It has been quite an extended series of posts. But I rather enjoy writing these as I strongly believe the travel sector will revive, and, as believed by most travel experts and analysts, in a more explosive way only if the post COVID-19 security measures and protocol are in place. Technology, as we discussed in the previous posts, is the vital cog in the wheel. In the concluding part of the blog series, let me touch upon another important factor that of collaboration.

The travel world is undergoing a sea of changes at the moment and consequently, it has redefined travel space characterized by sustainability, agility and resilience. Collaboration holds the license to the future and rightly so.

The use of digital technology will see new heights than ever before. Next, the development of a cohesive policy and legal regime surrounding the use of digital technologies in place should strike a balance between the protection of civil rights and public health. Finally, the travel ecosystem should ensure the integration of different digital identity solutions. The role played by organizations including International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) will be vital to bring aviation and health priorities, policies and guidelines together. Paper-based passports are still the primary form of identity for travelers. A contactless world would demand the deployment of standardized digital travel credentials and initiatives such as IATA’s ONE ID concept, which espouses biometrics for a seamless journey, must be adapted and accelerated to this novel context.

Ultimately, the pandemic has set off two trends that have been in the offing for some time. One is seamless travel, where the body and face is the passport. The idea of decentralized identity has been floating for a while which allows the individual possess and control identity attributes including the place and date of birth and physical characteristics, in addition to health info, details of travel history, and other data. Pooled together, these trends will ensure travel is efficient, enjoyable and safe.