This strategic partnership is a turning point that will push Worldline into direct card issuing from payment processing. Due to the great demand for this solution and Worldline's extensive experience and portfolio in the travel industry, the project will concentrate on the Online Travel Agency (OTA) sector. OTAs' cash flow will be streamlined by the virtual card issuing solution, which combines the parties' acceptance networks and seamless payouts.

The need for creative payment options is rising as the OTA industry expands quickly.Industry analysts predict that by 2028, travel and tourism will account for 76% of all online sales income (Statista), and by 2026, the travel industry as a whole is predicted to reach a volume of USD 1.74 trillion (PhocusWright data). OTAs, which presently account for 40% of the worldwide travel market (Pata: 3), are expected to become more significant players in a variety of industries, including trains, cruises, hotels, airlines, and packaged tours. Virtual cards are essential for OTAs to streamline operational processes, and this new alliance helps them to further maximize their profits.

Worldline will give OTAs access to a specialized B2B virtual card program and make it easier for them to pay their suppliers on time and securely by selecting Visa as its international scheme partner.Given that both sides are investing a large amount of money in this collaboration, it is obvious that there is a chance to significantly improve the online travel industry's payment infrastructure.

Through this agreement, Worldline's cutting-edge Financial Services Card issuing platform and Merchant Services Acceptance capabilities are connected. With joint acceptance and issuance, the service helps OTAs manage and optimize cash flows even more while lowering operational frictions. With its extensive knowledge of the online travel industry and its wealth of experience, Worldline will be able to provide a cutting-edge solution that closes the acceptance-to-issuing gap.

Worldline Merchant Services' Vice President of Growth, Guillaume Tournand, stated: "We are thrilled to announce this significant partnership with Visa, a globally influential and respected brand."By providing a comprehensive solution that combines cost effectiveness and payment performance, it will revolutionize the way online travel firms manage payments. Through the use of our robust travel network, this project allows Worldline to enter new markets, solidifying our position as the top travel agency payment solution and fostering long-term revenue development.

"At Visa, we obsess about working with partners to deliver innovative, secure, and reliable payment solutions," says Ed Chandler, senior vice president of Visa Commercial and Money Movement Solutions. We are thrilled to work with Worldline to simplify, improve, and harmonize the way online travel companies get compensated as well as seamlessly pay their suppliers.