Hotel Direct Booking
Payments
May 17, 2024

Why Your Tourism Business Should Accept Card Payments

Discover why your tourism business should accept card payments. Increase sales, streamline operations, and enhance security for a superior customer experience. Explore Tab for hassle-free transactions.

Meet your customers’ expectations

Customers now expect ease and flexibility as standard when it comes to card payments. With the rise of online shopping and contactless payments, offering card payment options is crucial for meeting these expectations. By accepting card payments, you cater to a wider audience and provide a seamless checkout experience for your customers. With Tab, your customers can pay directly from their mobile phone from wherever they are in the world.

Increasing your sales

Research shows that customers tend to spend more when they use cards instead of cash. This is because card payments offer convenience and security, encouraging customers to make purchases without the risk that comes with carrying cash. It's particularly relevant for tourism businesses, as your customers are more likely to be tourists and international customers who may prefer using cards over cash.

Streamlining operations

Accepting card payments can also streamline your business operations. With online payment gateways, you can automate the payment process, reducing the need for manual cash handling and paperwork. This not only saves time but also minimises the risk of human error and theft. Tab has features that help you easily track transactions and monitor your cash flow, enabling better financial management.

Enhanced security and fraud protection

Payment platforms offer built-in security features such as encryption and fraud detection (though you still have to take precautions - find out more about payment security and choosing a secure payment platform here), providing peace of mind for both businesses and customers. With cards, customers don't have to worry about carrying large amounts of cash or finding a safe place to store their money. Cards are easy to carry, and even if they are lost or stolen, they can be blocked immediately, ensuring the customer's money is safe.

Tips

  1. Invest in a reliable card payment processor: Choose a payment processor that not only offers competitive rates but also prioritises robust security features. Look for encryption protocols, PCI compliance, and fraud detection mechanisms to safeguard both your business and your customers' sensitive information. Read more about this here.
  2. Display clear signage: Ensure that your customers know you accept card payments by prominently displaying signage at your business premises and on your website. Research shows that 80% of travellers check for signs that say their card type is accepted before deciding where to spend. Clearly indicate which types of cards you accept to avoid any confusion and attract cardholders effectively. Tab can process all major card types including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and more.
  3. Train your staff: Take the time to train your employees on how to process card payments securely and efficiently. This includes familiarising them with your payment terminals, understanding various card types, and following best practices to protect cardholder data during transactions. This is also covered in our payment security article here.
  4. Offer incentives for paying via card: Businesses can encourage customers to use card payments more frequently by offering incentives such as discounts or loyalty rewards. By implementing these incentives, businesses not only incentivise customers to choose card payments but also foster loyalty and repeat customers. Customers appreciate the added value they receive for using their cards, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and retention. With Tab's new widget, Checkout Flow, you can set special rates on your website to to encourage your customers to pay immediately for a lower price.

By implementing these tips, businesses can effectively integrate card payments into their operations and reap the benefits of increased sales, streamlined operations, and enhanced security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing card payments is essential for tourism businesses looking to meet customer expectations, increase sales, streamline operations, and enhance security. By prioritising convenience and flexibility, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and provide a superior payment experience for their customers.

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Explore Tab, a comprehensive payment platform designed specifically for tourism businesses that makes accepting card payments easy and hassle-free. With Tab, you can enjoy fast and secure transactions, customisable payment options, and dedicated customer support. Join for free today to become one of the thousands of businesses already using Tab, and unlock the full potential of card payments for your business.

More success stories

Ecotourism Nam Et-Phou Louey

"Collecting advance and instant credit card payments in Lao currency (LAK) with free payouts to Lao bank accounts! A game changer!"

Janina
Ecotourism Advisor, Ecotourism Nam Et-Phou Louey
Laos
Read their story  ➞
Atitlan Sunset Lodge

"The ability for guests to pre-book with Tab, using Advance Bookings, gives security and trust."

Armand
Owner, Atitlan Sunset Lodge
Guatemala
Read their story  ➞
Free Spirit Hostel Ecuador

"We can now take card payments, which we couldn't before."

Anabel
Owner, Free Spirit Hostel
Ecuador
Read their story  ➞

Continue reading

Ready to start taking Payments with Tab?

Apply for an account in 10 minutes, or book a call with our team and we'll answer any questions you have.

If you prefer to only add your business to The Guide for now, you can do that here.