Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Russian Federation

Russia – EU Tourism Glee: Has the Boat Sailed

Phil Butler

Russian Federation Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is all over the news of late. First running for the Presidency again, and today talking about something termed a “Eurasian Union”-or as some proclaim – a soviet bloc party renewed. But, Putin’s ideas could well solve any number of points of pain for his people.

Best Winter Trips in Eastern Europe 2012

Mihaela Lica Butler

Chilling temperatures, and fields of white, when winter arrives, with all its magic, the world of travel puts on its mittens, and gets ready to live life to the fullest… Argophilia Travel News editors have picked five of the best winter destinations in Eastern Europe for you.

InterContinental Hotels Plans Russian Expansion

Aleksandr Shatskih

The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signaled its intention to expand into emerging markets in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, with the announcement of plans to open 100 hotels in the region by 2020.

World’s Biggest Best Western Opens in Russia

Aleksandr Shatskih

In hotel news from Moscow, Best Western International opens their first hotel in Russia. The Best Western Vega Hotel & Convention Centre in Moscow, it not only the chain’s first Russia entry, but the franchise’s largest hotel ever.

My Planet Travel Awards Voting Begins

Aleksandr Shatskih

In news from My Planet Travel Awards, people in the Russian Federation have just a couple of day remaining before voting starts on what amounts to that nation’s most massive awareness campaign that will certainly jump start Russia’s hospitality initiatives. Over 100 International and Russian companies are participating in this year’s awards, according to the news. Outbound Russian travelers have their say on hotels around the world.

Ostrovok Launches Russia’s “Sure Thing” Travel Site

Phil Butler

The need for Russia to enter the digital age where online travel visibility is concerned may have just been met. In news from Moscow, entrepreneurs there have just raised another round of $13.6 million for Ostrovok, Russia’s answer to Expedia. The new travel portal may have Russian travel sewn up, but what about travel TO Russia?

Russian Bulgaria Sinking Reveals Systemic Problem

Phil Butler

The sinking of a Russian Federation tourist boat in the Volga is the second transportation catastrophe there in as many days. The death of at least 24, with more than 100 still missing, prompted President Medvedev to begin a wide scale safety blitz.

Transaero Starts 777 Service Russia to Canada

Aleksandr Shatskih

In news from Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest passenger carrier announces beginning operating Boeing 777 service between Moscow and Toronto. According to their press, Transero will offer an unprecedented four class configured service between the two largest cities in either country.

Tough Love for Mother Russia: Stop the Touristic Horror

Phil Butler

In news from the Moscow Times, tourism to the Russian Federation has taken a hit this year so far as excessive costs and red tape have stifled European inbound travel there. According to the newspaper, the first quarter of 2011 saw a 24% decline in tourists from Europe. With the Sochi Olympic just around the corner, it may be time for half measures to cease.

Unseen Russia (Part 2)

Aleksandr Shatskih

Continuing where we left off yesterday, here’s the second installment of our series on ‘Unseen Russia’. The more ghoulish amongst Argophilia fans won’t be able to get enough of the Tsoi-Pede Necropolis in war-torn Chechnya – Russia’s very own take on the City of the Dead. Yet again we have to rely on legends to […]