The EU has now granted fee visa privileges to Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina in an effort to spur democratic reforms and progress. These two Balkan republics’ citizens can now travel freely within the Schengen area, basically all of the EU. Officials warn of a withdrawal of privileges should serious problems with immigration ensue.
Eastern Europe
Winexpo Serbia 2010 – International Wine Festival Opens Today
The “Winexpo Serbia” (Winexpo Srbija in Serbian) Autumn International Wine Festival opened today in Novi Sad.
Direct Holidays Named the Best Tour Operator to East and Southern Europe 2010
The company has recently launched its summer 2011 range, featuring, among others, two Eastern European destinations, Turkey and Greece; and one Eurasian – Cyprus.
EU and Russia: Free Visa Talks at Standstill
Travel and tourism for Russia is up this year despite slow progress on the free visa issue. The EU’s apparent stalling of Russia on free travel is holding up what could be a boom for the industry worldwide. Business between the EU and the Russian Federation could take many countries out of the recession with expanded cooperation, so just why the EU is holding back makes little sense to many.
Macedonia’s Autumn Music Festival In Swing
Macedonia is in full musical swing this month with the Autumn Music Festival at the capital Skopje. This year’s cultural event promises to be the best ever, with performances from artists of the Balkans and beyond. For those who have never visited Macedonia, this may be the ideal time to acquaint themselves with this small but wonder laden treasure of the Balkans.
Smoking Ban in Poland
This month, Poland will become the 11th EU member state to ban indoor smoking in public spaces and areas of work.
Upcoming Travel Attractions: Latvia’s Festival of Light “Staro Rīga”
Latvia is best enjoyed at a slow pace, but it’s far from being slow when it comes to cultural events of all kinds. One of the most exciting attractions this year is the third Festival of light “Staro Rīga,” that will take place from 18 November to 21 November between 6:00 PM and 10 P.M. […]
What Ryanair Knows About Lithuania
Ryanair apparently knows something other airlines do not. With traffic to and from destinations like Lithuania growing exponentially, Ryanair’s overall strategy to help grow tourism seems to be paying off. Lithuania as an emerging economy has pretty much the same strategy with perhaps the lowest corporate tax rate in Europe. For travelers all this news spells “deal” basically.
Eastern Europe Takes Home World Travel Gold
The World Travel Awards reveal the leaders in the travel industry. This year’s winners actually represent the leading companies that are taking the industry through one of the most difficult times economically in history. Travel looks to lead the world out of recession, and Eastern Europe is significant among this year’s award winners.
Hungary Convention Tourism Booming This Year
Hungary is emerging as something of a conference tourism hub for Easter Europe. So far this year, the country’s conference attendees are up 76 percent, and growth in the segment is actually better than before the recession. Hungary tourism appears about ready to take off as maybe the first boom tourism economy out of the economic chaos.
Andros Island – Athenian Getaway – Almost Forgotten Jewel
The Cyladese Islands are well known Aegean getaways, but usually only day or weekend excursions for most travelers. This is why places like Andros Island are sometimes overlooked as holiday destinations. Andros has some of the most wonderful cultural and sightseeing opportunities of all the Islands, and hidden seaside treasures to compete with any in the world.
Marriott International Adds Three New Renaissance Hotels for Europe
Marriott International announces three new Renaissance hotels in Europe. Two hotels in France, and one in Switzerland, bring Marriott’s projects total 27. Evidently the company’s promise to double their presence in Europe by 2015 is on track.