Travala’s Brave New World of Payments
Travala, the intrepid adventurer in the realm of online travel booking, has opened its wallet to a new digital currency: NEM (XEM). If you were pondering whether your next hotel stay could be paid with your beloved crypto tokens, the answer is a resounding “yes!” On January 22, Travala announced its latest integration, allowing XEM to join the ranks of over 20 other cryptocurrencies accepted for reservations.
The Growing Cryptocurrency Portfolio
With support for a whole brigade of digital currencies, including the heavyweights like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), Travala is making it as easy as pie to travel using your portfolio. It’s like a buffet of payment options! Don’t like Bitcoin today? No problema! Why not try Monero (XMR) or even stablecoin Tether (USDT)?
Money Talks: The Boost in Revenue
Since the partnership with Booking.com, where users can choose accommodations from a whopping 90,000 destinations, Travala has seen quite a financial boost. In December alone, overall revenue shot up by over 33.5% from the previous month! The shocker? Over 9% of bookings were paid in Travala’s proprietary AVA token, and that percentage continues to grow.
- 28% of bookings were paid in BTC
- 8% in Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- 37% using credit cards and PayPal
- The rest? Some wild crypto assets!
This means, folks, that Travala is not just sprinkling crypto fairy dust; they are firmly in the game!
Navigating Challenges in Crypto Transactions
Despite the exuberant growth, Travala isn’t sailing through calm waters. One of the major hurdles—fluctuating prices! As hotel prices can shift faster than a high-speed train, Travala has adopted a system to process payments quickly upon receiving a confirmation, rather than waiting for the often-longer confirmation from Bitcoin transactions. Talk about stress!
Refunds are another tricky sea to navigate. When travelers request refunds for bookings made with crypto, Travala typically returns the requested funds in stablecoins, potentially mitigating any currency volatility. It’s like having a safety belt on a rollercoaster ride—essential for keeping your stomach in check!
The Ripple Effect of Crypto in Tourism
Travala is part of a broader wave of crypto adoption in tourism, moving well beyond hotel bookings. Just last year, Thailand announced its plan to incorporate blockchain technology into its Electronic Visa On Arrival, ensuring speedy and secure visa applications for incoming tourists. You can almost hear the bureaucratic sigh of relief!
Moreover, UK-based Alternative Airlines is also getting in on the crypto buzz, partnering with Utrust to allow travelers to book flights with a variety of digital currencies like BTC and the ever-honorable Dash. Welcome to the future of travel, folks, where your crypto wallet is as useful as your passport!
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