ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF USING OF INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN TOURISM ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Abstract. The publication describes the current problems of using international electronic payment systems in tourism. The main objectives of the study are to analyze the development of international payment systems, their impact on the functioning of the global tourism business, the features of the formation of payment systems in Ukraine, and the development of alternative payment instruments. The activities and distribution of the largest international payment systems Mastercard and Visa are characterized. They are monopolists in the market of international financial transactions, especially on card accounts. Alternative electronic payment systems (PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay) are also developing in the world, but they have not yet gained mass distribution in the financial and tourism sectors. The features of the functioning of international payment systems in Ukraine are analyzed, as well as the creation of a national payment system. The problems of commission formation and double conversion in international payments, and their impact on the formation of a tourism product, are characterized. As a result, the price of the final product increases, which negatively affects its consumers. The possibilities of using alternative international payment systems for the tourism industry are analyzed. Among them, promising opportunities for using cryptocurrencies are highlighted, which have a number of advantages due to the absence of commissions in payments, the use of blockchain technologies for confidentiality, protection against counterfeiting and other advantages. Cryptocurrencies are considered as a transitional form of international payment systems in order to avoid commissions and other bank fees. An example of a separate country (El Salvador) is given, where its financial sector officially recognizes cryptocurrency payments. Attention is also drawn to mobile payment systems (for example, Apple Pay, Google Pay), which integrate with electronic devices and can be used in different parts of the world, which is especially convenient for the needs of the tourism sector. The capabilities of fintech companies that offer alternative approaches to organizing financial services in the form of digital wallets, payment platforms and services for international transfers are analyzed. However, their disadvantage is a certain attachment to the existing banking system.