Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

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.

Bulgaria May Tourism: Surge in Foreign Tourists and Hotel Revenues

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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

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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

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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

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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 […]

Tourism Shortfall in Cyprus: A Serious Concern for 2024

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The Cyprus Hoteliers Association (PASYXE) President, Thanos Michaelides, has raised alarms about an anticipated shortfall of 30,000 tourists this season, resulting in a loss of €25 million in revenue. The need to extend the tourism season and ensure year-round hotel operations is critical. Doing so could mitigate labor market seasonality, strengthen local businesses, increase state […]