By Nermeen Nabil TLDR:
Travala integrates Solana blockchain for crypto payments on travel bookings
Users can now pay with SOL, USDT, and USDC on Solana network
Travala introduces SOL travel rewards as part of loyalty program
AVA token now available on Solana, expanding its multi-chain presence
Partnership with Skyscanner expands Travala’s reach to 110 million monthly users
Travala, a cryptocurrency-focused online travel booking platform, has announced a significant expansion of its payment options through integration with the Solana blockchain.
This move, revealed by Travala CEO Juan Otero during the Solana Breakpoint conference in Singapore, allows travelers to book hotels and flights using Solana’s native token (SOL) and major stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) on the Solana network.
CEO @joterovila announced @travalacom support for Solana at Breakpoint!
Now you can pay for and book flights and accommodations using stablecoins like USDC and USDT on Solana rails with Travala. pic.twitter.com/TedqElKNVC
— Solana (@solana) September 21, 2024
The integration with Solana, known for its fast and cost-effective blockchain transactions, enables Travala users to make direct deposits and withdrawals of SOL, USDT, and USDC to their Travala accounts. This feature facilitates zero-fee transactions on travel bookings, enhancing the platform’s appeal to cryptocurrency users.
Travala is introducing SOL travel rewards as part of its loyalty program. Users can now earn up to 10% in SOL rewards through Travala’s Smart Program, further incentivizing the use of cryptocurrency for travel bookings.
The platform’s native token, AVA, is also being launched on the Solana blockchain, adding to its existing presence on Ethereum and BNB Chain. This multi-chain approach aims to increase AVA’s accessibility and utility within the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Travala’s expansion comes on the heels of a recent partnership with global travel marketplace Skyscanner. This collaboration exposes Travala’s inventory of 2.2 million hotels to Skyscanner’s 110 million monthly users, positioning the crypto-native platform alongside major travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com.
The Solana integration is part of Travala’s strategy to normalize cryptocurrency payments in the travel industry. By leveraging Solana’s scalability and low transaction costs, Travala aims to enhance its offerings and streamline the booking process for crypto users.
Otero emphasized the importance of visibility in achieving mass crypto adoption, stating that the Skyscanner integration allows users to discover and book through Travala while benefiting from cryptocurrency payment options and rewards.
Currently, Travala supports over 100 cryptocurrencies for bookings, but only a handful are natively supported in user wallets. The Solana integration addresses this limitation by allowing users to manage Solana-based assets directly within the Travala platform.
Travala plans to develop more products that capitalize on Solana’s strengths, including its speed and scalability. The company believes that Solana’s technology will create new opportunities for cryptocurrency-enabled travel services.
This integration aligns with Travala’s mission to promote cryptocurrency as a widely used payment method in the travel industry.
By combining the Solana integration with its Skyscanner partnership and loyalty program, Travala is positioning itself to attract more users to its cryptocurrency-friendly booking platform.
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Nermeen Nabil Khear