Germany is moving toward a fully digital invoicing model, with obligations that already apply to transactions between businesses and public authorities (B2G), as well as to transactions between businesses (B2B). The electronic invoicing framework is overseen by the German Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF). 

Business‑to‑consumer (B2C) transactions are not affected by this national mandate. In addition, for now, cross‑border and intra‑EU operations are not covered (without prejudice to future ViDA requirements). 

E‑invoicing for the German public administration 

In the public sector, Germany uses a centralized system in which all public administrations receive electronic invoices through standardized infrastructures.

The Bund (federal level) and many public entities receive e‑invoices through platforms such as ZRE/OZG‑RE and/or via Peppol, while in the Länder (federal states) the specific portals or channels may vary depending on the administration.

The most commonly used formats are XRechnung, Peppol BIS (via Peppol) and, in certain cases, ZUGFeRD.

Electronic invoicing is mandatory for all B2G transactions. 

German B2B model: how e‑invoicing works 

The obligation for B2B transactions generally applies to operations between “inländische” entrepreneurs, that is, companies with their registered office, place of management or establishment in Germany. There are some exceptions, such as certain transport tickets that function as invoices, among others.

Regarding the validation system, the B2B model is based on a post‑audit approach, which means:

• Invoices do not pass through any government platform before being sent. 
• There is no prior automatic validation; each company is responsible for issuing and receiving compliant invoices. 
• Documentation must remain complete, authentic, and readable for any future verification. 
• The tax administration may conduct audits afterwards to ensure that invoices meet all requirements. 

This model offers flexibility, but also means that companies must have: 

• Systems capable of issuing and receiving structured formats compliant with EN 16931 (UBL, CII or ZUGFeRD EN‑compliant). 
• Robust internal processes to guarantee document quality. 
• Secure archiving methods to demonstrate compliance in the event of a review. 

In short, for B2B transactions, there is no government validation at the time the invoice is sent; compliance depends entirely on the company. 

B2B e‑invoicing timeline in Germany 

The planned timeline for the entry into force of mandatory e-invoicing between businesses is as follows:

From 01/01/2025 – Already in effect. 

Companies must be able to receive structured electronic invoices (EN 16931). Suppliers may continue sending paper invoices and non‑structured electronic formats such as PDF (only if the recipient agrees). Consent from the recipient is not required for issuing structured e‑invoices.

From 01/01/2027 – Companies with annual turnover above €800,000. 

Businesses exceeding €800,000 in annual turnover will be required to issue structured e‑invoices. Invoices issued via direct system‑to‑system exchange will remain valid as long as they comply with the standard and both parties agree.

Until 31/12/2027 – Companies with annual turnover equal to or below €800,000.

From 01/01/2028 – All companies. 

The obligation extends to all businesses, regardless of size. This marks the end of paper and non‑structured documents (PDF), and the start of mandatory issuance of structured electronic invoices. 

Around 2030. 

Germany will introduce a transactional electronic reporting system aligned with the EU’s ViDA initiative.

How can German companies prepare for B2B e‑invoicing?

To comply with the regulation, companies must ensure that their systems are capable of receiving and issuing structured electronic invoices in line with the European standard EN 16931.

Voxel ensures full legal compliance in Germany, supporting companies in adapting their systems and processes in a secure, scalable way, aligned with current and future regulatory requirements.

Complete the form below if you would like to speak with our team of experts and receive tailored advice to prepare your company for e‑invoicing in Germany.

First and last name *

First

Last

Email *

Company *

GDPR Agreement *

• I accept the privacy terms. *

We hereby inform you that Voxel Media, S.L.U. will process your data to manage your requests, answer your queries. You may exercise your data subject rights (access, rectification or deletion, limitation of processing, opposition and portability) by sending an e-mail to legal@voxelgroup.net. More information about the processing of your personal data can be found in our Privacy Policy

Send message

La entrada E‑invoicing in Germany: requirements, formats and timeline se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

The Spanish government has approved on December 2nd a royal decree that postpones the implementation of Verifactu to 2027. This means that companies will have one more year to adapt their invoicing software to the new technical and anti-fraud requirements. 

Verifactu is the regulatory framework for billing systems developed by the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) to facilitate the process of invoice verification for SMEs and self-employed individuals. According to the government, the decision to postpone the implementation of Verifactu has been made to give companies more time to digitalize their invoicing processes. 

New Dates

January 1st, 2027: For companies subject to the corporate income tax (Impuesto sobre Sociedades) 

July 1st, 2027: For all other obligated companies and self-employed individuals. 

It is important to note that this postponement does not alter the B2B electronic invoicing mandate calendar, which is still pending final confirmation. 

There are two separate regulatory frameworks related to invoicing, and each covers a different part of the process: the Crea y Crece Law regulates the exchange of e-invoices between businesses, while Verifactu regulates the technical and anti-fraud features of the billing systems that generate invoices in general. 

Next steps 

The new dates give companies more time to adapt their invoicing processes to new technologies. The regulation remains the same but businesses in Spain will have time to comply with new rules by 2027. However, the tech providers should already be compliant with the Verifactu regulations even with the newly published dates.

That said, it’s important that companies use this time to look for software providers that better fit their needs. This will ensure that the adaptation to new technologies and to the Verifactu invoicing structure is smooth and fully completed by the new deadlines.

Learn more about the B2B e-invoicing model in Spain here.

About Verifactu 

Verifactu is part of the Anti-Fraud Law framework and helps guarantee the authenticity and traceability of invoices while facilitating the control by the tax administration. The Verifactu rules will be applied by billing solutions and technology partners, like Voxel, who have adapted their software to comply with regulations and send invoice records issued by the companies directly to the public administration.

By working with Verifactu certified systems, the government ensures compliance with legal requirements related to commercial transactions. The sanction for non-compliant companies can reach 50 000 euros.  

La entrada Spain postpones the implementation of Verifactu to 2027 se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

Hotels focused on leisure tourism operate in an environment marked by demand seasonality, rising costs (energy, salaries), and long payment terms. In this context, having immediate liquidity becomes a strategic element to invest in improvements, cover operating expenses, and respond quickly to market changes. Factoring can be key to achieving this.

Factoring is a financial tool that allows hotel properties to turn outstanding invoices into immediate liquidity. Instead of waiting for the B2B client to pay (typically a travel agency or tour operator), the hotel assigns its invoices to a financial entity, the factor, which advances the amount and assumes the risk of non-payment. 

This financial mechanism is consolidating as a strategic alternative to traditional banking. The global factoring volume reached €3.78 trillion in 2023, with Europe accounting for 66% of the global market (Business Money). And the upward trend continues: it is expected to reach €6.5 trillion by 2033, according to IMARC Group. 

Immediate liquidity for operations 

The main benefit of factoring for hotels is cash flow optimization. In a sector where payment terms can exceed 60 or even 90 days, having early liquidity makes a big difference. With factoring, hotels can cover high operating expenses, pay suppliers, and handle demand peaks without relying on deferred payments. This is especially relevant during high seasons and in international markets where payments are often delayed.  

Reducing financial risk 

Outsourcing accounts receivable management through factoring minimizes the impact of defaults or delays, strengthening the financial stability of hotels. With this tool, the risk of non-payment is transferred to the factor: if the B2B client does not pay, the hotel does not have to return the advanced funds. This protects financial health against defaults and ensures greater security in operations. 

Flexibility and scalability 

Factoring offers greater flexibility, enabling hotels to grow, expand, or invest without being limited by long payment cycles. This early liquidity facilitates strategic decision-making at key moments, such as renovations, marketing campaigns, or opening new hotels. 

Due to their size and solvency, large hotel chains can negotiate more competitive rates and personalized services with financial entities. Additionally, factoring adapts to billing volume and operational structure, making it a scalable solution for groups with multiple hotels and presence in different markets. 

Focus on guest experience 

By outsourcing invoice collection through factoring, teams free themselves from administrative tasks and can dedicate more time to optimizing the guest experience and ensuring high satisfaction levels. This redistribution of efforts boosts service quality and improves operational efficiency. 

Automation and administrative efficiency 

To continue improving our solutions and adding value to the hotel sector, Voxel has integrated factoring with Bavel Billing, our e-invoicing solution. This functionality acts as an additional layer of value, responding to the global trend toward integrated financial solutions in technological environments. Through this module, hotels using Bavel Billing not only automate accounting processes and reduce administrative workload but also enhance efficiency in financial management. 

Want to know how to optimize your cash flow and reduce financial risks? Leave your details here and we will contact you.

First and last name *

First

Last

Email *

Company *

GDPR Agreement *

• I accept the privacy terms. *

We hereby inform you that Voxel Media, S.L.U. will process your data to manage your requests, answer your queries. You may exercise your data subject rights (access, rectification or deletion, limitation of processing, opposition and portability) by sending an e-mail to legal@voxelgroup.net. More information about the processing of your personal data can be found in our Privacy Policy

Send message

La entrada How factoring helps hotels obtain immediate liquidity and reduce financial risks se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

Business travel has evolved into a strategic tool: companies now travel with a clear and high-value purpose. After overcoming the recovery phase following the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector shows solid growth: global spending is expected to reach $1.57 trillion in 2025, a 7% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). 

Additionally, GBTA projects a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% between 2026 and 2029. Nevertheless, these forecasts will depend on factors such as international trade negotiations.

Meanwhile, companies are betting on business travel. Client and partner loyalty, along with training and conference attendance, drive growth for large and small organizations, respectively (2025 Deloitte Corporate Travel Study).

In this context, understanding the trends and challenges of business travel is key to staying ahead. From hotel CFOs to corporate travel managers, every player in the travel industry must be prepared to face these changes. 

Generative AI: A game-changer for the Industry 

The travel industry has been transformed over the years by technology, and generative AI marks the next big leap: it doesn’t just advise, it acts, makes decisions, and solves problems autonomously, enabling companies to harness full technological potential with minimal oversight. 

In the corporate space, 84% of business travelers find it useful to have an AI-based assistant, placing Spain among the most receptive markets for this technology (Connected Journeys, Opinium for Amadeus). 

From a hotel perspective, this trend means integrating tools like chatbots to answer FAQs, assistants that help staff make informed decisions (e.g., about occupancy or room allocation), and predictive systems to anticipate demand. AI not only enhances the guest experience but also optimizes operational management and revenue strategies. 

Invoice and payment management: A shared challenge for hotels and travel companies 

The growth of business travel directly impacts all industry players: analysts expect the Travel Management Company (TMC) market to grow 16.2% annually, from $23.4 billion in 2023 to $47.8 billion in 2030 (For Insights Consultancy). 

Despite this growth, a common challenge persists among hotels, online travel agencies (OTAs), TMCs, and companies with traveling employees: managing invoices and payments. 

• Hotels spend countless hours emailing invoices, and if any are missing or contain errors, payments can be delayed for weeks—affecting cash flow, internal operations, and team morale. 

• On the other hand, companies often don’t receive all hotel invoices or encounter errors and documents that fail to meet local legal requirements. This complicates international VAT recovery, increases the risk of tax penalties, and makes reconciliation harder—plus extra time chasing invoices. 

As a result, leading OTAs, companies, and corporate guests are now implementing pre-payment invoicing procedures. Hotels that adopt technology to streamline and secure invoice issuance will not only get paid faster and free up staff for higher-value tasks but also strengthen relationships with corporate clients and improve market positioning.

The traveler at the hotel: The need for a smooth and secure experience  

Companies prioritize high-value trips designed to achieve multiple objectives. This quest for efficiency also shapes traveler expectations: 71% want options like self-service or online check-in (Travel Dreams, Amadeus). 

Yet check-in and check-out aren’t always smooth: credit card requests, long lines at reception, or confusion about pre-paid charges are common issues that cause frustration and waste time. 

Why does this happen? Traditionally, hotels ask for a credit card upon arrival to cover incidental expenses or hold a deposit. While this makes sense for the property, it can create distrust for travelers, especially when the booking is already paid. Add to that manual check-out processes, which sometimes require using a personal card and waiting for reimbursement (a tedious task for travelers with tight schedules). 

The impact is clear: 3 in 10 business travelers struggle to comply with reimbursement policies, mainly due to upfront expenses, lack of local cash, and fraud risk. In fact, 17% have experienced credit card fraud during a business trip (BCD Travel survey). 

Faced with this scenario, the industry must embrace solutions that eliminate friction and guarantee maximum traveler security. 

From Business to Experience: How Hotels Adapt to Bleisure 

The concept of “bleisure” (combining business and leisure in one trip) is reshaping how we travel for work. Today’s business travelers seek more than comfort—they value time and meaningful experiences. 

For hotels, this trend is a clear opportunity: stand out by offering hybrid services that blend productivity and leisure. That’s why the sector is adapting spaces with extended-stay rooms, apartment-style amenities, advanced connectivity, and quiet work zones. Practical touches like extra outlets, ergonomic furniture, and natural light are paired with personalized local experiences.

Sustainability gains ground in business travel 

Environmental concerns are increasingly driving companies to review their corporate travel policies in detail. According to GBTA’s Sustainability Barometer (2023), 92% of respondents consider sustainability a priority, mainly driven by reputation management (84%) and genuine commitment to the planet (82%). 

In response, some hotels are adopting measures such as eco-friendly cleaning products, water-saving systems, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy sources. These actions not only reduce their footprint but also attract corporate travelers and organizations that value sustainability. 

Conclusion 

Ultimately, business travel is evolving toward a more efficient, experiential, and responsible model. Adapting is key to creating value in every interaction. Companies that anticipate with efficient processes and memorable experiences will be better positioned to build strong, lasting relationships. 

La entrada Business Travel: trends, challenges and opportunities se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

International hotel chains face several challenges when it comes to digitalization and integration of different providers and systems in the same network. Besides, when it comes to electronic invoicing, compliance with local regulations is a true necessity when operating in many different countries at the same time.

For hotel chains with international footprints, choosing valuable technology partners can be the solution for a smooth journey to the digitalization of electronic invoicing. It’s the case of Accor, the French multinational hospitality group, who chose Voxel, an Amadeus company, as their e-invoicing partner for a significant part of their European operation.

The Accor story 

Accor is one of the world’s biggest hospitality groups, with over 5000 hotels in more than 100 countries and several different types of accommodations, from franchises to luxury resorts. Due to its international scale, the hotel group issues and receives thousands of invoices per month, not only for reservations but also for their extensive network of suppliers.

In a case like Accor’s, an ideal e-invoicing technology partner should meet the following requirements:
– Seamless integration to the PMS
– A dedicated legal team to ensure compliance
– Supply chain expertise
– Extensive archive capacity
– A robust and scalable platform

In 2013, the Accor Group chose Voxel as its electronic invoicing partner for 450 hotels of their operation in seven countries in Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Netherlands). This partnership allowed the hotel group to automate their supplier orders and invoice issuance and collection.

The importance of PMS integration 

A Property Management System (PMS) is the heart of a hotel, centralizing all the core functions of the operation. PMS data such as guest information, check-ins/check-outs, rates, charges during the stay, and others, are crucial for the issuance of invoices. Therefore, in the absence of an e-invoicing partner that integrates with the chosen PMS, hotels need a dedicated team to manually fill in the information for every invoice issued.

In the case of Accor, they operate with two PMS systems: Opera and FOLS, their proprietary iPMS (integrated property management system) solution. With Voxel’s platform, all invoice data is extracted from FOLS and Opera automatically to fill in and issue invoices with no need for manual labor. This includes the ongoing migration to Opera Cloud.

Invoice digitization: scalability and compliance 

With less time dedicated to invoice completion, more time invested in value-added tasks and access to Voxel’s Bavel network, the 450 Accor hotels were able to increase the volume and the speed of invoice issuing. “The direct connectivity with over 1,000 tourism companies worldwide enables instant B2B exchanges on the billing process”, said Karine Picard, Product Director at Accor.

Also according to Karine Picard, a hotel with 100 rooms issues around 10 000 invoices a year, which stands for one hour and a half per day spent on manual tasks related to invoice submission. In 2023, 6 000 000 Accor invoices were processed through Voxel’s platform, escalating to approximately 8 000 000 in 2024. Without Voxel, this would entail hundreds of hours spent daily on invoice processing every year.

These figures prove how seamless connections with other technological providers and partners such as travel sellers are the key to scaling the volume of electronic invoices issued by a hotel chain. Voxel’s solution not only allowed hotels to increase their efficiency, but also to ensure international e-invoicing compliance.

Finally, invoices to final clients are integrated into their Accor Live Limitless (ALL) accounts, allowing them to access them through the ALL app or the ALL website. This project enhances customer experience and operational efficiency.

Watch the full interview with Karine Picard and learn more about the benefits of e-invoicing for the Accor Group now.

Procurement solution  

Managing an international hotel chain means having a supply chain network making sure inventory is working efficiently. Due to its global operation, the Accor Group counts on its own procurement organization, Astore. Dedicated to hospitality, Astore sources food, furniture, equipment, products and services for thousands of hotels worldwide.

With over 4 500 suppliers, Astore manages € 3 billion per year, which incurs in the exchange of thousands of orders, delivery notes and invoices collected. Voxel’s Procurement solution was integrated into Astore to facilitate the electronic receipt and processing of orders from major suppliers.

In terms of volume, 7 000 orders were processed by Voxel from Astore in 2023, reaching over 10 000 orders sent in 2024. The digitalization of the procurement process allows Accor to benefit from faster payment cycles and improve the relationship with their suppliers.

Undoubtedly, the journey of 450 Accor hotels to e-invoicing digitalization has been smooth and seamless. This is due to Voxel’s ability integrate with Accor’s existing platforms, provide robust and scalable connections that enhance operational efficiency and ensure global compliance. In addition to digitizing the invoices from its hotels, Accor has selected Voxel as its certified Plateforme Agréée provider for the invoices issued and received from its headquarters in Paris. 

La entrada Electronic invoicing for international hotel chains: the Accor Group journey to digitalization se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

The travel sector, like all other global industries, struggles with staying up to date with local regulations, especially when it comes to e-invoicing compliance. As hotels usually work with other travel sellers all over the world and vice versa, staying up to date on legislative changes still represents a big challenge.

As more countries start to adopt e-invoicing obligations with different systems, formats and reporting requirements, hotels and travel sellers recognize the importance of partnering with specialized providers to benefit from their global compliance expertise. These partners are able to facilitate compliance to business-to-government (B2G), business-to-business (B2B) and even business-to-consumer (B2C) electronic invoicing.

At the Bavel Travel Summit 2025, Roberto Martín, Process Lead Accounts Receivables at Minor Hotels Europe and Americas; Alejandro Baraza, Legal & Compliance Manager at Voxel, an Amadeus Company, and Héctor Martín, VP of Global Sales at Voxel, an Amadeus company; debated what are the biggest challenges in terms of electronic invoicing global compliance and how to overcome them to nurture better relationships with travel partners.

Local fragmentation, uncertainty and maintenance

While leading the receivables for over 300 hotels in several countries, Roberto Martín identified that local fragmentation and uncertainty are the main challenges he faces in terms of e-invoicing compliance. Being compliant means not only being aware of the different legislations but also having to update your processes by the deadlines set by each government. The uncertainty comes from constant changes in obligations and kickoff dates, which can set back months of preparation work.

¨80% of the obligations are common, general and transversal to every country. It’s the 20% of them that are particular in a country level that make things more difficult¨, said Héctor. Alejandro Baraza then mentioned maintenance as the ultimate challenge of compliance, since it’s basically a job that never ends. He gave examples of Mexico and Costa Rica that have extended their e-invoicing requirements several times in the past few years. These changes make it difficult for companies to keep track and update their processes every time.

E-invoicing compliance guidelines: check out regulations for 100+ countries

The power of specialized partners for e-invoicing compliance

When choosing an electronic invoicing partner, it’s critical to look for companies that go beyond just being certified to issue invoices. For hotels and travel sellers, for example, these partners can offer other benefits such as industry expertise, integration to other partners and personalized solutions.

¨A lot of clients go to big law firms to get advice but tend to receive generic information, while we offer tailor-made solutions, consultancy services and reports to help our clients grow in other countries¨, said Alejandro. He mentioned how Voxel stands out to clients in the travel industry due to its niche expertise. This is also crucial for hotels with franchises, who need a partner with a global B2B network.  

In the case of Minor Hotels, Roberto Marín highlighted Voxel’s ability to speak their language, understand their needs and have a 360-degree view of the changes in e-invoicing compliance.

Ultimately, hotels and travel companies want to grow their global presence and to be able to adapt easily to the regulations of each region. To be able to do this, e-invoicing compliance is a necessary process to follow and maintain in global operations. ¨Ideal partners offer automatization of processes and have an invisible presence to deliver the best experience to guests¨, said Roberto.

La entrada E-invoicing compliance: overcoming challenges with specialized partners se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

As of May 16, 2023, the Dominican Republic took a firm step towards digitalization with the entry into force of Law No. 32-23 on Electronic Invoicing. This regulation establishes the mandatory use of the electronic invoice as the official means to document commercial transactions in the country. 

Gradual and organized implementation of the electronic invoice 

The General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) defined a phased implementation plan to facilitate the transition to electronic invoicing in the Dominican Republic, grouping taxpayers into three segments:

• Large national taxpayers. Deadline for compliance until May 15, 2024. 
• Large local and medium-sized taxpayers. New compliance deadline until November 15, 2025 (6 month extension). 
• Small and micro taxpayers. Compliance deadline until May 15, 2026. 

Extension for large local and medium-sized taxpayers 

In the case of the second group – which includes large local and medium-sized taxpayers – the DGII has recently announced a 6-month extension as of May 15, 2025. With this extension, the new deadline to comply with the implementation of the electronic invoice will be November 15, 2025. 

This applies only to companies that are already in the process of implementation and have submitted the application form to become electronic issuers. 

It is important to note that if at the end of this additional period the certification process has not been completed, companies could face penalties for tax non-compliance. 

Voxel: your strategic ally in Dominican Republic 

In this context, having a reliable partner makes the difference. Voxel is the first supplier certified by the DGII and has led the digital transformation of companies such as Nestlé Dominicana, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana or Pedidas Ya Market. 

At Voxel, we understand that adapting to new regulations can be a challenge. That is why we work to make the transition to electronic invoicing in the Dominican Republic clear, agile and simple. 

If you want to be part of this transformation, contact us at servicioalcliente@voxelgroup.net or visit our website. 

La entrada Electronic invoicing in the Dominican Republic: changes in the implementation deadlines se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

More than 130 professionals from the Greek Travel sector met in Athens at an event organized by Voxel, a leading company in electronic invoicing and B2B payments in the travel sector, and Mitsis Hotels, the largest hotel chain in Greece, to analyze the present and future of B2B payments and the digitalization of processes. The event included the participation of Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Secretary of State and digital governance of the Greek government, and the collaboration of SETE, the Greek travel confederation.

Case studies in hotels

Lefteris Tsoukalas, Director of Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa, shared with the audience at the event the benefits obtained by the hotel chain after implementing electronic invoicing at all their hotels 11 years ago together with Voxel. “Before implementing electronic invoicing at our hotels, we had 64 employees dedicating a half hour each day to managing invoices. Now we only have one person dedicating 2 minutes each day to this task. Electronic invoicing has allowed us to save more than 6,400 hours of work each year, which the workers at Mitsis can now dedicate to tasks that provide greater added value. We have also reduced the use of paper to zero, which equates to more than 325,000 sheets per year; that is, 3.2 tons of paper”. And he continues by saying “Another noteworthy benefit is that we now have timely payment collections”.

Case studies in travel companies

“10 years ago, delays in payments were affecting our relationships with suppliers. The implementation of Bavel’s electronic invoicing platform considerably reduced the management time and improved the adaptation to the local regulation”, said Eva Benesova, Back Office Operations Manager at MTS Globe, one of the most important receptive operators in the travel sector. “Currently, 100% of invoices in Spain are electronic. The main destinations of MTS Globe have 50% coverage and, in total, 40% of all our invoicing is done electronically. Thanks to electronic invoicing technology we are able to process invoices faster as well as reduce errors, lower costs and save time. Also, we improve the overall experience and are able to make timely payments”.

Along these same lines, Katrin Jakobus, Financial Controller of Accounts Payable at the travel group TUI, said “Each year we receive 5.1 million invoices from more than 16,000 different suppliers. 45% of these invoices are managed through Bavel and the benefits we have identified are many: delivery of clear data, absence of errors in interpretation, automated feedback, secure delivery of invoices and a reduction in the number of questions. And the most important thing for the hotels we work with is that the quick processing of invoices guarantees timely payments”.

The importance of B2B payments

On the other hand, Sofoklis Limniotis, Head of Digital Payments at Hotelbeds, one of the most important bed banks in the world, wanted to emphasize the importance of electronic invoicing as well as B2B (business to business) payments. “15 years ago, we began working with Voxel on automating the issuance and reception of invoices. Today we have the opportunity to finish digitalizing our entire invoicing process with B2B payments”. Mr. Limniotis continues on to say that nowadays, “Voxel is a key player in the electronic invoicing market and is now working on digitalizing payments. At Hotelbeds we are strong advocates for automating B2B payments and we believe that 2023 will be a key year”.

Ana Arjones, Director – Market Development Travel, Enterprise Partnership at Mastercard, assured the audience of a full recovery of the travel sector this year: “Hotels will return to pre-pandemic (2019) levels by the end of 2023”. In the payments area, the speaker explained that continuing to invest in different modes of payment will be a priority; “the ability to offer different payment options is key to promoting fidelity”.

Arjones also shared with the audience the trends that are expected in the financial area. “Currently, unemployment in the European Union is at 6%. A strong job market helps consumers face inflation and a slowdown in economic growth”. She continues on to say “the post pandemic effect is promoting and accelerating spending on experiences. Spending at restaurants has increased by 25% worldwide”.

The power of collaboration

Xavi Ginesta, chairman at Voxel, introduced Bavel Billing and Bavel Pay, the company’s solutions for automating and digitalizing the invoicing and payment processes between companies. Currently, the Bavel platform is the most widely used platform in the travel industry and more than 50,000 hotels and 1,000 travel agents are using it.

Also, Ginesta wanted to send a message in support of collaboration throughout the industry: “An event as the one we are attending today, where competing companies share their strategies, would not have been possible 20 years ago. Now is the time for collaboration, as competition should not be driving the economy”. Mr. Ginesta concluded by linking this collaboration to the future of the industry: “Frictionless B2B payments will be the new norm soon. And this will only be possible if the stakeholders that are operating today collaborate with each other. At Voxel be have already begun to do so”.

La entrada Cost reduction, regulatory compliance and timely collections are some of the benefits of electronic invoicing in the travel sector se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

GAT Gestión de Activos Turísticos is a company with more than ten years of experience as an independent hotel operator, investment expert and consultant specialized in creating value for the sector.

On this occasion, we spoke with GAT about their view on the hotel sector. Also, we learned about some of the solutions they have implemented at their hotels. 

Digitization in the hotel sector

Do you believe that digitization of processes is a key issue for the hotel sector? 

No doubt, but another key issue when facing these new challenges is making sure you have management software available to help manage talent and automate processes in order to save time and resources, which can be invested in a more intelligent and sustainable management over time.

Any experience at this level has an immediate effect by customers enjoying these services when they share it on social networks. This provides a dual benefit, since customers are the best sales agents and consumer motivators for hotels.

From GAT we see that among the biggest challenges that hotels currently face is the selection of digitization processes that will allow them to become more efficient in terms of costs and facilitate more interactions with their customers through digital services, either during check-in and check-out or through a continuous communication with customers, before and after their stay.

Simplifying the digital transformation process and adopting digitization models is a process that entails reviewing the way companies interact with their environments: their customers, employees and suppliers.

Do you think the sector is sufficiently digitized? 

First and foremost, we must be aware that technology is just one aspect of the digital transformation of a business. The biggest change that must be assimilated by companies has to do with culture within the organization and not only with the use of new technologies.

An extremely important factor is the attitude of leaders at the company with respect to digital transformation. They must firmly believe in the process and should portray this belief to the rest of employees. Personnel in charge of a team, area or department must lead by example and support the strategy from top to bottom.

To conclude, I would say there is still much to do in this respect, the digital transformation process must be gradual but constant at the same time. Companies cannot postpone their digital transformation any longer if they want to continue competing in an ever changing and demanding market.

Solutions implemented by GAT

Of the different hotels managed by GAT and which are part of the Bavel transactions platform, Hotel Antequera Hills, Hotel Aragon Hills, Hotel Ziryab and The Residences Islantilla Apartments among others, have a special interest in being able to issue B2B, B2G and also B2C invoices.

Why have you decided to implement 100% electronic invoices? 

Fundamentally because of the number of benefits this solution provides:

•     Reduced payment delivery and collection times.
•     Improved employee satisfaction.
•     IT costs savings.
•     Increased productivity.
•     New business opportunities.
•     Reduced environmental impact.
•     Agile, secure and legal storage.
•     Elimination of the risk of loss.
•     Increased security.
•     Recruiting talent.

Also worth mentioning is that Spain has decided to make the use of electronic invoices mandatory for companies (B2B). The measure has been published by the General Directorate of Economic Policies in a draft Bill on the Start-up and Growth of Companies. 

How have end-customers accepted digitized invoices? What are its advantages?

In general, digitized invoices have been very well accepted, mainly because they improve customer experience. Digitizing some processes at the company increases customer retention levels. Also, digital channels allow interacting with customers in an easier and more dynamic way.

With digital transformation at its peak, we must make sure that all customers remain by our side and embrace the changes entailed by this technological revolution.

Ultimately, bridging this digital divide is vitally important in terms of accessing and using digital technologies by certain persons or groups. Naturally, in the first place, we must understand that not everyone can access the network or use it on equal terms and even though for some people this may be a simple every day task, for others it may be very difficult or even impossible.

In this process of issuing and sending invoices to end-customers, you have taken marketing actions offering promotions on future reservations. Do you feel this has provided the desired effect?

Certainly, we have implemented an e-marketing action consisting of adding an advertisement banner in the body of the email with the invoice as an attachment. The message by us, and to prevent the customer from identifying the message as intrusive Spam, is sent to let the customer know about special offers early as they are considered a loyal customer. We feel this method of communicating is well accepted because we try to make sure the design is appropriate, the message is natural, the offer is attractive and this effort, beyond achieving direct sales, has an impact in terms of the perceived image; a brand that takes care of its most loyal customers by offering them exclusive benefits.

We would like to thank GAT for this interview. Without a doubt, the hotel sector must embrace digital transformation. Companies that do this now will have a greater advantage.

La entrada Digitization of the hotel sector by GAT se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.

Everything you need to know to become an electronic taxpayer of the DGII in the Dominican Republic

In January 2020, the government of the Dominican Republic approved regulation 01-2020, which regulates the use of electronic invoicing. In practice, this law establishes the rules for Dominican companies to communicate electronically with the Directorate General of Internal Taxes (DGII). In other words, it establishes a legal framework for companies to become electronic taxpayers.

Currently, there are already more than 24 electronic taxpayers in the Dominican Republic and the DGII has received more than 44 million e-CFs. There are also providers that facilitate the connection between company – DGII. In fact, Voxel Caribe was the first provider certified by the DGII to issue e-CFs.

With all the experience gained, we have prepared a guide so that all Dominican companies that want to start issuing e-CFs can start the process without any doubts.

General information

How is electronic invoicing defined in the Dominican Republic?

Electronic invoicing is an invoicing modality that allows the exchange of electronic invoices in a standard format, offering greater security and information integrity.

What is an e-CF?

An e-CF is an electronic tax receipt. According to the DGII, an e-CF “is the digitally signed electronic document that certifies the transfer of goods, delivery in use or provision of services, and must always comply with the requirements established in the regulations established for these purposes in the Dominican Republic”. The e-CF replaces the NCF when a company becomes an electronic taxpayer.

What does it mean to become an electronic taxpayer or electronic issuer?

The electronic issuer is any taxpayer authorised by the DGII to issue e-CFs. The electronic taxpayer communicates the e-CFs to the DGII in real-time. And once the DGII has approved them, the e-CF or printed representation is delivered to the recipient.

About the process

What requirements must a company meet to become an electronic issuer?

Companies must meet the following requirements set by the DGII:

• Be registered in the National Register of Taxpayers (RNC).
• Be registered as a taxpayer with tax obligations.
• Be up to date in the fulfilment of tax obligations and formal duties.
• Have a digital certificate for tax processes.
• Comply with the technical requirements established by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Complete the Authorisation Request Form (FI-GDF-016).
• Satisfactorily pass the certification process in order to start issuing e-CFs.
• Be in compliance with the provisions of General Standard No. 06-2018 on Tax Vouchers.

What are the steps to become an electronic taxpayer?

1. Application: companies must fill in the application form FI-GDF-016. Through this form it will be verified that the company meets all the established requirements.
2. Test set: this is the stage through which it is verified that the company’s software is capable of implementing electronic invoicing.
3. Certification: after completing the test set, the applicant company receives accreditation as an electronic taxpayer.

In this regard, and with the aim of helping companies to make this technological leap, the DGII also certifies software providers. Voxel Caribe is one of them.

Which receipts can be issued electronically?

The types of e-CF that can be sent electronically are:

• 31 – Commercial invoices.
• 32 – Consumer invoices >250,000.
• 33 – Debit notes.
• 34 – Credit notes.
• 41 – Informal supplier.
• 43 – Petty expenses.
• 44 – Special schemes.
• 45 – Governmental.
• 46 – Exports.
• 47 – Abroad payments.

Can I choose which receipts to start with?

Yes, during this voluntary stage you are allowed to start with a group of customers or with the types of documents of your choice and then gradually expand it.

About the reports

What are the 607 and 608 reports like in the electronic scenario?

If a company is certified as an electronic taxpayer by the DGII, it will no longer have to file 607 and 608 reports.

What is the 606 report like in the electronic scenario?

Electronic taxpayers do not have to report electronic invoices received in the 606. Companies that do not yet communicate with the DGII electronically must keep reporting all their invoices received, both electronic and paper.

If I am not an electronic issuer, but I receive electronic invoices, do I have to enter them in the 606?

Yes, companies that are not yet electronic taxpayers must continue to report their complete 606 and 607 reports.

Other information of interest

What benefits will my company have if it becomes an electronic taxpayer?

The main benefits of becoming an electronic taxpayer and starting to work with electronic invoicing are:

• Reporting: elimination of the preparation of 607 and 608 reports. In addition, invoices that arrive electronically will not have to be included in the 606 report.
• Savings: in costs related to courier services, storage, expendable material, etc. No need to continue printing invoices if they are already electronic.
• Reduction of errors and, consequently, reduction in the number of corrective invoices.
• Reduction in the time it takes to send invoices. The process is immediate.
• Greater efficiency of the administrative team.
• Back Up: digital archive in baVel for 10 years of all electronic documents.
• Online communication with the DGII. Having all documents in order with the DGII’s acceptance dissipates the possibility of future penalties.
• Digitalisation. Opportunities to digitise and optimise your internal processes.
• Tax score in the virtual office: becoming an electronic taxpayer improves your tax score.

What happens if my customers cannot process an e-invoice?

If your customers do not yet process electronic invoices, you will be able to send them the printed invoice, now called a printed representation of the issued e-CF.

Can I replace my fiscal printers with electronic invoicing?

Yes, as 100% of invoices are sent electronically, you no longer need to use fiscal printers.

Voxel Caribe: leading e-invoicing provider in the Dominican Republic

Voxel Caribe has been promoting the use of electronic invoicing in the country for more than 8 years. And working to help companies in the digital transformation of all their back-office processes. More than 300 leading companies in the country are connected to Voxel Caribe’s baVel network, exchanging more than 14 million transactions.

In this line, Voxel Caribe is a DGII certified provider to issue tax receipts and has helped more than 10 companies to become electronic taxpayers of the DGII.

Contact Voxel Caribe if you want to become an electronic taxpayer of the DGII and start the digital transformation of your company.

La entrada DGII electronic taxpayer: most frequently asked questions se publicó primero en Voxel - Blog.