Iran’s winter resort: Iran’s Kish Island in the Persian Gulf is building a US$21 million winter recreation center. Snow Land will open in two phases – the first, including recreational facilities, will be operational next year, and the second, including a 16-story, 124-room hotel, will launch in two years.
Korea’s Chinese tourism plummets: South Korea saw a decline of more than half in Chinese tourism between March, when China banned travel to the country, and the end of May, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Hotel bookings dropped by 30% on Lotte Hotels.
Ramadan dip: GCC hotel markets reported a decline in performance year-over-year during the observance of Ramadan, according to STR. Occupancy declined in Makkah, Saudi Arabia (7.9%) and Qatar (7.2%). From May 26 to June 25, only Muscat, Oman, saw an increase in RevPAR (up 8.7%).
Hilton to debut in Niger: Hilton signed a management agreement with Niamey Hotel & Suites Niger Ltd, in Niger’s capital, to operate a 142-room property that will become the Hilton Niamey. It’s the first international brand in the sub-Saharan African country.
Rove-ing into extended-stay: Emaar Hospitality’s midscale Rove Hotels has created the extended-stay Rove Home brand. No news yet on the planned pipeline.
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