Travala has inked a deal with Expedia bookings to enable hassle-free crypto travel booking. Expedia will let users book it’s over 700,000 using cryptocurrency through travel platform Travala.com.
The Binance-backed online travel agency (OTA) announced on July 6, 2020; it had added support for Expedia bookings. The partnership reintroduces bitcoin payments to the travel giant’s platform for the first time since 2018.
Book Trips Using Cryptocurrency
As per the announcement, this adds 700,000 accommodations to the crypto-powered travel platform’s 2 million options spread over 230 countries. Travellers will now be able to book for trips using over 30 types of cryptocurrencies. The list of acceptable cryptos includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB) and Travala.com’s native cryptocurrency AVA. The CEO and Co-founder of Travala.com Juan Otero sated:
“With cryptocurrency adoption on the rise, we want to ensure our users have payment choice […] EPS Rapid is the best API product in the travel industry, and this partnership unlocks greater accommodation choice and availability for our users, including 4- and 5-star hotels in top destinations.”
Preferred Mode of Payment
Travala.com merged with TravelbyBit in May-2020 to develop the world’s largest blockchain-based travel agencies backed by Binance Exchange. Commenting, Binance CEO and founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) said:
“Travala.com has proven their ability to build a world-class travel booking platform. We’re excited to see the development of Travala.com’s relationship with Expedia Group […] They enhance the use of cryptocurrency in travel.”
Expedia Senior Vice President Alfonso Paredes said his company’s objective is to scale up Travala.com’s business faster than it has done so far. He reiterated that the firm appreciated innovation and the significance of letting users select their preferred mode of payment.
Scale up the Platform
The initiative results from collaboration with a subsidiary of Expedia known as Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS). Using EPS, Travala.com can access its Rapid application programming interface. This enables the firm to offer Expedia’s accommodations to its users. Paredes added:
“At EPS, we are passionate about innovation and recognize that booking and payment choice continues to evolve in a fast-changing world. […] we aim to support Travala.com to scale their business faster than ever before. Through our expansive travel supply, partner support and cutting-edge technology […] helping partners like Travala.com build fantastic experiences for their travellers.”
Increased Revenue Volumes
Travala.com inked a similar deal with Booking.com in November 2019. This added at least 90,000 accommodations to its platform. The new deal increased its revenue volume by at least 33%. The new merger will scale up the platform as it includes travellers who opt to do their transactions through cryptocurrencies.
