Travala, the cryptocurrency-focused online travel booking platform founded in 2017, has made a notable advancement by integrating with the Solana blockchain.
This development was announced by CEO Juan Otero during the Solana Breakpoint conference held in Singapore, marking a significant enhancement to the platform’s payment capabilities.
Travelers can now book hotels and flights using Solana’s native token (SOL) alongside major stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) directly on the Solana network.
The integration leverages Solana’s reputation for efficient and low-cost blockchain transactions, allowing users to deposit and withdraw SOL, USDT, and USDC seamlessly into their Travala accounts.
This feature facilitates zero-fee transactions for travel bookings, which significantly enhances the platform’s attractiveness to cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
As part of this expansion, Travala is also rolling out SOL travel rewards within its loyalty program.
Customers can earn up to 10% back in SOL through the AVA Smart Program, which incentivizes the use of cryptocurrency for travel purchases.
Currently, loyalty members can earn rewards in Bitcoin, AVA, and Travala Travel Credits, but the introduction of SOL as a reward option marks a new phase for the program.
Additionally, Travala’s native token, AVA, is set to launch on the Solana blockchain, joining its existing presence on Ethereum and BNB Chain.
This multi-chain strategy aims to enhance AVA’s accessibility and utility across a broader spectrum of users in the cryptocurrency market.
Travala's integration with Solana follows a recent partnership with the global travel marketplace Skyscanner.
This collaboration grants Skyscanner’s 110 million monthly users access to Travala’s extensive inventory of over 2.2 million hotels.
As Otero pointed out,
“The Solana network has become one of the most-used blockchains due to its cost effectiveness and scalability.”
He emphasised that the integration allows users to discover and book travel through Travala while benefiting from cryptocurrency payment options and rewards.
This strategic move positions Travala as a strong competitor alongside established travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com, further normalising cryptocurrency payments in the travel sector.
The Solana integration directly addresses a limitation in Travala's current support for over 100 cryptocurrencies, of which only a few are natively supported in user wallets.
With this new capability, users can now manage Solana-based assets directly within the Travala platform, making it easier to conduct transactions and enhancing the overall user experience.
In Otero’s words,
“Not only is the amount of activity within the Solana ecosystem incredible, so is the creativity.”
This reflects Travala's commitment to harnessing Solana’s technology to build new travel solutions that cater to the growing demand for cryptocurrency in everyday transactions.
Looking ahead, Travala is committed to developing additional products that capitalise on the strengths of the Solana network, including its impressive speed and scalability.
This initiative aligns with Travala’s mission to promote cryptocurrency as a widely accepted payment method in the travel industry.
By integrating with Solana and forming key partnerships, Travala aims to enhance its offerings and streamline the booking process for users interested in utilising cryptocurrency for their travel needs.
As Travala continues to innovate within the crypto space, its collaboration with Solana and Skyscanner positions it well to attract more users to its cryptocurrency-friendly booking platform.
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