South Africa is exploring crypto tourism as a new way to revive its travel industry. With global use of digital currencies rising, the country aims to become a crypto-friendly destination, attracting digital nomads, blockchain enthusiasts, and international visitors seeking seamless digital payment options. Yande Nomvete, Operations Manager at Binance in South Africa, highlighted the growing role of crypto in travel. “Globally, crypto travel is transforming tourism, with leading travel websites seeing a surge in bookings using cryptocurrency. In 2024 alone, over $80 million worth of travel bookings were purchased with crypto on Travala,” Nomvete said.
In South Africa, over 100 hospitality and accommodation businesses now accept Binance Pay, along with more than 200 merchants in retail, parking, e-commerce, and convenience sectors. This positions the country as a potential leader in real-world crypto adoption and modern payment solutions. The small coastal town of Witsand in the Western Cape has become South Africa’s first official “crypto town.” Restaurants, guesthouses, and service providers here accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum for payments. Nomvete explained that the local adoption of crypto illustrates its potential to boost tourism in less-visited areas. “Visitors to Witsand can pay for accommodation, food, and experiences using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies. This reduces the need for cash and eliminates costly international banking fees,” he said.
The move has been praised for promoting grassroots economic growth while offering travellers a modern and convenient way to pay for goods and services. The town’s example could encourage other tourist destinations in South Africa to follow suit. The trend is not limited to towns and resorts. Binance, Moneybadger, Zapper, and partner merchants, including airline FlySafair, are exploring crypto-enabled air travel. Plans are underway to allow travellers to pay for flights, earn rewards, and manage transactions entirely through digital currencies. This initiative aims to make air travel in South Africa more efficient and attractive for international tourists. It also positions the country as a pioneer in combining blockchain technology with the travel and airline sectors.
Experts believe crypto tourism could help South Africa attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic. Digital payments make travel more accessible, especially for international visitors who wish to avoid exchange rate fees or complex banking procedures. By adopting crypto-friendly policies, South Africa can diversify its tourism offerings and compete with other global destinations embracing digital currency. Visitors can enjoy modern conveniences while contributing to local economies in coastal towns, cities, and rural areas that previously received less attention from tourists.
South Africa’s focus on crypto tourism comes as the country works to recover from recent challenges in the travel sector. By embracing blockchain technology, the nation not only modernizes payments but also enhances the visitor experience. Local businesses and travel operators are encouraged to explore digital payment options, which could increase bookings, attract international tourists, and strengthen economic resilience in smaller communities. Nomvete concludes that South Africa is well-positioned to become a hub for crypto tourism. “The adoption of cryptocurrency for everyday travel and hospitality payments is not just about convenience; it’s a way to innovate, attract new travellers, and create opportunities for local economies,” he said.
As more towns, hotels, and airlines adopt crypto payments, South Africa could become a global example of how digital currencies can transform the tourism sector while enhancing convenience, security, and economic growth.
