F E AT U R E A R T I C L E
flexibility on room rates. These savings could then
be passed on to consumers, helping hotels to be
more competitive. If blockchain-based platforms like
Winding Tree demonstrate this decentralized model
works, the current distribution landscape as we know
it will be radically altered.
Enhanced security and data verification
Security and data verification
Blockchain can also bring substantial changes to
the way personal identification data is collected and
accessed. Along with enhancing security, the wider
benefit is that the door-to-door travel journey will be
sped up considerably.
Consider how things stand currently. The typical
traveler has to carry their passport, personal ID, and
numerous booking forms with them, showing them
multiple times as they check-in at the airport, pass
through border control, and arrive at their hotel. Along
with the security risk of carrying around sensitive
documents, the repetition of these procedures is
frustrating.
In particular, border security has been identified
as one of the biggest traveler pain points. People are
often forced to stand in lengthy queues, repeating
checks and answering questions about countries
they’ve visited numerous times.
To solve this problem, the World Economic Forum
(a group comprised of 1,000 organizations, including
private and public travel groups) has devised a
blockchain-based solution, called the “Known
Traveler Digital Identity Concept.”
In a nutshell, the concept is that travelers record
a digital copy of their proof of identity on the
blockchain. To do this, an individual scans their
passport and biometric data (such as their voice or
fingerprint) into a mobile-based app.
Once verified by a government authority, a person
can then share their identity data with a border
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agency long before their travel dates. Security checks
can then happen well in advance, vastly reducing
queues at border control.
Airlines and hotels would also have instant access
to this same biometric information — eliminating
the need for their own paper checks on arrival. As
the whole system speeds up, life becomes easier for
travelers, airlines, hotels and border agencies alike.
For hotels, this would eliminate the need to see a
guest’s passport and reservation details on arrival.
Instead, the front desk could simply access the
blockchain, see all the necessary data, and instantly
verify a guest’s identity.
Platforms such as Civic, Further, uPort and Sovrin
are each offering individuals and organizations the
ability to conduct secure payments and store personal
data using blockchain. In each case, ownership of data
is shifted away from central organizations, helping to
reduce fraud, eradicate payment disputes, and build
new levels of trust.
A glimpse of the future
The application of blockchain technology in travel
is still early in development. Yet the potential is
dazzling. Beyond the benefits already outlined, future
ambitions are lofty.
For instance, a recent Tnooz article reported how
blockchain might be used to fund new flying urban
taxis. If that sounds far-fetched, the first commercial
flights are expected to start by the end of this year.
The full implications of blockchain on business still
aren’t fully understood. On top, make sure you look
at if blockchain really helps or is just another way to
add some publicity to a current business. Certainly,
from the level of interest, research and investment
growth, it’s clear that the entire travel industry could
be in for some pretty dramatic changes ahead – think
connecting real world with digital.
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