Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Greek Tax Authority to Deploy Revenue Robots On Airbnb Hosts

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Bad news for Greek property owners intent on squelching on Airbnb revenue taxes. Authorities are proceeding with pre-announced cross-inspections in efforts to ferret out tax-evading property owners leasing out their accommodations. In the latest news Greek tax men will use “search robots” deployed by the revenue authority. The move may put an end to the Airbnb bonanza that has supported thousands through tough times in Greece. 

SeaScape Luxury Residences Expanding Agia Pelagia Offering

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One of Crete’s most successful beachside developments tells of the expansion of SeaScape Luxury Residences at Agia Pelagia. The new development by Heraklion businessman Dimitris Markakis was warmly received by travelers headed to one of the island’s most sought-after destinations, so the announcement of this new expansion comes as no real surprise. Agia Pelagia is a former fishing village transformed into a beach lover’s Mecca over the past few years because of its special geography. SeaScape’s second phase aims to complete a harmonious enclave in a very special tourist community.

Winners and Losers of the Crete Hospitality Games

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Whoever came up with the idiomatic expression “The devil’s in the details,” must have made a bad hotel choice or two in their lives. Since retiring from the travel public relations and marketing game, I notice an uptick in sloppy marketing efforts that are almost completely reliant on Google ads, OTAs, and the big tour operators. For hoteliers here in Greece, the lost opportunity costs of such reliance will eventually tell. It is with this eventuality in mind that I present the following.

Making a Dent in Marble Headed Greek Beurocrats

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In the late Spring of 2018 the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation helped organize an amazing cultural event in Heraklion. The Contemporary Minoans design event held 11 and 12 May at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum should have been made Crete branding exercise, but it wasn’t. Instead, the event stands as a stark reminder of what the term “uncommitted” means for Greece.

A Prescription for Recovering from Our Marketing Disease

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Digital communications has for too long been reclassified as only a function of marketing. Public relations communicators should have been in the lead all along.

INSETE Study Lays Groundwork for Truly Sustainaable Greece Tourism

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Numbers from a new study released by INSETE, the Greek Tourism Confederation’s (SETE) intelligence body show big growth on lesser returns. According to the study arrivals in Greece increased by almost 90% in the period 2005 – 2017. Meanwhile, the average tourist spend dropped by 30% on the view of source markets. Once again, however, sustainability for Greece’s tourism seems a highly subjective case in point. Here’s the report, followed by some objective observations.

Chef-Poet Christopher Bakken at Crete’s Dalabelos Estate Next Summer

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Coming up next summer at Dalabelos Estate near Rethymno, Crete renowned chef, food writer, and English professor Dr. Christopher Bakken will host an immersive program to explores the traditional cuisine, music, and culture of Crete.

Thomas Cook and LMEY Investments Eyeball “Healthy” Deals in Greece

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News that Thomas Cook Hotel Investments and Swiss hotel development group LMEY Investments, raised €40 million to invest in hotels around the Mediterranean with Greece’s Piraeus Bank bears watching today.

Grecotel Creta Palace Hosts Olive Tourism Event in Rethymno

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Last month in Rethymno Grecotel Creta Pallas hosted the “World Olive Day: Expanding Olive Oil Tourism in Crete,” to bring more olive lovers and businesses to the island.

Is the Coming Hellenic – German Health Tourism Deal Cursed?

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According to news this week from the 8th Annual Hellenic-German Assembly, Greece’s health tourism prospects were the central focus discussed at meetings in Hersonissos, Crete. But, an initiative by German banking and investments interests

Turkey Travel Warnings On Uptick Since Khashoggi Affair

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According to a recent EUobserver report, Germany issued a warning to all nationals visiting Turkey to beware of posting social media messages that criticized Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Tensions are on the rise since the controversial Khashoggi affair has caused increased friction in the region.  The German Foreign Ministry has warned citizens traveling to Turkey to lay […]

More Wine Events Coming to the Villages of Rethymno This Weekend

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In celebration of the events for the distinction of Rethymno as European Wine City 2018 by the RECEVIN European Wine Cities Network, the Rethymno-Recevin Team, in cooperation with the Municipality of Amari and the villages of Nikiforos Fokas, has prepared a two-day wine event, dedicated to the villages and the hinterland, on the 2nd and 3rd November 2018.