According to news from Moscow, Aeroflot is one of several state-owned entities the Russian government is currently considering as part of an accelerated privatization plan.
Russia
Tour Companies Rule Sochi Tourism
The head of Russia’s tourism agency, Oleg Safonov told reporters of increased sales volume for Sochi vacations were up over the previous year, and that overall occupancy spiked to 80%. Sochi was visited by some 6 million grouists last year. Mr. Safonov said the demand for Sochi rooms went up largely because of the Formula 1, and other premier events.
Russia’s Medvedev Cements Crimea Preservatives
In news from Crimea, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has just signed a decree naming more than 220 cultural heritage sites in Crimea. The decree creates a legal framework for setting about preserving, popularizing, and protecting cultural heritage on the Crimea peninsula.
Abrau-Durso: Russia’s Wine Hideaway
Just 14 kilometers from Novorossiysk, Abrau-Durso it is a small mountain village famous for its inherent beauty, and for being the home of Russia’s sparkling wines.
Vladivostok and the Russia Far East’s Rising Tide
Due to open next month, the first in a series of luxurious casinos inside the Primorye Entertainment Zone in Russia’s Far East is scheduled to open. Russia’s Far East may supplant Macau and Las Vegas as a gambling Mecca.
Merry Christmas, Mother Russia
Across Russia today orthodox Christians are celebrating their Christmas with unique cheer. January 7th, the 40 days of Lent preceding having been observed, sees the day dawn on a national holiday a glitter with celebratory cheer. Here’s wishing a Merry Christmas to all Mother Russia, and a remembrance from my fellow Americans. “Judge not, and […]
Crimea entices vast investor potential
In September RIA Novosti announced a possible China investment in the Crimea via the head of the Chamber of Commerce of Simferopol, Alexander Basov.
InterContinental Introduces Holiday Inn Express to Russia
Big news from leading hotels group IHG, one of the world’s leading hospitality brands has announced their launch of the Holiday Inn Express® brand across Russia.
A Look at Crimea and Ukraine in a European Time Capsule
To better understand eastern Europe, one has to understand how the whole continent of Europe developed over the centuries. As the world watches events in Crimea and Ukraine develop today, it’s important that we understand the nature of conflict and society, and of borders.
5 Lesser Known East Europe Travel Gems
Photographer Cristina Drafta talks about the Eastern Europe she loves. Find out about coffee in Istanbul, the Paris of Siberia, Irkutsk, and much more.
Aeroflot’s Low-Cost Carrier Dobrolet Starts Commercial Flights
Aeroflot (Moscow Exchange ticker: AFLT) announces that Dobrolet, its wholly owned low-cost carrier subsidiary, has completed its first commercial flight from Moscow to Simferopol.
Weight of Ukraine Unrest, Sanctions, Threaten EU Economies
The Ukraine unrest unfolding, US and NATO versus Russia challenges and sanctions, threaten to unravel any hope of continued EU economic recovery. This, according to an ITAR-TASS report, must be weighed against European Commission contentions. Whatever the case for western EU nations, tourism and other sectors in eastern Europe will certainly be stifled.
Moldova Gets Visa Free Status: NATO Gets Ally?
The European Commission has granted Moldovan citizens no visas travel to the EU beginning on today. In a move the EU says will deepen the relationship with East European nation in “defiance of Russia”, Moldova would seem to be a pawn in a much larger NATO game. In this report from Reuters, it’s made clear Moldova, […]
A New Cold War Nightmare: The Big Tourism Slump to Come
Already the conflict between west and east over Ukraine is having its negative effect on travel. 2014 was shaping up as a very positive year for Europe travel, but with fewer Russians planning trips abroad, the upcoming May holidays will be the first tourism casualties of a new Cold War detentes. A just now emerging travel industry, can ill afford a slippage of bookings.
Albania: A Look at Peripheral #Ukraine Effects
The crisis in Ukraine now threatens western Balkans nations like Albania with further stalled economies and more. Even despite the recent announcement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Urban Development and Tourism of Albania to commit to working together to promote tourism in Albania, the gridlocked detentes in between the US, EU, Britain, and Russia over Ukraine may well spell disaster for all Balkan’s travel.
Attending Sochi Winter Olympics? How Dangerous Are We Talking?
Only 11 days left till the XXII Olympic Winter Games begin in Sochi, Russia, and travelers must be concerned over security. But just how concerned should they be?
Not to Miss in September: Moscow City Day
When you hear Moscow, you might automatically think of the beautiful and colorful Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Russia’s capital, a masterpiece of Russian architecture. Regardless of what tourist attraction you think of first, if you are planning to visit Moscow in September then you shouldn’t miss the Moscow City Holiday. This is an annual festival […]
Time Lapse Video of Russia’s Victory Day
On May 9th people in the Russian Federation celebrated Victory Day, a holiday in memorial of the millions of Russian’s who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against fascist aggression. The victory over Nazi Germany by Russia and her allies can never truly be fathomed, and surely never forgotten. We found a wonderful time lapse video of the festivities in Moscow via Russia English this morning.
Putin’s Russia Vision Continues: The New Mariinsky Theatre
Visitors to St. Petersburg interested in the arts will now be able to enjoy a fabulous new Mariinsky Theatre, a showplace reminiscent of the golden age of Russian arts. Opened last week by President Vladimir Putin at a star studded gala, the new building of the theater is considered by many a symbol of Russia’s re-emergence as a cultural and economic giant. Under the personal patronage of Putin, the Imperial wealth of Russia is somehow rejuvenated.
Saving Our Seas for Tomorrow: The Baltic
A recent conference in St. Petersburg, Russia saw the heads of the Baltic Sea States meet up to discuss protecting the already heavily polluted Baltic, and each country’s responsibility for the task. With environmental sustainability on every leaders lips these days, we thought we would take a look at the ups and downs of one of the world’s most fascinating seas.