The payments giant American Express has introduced blockchain-powered stamps for its customers, serving as a digital memento of their journeys.
These travel stamps are to be stored as ERC-721 non-fungible tokens on the Ethereum layer-2 Base, ensuring customers can preserve their travel history and cherished overseas memories, as stated on the company’s website.
“The essence of travel is reflecting on past adventures, and keepsakes are a significant way for explorers to revisit their favorite journeys,” said Luke Gebb, Executive Vice President of Amex Digital Labs, on Monday.
“With physical passport stamps fading away, Amex Passport offers Card Members a chance to celebrate their travels.”
Amex noted that each stamp can be tailored to showcase highlights from each journey, such as remarkable attractions, exceptional meals, hotel stays, or favorite activities.
Only holders of a US Amex consumer card linked to their online account can access the Amex Passport, and the NFTs are not transferable.
According to Amex, each stamp will only display the country or region of the stamp, a description, and the date it was earned, with personal information and trip details kept confidential on Base.
Data from Base’s block explorer, BaseScan, indicates that the Amex travel stamp smart contract was established 25 days ago.
This initiative exemplifies how a public blockchain can assist corporations and users in securely storing data without relying on centralized servers.
Last month, the US Department of Commerce announced it would begin publishing economic statistics, including GDP data, on the blockchain.
NFT travel stamps meet the rising demand for digital keepsakes
A recent Amex survey revealed a strong interest in new travel stamp solutions, with 73% of respondents seeking more ways to digitally commemorate their past trips.
Additionally, 56% expressed missing the experience of receiving passport stamps upon arriving in new countries.
Amex travel stamps can be shared on social media or saved to a device’s camera roll, with trips booked through Amex over the past two years automatically added for customers.
Crypto is gradually making its way into the tourism sector
The crypto travel sector remains a niche market but has gained momentum recently.
Related: Blue chip NFTs plunge double digits as ETH declines from record peaks
In February, the cryptocurrency-focused travel platform Travala incorporated crypto payment options for 2.2 million hotels via Trivago, a hotel metasearch engine that enables users to compare accommodation prices across various booking platforms.
In May, data from Travala indicated that crypto users typically spend three times more during an average hotel stay and often extend their visits to align with their flexible remote work lifestyles.
Meanwhile, data from Triple-A shows that 14% of crypto transactions were allocated to travel and hospitality in 2024, as more airlines begin accepting cryptocurrency for bookings.
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