Passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport (BNE) will soon be able to use cryptocurrency to dine and shop at the terminal, confirms the airport.

BNE has partnered with local startup TravelbyBit to allow travellers to use cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Dash and Ethereum to pay for goods and services at the airport’s stores and F&B outlets.

The airport says it is working with a number of terminal retailers to bring ‘decentralised block chain enabled payments into its terminal shopping’ to enable travelling customers to use TravelbyBit’s cryptocurrency payment system.

Retailers and F&B outlets preparing to accept digital currency at BNE include Botanist, Spoon, Windmill & Co, Forte Espresso, as well as nine awpl stores including Australian Way, Merino Collection, Carry On, Dreamtime Journey and multiple News Travels across both terminals.

“We are excited to be a launch merchant in the world’s first digital currency friendly airport,” said awpl’s Managing Director Costa Kouros. “awpl is a proud partner of Brisbane Airport and a strong supporter of the innovation in customer experience driven by BAC.”

PIONEERING INITIATIVE

According to the airport, digital currency payments keep the user’s personal identity private and eliminate third-party interference, allowing for very low transaction fees, and exchange rates.

Commenting on the initiative, Brisbane Airport Corporation’s General Manager Strategic Planning and Development, Roel Hellemons, stated: “Many people around the world have made money investing in cryptocurrencies and a lot of these people travel internationally, so it makes sense to offer a digital currency experience within our terminals.

“We’re also proud to be the first airport in the world to achieve this in partnership with a small local start-up business, such as TravelbyBit, whose pioneering thinking is drawing attention to Brisbane as a serious breeding ground of innovative thinking.

“This is just the beginning for us as we hope to expand the digital currency option across the business, so watch this space.”

DIGITAL LEADER

The partnership with TravelbyBit is said to reinforce BNE’s aim to promote community projects and support local businesses, as well as improve the passenger experience and become a leader in the airport digital innovation space.

CRYPTOCURRENCIES IN TOURISM

“We are building a genuine case for cryptocurrencies in the tourism industry,” confirms Caleb Yeoh, CEO of TravelbyBit. “The application of digital currencies in this sector makes a lot of sense.

“Whenever you travel overseas you have to deal with multiple currencies and you never know what exchange rates the banks are charging you. Here at TravelbyBit we are promoting the Bitcoin travel movement. Digital currency for world-wide travel. It’s simple, safe and there’s no bank fees.”

Brisbane Airport is only the starting point for digital currency travellers. TravelbyBit has built a network of merchants throughout Brisbane who take payments in digital currencies. More than 20 merchants in the area are said to now take digital currency payments.