It was just over a year ago that the first coronavirus cases were detected in Wuhan, China. Since then, the new coronavirus has become a pandemic and the word Covid-19 part of our lives.
2020 was undoubtedly a challenging year for the travel industry. It’s imperative to reflect about how we will travel tomorrow and how this business can cope with this new reality. A post-covid world where travellers are understandably afraid.
According to CNN Business, several companies and technology groups have begun developing smartphone apps or systems for individuals to upload details of their Covid-19 tests and vaccinations, creating digital credentials that could be shown in order to enter concert venues, stadiums, movie theaters, offices, or even countries.
The aviation industry, particularly affected by the pandemic, is interested in this technology.
You can be tested every time you cross a border. You cannot be vaccinated every time you cross a border.
Thomas Crampton, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at The Commons Project
Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic are among the airlines that have already established partnerships with the Common Trust Network, an initiative that has been under development by the Swiss NGO The Commons Project and the World Economic Forum.
The CommonPass is an app created by the group allows users to upload medical data such as a Covid-19 test result or, eventually, a proof of vaccination by a hospital or medical professional, generating a health certificate or pass in the form of a QR code that can be shown to authorities without revealing sensitive information. For travel, the app lists health pass requirements at the points of departure and arrival based on your itinerary.
The technology raises concerns for civil liberties experts who say it could create an invasive surveillance system and comes with privacy risks.
In a near future, travellers might need to get used to the question “could you please show me your app?”
