This research examines the factors influencing the success or failure of mobile payment systems (MPSs) in the travel sector. The research makes use of components from innovation resistance theory (IRT), coping theory (CP), and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT 2). The data were gathered from 503 travelers in Malaysia, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and SmartPLS were used to analyze the data. Usage, risk, and tradition barriers from IRT significantly influenced tourists' intention to use MPS. Furthermore, all direct hypotheses for CP components were supported, except for the mediating role of satisfaction. Additionally, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, and habit (UTAUT 2) were identified as critical factors shaping tourists' intention to use MPS. These findings are crucial for tourist operators, banks, and governmental agencies to facilitate smooth and trackable financial transactions in the travel and tourism sector.