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Winding Tree and The Future of Travel

This whitepaper explores the role of the Winding Tree project in decentralizing the travel industry. It addresses the dominance of centralized travel platforms

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Abstract

This whitepaper explores the role of the Winding Tree project in decentralizing the travel industry. It addresses the dominance of centralized travel platforms (Global Distribution Systems) that impose high fees and restricted access to data for smaller providers and travelers. The authors outline a blockchain-based marketplace where travel services (airlines, hotels) can list inventory directly to consumers or retailers without intermediaries, using decentralized protocols to manage bookings and payments. The research examines how blockchain can lower transaction costs, increase market transparency, and create a more equitable environment for competition. It highlights the benefits of open-source protocols for data sharing and the integration of smart contracts to automate commissions and settlement. The paper provides a vision for a disintermediated travel economy that encourages innovation, reduces dependency on monopolistic platforms, and empowers end-users with more choice and lower costs in the travel market. Publication: Blockchain Research Institute

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Key findings

  • Blockchain eliminates middlemen in the travel booking ecosystem.
  • Open protocols reduce transaction fees for travel service providers.
  • Smart contracts enable automated and transparent settlement.
  • Direct booking via decentralized marketplaces enhances industry competition.

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Citation

(n.d.). Winding Tree and The Future of Travel. Blockchain Research Institute. https://www.blockchainresearchinstitute.org/project/the-future-of-travel/
Canonical knowledge ID: research:winding-tree-and-the-future-of-travel