3. Inefficiencies in payment processes. Traditional payment methods such as automated clearing houses (ACH), billing and settlement plans (BSP), Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), and cash expose OTAs, TAs and TMCs to financial risks as they are slow and error prone. Many travel intermediaries still rely on outdated practices like manual data entry for invoicing and payments, or inefficient methods such as calling and faxing for direct hotel billing—both of which increase the likelihood of errors and slow down the entire payment cycle.
4. Security concerns. Handling large volumes of financial data comes with inherent security risks, especially for travel intermediaries dealing with sensitive payment information across multiple platforms. Cyber threats are a constant concern, with a significant percentage of businesses experiencing fraud attempts each year.
5. Challenges in meeting regulatory compliance. The travel industry is heavily regulated, and maintaining compliance across different regions presents significant challenges. Non-compliance can lead to fines and penalties, which adversely affect the bottom line. Keeping up with regulatory changes and implementing necessary measures is essential to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
