Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Soundwave Croatia 2011 – Not Like Any Other

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Soundwave Croatia 2011 kicks off next weekend. Described as “the perfect music festival” by many, this Croatian all weekend party is not your ordinary jam packed beach event. It’s a closely jam packed excitement and relaxation break for music lovers.

Rick Steves Android App “Localizes” Europe Travelers

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European travel guru Rich Steves has just announced the release of his new Android app, Rick Steves’ Audio Europe. For a heightened sightseeing experience, for destinations across Europe, Steves has created a groundbreaking new tool. Audio Europe is another piece in the perfect mobile travel toolbox.

Ostrovok Launches Russia’s “Sure Thing” Travel Site

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The need for Russia to enter the digital age where online travel visibility is concerned may have just been met. In news from Moscow, entrepreneurs there have just raised another round of $13.6 million for Ostrovok, Russia’s answer to Expedia. The new travel portal may have Russian travel sewn up, but what about travel TO Russia?

Who’s Rocking Travel Now? Slovenia’s Tourist Board

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Travel blurbs from Argo News, Slovenia’s Travel Board rocks while most other European travel ministers must be asleep at the wheel of their tourism engagements. If a country of 2 million, about the size of New Hampshire can rock this hard online… It looks like some emulation is in order here in Europe.

Travel Media Group Launches Edgy Marketing Tool

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In travel technology news, Travel Media Group has just launched Travel Media Interactive, a so called next generation marketing and reputation management tool. A division of Dominion Enterprises, TMG is targeted at online marketing solutions for the travel industry.

TripAdvisor Acquires Where I’ve Been

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TripAdvisor, the online world’s most popular travel website, has reportedly purchased Where I’ve Been, the once popular Facebook application. The map oriented platform allows users to display where they have visited or lived, and places they would like to visit. Once a “viral” application with something over a million monthly users, the app now sees only a fraction of that number.

Internos Real Investors Raising Europe Hotel Fund

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Internos Real Investors is reportedly raising between €200 million and €250 million for their first hotel fund for selected European countries. According to the news, the company is targeting mid-market hotel projects in Germany, France, and in the Netherlands.

Russian Bulgaria Sinking Reveals Systemic Problem

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The sinking of a Russian Federation tourist boat in the Volga is the second transportation catastrophe there in as many days. The death of at least 24, with more than 100 still missing, prompted President Medvedev to begin a wide scale safety blitz.

Crystal Cruises – Best Large Cruise Line 2011

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For those dreaming of a cruise aboard a fabulous floating city this Summer, Crystal Cruises may just be the safest bet there is. The company has just been named Travel + Leisure’s “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” for 2011.

GetYourGuide: Swiss Movement for Tours

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Travel and tourism in the digital world is branching out in “pioneer” fashion more and more these days. One startup we took a look at today, GetYourGuide, illustrates vividly what is possible with the right people behind an endeavor. GetYourGuide, founded in 2008, is a development that has been hard at work becoming the digital world’s tour and specialty activity “go to” platform.

White Line Hotels – There In Black and White

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Paris, London, New York, or even a Caribbean cruise, what’s the one thing all vacations have in common? The place a traveler stays after arrival, for one. Argo Travel News went far afield today in search of the extraordinary. After all, while we seek pattern and commonality in travel, many times – isn’t it the “unique” that is so often missing?

Will Google Launch Their ITA Travel Weapon?

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According to TechCrunch’s reliable network of source, Google may well roll out an integrated ITA search platform within days. A report by TC’s Leena Rao 16 hours ago suggests Google’s recent acquisition may in fact be the forboding nightmare Microsoft, Expedia, and others feared.

Style T&E Hotels’ 2011-2012 Hotel Lineup

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In hotel news, Style Trendy & Elegant Hotels’ recent launch of their luxury hotel lineup for 2011-1012, reveals a menu of 80 select accommodations in 12 countries. The Hotusa Hotels brand represents hotels around the world offer impressive locations, extraordinary architecture, and meticulous guest services.

Not Just Rotten in Denmark – Nationalism Surfacing

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The news that the Danish parliament moved on Friday to reintroduce limited border controls, should not really come as any surprise. With one segment of the EU pushing hard for austerity measures on the other side, and the Russian Federation being nixed at every turn on free visa travel, and general upheaval increasing overall, isn’t it clear more than one border crossing is at risk?

Russian Billionaires, Finnair, airBaltic – Which Way Is Up?

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Troubled Latvian airline, airBaltic, is in the news accusing Finnair’s Estravel of attacking the carrier. airBaltic is all in the news with both positive, negative, and conflicting news of late. With staggering losses so far this year, can the Latvian carrier weather such a storm?

Sea Island Resort Names Scott Steilen President

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In news from Sea Island, Georgia, Sea Island Acquisition, LLC announced the appointment of Scott Steilen as President of the Sea Island Resort. Steilen will oversee the company’s operations including Sea Island Golf Club, the Cloister at Sea Island, and world famous lodge there.

Peninsula Festival in Târgu Mureş Rocks Transylvania

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The Peninsula Music Festival 2011, comes to the Transylvania city of Târgu Mureş (below) August 25th through 28th, promising yet another music experience of a lifetime. Known in Romania as Sziget (peninsula) Festival, and in Hungarian as Félsziget Festival, the music event has grown to become one of the most anticipated in all Europe. No matter who calls the event what, Transylvania is about to rock.