In 2019, Russian travelers paid for tours online much more often than in person. 2018QIWI experts came to this conclusion after analyzing the dynamics online transactions in favor of tour operators in 2018-2019 through their online and offline channels.
As the company told TRN, during the peak holiday season from June to September 2019, the share of acquiring payments for package tours increased by 50% compared to the same period last year. As a result, online payments accounted for 35% of total payments for travel packages from June to September 2019. The largest number of tours were purchased in August, with over 40% of these paid online.
"In recent years, along with cost, convenience of selection and payment, as well as the time it takes to make a purchase, have become important criteria for consumers. This is linked to the growth of online payments and the growth of e-commerce in general. We are seeing this in the tourism segment as well," noted Rishat Abbazov, Head of the Department for Acquiring and Alternative Payment Methods Development.
Banks, mobile phone stores, and terminals remain the main payment channels for cash. According to QIWI, their combined share amounts to 65% of total transactions for June–September 2019. However, offline payment remains the most common method of payment for expensive tours. Despite the overall growth of cashless payments on tour operator websites, the average online ticket decreased by 30%. For June–September 2019, it amounted to 35,074 rubles, compared to 48,342 rubles for the same period in 2018.
According to the company's experts, this is due to the fact that many clients continue to visit tour operators' offices to clarify details and only then pay for their trip. Meanwhile, the main barrier slowing the growth of the online segment remains the issue of personal data security. This is evident not only in the tourism sector but also in other e-commerce sectors.
QIWI experts predict continued growth in online payments for package tours. Next year, it is expected to reach 20%.
"At the same time, it's too early to talk about eliminating cash payments for tourism products. The offline segment will retain its market share, and traditional and online payments will complement each other," the company concluded.
Source: trn-news.ru