Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

People

Accor Names Picheral & Daines to Key Positions in Europe

Aleksandr Shatskih

In hospitality people moves, Accor has named Laurent Picheral as CEO Hotel Services Germany, Poland and Central Europe. Effective July 1, Picheral becomes a member of the executive committee of the group. Steven Daines is also slated to take over those operations for Benelux and beyond.

Eurovision Bows to “Rise Like a Phoenix”

Aleksandr Shatskih

Eurovision Song Contest variant 2014 was won by Austria and Conchita Wurst last night in Copenhagen. ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’, the more than somewhat controversial offering, grabbed the most points to take the prized title. Netherlands came in second behind Austria in the latter’s first win since 1966.

TUI Execs Honored by British Travel Industry Hall of Fame

Aleksandr Shatskih

TUI Travel has just announced their Group Director of Sustainable Development, Jane Ashton, and Managing Director Thomson Airways, Chris Browne having been honored at the 2014 British Travel Industry Hall of Fame annual dinner. Held at the Savoy in London last night, the TUI’s Ashton was presented with the ‘Ambassador Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Travel’ and Chris Browne was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Nordic Choice Names Malin Lanner Shared Services Head

Aleksandr Shatskih

Nordic Choice Hotels has just announced having named former hotel manager Malin Lanner as Head of Shared Services. With ambitions to optimized central services across the Nordic Choice properties, Lanner will be tasked with developing and managing operating supplies and hotel opening teams.

Study Reveals European Business Travellers Main Priorities

Aleksandr Shatskih

Safety, keeping in touch with friends and family, and a healthy diet were ranked among top priorities by European business travellers in a study conducted by The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and sponsored by AirPlus International. The 2013 European Business Traveller Well-Being Study also revealed European business travellers stresses and showed that they are […]

Eurovision 2013 Final Set: An Inferno of Talent

Phil Butler

The second semi-final of Eurovision 2013 took place last night in Malmo. Ten winners move forward to this weekend’s Grand Final that will reveal Europe’s best performer and song of the year. This year’s contest is loaded with more talent than any previous contest in memory, but a lot more by way of political and artistic expressiveness too.

Marina Bay Sands Hosts Branson’s “Carbon War Room”

Aleksandr Shatskih

One of the world’s most magnificent hotels, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands played host to Sir Richard Branson for a meetup of his Carbon War Room.
200 meters above ground at the Sands SkyPark. The media was invited to a press conference with Branson and other executives this week.

European Parliament Open House This Weekend

Aleksandr Shatskih

This Saturday the Festival of Europe begins in Brussels and Luxembourg and to commemorate the fest the European Parliament and other EU institutions will be open to the public. For those interested in witnessing how the Parliament works, this is a unique opportunity for a hands-on experience.