In the article “How to Register a Travel Agency with IATA Using Verifiable Credentials,” MATTR has collaborated with IATA on their Digital Identity for Distribution initiative. The purpose of this collaboration is to demonstrate how digital identity can securely identify and authenticate organizations in the travel distribution chain, without relying on intermediaries. The article will outline a demo where a travel agency, Smith Travel, seeks to obtain a credential from MATTR, allowing them to be recognized as a trusted seller within the IATA ecosystem. The demo showcases the process of generating a unique identifier, known as a DID, and registering with the IATA registry, ultimately leading to the issuance of a verifiable credential that confirms Smith Travel’s participation in the airline distribution chain.

Registering with IATA

Creating a Digital Identity with MATTR

When registering with IATA, the first step for a travel agency is to create a digital identity using the MATTR platform. MATTR has collaborated with IATA on their Digital Identity for Distribution initiative, which aims to enable secure identification and authentication of organizations in the travel distribution chain. By creating a digital identity, travel agencies can establish themselves as trusted entities within the IATA ecosystem and gain recognition as reliable sellers of flight offers.

To create a digital identity, the travel agency needs to generate a Decentralized Identifier (DID) that is unique to their business. This DID ensures that the agency maintains complete ownership and control over their identity. With the MATTR platform, creating a new DID is a simple process. By selecting the key method and key type, the agency can generate a DID that will serve as their digital identity in the IATA ecosystem.

Generating a DID for the Travel Agency

The process of generating a DID involves the digital wallet or enterprise platform of the travel agency holder. This platform generates the necessary keys and metadata to establish the DID. In some cases, the agency may need to anchor the DID on a public ledger or a private registry. Anchoring the DID allows others to resolve the associated document, which contains the latest key and service information for the agency. In the case of the travel agency, a DID web was created for Smith Travel, and the associated document is hosted on the Smith Travel domain.

Anchoring the DID on a Public Ledger or Private Registry

Anchoring the DID on a public ledger or private registry is an essential step for ensuring the integrity and accessibility of the digital identity. By anchoring the DID, the travel agency enables others in the IATA ecosystem to resolve the associated document and verify the authenticity of the identity. This process establishes trust and transparency within the ecosystem. For Smith Travel, the DID web was anchored on the Smith Travel domain, making it easily accessible for verification purposes.

Hosting the Document on the Travel Agency’s Domain

Hosting the document associated with the DID on the travel agency’s domain is crucial for providing a reliable source of information about the agency. By hosting the document on their domain, the agency ensures that other entities can easily access the latest key and service information. This accessibility is essential for verifying the identity and authenticity of the agency within the IATA ecosystem. Smith Travel took this step by hosting the associated document on their domain, adding an extra layer of credibility to their digital identity.

Importance of Verifiable Credentials and Presentation Specs

Verifiable credentials and presentation specs play a vital role in establishing trust and authenticity within the IATA ecosystem. Verifiable credentials provide a means to authenticate and verify the claims made by travel agencies. They contain information about the agency, such as their name, type, and contact details, allowing other parties to quickly and reliably authenticate and understand the agency’s role. Presentation specs determine how the credentials should be presented and interpreted by verifiers. By adhering to the presentation specs, agencies ensure that their credentials are effectively communicated and understood within the ecosystem.

Requirements for Joining the IATA Ecosystem

To join the IATA ecosystem and register as a travel agent, certain requirements must be met. These requirements include support for DIDs, verifiable credentials, and presentation specs. The travel agency must have a wallet for managing DIDs and credentials. By meeting these requirements, the agency can participate in the IATA ecosystem, establishing themselves as a trusted entity and gaining access to the benefits of secure identification and authentication.

Registration Process

Accessing the IATA Registry Prototype

To begin the registration process, the travel agency needs to access the IATA Registry prototype. This prototype provides a platform for travel agencies to register and showcase their credentials within the IATA ecosystem. By accessing the prototype, the agency can take the necessary steps to join the ecosystem and gain recognition from other participants.

Registering as a Travel Agent

Within the IATA Registry prototype, the travel agency can register as a travel agent by providing the required information. This information includes the agency’s name, logo, and other relevant details. By registering as a travel agent, the agency establishes their presence within the IATA ecosystem and enables others to identify and engage with them.

Uploading the Travel Agency’s Logo

As part of the registration process, the travel agency is required to upload their logo. This logo serves as a visual representation of the agency within the IATA ecosystem. By uploading the logo, the agency enhances their brand identity and makes it easier for others to recognize and engage with them.

Filling out the Necessary Information

In addition to uploading the logo, the travel agency must provide all the necessary information required for registration. This information may include the agency’s contact details, business description, and any specific requirements for their participation within the IATA ecosystem. By filling out this information accurately, the agency ensures that their profile is complete and can be easily accessed and verified by other participants.

Verifying Control Over the DID

During the registration process, the agency needs to verify their control over the DID they generated earlier. This verification process, known as DID auth, confirms that the agency has full ownership and control over their digital identity. The agency will receive a verification request asking them to verify the DID. Upon successful verification, the agency’s identity is confirmed with IATA, marking an important step in the registration process.

Verifying the DID

Checking the Inbox for a Verification Request

After submitting the registration information, the travel agency needs to check their inbox for a verification request. This verification request message will confirm that IATA has requested the agency to verify their DID. By checking the inbox regularly, the agency can ensure that they promptly respond to any verification requests and complete the verification process smoothly.

Selecting the DID for Verification

Upon opening the verification request message, the agency will see the DID that needs to be verified. The agency should select the correct DID associated with their digital identity and proceed with the verification process. This ensures that the agency is verifying the correct identity and confirming their control over the designated digital identity.

Submitting the Verification Request

Once the agency has selected the correct DID for verification, they can submit the verification request. This action confirms to IATA that the agency has control over the DID and is an authorized participant in the IATA ecosystem. By submitting the verification request, the agency takes a critical step towards establishing themselves as a trusted seller within the ecosystem.

Confirming the Successful Verification

After submitting the verification request, the agency can go back to the IATA registry and check the status of their verification. If the verification is successful, the agency will see that their DID has been verified. This confirmation indicates that the agency’s identity has been established with IATA, and they can proceed with obtaining the necessary credentials to participate as a registered travel agent.

Obtaining the Credential

Generating a Credential from IATA

Once the agency’s identity is confirmed with IATA, a credential is generated. This credential recognizes the agency as a participant in the airline distribution chain. The agency can then obtain this credential from IATA, which serves as their registered travel agency identification credential. The generation of this credential further solidifies the agency’s status as a trusted entity within the IATA ecosystem.

Storing the Credential in the Wallet

After receiving the credential offer from IATA, the agency can store the issued credential in their wallet. The wallet serves as a secure storage space for all their credentials and allows for easy access and management. By storing the credential in their wallet, the agency ensures that they have a reliable record of their registered travel agency identification within the IATA ecosystem.

Viewing the Issued Credential

Within the wallet, the agency can easily view the issued credential. This allows them to verify the details and ensure that the credential accurately represents their identity within the IATA ecosystem. By regularly checking and reviewing the issued credential, the agency can stay updated on their status as a registered travel agency and the associated benefits and privileges.

Utilizing the IATA Registry

Searching for Registered Travel Agencies

The IATA Registry provides a comprehensive database of registered travel agencies within the IATA ecosystem. Travel agencies that have completed the registration process can be easily searched for and identified within the registry. By utilizing the registry’s search functionality, users can quickly find and connect with registered travel agencies for potential collaboration and business opportunities.

Accessing Company Information in the Registry

In addition to searching for registered travel agencies, the IATA Registry allows users to access detailed company information. This information includes the agency’s name, logo, contact details, and any other relevant information provided during the registration process. By accessing this information, users can gain valuable insights into the agency’s profile and capabilities, facilitating informed decision-making and partnership opportunities.

Verifying Travel Agent Identification Credentials

The IATA Registry also allows for the verification of travel agent identification credentials. By referring to the registry, users can confirm the authenticity and validity of the credentials issued to individual agents by registered travel agencies. This verification process further enhances trust and confidence within the IATA ecosystem by ensuring that only authorized and verified agents are engaging in interactions and transactions.

Understanding the Verifiable Credential

Describing the W3C Verifiable Credential Data Model

Verifiable credentials issued by IATA to airlines and agents follow the W3C Verifiable Credential Data Model. This model outlines the necessary guidelines and standards for creating and interpreting verifiable credentials. It ensures that the credentials are structured in a consistent and interoperable manner across the ecosystem. By adhering to the data model, IATA and its participants ensure compatibility and seamless integration of verifiable credentials.

Interpreting Credentials as Issuers

As issuers of verifiable credentials, IATA and registered travel agencies play a crucial role in interpreting and creating these credentials. They are responsible for ensuring that the credential accurately represents the agency’s identity within the ecosystem. By adhering to the guidelines provided by the W3C Verifiable Credential Data Model, issuers can create credentials that are trusted and easily interpretable by verifiers.

Verifying Claims About the Travel Agency

Verifiable credentials issued by IATA and registered travel agencies contain a set of claims about the agency. These claims include the agency’s name, type, and contact details, among other relevant information. By verifying these claims, other parties within the IATA ecosystem can quickly and reliably authenticate the agency’s identity and understand their role. This verification process enables trusted interactions to occur within the ecosystem, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability.

Benefits of Registering with IATA

Enabling Secure Identification and Authentication

Registering with IATA and utilizing verifiable credentials enables secure identification and authentication within the travel distribution chain. By establishing a digital identity and verifying the associated credentials, travel agencies can effectively prove their legitimacy and credibility. This secure identification and authentication process enhance trust among other participants, leading to more seamless and reliable interactions.

Removing Dependency on Intermediaries

By registering with IATA and participating in the IATA ecosystem, travel agencies can reduce their dependency on intermediaries. Verifiable credentials and the use of the IATA Registry provide a direct and trustworthy channel for communication and collaboration. This removal of intermediaries streamlines processes, reduces costs, and enables agencies to engage in direct interactions with airlines and other stakeholders.

Building Trust within the Travel Distribution Chain

Registering with IATA and utilizing verifiable credentials helps travel agencies build trust within the travel distribution chain. By establishing their digital identity and confirming their credentials, agencies can assure other participants of their legitimacy. This assurance fosters trust between agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders, leading to more reliable and efficient collaborations.

Facilitating Trusted Interactions in the IATA Ecosystem

One of the key benefits of registering with IATA is the facilitation of trusted interactions within the IATA ecosystem. Verifiable credentials and the use of the IATA Registry ensure that participating entities can quickly and reliably authenticate each other’s identities and roles. This authentication process enables efficient and secure interactions, leading to enhanced collaboration and business opportunities.

Conclusion

Registering with IATA and utilizing the power of verifiable credentials is a significant step for travel agencies in the travel distribution chain. By establishing a digital identity, verifying credentials, and participating in the IATA ecosystem, agencies can gain trust and recognition from other participants. This trust enables more seamless and efficient interactions, reduces dependency on intermediaries, and enhances overall reliability within the travel distribution chain. MATTR’s collaboration with IATA in their Digital Identity for Distribution initiative highlights the importance and benefits of digital identity in the travel industry, paving the way for a more secure and streamlined future.