Greece Explores Blockchain Technology for Tourism Safety

Blockchain technology can ensure safety and transparency in tourism, according to Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou.

Speaking during an event titled “Blockchain Technology: A Bridge to ‘Smart Tourism’” at the recent Global Tourism Forum in Dubai, Gerekou underlined the importance of bringing the Greek tourism sector up to date with global digital technologies. The GNTO’s president said Greece had taken strides particularly prompted by the pandemic and stressed the need for more actions involving the integration of digital technologies into tourism.

“This includes promoting competition and incentives for interoperability in digital markets, increasing the availability of digital and complementary skills, and enhancing access to funding for innovation,” she said.

In this direction, Gerekou also referred to blockchain technology which she said has “revolutionized many parts of our daily lives”. 

“I firmly believe that tourism and blockchain have the potential to become a powerful combination as this technology offers security and transparency in many critical issues and especially in the way we travel,” she said, adding that “technology should serve the people”.

Gerekou went on to note that blockchain is expected to impact millions of people. “The key features of transparency, trust and variability can improve people’s lives by increasing the efficiency, security and verifiability of how organizations operate with a positive social impact. It is up to us to ensure the ethical use through the Blockchain Ethical Design Framework,” she concluded.

The Global Tourism Forum in Dubai was also attended by the former President of France, François Hollande; the former Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai; and leading executives of international tourism organizations.