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Thon Hotel Brussels Airport to Complete Renovation by End of 2021

Thon Hotel Brussels Airport announces the end of a full renovation of the property by the end of 2021. Located 5 minutes from Brussels National Airport and the NATO headquarters and only 15 minutes from the city centre of Brussels, Thon Hotel Brussels Airport is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel is part of the Norwegian hotel chain, Thon Hotels, which recently aligned their brand with the motto “Add colour to your day”. The Thon Hotel Brussels Airport is one of the latest properties that has undergone a change in comfort and style to ensure the best possible stay for the guests. By the end of 2021 the hotel will have completed a full refurbishment. Renovations include a new design for all 100 guest rooms, a marble breakfast buffet with new matching restaurant furniture and a stylish lobby set. All items have been carefully curated by Sissel Berdal Haga Thon, head of design at the Olav Thon Group, and the Norwegian interior architect, Trond Ramsoeskar, who have worked to transform the hotel from an airport hotel to a Thon Hotel full of colour and light. In the trendy bar area, guests can enjoy a new level of entertainment as a pool table and foosball table were put in place. The hotel set up a Grab & Go self-service market replacing the full restaurant service, offering a variety of snacks, meals and drinks at all times. Both guests and external visitors can buy a takeaway meal for their flight, lunch break or take it up to the room. Other facilities that are worth mentioning are the arrival of an air-conditioned exercise gym with Technogym equipment and the complete renovation of the meeting room with all the technical equipment. Next to a change in style and services, the hotel has invested in and improved the security and safety of the building by replacing the fire central and detection units, extinguishers and fire doors and by adding security cameras in and around the building. With these refurbishments, the Thon Hotel Brussels Airport is the perfect place to stay for any trip in the airport business district.

Create: Jul 1, 2021 Edit: Jul 1, 2021 International News

Accor Plans Q4 2021 Opening of Raffles the Palm Dubai

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with more than 600 hotels and resorts across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is opening its first Raffles Resort in the Middle East, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Set to open in the last quarter of 2021, Raffles the Palm Dubai will be the first ultra-luxury addition to Accor’s existing diverse portfolio in Dubai. The group is partnering with Emerald Palace group (EPG), which has been successfully developing and constructing residential projects in Ukraine, UAE and Russia since 1996. At present, EGP has 8 new developments under construction, with a further 10 at project stage. “We are pleased to partner with Accor to establish the first Raffles resort in the Middle East. Our international expertise in developing and constructing hotel and residential projects combined with Accor’s knowledge, presence and prestigious brand portfolio set the grounds to open the best hotel in town!” mentioned Dr. Nver Mkhitaryan, Owner of EGP Group. Raffles the Palm Dubai will be situated within 100,000sqm landscape on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago. Its privileged location boasts panoramic sea views and vistas of the Dubai’s iconic skyline while offering a tranquil and private escape, just a short drive away from the city’s vibrant attractions. Once open, the resort will offer 389 luxurious rooms – starting from 65 sqm- , suites and villas, each of them featuring a balcony and terrace showcasing unparalleled sea views. Not only will this new property offer unrivalled hospitality, it will also go beyond expectations by providing the legendary Raffles butler service and offering eight new unique lifestyle food and beverage experiences. Guests looking to relax during their stay will be able to indulge in Cing Mondes Spa, an award winning 3,000sqm Parisian brand with an iconic design, never before seen in Dubai, featuring 23 treatments rooms and two private spa suites, as well as the city’s largest indoor swimming pool. Rising above the cobalt blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the property is flanked by a 500 meter private white sand beach offering the perfect scene for an ultra-luxurious beach experience! Guests and residents will be introduced to a brand new concept beach club offering which will showcase Mediterranean cuisine, entertainment offerings and much more coming to the shores of the Raffles the Palm Dubai. When staying at the Raffles the Palm Dubai, one can expect discreet service, refined dining and artfully curated experiences, setting a new precedent in a city synonymous with pioneering hospitality. “This is a very exciting opportunity for us” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “There are very few beach resort plots left in Dubai and none on the Palm Jumeirah. The size of the property and its location perfectly lend itself to provide a prestigious address for the Raffles brand” With properties all around the world, each Raffles reflects the mood of its location while featuring a personality that is both intimate and luxurious and Raffles the Palm Dubai will be no exception. Guests will find themselves immersed in a luxurious urban sanctuary with sumptuous facilities, including a collection of eight dining offerings fit for royalty. Raffles frequent and novice guests will be introduced to some key elements of the Raffles brand, including the Raffles Patisserie, Writers Lounge and Library. Set to become the new “must-see” destination in Dubai, the property will undoubtedly meet the expectation of travelers from around the world. Guests looking for a private stay will be introduced to the private villas on the beach, while those travelling with family will enjoy world class amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a cinema, a dedicated children’s swimming pool and kids’ and teens’ club. Adventurous travelers can partake in a wealth of water sports and recreational activities such as paddle boarding, or take introductory courses in diving. “We are confident that the new Raffles will compete with world-class luxury hotels across the globe. While being located in Dubai, one of the most sought after cities in the world, Raffles will open its door to provide an unprecedented and exclusive level of luxury. From the private villas on the beach and array of dining offerings, to the expansive outdoor areas ideals for weddings and events, Raffles the Palm Dubai is all set to become a destination in itself!” adds Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. Accor currently operates 410 properties (89,116 rooms) in India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey with 222 more (50,690 rooms) in the development pipeline.

Create: Jun 28, 2021 Edit: Jun 28, 2021 International News

Resorts World Las Vegas Officially Debuts as First Ground-Up Resort Built on Las Vegas Strip in Over a Decade

Resorts World Las Vegas, the first resort built on the Las Vegas Strip in more than a decade, officially swung open its doors to the public at 11 p.m. on Thursday, June 24. The monumental launch of the highly anticipated resort included a star-studded, first-look party for invited guests earlier in the evening that featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting officiated by Genting CEO & Chairman K.T. Lim. And Resorts World Las Vegas’s President Scott Sibella. Lim and Sibella were joined by Hilton President & CEO Chris Nassetta, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Clark County Commission Chair Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom and Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus. “This is a very proud moment for Genting and our Resorts World Las Vegas family as we are honored to officially open our doors,” said Scott Sibella, President of Resorts World Las Vegas. “This spectacular resort was designed to usher in a new era of hospitality in Las Vegas with unsurpassed dining and entertainment, an array of luxury hotel accommodations, and new-age technology. We are excited to finally be able to present this resort to the world and officially welcome guests to experience our exceptional amenities firsthand. We are grateful for all of the support we received during our opening and truly hope our community and visitors enjoy all of the hard work that went into creating this incredible property.” “We are thrilled to unveil Resorts World Las Vegas – an incredible property that marks the return of our signature Hilton hospitality on the Strip,” said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton. “Together, Hilton, Genting and Resorts World Las Vegas are committed to delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests, and this new resort raises the bar for Las Vegas. As we offer outstanding hotels, dining, entertainment and design, we are thrilled to welcome guests to the entertainment capital of the world for years to come.” The integrated luxury resort redefines the hospitality standard in Las Vegas with the following amenities: Exceptional Accommodations – Through a historic partnership with Hilton, Resorts World Las Vegas offers 3,500 luxury guest rooms and suites from three premium Hilton brands – the largest multi-brand deal in Hilton’s history – including the largest Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in the world, one of the first LXR Hotels & Resorts locations in the U.S., and a marquee Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel. Each brand features its own entrance, lobby, and distinct selection of guest accommodations. Resorts World Las Vegas is also a part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct brands. Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World features 1,774 full-service guest rooms and suites ranging from 400 to 3,300 square feet with smart, elevated amenities in a comfortable and refined setting. Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World offers 1,496 contemporary and luxury guest rooms and suites ranging from 550 to 2,800 square feet, boasting luxe amenities and a curated art program. Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts showcases an intimate collection of 236 impeccably designed guest rooms, suites, and villas ranging from 550 to 7,000 square feet that feature lavish accommodations, upscale amenities, and highly personalized service. Technology – Resorts World Las Vegas offers various new-age technology advancements across the property, including mobile check-in and digital key via the Hilton Honors app, allowing for a contactless arrival experience, an AI-powered digital concierge named Red, and more. The resort also boasts over 200,000 square feet of captivating LED displays, including a 100,000 square-foot West Tower LED screen (one of the largest LED building displays in the U.S.). The first resort to partner with Grubhub, Resorts World Las Vegas guests can exclusively enjoy Grubhub’s advanced ordering technology through On The Fly at Resorts World powered by Grubhub. This innovative solution allows guests to conveniently order and charge the cost to their room or credit card via the Grubhub app from the resort’s 40 food and beverage concepts and select retail shops for pickup or delivery. Guests can send orders to their rooms as well to the resort’s 5.5-acre pool complex. Casino – Resorts World Las Vegas features an unrivaled gaming experience with the most innovative casino technology. With 117,000 square feet of gaming space including 1,400 slots, 117 table games, a dedicated Poker room and 30 poker tables, high-limit areas, and a sportsbook, the next-generation casino will redefine the traditional gaming experience by introducing the most technologically advanced casino and gaming operation within one integrated resort with Cashless Wagering, RFID bet tracking, and Ticket-in-Ticket out (TITO) at the table. Through the Resorts World Las Vegas Mobile app, guests can pay for gaming, entertainment, or hotel offerings from the palm of their hand, and check their Genting Rewards account balances, receive offers, and rewards and stay connected to the array of amenities. Resorts World Las Vegas will also be the first Las Vegas casino where consumers can utilize a digital login and cashless wagering experience at both slots and table games. Dining – Guests can choose from over 40 food and beverage options at Resorts World Las Vegas, ranging from fine-dining and quick-service venues to original and exclusive concepts like Kusa Nori, Genting Palace, Sun’s Out Buns Out, Famous Foods Street Eats, Wally’s Wine & Spirits, and Craig’s Vegan. Entertainment – The resort’s 5,000-capacity concert and entertainment venue is outfitted to host a myriad of affairs – from star-studded concerts to convention, corporate and sporting events. Featuring the largest and tallest performance stage with the furthest seat only 150 feet from the stage, the brand-new, multi-level venue will provide an intimate, high-energy experience with unparalleled comfort, unobstructed sightlines, and an unmatched immersive audio experience. The joint development between Resorts World Las Vegas and AEG Presents will be exclusively programmed and operated by Concerts West and is set to introduce the next wave of superstar entertainment partners with exclusive engagements by Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan beginning this November. Retail – With approximately 70,000 square feet of dedicated retail space named The District, Resorts World Las Vegas presents two levels of unique boutique shops and experiential offerings from luxury and lifestyle brands, including Fred Segal, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, and Pepper. Nightlife – In partnership with Zouk Group, Singapore’s leading lifestyle and entertainment company, the resort features a multiplicity of experiences in one entertainment complex, including Zouk Nightclub and Ayu Dayclub featuring can’t-miss performances by resident DJs Tiësto and Zedd, in addition to a diverse lineup of talent featuring an unprecedented number of female artists including Becky G, Madison Beer, Charly Jordan, and Madds. Meetings – In addition to 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space complete with 50 multi-functional meeting rooms, Resorts World Las Vegas will debut the first connector station to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and Vegas Loop via an innovative underground transportation system later this summer, providing convention-goers a rapid transportation solution between the resort and the LVCC via all-electric vehicles in minutes. Pool and Spa – The resort offers additional amenities, including an expansive 5.5-acre pool complex featuring five unique pool experiences, including the only infinity-edge pool on the Strip, Additionally, the resort will debutea spectacular 27,000-square-foot, world-class spa experience, which will open later this summer.

Create: Jun 28, 2021 Edit: Jun 28, 2021 International News

Thon Hotel Brussels Airport to Complete Renovation by End of 2021

Create: Jun 28, 2021 Edit: Jun 28, 2021 International News

Luxury in the clouds: Shanghai opens world's highest hotel

The world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, has opened in Shanghai to guests with deep pockets and a head for heights. Elevators whizz guests up the intimidating spiral-like skyscraper at ear-popping speeds of 18 metres per second to the J Hotel's 165 opulent rooms. The hotel occupies the top floors of the 632m Shanghai Tower in the city's financial district, the second-tallest building in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Its opening was delayed partly by the coronavirus pandemic but the hotel has now started receiving well-heeled guests who can call on the services of a dedicated butler at any hour, day or night. Patrons can also enjoy one of the hotel's seven restaurants, bars, spa, 84th-floor swimming pool, and all the other usual trappings of a top-notch hotel. It does not come cheap. To celebrate its opening J Hotel is offering a "special experience rate" of 3,088 yuan (US$477) a night, but prices for its 34 suites sky-rocket. A night in a "J Suite", complete with crystal chandeliers and sauna, this Saturday costs more than 67,000 yuan (US$10,360). The hotel is part of Jin Jiang International Hotels, a major Chinese state-owned group, and officially opened on Saturday. "On the day of our opening even the web page was overloaded with so many visitors with strong interest and they have such (a) strong will to come and experience our hotel," said Renee Wu, sales and marketing director. "Of course this is very encouraging to all of us, but at the same time, we are committed to making sure that all our guests are well taken care of."

Create: Jun 26, 2021 Edit: Jun 26, 2021 International News

Tribute Portfolio Expands in Japan With Opening of Hiyori Chapter Kyoto

Tribute Portfolio, the growing collection of characterful, independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands, travel program, and experiential offerings, continues to expand its footprint in Japan with the opening of Hiyori Chapter Kyoto. Located in Japan’s historical and cultural hub of Kyoto, the 203-room new hotel is the second Tribute Portfolio hotel in Japan and is set to showcase the hidden gems of Kyoto for travelers and locals who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. “We are delighted to be opening Hiyori Chapter Kyoto, introducing Tribute Portfolio to one of the most sought-after destinations around the globe. The opening further diversifies our exciting collection of hotels in Japan, offering unique experiences to our discerning guests,” said Jennifer Connell, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Tribute Portfolio. “Tribute Portfolio seeks out and highlights the true spirit of a destination and creates vibrant social scenes for travelers to enjoy. The new hotel is set to present captivating design and truly authentic experiences tailored to the locale in Kyoto.” Located near Kawaramachi-dori, Hiyori Chapter Kyoto is adjacent to one of Kyoto’s main shopping streets and the scenic Kamo River. Guests can easily access the main historical and cultural destinations in the city including the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former palace of the Japanese Emperor, and the magnificent Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, with its breathtaking tree-lined gravel pathways, peaceful shrines and lakes. The Osaka International Airport (Itami) is within a 70-minute drive and JR Kyoto Station is within a 20-minute drive from the new hotel, making it easily accessible from other regional and international destinations. The hotel features 203 elegantly appointed guestrooms including two signature suites. Drawing inspiration from Japanese tea ceremonies, the guestrooms feature key elements of Japanese tea rooms and are reimagined with a modern interpretation to offer functional beauty and comfort with a sense of tradition. The Chapter Factory located in the hotel lobby presents a unique way for guests to connect with the local community. Acting as the hotel concierge, the Chapter Factory showcases a selection of curated travel stories from local insiders and hotel staff for guests to discover the hidden gems of Kyoto through a local lens. Guests are also encouraged to share their travel stories in Kyoto by adding new chapters to the Chapter Factory. The hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant Matsunari offers Western and Japanese contemporary cuisines, serving breakfast and light meals, from baked goods to desserts and creative cocktails. Hiyori Chapter Kyoto also has a fully-equipped, 24/7 fitness center as well as a traditional Japanese public bath, “Hiyori No Yu”. The public bath features a granite bath and an open-air bath surrounded by lush greenery, for guests to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring. “Kyoto is known for its cultural hotspots that are known to international travelers, but it also has many stories about back alleys, restaurants frequented by locals and other places not included in guidebooks. We look forward to providing an unforgettable experience for the modern traveler seeking local experiences and top-of-the-line customer service at the characterful Hiyori Chapter Kyoto,” said Satoshi Furuya, General Manager, Hiyori Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Create: Jun 23, 2021 Edit: Jun 23, 2021 International News

IHG Signs With Asset World Corporation for Three Thailand Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, is proud to announce the signing of three hotels in Thailand with long-standing partner Asset World Corporation (AWC), the country’s leading integrated lifestyle real-estate group. The multi-property agreement includes the new-build InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown – the first luxury hospitality development in the area – and two further projects in Chinatown and Pattaya, totalling 629 rooms. Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia & Korea, IHG, said: “We’re excited to work with our long-standing partner Asset World Corporation to unveil these three outstanding properties across Bangkok and Pattaya. Together, they will provide an extraordinary luxury hospitality, retail and lifestyle experience for our guests. “InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown will be our third InterContinental hotel in Bangkok, and is the perfect choice for Verngnakornkhasem, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Meanwhile, we’re in advanced discussion with AWC regarding the brand positioning of the other two properties in our agreement, in Bangkok and Pattaya. “We plan to double our portfolio in Thailand in the next three to five years and these signings represent the strong growth momentum of IHG in Thailand and South East Asia. We look forward to working closely with AWC to expand their diverse hospitality and lifestyle offerings and bring our IHG family of brands to city and resort destinations throughout this wonderful country.” Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corporation (Plc), AWC, added: “AWC remains confident Thailand’s tourism industry has a strong future and will continue with its investments. “The expansion of our cooperation with IHG further diversifies our hospitality portfolio and allows us to deliver even more impressive experiences while meeting a wider array of customer demands, in turn bolstering the potential of Thailand’s tourism sector to expand its customer base. It will also deliver experiences that will attract tourists from across the globe who emphasise selection and international service standards.” “We’re delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, who share our vision of bringing world-class destination concepts to Thailand. Signing an agreement with a world-class partner coincides with our quality development plan and we share a vision towards creating a better future through sustainable growth. This collaboration also reaffirms our dedication to playing a part in enhancing Thailand’s tourism competitiveness. Our projects will feature distinct architectural designs as well as impressive experiences while also generating value for their surrounding communities, society and the environment,” Wallapa further stated. “As the first luxury hospitality development in Chinatown, InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown is sure to instantly become an iconic landmark in Bangkok, while our other hotel in Chinatown will elevate the mixed used development project, and offer a fantastic lifestyle experience to our guests.” Set to open in 2027, the 332-room InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown hotel will be located within a vibrant mixed-use development in historic Verngnakornkhasem. It will feature two hotels, residences and a retail mall, including a 24-hour food centre on Charoen Krung Road. Combining the brand’s world-renowned reputation with the wonders of local culture, the hotel will feature three restaurants and bars, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre and a vast 1,400 square metres of events and meeting space supplemented by eight private rooms. The mixed-use development will also boast the second property under this agreement – a 63-room lifestyle boutique hotel, converted from traditional four-storey shophouses to provide a stylish and authentic stay for visitors to the “Heritage of Asia City” Visitors will be spoilt for choice as they enjoy the biggest array of underground retail outlets in Bangkok, a heritage walk and an entertainment boulevard with space for festive celebrations and cultural performances. A new historical and cultural attraction – “The Golden Pagoda” – is under commission, as well as the construction of an entrance gate to welcome people into the history and culture inspiring destination. A short drive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the development is located close to popular tourist attractions including the Grand Palace, the shopping district, Sathorn and Silom. It will form part of the transformation of Verngnakornkhasem and ensure its status as a “must-visit” destination. Another boutique hotel under the agreement – will open in Pattaya in early 2024. Located within the Aquatique district, Pattaya’s first iconic lifestyle destination, it will be at the heart of a major lifestyle and entertainment complex featuring hotels, retail and dining outlets, and convention spaces. With 234 rooms and suites, the hotel will also feature restaurants, a rooftop bar, a swimming pool, spa and meeting rooms in excess of 670 square metres. The triple signing is part of a long-standing partnership between IHG and AWC to manage a portfolio of properties offering more than 1,200 rooms across Thailand, including the 306-room InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping Hotel that will open in 2022. IHG and AWC are also exploring opportunities for the Kimpton brand, a design-led luxury boutique hotel with award-winning restaurants and bars, and heartfelt service in leading resort destinations within Thailand. Thailand continues to be a strong growth market for IHG, with 32 hotels across eight brands in the country and another 33 properties in the pipeline.The new signings are part of the company’s aim to grow its Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio in Thailand by 50%, as well as its estate, across all of its brands, in the country.

Create: Jun 23, 2021 Edit: Jun 23, 2021 International News

Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle Coming to Morocco in 2023

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the debut of its second brand and third hotel in Morocco with the signing of Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle in partnership with Al Hoceinia Hospitality. With construction already underway, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2023 and will consist of 133 guestrooms and suites. Located in the heart of Casablanca’s vibrant and exclusive Gauthier district, one of the prominent corporate, financial and entertainment districts, Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is just 2.5 km from the glistening La Corniche, the charming Old Medina, and Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world. The hotel will offer a unique view over the Arab League Park and will also form part of La Citadelle, a new, premium mixed-use development which will comprise of residences, offices and retail outlets. Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Morocco is a strategic bridge between Europe and the rest of Africa, and a key focus market in our African development strategy. We aim to grow our Moroccan portfolio to over 15 hotels within the next three to five years, and Casablanca is a key city where we are looking to expand our footprint to more than five hotels. Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is the Moroccan debut of our fastest-growing brand in Africa, and marks our third hotel in the country, joining our other two successful properties, Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center and Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden. We expect to introduce each of our remaining three brands but also cover all segments, from business hotels to resort properties, as well as serviced apartments. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, Al Hoceinia Hospitality, for their trust as we look at working together to reinforce our presence across Morocco with additional properties.” Hamza Laghrari, Managing Director of Al Hoceinia Hospitality, Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle managing company said, “It is with great pleasure that we commence this journey and long-term relationship with Radisson Hotel Group and together introduce the upscale Radisson brand to the Moroccan market. The hotel which will be equipped with the latest innovation to accompany the changing expectations of business customers, will provide a new and an ideal venue for business and leisure guests and an enhancement to the city of Casablanca. As part of our group’s diversification strategy, the tourism industry is an important growth sector in which we see opportunities in the near future, and we are pleased to partner with Radisson Hotel Group to introduce this property and eventually many more. We aim to open a total of five hotels by 2025 in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Tangiers.” The Scandinavian-inspired, upscale brand, Radisson, will make its Moroccan debut with the new build, 133-room hotel, consisting of contemporary superior rooms and suites. Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle will enable guests to focus on a work/life balance and find harmony in their travel experience, while enjoying the hotel’s modern, state of the art technology, and design. Various cuisine options will be available at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, patio as well as its panoramic rooftop restaurant. Meetings and event venues will include a large conference and function room as well as five meeting rooms. Perfectly equipped for guests to strike a healthy balance, the hotel will offer both a fitness room and a rooftop pool. Radisson Hotel Group’s top priority is the continued health, safety and security of its guests, team members, and business partners. The Group applies its Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol created in collaboration with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and recently unveiled its new comprehensive testing program as the first hotel group to roll out a rapid testing service for meeting and event attendees at properties across its EMEA portfolio.

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

First agritourism farm to make debut in Minudasht

The first-ever agritourism permit in Minudasht county has been issued for a vast farm, which is located in the lush green Golestan province in northern Iran, Minudasht tourism director announced on Sunday. Such permits are granted to eligible farm owners in the country to launch agritourism businesses, aiming to set certain standards in a move to ensure the quality of their services. Setting up in an area of 40 hectares, the farm is expected to create jobs for 100 people,” Reza Pourmehdi said, CHTN reported. The farm includes a greenhouse, gardens of blueberry, olive, pears, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pomegranates, and it has sections for wheat cultivation, and animal breeding, fish farming, and beekeeping, the official explained. Agritourism is a relatively new branch of the travel industry in which tourists stay with local people in rural areas. Farm/ranch recreation refers to activities conducted on private agricultural lands, which might include fee-hunting and fishing, overnight stays, educational activities, etc. Experts believe that in addition to the customer services jobs, agritourism pays special attention to the production sector, saying agricultural tourism is much more important and practical than other branches of tourism because it creates a new chain and diversity in the field of production and services. Agritourism and nature-tourism enterprises might include outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, wildlife study, horseback riding), educational experiences (cannery tours, cooking classes, or tea or coffee tasting), entertainment (harvest festivals or barn dances), hospitality services (farm stays, guided tours, or outfitter services), and on-farm direct sales (u-pick operations or roadside stands). Agritourism is a subset of a larger industry called rural tourism that includes resorts, off-site farmers' markets, non-profit agricultural tours, and other leisure and hospitality businesses that attract visitors to the countryside.

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

Iranian president urges efforts to boost medical tourism

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has urged sustainable efforts towards developing medical tourism across the country. “Health tourism is of great importance to us, and hospitals located in the border provinces of the country can serve a pivotal role in developing medical tourism by providing medical services to foreign guests and tourists,” Rouhani said on Thursday. He made the remarks on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of some health projects, urging the need for reinforcing medical and health services in some provinces, including Khorasan (Razavi), Isfahan, Fars, and East Azarbaijan, is an absolute duty. “For the time being, many Iranians living in foreign countries prefer to choose homeland for their treatment or certain surgeries,” he said, adding such a trend indicates great efforts made by “dear doctors and nurses and all the dear ones who work in the health sector”. Medical tourism is booming worldwide as about 20 to 24 million people are traveling for medical treatments annually. Factors such as increased care needs over longer lifespans, rising healthcare costs, and constant pressures on some insurance industries are reasons behind why some opt to travel abroad. Regarding price competitiveness, Iran currently ranks first in the world but the country has not been very successful in attracting potential travelers as other competitors like Singapore and Turkey. People from the Persian Gulf littoral states, Iraq and Syria as well as Iranian expatriates residing in Canada and Germany constituted the majority of medical travelers to the Islamic Republic, who received plastic, cosmetics, open-heart, and orthopedic surgeries amongst other treatments over the past couple of years. The Islamic Republic has set goals to exceed its yearly medical travelers to around two million in [calendar year] 1404 (March 2025-March 2026). Amongst Iran’s trump cards are the presence of credible surgeons and physicians, cutting-edge medical technologies, high-tech medicine and diverse specializations, super affordable procedures, and finally its hospitable people.

Create: Jun 19, 2021 Edit: Jun 19, 2021 Regional News

A British Airways planes nose collapsed at Heathrow Airport london

A British Airways plane crashed on Friday at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom. The front of the plane fell. Due to which a large number of passengers had to wait for the flight to take off. British Airways plane crashed According to a report published in The Sun, at present, there are many vehicles for emergency service near the crashed plane at the airport. On receiving the news of the incident, the fire engine, ambulance and police team immediately reached the spot. However, the extent of the damage caused in this accident is yet to be assessed. The front of the plane fell to the ground The plane that fell victim to the accident is a Boeing 787. It can be clearly seen in the picture that as if the front part of the plane is kept on the ground. British Airways spokesperson A British Airways spokesman said part of a plane suddenly collapsed. It is good that there was no passenger in the plane at the time of the accident. The safety of passengers is our first priority. We are probing the matter. The crashed plane took off from Moscow, Russia, and reached London’s Hetrow Airport on June 16. The accident happened at the airport on Friday morning.

Create: Jun 19, 2021 Edit: Jun 19, 2021 International News