重磅：携程悄悄上线稳定币支付！打响国内企业第一枪

Core Insights - Trip.com, a platform under Ctrip, has launched a global stablecoin payment feature supporting USDT and USDC, allowing users to save up to 18% on flight bookings in regions like Vietnam [1][46][48] - This initiative addresses the gap in traditional financial systems, providing a payment solution for over 80% of the global population who lack access to international credit cards or bank accounts [3][10][48] - Ctrip's approach is characterized by a low-profile implementation, contrasting with other companies that have made high-profile announcements without substantial progress [5][50] Payment Functionality - The stablecoin payment system allows users to book hotels and flights using multiple public blockchains, simplifying the payment process to just requiring a name and email for hotel bookings [7][8][52] - The payment gateway and settlement support are provided by Triple-A, a licensed institution in Singapore, ensuring compliance and security [8][53] Market Context - The emergence of stablecoin payments is seen as a necessary evolution, particularly for users in high-inflation countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Bolivia, where residents use stablecoins to hedge against currency devaluation [10][55][64] - The global market for stablecoins is rapidly expanding, with a current market cap of nearly $260 billion, accounting for 97% of cryptocurrency trading volume [65] Strategic Implications - Ctrip's stablecoin initiative is part of a broader financial strategy that has been in development since 2013, aiming to create a comprehensive financial ecosystem [14][59] - The choice of Singapore as a base for the payment service reflects a commitment to regulatory compliance and a favorable business environment for cryptocurrency [14][60] User Experience - The payment process is designed to be user-friendly, with minimal information required for hotel bookings, enhancing privacy and reducing data collection [35][63] - The stablecoin payment feature is currently in a testing phase, with expectations that it will lead to cheaper international travel and more innovative products in the future [68][80] Industry Impact - Ctrip's move is likely to inspire other players in the online travel agency (OTA) sector to explore similar payment solutions, potentially reshaping the industry landscape [80] - The integration of blockchain technology in travel could lead to new business models, including smart contracts for travel insurance and NFT-based products [80][82]