Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Azerbaijan Tourism Ministry Needs Uplifting

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Azerbaijan is one of the most progressive tourist destinations in the world since the outpouring of interest after Eurovision. As an indicator of just how quickly things are ramping up there, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Abulfaz Garayev, just announced this morning the his agency’s need for tourism professionals.

Santorini Volcanic Activity Confusing

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Reports on a magma pool building beneath the Greek Island of Santorini have brought on mixed, even confusing opinions about what is going on at the popular tourist destination. Unquestionably, the magma buildup reported by scientist earlier in the year is valid, but are local authorities leveling with potential tourists?

Will airBaltic and Estonia Air Merge?

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In airline news from the Baltic region, Latvia ministers seem to think that Estonian and Latvian national air carriers should merge. Valdis Dombrovskis, Latvia’s Prime Minister, and transportation head Aivis Ronis spoke recently of a Riga central hub serving both countries.

Argo App Test: HIP Hotels HIP Guide

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First thing this #TT Travel Tuesday a Tweet from Hip Hotels mentioning their smartphone app put me in testing mode. So, without further eloquence (not much anyways), the HIP Hotels HIP Guide download to doing Hip Hotels.

Mobile Already Edging Out PC Booking: Travel Trends

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Recent news indicates that anticipated move toward mobile booking and buying in travel is really already here. As anyone in the developmental end of the hospitality development business already knows, smart device connects will soon represent a disproportionate share of all sales.

TUI Thomson Adds MyThomson Excursion App

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Have you tried the new app from TUI? Thomson launched their MyThomson smartphone app for free download last Friday without too much fanfare, but discount vouchers and a wealth of info on destination excursions should have brought out more party poppers. Let’s take a look at the app.

A Sunday Prayer for Bulgaria Gypsies

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Travel news is usually about hitting the high spots, at least what are generally accepted as positive news of hotel openings and celebratory events seem to permeate more. This is true here at Argo Travel News too. But beach resorts and carnivals are not the only good news on Earth, or in Eastern Europe. Stories of people helping people may be the best news any outlet could carry. Today we bring you news from Blythswood Care from Bulgaria.

Last Chance at Love: Sleeping Beauty Ukraine Style

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Visitors to Kiev may have an opportunity like no other visitor to any city. The National Art Museum of Ukraine has a special guest on exhibition, Sleeping Beauty. You read that correctly, an art project by the same name sets Ukrainian beauty to the test, “will true love awaken Sleeping Beauty?”

Slovenia & Albania Ministers Address Recession Blues

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From Ljublhana, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa met with Albanian counterpart Sali Berisha Monday over economic development and bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The two agreed to bolster development and mutual efforts to settle regional issues, according to the news. However, the economic situation may prove a more formidable stumbling bloc than either is letting on.

Air Booking Site OneTwoTrip: Worth $9 Mil Funding?

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When I saw that TechCrunch had announced Russian travel startup OneTwoTrip’s recent $9 million funding round, I have to admit I was skeptical. For one thing, even though the Russian Federation has some of the world’s best programmers and developers, in general web entities from there generally suck. And pretty bad too.

Accor & Other Hotels Say Bye Bye to Summer Profits

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Just as some have feared but so few forecast officially, this Summer’s travel was not as big a hit as expected. When Accor Hotel Group warned their investors profit may not meet expectations last week the recession’s effect on hoteliers was cemented for the season.

Eastern Europe On Pinterest: Part I

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Pinterest is something of a phenomenon when it comes to users being social and loving all things imagery. As a window inside travel too, the boards on Pinterest can reveal a lot about the wonder and beauty of our travel landscape. Argo Travel News decided to start showing off the best boards for those breathtaking places in Eastern Europe.