Seamless Journeys | 🌍 Are Your Payments Built for Global Scale?

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📣 Editor’s Pick

🧳 Say Goodbye to Manual Travel Payment Headaches

Still relying on spreadsheets and legacy platforms to manage payments?

Modulr gives travel operators the tools to:

• Automate payments to suppliers 24/7/365

• Instantly issue virtual cards per booking

• Reconcile faster with detailed, real-time reporting

Expect fewer errors, lower costs, and smoother operations—even in peak season.

👉 See how smart travel ops teams are upgrading payments

🌟Sector Spotlight

AIRLINE PAYMENT STRATEGY

Enhancing Airlines' Payment Performance Through Adaptive Policies And Industry Insights

Airlines are increasingly revisiting their payment acceptance strategies, especially post-COVID-19, to enhance performance. The focus has shifted from merely direct sales channels to inclusive approaches involving indirect channels like online travel agents. This evolution demands adaptable strategies that consider global sales geographies, preferred payment methods, and transaction-processing providers. A harmonised payment acceptance strategy can significantly influence critical areas such as cost, market reach, and payment conversion.

CORPORATE STRATEGY

Booking.com Balances Core Payout Operations With Emerging Payment Innovations

Booking.com exemplifies strategic patience in fintech by prioritising a reliable payout system for its diverse partners over immediately chasing trendy payment innovations like stablecoin. At the heart of this approach lies a commitment to fortifying their core travel-related payment processes, ensuring timely and cost-effective transactions. By focusing on robust fundamentals, the company aims to deliver seamless services for both major hotel chains and individual hosts, crucially supporting smaller-scale participants and digital nomads with dependable payment solutions.

In their pragmatic approach, Booking.com wisely leverages AI for payment support, enhancing operational efficiency without losing sight of their primary mission to enhance the travel experience. This method frees human resources to address more complex queries, streamlining customer service. While the fintech department stays vigilant of market trends and emerging technologies, they discipline themselves to support Booking’s foundational growth, ensuring future innovations stand on a solid ground. This careful, phase-wise progression balances current practical needs with readiness for potential digital advancements, delightfully marrying operational prudence with vision.

B2B PAYMENTS

Modulr Finance Discusses Virtual Cards and B2B Payment Strategies at Phocuswright 2025

At Phocuswright Europe 2025, Gordon Mitchell from Modulr Finance captivated attendees with insights into the transformational impact of fintech on the travel industry's payment systems. With a decade-long presence in fintech, Modulr focuses on tackling payment inefficiencies using virtual cards, especially crafted for the travel sector. This practical solution empowers OTAs to manage supplier payments swiftly and securely, reinforcing Modulr's mission to streamline B2B financial flows and provide clients with unmatched flexibility through their direct ties with Visa and Mastercard.

TRAVEL INCENTIVES

Riviera Travel Offers Instant Booking Incentives for Travel Agents

Riviera Travel introduces a rewarding initiative for travel agents with its "Riviera Vault," offering instant prizes upon bookings. Operating until August 10, agents on the Riviera Explorer platform can unlock exciting rewards such as lifestyle vouchers for Costa Coffee and Marks & Spencer, LED facial masks, and even teeth whitening treatments. The jewel in the crown is a grand prize—an all-inclusive holiday on their new river ship, Resplendence.

Vicky Billing, the Trade and Partnerships Director, highlighted this unique initiative as a pivotal move in the river cruise and touring sector. Designed to foster seamless and rewarding partnerships, it underscores Riviera's dedication to valuing agents’ time and making collaboration both exciting and beneficial. This programme runs parallel to Riviera Explorer's comprehensive suite of marketing and training resources, further enhancing the agent experience.

FINTECH SOLUTIONS

Fintech Solutions Transforming Global Financial Services Industry Through Innovation And Strategy

Fintech solutions are currently transforming the financial industry, with Giesecke+Devrient leading the charge by providing banks and institutions with enhanced digital and payment experiences. Their FastTrack program enables companies to expedite market entry, supported by a global issuance API that facilitates seamless financial service delivery globally. This setup not only ensures technical readiness but also aligns with local demands, providing bespoke services tailored to different regional needs.