With over 560 million crypto holders worldwide, a growing number of travelers are driving transformation when it comes to paying with digital assets. This increasing demand for seamless, borderless, and fee-efficient transactions is unlocking a new era of travel.

Crypto owners are more than just tech enthusiasts, they are often frequent travellers with a thirst for innovation – they want simplified processes and amplified experiences. Their patience is diminishing for fluctuating exchange rates, payment and booking delays, security breaches, and the cumbersome fees and logistics that come with traditional payment methods.

Through this impatience, these high wealth individuals are well placed to be the new disruptors of the travel industry. Many have accumulated significant wealth through Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets and are eager to convert their holdings into unforgettable travel experiences. From first class flights to luxury resorts and private island getaways, their choices are influencing the service delivery of travel retailers, services and platforms across the globe.   

Crypto Payments Are Taking Off in Travel & Hospitality

The demand for crypto-friendly travel is significant and increasing. Airlines who incorporate digital currencies into their booking systems have seen a boost of more than 40% in bookings and 14% of all digital currency transactions in 2024 were spent on travel and hospitality. Skyscanner proved its commitment to innovation in 2024 with a partnership that enables more than 110 million monthly users to book flights and accommodation in over 2 million hotels with more than 100 cryptocurrencies. 

Travel Companies that are Leading the Way

Market leaders like Destinia, Alternative Airlines, and Travala.com are integrating digital currency payment gateways to cater to modern travelers. Millennials and Gen Z are of particular interest, as they are traveling more than ever and are among the most likely to own crypto. They are also likely to accumulate more wealth through digital currencies as they age, so industry players who continue to recognize and respond to their needs stand to benefit the most. 

Crypto Adoption is Borderless – So is the Demand for Travel

With 326.8 million crypto owners in Asia alone, demand has increased for crypto payment options when booking long-haul flights to the USA, Europe, and the UK. Crypto users are looking for seamless and modern payment methods, and travel solutions that integrate digital currency payments can tap into this expanding market.

Meanwhile, there’s huge potential for emerging markets like Africa that have been restricted and isolated due to the constraints of traditional banking. The rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies by developing nations opens new travel frontiers for companies to expand to a truly global customer base.

How Digital Currency Payments will Transform Travel & Hospitality

Higher Revenue Potential

Cryptocurrency customers are larger spenders, with the Average Order Value of crypto transactions averaging 30% higher than traditional payments.

No Chargebacks

Blockchain technology eliminates chargeback fraud by giving merchants full control of refunds, and subsequently reduces operational costs.

Lower Transaction Fees

Crypto transaction fees are lower compared to credit card payments. 

Volatility-Free Transactions

Services like Triple-A instantly convert cryptocurrency into local currencies. This ensures businesses avoid market volatility while still embracing digital payments.

Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

Crypto customers can make paymentsdirectly without needing to convert to cash,offering a seamless and convenientexperience. 

Expanding Customer Base

Attracting the growing number of cryptocurrency owners who want greater access to pay with crypto in the global marketplace.

Want to stay ahead of the curve and grow your customer reach? Get in touch.