Travala Expands Crypto Payment Options to Include Solana-Based Tokens

Travala, a cryptocurrency-based travel booking platform, has expanded its payment options to include major tokens from the Solana blockchain.

The announcement was made by Travala CEO Juan Otero on September 21 during the Solana Breakpoint conference in Singapore, according to a post by Solana’s official X account.

With this integration, Travala users can now book hotels and flights using Solana’s native token, SOL, as well as stablecoins Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) running on the Solana network.

The move is expected to enhance the platform’s appeal among crypto enthusiasts who prefer the Solana blockchain for its high-speed and low-cost transactions.

Solana Gains Traction for its Efficiency

Solana, a direct competitor to Ethereum, has gained traction in the blockchain ecosystem for its efficiency in executing smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps).

The collaboration with Travala underscores Solana’s growing influence and the increasing adoption of its network in real-world applications.

The new partnership also enables direct deposits and withdrawals of Solana-based tokens on Travala accounts, offering users a zero-fee transaction experience on travel bookings.

This integration is an upgrade from Travala’s existing support for other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether, providing more flexibility and reducing costs for users.

Solana x Travala = seamless travel bookings! ✈️

— Travala.com 🏨 ✈️ (@travalacom) September 21, 2024

In a related development, crypto exchange Coinbase has also shown its support for Solana.

The company plans to introduce a wrapped Bitcoin asset, cbBTC, to the Solana network.

This product, currently available on Ethereum and Base, allows users to utilize Bitcoin as collateral in decentralized finance applications while retaining control over their assets.

Just recently, Franklin Templeton, managing over $1.4 trillion in assets, announced plans to launch a mutual fund natively on Solana.

Likewise, Citigroup is exploring the blockchain’s potential for smart contracts and cross-border payments.

Citigroup also sees Solana’s potential for cross-border money transfers and smart contract deployment.

The announcements were made at the Solana Breakpoint 2024 event in Singapore.

Solana Unveils New Seeker Smartphone

Last week, Solana officially introduced its latest smartphone, named “Seeker,” which the company touts as a significant leap forward for Web3 mobile technology.

Priced at roughly half the cost of its predecessor, Seeker aims to attract users with enhanced features and a broader appeal beyond just memecoin enthusiasts.

One of the key features of Seeker is its upgraded decentralized app (DApp) store, which aims to give developers a platform to quickly launch new applications.

Furthermore, the new model’s hardware upgrades are also intended to attract buyers.

The original Saga received criticism for its technical limitations compared to mainstream devices like the iPhone or Google Pixel.

Now, Seeker would come with a higher-quality screen, improved cameras, and a better battery, making it “lighter, brighter, and better” than its predecessor.