Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

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CHAT Begins for China-World Tourism Interconnect

Aleksandr Shatskih

News today from a new hotels industry meetup called “CHAT” shows directed knowledge and influence aimed at China’s hotel and tourism industry. This new summit being held at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing this week promises expanded interrelationships in between European and Chinese decision makers.

Brussels Travel Advisory: Threat Level 4

Aleksandr Shatskih

The UK and other governments have issued a travel advisory for citizens traveling throughout Europe in the wake of the Brussels bombings. Explosions at Zaventem International Airport today, 22 March, 2016, accompanied by another blast at Maalbeek station in central Brussels, have caused fairly major travel disruptions and concern.

Boutique Hotels Get Aboard the Big Data Train

Aleksandr Shatskih

Big Data is catching on in the hospitality industry but it’s not just the biggest hotels that are leading the revolution. Smaller, boutique hotels are rapidly becoming data-driven too, using analytics to track and meet the demands of chosen demographic.

The Hotel Business and Critical Mass

Phil Butler

Any hotel executive reading this will have arrived here via social media, Google, or as a direct reader via RSS feed. The same reader is probably reading during a commute, on a smart device, or using an iPad for night table reading. Technology has almost overnight, changed our personal and business lives in ways we never could have imaged even 5 years ago.

If Schengen Borders Go Up, Billions Will Be Lost

Phil Butler

According to news from various sources, the 26-country Schengen area could suffer a huge blow to its tourism sector stemming from the migrant crisis. Border formalities once eliminated to facilitate ease of travel, may soon be re-instituted if the crisis persists. Some experts fear, if the Schengen zone goes, the EU won’t be far behind.

Athens, Off-Season

Aleksandr Shatskih

Ariana Hendrix, content editor for Stay.com, shares her impressions of Athens off season. See what she discovered in this ancient city, and learn what’s interesting to see when you don’t have to face masses of tourists.

Why Is Every Hotel Not Selling Rooms Via Bidroom?

Phil Butler

When was the last time you really compared the prices you pay for hotels stays? If you are like most people, time is never on your side, and loyalty or brand awareness simply must play a role in your travel decision making processes. A Dutch startup a friend recommended, Bidroom addresses several problems caused by […]

Expedia Accelerator: Step Right Up, You Hotelier Fools

Phil Butler

Yesterday I wrote a short post on LinkedIn “Pulse” with my view on Expedia’s new “Accelerator” marketplace. The experiment where hoteliers get to bid for the hotels’ visibility on the OTA, it resembles a carnival act for me. At least one comment on my LinkedIn, suggesting I was a mean spirited ranter because of my […]

20 Years Ahead: Woody Wade on Hotel Yearbook 2036

Aleksandr Shatskih

Argo takes a look at the making, of a future look back at how the hotel industry is today. For those of you confused already, this interview with award winning author, Woody Wade about the upcoming collaborative of Hsyndicate, ESSEC Business School and others for 2016, the download Hotel Yearbook 2036.

Chinese Bloggers on Tour in the Northern Caucasus

Aleksandr Shatskih

Roman Chuev, General Director of the Mineralnye Vody International Airport, announced earlier this week a Chinese blogger tour slated to help boost tourism in the North Caucasus District. Our question is; “Hey, where is our invitation?”

EU Threatens to Restrict Passport-Free Travel

Phil Butler

The European Union is all set to restrict passport-free travel over the imminent refugee crisis. By invoking an emergency rule to impose controls at several borders, EU officials may reverse the decades old expansionist policy for passport free travel across Europe.