Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Russia

Tour Companies Rule Sochi Tourism

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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.

Merry Christmas, Mother Russia

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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 […]

Weight of Ukraine Unrest, Sanctions, Threaten EU Economies

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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.

A New Cold War Nightmare: The Big Tourism Slump to Come

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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

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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.

Not to Miss in September: Moscow City Day

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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

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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

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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

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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.