5-minute read

A traveller steps off a long-haul flight, ready for adventure. Instead of fumbling for their wallet at the currency exchange, they breeze through the airport with a tap of a smartphone. Checking in at the hotel via an all-in-one travel app, they pay in their home currency. This future of travel, where every touchpoint is seamless, relies on payment innovation and adapting to the experiential, not the transactional.

Integrated credentials, preferences, and payments

A recent study by Barclaycard Payments found that travellers are happy to exchange not just currency, but also personal data.¹ By integrating credentials, preferences, and payment mechanisms into unified digital profiles, brands can ensure smooth customer experiences, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

However, secure data-handling is crucial to maintain trust. Advanced encryption and tokenisation can safeguard sensitive information while leveraging payment insights. This data-driven approach not only improves experiences but also helps providers stay competitive.

Embedding payments into travel infrastructure

95% of travellers appreciate the ability to pay with their preferred method, while 60% value paying in their home currency.¹ This shows that payment flexibility is a must-have for travel brands to meet diverse customer needs.

Innovative solutions allow travel brands to embed payments seamlessly into their infrastructure, from booking to check-in and in-destination purchases. Integrating contactless payments and mobile wallets with emerging technologies creates a hassle-free experience, delighting customers and differentiating brands from their competitors.

The future of travel apps

The good news is that the modern traveller enjoys using travel apps, with 32% very satisfied with existing ones.¹ However, there’s potential for more functionality: 86% would use an all-in-one app combining payments and itineraries.¹

As mobile devices become central to travel, the role of travel apps grows. Brands must integrate payments and key capabilities into digital platforms, offering apps that store travel documents and enable seamless payments. This creates comprehensive, user-friendly experiences that simplify the customer journey. Investing in robust, feature-rich apps positions travel brands to meet evolving customer needs and foster long-term loyalty.

What’s the takeaway?

The shift from transactional to experiential travel is a fundamental transformation redefining the industry. Payment innovations enable seamless, memorable experiences. Brands can benefit by prioritising payments as strategic enablers rather than mere transactions. The question is, which brands will lead the charge and be the innovators reshaping the future of travel.

¹Barclaycard Payments consumer research conducted by Maru, February 2024.

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