Digitalization in Hospitality Sector Driven by Single Payments Platform

With guests demanding seamless experiences and efficiency, the digital transformation in the hospitality industry is crucial. One key aspect of this shift is the adoption of a single-payments platform, promising simplicity and satisfaction for both hoteliers and guests alike.

 

Thus, in this article we’ll cover the following:

 

• How technology is reshaping hotels;
• How single payments platform simplifies transactions;
• The importance of embracing digitization.

 

Onix, with its vast experience in creating travel software, leads the way in connecting different sales channels using a single payment system. Integrating this innovative approach brings together online and offline activities, making hotel operations simpler, speeding up financial checks, and strengthening the financial foundations.

 

One of our prominent cases in travel is TravelBid. For this travel booking portal, we developed and designed a reliable platform that offers convenient accommodation booking, airport transfer, or car rental services.

TravelBid booking app created by the Onix team.

Statistics Speak Volumes: The Importance of Digital Tech Adoption in Hospitality

The hospitality sector, encompassing lodging, tourism, dining, and leisure activities like theme parks, has experienced substantial growth and innovation in recent years.

 

By 2023, the worldwide hospitality market surged to approximately $4.7 trillion, with projections indicating a growth to $5.8 trillion by 2027, showcasing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5 percent.

 

Additionally, the smart hospitality market surged to approximately $19 billion worldwide, signifying a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22 percent.

Hospitality digital transformation serves as a cornerstone in the industry's efforts to streamline services. The surge in online food delivery has paved the way for digitalization in the restaurant industry, prompting accommodation services to follow suit.

 

Executives in the travel and hospitality industry highlighted embracing new technologies to enhance customer and supplier service as a key priority. Moreover, a significant 84 percent of these businesses designated individuals or teams responsible for digital transformation in that same year.

 

Despite the remarkable growth in digital payments, as reported by McKinsey's Digital Payments Consumer Survey in 2022, many US businesses lag in leveraging emerging technology to optimize payment operations.

 

Complex legacy systems, laden with layers of payments, pose a challenge for businesses aiming for rapid innovation. The expenses and technical expertise required to upgrade and maintain these systems can be prohibitive.

 

That’s where unified payments platforms come into play, offering a comprehensive solution. Consolidating multiple systems into a single-platform payment solution streamlines operations and eliminates complexities. 

 

"At Onix, we recognize the pivotal role of digital technology adoption in shaping the hospitality landscape. The statistics underscore the significance of this evolution. We witness a growing trend where an increasing number of our clients are opting for single payments platforms.

 

This choice not only streamlines operations but also signifies a strategic move towards embracing innovation and efficiency within the hospitality sector."

 

- Serhii Kholin, Onix CEO

 

A Forrester study commissioned by Adyen revealed that using one platform instead of several can significantly minimize expenses, including regulatory fees, monthly service charges, dispute management fees, terminal certification fees, and support fees.

 

For a company with around $2 billion in revenue, the study estimated cost savings of 15 basis points per transaction, totaling $5.8 million over a three-year period. This approach not only simplifies payment processes but also yields substantial cost efficiencies for businesses within the hospitality sector. 

 

Below, we'll delve further into the advantages and increased adoption of single payment platforms in revolutionizing the industry.

 

Read also: How to create a mobile booking app [+ Free Guide]

 

What Challenges Can Single Payments Platform Solve in Hospitality

 

"As the hospitality industry grapples with multifaceted challenges in payment management, the need for a unified solution becomes increasingly evident. Fragmented systems, reconciliation inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and the complexity of integrating diverse payment methods all contribute to operational disruptions.

 

A single payments platform emerges as a transformative force, offering cohesion, efficiency, and enhanced security.”

 

- Denis Sheremetov, CTO at Onix

 

Managing payments across various channels presents significant hurdles for businesses. Fragmented payment systems, inefficient reconciliation processes, and security vulnerabilities often plague operations. However, a beacon of transformation emerges in the form of a single payments platform, designed to address these critical challenges. 

 

Fragmented Payment Systems

Hospitality businesses often grapple with fragmented payment systems spread across various channels. This fragmentation leads to complexities and inconsistencies in handling guest payments. A Single Payments Platform serves as a unified solution, consolidating diverse payment methods into a seamless interface.

 

This consolidation simplifies payment processes, ensuring a consistent and hassle-free experience for guests, regardless of the chosen channel.

 

 

Inefficient Reconciliation Processes

Reconciling payments across multiple systems poses a significant challenge for hotels, resulting in inefficiencies and potential errors. A Single Payments Platform resolves this by centralizing financial data. This consolidation streamlines reconciliation processes, minimizing discrepancies, and significantly enhancing operational efficiency, thereby saving time and resources.

 

Security Vulnerabilities

The management of multiple payment gateways raises concerns regarding security vulnerabilities and data breaches. With a Single Payments Platform, stringent security measures are integrated, safeguarding sensitive guest data and transactions within a fortified system.

 

By mitigating risks, this platform ensures compliance with industry standards and builds trust among guests, fostering long-term relationships and loyalty.

 

In addressing these challenges, a Single Payments Platform emerges as a transformative solution for the hospitality industry. By streamlining payment processes, optimizing operations, and fortifying security measures, it revolutionizes the payment landscape, driving increased efficiency and enhancing the overall guest experience.

 

Read also: How to build a travel mobile app

 

How Businesses in the Hospitality Sector Can Leverage A Single Payments Platform

 

Enhancing the Guest Experience

The hospitality industry thrives on creating unforgettable guest experiences. A single payments platform becomes a crucial tool in achieving this goal. For instance, guests can easily use one platform to book rooms, schedule services, and complete payments - all conveniently at their fingertips.

 

Personalized Offers

Leveraging the vast amount of guest data available, hotels can create customized offers and recommendations. This tailors experiences to suit individual preferences, establishing deeper connections and greater satisfaction. For example, suggesting specific amenities or experiences based on past guest behavior.

 

Efficiency, Cost Optimization, and Insights

Efficiency and cost optimization are essential for profitability and sustainability in the industry. Consider a scenario where a unified platform handles billing, invoicing, and financial reporting. This streamlined process significantly reduces costs and boosts operational efficiency.

Adyen billing, reporting, and invoicing in one platform

 

Data Analytics

By analyzing guest data, hotels gain valuable insights into preferences, predicting trends, and fine-tuning offerings. This helps maximize revenue potential, benefiting both guests and businesses. For example, understanding peak booking times to optimize room rates or services.

 

Payments and payouts in the Stripe Dashboard

 

Security Measures and Seamless Integration

Strong integration and security measures lay the groundwork for a trustworthy payment ecosystem. Think of strict security measures protecting customer payment data, building trust among guests, and preventing potential threats.

 

Integration with Systems

Seamless integration with Property Management Systems (PMS) optimizes reservation management. This ensures a cohesive and hassle-free guest experience. For instance, syncing guest information across various systems for smoother check-ins.

 

Facilitating Contactless Solutions

Adapting to changing consumer preferences is crucial for success. Hotels embracing mobile wallet integration offer convenient and secure payment options aligning with guest preferences.

 

Implementing QR code-based payments for in-room services enhances convenience and prioritizes safety and hygiene - increasingly important in today's landscape.

Contactless QR-code payments in the hotels or restaurants

 

Dynamic Pricing and Offers

Utilizing the platform's capabilities, hotels can implement dynamic pricing strategies, adjusting rates based on demand, events, or seasonality. This flexibility attracts guests with competitive prices and tailored offers.

Example of dynamic pricing functionality for hotels

 

Sustainable and Green Initiatives

The payments platform can support eco-friendly initiatives by offering guests the option to donate to sustainability programs or choose green services. This aligns with the growing trend of environmentally conscious travel.

 

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Implementing accessibility features within the platform caters to a wider range of guests. This includes options for different languages, diverse payment methods, and accommodations for guests with disabilities.

 

Read also about Payment Gateway for a Travel Website.

 

Multi-Channel Marketing Integration

Integrating marketing tools into the payments platform allows for targeted promotions across various channels. This ensures a consistent and cohesive marketing strategy to reach potential guests effectively.

 

Crisis Management and Flexibility

During unforeseen events or crises, a single payments platform offers flexibility in managing reservations, refunds, and guest communications. This capability supports hotels in handling unexpected situations more efficiently.

Stripe’s refund management

 

In conclusion, the adoption of a single payments platform presents a significant opportunity for the hospitality industry. By seamlessly integrating technology, businesses can unlock sustained growth, elevate guest satisfaction, and secure a prosperous future in the evolving digital landscape.

 

 

How Onix Can Help You With Single Payments Platform Development

At Onix, our forte lies in seamlessly integrating single payments platforms into your hospitality products, offering tailored solutions to augment your business operations.

 

Our adept team ensures the frictionless integration of payment functionalities, optimizing your platform for effortless and secure financial transactions. We specialize in integrating various systems, including alternative payment processing for the travel industry.

 

Here's how we streamline your payment processes:

 

• Account Creation Integration: Seamlessly link users' bank accounts for secure and reliable transactions.
• Bank Account Integration: Ensure secure connections between users' bank accounts for transactions.
• Card Payment Account: Enable secure processing of credit/debit card payments for added convenience.
• Payout Procedure Optimization: Implement robust systems for transaction tracking and fund distribution.
• Transaction Management: Real-time tracking and efficient management of transactions.
• Fund Distribution Automation: Automate fund allocation among accounts for accuracy and transparency.
• Currency Conversion: Integrate currency conversion capabilities for global transactions.
• Money Transfer: Enable seamless fund transfers between different payment services for flexibility.

 

For instance, in a recent project, Onix seamlessly integrated Plaid, a leading financial technology service, facilitating smooth payment round-ups for gambling activities. The integration process included:

 

• Data Encryption

Implementing Plaid's top-tier encryption standards, ensuring maximum security for users' financial data during transactions.

 

• Cloud Infrastructure

Leveraging Plaid's scalable cloud infrastructure to create a robust and adaptable system for varying transaction volumes.

 

• Third-Party Security Reviews

Regular third-party evaluations to maintain high-security standards and adhere to industry best practices.

 

• Multi-Factor Authentication

Enhancing security measures with multi-factor authentication to protect user accounts from unauthorized access.

 

• Continuous Monitoring

Implementing vigilant monitoring to swiftly identify and resolve any potential issues within the payment system.

 

Consider TravelBid’s successful integration of Stripe and PayPal or MisterB&B reliance on Stripe, showcasing Onix's expertise in secure payment processing within the travel industry.

TravelBid platform developed by Onix

 

Summing up

In conclusion, the integration of a single payments platform heralds a new era in the hospitality sector, propelling digital transformation and presenting a lucrative $1M opportunity.

 

Embracing this technology promises enhanced efficiency, improved guest experiences, and sustained growth for businesses in the evolving landscape of the industry.

 

As a trusted partner, Onix stands at the forefront, offering expertise and support to seamlessly integrate this innovative solution, ensuring a successful journey toward optimizing operations and maximizing revenue potential. Contact us now for more details on single payments platform development.