Can blockchain e-passport help to save the tourism industry?
The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the world to its core. It won’t be wrong if we say that it is one of the largest pandemic in the history. The pandemic has hit the economy very hard. Almost every industry is facing difficulties due to the pandemic. But one industry is definitely suffering the most than others and that is tourism industry.
Even without the pandemic it was quite difficult to travel due to the paper formalities regarding passport, VISA and immigration. Long queues and unnecessary delays always left a scar on the whole experience. And with the pandemic it has become more difficult to travel.
But every dark cloud has a silver lining. Similarly these difficult times might have provided solution to this problem. With the increased use of blockchain technology and it’s universal applicability it might be possible to travel with less documentation
Blockchain technology and e-passport
Today almost every industry is gaining something from blockchain technology. It is evident that soon a time will come when blockchain technology will have its roots everywhere. Blockchain technology is by far a very secured platform to store personal data and is capable of providing safe passage to the users by hiding it from non interested parties which makes it an ideal technology for developing e-passports to eliminate the shortcomings on the part of physical passport. Physical passport has many drawbacks. Some of it are :
Repeated documentation
While applying visa or passport one has to go under many paper related formalities for several number of times. Some of it are of the same nature. It makes it a very tiring process.
Fake passports
Many countries are fighting the problem of fake passports used to smuggle people across the borders and thus paving a way for terrorism to flourish.
Need to carry it all the time
Whenever we are in foreign land, we need to carry our passports with us all the time and sometimes related documents like visa or immigration papers as well.
Fear of theft or loss
It’s not new if we say that while traveling passports and other documents can be lost. Sometimes we can forget the bag or pouch in which they were or the pouch can get stolen.
Physical wear and tear
The passports require maintenance as they can get physically damage. They can get burner or can get wet or your pet might think of it as it’s toy.
Long paper trail to maintain
The authorities too have to maintain the paper record for the passports and related documents and the need to update the status every time.
Blockchain platform can be used to develop a system which can make the travel hassle free. With Blockchain technology we can store the personal information of the person along with his or her biometric information permanently. This information could only be accessed by the authorities like government or medical institutions in case of COVID-19 positive test results. The necessity of the test result has only increased the inconvenience.
All the institutions related to tourism like hotels, restaurants, airlines, transportation, Market places, public gatherings like musical shows, theatre, expo shows, sports and tournaments and many more are suffering. E-passports can make the travel easier permanently.
- No need to carry it all the time
- No need for repeated documentation
- No need to maintain the physical form
- No fear of theft or loss
- No need to carry other related documents
- No need to stand in long queues
- Elimination of fake passports
Conclusion :
Though the concept is still in the developing phase, it has some potential and that is why has the attention of blockchain developers and the concerned investors. So one thing is very certain that the candidates seeking blockchain training and blockchain course online will definitely get benefits in near future.
