Breaking news

Cyprus Confronts Water Crisis: Government Ramps Up Action To Ensure Supply

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 3, 2025

As Cyprus braces for another dry summer, the government is ramping up efforts to protect water resources and lessen dependence on unpredictable climate patterns. Authorities are implementing both immediate and long-term measures to safeguard agriculture and secure water access. With dam reserves at just 26% capacity, authorities prioritize immediate and long-term solutions to sustain agriculture and ensure water availability.

Government Strategy To Manage Water Scarcity

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, outlined a 28-action strategic plan aimed at reducing reliance on rainfall-dependent irrigation. The five-year initiative focuses on improving water management, expanding desalination infrastructure, and exploring alternative water sources.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Investment Breakdown:

€109.3 million: Primary sector development (2024-2028)
€2.9 million: Agro-tourism, infrastructure, and circular economy in Arakapas The village of Arakapas benefits from €2.9 million allocated for agro-tourism, infrastructure, and circular economy projects.

Authorities Brace For A Difficult Summer

Deputy Director of the Water Development Department, Yiorgos Kazantzis, warned that irrigation water quotas will be drastically reduced in 2024. To mitigate the impact, priority will be given to professional farmers and permanent plantations.

Authorities are fast-tracking desalination projects. The Paphos desalination plant, currently under repair, is expected to be operational by August. A new 10,000 cubic meter/day desalination facility in Kissonerga is set for completion by October. Officials are also identifying underutilized boreholes and underground sources with the Geological Survey Department.

Encouraging Private Sector Involvement

The Cyprus Cabinet has approved measures allowing hotels and farmers to build private desalination plants, easing pressure on public infrastructure. Authorities are also ensuring that existing desalination plants operate at full capacity, except during maintenance.

Public Awareness And Conservation Efforts

Government-led water conservation campaigns stress the urgency of reducing wasteful consumption. Without public cooperation, Cyprus risks facing stricter water restrictions in 2025, when irrigation quotas could be further tightened.

With climate change exacerbating water shortages, Cyprus must act swiftly. Investments in desalination, groundwater extraction, and efficiency measures offer a proactive approach, but execution is critical. The success of these initiatives will be critical in securing Cyprus’ water future amid growing climate challenges.

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.