Travala Launches AI-Powered Hotel Booking With USDC Payments on Base

Crypto-focused travel platform Travala has launched a new protocol that allows artificial intelligence agents to search, reserve and pay for hotel bookings using USDC on the Base blockchain. The system is designed to connect AI-powered travel planning with blockchain-based payments, making the booking process faster and more efficient.

The new Travel MCP protocol is currently available through Claude Desktop, while external developers can also integrate the technology into their own AI travel applications. Travala said the platform uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that enables AI systems to interact with external tools and services.

USDC Payments Processed Through Base Network

Payments are handled through Coinbase’s x402 protocol on Base, allowing gasless USDC transactions with near-instant settlement. According to Travala, transaction costs average around $0.01 per booking, making the process inexpensive compared to traditional payment systems.

Although AI agents can search for hotels, manage reservations and initiate payments, travelers must still approve the final transaction. This means the system is not fully autonomous, but it goes beyond traditional chatbots that only provide travel recommendations.

More Than 2.2 Million Hotels Available

Travala said the protocol provides access to more than 2.2 million hotels worldwide, including properties from major hospitality brands such as Marriott, Hilton and IHG through its travel partners.

The company also uses ERC-7715 session keys, allowing AI agents to request payments while keeping final approval securely in the traveler’s wallet.

Travala Expands AI and Crypto Travel Services

Travala believes the new protocol is an early step toward a more automated travel industry. To encourage adoption, the company is offering developers a 10% Coinbase Wrapped Bitcoin (cbBTC) rebate on completed hotel stays booked through supported AI agents.

Founded in 2017, Travala plans to expand the protocol beyond hotel reservations to include flights and other travel services. The company also expects its AVA loyalty token to play a larger role in future AI-powered travel experiences.