sought-after locations across the country as well as capture a new demographic of travelers.” Guided by its various lifestyle partnerships, as well as exhaustive market research surveying more than 10,000 consumers, each Tempo by Hilton property will feature elements designed to help ambitious guests continue their journey without disrupting their routine. These signature elements include: Reinvigorating and Relaxing Guest Rooms: More than rooms, Tempo by Hilton accommodations serve as a refuge where modern travelers are reinvigorated for the day ahead. In-room experiences include the one-of-a-kind Power Up and Power Down collections; curated assortments of morning and bedtime rituals created in partnership with Thrive Global; as well as other unexpected touches, such as a finely tuned sleep environment and a dedicated Get Ready Zone with space to get ready, organize for the day and focus on work. In addition, the oversized bath suite, which includes mirrors with built-in Bluetooth speakers, is spacious, bright and invigorating to help guests recharge and renew. Shared Spaces and Amenities Designed to Inspire: Envisioned as catalysts for genuine, memorable experiences, all Tempo by Hilton public areas and amenities bring a fresh approach to industry mainstays. These include art and design collections specifically chosen to encourage guests to look up from their daily grind and take a moment for themselves. Guests will also enjoy state-of-the-art fitness offerings; flexible meeting spaces, which can be easily reserved by guests on the go; as well as more informal areas perfect for collaborating with teammates or concentrating on individual tasks. Culinary Journeys: Developed alongside the award-winning Blau + Associates, Tempo by Hilton’s food and beverage offerings ensure guests have access to everything they need to sustain energy and boost focus. The in-lobby Fuel Bar, a complimentary coffee and tea bar, offers a hand-selected assortment of premium coffees and teas, along with various benefit-driven mix-ins. Additional hearty and healthy options, including artisanal smoothies and other breakfast favorites, are available at the casual cafe. At the bar, spirited and non-spirited craft cocktails and small plates round out the concept’s culinary program. Additionally, Blau + Associates will collaborate with Hilton to form a Chef Collective, an advisory board of young up-and-coming chefs who will help curate seasonal menus. Sustainability: Tempo by Hilton aligns with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals to double its investment in social impact and cut its environmental footprint in half. To that end, this new brand is committed to implementing sustainable practices throughout the guest experience. Examples of specific initiatives include LightStay, food waste programs, responsible seafood sourcing, hydration stations throughout the property to replace single-use plastic bottles and full-size bath amenity dispensers to reduce disposable plastics.

Create: Jan 31, 2020 Edit: Jan 31, 2020 International News

‘Country-size guesthouse of Iran wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists’

Iran’s tourism minister on Saturday issued a statement, inviting all travelers and holidaymakers to visit the ancient land, saying that the country-size guesthouse is wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists from around the world. Ali-Asghar Mounesan emphasized that the Iranian government is trying its best to host incoming tourists by improving tourism infrastructure, offering attractive and pocket-friendly packages, as well as incentives such as visa waivers or 90-day visas on arrival. Mounesan’s statement comes weeks after the country’s tourism suffered losses in the wake of recent tensions in the region by mistakenly downing of a Ukrainian airliner, with 176 people aboard, by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense system in Tehran airspace. “Nowadays, the world is even more involved in fast and surprising upheavals and ups and downs as a result of unprecedented progress in technology and industry. As such, the modern human is also influenced by the urban, mechanical life and his soul needs some refinement and relief,” the statement reads. “In such a situation, only travel and tourism can give us relief, joy, and sympathy and provide us with unforgettable experiences and memorable coexistence. In fact, tourism can be thought of as a familial or friendly gathering, the pivotal contents of which are kindness, cooperation, and synergy. In this chaotic era, tourists are like a delightful breeze endearing our souls and uniting all the people from around the world, regardless of their race, country, language, and beliefs.” Referring to the advantages of visiting the country, the minister explained, “With a deep and practical faith in this attitude, the Iranian government is trying its best to pave the way for incoming tourists and this is why there is a significant growth in tourism infrastructure in our country. In this regard, some incentives such as visa waiver, 90-day visa on arrival, standard residence services, attractive tourism routes and packages, and cheapest and most secure tours to Iran along with the last international tourism standards have enabled us to experience a 53% growth in our inbound tourism, winning the first place in the world in this regard. In addition, when it comes to the prices, Iran has the most competitive prices for tourism in the world and has emerged as a new phenomenon in the world of tourism, attracting the attention of many countries.” “Even if we disregard all that has been said, the unique tourist attractions of Iran are a good reason to have a journey to the land of history, civilization, and nature. With 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 34,000 nationally registered heritage sites and 600 active museums, Iran has a huge capacity to receive international tourists. In addition, high security, cheap tours, premium travel facilities, hospitable people, numerous historic and natural treasures, unique ecotourism facilities, diverse tourism packages (historic-cultural tourism, sport tourism, marine tourism, food tourism, medical tourism, etc.), interesting rituals, and diverse handicrafts and traditional arts provide enough reasons to visit Iran.” Pointing to unique and unparalleled beauties of Iran, Mounesan said, “The rich history and civilization of this land, the numerous and spectacular tourist attractions, four-season weather, and high cultural and ethnic diversity have made an invaluable treasure of Iran and put this country in the top 10 tourist destinations in terms of tourism, cultural and natural attractions. Astonishing mountains, breathtaking glaciers, beautiful volcanos, pristine forests, green foothills, delightful lakes, springs and waterfalls, picturesque beaches and wonderful islands, historical sites and distinct architecture, globally registered cities and villages, diverse and colorful handicrafts, delicious traditional cuisine and organic, healing drinks, etc. are only a small part of the beauties you can visit while staying in Iran.” “With such advantages, each day the beautiful and safe cities of Iran are hosting thousands of tourists from different countries, having enjoyed the unique experience, most of whom decide to return and bring new fellow travelers with them.” “Hereby I invite all the tourists from around the world to visit Iran during these last months of the Persian year, as well as the spring, and experience a distinct journey to the land of history and civilization,” the minister concluded. Mounesan said earlier this month that the country’s tourism sector has suffered a major setback but it will certainly return to “normal”. On Thursday, he unveiled an action plan, aiming to increase and improve [international] interactions for introducing Iran and clarifying its safety conditions to the target countries. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Jan 26, 2020 Edit: Jan 27, 2020 Regional News

7 Hotel Technology Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2020

INTRODUCTION With new technology trends such as the internet of things (IoT), many businesses have been able to improve their operations as well as make them more up to date. In the hotel and hospitality industry, technology has helped make many hotels and resorts more efficient as ones that are capable of providing better service for their guests. Technology in the hospitality industry has been able to capitalize on the internet of things (IoT) by providing a better user experience for guests. Today, guests can make reservations through an application and schedule their stay with their smartphones. Along with the internet of things, technology in the hospitality industry has also included new and more advanced software. The new hospitality technology has greatly advanced the operations of hotels in terms of allowing guests to get rooms and gain access to all of the available services offered. Today, the new hospitality technology can help hotels schedule events more efficiently, process room reservations and monitor revenues and financial transactions more easily. The development of hotel and hospitality software has enabled hotels to be even more organized than they have been in the past. As a result, they are even more likely to provide more satisfaction for their guests consistently. SMART GUEST EXPERIENCES Today many hotels have followed some key trends that have allowed them to better meet the unique needs of their guests. Along with using cloud-based software, hotels nowadays have become more personalized as they are even more focused on helping their guests have the best experience possible when staying at their establishment. In recent years, there has been a tech explosion in the hotel and hospitality industry. The use of cloud-based software has allowed hotels to more efficiently manage their transactions and daily tasks. It has also allowed guests to rely on apps and mobile websites to make requests and get the services that they need for their stay. This technology has helped make a modern hotel into a smart hotel as they have become more user-friendly. Another trend that has contributed to the development of the modern smart hotel has been seamless technology. This includes features such as mobile check-in and digital concierge services. Today, hotels provide high tech cards that detect the presence of a guest and open the door before they even get to it. This has provided guests with more convenience as they can just walk into their room instead of sliding a card into it. Mobile check-ins have enabled guests to process their arrival digitally and avoid relying on a front desk clerk to complete this task for them. As a result, both the guests and the hotel workers can save a lot of time. 7 TECH TRENDS YOU CAN’T IGNORE IN 2020 In the past hotels were just places for people to sleep and unwind during trips when they were away from home. However, there has been a lot of change in the industry during the past several years. Today, hotels have become places where several activities take place. These include seminars, business meetings, and conferences. There have been many additional hotel technology trends that have drastically changed the industry. 1. MOBILE DEVICES AS DOOR KEYS One of the most recent hotel technology trends has been the development of mobile devices as door keys. Hotels today provide cards that are items that put data onto a guest’s mobile device. With this card, guests can more easily access their rooms and other areas of the hotel such as the gym and spa. These cards can also be visually scanned to process entry into these areas of the hotel. 2. SERVICE AUTOMATION In recent years hotels have allowed guests to serve themselves. Most guests prefer to use technology rather than interact with humans. As a result, the development of remote check and check out has allowed guests to use apps to complete these menial tasks. Since the new technology has created more automation, both guests and hotel workers can spend more of their time focusing their efforts on other activities. 3. FIXED MOBILE CONVERGENCE Over the past few years, room phones in hotels have had a reduced role in use among guests. However, the room phones of the present and future will often provide a larger role in terms of connectivity. Today, a guest can use their mobile phone to control things such as the television, the sound system and the blinds of their room. They can also use the mobile phone to request wake up calls, get informed about a visitor’s arrival and requesting a cab or driving service to transport them around town. 4. GUEST APPS The new technology in the hotel industry has resulted in new guest apps. These are options that allow guests to receive information on new hotel deals, notifications about hotel services and also loyalty programs. The guest app can also provide an itinerary to an event as well. 5. BANDWIDTH With the development of technological devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, the demand for bandwidth is very high. As a result, hotels have significantly increased the amount of available bandwidth to accommodate guests who frequently access the internet for the devices. 6. LOCATION-BASED SERVICES New location-based services have also emerged as a key to the advancement of technology in the hospitality industry. With location-based services, guests can locate hotel workers and staff more easily. As a result, they can more efficiently get the assistance they need whenever necessary. 7. TECH LOUNGES Another new trend in the hotel and hospitality industry has been tech lounges. With tech lounges, hotels can provide guests with a public space to use technological devices and complete tasks using technology. The new tech lounges have become a preference among many guests in recent years. CONCLUSION Like all other industries, the hotel and hospitality industry has undergone many significant changes over the past few years. Hotels have made these changes with the help of the latest hospitality and travel software. With this new hospitality and travel software, hotels have been able to help themselves operate more easily as well as satisfy the needs of their guests. During the last few years, hotels have introduced several technology options that include automated check-ins, staff location services, mobile door keys, and tech lounges to provide a more fulfilling experience for guests.

Create: Jan 26, 2020 Edit: Jan 26, 2020 International News

Simple Steps Hotels Can Take for Climate Consciousness

Unarguably, the climate has noticeably changed in recent years. Weather patterns are more erratic and less predictable. Along the eastern side of North America, this currently means less snow. But for other places, like Australia, the perilousness of the situation may result in swift corrective legislation. Despite any rhetoric or debate, the fact is that every hotelier needs to recognize that being a good corporate citizen means doing your part. At all costs, you want to avoid being labeled a violator of our planet’s ecosystem, especially when there are many simple yet visible steps that you can take to reduce both your carbon and plastic footprint. I’ve arranged the following checklist in order starting with those items that have the least cost or minimal disruption to your operations. Importantly, I am not advocating that you in any way ‘badge’ these activities as doing your share, as there is always more that we all can do. 1. As a very basic requirement, separate guestroom waste into trash and recyclable materials. Many properties I’ve visited still do not consider this worthwhile. 2. Importantly, if it is separated by the guest, it is a real faux pas to have your housekeepers combine the trash on their laundry carts. 3. If you have not already eliminated plastic straws, shame on you! While paper straws are less elegant and arguably a less efficacious substitute, the simple fact is that plastic straws are no longer acceptable. 4. Eliminate plastic drink swizzle sticks. There are alternates here made of bamboo and wood. Yes, they cost a little more. But you’ve gone through the process of eliminating plastic straws, so why would you not go that extra step? 5. Replacing plastic water bottles with glass or recyclable aluminum cans. The single use plastic bottle should be outlawed. But with manufacturers pumping out a million plastic water and soft drink bottles a minute – albeit with many producers now using a large share of recycled plastic in the process – recognize this as being more of a symbolic gesture because plastic is a visible and emotional enemy of environmental health. 6. Plastic laundry bags? I know they are not used by most guests, but while you’re expunging your property of plastic waste, consider a move to cotton bags or even paper. There’s a marketing opportunity here when the bags are attractive and reusable. 7. All other forms of plastic in the restaurant should also be on the chopping block. If you give out plastic cutlery or utilize plastic wrappers, there are alternatives available. Moreover, any made from Styrofoam needs to be looped into this conversation. 8. Single use plastic shampoo, conditioner and body gel bottles are clearly sending the wrong message. Many different dispenser systems are readily available, with the one-time dispenser expense easily offset by bulk amenity purchases. 9. A countertop liquid soap pump dispenser in guest washrooms is a way of reducing waste through the elimination of soap bars and their often-plastic wrappers. Again, there are some very alluring units that can be purchased. 10. In-room coffee Keurig and Nespresso both offer complementary recycling programs for their used coffee dispensers. Reach out and learn how to make this happen. 11. Smart thermostats that switch down heat and air conditioning when the room is not occupied can pay for themselves through effective power savings. 12. In Europe, it is not unusual to require guests to insert their key cards into a slot that activates the lights in their room. Not recommended for a retrofit due to cost, but if you’re planning a major renovation or added rooms, this should be considered. 13. Motion detectors that activate indoor garage lighting are logical, while using the same strategy for hallways is probably not a great approach! 14. If you have a courtesy corporate car, consider an electric vehicle, or at a minimum a hybrid. Although likely more expensive than any gas-guzzling counterpart, it’s the statement you are making that’s vital. 15. Make sure all of your air conditioning and refrigeration units operate on HFC-134a instead of freon which is known to damage the ozone layer. Or if you must, make sure that the freon is properly disposed. 16. Lastly, for those of you still operating any lighting that is not LED, it’s time to finally pull yourself out of the 20th century.

Create: Jan 26, 2020 Edit: Jan 26, 2020 International News