Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Debt Problems Mount for Thomas Cook

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For the British tour operator Thomas Cook, things seem to be going from bad to worse as it struggles to reduce its reported £1 billion debt. On the back of an announcement that it’s planning to close one sixth of its 1,300 travel agents in the UK, the company has now reported pre-tax losses of £398 million after it was hit by a number of damaging writedowns totaling over half a billion UK pounds.

Which Nations Are the Biggest Animal Lovers?

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The UK was buoyed last week by the arrival of two very cuddly and very welcome visitors. Tian Tian and Yang Guang, two giant Pandas arrived on a flight from China on the 4th of December, ready for a new life in Edinburgh zoo, Scotland. The fanfare around the arrival of these two highly fashionable additions to the zoos repertoire was immense, with news channels closely following their ceremonious delivery, while huge crowds are expected in the Scottish capital upon the grand unveiling.

Thomas Cook Buys Time With Spain Divestiture

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Beleaguered Thomas Cook has unloaded gold and hotel business in Spain to help slash debt which has crippled their business of late. The 170 year old company will be selling their stake in Hoteles Y Clubs De Vacaciones for a reported £72 million. The news comes in advance of delayed Thomas Cook annual results which will almost certainly spur massive store closings and job losses.

Maribor 2012: Slovenia Set to WOW the World

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In news from Slovenia’s Tourism Board, the town of Maribor, in cooperation with other municipalities, are all set for an exuberant opening weekend as the European Capital of Culture, January 14th and 15th, 2012. Slovenia was recently honored at the World Travel Market in London as well.

American Airlines: Darkest Hours Loom

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For years it led the way in air travel innovation, inventing the frequent flyer program, designing the world’s first computer reservation system and filling up its empty seats with the discount Super Saver Fare. But this week’s news that American Airlines have filed for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization has brought the US’s seemingly untouchable, de facto national carrier crashing back down to earth with a bang.

Travelport Chief Envisions Better Cooperation With Airlines

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Amidst all the kerfuffle regarding the failed attempt by American Airlines to change the way that global distribution systems operate, one of the key players in the squabble, Travelport CEO Gordon Wilson, has predicted a much more harmonious relationship between airlines and GDS companies in the future.