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Expedia Group launches stablecoin payment system for tour operators
Expedia Group has introduced a stablecoin‑based payment gateway for its network of tour operators in North America and Europe. The new system replaces traditional foreign‑exchange conversions and bank transfers, cutting settlement times from several days to a few seconds and eliminating associated currency‑exchange fees.
The platform uses stablecoins—digital assets pegged to fiat currencies—to provide secure, instant, and transparent B2B transactions. It complies with anti‑money‑laundering and data‑protection regulations, and automates refunds and cancellations through smart‑contract execution, improving liquidity and profitability for medium‑size travel agencies.
Expedia’s fintech team spent over a year developing the solution, which is now live on the partner portal, allowing operators to settle payments at any time without relying on banking hours or incurring weekend surcharges.