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Aristidis Vourakis Elected Chairman Of The Association Of Cyprus Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 19, 2024

Aristidis Vourakis, CEO of AstroBank, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Association of Cyprus Banks during its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). Alongside him, Hellenic Bank’s Interim CEO, Antonis Rouvas, was appointed as Vice-Chairman. The AGM also introduced significant amendments to the Association’s statutes, extending the terms for both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman to two years.

Focus on Stability and Growth

Vourakis expressed his commitment to promoting financial stability and fostering economic development in Cyprus. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among member banks to navigate the challenges facing the banking sector. His leadership is expected to steer the Association towards a more robust and resilient banking environment.

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Collaboration and Support

Vice-Chairman Antonis Rouvas highlighted the necessity of cooperation within the banking community to bolster the overall financial system. He pointed out that through joint efforts, the banks could better support economic growth and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Strategic Initiatives

Under the new leadership, the Association aims to implement strategic initiatives that will enhance the operational efficiency and competitiveness of Cyprus’s banking sector. These initiatives are expected to address regulatory challenges, technological advancements, and the need for sustainable growth.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 15, 2025

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

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Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.