Non-fungible tokens, or one-of-a-kind digital files, have upended the art world this year. What’s next? The tourism sector, which may someday utilize cryptocurrency-backed NFTs to calculate the worth of our holidays.
A dramatic artwork depicting a winged doctor wearing boxing gloves stands guard above Denver’s East Colfax Avenue. Austin Zucchini-Fowler, a local artist, painted Healthcare Hero in April 2020. This spring, he placed the image up for auction, secured by a non-fungible token, or NFT, enabling everyone in the world the opportunity to buy the art, regardless of whether they’d ever seen the original. Zucchini-NFT, Fowler’s, which is now priced at roughly $1,700, has yet to find a buyer — but the auction has produced much attention for the artist, who has also sold several reproductions of the picture.
NFTs have recently become the buzz of the art world, in part because this one-of-a-kind data validate asset ownership. The tokens, acquired with a cryptocurrency such as Flow or Ether and documented in an online blockchain ledger, made headlines this spring when Christie’s auctioned an NFT-backed virtual collage by graphic designer and artist Beeple for $69.3 million.
In the travel business, the concept of employing an NFT to confirm an owner’s claim to something important has yet to catch on. Experts believe that the new technology will soon be integrated into border crossings, itinerary preparation, conservation activities, and drink menus.
The essential use for NFTs for tourists may be making foreign travels go more smoothly. “If passports could be supported by blockchain, it would be a significant step forward in terms of security and identity theft,” explains Dustin York, associate professor of communication at Maryville University in St. Louis. Another approach, according to Juliette Levy, a credit markets specialist, and professor at the University of California, Riverside, is to link evidence of immunization to a digital token. “Vaccine-passport NFTs might make this technology a lot more common,” she argues.
Airlines, airports, and sporting events like the Kentucky Derby are already experimenting with NFTs as digital souvenirs. Destinations might be the next step. “If you go to a specific beach,” York continues, “you could get an NFT as a piece of memorabilia that you can show off on Insta or in a digital album.”
According to Matthew Bailey, a photographer and the founder of the travel website Must Do Canada; the tokens are a means to help wildlife rehabilitation. Bailey chose to donate to the efforts of Bolivia’s Senda Verde sanctuary after visiting there and offered NFTs for Viento, a spider monkey, and Canelo, a howler monkey, on Opensea, a popular site for token trading. Each digital file representing an animal is advertised.10 Ether, which is approximately $420 at publication; Bailey claims half of the purchase price will go to the shelter.
Restaurants are also experimenting with the technology. This spring, Quality Eats, which has two locations in New York City, launched an NFT-backed drink called Into the Ether. In March, an anonymous bidder, Opensea login 7AA335, paid.75 Ether, or roughly $2,00, for the drink’s secret formula as well as the rights to a complimentary round on every visit. According to York, the special drink might be a forerunner of greater innovation to come: “Really, just about anything can be transformed into an NFT.”
Cryptocurrencies will be around for a long time. What started with one individual has now become part of the global language.
Their influence has been felt in practically every aspect of life, including the tourism sector.
The use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin into the travel sector is intended to improve the traveler’s experience. Furthermore, it will aid in cost reduction and workforce management.
Aside from the tourism business, these digital currencies are frequently utilized in the gambling industry to make crypto bets, enjoy casino games, and do various other things. This essay covers all you need to know about how cryptocurrency is altering the tourism business.
Loyalty programme
Many travel agencies and businesses provide loyalty cards in which clients are rewarded with points for using their services. This is a method of enticing customers to come back to the site. Blockchain technology may be utilized in programmes to simplify and make information more accessible.
Tracking and managing luggage
When it comes to tracking passenger luggage, the technology employed in cryptocurrency may be really useful. Furthermore, the decentralized architecture facilitates data exchange between businesses. As a result, one can determine the location of the baggage packet.
Coordination and administration of transportation
With its decentralized approach, Blockchain technology can assist in removing intermediaries from the travel and transportation business. Furthermore, all information will be able to flow smoothly while being accessible.
High-level data security
One of the most common concerns for people when traveling is the protection of their money and data. Because of cryptocurrencies, you may go anywhere in the world without fear of disclosing your personal information to unauthorized parties. The benefit of blockchain technology is that data is decentralized via the nodes that comprise the ledge.
Option for payment
Did you know you can book your flight using cryptocurrencies such as Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin? Many travel agency businesses are now adopting the new currency. The benefit of utilizing cryptocurrencies is that they reduce the cost of conversion, transaction fees and are free of fraud.
