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Carl Sparks

OTA CEOs: Part III

2011-12-09 by Phil Butler

Reception and perception

Continuing our series on decision makers in the online travel world, Argo jumps back in to an interesting Q & A session between reporters from USA Today and leading CEOs. Veronica Gould Stoddart and Roger Yu caught up with 6 top bosses at the recent PhoCusWright conference in Hollywood, Fla. We take up where we left off, analyzing answers to some key tech trend questions.

Tags: Auggie Doggie, Barney Hartford, Carl Sparks, Expedia, GHX, Global Hotel Exchange, HotelNewsNow, Jason Q. Freed, Jeffery Boyd, Magnuson Hotels, online travel, Orbitz, Orbitz Worldwide, Priceline.com, Scott Durchslag, Tom Magnuson, Travelocity, TripAdvisor, USA TODAY

OTA CEOs: Part II

2011-12-07 by Phil Butler

Travel offerings from archaic OTAs

Yesterday we began a series on online travel agency CEOs, and a recent interview conducted by USA TODAY’s Veronica Gould Stoddart and Roger Yu. We analyzed a bit, some key decision makers’ mindset on the question of whether consumers want (will get) richer content from these industry giants during their travel searches. Expedia, Orbitz, TripAdvisor, parent Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline bosses all had their views there.

Tags: Barney Harford, Carl Sparks, CEO, Expedia, Jeffery Boyd, Orbitz, OTA's, Priceline.com, Scott Durchslag, travel companies, Travelocity, TripAdvisor

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At Argophilia, we believe in using every tool at our disposal to bring you the stories that matter. You may notice a certain precision in our data analysis, a specific flair in our visuals, or a rapid turnaround on complex topics. That is no accident—it is the result of our rampant use of artificial intelligence.

We use Gemini to help synthesize data, structure our reporting, and ensure our news remains as sharp as the reality we cover. When it comes to our imagery, we rely on the creative power of Midjourney and NightCafe, unless otherwise noted in our editorial credits.

We are not apologetic for this. In a fast-moving world, these tools allow us to focus on what really counts: investigating the issues, giving a voice to the marginalized, and maintaining the journalistic integrity you expect from us. We see AI not as a replacement for human judgment, but as an engine that amplifies our ability to inform, analyze, and tell the truth about our island and beyond.

We are writers and journalists first—but we are proud to be tech-enabled ones, too.

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Jellyfish have been reported near Paleokastro and other beaches in Heraklion, and swimmers are urged to take care when entering the water.

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A French tourist was found dead at sea off Mades near Agia Pelagia after an extensive search involving the Coast Guard, fishermen, divers, and aerial resources.

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2026-09-20 By Victoria Udrea

Repeated power outages across Heraklion have left households and businesses counting losses, with restaurants reporting spoiled food, canceled bookings and lost revenue during Crete’s tourist season.

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