Blockchain-based OTA Travala enables direct connection for airline content

Travala , an online travel agency that uses blockchain technology and has an NFT-based rewards system , is now accessing airline content directly through the NDC standard.

A PhocusWire Hot25 Startup of 2022 , Travala says that by connecting directly to airlines’ reservation systems, rather than through a global distribution system, it can offer its customers more competitive pricing.

“We’re big believers of decentralization, and having access to direct airline content means we’re less reliant on GDSs that function as intermediaries between travel agencies and airlines,” says Juan Otero, CEO of Travala.

“As Travala.com evolved from a hotel-centric online travel agency to one with a range of popular offerings, we not only added new verticals, but continually sought to improve them by embracing new technologies that innovate, decentralize and increase efficiency in the travel sector to ultimately provide better value to our customers.”

Founded in 2017, Travala offers booking on more than 600 airlines globally, as well as more than two million properties and 400,000 activities in 230 countries.

The system accepts traditional payment methods and more than 80 forms of cryptocurrencies. Travala is backed by cryptocurrency exchange Binance.

In June 2021, Travala announced the creation of Dtravel , initially a blockchain-based marketplace for short-term rentals that earlier this year shifted to become a direct booking channel for rentals . Dtravel just announced an integration with channel manager Uplisting, which joins Hostaway as a platform partner.