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There is an undeniable growing trend in the cryptosphere as more and more people leverage their digital assets for payment purposes. Nowhere is this more true than in the travel industry. Crypto payments are a natural fit for travel, offering borderless, decentralized transactions with enhanced security and faster processing times. They enable funds to move between consumer and merchant more quickly, securely, and cost-effectively than traditional payment methods such as credit cards. According to recent data from CoinsPaid, there has been a 38% year-on-year increase in crypto transactions processed by travel-related businesses. Further data from Triple-A in 2024 found that 70% of consumers said they would be interested in using crypto for travel, hospitality, and leisure payments.
In this article, we explore the benefits of crypto payments for travel, how crypto travel payments are particularly popular among millennials and Gen Z travelers, and explore some examples of operators and countries embracing crypto payments.
The benefits of crypto payments for travel
While the benefits of crypto payments extend to all use cases, they are particularly well-suited to travel, where speed, security, and borderless access to funds make for a frictionless payment experience. Unlike traditional payment methods, cryptocurrencies are not bound by geographic borders or banking hours, making them ideal for international travel. Without having to rely on currency exchanges and financial intermediaries, travelers are free to make instant payments while abroad, safe in the knowledge that wherever they travel (barring regions where crypto is restricted) they will be able to use a smooth, digital payment flow to pay for goods and services.
Security is another critical benefit. With blockchain technology underpinning crypto transactions, travelers can reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft, a common concern when using cards abroad. The transparency and immutability of blockchain records also provide both travelers and merchants with a clear, verifiable transaction trail, which enhances trust among both parties. Crypto payments are also helping to increase financial inclusivity for merchants and businesses in rural areas that are underserved by traditional payment rails. This is the case in Bhutan, where a new crypto payment system will allow international tourists to pay for travel-related services, such as accommodation, local tours, local purchases, transport and even visas.
Crypto payments for travel among millennials and Gen Z
Naturally fluent in digital applications and services, it is no surprise that millennials and Gen Z are the frontrunners in adopting innovative financial technologies, particularly crypto payments, for travel-related purchases. According to research from Skift and other travel industry analysts, these generations increasingly prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and digital convenience, all of which align closely with the core benefits of crypto. Gen Z, in particular, is the most tech-native generation, exhibiting high expectations for speed, transparency, and user control in financial transactions. But for both cohorts, crypto represents not just a payment option, but a broader value shift toward decentralization, innovation and financial freedom.
These preferences are influencing travel brands and tour operators to modernize their payment infrastructure. Companies such as Soneva, Expedia, and Emirates are already embracing crypto in a bid to remain competitive and appeal to younger travelers. Survey data also shows that Gen Z and millennial travelers are motivated by performance expectancy (how useful the technology is), trialability (how easily they can test it), and social influence. As Gen Z’s global economic power is projected to reach $33 trillion by 2030, their growing financial power makes them an essential demographic for travel companies to engage, especially through secure, intuitive crypto payment options that support widely-adopted coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins.
Crypto payment adoption in the travel sector
One of ForumPay’s greatest triumphs in the travel sector is our partnership with HumanTouch System. This company created a comprehensive guest management and payment system with a view to enhancing the overall customer experience. The software makes it possible to process, record and track every charge related to the customer’s stay, and following this collaboration, that functionality includes crypto payments. Inspired by guest feedback and the growing demand for crypto payments in the hospitality industry, HumanTouch System integrated crypto payment capabilities to offer guests greater flexibility, faster transactions, and enhanced security, positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality industry. This is a trend that continues to make headlines.
As mentioned above, Bhutan recently partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national tourism crypto payment system. In January 2025, the government of Thailand announced an initiative to accept crypto payments from foreign travelers, who will be able to use digital assets such as Bitcoin to make transactions in “tourism-focused cities”, such as Phuket. These on-trend initiatives not only reflect rising consumer demand, but are also expected to drive bookings, guest satisfaction, operational efficiency and the customer experience at crypto-accepting establishments. As crypto payments become more mainstream, travel and hospitality operators that embrace this trend are set to gain business from a new and growing customer segment, while positioning themselves as forward-thinking players in an increasingly digital sector.
For more on crypto trends and insights, to start accepting crypto payments with ForumPay, or to speak to a member of the team, visit www.forumpay.com.
