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Kostas Raptis is a reporter living in Heraklion, Crete, where he covers the fast-moving world of AI and smart technology. He first discovered the island in 2016 and never quite forgot it—finally making the move in 2022. Now based in the city he once only dreamed of calling home, Kostas brings a curious eye and a human touch to the stories shaping our digital future.

Faye Hits New Heights with $31M Series B Funding

2024-07-31 by Kostas Raptis

Faye app

Travel startup Faye has secured $31 million in Series B funding, increasing its overall funding to $49 million.

Blackbird Unveils Innovative Restaurant Payment Platform

2024-07-31 by Kostas Raptis

Blackbird

Blackbird Labs has introduced Blackbird Pay, a cutting-edge payment product designed to boost restaurant economics.

Museum of Ice Cream Opens Permanent Location at Miami Worldcenter

2024-07-31 by Kostas Raptis

Museum of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) is set to reopen in Miami with a new permanent spot at Miami Worldcenter, starting September 6th.

NextTrip Introduces Advanced Group Booking Platform

2024-07-31 by Kostas Raptis

NextTrip logo

NextTrip has launched a direct-to-consumer Group Booking Platform featuring proprietary technology. Positive feedback from early testers.

Virginia State Parks Innovate with Colorblind Accessible EnChroma Viewfinders

2024-07-30 by Kostas Raptis

Virginia State Parks have set a national precedent by installing EnChroma-adapted viewfinders at all 43 of their locations.

New Ergonomic and Eco-Friendly Lounge at Sofia Airport Terminal 2

2024-07-30 by Kostas Raptis

Sofia Airport Terminal 2 lounge

Passengers at Sofia Airport Terminal 2 can now unwind and recharge in a new area, featuring ergonomic and ecological design.

Tencent Launches “Microcosm”: A Virtual Tour of Beijing’s Central Axis

2024-07-29 by Kostas Raptis

Microcosm

As part of Beijing Central Axis digitalization efforts, the digital version, Microcosm, officially launched this month.

Important Update: Handwritten Restaurant Receipts No Longer Accepted Starting August 1, 2024

2024-07-29 by Kostas Raptis

restaurant receipts

Visitors and residents in Greece should note that from August 1, 2024, they should no longer accept handwritten restaurant receipts. As of Thursday, August 1, restaurants will be required to issue receipts through machines like registered tills or tax receipt printers. Printed Receipts: A New Standard for Greek Restaurants Starting August 1, 2024, restaurants in […]

YouTrip Unveils Bank Withdrawal Feature for E-Wallet Users

2024-07-28 by Kostas Raptis

YouTrip

On July 23, 2024, YouTrip announced that users can transfer money from their YouTrip e-wallet to their bank accounts, a previously unavailable feature. This new capability addresses one of the top user requests, adding a significant layer of convenience. Since its inception, YouTrip has continuously enhanced its services, including Apple Pay and Google Pay integrations […]

Water Theft in Messara

2024-07-28 by Kostas Raptis

Faneromeni Dam

The region of Messara is facing a dire water shortage, prompting a state of emergency. The Faneromeni dam, serving as the primary water source, has seen its levels plummet due to illegal water pumping, scant rainfall, and high temperatures. The Faneromeni Dam, vital for water supply and irrigation, has witnessed a staggering decline in water […]

AEGEAN Carries Team Hellas to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games

2024-07-27 by Kostas Raptis

Aegean Airlines go greece

A dedicated AEGEAN aircraft, adorned with the message “Go Greece” on the livery, carried Team Hellas from Athens to Paris on Wednesday, July 24.

Tension Mounts in Platanias Municipality Over Water Shortage

2024-07-26 by Kostas Raptis

water shortage

Water shortage hits Platanias hard. Learn about the mounting tension and how it’s affecting residents. Keep updated on this unfolding crisis.

IBS Software Travel Disruption Survey

2024-07-25 by Kostas Raptis

IBS Software Travel Disruption Survey

Aviation workers indicate that a staggering 72% have faced intimidation, yelling, or physical harm during travel disruptions.

The Benefits of Building a Brand-New Home

2024-07-23 by Kostas Raptis

Beach rental

There are a number of benefits to building a new home to your particular specifications and requirements that can be done with the assist of home estimating services. Many people are choosing the path of personal home development over buying an established house in Australia.  From clear advantages like customisation to suit specific requirements to […]

CrowdStrike Update Affects Flights in Grece

2024-07-20 by Kostas Raptis

airport

A global system failure caused by an update by CrowdStrike crashed Microsoft’s operating systems. This incident caused substantial delays and cancellations for 1,390 international flights, disrupting airports and various industries worldwide. Major international airports grappled with information system failures, primarily affecting the boarding and disembarking processes. Heraklion’s “Nikos Kazantzakis” airport faced secondary issues, leading to […]

Evoy and Platypus Craft Partner to Innovate in Ecotourism

2024-07-19 by Kostas Raptis

Platypus Craft

In early 2025, Platypus Craft will feature twin Evoy Outboard Breeze 120+ hp electric outboard motors in their Yacht Edition craft. This enhancement promises to transform marine exploration, offering eco-friendly, semi-submersible adventures.

Bulgaria May Tourism: Surge in Foreign Tourists and Hotel Revenues

2024-07-18 by Kostas Raptis

Bulgaria travel

Significant Increase in Hotel Revenues In May, Bulgarian hotels experienced a notable rise in revenue, reaching BGN 116 million—an impressive 32.2% increase over the same period in 2023. Foreign tourists contributed BGN 58.8 million to this total, slightly surpassing the BGN 57.1 million spent by local guests. Key Revenue Highlights: Growth in Overnight Stays The […]

Venice to Increase Tourist Tax in 2025

2024-07-17 by Kostas Raptis

Over tourism

Venice’s trial run with a tourist payment system aimed at reducing crowd sizes had minimal success. Introduced in April, the scheme charged daytrippers arriving on congested days a 5 euro fee. The experiment, closely monitored by other European destinations, spanned just 29 days and concludes this Sunday, prompting a review period to determine the project’s […]

Belgrade Faces Extreme Heat by 2050

2024-07-17 by Kostas Raptis

Belgrade from the river

The Rising Need for Urban Green Spaces Urban green spaces play a crucial role in maintaining air quality and moderating city temperatures. In Belgrade, the massive rise in construction projects has slashed the amount of green cover, leading to increasingly harsh summer heat waves. Meteorologists predict that many parts of the Northern Hemisphere will continue […]

Festivals Impact Leisure Businesses, PASIKA Reports

2024-07-17 by Kostas Raptis

PwC Cyprus 2023 Real Estate Market Review

Public Events Hurting Business The Cyprus Association of Leisure Centre Owners (PASIKA) has voiced concerns over how festivals, concerts, and street parties are negatively impacting their businesses. The PASIKA Board of Directors reported that their members are experiencing financial difficulties due to numerous events being held throughout Cyprus, particularly in urban areas. They criticized these […]

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After years of delays, reviews, and dormant paperwork, the state is finally moving forward with the demolition of illegal structures along Crete’s coastline. In early January, the Decentralized Administration of Crete signed a works contract that clears the way for the execution of final demolition orders affecting beaches, the foreshore, forest land, and reforestation zones […]

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Kastelli Airport is “65% complete” again. Delays, timelines, optimism, and Crete’s legendary siga-siga culture collide.

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2026-01-01 By Kostas Raptis

Crete’s reputation often suffers from isolated incidents amplified into myths, but the island is safer than headlines suggest.

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Why Crete Smells Like Burned Olive Wood in Winter (And Why That’s Normal)

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From October to May, winter in Crete smells of burning olive wood. It looks illegal, feels confusing, and is completely normal — if you understand the island.

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Crete announces a €2.06 million cultural and sports programme for 2026, even as water shortages, infrastructure strain, and airport delays raise hard questions.

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