• Crypto-friendly travel platform Travala.com is in talks with potential buyers after receiving an unsolicited takeover approach in late 2023.
  • Booking.com reviewed the opportunity but decided against acquisition; discussions with other potential buyers are ongoing.
  • Backed by Binance, Travala could be valued at over $100 million, with its crypto-focused business model and loyalty token driving growth.

Cryptocurrency-friendly travel booking platform backed by Binance, Travala.com is in discussions with potential buyers following an unsolicited takeover approach late last year, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Singapore-based company, which allows travelers to pay for holidays using over 100 cryptocurrencies or traditional payment methods, initiated outreach through its advisers to major online travel agencies, including Booking.com.

However, after initial exploratory discussions, Booking.com decided not to pursue an acquisition, according to sources who requested anonymity as the discussions are private.

A spokesperson for Booking.com confirmed that Travala had approached the company, and after a few calls to share information, the travel giant opted not to proceed. Talks with other potential buyers are reportedly ongoing, though there is no guarantee that a deal will materialize, and Travala could choose to remain independent.

Sources estimate Travala’s valuation could exceed $100 million, driven by more than $100 million in revenue last year—a figure expected to grow significantly by 2025.

Binance, a key minority shareholder with a seat on Travala’s board, will play a pivotal role in determining whether a sale proceeds. Binance declined to comment on the matter.

Founded in 2017, Travala combines travel booking with blockchain technology, featuring its own loyalty token, AVA, which currently has a market cap of $47 million but has seen its value drop 40% this year.

As part of its AVA Smart Program, customers booking trips with cryptocurrency can earn up to 10% in rewards, including bitcoin (BTC) or AVA tokens.

Travala’s continued expansion in the cryptocurrency space underscores the growing intersection of blockchain technology and traditional industries like travel, even as its future ownership remains uncertain.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah