Over the past few years, blockchain emerged as a solid force in many industries, including travel. Many people have observed that a wide range of companies are accepting cryptocurrencies and blockchain for payments. The technology has impacted all industries, and it could be a game-changer in travel. The travel industry is made up of many different parts, including hotels and hospitality, airlines, cruise ships, restaurants, car rentals and much more. Blockchain adds a level of complexity and sophistication, and it can help companies with supply chain management, timely delivery and tracing data in a hurry. Let's take a look at the top five cryptocurrency-friendly travel companies that are making use of blockchain.
Winding Tree
Winding Tree could bump some of the large online booking hubs out of the top online travel company positions. It aims to push Expedia and others like it out of the dominant position in the industry. Blockchain cuts down on the cost of booking airline tickets because it avoids middlemen. The people behind Winding Tree want to make the airline and travel industries transparent. Companies like Expedia charge big fees, and customers don't necessarily know how much those fees add to the actual ticket cost. Winding Tree will lower those fees and make the travel industry more equitable.
Blockchain that uses a distributed ledger platform will reduce stress on travelers who lose their tickets or hotel reservations. Instead of dealing with inconsistencies and errors, travelers who use Webjet to pay will be able to get accurate bookings for hotels and airlines. Tracking reservations through blockchain is much easier than hanging on to emails or hoping to remember a login to a website. The distributed ledger service also lowers the risk of hacking and theft of bookings and personal information from online travel hubs.
Sandblock
Based in Spain, Sandblock's goal is to offer a different environment for travelers who want to earn rewards for their adventures. Sandblock uses a blockchain platform that allows clients to convert loyalty coins into tokens that can be spent on the blockchain. Customers have an opportunity to change a brand-specific reward into a token that can be used with other vendors. It's like a gift card exchange, but for tokens instead of physical assets.
Accenture
Few people want to spend their precious traveling time waiting for hours and hours in long lines at the airport. Dealing with security screenings, check-ins, bag checks and more is time-consuming and frustrating. Blockchain technology offered by Accenture shortens the amount of time that travelers have to wait at the airport. The firm has created a virtual identity confirmation system that reduces waiting time and lessens the chance of missing a flight because of those long lines.
Travel Chain
Travel Chain, based in Russia, removes the middlemen from the supply chain in the travel industry. Participants get to be in charge of their own data and its collection. They can monetize it themselves or choose to safeguard it from others. If they do choose to share their data, then get tokens for it. The tokens can be used for travel expenses.