In April, nearly 7,300 refugees and migrants entered Europe

In April, nearly 7,300 refugees and migrants entered Europe via Italy, Greece and Spain, bringing the number of refugees and migrants who have arrived by land and sea routes to these three countries to nearly 24,300 in the first four months of 2018. This marks a significant decrease of 49% compared to the first four months of 2017, a period in which just over 48,000 refugees and migrants entered Europe via these three countries. The decrease so far this year is largely due to fewer people crossing from Libya to…

THE RISE OF OLIVE OIL FROM TUNISIA

Olive oil is becoming more and more popular with food lovers who enjoy a good quality olive oil as much as a glass of expensive wine. And just as wine lovers enjoy sampling vintages from different parts of the world, lovers of good food are seeking out extra virgin olive oils from less known olive-producing regions. When it comes to olive oil, Italy and Spain are the first countries that probably come to mind. But olives have been cultivated in the Mediterranean Basin for millennia and today olive oil is…

Rival Libyan leaders in Paris agree to hold elections in December

he leaders of four rival Libyan factions have committed to holding parliamentary and presidential elections in the strife-torn country in December, after attending a peace conference in Paris. The four men, who represent a large part of Libya’s competing factions, also agreed to “accept the results of elections, and ensure appropriate funds and strong security arrangements are in place”. During four hours of talks in Paris, the leaders came under international pressure to agree on a political path to help end seven years of conflict.  Representatives from 20 countries including Egypt, Russia, the United…

World Bank announces USD 140 mn project to support irrigation in Tunisia

The project will also provide assistance for identifying higher value crops and increasing yields, and linking farmers to markets. The World Bank announced today a USD 140 million project to support the Tunisian government’s focus on irrigated agriculture as a means of managing scarce water resources while creating economic opportunities, especially in underdeveloped rural regions. The new project will finance the repair of irrigation systems to make them more efficient and reliable, as the critical input for a more productive agriculture sector that generates greater revenues and provides opportunities for…

Mövenpick to open coastal hotel in Tunisia

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is set to cement its stronghold in Tunisia with the take over of a contemporary hotel in the coastal city of Sfax. The Swiss hospitality firm has signed an agreement with Société Touristique du Sud to manage the Plaza Sfax & Spa Hotel, an upscale property in a prime city centre location on Rue Khalid Ibn Walid, close to the historic Medina, a short walk from the largest convention centre, Sfax International Fair, and just 10km from Sfax-Thyna Airport. When the hotel launches as Mövenpick Hotel…