New Partnership Expands Travel Options
Travala, a leading travel platform that facilitates cryptocurrency payments, has announced a collaboration with trivago (TRVG), significantly enhancing its offerings. This partnership brings an impressive inventory of approximately 2.2 million hotel properties to trivago’s search platform, providing users with a greater selection for their travel needs.
Seamless Payments with Cryptocurrency
When trivago users choose a hotel listed on Travala, they will be redirected to Travala’s website, where they can conveniently complete their booking using a variety of cryptocurrencies. Options include popular digital currencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), along with dozens of other cryptocurrencies. This feature reflects the growing trend of integrating cryptocurrency into everyday transactions, particularly in the travel industry.
Building on Previous Collaborations
This partnership is not Travala’s first foray into expanding its reach through collaborations. The platform has previously partnered with travel search engines like Skyscanner in September 2022 and Kayak in November 2023. Such alliances are pivotal as they increase the practical applications of cryptocurrencies, enabling users to make hotel reservations as well as book flights using digital currencies.
Rewards and Token Incentives
Founded in 2017 and based in Singapore, Travala also rewards its users with incentives in the form of Bitcoin or its native token, AVA. However, it’s worth noting that the value of AVA has seen a significant decline this year, dropping more than 50% after reaching a three-year peak of over $3 in December.
Future Prospects and Interest in Acquisition
With backing from Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Travala is currently in discussions with potential buyers following a takeover inquiry received late last year. Among the interested parties was Booking.com (BKNG), the parent company of Kayak, which ultimately chose not to pursue an acquisition.
This partnership between trivago and Travala not only enhances the travel experience for users by providing more options but also marks a significant step forward in the acceptance of cryptocurrency in the hospitality sector. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the integration of digital currencies is likely to play an increasingly important role.
