Indianapolis based, real time search service ChaCha has just closed another round of funding. According to the press, the human powered search engine startup gained another $3 million from investors to further expand their mobile product. ChaCha has so far raised a total of $75 in funding since its launch in 2005.
Justice Department Poised to Nix Google Deal
The Justice Department stands poised to nix Google’s acquisition of ITA proprietary software as FairSearch and other entities press the issue. Is Google becoming a monopoly? This is the overriding question on the minds of consumers, but what is on the government’s mind, this is what counts. With American Airlines’ recent ITA deal, exactly how will the Justice Department deal with the immense pressures being leveled? This online travel war is a far bigger confrontation than many realize.
TripIt Cashes In Big Time
Travel startup TripIt cashes in for an estimated $120 million after only 5 years of development and customer building. Concur is said to have acquired the Web’s most utilized business travel planning tool for cash and stocks. As for the future of TripIt, Concur has not released a statement as of yet.
Tallinn, Estonia Hosts Graphic Arts Exhibition
Tallinn, Estonia hosts the 15th Annual Talinn Graphics Triennial, a celebration and discovery of various art genres. Held at the Kumu Art Museum, the exhibition is slated to showcase some extraordinary art from the Baltics, as well as last year’s artist of the moment Óscar Muñoz. For art lovers headed toward Estonia or the other Baltic states, this is a unique opportunity to grab hold of fine emerging artistic wonder.
Winter in Kosovo: Hiking in the Šar Mountains
When visiting Kosovo during the Winter months, one of the top activities worth pursuing is hiking in the Sar Mountains. This Balkans mountain range offers almost unparalleled challenge and breathtaking vistas for the newcomer and veteran hiker alike. The Kosovo Valley below, and Šar Mountains National Park also offer rare encounters with some 20 unusual wildlife species.
Athens Airport “Ellinikon” Fast Tracked Privatization
The Interministerial Committee for Asset Restructuring and Privatizations (ICARP) in conjunction with the Greek Ministry of Finance and other entities, will now “fast track” the privatization of the Ellinikon airport area for development. The addition of five star hotels and other accommodations will transform this area of Athens into a thriving component of Greece’s new tourism initiative.
Greek – US Officials Teleconference Tourism Details
Greek ministers and US officials meet to sort out increased cooperation for Greek cruise travel. Greece’s most recent initiatives for improved tourism incentives and infrastructure were at the top of the list of an agenda set to heighten Greece’s cruise business.
Greek Firm to Develop in Dion Area
Dion, Greece is one of the most beautiful and under developed areas in the country. An announcement by the Hellenic Tourism Development Co. of a public offering, forecasts new camping and hotel accommodations in one of Greece’s most historic areas. Under the shadow of Olympus, visitors to the area may soon have far better accommodations.
International Public Tender Announcement: Vouliagmeni Marina
Hellenic Tourism Development Company announced public tender arrangement for the development of crucial marina space near Athens. The Vouliagmeni Marina is one of Greece’s most visited and trusted harbors for luxury yachts. The yachting and maritime industry in Greece will obviously benefit from further development of crucial assets like this famous marina.
Greece and Russia Cut Visa Red Tape
More news of Greek – Russian cooperation where visas and travel are concerned. Greece’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism announces new visa centers in Russia and fast track visa approval there. More Russian’s visited Greece this year than in any year since the economic crisis began.
Greece International Arrivals Stagnant for 2010
Some 10 million international tourists visited Greece so far this year. This number shows slight losses over 2009’s downward trend, giving pause to market experts and officials. 2009 was a very bad year for the industry in Greece, and the news that things are not progressing despite great prices and incentives is not good.
New Steps for Greece in Cruise Market
Greece has just brought into effect new rules that will benefit the travel industry there. For cruise lines, new fee schedules will allow businesses greater profit margins, and create new incentives for travelers. Government officials expect increased air traffic, as well as better sale of Greek made goods.
Greek Yachting Market Initiatives Continue
Greek Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Giorgos Nikitiadis was in more talks aimed at boosting Greek tourism last week. This time the yachting industry was the focus of the overall government initiative to great expand Greece’s yachting industry. Nikitiadis highlighted his commitment to seeing that the government supports initiatives that will eventually grow Greece’s tourism industry.
Manessis Top 10 Hotels of 2010 Announced
Leading Greek travel organization Manessis just announced last week their 2010 Top Hotels list. Among the leading travel agencies in Southern Europe, Manessis’ Top 10 list is becoming something of a tradition now. Greek hotels are held to the highest tourist and Manessis standards in winning these awards.
Greece Initiates School Tourism
Greek officials meet with Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies in initial steps to create a Greek school of tourism. HATTA expresses complete satisfaction with the progress made at this early meeting to engage the school travel market niche.
Romania Celebrates National Day – Remembering the Great Union
On a December 1st that was determined to mark the beginning of winter with extremely cold weather, cloudy skies and icy roads, Romanians around the world celebrated their National Day, marking the Great Union of the country.
Toktumi Line2 Delivers for iPhone
Toktumi’s Line2 application for the iPhone can save users time, aggravation, and best of all money. Line2 allows mobile users to hook up via Wi-Fi and VOIP networks when lost signal or even minutes are low. This is the first dual mode cell/VOIP application for iPhone.
Tripit Still Shines If Not Altogether New
TripIt is without a doubt one of the most useful travel tools yet developed. But, can this fairly limited tool, regardless how slick, remain atop the travel app list forever? With an increased user base via Hotwire TripIt has so far fended off all competition, but one slip is all it will take for the next big thing to steamroll this startup. The larger question is, “Can simple modular applications be stand alone monetization models?”
Dopplr – Almost Off the Radar Now
Dopplr was one of the world’s most innovative and useful online travel tools. Since the Nokia acquisition however, a lot has changed apparently. The site has seen very few noticeable updates, and the user base seems to have fallen off drastically in the last few months. Can Dopplr achieve its former glossy appearance, or is it destined for the “dead pool”?
Where to Find the Best Travel Deals – Whodathunkit?
Argophilia takes a look at the cutting edge of online travel platforms. Today Besttraveldeals comes into view with a community determined to find the best travel prices and value. Despite the site’s community nature, the model does have its drawbacks.