Getting ready for the 2025 tourist season means making sure your payment systems can handle international visitors properly. With tourism returning to normal levels, UK businesses need payment solutions that work for customers from around the world. This guide helps you prepare your business for the busy summer season.
Understanding Tourist Payment Needs
Who’s Visiting the UK
International visitor numbers are expected to reach 95% of pre-pandemic levels by 2025. Most visitors now prefer digital payment methods over cash, with over 85% choosing contactless or mobile payments.
Your visitors will come from different regions:
- European tourists (40%)
- North American visitors (25%)
- Asian markets (20%)
- Other international visitors (15%)
Each group has different payment preferences, so your systems need to be flexible.
Peak Season Timing
Most tourist revenue happens between May and September, with July and August being the busiest months. During peak periods, you might see visitor numbers increase by 300-500% compared to normal days.
What Tourists Expect
International visitors now expect:
- Contactless payment terminals
- Mobile wallet acceptance (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- Multi-currency options
- Quick transaction times (10-15 seconds or less)
- Clear pricing without hidden charges
Visit our tourism payment solutions to see how we can help your business handle international visitors.
Preparing Your Payment Systems
Check Your Current Setup
Before the busy season starts, review your payment systems:
- Test transaction processing speeds
- Verify multi-currency capabilities
- Ensure contactless works properly
- Check if systems can handle high volumes
Run test transactions at expected peak volumes to identify any problems before they affect real customers.
Internet Connection
Reliable internet is crucial during busy periods. Consider having:
- Primary broadband connection
- 4G backup system
- Dual internet providers if possible
This ensures payments keep working even during network congestion or technical issues.
Equipment Maintenance
Check all your equipment before the season:
- Terminal age and condition
- Battery life for portable devices
- Receipt printer functionality
- Cable condition and connections
Schedule maintenance during quiet periods to avoid disruptions when you’re busy.
The UK Government provides guidance on accepting payments from international customers that may be helpful.
Train Your Staff
Prepare your team for international customers:
- Multi-currency payment procedures
- Contactless payment explanations
- Common payment problems and solutions
- Basic phrases in key languages
Staff who understand tourist payment needs provide better service and process transactions faster.
Multi-Currency Payments
Currency Options
Offer prices and payment in multi-currency:
Multi-currency displays can increase sales by 15-25% by reducing confusion and conversion anxiety.
Dynamic Currency Conversion
This lets visitors see prices and pay in their home currency. Understand the fees involved and be transparent about exchange rates.
Many customers prefer paying in pounds sterling if rates are clear and competitive.
International Card Acceptance
Make sure you accept:
- Visa and Mastercard (essential)
- American Express (many international visitors use this)
- UnionPay (important for Chinese visitors)
- Contactless and chip and PIN
Your system should handle foreign cards smoothly with proper fraud protection.
Mobile and Contactless Payments
Mobile Wallets
International visitors use various mobile payment apps:
- Apple Pay and Google Pay (common worldwide)
- Alipay and WeChat Pay (essential for Chinese visitors)
- Regional mobile payment solutions
QR code payments work well for visitors unfamiliar with UK contactless systems.
Learn more about our contactless payment solutions designed for tourism businesses.
Contactless Limits
UK contactless limits are £100 per transaction. International visitors may not know this, so staff should:
- Explain the limit clearly
- Offer PIN entry for higher amounts
- Be patient with customers learning the system
Receipt Options
Offer multiple receipt formats:
- Printed receipts
- Email receipts
- SMS receipts
- No receipt option
This accommodates different preferences and environmental concerns.
Managing Busy Periods
High Volume Preparation
Plan for transaction volumes 3-5 times your normal levels during peak days:
- Deploy multiple payment terminals
- Optimise staff scheduling
- Implement queue management systems
- Have backup plans for technical issues
Transaction Speed
Fast payment processing reduces queues and improves customer satisfaction:
- Configure terminals for optimal speed
- Train staff on efficient procedures
- Test systems under high-volume conditions
Real-Time Reporting
Monitor transactions as they happen to:
- Track revenue in real time
- Identify processing issues quickly
- Adjust staffing as needed
- Spot trends and opportunities
Security and Compliance
Fraud Prevention
Balance security with customer convenience:
- Use fraud detection systems designed for international cards
- Avoid declining legitimate tourist transactions
- Keep clear transaction documentation
- Follow PCI DSS compliance standards
Data Protection
Protect customer payment data:
- Follow GDPR requirements
- Use secure payment processing
- Keep clear privacy policies
- Train staff on data protection
The Information Commissioner’s Office provides guidance on data protection for businesses.
Transaction Documentation
Keep clear records:
- Detailed receipts
- Merchant identification
- Transaction dates and amounts
- Customer payment methods
Good documentation helps resolve disputes efficiently.
Industry-Specific Solutions
Hotels and Accommodation
Hotel payment systems need to handle:
- Pre-authorisations for deposits
- Incidental charges during stays
- Foreign currency transactions
- Multiple payment methods per guest
Integration with property management systems streamlines billing and improves security.
Restaurants and Cafes
Restaurant payment needs include:
- Table-side payment processing
- Split billing for groups
- Tip handling
- Multi-language receipts
Portable terminals let staff take payments at tables, improving service and security.
Attractions and Entertainment
Visitor attractions require:
- Ticket sales integration
- Group booking capabilities
- Season pass payments
- Gift shop transactions
Systems should handle high volumes quickly whilst enabling advance bookings.
Retail Shops
Retail payment systems should offer:
- Tax-free shopping for international visitors
- Multi-currency pricing displays
- Tourist promotions
- Shipping integration for international purchases
Technology Integration
Booking Systems
Connect payments with your booking platform:
- Process advance bookings
- Handle deposits and balances
- Synchronise across multiple booking channels
- Manage group bookings efficiently
Customer Relationship Management
Use payment data to:
- Recognise repeat visitors
- Personalise service
- Track preferences
- Enable targeted marketing
Analytics
Payment analytics reveal:
- Peak transaction periods
- Popular services
- Average transaction values
- Visitor demographic patterns
Use this information to optimise staffing, pricing, and service offerings.
Staff Training
Seasonal Staff Preparation
Train temporary staff quickly but thoroughly:
- Simplified payment procedures
- Clear guidelines
- Hands-on practice
- Ongoing support
Knowledge Transfer
Ensure permanent staff share expertise with seasonal workers:
- Payment system operation
- International customer service
- Problem resolution
- Cultural sensitivity
Continuous Support
Provide ongoing assistance:
- Regular refresher training
- Quick reference guides
- 24/7 technical support during peak season
- Clear escalation procedures
Measuring Success
Key Indicators
Track these metrics:
- Transaction success rates
- Average transaction values
- Processing speeds
- Customer satisfaction scores
- Revenue per visitor
Return on Investment
Evaluate your payment system improvements:
- Compare costs to revenue increases
- Measure efficiency gains
- Track customer retention
- Monitor repeat visit rates
Continuous Improvement
After the season:
- Analyse what worked well
- Identify areas for improvement
- Gather visitor feedback
- Plan enhancements for next year
Getting Professional Help
New Payment Innovation specialises in tourism payment solutions for UK businesses. We understand international visitor needs and can help you:
- Set up multi-currency systems
- Train your staff
- Optimise payment processes
- Handle technical support during busy periods
Contact us for expert consultation:
- Website: www.npi.uk
- Phone: +44 23 8001 9998
Our tourism payment specialists can assess your needs and recommend the best solutions for your business.
Practical Preparation Checklist
Before the tourist season starts:
Check your equipment:
- Test all terminals
- Replace old or faulty devices
- Stock up on receipt paper
- Charge portable devices
Review your systems:
- Verify multi-currency capabilities
- Test contactless payments
- Check mobile wallet acceptance
- Ensure internet backup works
Prepare your team:
- Train all staff on payment procedures
- Practice busy period protocols
- Review language basics
- Update quick reference guides
Plan for problems:
- Create backup payment options
- Document troubleshooting steps
- Establish support contacts
- Test emergency procedures
Summary
Preparing for the 2025 tourist season means ensuring your payment systems can handle international visitors efficiently. Key priorities include:
Multi-currency capabilities for European, American, and Asian visitors
Contactless and mobile payment acceptance for modern payment preferences
Fast processing to reduce queues during busy periods
Well-trained staff who can assist international customers
Robust systems that work reliably under high volume
Security and compliance that protect both you and your customers
Proper preparation helps you capture more revenue whilst providing excellent service. International visitors appreciate businesses that make payments easy and transparent, leading to better reviews and repeat visits.
The 2025 tourist season offers significant opportunities for UK businesses ready to welcome international visitors with modern, flexible payment solutions. Invest time in preparation now to maximise success during the busy summer months.
