Luxury travel concierge Arburton is believed to be one of the first of its kind to use a payment technology which allows clients to pay for their yacht charters, private jets, holidays, and other vacation experiences with cryptocurrency.
The London-based business, founded by Aruna Shah, has a client base around the globe and more than 30 years’ experience of the bespoke concierge and luxury sector, specialising in tailored lifestyle services, luxury travel, itinerary management, hospitality, and luxury goods.
As many other companies in the travel sector, Arburton has been badly affected by the travel restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the past months in lockdown has enabled Arburton to prepare for a move with the times once travel is expected to return to the UK this summer.
According to Shah, the move follows a simple philosophy: “We believe that travel is the ultimate freedom of life, which is why it is fitting that our customers should have a larger choice of payment methods.”
“We’ve been focusing on giving our clients the VIP treatment from day one, so it makes sense to move with the times and accept cryptocurrencies, which will allow us to access an entirely new client base also.”
“Cryptocurrency is on everyone’s lips. Just last month, Bitcoin reached over $60,000 and it has increased ninefold year-on-year. It’s no surprise that big companies are coming to embrace crypto, and it’s only going to get more important in our clientele as well.”
Arburton is believed to be one of the first travel companies in the UK to use the Utrust payment technology, which allows clients to pay for their holidays with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Previously, these types of technologies came with high costs for businesses seeking to convert crypto into cash, but the Utrust technology instantly converts cryptocurrency into money for businesses.
