The United Nations World Tourism Organization and WISekey have joined together to expand the use of traveler identification and authentication technologies. The collaboration builds on the Public Private Partnership agreement signed by UNWTO and Microsoft in 2006.
UNWTO and Microsoft will seek to deliver Youtourist, a unique e-Tourism Social Network (youTourist.net). Based on WISekey Digital Identification and Microsoft Cardspace technologies, the platform will allows tourists to connect with one another to share information based on UWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
Geoffrey Lipman Assistant Secretary-General of UNWTO said, “The time is right to take advantage of new technologies to advance the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics. The explosion of social networks fits perfectly with the spirit of the responsible and sustainable tourism that we are seeking to encourage.”
The site will encourage users to exchange pictures, videos and comments. The site will also have communication opportunities for local communities and travel companies involved in the chain of tourism development.
Carlos Moreira CEO of WISeKey quoted: “We are truly in support of the UNWTO Code of Ethics. In the years to come ‘Sustainable Tourism’ will be the only way out and emerging economies expect from as global players like us that we contribute to close the gap for the benefit of everyone. The link between WISeKey’s leading edge secure digital identification and UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics brings a new dimension to the concept of trusted travel via YouTourist.net”
The Trusted Social Network for the Tourism Industry will connect to the global information infrastructure provided by agencies offering e-Tourism Services. It will federate participating agencies into a global e-Tourism Portal using Single Sign On technologies
Add to 
Mike is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
