Let’s define what these are, their benefits, and how and why you should integrate these for your travel business. The travel landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, and one of the most significant changes is the growing demand for seamless, hygienic, and convenient payment methods.
>> Enter contactless payments.
Once a niche technology, they are now mainstream, and for travel advisors, understanding and promoting their benefits is no longer optional – it's essential for providing exceptional service and staying ahead of the curve.
Think about your clients' travel planning journey. From booking flights and accommodations online to paying for local experiences and souvenirs abroad, the payment process touches nearly every aspect of their trip.
In a world increasingly conscious of hygiene and efficiency, fumbling for cash or swiping cards feels increasingly outdated – and potentially risky.
Why Contactless Payments Matter to Your Clients:
- Enhanced Hygiene: In a post-pandemic (COVID) world, minimising physical contact remains a priority for many travellers. Contactless payments mean avoiding using possibly dirty cash bills, handling cash or shared touch screen payment terminals, thus offering hygienic payment methods.
- Speed and Convenience: Simply tapping a card, phone, or wearable device is significantly faster than inserting a chip or counting cash. This speed is particularly valuable in busy travel environments like airports, train stations, and bustling marketplaces.
- Security: Contactless transactions often employ advanced encryption and tokenisation technologies, making them highly secure and reducing the risk of card skimming.
- Global Acceptance: Contactless payment infrastructure is rapidly expanding worldwide, including developing countries. Familiarity and ease of use across different destinations enhance the overall travel experience.
- Integration with Digital Wallets: Many travellers are already comfortable using digital wallets on their smartphones or smartwatches, making contactless payments a natural extension of their digital lifestyle.
- Meeting Client Expectations: Today's tech-savvy travellers expect seamless and modern payment options. All businesses should understand and recommend contactless payment methods, you demonstrate your awareness of their needs and preferences.
- Streamlining the Booking Process: Encourage clients to use contactless payment methods for online bookings and deposits, leading to faster and more efficient transactions.
- Providing Valuable Advice: You can further inform your clients with information about contactless payment options available at their destination, including compatible cards and mobile payment apps. This proactive advice enhances their travel experience and positions you as a knowledgeable resource.
- Reducing Payment Disputes: The enhanced security features of contactless payments can help minimize the risk of fraudulent transactions and subsequent disputes.
- Staying Competitive: In a dynamic market, embracing modern technologies like contactless payments showcases your agency's commitment to innovation and customer-centricity.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest contactless payment technologies and their adoption in key travel destinations.
- Inform Your Clients: Proactively discuss contactless payment options during the travel planning stages. Explain to clients the benefit of using contactless payment and address any potential security concerns they may have.
- Include Information in Pre-Trip Materials: Add useful details about contactless payment acceptance in your destination guides and pre-departure information packs.
- Partner with Suppliers: Prioritise working with hotels, tour operators, and other suppliers that readily accept contactless payments.
- Share Tips and Best Practices: Offer advice on using contactless payments securely and efficiently while travelling.
It’s time to start embracing and promoting these technologies (*if you haven’t already) so that you can enhance client satisfaction, streamline operations, and solidify their position as trusted experts in the evolving world of travel.
