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Michalis Mitas Appointed As New President Of Paphos Regional Tourism Board

Leadership Transition And Strategic Renewal

The Paphos Regional Tourism Board has announced a significant leadership change, naming Michalis Mitas as its new president. Mitas succeeds Kyriakos Drousiotis, whose two consecutive terms from 2021 to 2025 left a legacy of financial health and forward-thinking initiatives within the organization.

A Well-Planned Handover

At a special board session on July 16, the outgoing president expressed confidence in the board’s continued success and robust financial status. He underscored the organization’s progress towards becoming a smarter, more accessible, sustainable, and creative destination. His parting message was clear: it is now the responsibility of Mitas to build on this strong foundation, further consolidating Paphos’ reputation as a premier tourism hub.

Vision For Continued Innovation

New president Michalis Mitas emphasized his commitment to maintaining the board’s dynamic initiatives. He assured stakeholders that core actions—such as enhancing tourist experiences and promoting a diverse range of initiatives—would not only continue but be further strengthened. Mitas outlined his strategy to improve collaborative efforts with industry partners and address long-standing challenges including accessibility issues and the decline of rural, maritime, and coastal tourism sectors.

Expertise And Strategic Background

Mitas brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a 15-year tenure as a board member of the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and significant involvement with various organizations, he is well-positioned to lead the board. Additionally, his role as assistant general secretary of the Cyprus Football Association and a robust academic background in business administration and marketing underscore his credentials. Moreover, his 35-year career in managing tourist accommodations aligns seamlessly with the board’s objectives for growth and innovation.

Looking Ahead

Assuming the presidency from 2025 to 2027, Michalis Mitas is set to build on the legacy of his predecessors and drive strategic progress within the Paphos tourism sector. His leadership signals a renewed focus on financial resilience, innovation, and sustainable development, positioning the organization to navigate future challenges and opportunities effectively.

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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