Webjet Exclusives trials Bitcoin payments

First online travel agency in Australia to embrace the digital currency

Webjet today began trialling Bitcoin payments for its 'Webjet Exclusives' arm, which offers deals the travel agency has directly negotiated with suppliers. Webjet is the first online travel agency in Australia to embrace the digital currency.

The travel agency said it wanted to offer customers a wide range of choice and flexibility when making payments as for their holidays and travel plans. Customer feedback also drove the decision to take up Bitcoin said CEO of Webjet Exclusives Paul Ryan.

"Traditional credit cards are likely to be the main method of payment for online travel for some time but we expect to see significant growth in digital currency usage," Ryan told CIO Australia.

“It’s an innovative addition to the existing payment options available on site. In this particular case we are excited to extend this payment option to the community of Bitcoin users that have relatively limited choice in terms of online retailers in the Australian market," he said in a statement.

The website already accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal and BPAY payment options.

If the trial goes well, Webjet will roll out Bitcoin payments to its flight, accommodation and travel insurance packages and deals. Ryan said he will trial it for an "indefinite period".

The travel agency signed with BitPOS, an Australian Bitcoin merchant services provider.

This article was updated 2.40pm Australia, Sydney time for the purpose of adding information.

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