The Maldives and Thailand top the list
Luxury resort chain Soneva, which has properties in Thailand and the Maldives, said it now accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum payments.
The cryptocurrency payment option will be available at Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.
Bitcoin and Ethereum can also be used for Soneva Villa Ownership, which the company claims is the first and only program to offer real estate to foreign buyers in the Maldives.
Soneva has partnered with cryptocurrency payment solution provider TripleA and payment platform provider Pomelo Pay. In fact, cryptocurrency payments are gaining traction thanks to centralized payment service providers.
Soneva’s Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Managing Director, Bruce Bromley, said:
“At Soneva, we have always strived to be a pioneer in the hospitality industry, so the adoption of cryptocurrencies as a payment method is another example of enabling our international customers to make payments easily from anywhere in the world. »
Already in 2021, some hotels in Thailand offered cryptocurrency settlements. In fact, from September 15, 2021, Sri Panwa Phuket has accepted cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. The award-winning resort and private homes recognize and accept these cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT and USDC. Customers can now book their stay in this property using cryptocurrency. This also applies to their other properties: Baba Beach Club Hua Hin and Baba Beach Club Natai.
Thai-inspired hospitality brand S Hotels & Resorts has also taken a step into the future by collaborating with exchange platform FTX, allowing customers to pay for their stays using virtual currencies. From October 1, 2021, their properties in the Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, will be the first in the island state to accept cryptocurrencies.
More and more countries are turning to cryptocurrencies for the holidays
Many other countries are starting to try to take advantage of this new payment method, which can attract wealthy luxury-seeking cryptocurrency investors.
So it’s not surprising to see this kind of possibility emerging in crypto-friendly countries like Dubai, where the Manor Hotel by JA, located in Dubai’s Al Furjan community, accepts cryptocurrency payments powered by Binance , which manages the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world. . BNB, Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as many other digital currencies, can process the four-star property.
And of course Swiss Five Hotels and Resorts in Dubai started accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum when it launched its first international property in Zurich on June 30. The reason for this move is that 78% of the hotel company’s customers are under the age of 35, a demographic that is much more likely to own digital currencies. In fact, cryptocurrencies are more popular than mutual funds with young adults.
Also at the Chedi Andermatt in the Swiss Alps. The luxury hotel accepts both Bitcoin and Ethereum, partnering with crypto service providers Worldline and Bitcoin Suisse to enable transactions.
Cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular in the luxury sector, whether in fashion or tourism. The first step before conquering a larger audience.
