The crypto market has long been sensitive to influential voices, and few carry more weight than Changpeng Zhao—commonly known as CZ. Even after stepping down from his role as CEO of Binance, CZ’s words continue to move markets, as demonstrated by the explosive price action of Travala (AVA) in December 2024.
On the evening of December 12, 2024, AVA became the top-performing cryptocurrency on Binance, skyrocketing from $0.75 to an intraday high of $2.98 in under 30 minutes. This near 4x surge was triggered by a single social media post—one that reaffirmed trust in a project CZ had backed years before the industry faced its darkest days.
The Power of a Single Tweet: How CZ Moved the Market
CZ took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight a major milestone achieved by Travala, a blockchain-based travel booking platform: $100 million in annual revenue. In his post, he not only celebrated the achievement but also revealed Binance’s long-term commitment to the project:
“We invested in this crypto travel platform pre-COVID, pre-crypto winter, and held on. BUILD!”
This message resonated deeply with the crypto community. It wasn’t just praise—it was a testament to conviction during turbulent times. The phrase “BUILD” has become a rallying cry in decentralized circles, symbolizing perseverance, long-term vision, and faith in real-world utility over speculative hype.
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Within minutes, traders reacted. Liquidity flooded into AVA, pushing its price sharply upward. While it eventually pulled back to around $2.00 at the time of writing, the momentum signaled renewed interest in use-case-driven crypto projects.
What Is Travala (AVA)?
Travala is a decentralized travel booking platform that allows users to pay for flights, hotels, and vacation packages using over 50 different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB. It functions similarly to mainstream platforms like Expedia or Booking.com—but with the added benefits of blockchain: faster settlements, lower fees, and global accessibility without traditional banking barriers.
Launched in 2017, Travala gained significant traction after being acquired by Binance in 2020. The exchange merged it with another travel-focused blockchain solution, TravelbyBit, to strengthen its position in the Web3 tourism sector. Since then, Travala has expanded its inventory to cover more than two million properties across 230 countries.
The recent $100 million revenue milestone underscores its growing adoption—not just among crypto enthusiasts, but also within the broader travel industry.
Why This Surge Matters for Crypto Adoption
The AVA rally isn't just another pump-and-dump episode. It reflects a shift toward valuing real-world utility in blockchain projects. While many tokens rely solely on speculation, Travala demonstrates tangible product-market fit:
- Partnerships with major providers like Expedia and Hotelbeds
- Integration with Binance Pay for seamless transactions
- A rewards program incentivizing crypto usage through cashback and staking
This event also highlights the enduring influence of key figures in crypto. Despite no longer holding an official leadership role at Binance, CZ remains one of the most trusted voices in the ecosystem. His endorsement acts as both a signal of credibility and a catalyst for market movement.
CZ’s Continued Influence Beyond Binance
Though CZ stepped down as CEO following legal settlements in late 2023, he remains deeply involved in shaping the future of blockchain technology. He now focuses on Giggle Academy, an educational initiative aimed at teaching coding and blockchain fundamentals to younger generations.
Yet, his occasional appearances—like sharing an image of the “Alt” key on his laptop earlier in December—are enough to spark speculation and rallies across altcoins. That post alone fueled rumors of an upcoming altcoin season, briefly boosting tokens like Altlayer’s ALT.
This phenomenon illustrates a truth in today’s crypto landscape: narrative and perception still drive short-term price action, even as fundamentals gain importance over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the AVA token to surge nearly 4x?
The surge was directly triggered by a tweet from Changpeng Zhao (CZ), who highlighted Travala's $100 million annual revenue milestone and confirmed Binance's early investment. His endorsement reignited market confidence and triggered rapid buying pressure.
Is Travala really profitable?
Yes. Reaching $100 million in annual revenue is a strong indicator of commercial viability. Unlike many blockchain startups that remain unprofitable, Travala has built a sustainable business model by integrating with existing travel infrastructure while offering crypto-native incentives.
Does CZ still hold AVA tokens?
While CZ did not disclose current holdings, he stated that Binance “held on” since before the crypto winter, suggesting ongoing ownership. Institutional holding adds credibility and reduces sell-pressure concerns.
Can I book real trips using AVA or other cryptos on Travala?
Absolutely. Travala supports bookings for flights, hotels, and holiday packages using over 50 cryptocurrencies. Transactions are processed instantly via blockchain, often with lower fees than traditional payment methods.
Could this be another short-lived pump?
While short-term volatility is expected, the fundamentals behind Travala—growing revenue, strategic partnerships, and real usage—suggest stronger long-term potential compared to purely speculative assets.
What does this mean for other utility-based crypto projects?
It sets a precedent: projects with actual use cases can gain traction when spotlighted by trusted leaders. Expect increased investor focus on revenue-generating dApps in sectors like fintech, supply chain, and digital identity.
Looking Ahead: The Rise of Utility-Driven Cryptocurrencies
The AVA surge serves as a case study in how influence, utility, and market timing intersect in crypto. As the industry matures, investors are increasingly distinguishing between hype-driven tokens and those delivering real value.
Travala stands out as a pioneer in applying blockchain to everyday services—proving that decentralized solutions can compete with traditional counterparts. With continued support from figures like CZ and growing user adoption, it may well become a benchmark for future Web3 consumer platforms.
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As we look toward 2025 and beyond, keep an eye on projects that combine strong fundamentals with growing ecosystems. The era of “building” is no longer a slogan—it’s becoming the standard.