AIB Merchant Services has emerged as a joint winner in the fiercely contested Payment Solutions Provider of the Year category at the 2026 Irish Travel Industry Awards.
The new award, unveiled at the prestigious gala ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House and organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) in association with MSC Cruises, recognised AIB Merchant Services ahead of strong contenders including Elavon, Ecomm, Revolut, and Trust Payments.
AIB Merchant Services, one of Ireland’s foremost providers of card payment solutions and a joint venture with global fintech expertise (now moving towards full ownership by Fiserv), processes millions of transactions daily across retail, online, and mobile channels. In the Irish travel market, the company partners closely with travel agents, tour operators, and online platforms to deliver seamless, secure payment experiences that build consumer confidence and streamline operations for businesses.
The organisation’s activities in the travel trade are extensive and trade-focused. AIB Merchant Services engages actively with the ITAA and individual agencies through dedicated account management, tailored consultations, and educational sessions on emerging payment trends such as contactless, mobile wallets, and fraud prevention. Travel agents benefit from robust point-of-sale terminals for in-branch bookings, integrated online gateways for website payments, and virtual terminals for telephone reservations—essential for handling deposits, balance payments, and group bookings.
Specialised features cater directly to travel industry needs. Dynamic currency conversion options allow agents to offer clients payments in their preferred currency, reducing foreign exchange surprises and enhancing the booking experience for international travellers. Enhanced security measures, including tokenisation and compliance with the latest Payment Services Directive standards, protect sensitive card data during high-value transactions typical in holidays, cruises, and packages. The company’s solutions support recurring payments for instalment plans—a popular feature among Irish consumers spreading costs over months—while minimising chargeback risks through advanced fraud detection tools.
Partnerships extend to major travel players. Many prominent Irish agencies and operators rely on AIB Merchant Services’ infrastructure to power their e-commerce platforms, ensuring fast, reliable processing that aligns with peak booking seasons. The provider’s emphasis on uptime and quick settlement helps agencies maintain cash flow, particularly important for independent operators managing supplier payments abroad.
Marketing and support initiatives reinforce its position. AIB Merchant Services participates in industry events, sponsors relevant segments of the Irish Travel Industry Awards, and offers bespoke webinars and resources on topics like PCI compliance and optimising conversion rates. Feedback from the trade praises the responsive support teams, competitive rates, and user-friendly reporting dashboards that provide insights into transaction trends—vital for agencies analysing booking patterns and refining strategies.
In an era of increasing online and contactless payments, AIB Merchant Services’ focus on innovation—such as mobile point-of-sale options for pop-up events or travel fairs—helps agents adapt to evolving consumer behaviours. The company’s commitment to sustainability in operations, including paperless statements and efficient digital workflows, also appeals to eco-conscious travel businesses.
This award win underscores AIB Merchant Services’ dedication to empowering the Irish travel trade with reliable, cutting-edge payment infrastructure. As digital adoption accelerates and international travel rebounds, the provider’s tailored solutions ensure agents can focus on crafting dream holidays rather than worrying about transaction hurdles.
For Ireland’s travel professionals, AIB Merchant Services represents a trusted backbone—delivering security, simplicity, and speed that keep the industry moving forward.
2026 awards
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