Phil Butler, Author at Argophilia

Nicolae Ceausescu’s “Spring Palace” Opened to Public

2016-03-30 by Phil Butler

Earlier this month the luxurious private estate of Romania’s late communist leader, Nicolae Ceausescu was opened to the public. The massive 80 room “Spring Palace” (Palatul Primaverii), designed to the president’s specifications, was the Ceausescu family home for over 25 years. Here’s a look at the former Romanian leader’s estate, and at how Romanians view […]

Albania Vies for Russian Travelers

2016-03-30 by Phil Butler

The Albanian government has launched a campaign to attract Russian tourists diverted by crises in Turkey and Greece. Holiday makers in Russia face tough decisions in choosing Summer vacation destinations owing to the refugee and political crises. With the touristic season approaching, can Albania resorts attract Russians via this new campaign? Here are some pluses and minuses facing Albania’s touristic businesses.

Teimuraz Y. Chichiashvili Receives “Man of the Year” Leadership Award

2016-03-29 by Phil Butler

The organizers of the Russian Hospitality Awards and the organizers of the 11th Annual Conference on investments in hotel businesses of Russia and the CIS (RHIC) have jointly awarded Teimuraz Yu Chichiashvili, President of PATERO Development, the first ever “Man of the Year” award for leadership.

North Caucasus in the spotlight at ITM 2016

2016-03-28 by Phil Butler

For the first time ever, the regions of North Caucasian Federal district were United on a single exhibition stand at Intourmarket (ITM) 2016.

Marriott’s Europe Footprint: Two Pronged Strategy Takes Shape

2016-03-24 by Phil Butler

News earlier this month that Marriott International plans to open five Moxy Hotels in key European cities reveals a powerful positive movement for certain European destinations. The new hotels, slated for Munich, Eschborn and Berlin in Germany; and Oslo, Norway; and Aberdeen, U.K. point to markets set to grow.

Eurovision 2016 Contenders: Armenia’s Iveta Mukuchyan

2016-03-24 by Phil Butler

If a gorgeous diva, a gorgeous man, a striking voice, and a riveting song could help a competitor win Eurovision 2016, then Armenia’s Iveta Mukuchyan should be considered a top competitor in Stockholm. Her video of the song
“LoveWave” is unique among the 43 entries.

Greece Tourism Sinking Like A Rock

2016-03-23 by Phil Butler

According to news from the Bank of Greece, receipts from travel in January decreased by 4.7% year on year, corresponding to a decline in arrivals of 7.8%. Currently Greece’s deficit is at €742 million, up some €461 million euro from the same time last year. The news comes at the worst possible time as economic and political pressures mount in the region.

Putin Oversees Kerch Strait Bridge to Crimea

2016-03-21 by Phil Butler

Last Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin toured the Kerch Strait bridge project, overseeing the progress of one of the region’s most critical economic projects.

Minoan Group Edges Closer to Developing on Crete

2016-03-09 by Phil Butler

According to news from Minoan Group, the resort development project is a step closer to getting approval for building on the Cavo Sidero peninsula. After several years of red tape dealings, the Chairman of Minoan says signatures for a needed presidential decree may be forthcoming. Stocks in the company surged on the news.

The Hotel Business and Critical Mass

2016-03-08 by Phil Butler

Any hotel executive reading this will have arrived here via social media, Google, or as a direct reader via RSS feed. The same reader is probably reading during a commute, on a smart device, or using an iPad for night table reading. Technology has almost overnight, changed our personal and business lives in ways we never could have imaged even 5 years ago.

Crimean Russia Gaining Acceptance & Tourists

2016-03-03 by Phil Butler

According to the latest tourism news from Sevastopol on the Crimea peninsula, the Mayor of Nice plans to visit Yalta to sign a cooperation agreement between the two cities. Christian Estrosi, will travel to Crimea in May in what is in effect, a continuation of an ongoing intercity relationship.

If Schengen Borders Go Up, Billions Will Be Lost

2016-03-02 by Phil Butler

According to news from various sources, the 26-country Schengen area could suffer a huge blow to its tourism sector stemming from the migrant crisis. Border formalities once eliminated to facilitate ease of travel, may soon be re-instituted if the crisis persists. Some experts fear, if the Schengen zone goes, the EU won’t be far behind.

Why Is Every Hotel Not Selling Rooms Via Bidroom?

2016-02-24 by Phil Butler

When was the last time you really compared the prices you pay for hotels stays? If you are like most people, time is never on your side, and loyalty or brand awareness simply must play a role in your travel decision making processes. A Dutch startup a friend recommended, Bidroom addresses several problems caused by […]

Expedia Accelerator: Step Right Up, You Hotelier Fools

2016-02-23 by Phil Butler

Yesterday I wrote a short post on LinkedIn “Pulse” with my view on Expedia’s new “Accelerator” marketplace. The experiment where hoteliers get to bid for the hotels’ visibility on the OTA, it resembles a carnival act for me. At least one comment on my LinkedIn, suggesting I was a mean spirited ranter because of my […]

EU Threatens to Restrict Passport-Free Travel

2016-02-15 by Phil Butler

The European Union is all set to restrict passport-free travel over the imminent refugee crisis. By invoking an emergency rule to impose controls at several borders, EU officials may reverse the decades old expansionist policy for passport free travel across Europe.

Using Big Data for Breakfast

2016-02-10 by Phil Butler

For a few years now digital experts have discussed the importance of “personalization”, the so-called “guest experience.” While the concept is not a new one, like so many marketing or “buzz” terms, the reality of providing real customer value is often lost in the shuffle. Is Big Data really so useful? Can your business leverage […]

Russia Sanctions Radioactive for Russia and Europe Tourism

2016-02-09 by Phil Butler

According to news from Interfax, the market for visa services in Russia fell by some 37% in 2015, year on year. With the savage effects of sanctions and the interjection of stricter biometrics regulations for Schengen countries, a domino effect of negative economic volatility has ensued. The telltale fallout of economic warfare sinks in, as EU sanctions become touristic radioactive.

Montenegro Goes Ahead With Mamula Project

2016-02-08 by Phil Butler

In a controversial tourism move, Montenegro has made the decision to go ahead with plans to turn a former Italian fascist prison camp into a luxury resort. The former fortress on Mamula Island in the Bay of Kotor was a World War II concentration camp where dozens of local inmates reportedly died.

The Uniquely Compelling Appeal of Big Data

2016-02-04 by Phil Butler

Five years ago the world-wide-web was horrified at the concept of usable user data. Today every business from high fashion to the local laundry-mat wants to know how to convert customers via predictive intelligence. Technology is gearing up to meet a Big Data conundrum, as marketers wring their hands awaiting the golden ring that signifies an R-O-I bonanza. But at this stage of trend analysis, most experts agree that the analytics ship has not yet arrived. Here’s a succinct look at where we really are.

On an Island of Hospitality Data: Using Pineapple Search

2015-11-10 by Phil Butler

Over the last dozen years I’ve tested just about every search technology that exists. From back in the so-called “search wars”, to new forms of AI and semantic intelligence, the ultimate goal of any search device is relevance for the user. Today I tested a little hospitality search engine called Pineapple Search.