Pakistan resumes flights to Mashhad after five-year hiatus

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights to Iran’s Mashhad, after a five-year gap to develop people-to-people contacts, local media reported on Thursday. The development took place following the serious efforts of the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad to facilitate air travel between the two neighboring countries and to boost the tourism industry. Earlier this month, Chief Executive of PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik during a meeting with Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Mohammad Ali Hosseini had announced that the PIA is going to start direct flights from Lahore to Mashhad, Asian News International reported. Ambassador Hosseini in a tweet had also revealed that Iran and Pakistan had agreed on increasing efforts to promote air cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. In this regard, PIA is going to begin direct flights from Karachi to Mashhad on Jan 1, 2022. Iran Air operates one weekly flight from Tehran to Karachi and vice versa, and there are reports that Mahan Iran Airlines will resume flights from Tehran and Mashhad to Lahore. Mashhad is Iran’s holiest and second-largest city. Its raison d’être is the striking shrine complex of the eighth Shia Imam (AS) that is encircled by dozens of five-star hotels and many other accommodation centers.

Yazd historical properties re-define legal boundaries

New legal boundaries have been defined for five historical properties, which are scattered across Yazd province. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has announced the exact legal boundaries of the properties in separate letters to the governor-general of the central province, IRIB reported on Tuesday. In addition to protecting historical sites, the demarcation projects are aimed to prevent further destruction and damage. Esfahanian Garden House, Eqbal Factory, Vazir Castle, Ezzatabad Castle, and Ezzatabad Kushk (small garden pavilion) are those demarcated recently. In July 2017, the historical structure of the city of Yazd was named a UNESCO World Heritage. Wedged between the northern Dasht-e Kavir and the southern Dasht-e Lut on a flat plain, the oasis city enjoys a very harmonious public-religious architecture that dates from different eras. Yazd is usually referred to as a delightful place to stay, or a “don't miss” destination by almost all of its visitors. The city is full of mudbrick houses that are equipped with innovative badgirs (wind catchers), atmospheric alleyways, and many Islamic and Iranian monuments that shape its eye-catching city landscape. It is a living testimony to the intelligent use of limited available resources in the desert for survival. Water is brought to the city by the qanat system. Each district of the city is built on a qanat and has a communal center. The use of earth in buildings includes walls and roofs by the construction of vaults and domes. Houses are built with courtyards below ground level, serving underground areas. Wind-catchers, courtyards, and thick earthen walls create a pleasant microclimate. Partially covered alleyways together with streets, public squares and courtyards contribute to a pleasant urban quality. The city escaped the modernization trends that destroyed many traditional earthen cities.

Hotel occupancy rate in Iran up 40%

 The occupancy rate of hotels in Iran has reached 45 percent, the head of the Iranian Hoteliers Association has announced. Following the planned measures, the occupancy rate of the country's hotels, which had fallen below five percent because of the outbreak of the coronavirus, has reached 45 percent over the past three months, IRNA quoted Jamshid Hamzehzadeh as saying on Sunday. Multiple problems, notably the pandemic, caused a severe impact on the tourism industry, the official explained. Even before the coronavirus outbreak and in 2019, travel was reduced due to heavy rains and flooding across the country, and the hotel industry had to recoup nearly 100 percent of the costs paid for canceled hotel reservations, he added. The Iranian hoteliers have lost 220 trillion rials (about $740 million) over the past two years, he noted. However, some problems have been resolved and the hotels’ condition has improved, he mentioned. Back in October, the official announced that Iranian hotels are ready to receive foreign tourists as the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists from land and air borders would be resumed. Ninety percent of the hotel staff have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, so the hotels are ready to welcome foreign tourists, observing strict health protocols, he said. The main destinations of foreign tourists in Iran are specifically cities such as Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan, and to return to the figure of over eight million incoming tourists before the outbreak of the coronavirus, serious planning is required, the official added. Iraqi tourists will flood the country once the borders open, but attracting tourists from Europe will require some time, he noted. However, he noted that two-thirds of the hotel staff have lost their jobs, he added.           Back in September, Hamzehzadeh announced that all employees of accommodation centers across Iran are scheduled to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. “To vaccinate staffs of all accommodation centers, including eco-lodges, apartment hotels, and guest houses, as well as hotels, more coordination with the Ministry of Health is needed,” he added. Back in July, ISNA reported that the tourism industry of the country has suffered a loss of some 320 trillion rials ($1.1 billion) since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has also ruined more than 44,000 jobs in a once budding travel sector of the country, the report added. Experts believe accommodation centers suffered the most as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran and its subsequent unemployment and financial losses. Months of steep recession has taken its toll. Many travel insiders, hoteliers, and tour operators have faced big dilemmas such as bankruptcy, unemployment, debts, and the prospects of not being competitive on the international level. Panels of travel experts have mapped out new marketing strategies hoping Iran’s tourism would get back on its feet once again. For instance, the Head of the Iranian Tour Operators Association has said the international tourist flow to Iran will return to normal until 2022. Iran is potentially a booming destination for travelers seeking cultural attractions, breathtaking sceneries, and numerous UNESCO-registered sites. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

IHG Signs With Dallah Real Estate Company for Hotel Indigo Resort in Durrat Al Arus

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Dallah Real Estate Company for a Hotel Indigo Resort in Durrat Al Arus, Jeddah. With this signing, IHG continues to expand its lifestyle portfolio in the country to cater to the future demand from new guest segments, seeking authentic Arabian experiences through Hotel Indigo’s neighbourhood story. No two hotel Indigo can be the same, as each has its own specific neighbourhood story embedded in the design, food and service. Due to open in early 2026, the Hotel Indigo Resort will be located in Durrat Al Arus, a recreational neighborhood north of Jeddah, and will be a leisurely drive away from the main city. The resort will be a part of a mixed-use development project consisting of a budding residential community, vast water frontage and man-made lagoons. Located along the Red Sea Coast, Hotel Indigo Resort in Durrat Al Arus will also be a perfect destination for guests to enjoy an active waterfront. IHG and Dallah Real Estate Company, will work in collaboration with renowned design studios and research agencies to weave the ‘Neighbourhood Story’ into the DNA of the hotel. The unique aesthetics of the resort and its service styles will immerse guests into the authenticity of the destination, its local culture, character and history. Along with boldly-designed 271 rooms, the resort will also feature 50 private pool villas, an expansive wellness facility, and home-grown food and beverage concepts that will not only offer a unique perspective to dining in Saudi Arabia – but also catch the interests of foodies and critics alike. Staying true to engaging with the neighbourhood, Dallah Real Estate Company has also partnered with 17Sixty – a marine adventure company that will enable the guests of Hotel Indigo, and residents of Jeddah, to experience marine flora and fauna like never before, keeping sustainability at its core. The company will also provide thrilling water sports activities to the guests. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “After debuting the brand in Riyadh, we are delighted to sign our second Hotel Indigo property in the country this year – Hotel Indigo Durrat Al Arus in Jeddah. In line with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the country’s Tourism Strategy, our luxury and lifestyle brands are gaining a lot of interest from our partners and investors. We are confident that upon opening, these properties will be equally popular with domestic and international travelers and will add to the authentic experiences guests will be looking for while visiting Saudi Arabia. We are also honored to once again partner with Dallah Real Estate Company, who boast a great deal of expertise in this sector. Together, we look forward to welcoming our guests to this exquisite property when it opens doors in 2026. ” Abdulaziz M.A Yamani, Managing Director, Dallah Real Estate Company said: “Given IHG’s history and strong legacy in the Kingdom, we are pleased to partner with them to offer our Saudi travellers and international guests a premium and authentic stay experience at Hotel Indigo Durrat Al Arus. The hotel will be positioned as a holistic destination for guests looking for adventure and an experiential stay. We are confident that this partnership will not only offer the best-in-class service to guests but also bring value to the business from IHG’s global systems and loyalty programme.” IHG currently operates 37 hotels in Saudi Arabia across five brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and voco. A further 23 hotels are in the development pipeline, due to open within the next three to five years.

Experts from Iran, Germany hunt for archaeological clues in Uramanat

 A team of archaeologists from Iran and Germany has carried out a field survey in Uramanat, an ancient rural region in western Iran, which earlier this year was named a UNESCO World Heritage. The survey was intended to shed new light on the history of Uramanat by unearthing remnants of historical monuments and relics, ISNA quoted the director of the World Heritage site as saying on Tuesday. It yielded the discovery of “several” archaeological sites and objects yet it resulted in a change in the chronological sequence of several previously-found ancient sites, Pouya Talebnia added. Moreover, several historical fortresses and their legal properties were demarcated during the survey, which was co-directed by Talebnia and Shelir Amelirad from Heidelberg University, the report said. Carried out during December and November, the survey also contributed to the enrichment of the “pottery bank” of  Uramanat, Talebnia said. Stretched on the slopes of Sarvabad county, and shared between the provinces of Kordestan and Kermanshah, the rural area embraces dense and step-like rows of houses in a way that the roof of each house forms the yard of the upper one, a feature that adds to its charm and attractiveness. Last September, Hessam Mahdi, the representative of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) said that he was “impressed” by the status of the rural landscape during his visit. He made the remarks on the sidelines of a visit to the western province of Kermanshah. “I am proud of being chosen to assess the case and traveling to Iran as I could visit the local people in the region.” Local officials and travel insiders believe that inscription of the property on the prestigious list of the UN body could jumpstart tourism in the region and also look at it as a tool for better conservation of its natural landscapes and unique cultural scenes for the next generations, saying its unique rural texture, architecture, lifestyle, and agriculture is a prominent example of the integration of man into nature. The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 26 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. The latest available data show eight million tourists visited the Islamic Republic during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year (ended March 20).

Tourism development in Sistan-Baluchestan, a powerful means to solve region’s challenges

he development of Sistan-Baluchestan through tourism can help the region address its challenges, the deputy tourism chief of the southeastern province has announced.  Through the development of tourism, a peace project can be pursued with the neighboring countries in the region, CHTN quoted Mojtaba Mirhosseini as saying on Tuesday.  To date, tourism activists in the province have focused on activities for the sustainable development of tourism, which is highly commendable, the official added.  The port of Chabahar has the potential to become the maritime tourism capital of Iran, and also the northern region of the province has the potential to become the historical tourism capital of the country, which with the right planning and building of necessary infrastructure, can be achieved, he noted.  In order to increase the demand for visiting the province, its attractions and beauty need to be presented as much as possible, he explained.  SEO and web marketing are among the most effective digital marketing tools in tourism and can help introduce more people to the province and local businesses, he mentioned.  He also noted that organizing fam tours for Iranian tourism activists and media people significantly changed people’s perceptions of the region. Last year, former Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said that the development of the travel industry across Sistan-Baluchestan province is among the top priorities for the ministry. “I am interested in Sistan-Baluchestan, and the development of this province is a priority for this ministry and the government,” the former minister stated. “The majority of my travels during my tenure has been to Sistan-Baluchestan, which I consider as a safe province with significant values in terms of culture, history, handicrafts, and tourism.” The collective province -- Sistan in the north and Baluchestan in the south -- accounts for one of the driest regions of Iran with a slight increase in rainfall from east to west, and an obvious rise in humidity in the coastal regions. In ancient times, the region was a crossword of the Indus Valley and the Babylonian civilizations. The province possesses special significance because of being located in a strategic and transit location, especially Chabahar which is the only ocean port in Iran and the best and easiest access route of the middle Asian countries to free waters. The vast province is home to several distinctive archaeological sites and natural attractions, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely Shahr-e-Soukhteh (Burnt City) and Lut desert.

Iran plans to increase tourist exchanges with neighboring nations

 The exchange of tourists between Iran and its neighbors is expected to increase in the months to come, Iran’s deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has announced. The official made the remarks during a meeting with Hamad Obaidalla the Chief Commercial Officer of Fly Dubai Airlines on Monday. Increasing tourist exchanges with neighboring countries is on the agenda for Iran following the expansion of the flight network between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, he said. To achieve this goal, the private and public sectors will consolidate their capacities, the official added. For his part, Obaidalla said that currently, Fly Dubai Airlines operates 30 flights a week to Iran, and this capacity will grow to nearly 50 flights in the future. By relying on this capability, tourists can be directed to Iranian tourist destinations effectively, he added. Communication between the private sector of the two countries plays a crucial role in achieving executive strategies, he noted. Back in September, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami announced the issuance of tourist visas and the flow of foreign tourists to Iran would resume as per President Ebrahim Raisi’s order following 19 months of suspension. Currently, tourist visas are once again being issued to cultivate good grounds of hope for travel insiders. However, months of steep recession have taken its toll. Many travel insiders, hoteliers, and tour operators have faced big dilemmas such as bankruptcy, unemployment, debts, and the prospects of not being competitive on the international level. Only months into the outbreak, Zarghami’s predecessor, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, lamented that the number of foreign travelers to Iran was drastically plunged due to the pandemic. “Tourism of the country was growing before the corona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent,” Mounesan said. He added 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during the [Iranian] year (1398),   adding that Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. The average of international travels to and from Iran fell by 80 percent during the past Iranian calendar year 1399 (ended on March 20, 2021) from a year earlier caused by various coronavirus restrictions. Optimistic forecasts, expect the country would achieve a tourism boom after coronavirus is contained, believing its impact would be temporary and short-lived for a country that ranked the third fastest-growing tourism destination in 2019. UNWTO’s Panel of Experts foresees a rebound in international tourism in the current year, mostly in the third quarter. However, some experts suggest the rebound could occur only in 2022. The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 26 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

TOP 10 OLDEST HOTELS IN EUROPE

Hotels have been around for as long as we can remember, but where in history is the origin of this core sector of the tourism industry? While it might come as a surprise for many, the three oldest hotels in the world are all located in Japan and have been operating for hundreds of years. While Japan can boast this very interesting fact, the real champion of historic accommodation facilities is Europe with a large variety of old hotels. In this context, Tourism Review presents the top 10 oldest hotels on the Old Continent – each country represented by only one hotel. Hôtel Cour du Corbeau (France), est. 1528 Located in the heart of Strasbourg and a stone's throw from the cathedral, the Cour du Corbeau is one of the oldest hotels in Europe, being in operation since the beginning of the 16th century. At the same time, it is also one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of the Renaissance period. The city-owned hotel offers 63 luxurious rooms to its guest, guaranteeing top-notch comfort and an experience to remember. Hostal dos Reis Católicos (Spain), est. 1499 Owned by the Paradores chain (in the ownership of the Spanish government), the Hostal dos Reis Católicos was built as a royal hospital to accommodate pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. Today, it continues to welcome visitors from all parts of the world in more than 100 rooms and boasts incredible luxury in the heart of one of Spain’s most important cities. Hotel Damier (Belgium), est. 1398 Located on the Grote Markt square in Kortrijk, Damier boasts an impressive history. The first mention of the hotel dates back to the 14th century, with the building boasting an astonishing Rococo façade from 1769. Today, the hotel offers 65 luxurious rooms that will certainly impress even the more demanding individuals. Hotel De Draak (Netherlands), est. 1397 Founded in 1397 and located in the historic center of Bergen op Zoom, Hotel de Draak is the oldest hotel in the Netherlands. It is possible that the hotel is even older, but a huge fire destroyed the city archives in the same year. It is currently owned by the Hazen family and boasts an impressive 62 rooms which provide the guests with fine comfort and luxury. Zum Roten Baeren (Germany), est. 1387 Labelled as the oldest hotel in Germany, the first mention of the Zum Roten Baeren hotel in Freiburg dates to 1387, with the building itself being one of the oldest ones in the city. The guesthouse has been a social center of the city for years and today it has 25 rooms, 20 employees and the ambition to appeal more to the public with its historic charm. Hotel-Gasthof Löwen (Lichtenstein), est. 1380 The Löwen has been offering its services in the hospitality industry since 1380, thus being the oldest hotel in the country. Today the hotel offers elegantly furnished rooms, organization of events and conferences and provides its guests with a gastronomic experience in the form of a restaurant to top it all off. Gastagwirt (Austria), est. 1380 The family led Gastagwirt hotel has been firmly rooted in Eugendorf, in the Salzburg region, for over 700 years. As early as 1380, the "irrevocable, indispensable and forever hereditary liquor license" was awarded to the guesthouse with a letter and a seal. In the present day, the hotel provides fine accommodation services, but especially some of the best seminar and meeting services and facilities in the country. Hotel Interlaken (Switzerland), est. 1323 Hotel Interlaken in Switzerland is also among the oldest hotels in Europe. It was opened in 1323 and was initially meant to be a guesthouse for visitors of the local monastery, while later it was a part of the administration of the region. Today, the family led hotel offers 55 rooms, event organization and much more in the heart of Switzerland. Hotel Alte Goste (Italy), est. 1142 The Alte Goste hotel has been in operation since the 13th century, although the first innkeeper known by name was Gild Stainer in 1557. The region itself served as one of the most important connections between the Holy Roman Empire and Italy. Today the hotel offers a large variety of rooms and apartments for a carefree stay in the Puster Valley. The Olde Bell Hotel (UK), est. 1135 The Olde Bell, located in the small town of Hurley in England first opened almost 900 years ago in 1135. Initially, it operated as a guesthouse for visitors to the nearby Benedictine Priory, but throughout the time it gained even more importance up to the point when Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower met there during World War II. Today the hotel offers 48 rooms that guarantee the guests a historic experience not to be forgotten.

Turkish journalists to explore East Azarbaijan on fam tour

The northwestern Iranian province of East Azarbaijan plans to host a delegation of Turkish journalists and media personnel for a familiarization tour across the province in the near future, the provincial tourism chief has announced. A fam tour introducing East Azarbaijan’s tourism capabilities will be organized in cooperation with the private sector during the winter for Turkish media representatives and tourism activists, Ahmad Hamzezadeh said on Monday. A suitable platform can be provided for the development of the tourism industry by having fam tours in the province and taking advantage of the existing capacities in the sector, he explained. Holding fam tours is the best strategy for developing tourism in top countries, the official added. To accomplish this goal, the province’s tourism department is planning to organize fam tours for tourism activists and media members of the other neighboring countries early next year, he noted. Soaked in history and culture for millennia, Tabriz, which is the capital of East Azarbaijan, embraces several historical and religious sites, including the Jameh Mosque of Tabriz and Arg of Tabriz, and UNESCO-registered Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex to name a few. The city became the capital of the Mongol Il-Khan Mahmud Gazan (1295–1304) and his successor. Timur (Tamerlane), a Turkic conqueror, took it in 1392. Some decades later the Kara Koyunlu Turkmen made it their capital, it was when the famous Blue Mosque was built in Tabriz. The city retained its administrative status under the Safavid dynasty until 1548 when Shah Tahmasp I relocated his capital westward to Qazvin. During the next two centuries, Tabriz changed hands several times between Persia and Ottoman Empire. During World War I, the city was temporarily occupied by Turkish and then Soviet troops. The ancient city was declared a world craft city of carpet weaving by the World Craft in 2016. It also bore the title of 2018 Islamic Tourism Capital.

24th UNWTO General Assembly: Tourism United, Resilient and Determined

Iranian town to boost medical tourism

 Local authorities plan to boost medical tourism in Gachsaran town, southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, the provincial tourism chief has said. Infrastructure has been provided in Gachsaran to facilitate the development of health tourism, Majid Safai announced on Saturday.  “There is a strong capacity for the development of the tourism industry, especially health tourism, in the city because of the airport and its fast air access to medical facilities and equipment,” the official explained.  Citing an example, the official reminded of a special hospital dedicated to mothers and children which offeres quality servives to domestic and foreign patients.  During the coronavirus outbreak, 350 foreign tourists received visas to use the medical services provided by the hospital mentioned, he noted.  Many domestic experts believe that medical tourism in Iran is a win-win opportunity both for the country and foreign patients, as they are offered affordable yet quality treatment services and the country gains considerable foreign currency. Iran is one of the major destinations for health tourism in the region, and patients with 55 different nationalities, mostly from neighboring countries including Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are seeking to use Iran’s services and facilities in this field. The Islamic Republic has set its goals to exceed its yearly medical travelers to around 2 million in the Iranian calendar year 1404.

Oman’s travel rules simplified for Iranian nationals

Oman has simplified its travel rules for Iranian nationals who want to stay in the sultanate for up to 14 days. “Travelers from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Oman do not require a visa for [up to] 14 days of stay,” the Iranian embassy in Muscat announced on Saturday, ILNA reported. “In addition, those who want to stay for more than 14 days, can apply for a one-month visa at Muscat airport by paying 21 Omani Rials. . . this type of visa can be extended for another month.” Moreover, negative PCR test or vaccination proof is mandatory for travelers, the report said. Earlier this year Oman announced it would drop visa fees for visitors from 103 countries, including Iran, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, India, and Turkey. Previously, all tourists entering Oman had to apply for a visa online in advance of their visit, and the visa would be valid for either 10 days, at a cost of about $13, or 30 days for $52. In 2019, former tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan and his Omani counterpart Ahmed bin Nasser al-Mahrizi met in Muscat, discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties particularly in the arena of health and medical tourism.