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Cyprus Inflation at 2.9% In January 2025: Key Drivers And Divergent Trends

In January 2025, Cyprus’ Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) climbed 2.9% year-over-year, though it dipped 1.4% from December 2024, according to the Statistical Service. Here’s a breakdown of the major shifts by category:

Cyprus – What’s Moving The Needle

  • Biggest Annual Increases:
    • Recreation and Culture: +7.5%
    • Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: +5.3%
    • Restaurants and Hotels: +4.8%
  • Steepest Monthly Declines:
    • Clothing and Footwear: -13.7%
    • Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: -1.6%

Economic Categories In Focus

  • Highest Annual Gains:
    • Food, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco: +4.3%
    • Services: +4.2%
  • Notable Monthly Drop:
    • Non-Energy Industrial Products: -4%

Eurozone Snapshot By Eurostat

The Eurozone recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.5% in January 2025.

  • Country Highlights:
    • Greece: Inflation climbed to 3.1% (up from 2.9% in December 2024).
    • Lower Inflation Rates: Denmark at 1.4%; Ireland, Italy, and Finland at 1.7%.
    • Higher Inflation Rates: Hungary at 5.7%, Romania at 5.3%, and Croatia at 5.0%.
  • Core Inflation: Excluding food and energy, core inflation remains steady at 2.7% annually, with a monthly uptick of 0.9%, slightly below the initial 1% estimate.
  • Key Inflation Contributors:
    • Services: +1.77% (largest driver)
    • Followed by: Food, alcohol, and tobacco (+0.45%), Energy (+0.18%), and Non-energy industrial goods (+0.12%).

Compared to December 2024, annual inflation decreased in eight Member States, stayed flat in four, and rose in fifteen.

These figures underline a nuanced inflation landscape, with strong gains in leisure and dining offset by falling prices in clothing and non-energy industrial goods, while the broader Eurozone exhibits a mixed picture amid shifting economic pressures.

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.

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