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A big collapse; Japanese tourism in the Coronavirus era

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign tourists in Japan has dropped sharply in the first three months of this year. This is the lowest figure since the 2011 bacause if tsunami. The number of tourists from China and South Korea to Japan has dropped by 88 and 80 percent, respectively. Japan's International tourists decline upto 93 percent in March comparing last year.

Create: May 7, 2020 Edit: May 9, 2020 International News

Government of The Bahamas Sells the Grand Lucayan Resort

The Government of The Bahamas sold the Grand Lucayan on Monday, March 2, 2020 to a partnership between Royal Caribbean International and ITM (Bahamas Port Investments Ltd.), which is expected to make a $250 million investment between the hotel and the redevelopment of the cruise port. The Heads of Agreement Signing Ceremony was held on the Great Lawn of the property, some 11 months following the signing of the Letter of Intent on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.

Create: Mar 6, 2020 Edit: Mar 6, 2020 International News

Coronavirus: Airlines struggle as deadly outbreak causes ‘bookings to collapse to zero’

No new bookings, just cancellations: that is one leading airline’s current sales pattern for Italy. The slump in airline bookings due to the spread of Covid-19 has been laid bare in figures revealed by the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

Create: Mar 6, 2020 Edit: Mar 6, 2020 International News

Marriott Is Already Reopening China Hotels During Coronavirus Crisis

Marriott was already having trouble in Asia-Pacific in 2019 before the coronavirus impact hit. The company isn't forecasting a major impact outside of Asia, and it's already reopening hotels inside China. It pays to collect fees — and not actually own or run hotels — during a crisis like this. As Marriott International goes, so goes the global hotel industry. The sector's largest player has had its China operation annihilated by the coronavirus crisis, but is already seeing positive signs of a return to normal. So much so that the chain has started to open hotels that had been closed in China, executives said. They didn't say where, or specify how many.

Create: Mar 1, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020 International News

Decisions at national level about international tourists entry or prohibition

"Moayed Mohsen Nejad" Deputy Director of Tourism of Fars Province; Cultural Heritage office is not a right authority for deciding about entry or prohibition of foreign tourists, and Medical Science office should make such decisions.

Create: Mar 1, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020 Regional News

Details of refund terms ot tickets and international flights

"Maghsoud Asadi Samani" the secretary of Airlines Association; Passengers who have received a ticket prior to Feb 26th can cancel their ticket and are not penalized. But travelers who have attempted to buy ticket after Feb 26th are going to cancel it, will be subject to a fine.

Create: Feb 28, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020 Regional News

A definite time should be given to travel agencies as a deadline so that they can refund travelers money

"Amir Pouyan Rafiei Shad" Head of the Association of Tehran Travel Agencies: The status of the tours will be determined by March 6 and will be re-examined if conditions persist. We asked agencies which are in debt or signed contract in another country to send us a sample of their contracts with hotels and foreign offices. In national travels, hotels and agencies can better understand the situation, but in international tours, the Ministry of Tourism must help the agencies and receive the necessary consultations.

Create: Feb 28, 2020 Edit: Mar 1, 2020 Regional News

Former Grand Ayudhaya Hotel In Bangkok to Convert to Hilton Brand

Hilton today announced the signing of a management agreement for its largest hotel in Bangkok yet. Together with real estate company AP Prime Property Company Ltd., Hilton will convert the former Grand Ayudhaya Hotel into a 608-room hotel under the company’s flagship brand, with a target to open it as Hilton Bangkok Ratchada in 2022. No more than 27 kilometers from both the Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport, the hotel will be located on one of Bangkok’s major arteries, Ratchadapisek Road, which sits in close proximity to landmarks. The hotel will feature an executive lounge and two restaurants including an all-day dining restaurant and a Chinese specialty restaurant, with other dining options available in the hotel’s café and bar. Guests can spend their downtime in the hotel’s fitness center or pool.

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020 International News

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

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

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020 International News

Marriott opens first Aloft Hotel in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan

Aloft Hotels, Marriott International’s innovation incubator brand for global travelers, announced the opening of Aloft San Juan, the first Aloft hotel in the Caribbean. By mixing art, technology, and music, Aloft San Juan introduces a new social scene with a fresh approach that differentiates itself from the traditional hotel offering. Located only a few minutes away from El Viejo San Juan, a historic area renowned for its cultural and gastronomic offering, the hotel is one of the anchor properties of El Distrito and the first to open in the 50,000 square-foot central plaza that will serve as the hub of all things fun and entertainment in Puerto Rico

Create: Feb 23, 2020 Edit: Feb 23, 2020 International News

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

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

Create: Feb 19, 2020 Edit: Feb 19, 2020 Regional News

MGP and BREIT Complete MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay Acquisition

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

Create: Feb 19, 2020 Edit: Feb 19, 2020 International News