TravTalk India Online Magazine
A study commissioned by Amadeus reveals that 47 per cent of Indian travellers are keen to book international travel within six weeks of restrictions easing, compared to the global average of 41 per cent. About 57 per cent stated they would be happy for a digital health passport to become the norm.
Manas Dwivedi
The study delivered by Censuswide revealed that 93 per cent of the respondants would be comfortable using a digital health passport for future travel. The international study that included over 1,000 respondents from India, indicates that there is enough incentive for authorities and businesses to accelerate plans for digital health passports. About 57 per cent stated they would be happy for a digital health passport to become the norm. As governments and the travel industry explore its benefits, the message from Indian travellers is clear: digital health passports can be a vital tool in opening up travel again.
The study further revealed that over the past three quarters, 79 per cent of Indian travellers would be willing to store their travel health data electronically if it meant it will enable them to travel sooner.
Despite an overwhelming response to digital health passports, there are concerns about security and privacy such as 34 per cent of respondents are worried about data security risks with their personal information being hacked. 28 per cent respondents are concerned about lack of transparency over how and where their data will be shared. The highest scepticism around digital health passports was reported among Gen Z, with 12 per cent saying they would not be comfortable using it at all.
Mani Ganeshan, Head of R&D, APAC, Amadeus, says, “As businesses navigate out of the global pandemic, the future of travel looks optimistic. This study offers a clear roadmap for the industry, by acknowledging the appetite for technologies that can address the concerns of travellers, whether it is better access to information or reducing physical proximity. Innovations such as digital health passports can catalyse both traveller confidence and the opening of international borders once again. With the world racing towards digital transformation unlike ever before, sophisticated travel-friendly apps will help build the much-needed confidence for travellers both worldwide and in India.”
Christophe Bousquet, CTO, Amadeus, comments, “This study reinforces the key role that technology will play in rebuilding travel. We’ve seen a shift since our last survey, as travellers now place more focus on mobile and touchless technology, crucial areas that will clearly strengthen traveller confidence. It’s also very relevant to see that travelers are open to digital health passports and sharing their data as they move through the journey, once the right safeguards are in place. At Amadeus, we’re committed to rebuilding a better industry, together with our customers and partners.”
Even though receptiveness to sharing data is high, when asked about the technologies that would increase confidence in travel in the next 12 months, mobile solutions were highlighted as a popular option, with suggestions that includeMobile applications that provide on-trip notifications and alerts (51%), Contactless mobile payments (49%), Facial recognition technology (48%) and Boarding pass on mobile (47%).
