Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Albania: A Look at Peripheral #Ukraine Effects

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The crisis in Ukraine now threatens western Balkans nations like Albania with further stalled economies and more. Even despite the recent announcement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Urban Development and Tourism of Albania to commit to working together to promote tourism in Albania, the gridlocked detentes in between the US, EU, Britain, and Russia over Ukraine may well spell disaster for all Balkan’s travel.

SPIRIT Slovenia: Headed Into a Traveler Experiential Mode

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A story at The Independent Balkan News Agency this week tells of the Slovenia Tourism Board altering their tourism marketing strategy to one more personalized, and hopefully more effective. According to Hari Stefanatos, the Slovenian government has opted for storytelling in the first person for their 2014-2015 campaigning.

Albania’s Edi Rama “Renaissance” In the Making

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News from Balkans.com reflects on Albania’s efforts to take advantage of their magnificent Adriatic coastline, while maintaining the integrity of the natural setting. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s renaissance may not be here yet, but incrementally moving Albania government is. According to the news, Albania’s Council of Ministers have approved a Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism proposal to […]

Ten Summer “Gems” on Crete

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As Summer draws to a close in the Mediterranean Crete affords a special opportunity for last minute vacation memories. The land of the ancient Minoans is as unique as those distant ancestors were culturally, and as magnificent an adventure as any place in Europe.

buuteeq Adds Expert Gas

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Digital marketing startup for hotels buuteeq has announced having expanded their team with the addition of Karim Meghji as Chief Product Officer and VP of Engineering. The news of Meghji’s appointment, along with other staffing and product additions, comes at a time when buuteeq is rapidly expanding their reach globally.

Scandinavian Hotel Owner Petter Stordalen Rewinds Hospitality Ethics

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In yet another disruptive move to propel his company to the forefront, Nordic Choice Hotels boss Petter Stordalen dumps all pay TV porn at his 170 plus hotels across Scandinavia. Known in the past for creating trends, Nordic Choice’s flagship Oslo hotel, THE THIEF, has already replaced xxx video with contemporary video art. The dynamic hotelier seems set to redefine the lines in between alluring experience and tacky and sensationalist sexuality.

It’s True – Europe Entering “Mini Ice Age” – Huh?

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Here in Germany it’s cold, unseasonably cold. Spring has been and it almost gone and each morning we awake to a chill house, go to work in the cold rain, enter damp and cool offices. In France, just across the border, businesses from farming to tourism are feeling the pain of what may be the next Ice Age.

Russia’s Putin Puts Forth Rapid Rail Agenda

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Yesterday, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin held a meeting to discuss developing high-speed railways within Russia. Taking special note of the serious investments in resource and systems required for ambitious projects of the sort, Putin also emphasized the necessity of affordability for travelers.

Club Med: Asia Moves May Prove Prudent

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News yesterday detailed an apparent buyout bid by French insurance company AXA, and the Chinese conglomerate Fosun International to control resort chain Club Med. According to reports the major shareholders offered something on the order of $719 million have been confirmed and supported by the Club Med management team.

Social Media 101 for Restaurateurs: Getting and Giving the Business

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You own a business associated with hospitality, let’s say a restaurant, for instance. The digital craze is, obviously, something you’ve at least heard about. But just how do social media, blogging, search engine marketing (SEM), and other advanced connectivity channels help your business? Is there a real return on investment from this “social” space? There seem to be more questions about the social sphere than answers, no?