The World Travel and Tourism Festival 2025 has kicked off with a significant focus on the digital payment revolution in the travel industry. With the increasing adoption of digital transactions among Indian travelers, the travel ecosystem is rapidly transforming. According to insights shared by Parimal Raj, Associate Director at PayU, there are immense growth opportunities within the travel sector’s digital payment landscape. The projections suggest that digital payment transactions in the travel sector could increase by three to four times over the next two years, reflecting the rising importance of digital solutions in enhancing the overall travel experience.
PayU’s Commitment to Support Travel Startups
During the festival, Parimal Raj emphasized PayU’s commitment to supporting travel startups through funding, mentoring, and technological assistance, aligning with India’s digital initiative goals. He also highlighted the growing acceptance of “Buy Now, Pay Later” services through LazyPay, which enables travelers to divide their payments into easy EMIs, making vacations more accessible to a wider audience.
Cross-Border Payment Solutions
Raj elaborated on PayU’s expansion into cross-border payments, collaborating with embassies and international partners to streamline transactions on a global scale. Despite the current penetration of digital payments in the travel sector being only 34%, he foresees substantial growth potential in the coming years, predicting a three to fourfold increase in transaction volume.
Papon’s Mesmerizing Performance
The first day of the World Travel and Tourism Festival 2025 was made even more memorable by a captivating performance from renowned musician Papon. His unique vocal talent brought life to the evening, captivating the audience with his beautiful songs. Thousands attended the event to enjoy Papon’s performance, which not only entertained but also celebrated the themes of travel and exploration. Papon expressed his appreciation for TV9’s initiative, and his melodies added a romantic touch to the Valentine’s evening, making it an unforgettable experience for attendees.