ATS Travel and Payhound have announced a groundbreaking partnership enabling ATS Travel to accept cryptocurrency payments for all its services. This development marks a significant milestone in the Middle East’s travel industry, making ATS Travel the first major travel management company in the region to adopt cryptocurrency for corporate and leisure transactions, according to Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director of ATS Travel, speaking at Private Luxury Barcelona.
Under this arrangement, ATS Travel’s high-net-worth clients from across the Middle East can now use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to pay for services including airline tickets, luxury travel, holiday packages, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Exhibitions, and Events) services. Sharif described this initiative as a game changer, reflecting the region’s growing interest in digital currencies and blockchain technology.
This collaboration sets a new standard for the Middle East’s travel industry. By partnering with Payhound, ATS Travel is catering to a tech-savvy clientele and enhancing the customer experience through secure, instant, and seamless crypto payment options, eliminating traditional banking delays and costs.
Malta-based Payhound, a fully regulated crypto payment provider, brings its expertise in processing, settlements, and large-volume trading to the partnership. With a proven track record in industries such as iGaming, e-commerce, and financial services, Payhound ensures secure and efficient digital currency transactions. Melissa Lamb, Director of Sales, Luxury at Payhound, expressed excitement about facilitating cryptocurrency acceptance for ATS Travel.
Licensed as a Virtual Financial Assets Service Provider (VFAS) by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), Payhound is among the first regulated entities in its field. Its platform enables rapid payment processing, eliminating delays typically associated with traditional banking, Lamb noted.
The strategic collaboration with Payhound aligns with ATS Travel’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions to its corporate and leisure customers. Khaled Ghubash, Managing Director of ATS Travel, expressed excitement over the proposed partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be the first travel management company in the Middle East to integrate cryptocurrency payments into our services, once done. This arrangement with Payhound reflects our commitment to offering cutting-edge services that meet the evolving needs of our clients, particularly in a region where cryptocurrency adoption is on the rise.”
Ghubash added, “By offering cryptocurrency payment options, we are not only meeting the demands of high-net-worth individuals and businesses but also positioning ourselves as leaders in an industry that is moving rapidly toward digitalization. We expect this to open new avenues for business and strengthen our relationships with our clients.”
