Key Points
- Travala has integrated with Solana, allowing users to book travel services using SOL, USDT, and USDC on the Solana network, expanding beyond Ethereum and BNB Chain.
- The platform plans to offer up to 10% cashback in SOL travel rewards and has recently partnered with Skyscanner, making its 2.2 million hotel inventory accessible to a wider audience.
Solana Integration Announced at Breakpoint Conference
Travala, the crypto-native travel bookings platform, has made a significant move by integrating with Solana, the fourth-largest blockchain by market capitalization. The announcement came from Travala’s CEO, Juan Otero, during a panel discussion at the Solana Breakpoint conference in Singapore on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
This integration marks Travala’s expansion to its third network, following its existing support for Ethereum and BNB Chain. Users can now book flights, hotels, and accommodations using Solana-based assets, including SOL, USDT, and USDC, among others.
Enhanced User Experience and Rewards
The Solana integration brings several benefits to Travala users:
- Native wallet support: Users can now deposit and withdraw SOL, USDT, and USDC on the Solana network directly into and out of their Travala accounts.
- Zero-fee transactions: Travel bookings made with Solana-based assets will incur no transaction fees.
- Travel rewards: Travala plans to offer up to 10% cashback in SOL through its loyalty program, alongside existing rewards in BTC and AVA (Travala’s native token).
Travala’s commitment to Solana goes beyond mere integration. The platform has stated that “Solana will become a cornerstone of Travala’s development strategy moving forwards, with the goal of creating products that expand the real-world utility of the Solana ecosystem.”
Skyscanner Partnership Boosts Travala’s Reach
In a related development earlier this month, Travala secured a significant partnership with Skyscanner, a global travel marketplace boasting 110 million monthly users and 80 billion daily searches. This integration allows Skyscanner users to access Travala’s 2.2 million hotel inventory and make bookings using over 100 cryptocurrencies.
This collaboration marks a first for a crypto-native platform, positioning Travala’s offerings alongside those of industry giants like Expedia and Booking.com on the Skyscanner platform.
Travala’s Journey in the Blockchain Space
Travala’s integration with Solana is the latest step in its evolving blockchain strategy. Originally launched on the Neo blockchain in 2017, the platform migrated to BNB Chain in 2020. This move was driven by the desire to leverage BNB Chain’s improved scalability, lower fees, and greater adoption within the crypto and decentralized finance ecosystems.
As Travala continues to expand its blockchain integrations and partnerships, it solidifies its position as a leading player in the intersection of cryptocurrency and travel services, offering users more flexibility and options for their travel needs.
