Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

Dotcomhotel Hospitality Conference Comes to Turkey 2016

Aleksandr Shatskih

Since 2013, the dotcomhotel conferences have visited European capitals to offer industry networking and expert  talks/workshops to industry decision makers. This year, for the first time, the conference organizers have created an event for Antalya, Turkey. Scheduled for May 9th-10th 2016 at the award winning Akra Barut Hotel, this Turkish meetup promises to be a bit unique […]

Russia’s Sokolov hopeful on rejoining Egyptian Tourism

Aleksandr Shatskih

Last Friday, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov told reporters flights to Egypt may resume this Summer. Answering questions all during last week at various meetups, the minister expressed hope that the vital touristic links in between Russia and Egypt might be reconnected.

Croatia-Russia Tourism Team Formed

Aleksandr Shatskih

In news from the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA), a Croatian delegation, lead by the deputy tourism minister Robert Pauletić, has meet with key influential decision makers at the MITT fair in Moscow to discuss better cooperation in between the two countries. The Ministry of Tourism reported earlier this week on establishing a Croatian-Russian working team for tourism cooperation.

Moscow Tourists Increase by 3 Million in 3 Years

Aleksandr Shatskih

Touristic flows to the Moscow region have increased by some 3 million visitors a year over the last three years, according to the First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Moscow region, Olga Zubrilova.

Belarus and China Close to Visa-Free Travel Agreement

Aleksandr Shatskih

Beginning in April, visa-free travels between Belarus and China will be allowed for organized tourist groups. According to Vadim Karmazin, Director of the Tourism Department of the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry, a new protocol has been set up in between the two countries, to allow for mutual visa free travel.

Eurovision 2016 Contenders: Armenia’s Iveta Mukuchyan

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

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.

Coming Up: The Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Exhibition

Aleksandr Shatskih

This year is the fifteenth anniversary of the Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (AITF). The region’s leading travel expo, that showcases travel industry offerings across the Caspian. Key meetups, workshops, programs, networking, and product offerings top the list of activities for participants and attendees of AITF 2016.

Vola OTA Announces Record Profits

Aleksandr Shatskih

Increase from online business from OTA Vola totalled some €63.2 million euro for the four countries the online travel agency covers. According to the news, Vloa in Romania, Poland, Ukraine, and Vietnam increased revenue by over 50% in some cases.

Bulgaria Expects Record Summer Bookings

Aleksandr Shatskih

At this month’s ITB Berlin, Bulgaria pulled out all the stops to publicize its Black Sea resorts. Hoping to cash in on the more recent geo-political shift that has diverted from Egypt and other destinations, officials of Bulgaria’s tourism ministries showed optimism at Europe’s biggest travel event.