The introduction of a new virtual payment program by HBX Group in collaboration with Mastercard is aimed at travel intermediaries operating across multiple markets.

This initiative combines Mastercard’s Wholesale Programme with HBX Group’s existing B2B travel technology infrastructure to simplify and streamline the payment processes between intermediaries and suppliers.

The program allows partners from the EU, UK, and US to utilize virtual cards for settling supplier payments, managing transactions across various currencies, and automating reconciliation. According to the companies, the system aims to reduce reliance on manual processes and outdated payment methods prevalent in the travel sector. Notable features include transaction-level traceability, automated reporting, and tools designed to enhance cash flow visibility while mitigating fraud risks.

Virtual Cards Integrated into Global Travel Network

HBX Group has incorporated Mastercard’s virtual card technology into its global network, which connects thousands of travel distributors with a variety of accommodation, mobility, and travel-related products in more than 170 countries. Through this integration, intermediaries can issue virtual cards tailored to support high transaction volumes and distributed operations, enabling direct linkage between payments and individual bookings.

HBX Group representatives highlighted that payment management remains a significant challenge for travel businesses, especially when dealing with multiple currencies, fragmented supplier bases, and delayed settlement cycles. They emphasized that virtual cards can simplify these processes by replacing manual reconciliation with automated, booking-linked payments.

Mastercard officials described the program as part of their broader initiative to digitize B2B payments in the travel industry, an area historically lagging behind consumer payments in terms of automation and transparency. The officials noted that intermediaries increasingly expect the same speed and control in business-to-business transactions as they experience with consumer payment tools.

The virtual payment program forms a key component of HBX Group’s strategy to expand its services beyond core travel distribution by integrating financial technology solutions. The current rollout covers Europe, the UK, and the United States, with plans for the Asia-Pacific region in the first half of 2026 and Latin America at a later stage.