SHG to take payments by mobile phone

Tui Travel’s Specialist Holidays Group is to start taking holiday payments by mobile phone.

Tui Travel’s Specialist Holidays Group is to start taking holiday payments by mobile phone.

The group of specialist brands claims to be the first operator to offer consumers the option to pay via Barclays Pingit with a free-to-download app.

The group says the move signals the start of SHG’s journey with Barclays Pingit as the group explores ways to offer their customers innovative mobile payment solutions.

The group’s brands include Sovereign Luxury Travel, Meon Villas, Hayes & Jarvis, Crystal Ski Holidays, Austravel, Citalia, American Holidays and Sunsail.

SHG finance director Colin Parselle said: “We recognise that our customers want choice when it comes to their payment options and Barclays Pingit provides a quick, easy and convenient way for them to pay for their holiday bookings.

“The ease and speed of the service makes it ideal for both our customers and us, particularly as funds are cleared immediately which improves the overall booking journey for our customers.”

Mike Walters, head of UK corporate payments at Barclays, added: “Consumer behaviour when it comes to making payments is changing as convenience and ease become top priorities.

“SHG is at the forefront in recognising the importance of providing its customers with new and innovative mobile payment solutions that are both quick and secure to use.”