Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

Lviv All Set For Winter Olympics Bid

Aleksandr Shatskih

The Ukrainian city of Lviv’s proposed bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics looks set to go ahead following the endorsement of Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Borys Kolesnikov, who said in an interview that he’s confident of the city’s chances of success.

Ukraine Stirs Up Tourism Collaboration

Aleksandr Shatskih

Ukraine’s State Agency for Tourism and Resorts, along with the German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ), have begun discussions for mutually promoting Ukraine tourism. According to the official news a round-table on: “The issue of creating systemic conditions for forming and promotion of national tourism product in the domestic and international markets”, has already been held in Kiev.

Winter Olympics Ski Resort Opens for New Season

Aleksandr Shatskih

Russia’s newly-revamped Olympic ski resort near Krasnaya Polyana is reaching out to the world’s leading travel agencies as part of its plans to establish itself as a premiere ski holiday destination ahead of the 2014 Winter Games.

WTTC Highlights Tourism’s Importance to Russian Economy

Aleksandr Shatskih

The importance of Russia’s travel and tourism industry to its economy was recently underlined in a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which showed that it has now become even more important than the country’s highly prized chemical and automotive industries.

Shakira Rocks Baku at FIFA U-17 Women’s WC

Aleksandr Shatskih

World famous pop icon Shakira took to the stage in Baku last weekend, dazzling audiences with a memorable performance to mark the closing ceremony of this year’s FIFA U-17 Women`s World Cup, before repeating the trick the very next day with an hour-long show at the city’s Crystal Hall.

Halloween in Transylvania: A Dracula Tour with Argophilia

Mihaela Lica Butler

The scenery puts Twilight to shame: eerie landscapes stretch all around, sparkling under white powder, while in the distance, the wolves begin their macabre incantations. It’s time for the children of the night. Where will you find sanctuary?

Estonia Operators Criticize Tourism Plan

Aleksandr Shatskih

Estonia’s government has signaled its intention to make tourism one of the cornerstones of its economy with the launch of an ambitious, seven-year development plan that it hopes will boost the export of tourist industry services by 25%.

Lord of the Dance Hits Czech Cities

Aleksandr Shatskih

For travelers visiting the Czech Republic during the months of October and November, Lord of the Dance is performing newly choreographed performances with all new lighting effects at the O2 Aréna in Prague, among others.

Killy: Sochi Winter Olympics Set To Be Best Ever

Aleksandr Shatskih

With the Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony being less than 500 days away, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has applauded Russia for the pace of its preparations as it gears up to welcome the world to its premiere Black Sea resort.

Fascinating Destinations: New Roman Mosaic in Lycia

Phil Butler

Last month news of a massive Roman mosaic being unearthed in southern Turkey captured the imagination and interest of anyone interested in antiquity. Researchers unearthed what is the largest such mosaic in all Turkey, and one of the largest such decorative Roman artifacts in the world. The wonders of Turkey and antiquity make for a great Monday morning discovery. Look.

Abta Reveals New Trends Driving Euro Tourists

Aleksandr Shatskih

Economic pressures are ushering in a new trend in the travel industry, with increasing numbers of tourists placing higher value on price than they do with established brand names, according to new revelations from the Abta Travel Convention in Turkey.