A new report from Standard Chartered estimates that as much as $1 trillion could leave emerging-market banks and move into stablecoins within the next three years.

That's not just a banking headline. It signals a deeper change in how people trust money. In regions where currency crises are common, stablecoins are increasingly viewed as safe, dollar-based stores of value.

For travelers, that same logic applies. When your savings are in stablecoins, it makes sense to spend them directly on global services like flights and hotels.

A Global Payment Behavior Shift

The report highlights that stablecoin adoption in developing economies could reach $1.22 trillion by 2028, up from about $173 billion today. That growth is driven by users in countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Kenya who see digital dollars as more reliable than their local currencies.

This shift also changes how people pay for travel. Traditional credit cards can be hard to access or expensive to use in these regions, while stablecoins offer instant settlement with transparent exchange rates.

For online travel platforms, this is not just a payments upgrade, it's a chance to reach travelers who were previously excluded by geography or banking barriers.

What It Means for the Travel Industry

If stablecoins become a mainstream savings tool, the next step is integration into everyday payments. That includes booking flights, accommodations, and travel insurance.

For travel companies, the opportunity lies in:

* Faster settlements across borders without currency conversion costs

* Lower payment fees for both customers and platforms

* Instant refunds without banking delays

* Expanded access to travelers who prefer digital assets over fiat

Platforms like Fly Fairly are already exploring this space by accepting stablecoin payments and building financial flexibility into flight bookings.

The Positive Ripple Effect

Rather than draining liquidity from banks, stablecoins could support the broader travel ecosystem. By moving capital more efficiently, they can help smaller travel operators, hotels, and tour providers get paid faster and reinvest in growth.

At the same time, the travel sector can help normalize stablecoin usage. Every time a traveler books with digital assets, it reinforces trust in these new payment methods.

The Road Ahead

Stablecoin adoption is no longer a "crypto niche." It's becoming part of the financial mainstream, especially in economies where stability matters most.

For travel platforms, the lesson is simple: being crypto-ready is no longer optional. It's about staying aligned with how the world's money is moving.

As stablecoins continue to grow, they could make global travel more open, inclusive, and efficient than ever before. The financial world may be catching up, but the travel industry is already taking off.

Why Stablecoin Growth Is a Wake-Up Call for Travel Payments: By Shanice Octavia