Limited budget but eager to get away? The solution for booking a vacation without sacrifices.

Vacations are one of life's pleasures, and the numbers speak for themselves: 75% of Italians went on vacation this year, with an average budget of €1,233 per person. But there's one sobering statistic: 8% of those who purchased a trip this summer paid for it in installments, and a further 8% of those who had to pay upfront or with a down payment and balance would have preferred to spread the cost out .

A growing trend that responds to real needs

The desire to spread out vacation payments isn't a whim, but a necessity felt by an increasingly significant segment of Italians. More than 1 in 4 would consider Buy Now Pay Later to plan their vacation, a sign of how much the approach to managing the family budget has changed.

Interest in this payment method varies significantly across generations. Millennials and Gen X remain the most likely to travel, while families with children see deferred payment as a concrete way to reduce the cost of a vacation, which, as we know, can become particularly expensive when traveling with multiple people. Gen Z, on the other hand, has clear ideas: they want to use these solutions to increase the length and frequency of their trips , turning the dream of traveling more and more into an accessible reality .

Data from the HeyLight focus on: Travel survey confirms this scenario. 26% of respondents would have liked to pay for their vacation gradually. But the most interesting data concerns those who book high-end packages well in advance, where the percentage rises to 37%, and those who rely on agencies and tour operators, with a significant 42%.

HeyLight, Compass Banca's flexible solution

This is the context for HeyLight , Compass Banca 's new payment and credit solution designed specifically for the travel industry. It's simple and straightforward to use. Travelers can split amounts up to €5,000 into up to 12 installments, with the first installment deferred for 30 days. Total flexibility is available, with the option to pay via current account, credit card, or debit card with just a few clicks.

"The flexibility of our solution translates into a highly customizable experience," explains Luca Lambertini , Director of HeyLight at Compass Banca. "Customers can choose the number of installments, amount, payment method, and channel. This approach is designed for smart travelers who want to enjoy their holidays with complete freedom, including when it comes to purchasing."

Integration with BluVacanze: the future is multichannel

The collaboration between HeyLight and BluVacanze demonstrates how new payment methods can make the booking process simpler and more enjoyable. The service is accessible through all channels : from the website to physical agencies, to the Blu&club app, which is becoming the go-to destination for a growing community of travel enthusiasts.

"Offering users multiple digital payment solutions is a must in both retail and online services," emphasizes Marco Orlandi , Chief Digital Consumer Experience Officer of the BluVacanze Group . One sobering statistic: over 70% of online carts are abandoned, and one of the main reasons is the lack of a preferred payment method. The HeyLight integration addresses this need precisely, reducing friction in purchasing and expanding the target audience.

Fully digital travel management, combined with the ability to pay in installments, creates a seamless and worry-free experience, from the moment you book to your return home.

Travel better, not just more

But what really drives Italians to choose Buy Now Pay Later for their holidays? It's not just a matter of "being able to get away." A significant finding emerges from research: 60% of those who rate the service positively would use it to treat themselves to something extra during their vacation. We're talking about extending their stay by a few days, traveling more often throughout the year, or choosing higher-value, higher-quality services .

In other words, deferred payment isn't seen as a last resort, but as a tool to enhance the overall travel experience . Being able to manage your budget more flexibly means having the freedom to choose that room with a sea view, add an extra excursion, or simply not have to worry about anything during your vacation.

Security and transparency are also key elements: with HeyLight, everything is clear from the start, with no hidden costs or unpleasant surprises. Travelers know exactly how much and when they'll pay, allowing them to plan their budget with peace of mind.

A new era for Italian tourism

The success of Buy Now Pay Later in the travel industry reflects a genuine paradigm shift in the way Italians plan and experience their vacations. The ability to pay in installments is democratizing access to quality travel experiences , allowing more people to realize their dreams without compromise.

The integration of solutions like HeyLight into the most popular booking platforms in Italy demonstrates that the tourism industry has understood the importance of offering flexibility and customization, making worry-free travel no longer a privilege for the few, but a concrete possibility for everyone.

Disclaimer

Advertising message for promotional purposes. HeyLight is a registered trademark of Compass Banca SpA and identifies various installment payment solutions: A) Free payment deferral granted to consumers, subject to assessment, by sellers of goods and services with whom Compass Banca SpA has entered into a non-recourse factoring agreement. Full terms and conditions applicable to the deferral are available from the sellers of goods and services. Information sheets relating to the factoring contract are available on the websites compass.it, HeyLight.com, at Compass Banca SpA branches or at financial agents operating as sole-mandate credit intermediaries or with an exclusive product mandate of Compass Banca SpA. Subject to approval by Compass Banca SpA. B) The finalized loan granted to consumers, subject to approval, directly by Compass Banca SpA. Economic and contractual conditions are available on the websites compass.it, HeyLight.com and at sellers, affiliated without or exclusively with Compass Banca SpA. C) Furthermore, the HeyLight brand has been licensed for use by Holipay Srl, an Italian company with headquarters in Viale Ortigara, 7/9 Milano Marittima (RA) RA Company Register Tax Code and VAT number 16090851003. The technological service offered by Holipay is designed for the needs of hoteliers, in order to automate and distribute by scheduling the flow of deposit collections through an as-built software. A service integrated with a payment gateway. Use of the service is subject to the terms and conditions at heylight.com/it/it/viaggi-turismo.