Travelers who use cryptocurrency for bookings are significantly more valuable than their fiat-using counterparts, according to a report shared by Binance Pay and crypto travel platform, Travala.
In 2024, Travala saw $80 million in crypto-based bookings, a jump from $45 million the previous year. Crypto travelers are also spending more per booking – averaging $1,211 per transaction, compared to just $469 for fiat users. That’s more than 2.5 times higher.
The report also noted that crypto users deliver three times greater lifetime value, driven by longer stays and more frequent repeat bookings. Crypto travelers are 57% more likely to make repeat hotel purchases.
Travala CEO, Juan Otero, explained that the travel habits of crypto users are often shaped by flexible, Web3-native work lifestyles:
“Many also work in the digital asset industry or have flexible, remote work lifestyles, which makes them more likely to travel frequently and stay in one place for longer while seeking out destinations that support seamless, global payments.”
Crypto Payments on the Rise in Travel and Beyond
The use of crypto for travel continues to gain traction. A report by Triple-A released on February 2025 revealed that airlines integrating crypto payment options saw a 40% increase in bookings. Overall, travel and hospitality accounted for 14% of all crypto transactions in 2024.
[TECH] REPORT | Over 11% of Travel Agencies Now Accept Cryptocurrency Payments: A report by CoinsPaid highlights the growing demand for crypto payment solutions in the travel sector. According to data from T.. https://t.co/ckcUgijYLz via @BitcoinKE
— Top Kenyan Blogs (@Blogs_Kenya) March 30, 2025
Jonathan Lim, Global Head of Binance Pay, emphasized the convenience of using crypto for travel:
“Travelers can skip currency exchange lines, avoid foreign transaction fees, and pay instantly using assets they already hold.”
Triple-A also reported that crypto ownership is growing rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate of 99% – far outpacing traditional payment methods. Among crypto owners, 65% express interest in using it for transactions.
Founded in 2017, Travala has become a leading crypto-native travel platform, allowing users to book flights, hotels, and tours using 141 cryptocurrencies – including Bitcoin (BTC) and USD Coin (USDC) via Binance Pay.
Crypto Payments Go Mainstream
The first real-world Bitcoin transaction – 10,000 BTC for two pizzas – took place on May 22 2010. Since then, crypto payments have expanded to luxury goods, high-end retail, and recently, fast food.
Fashion brand, Philipp Plein, was among the first major retailers to accept crypto in 2021, followed by Gucci, watchmakers Franck Muller and Norgain, and luxury car dealers. As crypto adoption grows, mainstream businesses are also coming on board. On May 16, fast food chain Steak ’n Shake began accepting Bitcoin.
However, early crypto payment implementations still face challenges. A customer reported that a $5 burger cost over $8 due to network fees and took more than 20 minutes to confirm via the Lightning Network.
Binance Pay solves these issues by processing transactions instantly. Lim explained:
“Binance Pay operates as an offchain, closed-loop payment solution within the Binance ecosystem.”
Still, stablecoins dominate crypto travel payments on Travala. Most transactions use stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USDC. Binance Pay converts crypto into fiat at the point of sale based on a set exchange rate through the merchant or payment provider.
Follow us on X for latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
________________________________________
