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Cyprus Strengthens Maritime Ties With Oman And Qatar

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 3, 2025

Cyprus is expanding its global maritime footprint as Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis embarks on an official visit to Oman and Qatar for high-level discussions on maritime cooperation and industry growth.

Hadjimanolis will first travel to the Sultanate of Oman on Saturday at the invitation of Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. During her visit, she will engage in bilateral meetings with senior government officials and representatives from Asyad, Oman’s state-owned shipping company.

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A key milestone of the visit will be the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Cyprus and Oman, aimed at strengthening maritime transport collaboration.

Following her engagements in Oman, Hadjimanolis will head to Qatar, where she will attend the Seatrade Maritime Qatar Exhibition & Conference 2025 at the invitation of Qatar’s Minister of Transport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani. In Doha, she will hold bilateral discussions with Qatari officials and participate in industry meetings to further promote Cyprus’ position as a global shipping hub.

These diplomatic efforts underscore Cyprus’ commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation in the Gulf region, reinforcing its status as a leading player in global shipping.

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.