2017 was the year of all promises for systems using a blockchain. Originally created to serve as a base for bitcoins and to enable investment in cryptocurrencies, the application of this new technology are constantly diversifying. From the autonomous car to economic and almost instant financial transactions, to the decentralized supply of energy and services, the next step is the tourism sector.
What is the blockchain?
In 2008, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin created the first chain of blocks, whose objective was both to decentralize the control of the very first cryptographic currency, to secure transactions and to ensure the complete transparency of each link.
Quickly, users able to contribute to the computing power of the network became "minor", that is to say, that they undertook to validate, as much from the point of view of the computer protocol that the validity data, every transaction or link in the chain. In exchange for their computation power calculated on the basis of the proof of work, these "nodes" are remunerated sometimes very generously.
The chain of blocks in 2018
Despite a large number of projects inspired by block chains, 2018 has been disappointing in terms of innovation. Admittedly, miners' profits and investments in Bitcoins, Ethereum or other cryptocurrencies have almost doubled compared to the previous year, to the point that governments are now looking at their taxation. However, countless projects announced, few have the expected results and many have not even emerged. Experts explain this phenomenon by the fact that it is necessary to give time to the technology as its applications to reach maturity, which could well indicate that 2019 will be the time to invest in cryptocurrencies exchange.
The application of blockchains to the tourism sector
By definition, the blockchain is particularly well suited to manipulations involving multiple parties working for the same purpose. Who better than airlines, travel agents, accommodation providers, transport providers and other traveller services can benefit from technology that allows each link to check and benefit from the data provided by others? The unique relationship between the blockchain and international transactions, particularly through cryptographic currencies, is also an undeniable asset.
The advantages of the blockchain for tourism:
Economical - Without the intermediaries that are online agents like Airbnb or TripAdvisor, the price offered to the user is significantly reduced.
Security - The so-called "smarts" contracts make it possible to lock the funds paid by a user until confirmation that the service is at the height of the transaction, thus eliminating the risk of seeing a pseudo travel agent disappear with your money without having booked your plane ticket.
Identification - Thanks to the digital identity, the platforms using the blockchains will be able to verify the identity of the traveller even before the beginning of his journey, allowing him to save time at the airport and to simplify the task of the customs officers.
