We’re turning up the dial this month with big upgrades across Max V2. From the brand-new Payment Connect and Custom Widget Builder in SwiftBook, to smarter Channel Integrations – every update is built to give you more control, more speed, and more efficiency.Let’s dive into what’s new.
Channel Manager Update
Booking Engine Updates
Channels
Coming Soon
Channel Manager Update
1) Max – Two-factor Authentication (2FA) via Whatsapp
What’s New?
WhatsApp Number Verification
We’ve introduced a simple process for adding and verifying WhatsApp numbers across user roles:
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- Master Login Users can now add/update their WhatsApp number via Setup > Property Profile > About Us.
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- Sub Users can do so via Setup > Permissions > User Permission, provided they have access to this module.
- A WhatsApp-based verification process is now live: Once the number is saved, users will receive a WhatsApp message with a verification request. A pending icon indicates unverified status, and users can click to resend the message if needed.
- Verification is completed by clicking “Approve” in the WhatsApp message.
- Only one number can be linked per user account.
- If both WhatsApp and email are enabled, OTPs will be sent to both, using the same code.
Booking Engine Update
1) Max V2 – Payment Connect
What’s new?
- New ‘Payment Connect’ page introduced to showcase all payment gateway partners.
- Highlights preferred partners and promotes self-connect functionality.
- No change to how payment gateways are currently configured.
- Existing access redirects to the new ‘Payment Connect’ page.
How to Access ‘Payment Connect’
- Visit the ‘Payment Connect’ page.
- Gateways are displayed in this order:
- Connected Partners
- Preferred Partners
- All Other Partners
- Click ‘Connect’ → Pop-up appears with steps.
- Click ‘Proceed to Connect’ → Redirected to PG setup page.
Additional Notes
- No changes to existing gateway configuration steps.
- Kovena and Stripe self-onboarding remains the same via ‘Payment Connect’.
- Non-hosted gateways (PX Post) renamed to [Gateway Name] Direct (e.g., Windcave Direct).
- Hosted gateways (PX Pay) renamed without PX Pay (e.g., Windcave).
- Email alerts are sent to the Partner Services team when a PG is enabled/deactivated.
Special PG Connection Scenarios
- These 4 gateways require Partner Services team support:
- CCAvenue
- Commercial Bank-MPGS
- Paygate
Settings Update
- ‘Pay Later’ and credit card type settings (for Hotel Collect) will move to BE Settings at the property level.
2) Max V2 – SwiftBook – Custom Widget Builder
What’s New?
- Custom Widget Builder is now accessible via Max Extranet (previously via remote URL).
- Improved ease of use and security.
- Always has a default widget that can be edited.
- Create multiple widgets for different requirements.
Where to Access?
- Path: Max V2 > Booking Engine > Menu > Settings > BE Themes > Widgets
Key Notes:
- Iframe Support: If the booking engine doesn’t load, enable iframe via the widget’s Edit function.
- Domain Whitelisting: Unwhitelisted domains won’t be blocked, but booking opens in a new tab. Whitelist via ‘About Us’ in Profile.
- Custom Widget Builder Remote URL: Widget Builder will no longer be accessible via the old remote link.
Widget Features:
- Multiple calendar designs, custom labels & fields (e.g., promo code).
- Support for language, currency, occupancy settings, and custom booking URLs.
- Configure date, advance purchase, and minimum nights.
- Manage via the top-right Action Menu (Edit, Copy Script, Preview).
Channels
TA Network (Trip Affiliates)
Trip Affiliates Network is a B2B travel tech company offering smart, cost-effective solutions for tour operators, DMCs, and travel agencies. Their platform enhances productivity, connectivity, and revenue. Check out how Trip Affiliates Network can power your travel business today.
Hotelzify
Hotelzify is a hotel tech platform helping independent hotels boost direct bookings through custom websites, booking engines, and digital marketing. Empower your property with Hotelzify’s all-in-one growth solution today.
Coming Soon
1) SwiftBook – Abandoned Cart Retargeting
- Smart Recovery for Abandoned Bookings
If a booker adds a room to cart but doesn’t complete the booking, SwiftBook will now remember their progress.
- Personalized ‘Welcome Back’ Experience
When the booker returns to the booking engine, they’ll see a non-customisable Welcome Back message and be guided back to where they left off (subject to conditions).
- Cookie Consent Required
To enable this feature, bookers must accept the cookie policy on the booking engine.
- No Consent = No Change
If the booker rejects cookies, the experience remains unchanged – no welcome message or booking recovery.
