Breaking news

Cyprus Cuts Youth Unemployment To 13.8%, But The EU Gap Persists

Cyprus is making headway in tackling youth unemployment, with the share of young people not in work, education, or training (NEETs) dropping to 13.8% in 2023. Yet, the country still trails behind the EU average, highlighting the need for sustained efforts.

A Targeted Push To Get Young People Back On Track

The Employment Counseling Unit Services for NEETs project, launched in January 2024, has already assisted 400 young people, providing 717 counseling sessions. The initiative aims to register at least 1,200 NEETs, offering personalized support such as CV writing, interview coaching, and job placements.

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou underscored the government’s goal of achieving full employment by 2025, calling job creation a top priority.

A Stronger Job Market And Rising Wages

Beyond youth employment, Cyprus sees broader labour market gains. Unemployment has dropped to 5%, employment rates are nearing 80%—the highest in 15 years—and wages are steadily climbing. Key collective agreements, extended until 2027, signal long-term stability.

The Road To Full Employment

The government is doubling down on its commitment to closing the NEET gap, ensuring young people gain the skills and opportunities needed to thrive. While Cyprus is moving in the right direction, bridging the gap with the EU remains a challenge.

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

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.

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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter