Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

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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.

Using Big Data for Breakfast

Phil Butler

For a few years now digital experts have discussed the importance of “personalization”, the so-called “guest experience.” While the concept is not a new one, like so many marketing or “buzz” terms, the reality of providing real customer value is often lost in the shuffle. Is Big Data really so useful? Can your business leverage […]

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.