Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Vietnam’s Tet Holiday Bonanza Causes Chaos

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Travel agents and tour companies inside Vietnam are overwhelmed with clients who want to take advantage of the new Tet holiday. The government’s late announcement took the industry by surprise as government employees learned of additional time off for the New Year. A bookings bonanza there is turning into a booking nightmare.

Google’s Probability of Online Travel Success

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American Airlines and ITA penned a deal the other day which AA claims had nothing to do with Google’s acquisition of ITA technology. But the suggestion still remains as to what exactly Google is doing to fend off its opponents in the so called “Online Travel War.” Is Google silently orchestrating the downfall of Expedia and the others of FairSearch? Well, probably not anything so diabolical, but winning the ITA acquisition with underlying business relationships? This is not only possible, but probable.

Russia & EU Closer to Free Visa Agreement

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Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov offers a ray of sunshine for those who want a free-visa zone between the EU and Russia. At a press conference the Minister told reporters Russia and the EU are much closer to an agreement. So far the EU has stonewalled every attempt by the Kremlin to free up travel and tourism between Russia and the rest of Europe.

Swiss Franc Got You Down? Ski Eastern Europe

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Exchange rates can sometimes turn the best vacation deal into a nightmare. The recent Swiss Franc valuation caught ski vacationers by surprise. When expensive Alps ski resorts get even more expensive, many European skiers just stay home. Fortunately there is another solution. Skiing the Carpathians, Slovenian Alps, Caucasus, and other Eastern European resorts almost always costs half as much.

Online Travel Aerial Warfare Update: American Sues Sabre

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The online airfare wars escalate as American files suit against Sabre in an attempt to force American’s “direct connect” initiative. With battle lines clearly drawn, can American Airlines win the real or PR war where going back to a closed system is concerned? Not likely, but the story is never the less interesting. Who will take American’s side is the burning question of the day?