Visa has launched a B2B travel payments solution programme in partnership with UAE-based spend management platform Qashio in a deal worth £22 million.

The move aims to help digitise and automate payments for online travel agencies and travel management companies, with a focus on optimising reconciliation and improving liquidity.

Visa Commercial Choice Travel enables travel companies to obtain Qashio cards and conduct transactions in different currencies, including AED, SAR, USD, EUR and GBP, issued by the UAE, enabling payments and settlements in different currencies.

The system will be integrated with the booking tools of global travel management firms, including global distribution systems (GDS), with the aim of improving the security of travel bookings and payments.

Qashio's payment solutions aim to simplify operational complexities, reduce expenses and support businesses in managing travel payments by leveraging Visa's secure payment infrastructure, the company said in a statement.

Salima Gutieva, Visa’s vice president and country manager for UAE emphasised the importance of travel and tourism as key sectors driving growth and diversification of the region and its economy.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to providing secure and seamless payment solutions that enable the digital transformation and improve efficiencies of travel and tourism companies,” she said.

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