Travala Adds Solana Tokens

Travala, a travel booking platform that operates on cryptocurrency, has broadened its payment options to encompass significant tokens from the Solana blockchain.

According to a post on Solana’s official X account, Travala CEO Juan Otero announced on September 21 at the Solana Breakpoint conference in Singapore.

Travala users can now book hotels and flights using Solana’s native token, SOL, and stablecoins Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), which operate on the Solana network due to this integration.

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

Solana’s Efficiency Gains Momentum

Solana, a competitor to Ethereum, has gained ground in the blockchain ecosystem due to its ability to execute decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts efficiently.

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

Additionally, the new partnership facilitates the direct deposit and withdrawal of Solana-based tokens on Travala accounts, providing users with a zero-fee transaction experience for travel reservations.

This integration enhances Travala’s current support for other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ether, which offers consumers increased flexibility and lower costs.

Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, has also endorsed Solana in a related development.

The company intends to introduce a bundled Bitcoin asset, cbBTC, to the Solana network.

This product, presently accessible on Ethereum and Base, enables users to retain control over their assets while utilizing Bitcoin as collateral in decentralized finance applications.

Franklin Templeton, which oversees assets totaling more than $1.4 trillion, recently disclosed its intention to establish a mutual fund that operates exclusively on Solana.

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

Citigroup also recognizes Solana’s potential for deploying smart contracts and cross-border money transfers.

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

Solana Unveils New Seeker Smartphone

Solana introduced its most recent smartphone, “Seeker,” last week. The company describes it as a substantial advancement in Web3 mobile technology.

Seeker, priced at approximately half the cost of its predecessor, is designed to attract users by offering a broader appeal and enhanced features beyond memecoin enthusiasts.

The upgraded decentralized app (DApp) store of Seeker is one of its most significant features, as it is designed to provide developers with a platform to introduce new applications rapidly.

Additionally, the hardware enhancements of the new model are designed to entice purchasers.

The technical limitations of the original Saga were the subject of criticism compared to mainstream devices such as the iPhone or Google Pixel.

Seeker would now be “lighter, brighter, and better” than its predecessor, featuring a higher-quality screen, enhanced cameras, and a more powerful battery.