Stablecoins Reshape Global Payment Infrastructure for Travel and Crypto

Stablecoins have moved from a niche trading tool to a core component of on‑chain value transfer, accounting for about 30% of crypto transaction volume in early 2025 and growing 83% year‑over‑year. This shift has prompted banks, payment processors and neobanks such as Revolut and Wise to build compliant, instant settlement rails that treat dollar‑pegged tokens as the default medium for cross‑border transfers.

Research from the University of York suggests that the same stablecoin infrastructure can cut friction in the hospitality and tourism sector, where international payments are traditionally costly and slow. Fiat‑collateralised stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) are highlighted as the most suitable for hotels, travel agencies and related services, offering lower fees, faster settlement and reduced foreign‑exchange risk.

Together, these developments point to stablecoins becoming a universal payment layer for both crypto ecosystems and everyday travel commerce.