SITA, the technology provider owned by the transport sector, has unveiled its latest decentralized identity pilot in association with digital identity startup Indicio. We’re all familiar with the cumbersome process of typing travel data into websites from paper documents to receive authorization to visit your destination. Soon, when visiting the Caribbean island of Aruba, tourists can use SITA’s Digital Travel Credential (DTC) instead. This stores the passport data as a verifiable credential in the user’s mobile wallet.
Apart from the convenience of not needing to type in data, another advantage is that the user is in control and provides consent to share the data. So government authorities should be the only ones with access to all the passport information. The credential can also be used at hotels and when hiring a car.
“As a Caribbean destination with one of the highest return rates, Aruba continually strives to implement innovative technology in an effort to deliver an exceptional travel experience from the moment travelers leave their homes,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA).
The solution is built on the digital travel credential standard developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and uses Hyperledger Indy, a blockchain network that’s used to verify credentials in a privacy-preserving manner.
“Governments, airlines, and airports are increasingly seeing the benefit of a digital credential, which streamlines the identification process and still allows the passenger to better control their data using a medium they prefer: their mobile device,” said Jeremy Springall, SVP, SITA AT BORDER.
Almost two years ago, Aruba launched the Aruba Happy One Pass program, partnering with Indicio for a COVID credential solution. SITA also developed a blockchain-based solution to enable the verification of pilot licenses offline.
