Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

World

Online Travel Aerial Warfare Update: American Sues Sabre

Phil Butler

The online airfare wars escalate as American files suit against Sabre in an attempt to force American’s “direct connect” initiative. With battle lines clearly drawn, can American Airlines win the real or PR war where going back to a closed system is concerned? Not likely, but the story is never the less interesting. Who will take American’s side is the burning question of the day?

Amadeus Enters the American Airlines Ticket Wars

Phil Butler

American Airlines started an online ticket war late last year they may not be able to finish. Now Amadeus is firing warning shots across the cockpits of airlines poised to go it via “direct connect” rather than relying on OTA’s to sell seats. In a bold but quiet move, one of the world’s biggest travel players takes sides with Expedia and Orbitz.

Hyatt Spas Begin 2011 with Exciting Spa Packages

Mihaela Lica Butler

Blue Marble Spa, named one of the “Top 10 Green Spas and Resorts” in the world by Organic Spa, will be offering two special treatments through the month of January to help guests renew their mind, body and spirit.

Getting There and Carried Away Airlines

Phil Butler

The recent war between online travel agents and major airlines heats up still more. But for the travel consumer, how will all this soap opera posturing effect prices and value? The answer is fairly simple, prices will go up, and services will go down. The trend to cut everything from jet fuel to aspirin is in place, and only a paradigm shift can alter that. Comparison pricing is the only consumer weapon for value. Expedia, Google, American Airlines, the customer, what is best for business only the customer can say.

The Gift of Art from Romania’s Eugen Mihai

Phil Butler

Argophilia is proud to announce another great gift of love from one of the world’s great photographic artists, Eugen Mihai. In keeping with Argophilia Travel’s vision to show the world the best of Eastern Europe, still another extraordinary talent has contributed inestimable worth to our project. We hope you enjoy today, and in the months to come, the award winning images of on Romania’s and Europe’s great photographers.

Is American Airlines Spinning Out of Control?

Phil Butler

The shakeup for air travel bookings online continues today with American Airlines’ contention that their ticket sales have never been better – even without Orbitz and Expedia. The airline neglects to point out an email marketing initiative instigated simultaneously with dumping Orbitz, and the fact that ticket sales for every airline have risen these last few days. What is the customer to make of supposedly trusted travel partners when low blows are the trend?

New Loyalty Program from Hilton Worldwide

Mihaela Lica Butler

Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s ten distinct hotel brands, announced its latest global promotion, More Nights, More Points – from January 3 through March 31, 2011.

JCDecaux Engages Passengers at Paris Airports

Phil Butler

JCDecaux and Aéroports de Paris team up to leverage advertising mediums at Paris airports. The two entities just announced a nine and a half year collaboration aimed at maximizing airport-passenger information and connectedness. Both Jean-Charles Decaux and Pierre Graff commented on the highly visible joint venture.

Are Airlines Unringing the Online Travel Bell?

Phil Butler

The war between online travel companies and airlines is heating up. Expedia counters American Airline’s move to dump Orbitz, as Delta begins its abandonment of smaller OTA’s. Can online travel giants win out over the service providers they actually depend on? Much depends on the customer in the end.

Unspoiled Beach Getaway – Pulai Desaru

Phil Butler

Most people never think of Malaysia as the perfect spot for a romantic seaside getaway, but most people are often wrong about such things. After all, Malaysia is almost all coast. Argophilia Travel News introduces Desaru Beach, one of the most pristine and secluded stretches of beach in Asia. Jungle meets the sea here, but that does not mean couples will have to sleep in a dugout or tent. Luxury accommodations are just a stone’s throw away.