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Europe OTA's

HouseTrip – A Startup Taking Aim At Travel Alternatives

2011-07-31 by Phil Butler

The HouseTrip landing

TechCrunch reported on a fascinating startup in April, a new take on vacation rentals called HouseTrip. The news back then was about the Swiss startup’s $2.7 million in funding from Index Ventures, but today it looks as if the company is spending the money wisely. Let’s take a look under the hood of what my old friend Steve O’Hear called; “another play in the holiday apartments space.”

Tags: Arnaud Bertrand, Budapest travel, Europe apartments, Europe hotels, Europe OTA's, Europe travel, HomeAway, Kempinski Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Le Méridien Budapest, online travel, startup funding, startups, Stay.com, travel startup, travel tips, travel tools, vacation homes

Opodo Deal Worth Over Half a Billion

2011-02-10 by Phil Butler

Opodo Austria landing page

Just about every news outlet in Europe is all a buzz about private equity firm Axa, and Permira headed for a deal to buy Amadeus’ Opodo. The OTA started in Germany in 2001, if the deal goes through as suggested, will be worth between $500 and $700 million. An unnamed source at Amadeus IT Holding SA told Reuters the sketch details of the negotiations.

Tags: Amadeus, Argophilia Travel, Axa, eDreams, Europe OTA's, European travel, GoVoyages, online travel, Opodo, OTA's, Permira, travel agency, travel companies, travel technology

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Featured Stories

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Why We Embrace AI

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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Your go-to guide for foraging cretan horta

Stories of Interest

Arvi banana festival AI illustration

Arvi’s Banana Festival Returns from 7 to 9 August

2026-07-25 By Argophilia Travel News

The 8th Arvi Banana Festival returns to southern Crete from August 7–9, 2026, with live music, theater, family entertainment, and Cretan hospitality.

Heraklion shelter AI illustration.

Heraklion Plans 20-Bed Support Center as Housing Shortage Strains Social Services

2026-07-25 By Mihaela Lica Butler

The Municipality of Heraklion is planning a new 20-bed support center for vulnerable residents, acknowledging that the city’s biggest challenge isn’t visible homelessness, but finding affordable housing for people who need a fresh start.

Municipal Market of Chania April 26 2026

Great News, Chania! The Municipal Market Reopening Is Only Four Years Behind Schedule

2026-07-25 By Arthur Butler

Chania completes tenant auctions for the historic Agora, targeting a December 4, 2026 grand reopening with a focus on local Cretan products.

affordable fitness

Heraklion Municipal Gyms Offer Affordable Fitness Across Two Modern Facilities

2026-07-25 By Manuel Santos

Heraklion Municipality opens modern fitness facilities at Pagkritio Stadium and Pateles for €30/month with full disability access.

Heraklion July rain

Summer Downpour Takes Heraklion by Surprise

2026-07-25 By Argophilia Travel News

Unseasonable summer rain surprises Heraklion as EMY issues weather warnings across Greece for lightning, hail, and squalls.

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