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Magnificent ancient places on Earth: The Gate of Xerxes

The bronze trumpets that once signaled the arrival of important foreign delegations to Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire, may now be silent, but it is still possible to capture the sense of awe while visiting the colossal Gate of Xerxes. Built during the reign of Achaemenid king Xerxes I (r. 486 – 465 BC), who called this his Gate of All Nations, the pillared entrance is guarded by bearded and hoofed mythical figures in the style of Assyrian gate-guards. On arrival at Persepolis one is confronted by an imposing wall, completely smooth and plain, about 15 meters tall: this is the artificial terrace on which the palaces were built. This vast terrace of Persepolis, some 450 meters long and 300 meters wide, was originally fortified on three sides by a tall wall. The only access was from the monumental staircase, which leads to the Gate of All Nations. The gateway bears a cuneiform inscription in Old Persian, Neo-Babylonian, and Elamite languages declaring, among other things, that Xerxes is responsible for the construction of this and many beautiful wonders in Persia. Centuries of graffitists have also left their mark, including explorer Henry Morton Stanley. A pair of colossal bulls guarded the western entrance; two man-bulls stood at the eastern doorway. Engraved above each of the four colossi is a trilingual inscription attesting to Xerxes having built and completed the gate. The doorway on the south, opening toward the Apadana, is the widest of the three. According to sources, pivoting devices found on the inner corners of all the doors indicate that they must have had two-leaved doors, which were probably made of wood and covered with sheets of ornamented metal. Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, whose magnificent ruins rest at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat ("Mountain of Mercy"), was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It is situated 60 kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province. 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 royal city ranks among the archaeological sites which have no equivalent, considering its unique architecture, urban planning, construction technology, and art. 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 immense terrace of Persepolis 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.

Create: Jun 21, 2021 Edit: Jun 21, 2021 Regional News

Are You Exceeding Your Guests Expectations?

Hospitality, at its core, is an industry of people taking care of people, and has a long-standing commitment to cleanliness and service standards. While the housekeeping team is central in the delivery of those standards, it operates in the background, out of view. Room attendants and supervisors moved around discreetly to be as invisible as possible. However, COVID-19 has thrust housekeeping into the limelight. As COVID has led to a surge in public health awareness, hotels are now put in a position of making their commitment to cleanliness part of their guest experience. Rethinking operations, and re-designing housekeeping operations using technology is the only way to achieve the productivity and quality that is required. At Knowcross, we focus on three central housekeeping areas: staff productivity, cleaning quality, and guest experience. We have moved swiftly to enhance our products to adapt to the negative impact COVID-19 has had on each of these areas. The unpredictability of the virus means that your hotel must be vigilant in its adherence to new health and safety protocols. Your housekeeping technology has a critical role here and it serves several purposes. First, it underlines that health and safety should always be top of mind every day and that your hotel fosters a culture of accountability. Secondly, health checks and associated reporting help support contact tracing in the event there is a positive test amongst the team. Quicker containment means that the hotel itself can be protected from shutdown and, most importantly, your staff stays safe. Lastly, health checks communicate to your staff that you are looking out for one another. New Cleaning Protocols Hospitality industry was quick to roll out an extensive list of cleaning and safety protocols after COVID-19 erupted. Housekeeping operations must support changes such as the elimination of high-touch items in guest rooms, dedicated ‘cleanliness’ teams and the intensive sanitisation of common areas and guest rooms. All of these changes impact staffing assignments and cleaning times, which have a direct impact on guest experience. The truth is that most hotels, unfortunately, have had to let staff go, resulting in more work for the remaining people. Your housekeeping software must include the configurability to support these variations without adding manual management time. For example, when creating housekeeping tasks, you may now need to a “sanitation > full cleaning > inspection > sanitize & seal” cycle to prepare a departure room for a new arrival. Your system should support this new task structure while also accounting for the time and labor requirements. At Knowcross, we’ve done this with a fully automated system called Dynamic Task Sheets that eliminate the need for a central coordinator in housekeeping to constant- ly create task sheets and juggle staff and rooms among them. In some geographic areas, we have witnessed rules pertaining to a limited percent- age of rooms in active rotation, with accompanying cleaning cycles. Once again, your housekeeping operations software should make the rotation and sanitation of room blocks simple, with few manual adjustments. Conclusion New housekeeping technology enhancements have kept up with changing COVID-19 requirements, but it must be remembered that those hotels with housekeeping management automation solutions were already enjoying the labor efficiencies that are now so sought after across the industry. Whether it’s using PMS data to map cleaning schedules, instantly communicating room status, or providing mobile at-a-glance guest histories, technology can improve productivity and accuracy of housekeeping departments – a must-have in the post COVID world. I have no doubt that intelligent, data-driven housekeeping operations will soon become the norm and hotels will find new, innovative ways to deliver superior guest experiences that today’s travelers yearn for more than ever.

Create: Jun 20, 2021 Edit: Jun 20, 2021 Housekeeping

Blue Water Development Sells Two Bethany Beach, Delaware Hotels

Blue Water Development, a premier real estate investment and outdoor hospitality management company, recently announced the sale of the only two hotels in the popular East Coast beach community of Bethany Beach, Del. The 112-room Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott, and the 100-room Holiday Inn Express Bethany Beach were purchased by a privately-held real estate investment firm. Blue Water built the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites in 2015 as the first, and only, hotel on the resort’s boardwalk, and the oceanfront luxury hotel has been the upscale lodging of choice in Delaware’s Quiet Resorts ever since. “Our focus is creating standout accommodations for our guests, and we believed that navigating the complex process of a boardwalk build in one of the most desirable East Coast beach destinations would be well worth the effort – and we were right,” said Blue Water CEO Todd Burbage. “At Blue Water, we don’t shy away from complicated projects. The stellar performance of the Ocean Suites is just one example of our ongoing persistence and determination to create unique, high-end family-friendly assets in markets with high barriers to entry. We look forward to pursuing similar opportunities and know that we’re leaving this special project in good hands.” To further serve families and business travelers visiting Bethany Beach and the surrounding Coastal Delaware communities, Blue Water acquired the Holiday Inn Express in 2018. Offering an outdoor pool, fitness center, and ample meeting space, this is the only other hotel in the immediate area and is just two blocks from the beach. “Building, owning and operating these hotels – along with our numerous water-adjacent properties – has provided us with unique insights on what family beachgoers are looking for in both a destination and an experience,” Burbage added. “We’re excited to apply these insights to new regions throughout the country and work to provide the ultimate vacation experience for all of our camping, glamping and hoteling families.”

Create: Jun 20, 2021 Edit: Jun 20, 2021 International News

Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel Debuts in Los Angeles, Bringing Joie de Vivre to SoCal

Today, the much-anticipated Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel opens its doors to the public after a three-year build. The new hotel, located opposite Santa Anita Park and developed by SAICP LLC, boasts 234 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites and over 14,000 sq. feet of stylish event space. Taking cues from the brand’s mid-century modern design aesthetic, the hotel will bring Le Méridien’s distinctive European heritage to the Southern California destination. Created in collaboration with Linda Snyder Associates and AO Architects, the property draws design inspiration from the surrounding locale and immerses guests in sophisticated yet playful equestrian-chic design. Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia is owned by SAICP, LLC and managed by Pacifica Hotels, the premier operator of design-inspired hotels on the Pacific Coast. “We are thrilled to finally welcome guests to our metropolitan oasis and unlock the destination through creative and cultured guest experiences,” said Mr. Shen, Owner of SAICP. “Built with a designer’s eye and stylish spirit, Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia provides guests with a destination where moments of delight and discovery elevate their stay.” Guests can savour the good life with Asian-European cuisine from on-site destination dining experience, Mélange, where diners can enjoy sumptuous dishes from Salmon Carpaccio to Peking Duck Breast crafted by Executive Chef Mako. Additionally, travellers will be able to enjoy the flavour of sweet summers on the Mediterranean year-round with the Le Scoop by Le Méridien menu – the brand’s take on the quintessential European gelato and sorbet. The hotel’s culinary delights can be further explored at the grand bar, Longitude 118, serving as a buzzing meeting space by day and social hub by night. Guests can ease into effervescence with a Le Méridien signature Sparkling aperitif and indulge in Petit Plates inspired by European classics with a local twist. Also on offer are rare spirits, wines and beers, as well as a tradition-worthy bespoke high tea and highballs cocktail programme – a nod to the Le Méridien brand’s European heritage – serving a fresh take on the traditional cocktail hour. The concept melds the refinement of traditional high tea with sophisticated custom highball cocktail mixology using the centuries-old craft of tea infusion. Guests can also enliven the senses with expertly crafted illy coffee each morning. With over 14,000 sq. feet of meeting and event spaces spanning five separate rooms – three of which are private dining rooms – as well as over 1,800 sq. feet of indoor pre function space and an expansive event lawn in a prime location, Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia is poised to be the preeminent destination for business and social banquets and events. Spark discovery and illuminate insights with Creative Meetings by Le Méridien, designed to unlock inspiration and foster innovation. From locally inspired flavours to cultural experiences, the team will create an immersive meeting atmosphere that brings the destination in. The hotel’s ballroom will feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls and doors that will open to the event lawn where guests can enjoy unrivaled views of the nearby racetrack.Just in time for summer, Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia offers poolside delivery and dining experiences at the outdoor heated pool, plus 24-hour in-room meal, spirit, and packaged-item delivery. Inspired by the belief the sun never sets on the jet set, the new hotel is the perfect place to linger longer over a glass of rosé and enjoy classic games by the pool. Elevated dining experiences that offer something more than meets the eye will also be available upon demand.Curious culture-seekers will be dazzled by the global art installations curated by renowned local art consultancy Daniel Fine Art. Upon entering the hotel, guests will be welcomed by an impressive handmade porcelain and glass abstraction of peacock tail feathers by Ron Dier Design. Works throughout the hotel will also include pieces by Serge Bloch, the most prolific illustrator in France who frequently illustrates advertisements for Hermès, David Ellis, an international multimedia artist and William Attaway, an established Venice Beach artist with several public art sculptures around Southern California. Through Le Méridien’s Unlock Art™ programme, which offers complimentary access to celebrated galleries and institutions around the world, Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia has partnered with Santa Anita Park for a one-of-a-kind experience to see this world-famous racetrack, its horses and its beautiful venues. Guests will get a behind-the-scenes tour and discover the historic halls of this venue, simply by presenting the Unlock Art™ room key. Connect with horses, history, and art during this architectural tour just steps from the hotel. “We’re excited to be engaged with the Arcadia community and are already working on more exciting collaborations with our neighbors to further showcase all there is to unlock in the local area,” said Matt Marquis, CEO at Pacifica Hotels. “From Santa Anita Park to art to shopping, Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia looks forward to enticing guests with captivating experiences.” The new property will also offer guests a sensorial environment through the brand’s signature scent, which was developed with MALIN+GOETZ. Aptly named LM002 for airplane tail numbers, the alluring scent will be featured in the public spaces, as it is at all Le Méridien properties globally. Paying homage to its French roots, the brand also has a signature soundtrack that will fill the Hub and public spaces, curated by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague.

Create: Jun 13, 2021 Edit: Jun 13, 2021 International News

The Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Now Open

Today Point Loma welcomed its first new hotel in over a decade with the grand opening of The Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Developed by Lamming Co. in partnership with Alliance Development, KNA Design, R&R Construction and JWDA architects, The Monsaraz celebrates Point Loma, often referred to as the place “where California began,” through its design, amenities and guest experience, offering a sea-centric haven—and an escape from day-to-day life—in the heart of one of San Diego’s iconic coastal towns. “We developed The Monsaraz with one goal in mind: ‘Create a place that enables our guests, their visitors, friend and the community to awaken their senses, be inspired to live in the moment and take time for a luxurious pause—an immersive experience that allows them to try something new, to relax, enjoy and celebrate one another.’” said Cameron Lamming, founder of Lamming Co. “We hope The Monsaraz leaves a welcoming legacy for Pt. Loma and San Diego, a legacy that brings together travelers from around the world and all walks of life in shared experience,” he said. The boutique hotel, designed to create an immersive and welcoming ecosystem with an evocative and effortless use of hand-hewn materials, custom handcrafted tiles, mid-century modern furniture and inspiring art features, features 92 guest rooms, including three suites, with distinct views of the rolling hills of Point Loma, the Bay and the Downtown skyline. The hotel’s design story stems from a story about young lovers meeting in Portugal for a magical weekend, and departing to go their separate ways, with a memory of the adventure and a new outlook on life to take back to their own homes. With that story in mind, hallways lead guests on an art-lined journey to the elegant and approachable comfort of each guest room, which feature bedrooms accented with blues that range from soft -to vibrant, grays and pops of wood. Reflecting the ever-changing nature of work-meets-play, mobile desks in all guest rooms make for a customized work and leisure experience; bathrooms feature blue ceramic patterned tile, inspired by classic Portuguese styles, with oversized walk-in showers and standout vanities. Guests and locals are invited to gather and connect in common spaces, including the hotel’s centerpiece: a 4,000 square-foot open-air courtyard accented by an enchanting live tree, locally painted and designed mural and living plant wall—the ideal destination for cocktails by the fire, weekend workouts, live music, art installations, pop-up cooking classes that enable local chefs showcase their talents, and Sunday “Fun-days” of all kinds. The courtyard is purpose-built—with a goal to create an inclusive atmosphere that fosters the curation of ideas, inspires new friendships and connections—and even helps make the world a better place. Guests may also find their way to The Monsaraz’s third floor “Hideaway”—the perfect place to take in the San Diego sunset with a cocktail in-hand. The Monsaraz is also home to Westerly Public House, a 60-seat Cali-Aussie concept that will showcase coastal cuisine inspired by both Aussie and SoCal beach culture. Westerly Public House’s menu embodies the coastal lifestyle with a strong focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, with signature dishes including Mushroom Toasties, fish and chips, and peri peri chicken, plus a selection of classic, quintessentially “California” favorites and a dynamic wine and cocktail list. As part of the Tapestry Collection, The Monsaraz has implemented Hilton’s globally recognized CleanStay program. Hilton, in collaboration with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, and in consultation with Mayo Clinic, has launched an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection called Hilton CleanStay. In a first for the hospitality business, Hilton CleanStay is a rigorous system that incorporates RB’s trusted know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team are enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols. Hilton CleanStay builds upon the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene at Hilton’s more than 6,300 properties worldwide, where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols are currently in use. The goal is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind. The initiative creates a focus on cleanliness that is visible to guests throughout their entire stay – in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and in other public spaces. Specific policies and procedures for The Monsaraz can be viewed online at TheMonsaraz.com. Reservations can also be booked online at a limited time opening best available rate starting at $180 per night.

Create: Jun 13, 2021 Edit: Jun 13, 2021 International News

Using an On-Demand Worker Platform to Thrive When Groups Return

When are groups coming back? This is undoubtedly a question on many hoteliers’ minds, but perhaps the better question is, how are you going to manage operations when they do come back? Right now, the industry is narrowly focused on two central issues – the post-pandemic surge in leisure guests (as epitomized by the concept of ‘revenge travel’) and the labor shortages resulting from so many furloughed staffers permanently leaving the industry (amongst other factors). Both of these matters not only influence the groups segment, but also compound many of their underlying problems. To help navigate the impact of these two issues to realize big revenue gains from the upcoming return of groups, we recruited Steve Anevski, CEO and Co-Founder of Upshift (www.upshift.work), an on-demand staffing platform with the backing of Recruit Holidings (parent company of Indeed). The company has experienced tremendous growth in the past two quarters, particularly as Upshift’s ability to properly vet then deliver high quality shift workers gives hotels the assurance they need to effectively facilitate events once more Revenge Travel for Groups To the first of these concerns, the psychology of revenge travel, in combination with general stir-craziness and what’s dubbed ‘mortality salience’, will compel a tremendous swarm of newly confident leisure guests to venture forth come Q3 2021 based on current vaccination rates and governmental decrees. As we discussed with Anevski, these same compulsions, however, will invariably lead to a swell in groups, albeit following a different pattern than what comprised group travel in 2019. While we can all look enviously at the sold-out rock concerts and rugby matches in Australia, the large-scale, international MICE happenings of yesteryear will take some time to properly come back for the rest of the world. Yet right now, discussions amongst friends of colleagues are already taking place along the lines of, “Hey, we’re all vaccinated now and they’re saying it’s safe to gather in small groups, so let’s start planning something for this fall because we all haven’t seen each other in a long time.” This may not yet be revealed by travel search inquiries or, say, a year-over-year increase in total RFPs for a given territory, but we can nevertheless infer how groups will return. In lieu of conventions, companywide town halls and 200-or-more attendee receptions, think intimate weddings, family reunions, hub-and-spoke hybrid meetings and senior level-only corporate retreats. Importantly, because of the spontaneousness that underpins revenge travel, these smaller group bookings will have vastly shorter lead times from inquiry and contract to actual event date.Managing the Nightmare of Upcoming Events So, let’s list off all the problems that a hotel may encounter in trying to rebuild its group segment in Q3 and Q4 2021: Smaller groups, meaning more management time required to negotiate all of these at the same time then juggle room blocks and coordinate all specific requirements Dire shortages of shift-based labor caused in large part by people leaving the industry as a direct result of the pandemi Drastically shorter lead times for event bookings as groups opt to rush back with something in the near-term and release that pent-up demand New SOPs related to COVID-19 safety, compounding each group’s specific requirements and mandating more team training Inability to bring back many full-time, fixed-cost employees due to the increased carrying debt from a disastrous 2020, the still-depressed revenue on the books and an inability to accurately forecast the shape of an individual hotel’s occupancy recovery Together, these five factors can make hosting an event a nightmare to effectively render (and create a slew of financial headaches if an event isn’t rendered properly) or outright untenable for some properties. To respond to these market conditions, hotels must remain nimble and recruit labor on an as-needed basis much like how revenue managers yield rates in the face of compression. Labor Tech to the Rescue Maintaining a mostly variable labor force in name of being able to accept group bookings creates a critical problem in terms of how to source and motivate these shift workers. That’s where new-age platforms like Upshift come in, where many veteran banquet workers, as Anevski pointed out, have already signed up so that they are more visible and available for hire on-demand. For 2019 and earlier, variable labor demands were addressed by temp agencies. Like so many other aspects of business, though, the pandemic has brought to light the inherent fallacies of these third parties. Notably, temp accountability was always suscept; hotels would receive workers of questionable training and demeanor, and without the ability to validate quality ahead of a given shift. Often, properties would get temps arriving late, entering the FOH entrance instead of BOH, wearing the incorrect uniform, showing up ‘under the weather’ or failing to review the necessary instructions prior to the start of a shift. With the pandemic acting as a proverbial gun to hoteliers’ heads towards the adoption of new platforms to help build a contactless and more personalized guest experience, the legacy issue of putting up with the inadequacies of temp agencies can likewise be solved through a deeper reliance on technology. First is the ability to better manage labor for the coming groups surge and the issue shorter lead times by giving a hotel immediate access to a larger pool of possible hires. Concurrent to this, HR departments would get a palpable productivity boost by using an online portal instead of the old school, paper-and-pen method. Above all, the benefit worth reemphasizing is the heightened accountability. For example, Upshift goes about this through a meticulous prescreening and background check process, combined with a third-strike policy of banning any temp for life from the app should they receive negative feedback three times from a hotel employer. The talent that we have found through Upshift has been outstanding, and it has really allowed us to be proactive as demand continues to shift,” said Chris Cano, General Manager for Columbia Sussex Management. “The transparency, flexibility and financial control I gain through the platform is unique and has been instrumental in controlling costs as we rebound from 2020.” Despite the narrowing of lead times that hotels may see for upcoming groups, the rule still applies that meetings and events are most likely to be initiated internally by planners a full quarter ahead of the desired date. As such, the time to start aligning your property with a wholly digital method of streamlining your temp workers is now. Just as the time to realign operations in advance of the leisure travel surge was this past winter, consider how you plan to pivot for the return of groups later this year. In this sense, using an on-demand labor platform like Upshift will help you to more effectively service any events you get as well as give your team more confidence in its ability to manage groups to help you win more business in the first place.

Create: Jun 13, 2021 Edit: Jun 13, 2021 Waiter

4 Culture Attributes a PMS Technology Company Must Possess to Help Ensure Your Property’s Success

Hospitality is built on the development and nurturing of personal relationships, extending beyond interactions with guests to include other hoteliers and even vendor partners. Hotel and resort owners and operators know that it’s not always enough to deliver positive results to customers, sometimes it’s more important to develop a connection with guests when providing service. This mentality can be a challenge for technology partners who have been conditioned by other industries to deliver results without emotion. However, company culture defines the way partners work together, and technology companies can learn a great deal from hospitality’s service-driven ethos. One thing hotel technology partners must be mindful of is the increasing complexity of software used throughout the industry. They should remain patient with operators who are stepping outside of their comfort zones to use technology they are unfamiliar with. Furthermore, many independent chains and boutique hotel groups operate without the benefit of an internal IT department, and for them, it is crucial that the technology supplier be a partner they can rely on to help solve problems in a collaborative and solution based approach. Here are four culture attributes a PMS company must possess to help ensure your hotel’s success: Be AdaptableThe service-oriented nature of hospitality creates an environment where many small-scale changes are taking place industrywide, from adapting to new guest booking patterns to creating new avenues for communication with travelers. In an environment like this, it is important for vendors to be open to receiving constructive criticism to improve service and make the most of current market conditions. Conducting business in the service arena requires some degree of humility, and sometimes well-intentioned efforts can backfire due to the way they were delivered, or other unforeseen factors. Receiving free feedback can be invaluable, whether it comes from an industry consultant or your hotel partners. Opening your offerings up to occasional scrutiny from those who use them every day can help provide inspiration to improve your products and services going forward, and even more effectively navigate your chosen business segment. Be AccessibleTech partners will always struggle with visibility due to the nature of the space they operate in, so it may be necessary to find ways to “walk the floor” with your customers the same way hotel GMs do. Since contact with hotel partners occurs most often when things have gone awry, the most efficient answer to this concern is for tech providers to make it easier for hoteliers to reach them. Direct text chat has seen runaway growth in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic, and it provides several benefits as a means of communication between hotels and tech partners. For one, tech chat allows users to be more deliberate with their messaging, reducing confusion in the long run. Additionally, all communications over text can be easily recorded and shared, helping with future technical issues and assisting with troubleshooting. Lastly, it is the ideal method for sharing e-learning materials, as users can retain them for long-term reference. Be ResourcefulKnowing your customer is everything, so why not consider hiring former hospitality workers for training and support roles? Your technical support personnel are more likely to help resolve customer issues in a reasonable manner if they walked a mile in their shoes. The hotel industry is currently going through a labor crisis, and it is important to make an immediate connection with hotel partners. Former revenue managers, salespeople, and GMs are perfect for these positions as they are fluent in hospitality lingo and already possess the service mindset to help other hoteliers find the solutions to their problems. Hospitality and technology are continually becoming intertwined, and connections such as these will be necessary to sustain future success as the level of complexity in a hotel’s day-to-day business continues to increase. Be HospitableHospitality employees are typically friendly, outgoing, likeable people. Many of them were attracted to hospitality for its focus on people, and the desire to provide a high-quality experience. They love solving problems and making others’ lives easier. Technology providers should strive for the same qualities in our own offerings. If, culturally, your organization’s people are pushing to do a better job every day to better serve customers, and go above and beyond when the opportunity presents itself, they are in the right place.

Create: Jun 9, 2021 Edit: Jun 9, 2021 Hotel Management

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Tokyo Tatemono and HPL Announce Plans for Brand New Hotel in Osaka, Japan

International luxury hospitality leader Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd, a developer of condominiums and office buildings, and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), a Singapore-based real estate company, have announced plans for the One Dojima Project in Osaka, Japan, which will include a brand-new Four Seasons hotel. The One Dojima Project, which began construction on August 1, 2020, is a large-scale redevelopment project in the Kinki region of Osaka. The building will be approximately 195 metres high (49 stories) with a total floor area of approximately 85,000 square metres, making it one of the largest in Osaka City. The high-rise tower will feature residences by Brillia, a meeting hall that serves as a base for tourism and business, and the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Osaka. The project will contribute to the development of Osaka by creating a new symbol of the city. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Tokyo Tatemono, one of Japan’s leading real estate companies, on our investment in the One Dojima Project,” says Ong Beng Seng, Managing Director, Hotel Properties Limited. “We look forward to combining the reputation, strength and network of Tokyo Tatemono and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a world-renowned hotel management company, to create an iconic complex development landmark in Osaka – a city that is attracting global attention.” We are honoured to expand our presence in Japan with our long-time partners at HPL and with our new collaborators at Tokyo Tatemono, whose vision for the One Dojima project will create a new luxury lifestyle destination in Osaka,” says John Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are proud to be part of the One Dojima project with the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, where our guests will soon enjoy the beautiful atmosphere created by local Japanese designers, along with the legendary Four Seasons service that is renowned in Japan and around the world.” Dojima is located near several of the waterways in Osaka City, which is also known as the water capital. The area has developed as a commercial centre since the opening of the Dojima Rice Exchange, the world’s first futures exchange and the origin of trading in Japan. Today, the area has become the centre of business in Osaka. In addition, nearby Nakanoshima is a thriving art district with galleries and the Nakanoshima Art Museum Osaka scheduled to open in February 2022. Dojima is also easily accessible to Umeda, the centre of transportation in Osaka. Fumio Nanjo has been appointed as the art supervisor, and many of the world’s top artists have participated in the project curated by him. Through the development of this high-rise complex, the project aims to promote and vitalise the flow of visitors between Umeda and Nakanoshima with its location directly between the two areas. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is being created through a collaboration of world-renowned designers and will become a new symbol of Osaka’s ever-growing status as a global city. The 175 guest rooms will boast sophisticated design and a spacious atmosphere. Guests from all over the world will be able to unwind thanks to the highest level of hospitality provided by Four Seasons. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is being designed by award-winning interior designer Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity, as well as Shinichiro Ogata of SIMPLICITY, and Yasuhiro Koichi of Design Studio Spin. Nikken Sekkei, one of Japan’s leading architectural firms, has been appointed to design the entire building. Otani, the master architect of Nikken Sekkei, has created a graceful design that evokes the image of a sail. Takenaka Corporation, which used to be headquartered in this area, has been selected to construct the building. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka will complement the brand’s existing properties in Japan, including Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, and the upcoming Four Seasons Resort Okinawa.

Create: Jun 9, 2021 Edit: Jun 9, 2021 International News

Iran, safe and desirable destination for foreign tourists, minister says

Having unique tourism capabilities, Iran is a safe and desirable travel destination for visitors from around the world, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan has said. He made the remarks during a meeting with Russian and Iranian tourism activists in Moscow on Monday. In recent years, Iran’s tourism sector has flourished because new branches of traveling, such as eco-tourism, health tourism, mining tourism, and agritourism, have all been gaining popularity, the minister said. Iran offers an impressive range of tourist attractions, including historical, cultural, and natural monuments, handicrafts, dense forests, towering mountains, roaring rivers, and beautiful deserts, while there are also over 700 museums that can be visited in different cities, he explained. Tourists can find the country to be one of the pocket-friendly destinations in the world, he mentioned. He also noted that some 400 hotels and over 2,000 eco-lodge units have been established across the country. Iran’s image in the world is being tarnished by the U.S.’s anti-Iran policy, but traveling to Iran could change this image for foreign tourists, he added. Mounesan on Monday signed an action plan to implement a bilateral visa-free agreement for tourist groups. The signing of the agreement, which emphasizes a waiver of visas for tourist groups, was due to the good relations between the two countries as well as the interest of Iranians in visiting Russia and the existing capacity in the country for cultural tourists and history buffs, he noted during the signing ceremony. He also expressed hope that the signing of the joint action plan, as well as the process of increasing vaccination and overcoming the corona crisis, would result in a growth of tourism between Iran and Russia. In 2017, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inked a visa-free agreement for tourist groups. A joint technical committee has been developing an action plan for the previously agreed visa-free travel arrangements since then, to put the agreement into effect. Based on the 2017 agreement tour groups of 5 to 50 people heading to [easternmost parts of] Russia from Iran or vice versa are granted a visa-free stay of up to 15 days. Earlier this month, Mostafa Sarvari, who presides over the tourism marketing and advertising office of the Iranian Tour Operators Association, announced many Russian tourists are eager to travel to Iran, 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,” he said. “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.” According to Ebrahim Pourfaraj, who heads the Iranian Tour Operators Association, rounds of negotiations have been held between Iranian tour operators, travel marketers, and their Russian counterparts. “We’ve been commenced talks with some Russian travel agents to put Iranian destinations on their itineraries…. And the Iranian Tour Operators Association has also entered negotiations with Russian unions for outbound tours to attract more travelers from Russia.” Pourfaraj says the majority of potential Russian travelers are unaware of the vast tourist attractions that exist in every corner of Iran. “The fact is that Iran’s political and economic relations with Russia are considered as good, but this has nothing to do with attracting tourists because it is directly connected with the Russian people. It is the Russian people who must choose Iran as their destination.” Iran is taking proactive measures in line with the long-term goal of 20 million tourists by 2025.

Create: Jun 9, 2021 Edit: Jun 9, 2021 Regional News

Around 200 evacuated from Madrid hotel fire, no one injured

Around 200 people had to be evacuated from a hotel on the outskirts of Madrid that caught fire on Thursday evening, a Madrid emergency spokeswoman said. "No one was injured after an orderly evacuation of the four star Hotel Nuevo Madrid building that was up in flames," the spokeswoman said, adding that the cause of the fire was still unknown. Fifteen fire brigades, ambulances and police patrols arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control. The hotel had caught fire at around 7 p.m. Thursday, causing a huge column of smoke visible from several points in Madrid, the spokeswoman said. Fernando Munilla, a spokesman for Madrid's fire department, said on social media that fire brigades managed to immediately extinguish the flames on the hotel's rooftop. The Hotel Nuevo Madrid hotel is located in north of the city, next to highway M-30.

Create: Jun 7, 2021 Edit: Jun 7, 2021 International News

How a Guest-Centric PMS Can Help Hotels Win in the Face of a Labor Crunch

HNI, [۲۶.۰۵.۲۱ ۱۱:۴۱]Hotel technology exists to amplify, not burden, a hotel’s guest experience. Truly guest-centric technology should empower hoteliers to deliver their unique and ideal version of the guest experience. But great hotel technology should not only be guest-focused, it must also be management-focused, by helping hotels scale their business, and staff focused by facilitating operations, streamlining communications, and promoting employee productivity. In the face of a post-pandemic labor crunch, hotels need a mobile and guest-centric PMS to support a lean staff as they look to meet an uptick in travel demand. 2021 Will See the Hospitality Industry Roaring Back… But Hiring Still Lags BehindThe COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for hospitality, setting the industry back over 10 years in terms of occupancy and job losses. According to the ALHA, the pandemic cost the U.S. hospitality industry over 50% occupancy, and over 3.1 million jobs. The good news, however, is that the industry is on the verge of a major recovery. Rising vaccination rates, coupled with rapidly falling case numbers have led to an increase in confidence with the traveling public. According to Destination Analysts,confidence in travel safety is increasing, with over 61.8% of American respondents confident that the pandemic situation will continue to improve, and over 72% of the respondents making travel plans in the previous week. This rising optimism is being seen in job reports indicating that the hospitality sector gained over 331,000 jobs in April 2021 一 the sixth largest gain in the past 50 years. Unfortunately, these gains may not be enough. U.S. hotels are still 600,000 workers short of pre-pandemic levels, but workers don’t seem to be filling the vacancies. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including widespread health concerns, difficulty obtaining childcare, and the recent rise in federal unemployment benefits. The question for hotels is how can they leverage technology to support a lean staff, get new staff up to speed quickly, and help their current employees better engage with and serve their guests, without the burden of physical or technological constraints. PMS Technology Should be Intuitive, Mobile, and Unburden StaffHoteliers joined the hospitality industry because they delight in serving their guests 一 not because they wanted to fight with outdated technology. If hotels want to retain high-performing employees, they should invest in technology that actively empowers them to deliver an exceptional guest experience. What does it mean to have a staff-focused PMS? On the most basic level, PMS platforms should be intuitive and easy to use, and never burden employees when serving their guests. When technology is delivered through an intuitive user interface, hoteliers can spend less time buried in their screens, and more time actively engaging with their guests. Additionally, mobile & guest-centric PMS technology should promote maximum ease of access. Hoteliers should be able to manage their property from any location and device, giving them the freedom to move about the hotel and meet guests wherever they are. This allows staff to have more natural and personalized interactions with their guests, while also freeing any staff member, no matter their specific job title, to help any guest in any section of the hotel. Easy-to-Train On Systems Enable Hotels to Expand their Talent PoolPMS platforms should be easy to train on and easy to master. When technology is easier to understand, hotels can hire staff based on how they actually interact with guests 一 not how well they “get” outdated technology. When a new staff member is hired, it should be easier to train and onboard them to the new technology, thereby increasing adoption throughout your team. HNI, [۲۶.۰۵.۲۱ ۱۱:۴۱]When investing in new PMS technology, hoteliers should also explore what resources the vendor offers in terms of staff training and support. The right PMS technology vendor will view its relationship with its clients as a long-term strategic partnership, and will make sure its clients’ staff have the resources they need to get the most out of their product. Look for a dedicated implementation team, with the option for either in-person or remote implementation, as well as a dedicated client success manager (CSM), who can act as the customer’s voice within the organization. The right PMS vendor will provide robust self-training resources, including a comprehensive product knowledge base, on-demand e-learning courses, and best practice materials which demonstrate how to use the product to enhance the guest journey and operational efficiencies. Mobile Communication Can Streamline Operations and Improve Staff MoraleBreakdowns in team communication can easily lead to breakdowns in team morale. When hoteliers communicate with walkie-talkies and landline telephones, critical information can get lost in the shuffle, resulting in dissatisfied guests and frayed team dynamics. A mobile, guest-centric PMS can streamline staff and guest communications in a number of ways: Instant room updates automatically notify front desk staff when a room is ready or out of order, while analytic dashboards can keep your entire staff updated on key performance metrics. For more sophisticated forms of communication, native-cloud PMS systems can integrate with third-party guest messenger platforms. Guest messaging delivers seamless communication throughout the guest journey using common messaging platforms such as SMS, Facebook Messenger or WeChat. This allows guests to communicate instantly with staff through their mobile device, while also allowing staff members to serve multiple guests through multiple chat windows. Use Advanced Automation to Get the Most Out of a Limited Staf The hospitality industry is facing increased travel demand and heightened expectations for cleanliness and service, as it moves into the peak 2021 summer travel season. Unfortunately, they are still hampered by limitations in resources and staff size. By incorporating robust automation, a mobile PMS can help hotels get the most out of limited staff, while also freeing hoteliers from many of the mundane, repetitive tasks that take them away from their guests. A native-cloud PMS can automate simple but repetitive tasks such as room assignment, bulk check-in, and housekeeping task management. But it can also automate more advanced processes 一 like the entire check-in experience. Guests can have the option of checking in through their mobile device or a guest-facing smart kiosk. Mobile self check-in can not only streamline and personalize the check-in experience for guests, it can free hotel staff from engaging in repetitive and scripted dialogues during the check-in process. This self check-in option can also include automated targeted offers for amenities and room upgrades, giving the hotel an additional stream of ancillary revenue. Instead, they can focus on more natural and personalized interactions, like answering questions about dining options, or greeting guests with tea or champagne in the lobby. Great Technology Should Empower Great HoteliersIn order to succeed in the post-pandemic hospitality market, hotels have to deliver exceptional and personalized service on a limited staff. Therefore, it’s crucial that they invest in technology which is not only guest-centric but staff-centric as well. A mobile, guest-centric PMS delivers on both of these goals, by leveraging a system that is easy to use and easy to learn, while facilitating both staff communication and streamlined operations. Great technology should empower both hoteliers and their employees to deliver the best guest experience possible. And a guest-centric PMS can help them do just that.

Create: May 26, 2021 Edit: May 26, 2021 Hotel Management

Scenic Karaj-Chalus road considered to become national heritage

Preliminary work of collecting data about Karaj-Chalus road, its associated structures, and nearby villages has been commenced by the tourism directorate of Alborz province to have the scenic road registered on Iran’s national heritage list. Based on follow-up field visits and preliminary investigations, it was decided to develop a dossier for the national registration Karaj-Chalus road as a historical, cultural, and natural route that has considerable potential in the field of tourism, CHTN quoted the provincial tourism directorate as saying on Monday. Natural landscapes, villages with historical texture, the architecture of different periods, local food, traditional clothing, and the original Karaji dialect are among the attractions of the Karaj-Chalus axis, a provincial official said. In connection with political geography, the Karaj-Chalous road was once the most important route and connection of the southern slopes of Alborz to the northern regions of the country. As a piece of history, Chalus Road, also less well known as Road 59, was constructed during the Qajar era by the local people with very primitive hand tools. The 160 km road crossing and crawling up the Alborz Mountains offers beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and springs. Each season presents its own special beauty along the road. The mesmerizing view changes as one travels on Chalus; from trees lining up on both sides of the pavement to getting engulfed and surrounded by the Alborz, and sometimes have dramatic views of the Karaj River, which runs along part of the road. The road between Tehran and the Caspian Sea has become a destination in itself for many Tehranis who take it just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or for a relaxing day out with family and friends.

Create: May 26, 2021 Edit: May 26, 2021 Regional News