Breaking news

Nearly 17% of Cypriots Struggled To Heat Their Homes In 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 24, 2025

According to the latest data from Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical agency, 16.9% of Cypriots were unable to adequately warm their homes in 2023, significantly higher than the EU average of 10.6%.

While the percentage marks an improvement for Cyprus—down 2.3 percentage points from 19.2% in 2022—it contrasts with a rising trend across the EU, where the average increased by 1.3 percentage points from 9.3% the previous year.

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Spain and Portugal topped the list of countries with the highest proportion of residents struggling to heat their homes, both at 20.8%, closely followed by Bulgaria (20.7%), Lithuania (20.0%), and Greece (19.2%).

On the other end of the spectrum, Luxembourg reported the lowest share of residents facing this issue at just 2.1%, with Finland (2.6%), Slovenia (3.6%), Austria (3.9%), and Estonia (4.1%) also ranking among the least affected nations.

Despite overall economic recovery efforts, the data highlights the persistent challenge of energy affordability in some parts of Europe, particularly in Southern and Eastern regions.

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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.