Aleksandr Shatskih, Author at Argophilia

The IFCO (International Foster Care Organisation) Conference – 21st-24th October, Sofia, Bulgaria

2012-09-16 by Aleksandr Shatskih

The IFCO conference provides a great reason to spend some time in the beautiful city of Sofia. As well as having the chance to meet others involved in the field of fostering from all around the world, visitors can linger around the city parks, gaze at the towering mountains and absorb the friendly and buzzing atmosphere which is Sofia.

Four Seasons Hotel Baku – Open for Pampering

2012-09-16 by Aleksandr Shatskih

For visitors to Azerbaijan and Baku this Fall and Winter experiencing one of the world’s most fascinating capitals just got more luxurious. The Eurovision Song Contest may be over, but the richness of Baku has a new home away from home, the new Four Seasons.

Russian Rope Jumpers Set Record

2012-09-16 by Aleksandr Shatskih

If wacky events are your thing you just missed one in the Russian Federation. One hundred thirty five people leaped into the record books “rope jumping” from a bridge.

Far Frozen North Fun – Avantouinti

2012-09-16 by Aleksandr Shatskih

This Fall and Winter, for an excursion to literally take your breath away, why not try ice swimming in the far frozen North of Europe? Not exactly what you had in mind? Well take a closer look at this Northern European tradition.

European Retailers Form Up via CEETRA

2012-09-15 by Aleksandr Shatskih

In business news, a group of travel retail companies have formally united to create a so called Central and Eastern Europe Travel Retail Association (CEETRA).

Alaska Airlines Joins Mobile Booking Flock

2012-09-14 by Aleksandr Shatskih

News the other day that Alaska Airlines launched their own mobile ticket platform is probably just a sign of initiatives to come from a great many service providers.

BUSTER Film Festival 2012 Kicks Off

2012-09-13 by Aleksandr Shatskih

If it is something different you seek for the Fall family vacation then BUSTER Film Festival 2012 in Copenhagen might be the perfect getaway. This 12th edition running from today through September 23rd promises a universe of award winning films for kids from around the world.

Europe Hotel Prices 2012: Too Low to Miss Out

2012-09-12 by Aleksandr Shatskih

For those of you out there wanting to squeeze the most out of Fall vacation plans recent stats from Hotwire’s Travel Savings Indicator show 20 of Europe’s most popular destinations as spectacular deals. Hotel price drops across Europe range from 7% to 37% compared to a year ago, with some price cuts in excess of 50% year on year. If you ever wanted to visit Europe, there may never have been a better time.

Biometric IDs A Step Toward EU – Ukraine Visa Simplicity

2012-09-12 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Biometric IDs in Ukraine appear to be on the way in. A draft law there providing for the creation of a unified state register of every Ukrainian citizen has passed fist scrutiny there. Reportedly a measure to beef up border security between Ukraine and the EU, citizens traveling abroad may feel a bit like Big Brother is watching via a built-in proximity chip keeping tabs on each citizen.

Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square Vilnius Opens

2012-09-10 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Kempinski announced last week their first Vilnius hotel opening with Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square. A 96 room luxury affair, this is the first Lithuanian and the first Baltic accomodation offered by the famous luxury hoteliers.

Cruise.com Launches iPhone and Android App

2012-09-10 by Aleksandr Shatskih

In news from the online cruise sector, Cruise.com, an Omega World Travel, Inc. company, has just launched their mobile app for iOS and Android operating systems. The free app puts cruise info into the on the go hands of cruise travelers.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel Goes Online in China

2012-09-09 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Last week Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) announced their having launched their online booking tool CWT Online for China based business travelers. According to the company, the launch is an industry first OBT available in China. Powered by TravelSky, the tool is designed to make booking easier for pros in the region.

Skopje 2014 Heroes & Independence Day

2012-09-08 by Aleksandr Shatskih

For visitors headed to Macedonia a new government sponsored complex dedicated to heroes of the country should be of great interest. Situated in the middle of the Skopje 2014 capital project, wondrous statues reminescent of the golden age of Macedonian culture rise to inspire.

Emirates – Qantas Sucker Punch Singapore Tourism

2012-09-07 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Singapore’s Changi airport took it on the chin recently when Qantas announced their deal with Emirates, making Dubai their new Europe to Australia hub. Starting in April of next year, flights in between London and Frankfurt, and Australia will connect in Dubai.

LeisureLink Named to Inc. Fastest Growing List

2012-09-06 by Aleksandr Shatskih

LeisureLink has joined Yelp as on of Inc.’s top 500|5000 fastest growing private companies, according to news from the company. An online travel tech company, LeisureLink points so called “big data” at the travel industry with innovations like Marketspan™ Guest Generation System. At a time when online market analysis and revenue management solutions could surely […]

Get Your Red Hot Greek Islands, While They Last!

2012-09-05 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Greece’s financial woes have come down to selling off one of that nation’s most precious commodities, some of the world’s most beautiful Island paradises. News that international developers may be jumping on the fire sale of places like Pera Nissi in the Ambracian Gulf (map below) really come as no surprise.

Study Reveals Interesting Smartphone Travel Behaviors

2012-09-05 by Aleksandr Shatskih

comScore’s study of U.S. smartphone travel behaviors found that approximately 40 million consumers (totaling 37 percent of smartphone users) accessed travel sites or apps from their smartphone in July 2012.

Moscow’s Hotel Metropol Auctioned

2012-09-05 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Times in hospitality, they are a changing. news from the Russian Federation last week tells of an iconic stay in Moscow being auctioned. The Hotel Metropol, a Moscow landmark, was sold last Thursday to entrepreneur Alexander Klyachin.

Belarus and Mogilev Host Asalodki-2012

2012-08-30 by Aleksandr Shatskih

In news cultural news from Belarus, the city of Mogilev will play host for the nationwide festival Asalodki-2012. This blend of confectionery business combined with vocal, dance and even circus. Confectioneries are scheduled to organize a fair downtown to treat locals and visitors.

Poland Celebrates 32nd Anniversary of August Agreements

2012-08-30 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Today all Poland celebrates the 32nd Anniversary of August Agreements, the 1980 declaration of Poland’s emergence as the first independent trade union in the former communist bloc. President Bronislaw Komorowski will reportedly be on hand to present awards to some 40 activists of the Solidarity Trade Union.