Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

Montenegro Goes Ahead With Mamula Project

Phil Butler

In a controversial tourism move, Montenegro has made the decision to go ahead with plans to turn a former Italian fascist prison camp into a luxury resort. The former fortress on Mamula Island in the Bay of Kotor was a World War II concentration camp where dozens of local inmates reportedly died.

Azerbaijan Tourism Association Creates Travel App

Aleksandr Shatskih

The Azerbaijan Tourism Association (AzTa) is creating a mobile app guide service that will presumably attract more tourists and improving the quality of services in the country.

Georgia to See Visa Free Travel to EU

Aleksandr Shatskih

Good news for citizens of Georgia, the new Visa Liberalization arrangement issued by the EU Commission has reached the final stage. Now citizens will be able to travel without visas in 26 countries of the EU block.

TUI Says Bulgaria Is New Russia Booking Hot Spot

Aleksandr Shatskih

According to TUI Russia, Bulgaria may soon be the chosen destinations of Russian tourists intent on vacations this coming Summer. Travel Russian News reported o Friday, Bulgaria having garnered some 60% of early bookings by tourists so far.

Belarus’ Travel Industry Explores All-Inclusive System

Aleksandr Shatskih

A proposal for the Belarus travel industry to introduce a system of all-inclusive services is being discussed. According to the news, the Ministry of Sport and Tourism may collaborate with other agencies to promote and develop tourism events, marketing, and advertising.

Bulgaria Ministry Issues Greece Travel Warning

Aleksandr Shatskih

According to news from Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry, a new travel warning has been issued in connection with a general strike in Greece on February 4. The ministry has also issued an advisory on the continued difficulties at the border crossings between the two countries, prompted by the escalating blockades by Greek farmers.

Can Indian Tourist Rescue Eastern Europe Tourism?

Aleksandr Shatskih

Some 30 million Indians are expected to travel worldwide in the short term, tourism boards from Bucharest to Varna and beyond are seeking to woo these news tourists via marketing and trade shows.

Tour Companies Rule Sochi Tourism

Aleksandr Shatskih

The head of Russia’s tourism agency, Oleg Safonov told reporters of increased sales volume for Sochi vacations were up over the previous year, and that overall occupancy spiked to 80%. Sochi was visited by some 6 million grouists last year. Mr. Safonov said the demand for Sochi rooms went up largely because of the Formula 1, and other premier events.

Romania: Underrated and Affordable, Must See in 2016

Aleksandr Shatskih

Romania is regarded by many specialty publications as one of the must see destinations of 2016. It is pretty affordable when it comes to accommodation and cost for entertainment. It also has other things to appeal to you:

To Russia With Love on Valentine’s Day

Aleksandr Shatskih

If the cliche romantic destinations have left you bored to tears the last few years, here’s some suggestions for spending Valentine’s Day 2016 with some real sex appeal. Travel like Bond, James Bond in From Russia With Love, only in the opposite direction. Here’s a brief selections of upcoming deals on the most romantic day of the year.