International News

Official news agency of Iran Hotel Industry

International News

SERENA Hotel Aventura, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Opens in South Florida

SERENA Hotel Aventura, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a 10-story, 100-room boutique hotel, welcomed its first guests on May 13. Infused with the dynamic spirit of this highly celebrated South Florida destination, the upscale hotel features a variety of in-demand amenities – a highlight of which is a vibrant rooftop entertainment area and pool with 360-degree city views. “We’re excited to introduce a unique new boutique hotel that embraces everything there is to love about Aventura – a hotel we know our local neighbors are going to love to visit, as well as those coming to the area from out of town,” said Ziad Chantiry, general manager, SERENA Hotel Aventura. “With superior amenities and a central location between two major South Florida cities surrounded by numerous top attractions, there is no doubt that SERENA Hotel Aventura is the perfect place to be — whether guests are traveling for work or for play.” Situated in the heart of the Aventura Medical District, SERENA Hotel Aventura offers a restful escape and proudly takes its name from the Latin word “serēnus” – meaning clear, tranquil or serene. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a modern and inviting atmosphere that will make them feel at home, while being treated with highly personalized service. Accommodations With a focus on contemporary design and upscale amenities, SERENA Hotel Aventura features 100 spacious guestrooms, 30 of which are suites outfitted with separate living areas, kitchenettes, dining tables and large bathrooms including a separate shower and tub. Standard guestrooms also offer seating areas with sofas along with work desks, creating a space perfect to welcome leisure guests or those with business to conduct during their visit to South Florida. Dining Paying homage to the area’s diverse and rich culture, SERENA Hotel Aventura offers a Mediterranean-Spanish inspired restaurant, Cielo Rooftop & Lounge, serving as a social gathering spot for locals and travelers alike. In addition, in the lobby, SERENA Hotel Café offers indoor and outdoor seating with selections including Lavazza coffee, sandwiches, paninis, pastries, beer and wine. Amenities A rooftop pool and entertainment area features lounge seating and panoramic city views, creating a relaxing, yet lively space for guests to unwind and catch Miami’s picturesque sunsets. Guests can also keep up with their workout routine in a 24-hour fitness center offering weights, treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bicycles. In addition, a dedicated room is available for business travelers to conduct small meetings. Location Positioned in the heart of South Florida midway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, SERENA Hotel Aventura offers nearby access to world renowned shopping at Aventura Mall, with brand names like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Steve Madden and lululemon. Horseracing is nearby at The Village at Gulfstream Park, which also boasts an array of home stores, restaurants, art galleries, a bowling alley, fashion boutiques, and health and beauty services. Sunseekers can hit the shores of Sunny Isles Beach, just 15 minutes from the property. And, as the closest hotel to the Aventura Hospital & Medical Center, SERENA Hotel Aventura will be a safe haven for patients, families and medical workers. The hotel is also centrally positioned less than 30 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Guests visiting SERENA Hotel Aventura will enjoy peace of mind from check-in to check-out with Hilton CleanStay, Hilton’s new program for an even safer and cleaner stay. New procedures include contactless digital check-in through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, and a Hilton CleanStay room seal to indicate that the room has not been entered since being thoroughly cleaned. SERENA Hotel Aventura is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free Standard WiFi. SERENA Hotel Aventura is located at 2820 NE 214th Street, inside Ivory 214 – a new state-of-the-art, mixed-use project featuring retail and office spaces. The hotel is developed by Aventura-based Rieber Developments and operated by Driftwood Hospitality Management.

Create: May 16, 2021 Edit: May 16, 2021

Element by Westin Opens the 460-room Element Philadelphia in Pennsylvania

Element Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 leading brands and designed for today’s healthy, active traveler – announce today the opening of Element Philadelphia, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Developed by Conshohoken-based Chestlen Development, the hotel will be the newest addition to Philadelphia’s reemerging hospitality scene, with travelers planning an average of 2.7 trips this year, according to a recent Visit Philadelphia report. Designed with a focus on sustainability and well-being, Element is ideal for families, groups and business travelers who want to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. “Bringing the Element brand to Philadelphia was a strategic decision to appeal to the wellness-minded modern traveler, who is looking for self-sufficiency, more space to recharge, and amenities that align with their lifestyle,” stated Edward Baten, Complex General Manager, Element Philadelphia. “As the needs of travel, work and leisure have evolved over the last year, our offering is better suited than ever before to welcome guests with a range of work and life demands. Our flexible accommodations will open at a time when it’s needed most for leisure and business travelers alike.” Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with a design philosophy that encourages guests to recharge and find focus. This approach is seen throughout Element Philadelphia, the brand’s largest property globally. The hotel’s 460 bright and modern guest rooms are positioned in an ideal Center City location and boast impressive views of Philadelphia’s historic architecture and skyline. The sunlit Sky Lobby will offer open seating for work and relaxation, and a range of safe, socially distanced amenities for guests to utilize. Fully equipped kitchens in every room, a business center, Motion Fitness center and guest laundry services create flexible work-from-anywhere possibilities. At Element Philadelphia, guests will be energized with a food and beverage program that prioritizes fresh, healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise breakfast starts the day and the Relax evening reception invites guests to unwind together in the Sky Lobby. Balanced grab-and-go meals, snacks and beverages are available from the Restore gourmet pantry, which features products from local producers. In addition, guests are invited to eat well from the comfort of their own room. With kitchens stocked with everything needed to create a home-cooked meal, Element hopes to inspire guests by introducing local culinary and nutritional voices to provide easy-to-follow recipes. These digital recipes and meal ideas, which will be accessible via in-room QR codes and in pre-arrival emails, will feature fresh, local ingredients that can be picked up at iconic neighborhood markets such as Di Bruno Brothers and Reading Terminal Market. Designed to get visitors moving, Element Philadelphia features a Bikes to Borrow program with its custom-designed Priority Bicycles in unmistakable Element green. The Bikes to Borrow program provides suggested routes to help guests experience the city’s history, art or nearby bike trails. Whether on two wheels or walking with a four-legged friend, Element encourages guests and their pets to explore more. Element’s pet-friendly program includes a signature dog bed, treats, water bowls, eco-friendly clean-up supplies and more for travelers visiting with pets. Element Philadelphia offers more space for guests to live their lives in rooms ranging in size from a Standard guest room, to Deluxe and Executive guest rooms, to One Bedroom Suites. The signature Westin Heavenly® beds and spa-inspired bathrooms feature rain showers designed to infuse a sense of calm. Element is proud to be green from the ground up and has built a smarter, better place to stay. When choosing materials, Element Philadelphia’s design team pioneered eco-friendly, sustainable design that improves hotel air quality, minimizes pollutants and chemicals, and gives guests ample access to natural light, resulting in a cleaner, healthier environment. The hotel also integrates eco-friendly materials and practices into its design in a variety of ways, including: Electric vehicle charging stations Guestrooms featuring carpets with up to 100% recycled content Wall art mounted on a base made from recycled tires Walls featuring low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints Bathrooms featuring low-flow faucets and fixtures Silverware and glassware provided, minimizing single-use plastics and disposable waste Recycling is made easy with bins in every guestroom and throughout public spaces Filtered water is available in all guestrooms and in the public spaces through a dispenser unit Element Philadelphia uses only 100% recycled postconsumer wastepaper for all printing and stationery needs Element Philadelphia will soon provide access to over 45,000 square feet of purpose-built event space, fully adaptable for the changing dynamics of indoor meetings, events and celebrations. Guests of Element Philadelphia can travel with confidence with services adapted for COVID-19, adhering to Marriott’s Commitment to Clean standards throughout their stay, including contactless check-in, social distancing, increased cleanliness protocols and new UV-light cleaning technologies. Consisting of in-house and outside experts in food safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations, the Marriott Cleanliness Council has redefined cleaning and safety standards.

Create: May 16, 2021 Edit: May 16, 2021

Blue Origin to fly first people on New Shepard in July

Blue Origin announced May 5 that it will fly people on its New Shepard suborbital vehicle for the first time July 20, and will auction off one of the seats on that launch. The company said that, after years of test flights without anyone on board, it will start flying people on New Shepard. The announcement took place 60 years to the day after the vehicle’s namesake, Alan Shepard, became the first American space on the suborbital Mercury 3 launch. The scheduled date of the flight is the 52nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing. The company hinted during its most recent test flight of the vehicle April 14 that it was ready to start flying people on the vehicle. The company used the flight to test procedures for future crew flights, including having company personnel, playing the role of customers, boarding the vehicle during prelaunch preparations, and also practicing exiting the vehicle after landing. “We have flown this vehicle 15 times and, after the last flight, we said, ‘It’s time. Let’s put people on board,’” said Ariane Cornell, director of astronaut sales at Blue Origin, in a call with reporters. The company did not disclose who would fly on the vehicle, capable of carrying six people, beyond that it will make one seat available to the public via an auction. The company will accept sealed bids through May 19, then go into an unsealed bidding phase, concluding in a live auction June 12. Blue Origin said the proceeds of the auction will go to an affiliated nonprofit organization, the Club for the Future, that supports STEM education activities. When Blue Origin announced April 29 that it would disclose its plans for selling the first seat on New Shepard, many expected it would formally unveil long-awaited plans to start selling tickets. The company has said little about its ticket sales strategy, including how much they would cost. Cornell declined to discuss how the company would sell tickets beyond this initial auction. “We don’t have details on the prices for future seats, and we will announce the details of how those future seats will be sold in the future, after this auction.” She added the company will take notes of the “most active bidders” in that auction for follow-up on future ticket sales. She also said that, after the July 20 flight, “we will have a couple more crewed flights before the end of the year.” While the company didn’t disclose details on ticket sales, the company is sharing more information on the spaceflight experience. Cornell said that those who fly on New Shepard will arrive at the company’s West Texas site four days before launch and undergo three days of training. That will include working in a mockup of the New Shepard crew capsule learning procedures for getting in and out of the vehicle as well as emergency protocols. Those who fly New Shepard have to meet a number of physical and other conditions, according to a terms and conditions document posted on the company’s website. That includes being at least 18 years old, weighing between 50 and 101 kilograms, being between 152 to 193 centimeters tall, and able to withstand 3g’s of acceleration during launch and 5.5g’s “for a few seconds” during reentry. Blue Origin didn’t disclose how many people signaled an interest in flying on New Shepard by signing up on its website in the last week to find out how they could buy tickets. “I can say that the website has gotten a workout in the last week,” Cornell said. “Obviously, we hope that is a good precursor to excitement and participation in the auction on June 12.” Loizos Heracleous, professor of strategy at the Warwick Business School, noted that there are about six million people worldwide with a net worth of at least $5 million, and thus likely in the addressable market for a flight like this. “For some it will be about bragging rights, for others it will be an experience of a lifetime,” he said in a statement about why people would be willing to pay a premium to fly on a suborbital vehicle. “In strict financial terms it might not seem a wise decision, but if it’s a small part of their disposable income or net worth, they might want to do it.”

Create: May 8, 2021 Edit: May 8, 2021

Marriott Debuts in Belize With Opening of Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection

Calling all those looking to discover the outdoors and live with purpose, as owner and developer, Andrew Ashcroft, in partnership with Autograph Collection Hotels, announces the grand opening of the highly anticipated boutique resort – Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection. Spanning over 20+ acres and the first in San Pedro Town to sit on more than 1,000 feet of beachfront access, Alaia Belize is a 155-unit complex operating as the first true four diamond resort on Ambergris Caye. The eco-luxury development will be the first-ever Marriott International property in the country, upholding the high-quality standards of the brand and dynamic marks of the Autograph Collection – celebrating the founder’s passion, thoughtfulness of design, inherent craft and connection with the locale. “With deep family roots in Belize and the hidden gem being my home for over 20 years, I wanted to ensure that Alaia Belize captured the lively spirit, genuine hospitality and friendliness of the destination and locals. My team and I worked closely with the Marriott International team to bring it all to fruition and allow our future guests and owners an opportunity to immerse themselves into the Belizean culture,” said Andrew Ashcroft. “No detail went unnoticed as we wanted to ensure that our travelers will be able to experience a new level of luxury on one of the world’s most photogenic yet untapped destinations. We are now ready to show the world all that Alaia Belize has to offer and take the country to new heights.” Eco-Luxury Aesthetics Situated in the historic town of San Pedro – dubbed La Isla Bonita after the 1987 Madonna’s song about the island – Alaia Belize will allow hotel guests and residential owners to intimately connect with their surroundings as it was designed to stimulate all five senses. With interiors curated by renowned Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar, the boutique resort is meant to invite guests to touch, stay and feel connected to Mother Nature, from the warm and harmonious ambiance, woven textures, natural fibers and touches of greenery. The design-forward hotel features 155 guest rooms and suites, ranging from studios to three bedrooms, with a natural color scheme to complement the stunning oceanfront views. Seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor settings, the rooms offer an average of 1,200 square feet indoors and almost 900 square feet in open air, per unit. On the residential end, Alaia Belize is comprised of 71 stylish studios, two- and three-bedroom condominiums and eight oceanfront villas. Owners who don’t live full-time in Belize can opt their condominiums or villas into a rental program booked through Marriott International’s reservation system and allow guests to live with a backdrop of deep blue waters. With exterior designs led by International Environments, the branded development features vertical green walls, specialty textured walls and crystal-clear glass windows to not interrupt any views of the tranquil Caribbean Sea and wild tropical foliage. Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its 200+ independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across more than 30 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion and a personal realization of its individual founder’s vision, making each hotel singular and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection hotels offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. First of its Kind Experiences Raising the luxury bar in Belize, hotel guests and owners will have full access to first-of-its-kind amenities in the country, including Belize’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge with 360-degree views, the only luxury resort in Belize with a dive shop that also allows guests to receive a PADI certification onsite, K’in Spa & Wellness Center, a piano bar with a self-playing baby grand piano, kids’ club, adventure concierge, swimming pools with live DJs, branded golf carts and bicycles, and a live art gallery with local weavers, woodworkers and pottery makers to create custom handicrafts for guests to take a piece of Belize home with them. Catering to foodie travelers, Alaia Belize will have endless dining and bar options with five different concepts. Sea Salt will be the crown jewel of the property with fresh catches of the day, high-quality seafood and meat with a Belizean twist. For those looking to enjoy the tropical weather and gorgeous 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea, Alaia will have a Vista Rooftop restaurant concept with small plate offerings, such as sushi, poke bowls and conch for lunch, dinner and late nights. The beachfront hotel will also have The Deck and Beach Bar restaurant for those looking for an open-air beachside lunch or dinner with local favorite dishes, such as tacos, ceviche, burgers, fish sandwiches, wraps, salads, pizza and classic cocktails. Alaia Belize will also have a Piano Bar to offer an upscale lounge setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night with small pastries, cocktail snacks and high-end wine and cocktails offerings from Alaia’s very own mixologist. Lastly there is the The Terrace Bar for lunch and dinner with flavorful items, such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, ceviche and more. In true Belizean celebratory fashion, this area of the hotel will have a lively spirit with DJs and in-pools cabanas for a VIP experience. Un-Belize-Able Destination “My team and I had a chance to visit with Andrew Ashcroft at the Alaia Belize earlier this year, while the property was still under construction. I am pleased that the day has finally come to open the doors of this beautiful four-diamond resort on the island of Ambergris Caye. It is a great milestone for the team and the country, as it is a testament of our growth to see high-end brands like Autograph Collection from Marriott International migrating into Belize, elevating our travel scene,” said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. “The government is fully supportive of hotel developments and legacy projects such as Alaia Belize, and we are incredibly proud of all the positive steps the Belize tourism industry is making to restore the confidence in travel among our international visitors.” In October 2020, Belize officially reopened Philip Goldson International Airport to international visitors for leisure travel. As of January 2021, Belize moved on to Phase 4 of its reopening plan with the full reopening of the overnight tourism sector and allowing visitors to move around the country freely. In December 2020, Belize received a Safe Travel Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of the country’s enhanced health and safety protocols. To uphold the certification, the Belize Tourism Board created the Tourism Gold Standard program to ensure that all hotels, restaurants and tour operators adapt and maintain health and safety policies, including sanitation practices, social interactions and standard operating procedures while ensuring minimal impact on the guest experience. Known as the hidden gem of Central America and Caribbean, Belize’s clear blue waters and Caribbean culture is home to endless historic offerings, a variety of adventures and a melting pot of cultures. Just moments away from Alaia, owners and visitors can experience more than 200 caves filled with several preserved Mayan Temples, including Xunantunich (the second tallest ruin in the country), lush jungles, rainforest canopies, and archaeological sites including the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. For those looking to take a deeper dive and explore the beauty of Belize’s natural underwater locations, Alaia is 600 meters away from the world’s second largest barrier reef and a few minutes away from the ultimate world-class and unrivaled destination – The Great Blue Hole. Ambergris Caye and Alaia Belize can be reached via Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Then, travelers have to take a short 10-minute flight to San Pedro Airport or book tickets for a water taxi. Alaia Belize’s hotel concierge is available to help all guests book travel arrangements.

Create: May 8, 2021 Edit: May 8, 2021

Saranac Waterfront Lodge Celebrates Opening in Saranac Lake, New York

Saranac Waterfront Lodge, the only full-service waterfront property on Lake Flower in the village of Saranac Lake, officially opened its doors on May 1, 2021 to welcome travelers for the summer season. Inspired by the prominent philosophers, literary icons, artists, and performers who flocked to the Adirondacks in the early days as a reprieve from city life, Saranac Waterfront Lodge offers a nature-connected design and high-level guest service, along with an ideal location on the shores of Lake Flower’s Pontiac Bay. With 93 spacious guestrooms designed in an “Adirondack Modern” aesthetic, the hotel also offers three waterside dining options, an indoor heated pool and hot tub, lakeside firepit, 3,000 sq. feet of waterfront meeting and event space, and full lake access by kayak, canoe or motorboat. A private marina with 24 boat slips will open later this summer. Located within walking distance of downtown Saranac Lake, just a few miles from Lake Placid and 20 miles from Tupper Lake, Saranac Waterfront Lodge truly offers something for everyone, whether guests are searching for a quiet, restorative wellness retreat or an adventure-packed getaway. In celebration of the opening, Saranac Waterfront Lodge is rolling out a “Stay More, Save More” package that offers up to 20% off nightly rates. “Just in time for the summer season, we are thrilled to officially open our doors and welcome travelers to discover the beauty and adventure of the Adirondack High Peaks with a stay at Saranac Waterfront Lodge,” said Anura Dewapura, Managing Director, Saranac Waterfront Lodge. “With our waterfront location and our private marina, we look forward to welcoming locals to pull up their boat and enjoy our ‘dock and dine’ options, while providing our guests ample opportunities to explore the surrounding lake and mountains. With luxurious accommodations and comfortable spaces inspired by our natural surroundings, as well as the philosophers and artists who created our region’s storied past, there is no better place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.” Designed by Baskervill, Saranac Waterfront Lodge is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and is the epitome of “lake meets mountain” style, with the outdoors woven into every aspect of the hotel. With soft, neutral colors and pops of plaid throughout, the interior spaces of the hotel provide a serene ambience, with artwork that pays homage to the surrounding flora and fauna of the area. Featuring pale greys and off-whites with forest green and deep navy accents, the hotel’s accommodations are designed to accentuate the views of the surrounding lake, mountains, and town. Offering either king or queen beds, Saranac Waterfront Lodge’s guest rooms average 335-square-feet in size. Those looking for even more space can reserve one of five suites that feature separate living rooms and walk-out balconies overlooking the lake. The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs up to 50lbs for an added fee, a portion of which is donated to the Tri Lakes Humane Society. Dining and drink options at Saranac Waterfront Lodge are plentiful. Overlooking Lake Flower, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, Boathouse, offers elevated gastropub fare and regional craft brews. Boathouse, which boasts a modern industrial design and a large, boat-shaped bar, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, as well as brunch on weekends. The menu is complemented by views of the lakeside, plus a seasonal patio for outdoor, waterfront dining. A more intimate dining experience is available at Harvest, Saranac Waterfront Lodge’s upscale venue set to open later this year with a concept that highlights locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy coffee or cocktails in Navigator’s Lounge, the lobby bar that invites visitors to kick-back and relax will soaking in panoramic views of the Adirondack waterfront. With more than 3,000 square feet of event space, Saranac Waterfront Lodge offers a variety of options for weddings, meetings and social events, surrounded by the lake and mountains at every turn. Featuring one of the only four-season waterfront spaces in the region, the hotel offers event planning and customizable packages, with catering menus inspired by the local region and changing seasons. Health and safety features were designed into the hotel’s spaces, including the layout and furnishing of the bar, restaurant, and ballroom. The dining room of the Boathouse was designed to allow for natural physical distancing between tables, the hotel’s ventilation system uses the most updated technology available, and housekeeping incorporates BIOPROTECT™ antimicrobial technology in its “Peace of Mind” cleaning program.

Create: May 8, 2021 Edit: May 8, 2021

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon Reveals Extensive Renovation in 2021

So much more than a room renovation announcement, this is a serendipitous story that begins in 1959, when the Hotel first opened its doors. “We have welcomed guests from all over the world here, with most returning again and again, year after year,” says Guilherme Costa, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. “And given the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought this was an ideal time to carry on the much anticipated vision of the future for this Hotel.” When highly acclaimed Portuguese architecture studio OITOEMPONTO was entrusted in 2019 to breathe new life into guest rooms and suites at the Hotel, design duo Artur Miranda and Jacques Bec baulked at the idea of modernising the classic Hotel. Old photos stirred memories of Artur’s former stays in the iconic Ritz, an experience he didn’t want to deny to modern guests. Together, the two set about re-imagining the “past for the present,” embarking on a journey to evolve the Hotel’s roots – in style and substance, aesthetics and ambience – for 21st century visitors. “It was fascinating to delve into the history of the Hotel – and realise that its essence hasn’t changed much in 60 years,” shares Artur. “Not only is it an emblematic architectural piece of 1950s Portugal, it also remains at the creative forefront of classic meets cutting-edge. The Hotel has always been very sure of itself, so it’s no surprise that it dictated the parameters for this visionary-vintage reincarnation.” Inspired by the Hotel’s pure fifties style room #44, the new vibe is authentic yet still pioneering 1950s: a Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon trademark, and while successfully evoking the past, it proudly steps into the present, with each room featuring the most advanced technology for light, vision and sound. Already blessed by the generous balconies, they are now much cosier and perfect for breath-taking views of this beautiful capital. According to Guilherme Costa: “This is a time of great excitement for the community of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. After sixty years of proud existence, we honour our great heritage, maintaining our legendary service and continuing to evolve our offer to make it the most-beloved hotel in the city.” “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with Four Seasons since 1998 and we are delighted to have embarked on this renovation program togethe,r” adds Filipa Queiroz Pereira, member of the board of Hotel Ritz S.A. From spring 2021, guests will be able to experience: Redesigned guest rooms and suitesA new outdoor swimming poolA new outdoor barNew terrace of the Ritz Bar Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon remains open with operations as usual throughout the transformation period and welcomes guests to enjoy its accommodations, ballroom and meeting spaces, CURA Restaurant, Varanda Restaurant the the Ritz Bar, O Japonês and other Hotel facilities including the Ritz Spa, indoor pool and rooftop fitness centre.

Create: May 8, 2021 Edit: May 8, 2021

New Report Shows Value of IP to the Tourism Sector

A new report published jointly by WIPO and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on the value of intellectual property in boosting tourism shows how the IP system creates a favorable ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in the sector. The publication, entitled “Boosting Tourism Development through Intellectual Property,” highlights good practices, features case studies and recommendations for policymakers and other tourism stakeholders on how to ensure that creativity, innovation, traditions and cultural heritage in tourism are properly protected and commercialized and that the benefits are shared by all. In a joint Foreword, WIPO Director General Daren Tang and UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, predict that while the tourism sector has taken a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will recover and “contribute to reigniting hard-hit economies and societies thanks to its capacity to adapt to changes and offer innovative solutions to new challenges.” “In this context, IP rights are powerful tools that can be used to boost tourism development and competitiveness. The IP system is designed to promote creativity and innovation and support efforts by individuals, businesses and other actors to differentiate themselves and their products and services in the marketplace, whether through trademarks, geographical indications, copyrights or patents,” they added. The publication provides practical guidance for non-IP specialists on how to include IP in tourism product development – from destination branding to tourism policies. It shows how different IP rights can be leveraged to raise funds. And it showcases successful experiences and demonstrates how stakeholders around the globe are using IP rights to add value to tourism services and products, as well as to protect and promote local knowledge, traditions and cultural heritage. Through examples of producing cheese, tea, pepper, wine or other products, the publication shows how geographical indications and appellations of origin can be used to support the growth of rural tourism and provide benefits to local communities. To leverage the full potential of the IP system, the report recommends inclusion of IP strategies in national tourism plans and tourism policy strategy for regional and local destinations. Not only does good IP knowledge and management help to make use of the protected intangibles, but it also attracts investments and leverages fundraising opportunities. Finally, tourism authorities are encouraged to raise awareness among tourism and destinations stakeholders on the importance of appropriate IP knowledge and management to foster the sector’s growth in these challenging times.

Create: May 8, 2021 Edit: May 8, 2021

Malaysia Airlines says all A380s will be retired

Malaysia Airlines has become the latest airline to sound the death-knell for the Airbus A380, with confirmation today that all six of its superjumbos would be retired over the coming months. "We are cognizant of the challenges to sell this aeroplane, but we are still looking at ways and means to dispose of our 380 fleet," CEO Izham Ismail said in an online press briefing on Tuesday. "At the moment, the management is convinced that the 380 doesn't fit the future plan." That plan will however see the Malaysian flag-carrier and Oneworld member restart the delivery schedule for its Boeing 737 MAX jets from 2024, although Ismail added "we are also exploring the possibility of taking it earlier."Malaysia Airlines aims to have 83 aircraft in total by 2025, with the beleaguered carrier aiming to break even in 2023, in line with a full recovery of demand for air travel. Malaysia Airlines was among Airbus' final customers to sign up for the superjumbo, taking its first delivery in 2012 – the last, which arrived in 2013, was the 100th A380 produced. The A380's sported eight open first class suites (later rebranded as business suites) at the front of the lower deck, with 66 business class seats (in an outdated 2-2-2 layout) on the upper deck and 420 economy seats spread across both decks, with children under 12 controversially banned from the small upper-deck economy cabin.The viability of the airline's A380 was often called into question, and at various stages over recent years Malaysia Airlines has considered measures such as selling off the double-decker jets or spinning them out into a seperate airline which would charter the A380s to bring Muslims across south-east Asian on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. "The aim is to establish an air transport system and infrastructure dedicated for Hajj and Umrah for Muslims not just from these three countries but also other ASEAN countries" Ismail remarked in February 2019, adding that the new airline would be called Amal. Less than two weeks ago, Etihad Airways CEO Tony Douglas announced the Gulf carrier would keep its ten Airbus A380s grounded "indefinitely", admitting the superjumbos – adorned with the extravagant three-room Residence suite and nine spacious first class Apartments – were "a wonderful product, but they are no longer commercially sustainable."(Douglas also dropped the bombshell that Etihad would axe its entire Boeing 777-300ER fleet, charting a future with the fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 to become a smaller and more streamlined 'boutique' operation.) Air France and Lufthansa have also called an end to the Airbus A380; Qatar Airways will retire five of its ten A380s, but the fate of the remaining A380s remains in limbo. However, Qantas and British Airways both intend to bring their 12-strong A380 fleets back as demand for international travel rebounds. "We think we will reactivate all of the A380s," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce forecast last month, although he doesn't expect they'll all return to the skies until demand for international travel reaches 2019 levels "in 2024." British Airways' CEO Sean Doyle is of a similar mind, remarking in March 2021 that the A380 "is in our plans for the future rebuild of the airline – although he allowed that "exactly when we will put the A380 back into service is something that we’re not clear on." As for A380 champion Emirates, airline president Sir Tim Clark believes there's plenty of life left in those superjumbos. "The A380, of which we have 118 at the moment and five more on delivery, will continue in the plan until the mid '30s," Clark predicts, at which point they'll be fully replaced by the Boeing 777X. By the end of this decade and the beginning of the next, Emirates' heavy-duty fleet strategy will involve "using the A380s on the trunk routes, barreling through from east to west and north to south... with the 777X gradually slipping in to replace the A380s that eventually retire."

Create: May 7, 2021 Edit: May 7, 2021

SpaceX Successfully Launches and Lands Newest Starship SN15 Prototype Rocket

The SpaceX Starship SN15 prototype rocket lifted off at 6:24 PM EDT and performed a belly-flop before managing a soft landing, with just a fire at the bottom of the spacecraft caused by the methane fuel it uses. This marks the first successful landing after four previous prototypes ending in explosions. SpaceX will use the data gathered from these prototypes to develop a much larger Starship that will one day transport humans to the Moon, Mars and beyond. To prevent the explosions of its predecessors, the SpaceX team upgraded several parts, including the rocket hardware, communication / navigation systems, software and the Raptor engines. This fully reusable, two‑stage‑to‑orbit super heavy‑lift launch vehicle is comprised of a booster stage named Super Heavy, and a second stage, also called “Starship.” The second stage will be designated as a long‑duration cargo and passenger‑carrying spacecraft. On long-duration trips, Starship will serve as both the second stage and the in‑space long‑duration orbital spaceship.

Create: May 6, 2021 Edit: May 6, 2021

Aemilia Hotel Deploys BeyondTV GuestCast to Cater to Latest Demands in Contactless Guestroom Entertainment

BeyondTV (BTV), a full-service provider of guestroom entertainment services and solutions for the hospitality industry, has announced the successful implementation of its BeyondTV GuestCast streaming solution at the Aemilia Hotel in Bologna, Italy. Installed by LB Sistemi, one of the first LG Business Solutions vendors to receive BeyondTV dealer Certification in the region, BeyondTV GuestCast will ensure that the Aemilia Hotel can securely meet growing industry demands for personalized in-room entertainment. A new 125-room property situated in the heart of Bologna, Aemilia Hotel seeks to provide its guests with the latest in modern amenities and comforts, with guestroom entertainment being no exception. By leveraging BeyondTV’s Certification Program which provides Italian hotels with straightforward access to the company’s technology via LG Business Solutions, Aemilia Hotel can now offer instant compatibility with thousands of mobile-based streaming apps. Engineered specifically to address the unique needs of the hospitality industry, BeyondTV GuestCast significantly allows guests to cast virtually any content of preference from personal devices onto guestroom televisions without ever requesting personal login information. The platform is also designed to be fully compatible with existing hotel television and Wi-Fi network hardware, eliminating the need for complex integrations or equipment replacement. “In the current market environment, it is more important than ever for hotels to enhance their competitiveness by adopting technologies that can safely address guest expectations for personalized experiences,” said Luca Bibolini, General Manager at Aemilia Hotel. “As a modern 4-star hotel, we were committed to identifying the industry’s leading platform for personalized in-room entertainment, with BeyondTV GuestCast offering precisely the kind of flexible functionality, ease-of-use and enhanced security that today’s guests expect.” In addition to sidestepping the need for guests to enter-in sensitive login information, BeyondTV GuestCast also utilizes advanced device isolation capabilities to prevent cross-room communication. This feature significantly prevents both the inadvertent and malicious casting of content to televisions located in other rooms, and serves as yet another vital layer of protecting guest privacy. BeyondTV GuesCast is also backed by 24/7 support services that can swiftly address any suddenly arising performance issues before they can negatively impact hotel stay experiences.

Create: May 6, 2021 Edit: May 6, 2021

NOUN Hotel Breaks Ground in Norman, Oklahoma

Managing partner Scott Lambert is pleased to announce NOUN Hotel, a premiere four-story boutique hotel, has broken ground and is expected to welcome its first guests in summer 2022. Located in downtown Norman at 542 South University Boulevard on Campus Corner next to the University of Oklahoma, NOUN Hotel will feature 92 modern guest rooms, including two luxurious 900-square-foot suites, a signature restaurant and bar, an intimate speakeasy bar, a banquet room for up to 150, boardroom, an outdoor/indoor bar, and on-site parking. NOUN Hotel will be managed by Lambert, who will drive the hotel’s development, implementation, and execution. Lambert said, “This is something that the community and the University of Oklahoma have wanted for years, so this is an exciting time for us and the city. We look forward to providing our guests with the highest level of service and hospitality in true Oklahoma fashion.” Designed by GH2 Architects, NOUN Hotel’s exterior elements will include a classic, timeless look that reflects the architecture of Norman and the University of Oklahoma. As guests enter the hotel on the first floor, they will be drawn in by the hotel’s spacious lobby with 15-foot ceilings, high-end lighting and a 3,000-square-foot upscale restaurant and bar with a plaza area offering scenic views of University Boulevard as well as a room for private dinners and meetings. Outdoor and indoor seating will be available, including a patio bar with a fire pit and water feature that will serve the restaurant and lobby area. NOUN Hotel guest rooms will emphasize comfort featuring soft neutral tones and clean, modern lines. The second floor will include a 3,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor covered bar featuring a stylish and contemporary bar overlooking the University of Oklahoma and Campus Center where guests can take advantage of beautiful Oklahoma sunsets. The bar will offer limited food service and handcrafted cocktails. The food and beverage program will be supported by Hal Smith Restaurants. In addition to dining and guest rooms, the hotel will feature multiple meeting spaces, including a 150-person banquet room and a hotel boardroom that seats 25 people. With a flexible, connected layout, the space can accommodate intimate business meetings and a range of special events or private parties.

Create: May 6, 2021 Edit: May 6, 2021

The world’s tallest hotel, Dubai’s Ciel Tower

The skyline of Dubai is likely to be adorned with Yahya Jan’s creative work. He is president and design director of architectural and engineering firm NORR, responsible for some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Infinity and Atlantis Hotels. Now he is working on his most ambitious project, due for completion in 2023. The Ciel Tower will be home to more than 1,000 hotel rooms and suites and rise more than 1,200 feet (365 meters) above ground. For the project, Jan was tasked with designing the skyscraper on a triangular plot of land at Dubai Marina with an area of just 2,500 square meters — small for a building of that height. “It’s a property that’s very compressed. It’s like what you would face in Manhattan or London. The constraints were tremendous, and yet we had to make it work.” Yaya says. An observation deck that offers 360-degree views of Dubai and iconic landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah will be built according to the First Group developer. From the restaurant and rooftop pool, visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the city. Jan said the project appeals to the senses and is energy efficient, using 25% less energy for air conditioning than typical similar buildings. “This project is not just about architecture. It’s about architecture and engineering coming together. That’s why I love the project so much. It … is my passion, the convergence of science and art,” Yaya added. Twelve floors have been completed, but Jan said he remains “extremely involved” in work even this far into the build. “When you design a project as complex as the Ciel, you can never let your guard down, and you can never say it’s over,” he said. “It’s a continuous process.” Originally from Karachi in Pakistan, Yaya moved to the US when he was 18 on a scholarship and studied structural engineering at Princeton. He then did an MS in architecture. For the next nine years, Jan worked in the US and wasn’t planning to leave until he was offered a job as a senior designer for the Emirates Towers complex. The 57-year-old architect said he never imagined he would stay in Dubai for so long. “It’s been an amazing 25 years living here,” he said. As for the Ciel Tower — which is named for the French word for the sky — Jan hopes the building will be considered timeless, just like the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building in New York City. “The reason I like the fact that it’s called Ciel is that I believe in our own lives the sky is the limit, and that’s the case certainly in my own life. I’ve had a chance to grow, to do things that I didn’t think I would get a chance to do. So it’s been amazing.” HE said.

Create: May 5, 2021 Edit: May 5, 2021