Recognizing the pivotal role of virtual cards in boosting operational efficiency, online travel agencies (OTAs) are actively forming strategic alliances to streamline their business operations.

Worldline has chosen Visa as its global scheme partner, with the goal of equipping OTAs with a specialized B2B virtual card program. This collaboration aims to facilitate swift and secure payments to suppliers, leveraging significant investments from both entities.

Rising Demand for Efficient Payment Solutions

In the rapidly expanding OTA market, the demand for efficient payment solutions is on the rise. Industry projections indicate that Travel and Tourism will contribute a substantial 76% of total online sales revenues by 2028. Moreover, the entire travel industry is expected to reach a volume of USD 1.74 trillion by 2026.

Currently holding a 40% share of the global travel market, OTAs are set to exert increasing influence across various sectors, including airlines, hotels, packaged tours, rail, and cruises.

Guillaume Tournand, VP of Growth at Worldline Merchant Services, said: “We are delighted to announce this significant partnership with Visa, a global influential and respected brand. It will transform the way online travel agencies handle payments by offering a unified solution that combines payment performance and cost effectiveness."

"By leveraging our strong travel footprint, this initiative unlocks significant market expansion for Worldline, propelling us as the leading payment solution for travel agencies and driving sustainable revenue growth.”

Merchant Services Integration Improves Cash Flow

The partnership merges Worldline's Merchant Services Acceptance capabilities with its Financial Services Card issuing platform. By combining acceptance and issuing capabilities, the alliance aims to assist OTAs in effectively managing cash flows and overcoming operational hurdles.

Leveraging its experience and understanding of the online travel sector, Worldline tries to develop an advanced solution that connects acceptance with issuing.

Ed Chandler, Senior Vice President, Visa Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, commented: “At Visa, we obsess about working with partners to deliver innovative, secure and reliable payment solutions. We are excited to partner with Worldline, to streamline, unify and enhance how online travel agencies are paid and pay their suppliers seamlessly.”