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Research Deputy Minister In Athens For Talks On Digital Governance

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 4, 2025

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodemos Damianos, is set to visit Athens on Monday evening for high-level discussions on digital governance with his Greek counterpart, Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, will focus on advancing digital transformation efforts and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Key Discussion Points

The agenda will include:

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The interconnection of Cyprus’ “Digital Citizen” application with Greece’s “Gov.gr Wallet”, aims to enhance digital accessibility and cross-border interoperability.
Joint initiatives in digital governance, with an emphasis on optimizing e-government services, sharing best practices, and leveraging innovative technologies to streamline public administration.

Additionally, officials from both countries will engage in a series of meetings to exchange expertise and explore new solutions for delivering high-quality digital public services. Special attention will be given to process simplification and system interoperability, ensuring smoother and more efficient digital experiences for citizens.

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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.