The move increases the options travelers have for using their crypto holdings
Travala, the cryptocurrency-friendly travel platform, has expanded its payment options by integrating Solana, a leading blockchain known for its speed and low transaction fees. On September 21, Travala’s CEO, Juan Otero, announced the partnership during the Solana Breakpoint conference in Singapore. This collaboration allows travelers to book flights and hotels using Solana’s native token, SOL, as well as stablecoins like USDt and USD Coin (USDC) running on the Solana blockchain.
Solana, a direct competitor to Ethereum, offers faster and cheaper smart contract execution, making it an appealing option for decentralized applications (DApps) and crypto users. Travala’s integration with Solana brings added flexibility to its platform, as users can now make direct SOL deposits and withdrawals with zero transaction fees on travel bookings. This enhancement builds on Travala’s existing support for Bitcoin, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies, further solidifying its position as a leader in the crypto travel space.
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 news has been well received by the crypto community, with many enthusiasts on social media expressing excitement over the increased ease of travel booking using Solana-based assets. Travala has also teased future plans to introduce SOL travel rewards, which would offer additional incentives for users booking through the platform with Solana tokens.
Travala’s integration with Solana comes as Coinbase also increases its focus on the blockchain. The exchange plans to launch its wrapped Bitcoin asset, cbBTC, on Solana, adding further utility for crypto users who wish to use Bitcoin for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. With both Travala and Coinbase embracing Solana, the blockchain continues to gain traction as a versatile platform for crypto transactions.
