Aegean Returns To Paphos, Strengthening Air Connectivity And Tourism Links

Aegean Airlines has resumed flights to and from Paphos International Airport, a move welcomed by the Paphos Regional Tourism Board (Etap) as a boost to the district’s connectivity and tourism sector.

Improving Access To Paphos And Beyond

In a statement issued on Monday, Etap said the airline’s return marks an important step in improving access to Paphos from Greece while strengthening international connections through Aegean’s hub in Athens.

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The Athens–Paphos route will operate three times a week, offering residents and visitors greater travel flexibility and expanding access to the district.

Athens Hub Strengthens International Links

According to the tourism board, the restored service will improve connections with key tourism markets, including Germany, the Scandinavian countries and other European destinations served through Athens.

Improved air connectivity is expected to strengthen Paphos’ appeal by making the region more accessible to international travellers and enhancing its competitiveness among Mediterranean destinations.

Call For Deeper Partnership

Etap described Aegean’s return as a positive development for the local tourism industry and expressed hope that the airline will continue expanding its presence at Paphos International Airport.

“The Paphos Regional Tourism Board warmly welcomes Aegean to Paphos and expresses the hope that, in the near future, the airline will further expand its presence at Paphos International Airport, strengthening the connectivity and prospects of the region,” the board said.

The organisation also said it and its member stakeholders are ready to work with the airline on joint initiatives to support the airline’s long-term growth in Paphos.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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