Blog

For all of us tracking the impacts of the pandemic, you’d be well aware that the travel and tourism industry has been significantly impacted. But, while this new landscape we find ourselves in is undoubtedly challenging, our industry is responding creatively, not only from a business perspective but in supporting global communities and relief efforts too.

COVID-19 has brought new and immense pressures to our personal and professional lives. It is also testing industries and the organisations operating within them like never before. While we may be working remotely, our team remains united in doing all that we can to support our customers during this time of uncertainty. We are continuously evaluating and enhancing our systems and processes to assist our customers as best we can. Here are just some of the things we are doing in response to COVID-19 to support our customers:

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a completely unprecedented way of working for many companies across the world – including eNett. With remote working the ‘new normal’ for most of us, it’s important to ensure employees feel empowered to keep operating at the same high level as before. This means they need the right tools on hand to remain productive, whilst maintaining a strong sense of company culture to keep morale and motivation boosted. So, how can companies achieve this? This blog covers just a few things you could consider:

For Part Three of our International Women’s Day Blog Series, we spoke with Hareta McMullin, our People Business Manager. Hareta has been with eNett for four years now, starting in a ‘People Coordinator’ role and working her way up by rising to multiple challenges that have been thrown her way. Read more about Hareta’s journey to where she is today and her advice for other women looking to take on a similar path, below.

With PwC reporting that only 5% of leadership positions in the technology sector are held by women, we have launched a Q&A blog series to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing women we have in our leadership team and how they got to where they are. Here is part two.

I recently attended the 2020 Airline & Travel B2B Payments Summit Special in London and participated in a panel discussion on simplifying B2B Payments. It was great to catch up with industry peers and share my thoughts on the growing shift towards large travel agents adopting the merchant model. There are so many benefits from using this model – not just for travel agents but everyone in the travel value chain, including airlines and the end traveller.

At eNett, we’re passionate about supporting women and creating an inclusive workplace; particularly striving to grow women’s presence and recognition in the sector we operate in that’s not necessarily known for its diversity: tech, more specifically, FinTech. That’s why, this IWD, we’re launching a Q&A blog series to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing women we have in our leadership team, where they’ll share their experiences and learnings within their fintech career. Read the first one here:

2019 was an action-packed year for the travel industry. So, reflecting on the past year, what should travel companies be considering in 2020?

The online travel experiences market is growing rapidly. While offline sales still dominate the industry, intermediated transactions online have seen continued growth over the last five years, becoming a USD14.8bn-strong sector. With online sales set to continue to thrive in the coming years, the race is on for OTAs to get a piece of the action and make their mark within the market. But to be successful in bringing travel experience bookings online, intermediaries need to make sure they’re getting it right when it comes to their B2B payments. Why?

A decade ago, a family connection or friend of a friend may have been a student’s route into work experience. But more and more companies are now launching formal internship programmes that last from a couple of weeks to a year. Internships offer real opportunities for students to get valuable ‘on-the-job’ experience and frequently open the doors to future employment too. They are also a win-win for businesses and something that all companies should consider. So, what are the potential rewards for organisations?

Innovation is booming in the travel industry, with companies harnessing technologies to do all they can to create the best possible experience for their customers. However, with reports of data breaches, listening smart tech and fraudulent activity, some consumers may be concerned about their privacy. So, how can travel companies dispel worries, build trust and maintain loyalty with their customers, as technology becomes an increasingly important part of industry innovation?

On 27th September, the travel industry is celebrating the United Nations’ annual World Tourism Day, which raises awareness of the importance of tourism - socially, culturally, politically and economically. This year, the theme is all about “Tourism and Jobs” which is particularly pertinent since travel and tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors and the second-fastest growing sector in the world. Anthony Hynes reflects on four tech opportunities for the travel industry, and how travel companies can draw in and retain talent in order to keep up with the competitive landscape.

The European summer is well under way. During a time when travel bookings are rife – especially in the UK, which has been coined as the ‘year of the last-minute summer’ for getaways – it’s important for travel companies to stand out from the crowd if they want to capitalise on the boost in demand. However, with the travel industry becoming more competitive than ever before, this begs the question: how do you stay relevant?

Cast your mind back to 2009, the year Spotify and Twitter became mainstream. When the phrase ‘there’s an app for that’ took off, thanks to the explosion of apps on iPhone, Android and even Blackberry. 10 years ago, also marks the point in time when eNett International entered into a joint venture with Travelport and Optal, which has been a key enabler of the growth and success we’ve enjoyed to date, and the start of our decade as a disruptor.

In our latest “Virtues of VANs for Hotels” report, we outlined the top pain points that hotels are experiencing as a result of payment complexity when using invoices.

Money2020 is one of the most influential fintech events across the globe, gathering the world’s decision makers to discuss the disruptive technologies taking hold of the market today and in the future. Read our key takeaways from the event.

The increased affordability of air travel is great for travelers, but airlines continue to face mounting pressures. As recently as last week, Iceland’s Wow Air left thousands of passengers stranded after unexpectedly ceasing operations. Read more about why airlines fail.

Travel businesses around the world are in the midst of selling travel, accommodation and packages to the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Read what your travel agency can do to leverage prominent events and ensure your team is ready.

This time last year the travel industry raised concerns around the process of surcharging being banned under the European Payment Services Directive (PSD2). Later this year there’s still more to come from PSD2. Read about how this will impact consumer and B2B payments.

2018 was a rollercoaster for the travel industry. So what’s in store for travel in 2019? Here are some trends and predictions from eNett’s CEO, Anthony Hynes.

If you work in travel and tourism, you’ll no doubt have heard at least some discussion around the acceptance of payments between airlines and travel agents. Click here to read the view of our CEO Anthony Hynes.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, five of the world’s ten fastest growing tourism cities are in Asia, putting the region at the forefront of tourism in the foreseeable future. Compared to major western economies, such as the U.S., U.K. and Germany, where GDP grew at less than 2.5% year-on-year in 2017, the APAC market grew at a much faster pace. China’s GDP, the second largest worldwide, increased by 6.9% in 2017, whilst India, rose by 6.6% during the same period.

Over the past 20 years, technology has played a role in the growth of the tourism and travel industry. This blog explores recent technological advances and how technologies like big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms can be harnessed to boost growth and improve the customer experience.

It’s predicted that Amazon, the $900+ billion tech giant that is revolutionising customer experience , may disrupt the online travel industry next. So what can online travel agents (OTAs) learn from the retail giant to ensure they too do not get left behind?

European summertime is a notoriously busy period for the travel industry, as travellers all over the continent jump at the chance to book flights to seek out sunnier destinations. In the UK, some airports have claimed that 2018 will be the “busiest summer ever”, expecting millions to pass through their doors between July and September.

Yesterday marked nine years since we started the eNett journey back in 2009. From day one, our aim has always been to shake up the industry by helping travel companies take the cost and complexity out of payments. And the proof is in the pudding, as the uptake for Virtual Account Number (VAN) technology has taken eNett from strength to strength.

The European Union General Data Protection Regulation is coming into effect on 25 May 2018. eNett believes personal data, privacy and security are of the utmost importance for all. In line with this, we are in the process of making changes globally.

Nowadays, travellers have many options available to them to help choose destinations, compare prices and make reservations independently and easily. Competition in the travel industry is high, and margins are low. It’s clear that online travel agencies (OTAs) can’t do business in the way they used to.

Fake hotels are fast becoming a massive issue for OTAs, leaving them out of pocket. And they’re becoming ever more sophisticated and believable too. What can OTAs do to protect themselves from this growing threat?

In 2017 the impact of fraud is estimated to have cost travel intermediaries US$21B. By 2020 the impact of fraud is expected to cost US$25B, driven by both a migration from offline to online, and an expected uptick in the rate of fraud. Understanding fraud and its true impact and cost to travel businesses is the first step to combating it.

Anthony Hynes gives his top four considerations travel companies should be thinking about to get ahead in 2018.

2017 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for the travel industry. eNett MD and CEO, Anthony Hynes, recaps of some of the highs and lows over the past year, and ways travel companies can continue the growth trajectory in 2018

As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, eNett MD and CEO, Anthony Hynes gives his view on how travel agencies can tackle increasing levels of fraud in the travel industry.

As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, eNett MD and CEO, Anthony Hynes gives his view on how travel agencies can tackle increasing levels of fraud in the travel industry.

Travel and tourism grow every year. Many underprivileged communities across the globe are being displaced - especially those in high-growth travel destinations. 'Repay the eNett Way' is our hands-on approach to make a difference in these communities.

A unique value proposition is one thing, the second step you take when launching a business is just as important.

Travel agencies are wasting time and money - it doesn't need to be this way. There is a solution today, it's faster, easier and safer than many other traditional methods too!

From a tiny no-frills office near Heathrow airport, to offices in Asia, Australia, Europe and America just eight years later - what a journey!