Technology to expedite and secure travel at a quicker pace
In 2019, the travel and tourism sector contributed a staggering $8.9 trillion to the global economy, representing 10.3% of the total. However, the pandemic has had a devastating impact, with more than 143 million jobs in the industry affected, causing an economic loss of $3.8 trillion.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is advocating for swift action to rebuild travel and tourism in a safer and more cost-effective manner. The WTTC has partnered with Pangiam, a leading security solutions company, to focus on the growth of the sector, specifically surrounding biometrics.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also joined forces with Pangiam to promote the use of biometrics for an improved and touchless international passenger experience at borders worldwide. Biometric technology offers a range of benefits, from automating and securing passenger data to limiting interactions with airport crew or customs officials.
Biometrics will be used at every point of the journey to make traveling easier and touchless, while providing border services with even greater security. Biometric facial-recognition solutions for airport check-in require no contact with another individual and offer additional capabilities, including temperature checks.
Touchless solutions and privacy-by-design biometrics play a critical role in restoring traveler confidence and significantly reduce the risk of the spread of the virus. The concept of privacy-by-design is critically important in the use of biometrics to maintain public trust, as it ensures accountability and transparency about the policies governing their use.
Biometrics provide a speedier trip through the airport, making it possible to maintain physical distancing more effectively due to quicker traveler pace. Without strong international coordination, the numbers could potentially reach a loss of 174 million jobs and $4.7 trillion by the end of the year.
The WTTC emphasizes the need for a seamless, safe, and secure end-to-end journey, encompassing both air and non-air travel. The sector also supported 330 million jobs worldwide, which is every one in 10 jobs, and one in every four new jobs created over the last five years.
The pandemic has severely depressed travel, but there remains an expectation that the travel and tourism sector will move forward and provide a more convenient and seamless experience using advanced technology. Governments and the travel industry should be poised now to meet the resumption of travel demand and maximize efficiencies through the adoption of biometrics.
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