Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Airbnb Really Is the Big Bad Wolf

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The hotel industry is in a nightmare of dire concerns over a beleaguered hospitality market. Airbnb and the impact the so-called “sharing economy” is on every hotelier’s mind, and understandably. The industry is for all intents and purposes, lost in a forest like Little Red Riding Hood trying to figure how much business the Big Bad Wolf […]

Naroch Lake – Belarusian Resort Playground

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In the heart of Belarus is a the Narochansky National Park, a natural wonderland of lakes, forests, and health resorts Switzerland is envious of. Virtually unknown to westerners, the area that surrounds Lake Naroch is one of the world’s most diverse biospheres. Here’s a brief look at another Belarussian travel gem. Inside Narochansky National Park there are no […]

On the Coveted Loyal Guest: Hospitality’s Holy Grail

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For some hoteliers loyalty programs have been a secondary consideration in the trend toward mobile tech, but in reality, the game is the same as always. The loyalty program is in a metamorphosis.

Four of Europe’s Sexiest Seaside Escapes

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Hollywood helped make the French Riviera and other European destination iconic and sexy. Moving images of starlets wading with painted toes in the Côte d’Azur tantalized or tormented us all back in the day, depending on the economic feasibility of getting crossing a sea or two. But of course these places were sensual and sensational long […]

AR Will Change the Hotel Experience Forever

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For those who thought augmented and virtual reality technologies were just for gamers, news from Chinese search giant Baidu tells of the company building an AR lab to research and build experiences for the digital world. Across the spectrum of the mobile-digital realm, companies are in a frenzied uptake mode for developing and launching AR capability. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the travel, booking, and hospitality experience spaces.

Lola Travel Gets $15 Mil, A+ in Responsiveness, and a Wink

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News Kayak founder Paul English has just raised $15 million in funding for his Lola Travel Co. is a shot in the arm for a travel tech industry stagnant since months. According to the news, Lola received a fresh infusion of capital from Charles River Ventures, General Catalyst and Accel.. Here’s a brief snapshot of a new company that says it’s going to provide on-demand, personal service to the world of travelers.

Russia’s Kitchen Bachelor: Coolest Cook This Side of Kamchatka

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Argophilia Travel News is launching a new feature series from one of Russia’s most interesting media/culinary celebrities, the producer of Russia One’s most popular “Sunday Time”, and founder of Kitchen Bachelor (Кухня Холостяка), Evgeny Maruskin.

Europe’s Five Most Innovative Hotels 2016

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2016 has witnessed many shifts toward the cutting edge of hospitality from the emergence of Big Data analytics to the sharing economy and beyond. 2016 began with a promise of innovation and renewed profitability and ends on a note of strong growth for many hotels. In Europe, the long list of innovators in the hotel space […]

Five Spa Experiences in Slovenia You’ll Always Take With You

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Slovenia is a country at the crossroads European cultural and trade routes. Famous for its magnificent mountain environs, this magical place has been inhabited since pre-historic times. Slovenia is also famous for its unbelievable spas, winemaking, and its Julian Alps. On the subject of spas, Argo takes a look at a selection any traveler can categorize on their return home as – unforgettable.