Conferma launches the first global benchmark for hotel payment performance
Virtual cards have become standard in corporate travel. But until now, the industry has lacked a clear way to measure how reliably those payments are processed at hotel level. Conferma announces the launch of the Virtual Card Performance Index (VPI) — alongside its first global benchmark report — creating the industry's first objective standard for hotel payment performance.
What’s New
- Virtual Card Performance Index (VPI): First global benchmark for hotel payment reliability, moving beyond simple “acceptance” to measure how consistently payments are processed.
- Scoring System: Hotels receive a score from 1–10, based on real transaction behavior, updated monthly, and measured at property level with group views layered on top.
Industry Adoption
- Early Adopters: Leading Travel Management Companies (TMCs) including BCD, Clarity, and CTM are embedding VPI data into sourcing, booking, and servicing workflows.
- Impact: Helps identify friction points before they escalate, improves hotel sourcing decisions, and strengthens corporate travel programs.
Benchmark Report
- Provides the first aggregated view of virtual card performance across the hotel sector.
- Highlights strong performers, variability in execution, and the gap between acceptance and reliable processing.
Leadership Voices
- Neil Fyfe, BCD: VPI is the “next evolution” after last year’s acceptance rating, giving a shared benchmark to improve experiences at scale.
- Pat McDonagh, Clarity: “This is the first time the industry has had a shared benchmark for payment performance.”
- Ken Augustine, CTM: Payment reliability directly impacts traveler confidence and program efficiency.
- Mark Ledsham, Conferma CEO: “Acceptance doesn’t equal performance. Visibility is the key.”
Why It Matters
- For TMCs & Corporates: Turns payment reliability into a measurable commercial lever.
- For Hotels: Provides visibility into performance, encouraging improvements.
- For Travelers: Reduces friction, boosting confidence and smoother experiences.
This launch essentially shifts the conversation in corporate travel from “Can hotels accept virtual cards?” to “How well do they process them in practice?” — a big step toward more reliable, data‑driven travel programs.
