World's first seamless journey test using biometric tech, spearheaded by WTTC in partnership with Aruba's government for air and ground travel
In an effort to enhance the travel experience, the Aruba Happy Flow biometric pilot is expanding to include more touchpoints across the travel journey. This move aims to provide a seamless travel experience through the adoption of biometric technology.
By integrating biometric identity verification, the Aruba Happy Flow process now streamlines passenger processing from check-in to boarding, reducing the need for physical documents and manual identity checks. This approach offers several benefits, including improved speed, convenience, and security for travelers.
Passengers benefit from faster transitions through airports with reduced queues and less contact with staff or surfaces, aligning with evolving passenger expectations for a more automated and frictionless journey. The expansion of Aruba Happy Flow’s biometric pilot is part of broader industry trends toward using biometrics to transform traveler processing and elevate customer satisfaction.
The extension of Aruba Happy Flow includes the participation of Divi Aruba Resorts, Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort, and the local Hertz Car Rental franchise in Aruba. This means that travellers arriving at Aruba's Reina Beatrix International Airport can use Vision-Box's biometric technology for an extended Happy Flow, including car rental and hotel check-ins.
The Aruba Happy Flow was developed with cooperation between the Government of Aruba, Aruba Airport Authority, KLM, Royal Schiphol Group, the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, the Koninklijke Marechaussee, and Vision-Box. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has partnered with the Government of Aruba to launch this innovative pilot.
The WTTC's Seamless Traveller Journey programme aims to make travelling easier while providing border services with greater security. The Aruba Happy Flow allows travellers to move efficiently, faster, and more securely through every part of the travel experience using biometric technology.
Moreover, the Aruba Happy Flow process is touch-free, using only facial recognition for checkpoints during the journey. This touch-free approach helps to maintain hygiene and safety standards in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.
The Aruba Happy Flow extension aims to improve border security and business efficiency in the Travel & Tourism sector. The programme estimates that between 12 million and 31 million additional Travel & Tourism jobs could be created across the world by 2028 with investment in new aviation infrastructure and technologies.
The Prime Minister of Aruba, Mrs Evelyna C. Wever-Croes, supports this innovative partnership with WTTC. The Aruba Happy Flow pilot will allow representatives from several industries within Travel & Tourism to jointly test different technologies that interconnect and work to improve the traveler’s experience.
Further information about the Aruba Happy Flow pilot extension can be obtained from Joally Croes of Aruba Communications. Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, supports the vision of a seamless traveller journey without multiple personal information and passport details. Oliver Wyman is consulting WTTC to document the Seamless Traveller Journey programme. The Travel & Tourism sector contributes 10.4% of global GDP and 319 million jobs to the world.
Technology integration and lifestyle improvements are at the heart of the Aruba Happy Flow extension, as the biometric pilot expands to encompass more travel touchpoints, including car rentals and hotel check-ins. This development, driven by the use of biometrics, supports the World Travel & Tourism Council's mission to enhance travel experiences and security through a seamless, touch-free journey.
