Forget Airbnb: Airbtc lets you pay in Bitcoin

Want to book a vacation rental or even a luxury yacht using Bitcoin? For Jake Seifert, co-founder of Airbtc, this isn’t just a dream—it’s the future of travel. His platform, which exclusively deals in Bitcoin, is pushing the boundaries of how the digital currency can be used in real-world experiences. 

“We are a booking platform that only deals in Bitcoin, so the host can offer their property up for Bitcoin, and the guest pays in Bitcoin,” Seifert told The Crypto Radio at Bitcoin MENA in Abu Dhabi. This unique approach is aimed at making Bitcoin more “saleable,” allowing users to spend their crypto on everything from vacation rentals to high-end travel experiences, like luxury boats.

Seifert has been a staunch Bitcoin advocate since 2017, and he sees the digital currency as the key to a financial revolution. For him, Bitcoin isn't just a speculative investment—it’s a means of providing financial freedom, especially in countries grappling with high inflation.

"I am a hardcore Maxi," Seifert said, referring to his belief that Bitcoin is the only truly viable cryptocurrency. "Eventually everything else goes to zero compared to Bitcoin."

A tool for financial freedom

Seifert’s passion for Bitcoin is rooted in his belief that it can offer stability to economies plagued by inflation. "These smaller economies across the planet, they experience 10 times of what we do when it comes to inflation," he noted, pointing to El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender as a potential model.

His vision extends to creating a "circular economy" where people can earn, spend, and replace Bitcoin effortlessly. "If you'd like to make a real change, it's spending and replacing. So, you get that money and you want to go on vacation. Instead of you going on Airbnb and booking and spending your hard-earned money, you can use Bitcoin and make it more saleable by distributing it through the network."

Airbtc's expanding reach

Launched just five months ago, Airbtc is already reaching customers across all seven continents. The platform’s rapid growth has encouraged Seifert to expand its offerings, including unique stays like a catamaran in Maine that sleeps eight. During the interview, as yachts floated in the background, he added, "We would love if someone wants to host a beautiful yacht and accept Bitcoin."

For Seifert, Airbtc represents more than just vacation rentals. He sees Bitcoin as a practical solution for countries battling severe inflation, where traditional currencies lose value quickly. "These smaller economies across the planet, they experience 10 times of what we do when it comes to inflation," he explains. By offering a stable alternative, Bitcoin can provide real financial relief in these regions.

Seifert also believes inflation isn’t just a local issue. "Our largest export really is inflation," he says, pointing to how US monetary policies ripple out to impact other economies. With platforms like Airbtc, Bitcoin could bridge the gap between digital assets and real-world spending, making mainstream adoption a step closer to reality.

Advice for newcomers to the crypto world

As the platform grows and Bitcoin continues to gain traction, Seifert is eager to share his perspective on how newcomers to crypto can get started. For those unsure about jumping into the market, he has simple advice: "No matter what the price is, just buy a little bit whatever you can afford, to put away whatever changes you can make in your life little by little."

He encourages people to focus on the long-term potential of Bitcoin rather than getting caught up in the daily fluctuations of its price. Seifert believes that over time, the value of Bitcoin will be proven, and people will see its true potential.

For the skeptics who dismiss Bitcoin as a "scam," Seifert’s response is blunt: "I guess you'll find out. Right?"

A special invitation for UAE property and yacht owners

As Airbtc expands, Seifert is encouraging UAE property owners—especially those with luxury yachts—to list on the platform. Dubai’s luxury market offers a unique opportunity to integrate Bitcoin into travel. Owners looking to reach a global audience and explore crypto adoption may find this platform appealing.

For both newcomers and seasoned crypto users, Airbtc highlights how Bitcoin could become a practical tool in the travel industry. Seifert summed it up, saying, "We are making inroads to make that eventual goal of Bitcoin being more saleable a reality."

 

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in the Bigger Picture podcast.