Digital Revolution in Travel Payments: Conferma Connect Direct Leads the Way
Transforming From Fax to Internet-Based: Confera Speeds Up Travel Payment Modernization
In a significant move towards modernising travel payment systems, Conferma, the leading provider of travel payment solutions, has announced plans to phase out fax delivery by 2026, moving towards fully digital travel payments. This decision was announced at the GBTA Denver event, where Conferma unveiled its plans for the future.
At the heart of this digital revolution is Conferma Connect Direct, a digital infrastructure designed to facilitate virtual card delivery directly into hotel property management and central reservation systems. The platform is part of the broader Conferma Connect platform, which links global banks, hotels, and Travel Management Companies (TMCs). As of 2025, Conferma Connect Direct has been integrated across over 90,000 hotels and over 90 card issuers, significantly modernising virtual card acceptance within the travel industry.
Neil Fyfe, Head of Payment Solutions at BCD Travel, described the partnership with Conferma as a "critical step forward in scaling direct delivery and driving innovation across the sector." Jason Lalor, CEO of Conferma, echoed this sentiment, stating that Conferma Connect Direct makes virtual card acceptance seamless, secure, and scalable, and that true transformation requires the full ecosystem working together.
The impact of Conferma Connect Direct is multifaceted. It enables real-time delivery of virtual cards, reducing manual entry and enhancing operational efficiency. This results in fewer errors and faster payments to hotels, thereby improving the guest experience. By eliminating manual handoffs and using automated processes, Conferma Connect Direct helps reduce the risk of fraud, which is a significant challenge in digital payments.
The platform is part of a broader effort to phase out outdated methods like fax delivery, aiming to make travel payments fully digital by 2026. This transformation requires collaborative efforts across the entire ecosystem, including hotels, TMCs, and banks. Conferma has already partnered with major players in the travel industry, such as BCD Travel and CWT, highlighting the platform's potential to drive innovation and improve efficiency across the sector.
Michael Wirth, Senior Director of Global Payments at CWT, stated that the partnership improves the guest experience and supports a more consistent, end-to-end payment journey for clients. Mr. Kjetil Smette, Managing Director of Thon Hotels, added that integrating virtual card technology strengthens operations and adds value throughout the travel chain. Melissa Elf, Global Chief Operating Officer of Flight Centre Corporate, agreed, stating that Conferma's integration into hotel systems delivers faster payments, fewer errors, and greater control to clients.
In conclusion, Conferma Connect Direct is actively contributing to the modernisation of travel payment systems, enhancing both user experience and operational efficiency in the corporate hotel stay market. As the industry moves towards a fully digital future, Conferma is inviting partners to help build a frictionless, connected future. The growing need for more consistent, automated delivery embedded in the ecosystem is being met by Conferma Connect Direct, making it an essential component of the digital travel revolution.
[1] https://www.conferma.com/news/conferma-connect-direct-receives-global-adoption-from-hotel-groups-and-card-issuers/ [2] https://www.conferma.com/news/conferma-connect-direct-delivers-real-time-virtual-card-delivery-and-invoice-reconciliation-to-the-hotel-industry/ [3] https://www.conferma.com/news/conferma-connect-direct-accelerates-virtual-card-adoption-within-the-hotel-industry/
- The integration of Conferma Connect Direct has been ongoing across various sectors, including global banks, hotels, and Travel Management Companies (TMCs), marking a significant shift in the finance industry towards a more digital business environment.
- As travel habits evolve in our technology-driven lifestyle, advancements in payments, such as real-time delivery of virtual cards like those facilitated by Conferma Connect Direct, are expected to impact travel trends, making digital payment solutions a crucial part of the business travel landscape.
