Tourism

First Travel Management Company in the Middle East to Embrace Digital Currency Transactions

In a groundbreaking move for the Middle East’s travel industry, ATS Travel has partnered with Payhound, a regulated cryptocurrency payment provider, to enable cryptocurrency payments for travel services. This strategic collaboration makes ATS Travel the first large-scale travel management company in the region to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other leading cryptocurrencies for both corporate and leisure travel transactions.

Announced at Private Luxury Barcelona, a premier travel industry event, the partnership reflects the region’s growing adoption of digital currencies and blockchain technology. The initiative will allow ATS Travel’s high-net-worth clients across the Middle East to seamlessly pay for airline tickets, luxury travel packages, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services using digital assets.

Revolutionizing Payment Solutions in Travel

The adoption of cryptocurrency payments marks a significant innovation in the travel industry, offering secure, instant, and cost-effective transactions compared to traditional banking methods. Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director of ATS Travel, emphasized that this move is a game changer, catering to a tech-savvy, digital-first clientele accustomed to high-end services.

“By integrating crypto payments, we are enhancing the travel experience for our clients, eliminating payment delays, and providing a seamless and secure transaction process,” said Sharif.

The initiative aligns with ATS Travel’s commitment to innovation, setting a new benchmark in the Middle East for the convergence of travel and fintech.

Payhound: Pioneering Regulated Crypto Payments

Headquartered in Malta, Payhound is a leading provider of regulated cryptocurrency payment solutions. The company specializes in crypto payment processing, settlements, and high-volume trading, serving industries such as iGaming, finance, e-commerce, and affiliate marketing.

Melissa Lamb, Director of Sales, Luxury at Payhound, expressed excitement about the partnership:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with ATS Travel in facilitating cryptocurrency payments for travel services. Our secure and efficient platform ensures that businesses can receive payments within seconds, eliminating traditional banking delays.”

As one of the first entities to receive a Virtual Financial Assets Service Provider (VFAS) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) in 2021, Payhound provides businesses with a fully regulated and compliant gateway to digital currency transactions.

Strategic Move Towards Digital Transformation

Khaled Ghubash, Managing Director of ATS Travel, highlighted the company’s vision to lead digital innovation in the travel industry:

“ATS Travel is proud to be the first travel management company in the Middle East to integrate cryptocurrency payments into our services. This partnership with Payhound demonstrates our commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our clients.”

Ghubash further noted that this initiative positions ATS Travel as a pioneer in the region’s travel sector, providing high-net-worth individuals and businesses with a modern, flexible, and secure way to manage their travel expenses.

A New Era for Travel Payments

With cryptocurrency adoption on the rise in the Middle East, ATS Travel’s move towards digital payments reflects a broader trend in fintech-driven travel solutions. The partnership with Payhound is expected to pave the way for further payment innovations, enhancing customer experience, and expanding digital transaction capabilities in the industry.

The collaboration between ATS Travel and Payhound is set to redefine the future of payment solutions in travel, offering a glimpse into how digital assets can drive efficiency and convenience in global tourism.

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