Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

Festivals Impact Leisure Businesses, PASIKA Reports

Kostas Raptis

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 […]

Armenia Boosts Tourism with Visa-Free Travel for 67 Countries

Victoria Udrea

Despite its size, Armenia offers a rich historical and cultural experience. Yerevan, the capital, leads the way, blending ancient traditions with modern developments. Recent policies allowing visa-free travel for 67 countries, including Spain, the USA, and the UK, are spurring significant growth in Armenia’s tourism sector. Armenia’s history is marked by resilience and identity. The […]

Cyprus Hotels Face €25 Million Loss in Tourism Sector

Iorgos Pappas

Tourism Sector Challenges The tourism sector in Cyprus is bracing for a challenging year. An anticipated drop of 30,000 tourists translates into a severe financial setback, estimated at €25 million. Thanos Michaelides, president of the Cyprus Hotelier’s Association (Pasyxe), addressed these concerns in a recent statement to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). This downturn impacts […]

Assessing the Threshold of Extreme Heat for Human Survival

Argophilia Travel News

Understanding Human Limits in Extreme Heat Record-breaking heat waves have plagued the U.S. this summer, with at least 38 heat-related fatalities reported. As climate change drives rising temperatures, researchers strive to understand how high temperatures can climb before becoming unsurvivable without air conditioning. Experts are concerned about regions lacking reliable cooling systems, potentially facing mass […]

Tourism Decline in Cyprus: A Looming Crisis for Hoteliers

Victoria Udrea

Projected Losses and Industry Challenges The Cyprus Hoteliers Association (PASYXE) President Thanos Michaelides revealed alarming projections: the tourism sector faces a loss of 30,000 visitors and €25 million in revenue this season. He highlighted the need to extend the tourism season and enhance year-round hotel operations. According to Michaelides, this strategy would reduce labour market […]

Athens’ Surging Prices Shock Tourists

Iorgos Pappas

Traditional Greek Cuisine: A Pricey Affair Visitors to Athens are experiencing a mix of admiration and shock as they encounter elevated costs for local delicacies. Even travellers from affluent countries are taken aback by the steep prices for meals traditionally enjoyed at a fraction of the cost. One scenic restaurant, boasting an unparalleled view of […]

Cyprus Faces Significant Tourism Drop, Hoteliers Warn

Kostas Raptis

Cyprus Faces Significant Tourism Drop, Hoteliers Warn The Cyprus Hoteliers Association (PASYXE) foresees a challenging season ahead. President Thanos Michaelides reported on Thursday that the local tourism sector is confronting an expected loss of 30,000 tourists and a staggering €25 million in revenue. This projection underscores the pressing need for strategic measures. Key Proposals for […]

Turkish Residents Face High Rejection Rates for Schengen Visas

Kostas Raptis

Turkish citizens face substantial financial burdens due to high Schengen visa rejection rates. According to Schengen News, in 2023, only 867,545 applications from Türkiye were accepted. Last year, Turkish citizens invested around 68 million euros on approved visas. However, nearly 170,000 applications were denied, costing approximately 13 million euros in lost fees. Türkiye submitted over […]

Mexico Orders Closure of Poseidon Statue After Cultural Dispute

Manuel Santos

Poseidon Statue Erected Without Permits Mexican authorities have issued a closure order on a 10-foot-tall Poseidon statue erected in May in the Gulf of Mexico near Progreso, Yucatan. The large aquatic statue depicting an angry Poseidon wielding a trident had become a popular photo spot for tourists. However, the National Environmental Protection Agency stated that […]

Heatwave Crisis in Croatia: Red Alert Issued

Victoria Udrea

Croatia Heats Up Under Unrelenting Sun A severe heatwave has struck Croatia, triggering a red alert across the country as temperatures skyrocket to 37 degrees Celsius (99°F) in the northeastern Slavonia and southern Dalmatia regions. Seawater temperatures have also risen to 28 degrees Celsius (82°F), offering little relief. With the mercury soaring, the threat of […]

Hvar: One of the Most Beautiful Islands in the World

Kostas Raptis

Early Discoveries and Spontaneous Adventures In 2002, I spontaneously purchased a house in Jelsa on Hvar. Unfamiliar with the island’s charm, it was only after exploring the town and seeing a map titled “One of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world” that it became clear this place was special. This stunning gem has […]