CNN lauds "Middle East most beautiful hotel"

CNN has published a report on the channel's website describing Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan as 'the Middle East's most beautiful hotel'.

The report highlights the rise in Iranian tourism. It reads “Iran is trying to modernize its tourism industry in the face of increasing visitor numbers. 5.2 million came in 2016 and more are expected in 2017. Its more traditional offerings still have the potential to charm.”

Focusing on Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan, the report states “Isfahan has its fair share of historical wonders (some which are UNESCO World Heritage sites), but in many ways the Abbasi has become a tourist attraction in its own right.”

Providing a brief history of the 300 year old hotel, CNN continues that the hotel was built “under the Safavid dynasty reign of Shah Sultan Husayn, it was originally used as a pit stop for merchants traveling the ancient Silk Road.”

While even after the JCPOA the US sanctions are still executive and seems to go on under new President Donald Trump, several European and non-American firms have started their campaigns in Iran to move in the developing market.

The first tourism giant that opened its way in Iran was the French Accor group which contracted in 2016 to build some hotels. Then others such as the UAE's Rotana and Spain's Melia stepped in. Iran is expected to have six different international brands by 2018.

Located on the main north–south and east–west routes crossing Iran, Isfahan was once one of the largest cities in the world that is was titled Nesfe Jahan (meaning half of the world).

The city flourished from 1050 to 1722, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries during the Safavid dynasty, when it became the capital of Iran under the reign of Shah Abbas for the second time in its history.

Hosting a large number of historical and modern tourist attractions, Isfahan is an important historical center for domestic and international tourists.

MG/RSH