Accelerate travel technology for faster, secure resumption of journeys
The travel and tourism sector, which supported 330 million jobs worldwide in 2019 and accounted for one in every 10 jobs, has been severely impacted by the ongoing pandemic. More than 143 million jobs in this sector have been affected, leading to an economic loss of $3.8 trillion.
To address this challenge, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and security solutions company Pangiam have joined forces to rebuild the sector in a safer and more cost-effective manner. The partnership aims to implement the Safe & Seamless Traveler Journey (SSTJ) program, an initiative that advocates for a touchless and seamless travel experience for passengers throughout their entire journey.
The SSTJ program is designed to provide a more enjoyable travel experience, with better passenger service, reduced time in transit, and greater profitability. Biometrics will play a critical role in achieving these goals, as they offer touchless solutions and are designed with privacy in mind.
Biometrics will be utilized at every point of the journey, from check-in at the airport to border control and customs. Biometric facial-recognition solutions, for instance, require no contact with another individual and offer additional capabilities, such as temperature checks. Biometric bag drop automates and secures the passenger's data, limiting the number of interactions travelers may have with airport crew or customs officials.
The WTTC and Pangiam have also committed to making the best use of new and emerging technology and established border management principles to deliver an enhanced international passenger experience globally across borders. Accountability and transparency about the policies governing the use of biometrics are critical to maintaining public trust in this relatively new technology.
The travel and tourism sector aims to achieve these advancements to restore its economic benefits, which contributed $8.9 trillion to global GDP in 2019, representing 10.3% of the total. Without strong international coordination, these numbers could potentially increase to a loss of 174 million jobs and $4.7 trillion by the end of the year.
The pandemic has severely depressed travel, but there remains an expectation that the sector will move forward to provide a more convenient and seamless experience. Over the past decade, there has been robust growth in personal technology and communication, as well as in travel. The WTTC and Pangiam believe that this growth can be harnessed to rebuild the travel and tourism sector, making it more efficient, secure, and enjoyable for all.
