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A new report from Standard Chartered estimates that as much as $1 trillion could leave emerging-market banks and move into stablecoins within the next three years.
That’s not just a banking headline. It signals a deeper change in how people trust money. In regions where currency crises are common, stablecoins are increasingly viewed as safe, dollar-based stores of value.
For travelers, that same logic applies. When your savings are in stablecoins, it makes sense to spend them directly on global services like flights and hotels.
The report highlights that stablecoin adoption in developing economies could reach $1.22 trillion by 2028, up from about $173 billion today. That growth is driven by users in countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Kenya who see digital dollars as more reliable than their local currencies.
This shift also changes how people pay for travel. Traditional credit cards can be hard to access or expensive to use in these regions, while stablecoins offer instant settlement with transparent exchange rates.
For online travel platforms, this is not just a payments upgrade, it’s a chance to reach travelers who were previously excluded by geography or banking barriers.
If stablecoins become a mainstream savings tool, the next step is integration into everyday payments. That includes booking flights, accommodations, and travel insurance.
For travel companies, the opportunity lies in:
Faster settlements across borders without currency conversion costs
Lower payment fees for both customers and platforms
Instant refunds without banking delays
Expanded access to travelers who prefer digital assets over fiat
Platforms like Fly Fairly are already exploring this space by accepting stablecoin payments and building financial flexibility into flight bookings.
Rather than draining liquidity from banks, stablecoins could support the broader travel ecosystem. By moving capital more efficiently, they can help smaller travel operators, hotels, and tour providers get paid faster and reinvest in growth.
At the same time, the travel sector can help normalize stablecoin usage. Every time a traveler books with digital assets, it reinforces trust in these new payment methods.
Stablecoin adoption is no longer a “crypto niche.” It’s becoming part of the financial mainstream, especially in economies where stability matters most.
For travel platforms, the lesson is simple: being crypto-ready is no longer optional. It’s about staying aligned with how the world’s money is moving.
As stablecoins continue to grow, they could make global travel more open, inclusive, and efficient than ever before. The financial world may be catching up, but the travel industry is already taking off.
This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author.
Muhammad Qasim Senior Software Developer at PSPC
16 October
Adam Preis Global Strategist at Ping Identity
Christoffer Hernæs Chief Technology Officer at Stø
Naina Rajgopalan Content Head at Freo
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