The South African travel and tourism industry is a key economic contributor. According to government statistics, in 2024 the sector contributed 8.8% to the GDP, supported 1.68 million jobs and attracted over 8.92 million visitors to the country. With domestic and global travel steadily rebounding after the pandemic, tourism operators must prioritise operational efficiency and customer trust—starting with how they manage travel business payments in South Africa.
For tour companies, lodges, transport services and hospitality providers, the ability to facilitate secure tourism payments is no longer optional. It’s a business-critical function that directly influences customer satisfaction, conversion rates and cash flow.
Seamless digital and on-site payments are now expected
Today’s traveller expects a fast, seamless experience from booking to checkout. This includes having access to secure, convenient payment options at every stage. Outdated methods such as manual EFTs or cash on arrival increase risk, delay service and diminish trust—particularly in high-value transactions typical of the travel industry.
If you run a travel business and aren’t offering digital payment options, you may be losing out on significant revenue. The best payment solutions for lodges and travel operators are those that offer flexibility, security and real-time processing—no matter where your customer is.
Security is non-negotiable in tourism payments
Payment security is paramount in a sector where transactions are often made weeks or months in advance. A single breach can result in reputational damage, financial loss and legal consequences. That’s why secure tourism payments are fundamental to long-term sustainability.
Security-conscious consumers are looking for clear signals of protection, such as:
- PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance
- SSL encryption
- Trusted and recognised payment providers
By adopting a payment platform that meets these standards, travel businesses in South Africa can build immediate credibility with both domestic and international visitors.
The shift away from cash is accelerating
While in-person travel experiences—like tours, car hire and excursions—remain popular, the reliance on cash is fading. Modern travellers expect the option to pay with card or mobile wallets, even in remote or mobile settings.
Without a reliable, portable card machine, travel operators risk losing sales. The best payment solutions for lodges, safari guides and mobile operators are those that support secure, on-the-go transactions.
Common payment challenges for travel businesses
Despite the need for better payment solutions, many tourism businesses still face the following obstacles:
- High transaction fees with international gateways
- Delays in settlement during busy seasons
- Complex onboarding or tech integrations
- No support for recurring payments or split deposits
These challenges impact not only your bottom line but also your ability to offer a polished, guest-friendly experience.
Why Payfast by Network is one of the best payment solutions for lodges and travel operators
Payfast by Network provides a payment platform for South African tourism businesses, from guesthouses in the Drakensberg to guided tours in the Lowveld. We enable secure tourism payments that are fast, flexible and fully compliant.
Key advantages of using Payfast to accept payments:
- Multiple payment methods online: Accept local and internationally issued cards from Visa, Mastercard, China UnionPay, American Express and Diners Club, as well as Instant EFT, SnapScan, Zapper, Capitec Pay and more—through one platform.
- Multi-Currency Pricing: Offer your customer the ability to pay with their local currency at checkout and get settled in ZAR.
- Trusted security: All transactions are encrypted and compliant with PCI-DSS Level 1 standards.
- Card machines for on-the-go sales: Process in-person payments using portable card machines designed for mobility.
- Transparent pricing: No monthly fees. Only a small fee per successful transaction.
- Recurring billing: Enable customers to pay for travel packages in instalments or subscribe to ongoing services.
- Immediate Payouts: Get access to your funds within minutes to manage cash flow more efficiently.
This combination of features makes Payfast one of the best payment solutions for tourism in South Africa.
Travel businesses that use Payfast to grow
Across South Africa, thousands of travel operators rely on Payfast to streamline their payment processes. From boutique lodges and hiking companies to national tour providers, we support businesses in delivering exceptional service.
The Kruger Safari Co, for example, is a well-known tour operator that uses Payfast to offer travellers a seamless booking experience for safaris. MoAfrika Tours, another leader in the safari and travel space, relies on Payfast’s secure online portal to handle high-volume transactions with ease.
Adventure-focused operators like Soul Adventures use Payfast to take the hassle out of accepting bookings for their guided hikes, camping trips and off-the-grid tours—making it easier to focus on what they do best: delivering epic experiences. Even companies like Stars Travel & Tours, which operate across provinces, use Payfast payment links to send secure, easy-to-use payment requests to customers no matter where they are.
No matter the size or location of your business, Payfast helps you offer a seamless, secure experience that keeps guests coming back.
Start accepting secure tourism payments today
Travel businesses can’t afford to operate with outdated or unsecured payment systems. Adopting a reliable payment solution is essential for long-term success in a competitive and increasingly digital market.
Payfast gives South African travel businesses the tools, technology and local expertise to grow confidently in an increasingly digital market. Get started with Payfast and transform the way your travel business accepts payments—online, on-site and on the move.
