summer

Paris 2024 torch lit in ancient Olympia [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

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Paris 2024 torch lit in ancient Olympia [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

The torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was lit in ancient Olympia in a traditional ceremony. The torch was lit by Greek actress Mary Mina using a backup flame due to cloudy skies. The torch relay will culminate with the lighting of the Olympic flame in Paris at the opening ceremony. Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as neutral athletes with no national flag or anthem. The torch relay began with Greece’s Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos passing the flame to France’s three-time Olympic medallist in swimming, Laure Manaudou. The French torch relay will last 68 days and end in Paris on July 26.

Ferry service , ‘exceeded all expectations’

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Ferry service , ‘exceeded all expectations’

The ferry service to Greece from Cyprus has been very successful, exceeding expectations. The routes will depart solely from Limassol to Piraeus this year. The ferry offers cabins, airline seats, two coffee bars, lounges, a restaurant, and a casino. Ticket purchases will open on Wednesday. There are hopes of adding maritime connections to other neighboring countries in the future.

Spanish airlines increase capacity as they expect record summer demand

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Spanish airlines increase capacity as they expect record summer demand

Spanish airlines are expecting a record summer season, adding 13% more seats compared to last year, with up to 758,000 flights scheduled from April to October. Despite inflation, consumer demand for leisure travel remains strong, especially to popular Spanish destinations like the Canary Islands and Andalusia. Only 0.2% of flights departing from Spain have Israel as a destination, minimizing the impact of the Middle East conflict on the airline industry. Airlines are prepared for potential oil price increases due to geopolitical tensions.

North university , ‘in millions of debt’

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North university , ‘in millions of debt’

Fact: Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) in Famagusta currently has a tax debt of 3.2 billion TL (€92.8m).

Heavy losses in the cruise sector

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Heavy losses in the cruise sector

The current year is considered lost for the cruise sector due to significant losses in tourist arrivals compared to previous years. The decrease in cruise ships at Limassol port is attributed to the war in Gaza since late 2023, affecting the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. The number of cruise ships expected to arrive in 2024 is significantly reduced, with only 68 ships and an estimated 120,000 passengers. The Government has established a Cruise Tourism Working Group to develop a National Cruise Strategy. The goal is to become competitive and utilize cruise tourism to contribute to the economy and promote culture. The Deputy Minister of Shipping participated in discussions on decarbonising the cruise industry and increasing tourist arrivals via cruise ships in the coming years. The war in Israel has led to a decrease in Cypriots traveling by cruise ships, with only 25,000 expected to travel in 2024, mainly during the summer period.

Vassilis Kopsachilis on philenews: Iran’s response is convenient for everyone, but the blows between the two sides will continue

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Vassilis Kopsachilis on philenews: Iran’s response is convenient for everyone, but the blows between the two sides will continue

Israel and Iran are on a collision course, with fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Tehran responded to an Israeli strike by hijacking a ship and attacking Israel with missiles and drones. The US wants to avoid escalation, but it may be challenging to restrain Israel from retaliating. The conflict between Israel and Iran is likely to continue, with potential for further violence and involvement from other countries like the US and China.

The worst economic crisis in Turkish Cypriot history

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The worst economic crisis in Turkish Cypriot history

Fact: The annual inflation rate in the northern part of Cyprus hit 94.5 per cent in March, with monthly food inflation reaching 3.4 per cent.

IEA trims oil demand forecast on weakness in wealthier countries

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IEA trims oil demand forecast on weakness in wealthier countries

The International Energy Agency (IEA) trimmed its forecast for 2024 oil demand growth by 130,000 barrels per day to 1.2 million bpd due to lower than expected consumption in OECD countries and a slump in factory activity.