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Taleb Rifai

UNWTO Silk Road Ministers at ITB Berlin

2014-03-08 by Aleksandr Shatskih

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News from the UNWTO at ITB Berlin. On this the 2oth Anniversary of the Samarkand Declaration on Silk Road Tourism, the 4th version of the UNWTO Silk Road Ministers discussed better facilitating visas to advance tourism along this famous trade route.

Tags: ITB Berlin, Silk Road, Taleb Rifai, UNWTO

UNTWO: World Tourist Arrivals On Track To Hit 1 Billion

2012-11-06 by Aleksandr Shatskih

The world economy continues to splutter along with all of its problems in Europe and elsewhere, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting tourism all that much. That’s because the number of international tourist arrivals in the first 8 months of this year shot up by an astonishing 4%, and is now threatening to top one billion for the first time ever.

Tags: international tourist arrivals, Taleb Rifai, tourism arrivals, UNTWO, visitor numbers

Romania Planning Balneary and Medical Tourism Conference

2012-03-14 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Medical tourism romania

Romania is to team up with the World Tourism Organization (WTO) in order to boost its travel credentials, staging a unique International Conference on Balneary and Health Care Tourism in the country.

Tags: balneary tourism, Cristian Petrescu, healthcare tourism, medical tourism, mineral baths, natural treatments, romania, Taleb Rifai, thermal water baths, WTO

East Europe – Far East Drive World Travel

2012-03-12 by Aleksandr Shatskih

As Western Europe struggles under the weight of its debt and the Arab Spring continues to rumble on to an uncertain future, travel groups are turning to Eastern Europe and the Far East as they look to bring some cheer into 2012.

Tags: Arab Spring, business travel, Chinese tourists, East Europe, Eastern Europe, Russian tourists, Taleb Rifai, UNWTO, world travel

Hungary President Schmitt Endorses Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign

2011-05-26 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Tourism plays a key part in local economies and job development, say Global Leaders for Tourism organizers

Hungarian President Pal Schmitt last week became one of the first European leaders to sign up for the joint World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) and World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign. Earlier this month, President Schmitt had been presented with a letter from the UNTWO Secretary General Taleb Rifai, which stressed […]

Tags: David Scowsill, Global Leaders for Tourism, Hungary President, Pal Schmitt, Taleb Rifai, UNTWO Secretary General, UNWTO, World Tourism Organization, World Travel & Tourism Council, WTTC

Russia Should Ease Visa Rules says World Tourism Organization Chief

2011-05-23 by Aleksandr Shatskih

World Tourism Organization general secretary Taleb Rifai

Russia should undertake a review of its strict visa requirements and do more to make travel for foreign tourists in the country easier if they want to attract more visitors to the country, the World Tourism Organization chief has said. “Each nation has the ability to encourage increased tourism through regulation and procedure adjustment,” said […]

Tags: Borscht soup, Joe Biden, Russia tourism, Russia visa requirements, Russian airlines, Russian food, Taleb Rifai, Vladimir Putin, World Tourism Organization

UNWTO & Croatia Pact on Tourism

2011-02-24 by Aleksandr Shatskih

Croatia's greatest treasure - her people

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Croatia have agreed to further advance Sustainable Tourism and maximize its contribution to economic growth, job creation and development in the country.

Tags: Brela, Croatia tourism, Croatia Tourism Board, Croatia tourists, Croatia travel, Croatian dance, Croatian sites, Damir Bajs, Eastern Europe, Minister Damir Bajs, MoU, sustainable tourism, Taleb Rifai, tourism deal, tourism initiative, UNWTO, Zagreb

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Featured Stories

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Why We Embrace AI

At Argophilia, we believe in using every tool at our disposal to bring you the stories that matter. You may notice a certain precision in our data analysis, a specific flair in our visuals, or a rapid turnaround on complex topics. That is no accident—it is the result of our rampant use of artificial intelligence.

We use Gemini to help synthesize data, structure our reporting, and ensure our news remains as sharp as the reality we cover. When it comes to our imagery, we rely on the creative power of Midjourney and NightCafe, unless otherwise noted in our editorial credits.

We are not apologetic for this. In a fast-moving world, these tools allow us to focus on what really counts: investigating the issues, giving a voice to the marginalized, and maintaining the journalistic integrity you expect from us. We see AI not as a replacement for human judgment, but as an engine that amplifies our ability to inform, analyze, and tell the truth about our island and beyond.

We are writers and journalists first—but we are proud to be tech-enabled ones, too.

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Your go-to guide for foraging cretan horta

Stories of Interest

drapeti fire AI illustration

Fire Near Drapeti, Heraklion Brought Under Control

2026-07-25 By Arthur Butler

A wildfire that broke out near Drapeti in Heraklion’s Minoa Pediada municipality was quickly contained by firefighters despite strong winds. Crews remain on site to prevent flare-ups.

Arvi banana festival AI illustration

Arvi’s Banana Festival Returns from 7 to 9 August

2026-07-25 By Argophilia Travel News

The 8th Arvi Banana Festival returns to southern Crete from August 7–9, 2026, with live music, theater, family entertainment, and Cretan hospitality.

Heraklion shelter AI illustration.

Heraklion Plans 20-Bed Support Center as Housing Shortage Strains Social Services

2026-07-25 By Mihaela Lica Butler

The Municipality of Heraklion is planning a new 20-bed support center for vulnerable residents, acknowledging that the city’s biggest challenge isn’t visible homelessness, but finding affordable housing for people who need a fresh start.

Municipal Market of Chania April 26 2026

Great News, Chania! The Municipal Market Reopening Is Only Four Years Behind Schedule

2026-07-25 By Arthur Butler

Chania completes tenant auctions for the historic Agora, targeting a December 4, 2026 grand reopening with a focus on local Cretan products.

affordable fitness

Heraklion Municipal Gyms Offer Affordable Fitness Across Two Modern Facilities

2026-07-25 By Manuel Santos

Heraklion Municipality opens modern fitness facilities at Pagkritio Stadium and Pateles for €30/month with full disability access.

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