Vaughn Lowery is a native of Detroit and the youngest of five siblings, a graduate of Cornell University's ILR School. Core duties: global diversification strategy, production management, and ecological implementation. The grandson of the late civil rights defender and recipient of the presidential medal of freedom, Joseph Lowery. Lastly, a distinguished member of the Alpha Phi Alphi Fraternity, Incorporated (Alpha Chapter).
RAUW ALEJANDRO SELLS OUT THREE BACK-TO-BACK NIGHTS AT BROOKLYN’S BARCLAY’S CENTER ON HIS ACCLAIMED COSA NUESTRA WORLD
Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning and 4x GRAMMY®-nominated global superstar Rauw Alejandro performed the final of his three back-to-back sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center last night on his massive, history-making Cosa Nuestra World Tour.
Those in attendance added to the theatrical show experience as the sold-out arena was filled with fans dressed head-to-toe in the Cosa Nuestra theme, sporting pinstripe suits and glamorous gowns. One standout moment of the New York tour stop happened Monday night when Rauw’s father joined him onstage to play guitar with the band. Watch the video HERE.
His first tour accompanied by a live band, the Cosa Nuestra World Tour has received praise from fans and critics for its immersive and engaging experience as it features theatrical staging, high-energy choreography, powerful live instrumentation, and a meticulously crafted visual narrative.
“A masterclass in showmanship” – Billboard
“Rauw Alejandro has always been an impressive performer, but his Cosa Nuestra tour fully solidifies his place as Latin music’s greatest showman. He brought the spectacle to Barclays Center this week, with packed performances on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night.” – Rolling Stone
“a song-and-dance spectacle of the highest order. It’s beautiful to look at and deliriously entertaining to experience.” – Houston Chronicle
The tour made history as Rauw became the first Latin artist to perform three back-to-back sold-out nights at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome before performing another three nights in Chicago at the United Center and now three sold-out nights in New York. He continues the tour on Friday in Raleigh and will make stops in Atlanta and Orlando before closing out the U.S. leg with three nights at the Kaseya Center in Miami. For all dates and details, please visit rauwalejandro.com.
Gladiator Dark Sky brings premium, aggressive appearance to industry’s only open-air pickup truck
Dark Sky expands lineup of special-edition Gladiators, creating more customer choice
Jeep® Gladiator, the industry’s only open-air pickup truck, adds increased value bundled with signature Jeep capability with the new Dark Sky edition. As the Jeep brand – recognized as America’s most patriotic brand for the 24th consecutive year – continues to deliver more customer choice, Gladiator Dark Sky is uniquely positioned within the nameplate line-up.
Gladiator Dark Sky, based on the Sport S trim, bundles popular features into one package. These include:
A performance hood to evoke the Desert-rated Mojave styling
Body-color fender flares
Gloss black bumper inserts
Dark-colored badges and decals
For the first time, the Gladiator Dark Sky also provides customers with the ability to equip an optional body-color, hardtop roof for the Sport S trim.
The additional standard equipment comes bundled at an MSRP of $1,495, amplifying the value of Gladiator Dark Sky compared to adding the features separately. Additional standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Uconnect 5, Jeep’s suite of active safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, and a premium, wrapped steering wheel.
Customers may also option the comforts and adventure-focused features most important to them in their own Gladiator Dark Sky. Gladiator Dark Sky boasts the capability to handle the daily grind around town and tasks off the beaten path. With Gladiator’s heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, with front axle disconnect, transmission and transfer case skid plates, plus 10 inches of standard ground clearance, the Dark Sky is as much at home on the trails as it is towing and hauling. Gladiator offers an unmatched, available 7,700 max tow rating in the segment and best-in-class 4×4 payload of 1,725 pounds.
Orders for the Gladiator Dark Sky are now open.
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator, the industry’s only open-air pickup truck, adds increased value bundled with signature Jeep capability with the new Dark Sky edition.
SNIPES & Jordan Host Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’ Early Access Event in Philadelphia.
Sneaker enthusiasts are invited to an exclusive early access event to purchase and customize the highly anticipated Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’ a full week before the official launch date. This interactive experience, hosted by SNIPES, one of the world’s leading streetwear retailers, and Jordan Brand, will include unique customization options from lace swaps to sneaker etching.
‘Power Moves is a branding masterclass with intentional integration. Redefining the underdog, it emphasizes the three S’s: self-investment, self-awareness, and self-sustainability. Shaq and AI continuously drop gems.’– Vaughn Lowery
New Netflix Series Premiering June 4 Gives Unfiltered Access to the Brand’s Bold Comeback Led by Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson
Reebok, in partnership with Jersey Legends and The Intellectual Property Corporation, is proud to unveil the official trailer for Power Moves, a six-episode Netflix docuseries that takes audiences behind the scenes of Reebok’s high-impact return to basketball under the leadership of Shaquille O’Neal (President, Reebok Basketball) and Allen Iverson (Vice President).
Power Moves is an all-access look at the strategy, hustle, and heart driving one of the most exciting brand transformations in recent history. From the Boston headquarters to court-side decisions, the series captures the real-time evolution of Reebok as it reclaims its place in the culture.
The full series premiered June 4, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Power Moves isn’t just a story about sports or sneakers—it’s about legacy, leadership, and the power of believing in something bigger. The series captures the cultural momentum Reebok is building and the passion driving its next chapter.
WHO TO WATCH:
Shaquille O’Neal, President, Reebok Basketball
Allen Iverson, Vice President, Reebok Basketball
Todd Krinsky, CEO, Reebok
Featuring Reebok athletes and creators including Angel Reese
Executive Produced by Shaquille O’Neal, Colin Smeeton, Mike Parris, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, and Jamie Renberg
‘A true hybrid: innovative and practical with power. Next year’s prom car.’ – Vaughn Lowery
All-new, redesigned 6th generation RAV4 will be available in Core, Sport, and Rugged styles across seven grades, including a new-look Woodland and first-ever GR SPORT
America’s best-selling compact SUV will now be 100% electrified, in a choice of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains
First-ever RAV4 GR SPORT, developed in partnership with Toyota GAZOO Racing, with GR-tuned handling, aggressive exterior style, exhilarating PHEV powertrain with AWD, and more
RAV4 Woodland grade available in HEV or PHEV with AWD standard, higher ride height, all-terrain tires, split grille, and more
Debut of 6th generation PHEV powertrain with up-to 320 hp output and 20% more all-electric drive range of 50 miles (manufacturer estimated, 42 miles previously)
RAV4 HEV models move to 5th generation hybrid system and boost output to 236 hp on AWD models and 226 hp on FWD models – with FWD coming to RAV4 Hybrid for the first time
Launch of Toyota’s Arene software development platform, which enables Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and a new generation of the Toyota Audio Multimedia System
Toyota Motor North America announces the all-new, 2026 RAV4. For its sixth generation, America’s best-selling compact SUV will be available in three new designs that include Core, Rugged, and Sport styles – among which include a new-look Woodland grade and the U.S. market’s first-ever RAV4 GR SPORT model. The 2026 RAV4 also joins Toyota’s ever-growing list of exclusively electrified models, as it will be available in a choice of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. RAV4 also launches new technologies for Toyota, including the Arene software development platform, a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and updates to the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite.
“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With three distinct styles, two highly efficient electrified powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the all-new RAV4 offers something for everyone and is ready to take on all of life’s adventures.”
The 2026 RAV4 Core design combines a sleek, paint-matched grille, with Toyota’s signature hammerhead front end for a modern take on RAV4. Wide overfenders with black cladding and an ascending belt line with chiseled body panels complement its SUV proportions. Wheel combinations vary, with 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels available, depending on the grade. Core models include the well-equipped LE, XLE, and Limited grades.
The Rugged design is exclusive to the outdoor-inspired Woodland model, which now becomes a standalone grade to the RAV4 lineup. For the Rugged design, the peak of the hammerhead front end is slightly raised and its black, split upper and lower grille with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting give it an adventurous look. The model also stands about a half inch higher due to standard All-Terrain tires, has standard raised roof rails with crossbars, and a 1¼ -inch rear activity mount for travel-ready versatility. The Woodland grade will have standard AWD and be available in a HEV or PHEV powertrain.
At the forefront of the Sport designs is the RAV4 GR SPORT. Designed with input from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineering division, it takes inspiration from motorsports for a model that is an expression of driving enjoyment. It prioritizes handling, with a GR-tuned suspension and power steering, enhanced body rigidity, and summer tires on unique 20-inch wheels with increased offset. It will be exclusively available with a PHEV powertrain and has a GR Functional MATRIX grille, along with front and rear wing-type spoilers for aggressive style. The XSE and SE grades round out the Sport designs. They will be available in HEV or PHEV powertrains and a choice of FWD or AWD depending on grade and have up-to 20-inch wheels, blue interior stitching, and available two-tone paint.
The new RAV4 comes in PHEV and HEV models, with the PHEV models featuring a newly developed Plug-in Hybrid System that combines a high-capacity drive battery and high-output charger compatible with Toyota’s latest sixth-generation hybrid. The HEV system increases output over the prior generation, climbing to 236 combined system net hp on AWD models (219 combined system net hp previously). RAV4 hybrid will also be available in FWD for the first time, and will have 226 combined system net horsepower, a 23 hp improvement over the prior generation’s 203 hp FWD gas model.
The latest PHEV system also adds output, with up-to an impressive 320 combined system net horsepower, up 18 hp over the outgoing system. Variety is also the name of the game for PHEV models, moving from two to four grades in model year 2026, with the Woodland and GR SPORT models joining the previously available SE and XSE. All PHEV models will have standard AWD. The PHEV model also increases its all-electric driving range to a manufacturer’s estimated 50-mile range rating. The PHEV XSE and Woodland grades will have DC fast charging, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes*.
New 2026 RAV4 models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships across the U.S. later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date.
* Charging time provided is an estimate only and can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. Manufacturer projected range, actual range will vary and may decrease significantly depending on speed, outside temperature, accessory use, how/where you drive, charging habits, and other factors.
[Featured image: And I Shall Smite Thee (detail), 2018 by Stephen Towns. Natural and synthetic fiber, glass beads, and metallic buttons. Private Collection.]
‒ On view May 23 through October 5 at the Gibbes Museum of Art ‒
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon for the arts in the American South since its establishment in 1858, announces the world premiere of Picturing Freedom: Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid (May 23 ‒ October 5). The visionary multimedia exhibition is inspired by the award-winning book by Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black (the Pulitzer organization just announced that her book won the 2025 Pulitzer in History). Her book Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War (Oxford University Press) details a previously untold chapter in our country’s history. On that fateful moonlit night in June of 1863, Tubman led the largest slave rebellion in the U.S. history. Dr. Fields-Black is descended from one of the participants of the freedom raid. The museum exhibition brings to life the heroic raid, when 756 enslaved people liberated themselves in six hours ‒ more than ten times the number of people Tubman rescued during her ten years of work on the Underground Railroad. The raid was carried out by one of the earliest all-Black regiments of the Union army.
The Gibbes Museum has invited Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward as the guest curator for the Picturing Freedom exhibition. She is the Director of Hampton University Museum, and hand-picked artworks from institutions and private collections across the United States. Never before has a grouping of works of this size and scope, honoring Harriet Tubman throughout more than 100 years of American artmaking, been presented this way. She has selected artworks by major artists (including Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold and William H. Johnson), and by emerging contemporary artists (including Stephen Towns, Terry Plater, and Kevin Pullen).The paintings, sculptures and mixed media works are featured alongside photographs of the region by J Henry Fair, video and audio installations, historic images, and material objects.
“The freedom seekers would have been tortured, some put to death, had they been caught,” said Angela Mack, the former president and CEO of the Gibbes Museum of Art. This landmark exhibition marks the culmination of Mack’s 44-year tenure at the Gibbes. This will be her final exhibition at the Gibbes, as Mack will retire this year. She joined the museum in 1981 as Assistant Curator, eventually becoming Chief Curator in the 1990s and Executive Director in 2008. “This exhibition encapsulates what I hoped to convey during my four decades at the Gibbes Museum – telling the powerful stories of the Charleston region through the visual arts, and championing the legacy of artmaking in the South,” says Mack.
J Henry Fair has photographed the area for 30 years. “The photographs by J Henry Fair shine a light on how dangerous it was for the enslaved laborers to flee during the raid, through deadly tidal rice swamps with snakes and alligators,” says Mack. “While Fair’s work usually focuses on the environment, this exhibition marks a new turn for his photography ‒ linking together his images of nature with the ordeals of enslaved people, and the untold history of Harriet Tubman’s military service. His striking images of this serpentine landscape immerse viewers in the perils enslaved people faced in this treacherous terrain,” adds Mack.
The Gibbes Museum’s Picturing Freedom exhibition was three years in the making. In 2022, Dr. Fields-Black and Fair approached Angela Mack about the concept of a museum exhibition. “As an art museum we immediately recognized the importance of placing a visual history around this historic milestone ‒ to tell this story through art,” says Mack. “This is an epic American story with a national legacy and universal impact.”
Although this uprising was orchestrated and guided by Tubman, biographies, history textbooks, and films about her life omit this crucial chapter. The Union Army hired her to work deep in slave territory, to gather intelligence for the daring raid up the Combahee River to attack the major plantations of Rice Country. She commanded a ring of spies, scouts, and pilots behind Confederate lines.
Tubman and her crew piloted two regiments of Black U.S. Army soldiers, the Second South Carolina Volunteers, and their white commanders up the Combahee River in three gunboats. In a matter of hours, they liberated hundreds of people whose language and culture Tubman could not even understand.
When Tubman and the gunboats arrived and blew their steam whistles, many of those people raced onboard and sailed to freedom.
“It was exciting to see how many artists through the years have created works that portray Harriet Tubman, in so many different mediums,” said Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, the guest curator. As part of her curatorial process, she explored why artists continue to turn to images of Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River region to express ideas of freedom and legacy. “I want this exhibition to show that Tubman was a whole person – she was more than the conductor of the Underground Railroad. She was a wife, she was a mother, she was a daughter. Through this exhibition, we see how Tubman was also a human being who had feelings, who had a family,” adds Dr. Thaxton-Ward. “We also wanted to show how hard life was for enslaved laborers in the rice fields, especially the children. Many of these families were brought to the region because of their prior knowledge of the rice culture in West Africa.”
Thanks to the extensive research and book by Dr. Fields-Black, these enslaved laborers are finally given names and stories, to permanently inscribe them into the historical record.
During the year-and-a-half that Dr. Fields-Black lived in the region to research her book, she walked through the terrain where the historic river raid took place ‒ in the middle of the night under the light of the moon, to retrace the journey of the freedom fighters.
After the war, many returned to the same rice plantations from which they had escaped, purchased land, and started families. They created the distinctly American Gullah Geechee dialect, culture, and identity, celebrated today as one of Harriet Tubman’s most significant legacies.
Descendants of these communities have now named this African diaspora the Gullah Geechee Nation, showing genetic admixtures from Central West Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Bights of Benin & Biafra. The Gullah Geechee culture is marked by its unique language and living styles. It is important to note that Dr. Fields-Black’s ancestors are from this area near Charleston and the Combahee River region, she is of Gullah Geechee descent.
The Legacy section of the museum show also includes audio installations featuring some of the descendants that Dr. Fields-Black and Fair interviewed. There will be QR codes next to each photo of the descendant, so that museumgoers can click and listen. Material objects include the large scale West African mortar and pestle that was gifted to Dr. Fields-Black during her research trip to Africa.
One of the artworks visitors will see in the exhibition is titled “Can you break a Harriet,” by Kevin Pullen, an artist based in St. Simons, Georgia. This work reflects the legacy aspect of the exhibition, acknowledging that for over a decade, people have been working to have Tubman honored on the U.S. $20 bill. On Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, Tubman was posthumously commissioned as a Brigadier General by the Maryland National Guard. She was the first woman in the U.S. to lead an armed military operation during a war, yet she was never given official status by the military and fought for decades for her military pension. Now, more than a century after her death and 160 years after her military service, Harriet Tubman was named a general.
Wade In the Water, 2020, by Stephen Towns. Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, and crystal glass. Courtesy of Malik Jackson.
About the Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South for arts and culture since 1858 when the Museum’s art collection was founded, is heralded as one of the earliest and most longstanding arts institutions in the United States.
The Museum’s collection spans 350 years, including contemporary, modern, and historical works. With world-class rotating exhibitions and a dynamic visiting artist residency program, the Gibbes is a Southern museum with a global perspective. The Museum’s mission is to enhance lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and artists of enduring quality, providing opportunities to learn and discover, to enjoy and be inspired by the creative process. Museum hours and visitor info are here.
Returning to its place of origin, the home of the Renaissance, for its own sense of rebirth, Gucci embraces the city of Florence once more. As the birthplace of Gucci and home to its enduring artisanal and commercial legacy, Florence serves as a meaningful setting for the latest Cruise collection and show. Founded here in 1921, the House continues to draw from the city of perpetual spring, whose name derives from the Latin word for ‘to blossom.’ Florence is foundational to the culture of fashion and to Italy itself, where a stratification of histories allows the future to be built on the past.
In turn, at once universal and personal, Gucci embodies a variety of expressions, with its clothing and accessories, its particular style, adapted and evolved through generational shifts, moving from then to now and to the future, traveling through time. And if anywhere is Gucci’s ‘time machine,’ it is the 15th century Palazzo Settimanni, home of the Gucci Archive, and a living, breathing space that informs the past, present and future of the House.
In the Cruise collection unveiled at the Palazzo, the influence of the archive and the rich history of Florence itself has been assimilated into a playful mélange, ranging from the minimal to the maximal. Here, fashion decades are traversed and patchworked, while the material culture of centuries is integrated – after all, since the Middle Ages, Florence has been a powerhouse of fabric production. Expertly treated brocades, jacquards, silks, and velvets are opulently utilized; lace is layered, strass-embellished, and richly embroidered, creating a stratification of techniques that echoes a stratification of histories. The linking motif of the GG Monogram moves through the collection, while the graphic single G is reinvented, stamping its mark on belt buckles, inlays, and the heels of shoes. A silhouette with a strongly structured shoulder, exaggerated and oversized, is also lean, long, and sinuous, slipping from day to night. Leather goods, at the heart and start of Gucci in the city, are presented with their iconicity intact in archive-inspired pieces, or are evolved into new, soft constructions with casual, graspable ease, like the half-Horsebit design and vanitystyle bag. The new Gucci Giglio bag is an homage to the city and to the giglio — the Italian word for lily and the stylized emblem that has symbolized Florence since medieval times – and will be available immediately after the show.
Gucci’s leatherwork heritage is further explored in a new high jewelry collection co-created with Pomellato named ‘Monili’ – Italian for ‘jewels’ – reflecting a shared philosophy of craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from archival Pomellato designs from 1984, leather, gold, and pavé diamonds come together in a necklace and minaudiere featured in the show, brought to life through meticulous artistry and considered detail.
A distinctive sense of Italian style, characterized by ‘sprezzatura’ – the perfectly imperfect, a studied effortlessness – a way of living and dressing that has been integral to Gucci’s aesthetic from the beginning, and has its origins with the courtiers of the Renaissance, is something that permeates the collection and its salon-style presentation. Since its inception, the Gucci world has always been one cinematic in its scope, stylized and sumptuous, character-driven and individually adaptable, a feeling that is echoed here again.
Eschewing the conventional finale for the evening show, and, as a tribute to Florence – the place that has given Gucci so much – the models will walk into the piazza outside, the House entering the street, once more absorbed back into the city for the beginning of a new journey. Where, as always, Gucci is Florence, and Florence is Gucci.
‘As a travel writer, I am constantly assigned back-to-back trips. Depending on the time, date, and destination, this online service offers valid suggestions for footwear and accessories.’ – Vaughn Lowery
In a bold move that fuses innovation, style, and a spirit of wanderlust, Mykos today announced the launch of Wandercast, an intuitive online tool that helps travelers discover the perfect footwear for their next adventure. Designed to enhance the travel experience, Wandercast allows users to search by destination and travel date, then presents a curated selection of weather-ready, style-forward shoes tailored to that specific location.
This cutting-edge digital experience was created by Todd Bennett, Mykos’ Creative Director and veteran of over 15 years in the footwear industry. Bennett’s addition marks a new era of creative innovation for Mykos as it refreshes and expands its footprint in the lifestyle footwear space.
“At Mykos, we believe your shoes should be as ready for adventure as you are,” said Bennett. “For most travelers, the first thing they do is check the weather at their next destination, and Wandercast builds on that instinct. We’ve created a smart, intuitive tool that takes that forecast and translates it into a curated selection of footwear that’s not only weather-appropriate, but also travel-friendly, stylish, and built for comfort. It’s like having a personal travel stylist who knows your next stop before you do.”
With the guiding taglines “Where will your next adventure take you?” and “Discover the perfect Mykos footwear for your journey,” Wandercast embodies the brand’s mission to merge timeless style, patent-pending comfort technologies, and quality craftsmanship into every pair. Whether you’re trekking through mountain towns, strolling coastal cities, or navigating airport terminals, Mykos delivers travel-ready footwear that doesn’t sacrifice form for function.
The launch of Wandercast comes on the heels of the company’s transformation from its roots as LâMO Sheepskin, Inc., founded in 1995 and beloved for its beloved cozy boots and slippers. As part of a broader brand evolution, the company has officially rebranded to Mykos (pronounced mee-kōse), signifying its growth into a comprehensive footwear destination offering boots, sandals, slippers, moccasins, and sneakers for an active lifestyle driven by adventure and self-expression.
Staying true to its values, Mykos donates a portion of proceeds to the Ticket to Dream Foundation, supporting foster youth across the country. It’s just another step in Mykos’ journey toward meaningful impact and conscious innovation.
The Trophy for the winning driver of the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2025, presented in its Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk, was awarded to Oscar Piastri, McLaren. This rounds off the sixth race of the season within the Official Partnership between Louis Vuitton and Formula 1®, and the seventh Trophy Trunk of the season to be presented.
The Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk, specially designed to protect and showcase the trophy of the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM GRAND PRIX 2025, was present at several key moments that reinforced craftsmanship, savoir-faire and innovative design: on the starting grid, during the national anthem sequence, and on the podium during the trophy presentation to Oscar Piastri.
Louis Vuitton also presented the dynamic Louis Vuitton signature with a revamped graphic Louis Vuitton logo specifically designed for the Official Partnership between Formula 1® and the House across Miami’s on-track signage.
PAY PARTNER TO LAUNCH WORLD’S FIRST NATIONAL-LEVEL CRYPTO TOURISM PAYMENT SYSTEM
A seamless crypto-powered journey—from flights to farmstands
Bhutan has taken a bold step into the future of travel by becoming the first country in the world to launch a national-level crypto payment system for tourism. In a groundbreaking partnership with Binance Pay and Bhutan’s fully digital DK Bank, the initiative offers travelers to Bhutan a seamless, secure, and flexible end-to-end payment experience—from booking flights to buying fruit from roadside farmers.
This pioneering model allows Binance Pay users to pay for virtually every part of their Bhutan journey using cryptocurrencies. This includes airline tickets to Bhutan, visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) payments, hotel bookings, tour guides, monument entry fees, local shopping and more—all settled quickly and securely through QR code payments.
Key highlights:
• Seamless Experience: Pay with crypto for everything—from flight tickets and visas to farmstand fruit.
• Tourism First: Fully integrated across travel agents, hotels, guides, retail and more.
• Inclusive Reach: Even small vendors in remote areas can now accept payments via QR.
• Powered by DK Bank: Bhutan’s first fully digital bank.
• Lower Fees: Significantly cheaper than traditional cards or banks, with next-day (T+1) settlements.
• Comprehensive Support: Acceptance of USDT, USDC and 300+ other cryptocurrencies.
• Secure & Instant: Encrypted transactions, 2FA and real-time confirmation via Binance app.
Richard Teng, Binance CEO, said: “Binance Pay is transforming the way people travel and transact. Our partnership with Bhutan is a milestone moment in creating borderless travel experiences powered by digital assets.”
“This is more than a payment solution—it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan. “It enables a seamless experience for travelers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”
The partnership marks the first time a tourism product has accepted cryptocurrency at a national level globally. It addresses previous barriers to digital payments, such as high transaction fees and limited merchant acceptance, by offering a low transaction fee and next-day (T+1) settlements. Real-time notifications ensure transparency for both merchants and visitors.
DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank, is powering the local settlement mechanism. Licensed and regulated by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, DK Bank brings modern technology and innovation to deliver seamless, secure and accessible financial services to all strata of society, especially those marginalized and unbanked. https://www.digitalkidu.bt/
Binance Pay is a borderless, contactless crypto payment solution with more than 300 million users globally that supports over 300 cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, BNB, SOL, ADA, DOGE, USDT, USDC, SHIB and more. It is accepted by thousands of merchants worldwide and is transforming how people pay, send and receive money globally. www.binance.com
