Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

Crete’s Famous But Remote Treasures: Elafonisi Beach

Phil Butler

For those out there headed to Crete, driving the countryside is one of the great treats of this marvelous island destination. What’s more, navigating the well maintained Crete roads is a welcome adventure with mountain goats and sheep a plenty to keep visitors company. One such “discovery path”, the road to famous Elaphonisi Beach, is the spotlight of Argo today.

International Theatre Festival Sibiu FITS 2014 “Now Showing”

Aleksandr Shatskih

Going on right now in Romania, the International Theatre Festival in Sibiu FITS is one of the most important performing arts fests in all Europe. Over half a million visitors are expected to take part this year in between June 6th and June 15th.

Q & A With Sion Rapson of the World Travel Awards

Phil Butler

Recently I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Sion Rapson (at left), and industry expert of merit who has helped the world recognize excellence in the travel industry immeasurably. Rapson, Director of Global Business for the distinguished World Travel Awards, spoke candidly before and after a Q & A for Eye for Travel. The full interview and some added takeaways are cited below, followed by a brief summary.

Bulgaria’s 2014 Tourism Boom: Help Wanted

Aleksandr Shatskih

With the summer season in full swing now news from Bulgaria’s tourism industry tells of Black Sea resorts there in dire need of skilled workers to meet demand. According to the director of labor there, Dobrich Vasil Sivkov, there’s hundreds of vacancies in the industry.

Kataklysmos Festival of the Flood 2014: Cyprus Gets Wet

Phil Butler

Coming up this month, the 2014 Kataklysmos (Flood) Festival hits Cyprus in towns and cities across the island. From Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Paralimni, Ayia Napa and beyond, tourists and local islanders mingle in June for games and frolic on one of the world’s most coveted island paradises.

Hyatt to Open Second New Armenia Hotel

Aleksandr Shatskih

In hotel news from Armenia, a new Hyatt property is slated to open in 2015. The Hyatt Jermuk will reportedly be an 88-room new-build hotel in the center of Jermuk Resort.

Poland Votes Down Winter Games Bid: Slovakia Loses in Turn

Aleksandr Shatskih

A bit of bad news for Poland and Slovakia, a referendum vote from the Polish city of Krakow carried out May 26 tells of citizens in the Polish city wanting to withdraw a bid for the Winter Olympic Games in 2022, part of which was to have taken place in Slovakia.

Sofitel Tirana Palace On the Build

Aleksandr Shatskih

Luxury hotel chain Sofitel announced last week a management agreement for the new Sofitel Tirana Palace in Albania’s capital city. Located just a few kilometers from the city center in Tirana, the hotel is a mix of Greco-Roman architecture and Versailles-like splendor inside.

Russia’s Putin Honors Sergei Mikhalkov

Phil Butler

A monument to the famous Russian poet, writer, publicist and soldier Sergei Mikhalkov was dedicated today by President Vladimir Putin. The unique creative heritage Mikhalkov contributions added significantly to the rich Russian heritage and history.