Introduction

This article is based on the collaboration agreement signed between UNWTO and data management and e-security specialist Indusa Global to advance the application of Information and Communication Technology for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

This agreement will work on the framework of UNWTO’s long-term Public-Private-Partnership with Microsoft, which has resulted in a series of projects in the field of eTD (electronic Tourism for Development). Projects such as SAFE (Security and Facilitation Enhancement), the Emergency Response System sos.travel to help deliver secure, safe, quality tourism experiences.

Original article by UNWTO (12 April 2007)

Essay by Rahul Wadhwa
Master in Tourism Destination Management student 2008/2009

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays an increasingly important role in the tourism industry and eTourism solutions have become a key issue in UNWTO’s operational strategy. As Internet has expanded faster than any other communications medium in history, the UNWTO takes advantage of the opportunities offered by the Internet in its commitment to promote the sustainable development of the sector, especially in developing countries.

UNWTO has teamed up with Microsoft to provide ICT solutions to address some of the challenges of the sector in general, and for countries and destinations in particular, as agreed in the public-private partnership. This alliance will help countries take advantage of the growing Internet economy to build and expand their tourism industry.

It will also involve close collaboration with Wisekey, another UNWTO/Microsoft partner in the field of eTD (electronic Tourism for Development).It will develop projects in support of all stakeholders involved in the tourism sector such as SOS.travel (A one-stop emergency response platform for public information sharing and rapid messaging. It will also serve as a tracking system for all emergencies and crises affecting tourists and the sector during natural or man-made crises)

Indusa Global a specialized in data management for Tourism, National Security and Transport security is providing software solutions to encompass e-visa and e-passports technologies to provide secure, hassle-free travel.The CEO of Indusa Global is looking forward to work closely with UNWTO/Microsoft to promote secure ID and travel reporting solutions that allow easy access in to countries while promoting security and border control.

This step by UNWTO is a commitment to create a secure and agreeable travel environment for all tourists and to increase security while facilitating travel. Emphasis would be laid on ensuring that the world’s poorest countries will be able to participate in this kind of programme.