Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Carpathian Nations Reach Accord on Sustainability

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In news from the Eastern European nations conjoining the Carpathians, the seven countries sharing one of the world’s great mountain ranges have agreed to joint sustainable management of the region. The Protocol on Sustainable Tourism was adopted at the Third Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Carpathian Convention (COP3).

Sofitel So Bangkok to Offer Full Apple Connectivity

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In hotel news from Thailand, the new Sofitel scheduled to open in Bangkok in 2012 will boast maybe the world’s coolest digital features. According to a press release by the chain this weekend, Sofitel has partnered with DirectStreams to afford hotel guests incredibly rich Apple-based connectivity amenities.

On the Beach in Cyprus and Turkey – UK Travel Deals

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News from one of Britain’s leading seaside getaway OTA’s, On the Beach, reveals Cyprus beaches as one of this Spring’s most popular attractions for UK travelers. According to figures from Cyprus, some 200,000 people bathed in the azure waters off Cyprus in April alone.

Universal Studios – Symbol of Emerging Singapore

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The grand opening of one of the world’s biggest theme parks, Universal Studios Singapore, took place last week. And despite a few hickups, no-show stars, and other minor irritations, Singapore now has another world class touristic attraction. This opening is not only big tourism news, but a sign of Singapore’s every increasing popularity and growth.

Albania Dance Meeting 2011 Coming to Durres

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For travelers to Eastern Europe this month, and particularly those with a passion for dance, the 6th annual Albania Dance Meeting may be your cup of tea. This International Festival of Modern & Contemporary Dance starts September 10th thru 18th when Durres, the oldest city in Albania, invites the world to dance.

Orbitz Stock Into Orbit With American Airlines Verdict

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For all those investors who emailed to ask me if the American Airlines slash Orbitz fight would be a game changer, the news today of skyrocketing Orbitz stock prices is as good an answer as any. Orbitz Worldwide Inc. bounced shares upward on an Illinois court reversal of their case against American Airlines. The court ordered American to resume selling flights via the online travel agency.

Agoda and Jetstar Team Up

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In online travel news today, Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking web portal, announced a partnership with Jetstar Asia Ariways. Now Agoda’s inventory of thousands of hotels will be accessible through Jetstar’S digital storefronts, and co-op deals will be offered through the airlines holiday network.

The Coolest Tours On Earth – Angkor Photo Workshop

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For those of you out there with a photographic itch to scratch, travel to exotic places for photo ops has to be high on your list of “to do’s”. So, for your photography travel wish list this season, Argo would like to suggest one of the most exotic and absolutely the coolest photo trip possible. Jim Cline Photo Tours is offering the unique opportunity of a lifetime for some, an Angkor Photo Workshop at Cambodia’s Khmer temples of Angkor.

Opodo Deal Gets EU Thumbs Up

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Private equity firm Permira, and France’s Axa, have received the “go” from EU regulators in their bid to buy online travel entity Opodo. The two investors intent to merge the Spanish Opodo company with Go Voyages and eDreams will create one of the digital world’s biggest online booking agencies.

Photo Tuesday: Treasured Flickr Moments

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Argophilia, as anyone can readily see, is largely about video and images from the world of travel. We thought it might be a good idea to not only reveal the best images of places within a news context, but also purely for their beauty and interesting qualities. So, in keeping with this, the images below we have run across are here for you to enjoy too. We invite you all to submit your own images for the readership as well.

Kiev International Film Festival 2011 News

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Visitors to Ukraine, particularly Kiev, will have the unique added attraction of the Kiev International Film Festival to take in. From September 15th until the 20th, Kiev will be a bit brighter than usual because of the added International stars visiting. The stars will come out to light up the Kiyv night.

Treasures Close at Heart: Romania’s Dan Chisovsky

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Like most searchers for the exquisite, the rare, the beautiful, many of our most extraordinary discoveries come from very near. Dan Chisovsky, award winning graphic designer, film director, and professor of animation for Romania’s Ministry of Education, is today’s Treasures of Eastern Europe profile today.

Turkey Events: The 18th Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

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If ever anyone dreamed of experiencing the performing arts from within the perfect venue, then Antalya and the Aspendos Antique Theatre is the place to be. Beginning in June 9th with a debut performance of Carmen by the İstanbul State Opera and Ballet, visitors to Antalya can enjoy the 18th Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, but one magical event in Turkey’s 2011 repertoire.

Get the Treatment at Piestany – Slovakia’s Best Kept Secret

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For your upcoming trip to Eastern Europe, Slovakia in particular, the Concours D´Elegance “Golden Ribbons” classic car show in Piešťany is a chance to kill two birds with one visit. Sponsored by the world famous Health Spa Piešťany, the show runs from June 2nd until June 5th.

Sundown Marathon Singapore: Sleep Can Wait

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In news from Singapore, the annual Sundown Marathon takes place there today. Thousands of competitors from around the world will take part in a sports festival and three distance running events, all for charity. When a great run is at hand, and others are in need, Sleep Can Wait – the organizers say.

The Top 5 Memorial Day Weekend Destinations

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Hampton Inn recently announced the top 10 weekend getaway destinations in America. This Memorial Day Argophilia Travel News selects 5 of these as great party and celebration spots for your holiday. And something more, a tribute to those who gave their all for freedom and ongoing celebrations.