A new platform is reshaping the future of tourism in El Salvador by aligning it with the country’s vision of a Bitcoin-based economy. Airbtc, a crypto-native booking platform designed for travelers who want to pay exclusively with Bitcoin, is connecting global visitors to properties across El Salvador and beyond.
Founded by Bitcoin advocates, Airbtc officially launched in August 2024 and has grown rapidly without external funding. Today, it features nearly 500 listings worldwide, with El Salvador representing around 15% of the total inventory. Popular destinations on the platform include El Zonte, Santa Ana, Berlín, San Salvador, Costa del Sol, Punta Mango, and Xanadú—areas already recognized for their growing crypto-friendly communities.
In an interview with Diario El Salvador, co-founder Jake Seifert explained the mission behind Airbtc:
“Our goal is to support Bitcoin’s circular economies. Every time a tourist pays with Bitcoin, it creates momentum in the community, and that drives real adoption. We believe every state in El Salvador should have its own circular economy.”
Seifert emphasized that Airbtc is not just for seasoned Bitcoiners. The platform welcomes hotels, private residences, and even small businesses that are just beginning to accept Bitcoin. “If an owner is just starting to accept Bitcoin, they can also join the platform. We want to include everyone who is on this path,” he said.
Airbtc offers a broad range of properties—from budget-friendly stays to luxury homes—while providing safety features such as escrow systems and refund policies comparable to mainstream platforms like Airbnb and Booking. However, Seifert pointed out a key difference:
“On large platforms, guests can pay up to 8% commission and hosts up to 18%. We reduce those costs drastically.”
In addition to promoting tourism, Airbtc is actively supporting education initiatives in El Salvador through collaborations with organizations like My First Bitcoin, helping property owners and hosts understand how to use the cryptocurrency confidently and effectively.
Seifert, who has visited El Salvador multiple times with his family, highlighted the country’s transformation:
“I came for the first time with my wife, who was pregnant, and we felt completely safe. We’ve come six times now, bringing our children and walking around the city with ease. El Salvador has changed a lot.”
The platform’s leadership sees El Salvador as an ideal destination for Bitcoin-related investment, citing not only its improved security but also its favorable regulatory and tax climate.
“I think more and more capital and investment will come to El Salvador. We want to be part of that growth,” Seifert stated.
As the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to mature, platforms like Airbtc are helping to close the gap between ideology and practical application. Seifert’s message to the community is clear:
“We must use Bitcoin as it was created to be used: as money. If we don’t use it, large companies will monopolize it and our children won’t have access to this resource.”
Airbtc is currently expanding across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, making El Salvador a key hub in a growing network of global Bitcoin destinations.