Accor set to expand Ethiopia footprint with Ibis Styles hotel in 2023

Design-led economy 150-key property in Addis Ababa to grow the group’s presence to five properties countrywide. Accor is expanding its presence in Ethiopia after signing a management agreement to open a new property under its design-led economy brand, Ibis Styles. The Group has partnered with private conglomerate, Yuluch Elyano Trading plc, to operate the 150-key Ibis Styles Addis Ababa with a scheduled opening date of 2023. Conveniently situated just off the city’s main thoroughfare, Bole Road, 1km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and close to corporate institutions and embassies, the property will appeal to regional and international business travellers seeking stylish and affordable accommodation. Ibis Styles Addis Ababa will offer 150 rooms, each featuring the brand’s signature Sweet BedTM by ibis concept, which is unrivalled in the economy sector.

Pesto Ribbon Salad

Radisson Blu Hotel, Chicago

Japan, Austria downgrade Iran travel warning

TEHRAN – Japan and Austria have significantly downgraded their travel warnings on Iran, a caution they, amongst some other countries, issued following the deadly crash of a Ukrainian plane near Tehran last month. The jetliner, with 176 people onboard, was mistakenly downed on January 8 by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense system, a few hours after Iran fired dozens of missiles at a U.S. airbase inside Iraq in retaliation to the assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has eliminated its travel warning on Iran [asking its citizens to avoid ‘non-essential’ travel to the country] and it has also terminated depicting Iran’s security map with a warning sign,” ISNA reported on Tuesday.  An advisory, which warned about traveling to Iran, is now deleted from the website of the ministry, the report added. Austrian ambassador to Tehran Stefan Scholz on Monday wrote on his Instagram account that his country has lowered its travel warning for Iran. “Austria has downgraded its travel warning for Iran, repealing its general advice against non-essential travels following a thorough reassessment of the security situation.” “We believe that the risk to Austrian nationals except for some specific border areas has changed. This decision will also further contribute to civil society contacts and commerce,” the envoy added. Late in January, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved that European airlines can return to parts of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Germany’s Lufthansa was among airlines that canceled flights over the affected airspace. Inbound tours started to severely drop following the crash, triggering a major setback to Iran’s budding tourism industry. The blow, however, is being hoped to be amended as soon as possible by a comprehensive action plan Iran’s tourism ministry has put into practice since January 25. In the same time, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali-Asghar Mounesan 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. The official 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. The 2019 Travel Risk Map, which shows the risk level around the world, put Iran among countries with “insignificant risk”, a category where the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, and Finland are placed in.

The wait is over: “Simurgh” named Iran’s national brand for tourism

TEHRAN – Finally the wait is over for many tourism lovers in Iran as the country has introduced “Simurgh” - a huge mythical bird of Persian legend credited with possessing great wisdom – as its national brand for tourism. The national brand was unveiled by tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 13th Tehran International Tourism Exhibition, CHTN reported. Iran was ranked the third fastest-growing tourism destination in the globe in 2019, with 27.9 percent growth year on year, according to the latest statistics released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots, including 22 ones that have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

MGP and BREIT Complete MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay Acquisition

MGM Resorts International, MGM Growth Properties (MGP), and Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT) announced the closing of the previously announced transaction for a joint venture formed between MGP and BREIT to acquire the Las Vegas real estate assets of the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay for $4.6 billion.  In addition, BREIT has purchased approximately 4.9 million MGP Class A shares at a price of $30.67 per share. In connection with the completion of the transaction, MGM Resorts has entered into a long-term, triple-net master lease for both properties.  MGM has also provided a full corporate guarantee of rent payments. Together, the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay comprise 9,743 rooms, approximately three million square feet of meeting space, and approximately 300,000 square feet of casino space across 226 acres on the Las Vegas Strip.

University Fulfills Vision of Opening a Hotel on Campus

In January, The Inn at Elon in Elon, N.C., opened its doors to host its first guests.  Managed by Charlestowne Hotels, the $31 million, 80-room hotel is the first on Elon University’s campus.  The Inn at Elon, LLC, and all of its revenue beyond operating costs will be directed to fund scholarships for the university’s students. The inn’s conference facilities, which include a 5,200-square-foot ballroom that accommodates up to 340 people and outdoor lawn space for 440 people, are open to the public and available for business meetings and retreats as well as local celebrations and events.  Additionally, the hotel has 10 suites and 70 rooms with king- and queen-sized beds; an upscale restaurant and lounge; a fitness center; dedicated on-site parking; valet and bell service; and complimentary bicycle rentals for guests to explore the campus.

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali Opens

Westin Hotels & Resorts yesterday announced the opening of its latest Bali Resort, The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali. The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali features 120 contemporary guestrooms, suites and villas, each equipped with the brand's signature Heavenly® Bed and Heavenly® Bath that deliver total relaxation. Additionally, there are two private Pool Villas that offer an intimate experience for larger groups and families with prime views overlooking the entire resort. The resort also has numerous dining options, including the all-day dining venue Tabia - featuring hand-painted murals by local artists, this restaurant offers international cuisine, local specialties, and healthy dishes from Westin's Eat Well menu.  Tall Trees offers a splendid dining experience complemented with a view of the river and tropical forest, highlighting flavors inspired by ancient recipes in which fresh ingredients are cooked.

Global Agents Launches New Japanese Hotel Brand

Japanese real-estate developer Global Agents announced the February 2020 opening of their new hotel brand, /slash.  This new brand seeks to revolutionize the traditional hotel business in Japan and offer the next generation of digital hotels.  With a total of 95 rooms, /slash offers guests a unique toss-up of digital-art aesthetics, (even room numbers are displayed digitally), and a high-tech smart-hotel experience.  Guests have complete control over their room through a fully integrated application developed especially for /slash, which customers can find on the iPhone provided in each room.  The application has several useful functions, including an alarm system based on bed movement, lighting adjustment, and control of the 80-inch projector screen built into every room.  Guests can connect their personal devices to watch their favorite shows in a private theatre space.

Surestay Hotel by Best Western Floresville Opens in Texas

The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Floresville has opened its doors in Floresville, Texas. The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Floresville will provide guests with an experience they can count on and the amenities today's travelers have come to expect.  Located at 1720 10th Street in Floresville, Texas, the hotel features 42 well-appointed guest rooms, complete with flat-screen televisions, microwaves and mini fridges. The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Floresville also offers an outdoor pool, a pavilion with barbeque pits and picnic tables, complimentary hot breakfast and free wireless internet – providing guests with the superior comfort and utmost value they want out of their stay. The property's location is optimal for guests interested in exploring the nearby area as it is just a short drive from Cycle Ranch, home to over 20 motocross events each year.

MCR Acquires 164 Room SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boston Peabod

MCR, the fifth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has acquired the 164-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boston Peabody. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boston Peabody is located at 43 Newbury Street and features: 1. 164 suites with mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves and wet bars 2. A free daily hot breakfast buffet 3. Free fast Wi-Fi 4. The Market, a 24-hour sundry and convenience store 5. A 24-hour fitness center 6. An indoor saltwater pool and whirlpool 7. 5,500 square feet of flexible event space accommodating up to 250 people 8. A full-service business center 9. Complimentary parking 10. On-site laundry service and valet dry cleaning MCR is the fifth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States with a $3.0 billion portfolio of 86 premium-branded hotels containing 15,000 guestrooms across 29 states and 76 cities.

One-Pan Shrimp