Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

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Russia Sanctions Radioactive for Russia and Europe Tourism

Phil Butler

According to news from Interfax, the market for visa services in Russia fell by some 37% in 2015, year on year. With the savage effects of sanctions and the interjection of stricter biometrics regulations for Schengen countries, a domino effect of negative economic volatility has ensued. The telltale fallout of economic warfare sinks in, as EU sanctions become touristic radioactive.

The Uniquely Compelling Appeal of Big Data

Phil Butler

Five years ago the world-wide-web was horrified at the concept of usable user data. Today every business from high fashion to the local laundry-mat wants to know how to convert customers via predictive intelligence. Technology is gearing up to meet a Big Data conundrum, as marketers wring their hands awaiting the golden ring that signifies an R-O-I bonanza. But at this stage of trend analysis, most experts agree that the analytics ship has not yet arrived. Here’s a succinct look at where we really are.

To Russia With Love on Valentine’s Day

Aleksandr Shatskih

If the cliche romantic destinations have left you bored to tears the last few years, here’s some suggestions for spending Valentine’s Day 2016 with some real sex appeal. Travel like Bond, James Bond in From Russia With Love, only in the opposite direction. Here’s a brief selections of upcoming deals on the most romantic day of the year.

Former Google Exec Dr. Stefan Tweraser Named SnapShot GmbH CEO

Aleksandr Shatskih

Hotel tech startup, SnapShot GmbH has announce the selection of former Google Germany director, Dr. Stefan Tweraser as the Austrian company’s CEO. Borrowing from the talents of this technology company manager, SnapShot hopes to fast forward development of a much anticipated new produce, as well as building a powerful business presence in the space.

On an Island of Hospitality Data: Using Pineapple Search

Phil Butler

Over the last dozen years I’ve tested just about every search technology that exists. From back in the so-called “search wars”, to new forms of AI and semantic intelligence, the ultimate goal of any search device is relevance for the user. Today I tested a little hospitality search engine called Pineapple Search.

HomeAway: The Latest Acquisitioin in Expedia Buying Spree

Aleksandr Shatskih

News from Expedia tells of the OTA’s coming purchase of holiday rental firm HomeAway. In a deal estimated at $3.9 billion, the Texas based startup could punch a hole in the alternative accommodations space for the famous brand.

Key Data Integrations for Hotel Intelligence

Phil Butler

Market segment, the new paradigm hotel revenue people seek to optimize and utilize, it can be an elusive beast. Using guest analytics and loyalty data will become more and more useful, but the key segments, and those data sets, will power the coming hotel operations shift toward predictive analytics. Here are some resources that should be […]

Another Collection of European Hotel Gems

Aleksandr Shatskih

Autumn is a special time of the year anywhere, but certainly in Europe. In the heart of the “old continent” hundreds of quaint, charming and often inspiring hotels stays await. Here’s a small selection of places our staff has either stayed or heard of via word of mouth. From Austria to Romania, this time of […]

Status Update: Predictive Analytics for Hotels

Phil Butler

What’s the one question every hotel owner, director, and revenue manager on Earth wants to ask about Big Data and predictive analytics? “Where’s the proof?” This is what’s missing from every conference presentation, and ever marketing pitch for tech tools that will jump start the new business intelligence (BI). For those in need of such […]

Abrau-Durso: Russia’s Wine Hideaway

Aleksandr Shatskih

Just 14 kilometers from Novorossiysk, Abrau-Durso it is a small mountain village famous for its inherent beauty, and for being the home of Russia’s sparkling wines.